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<div data-block="broadcast-blocks.markdown-email"><div style="">\n <h2 style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:24px; font-weight:600; margin:0 0 16px; color:#000; text-align:center;"><strong style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; color:#000; font-weight:bold;">Preparing for an International Trip</strong></h2>\n<p style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; color:#3d3d3d; font-weight:400; line-height:1.5;">I\u2019m getting set to go on a 3-week trip to Japan and it reminded me of a newsletter segment I wrote 2 years ago before my last big international trip (I love reviewing <strong style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; color:#000; font-weight:bold;">my own newsletters</strong> for life hacks!):</p>\n<p style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; color:#3d3d3d; font-weight:400; line-height:1.5;">\u201cHere are a few tips and tricks I\u2019ve picked up over the years:</p>\n<ul style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; margin:0 0 16px; padding-left:20px;">\n<li style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; margin-bottom:8px;"><strong style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; color:#000; font-weight:bold;">Cash</strong>: I\u2019m bringing my <a href="https://www.schwab.com/checking" style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; font-weight:500; color:#1c7ff2; text-decoration:none; border-bottom:2px solid #1c7ff2; padding-bottom:2px;">Charles Schwab Bank Investor Checking</a> Account ATM card that I can use anywhere in the world with zero ATM fees (Schwab reimburses the fees).</li>\n<li style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; margin-bottom:8px;"><strong style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; color:#000; font-weight:bold;">Credit cards</strong>: I\u2019m bringing multiple cards from different banks. All will charge $0 foreign transaction fees and I\u2019ll be sure to pay in the local currency to get the best exchange rate.</li>\n<li style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; margin-bottom:8px;"><strong style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; color:#000; font-weight:bold;">Cell phone</strong>: Mint Mobile offers an international pass that I\u2019ll activate just before I head on my trip that will provide me with all the data I need while we\u2019re away.</li>\n<li style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; margin-bottom:8px;"><strong style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; color:#000; font-weight:bold;">Documents</strong>: I scan copies of all our passports, credit cards and anything else in my wallet then upload them to the cloud. If lost or stolen, having this info will be a huge help!</li>\n<li style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; margin-bottom:8px;"><strong style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; color:#000; font-weight:bold;">Flights and hotels</strong>: It\u2019s old school, but I print out confirmation numbers and addresses just in case I can\u2019t access my phone for whatever reason.</li>\n<li style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; margin-bottom:8px;"><strong style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; color:#000; font-weight:bold;">Maps</strong>: In Google maps you can download offline maps, so I did that for each city.</li>\n<li style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; margin-bottom:8px;"><strong style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; color:#000; font-weight:bold;">General</strong>: a) check the weather forecast so you have a sense of clothes to pack b) bring a universal adapter so you can charge devices c) check with Priority Pass lounges are available in each of the airports we\u2019re visiting so I know where we can camp out and relax.</li>\n</ul>\n<p style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; color:#3d3d3d; font-weight:400; line-height:1.5;">Undoubtedly there are <strong style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; color:#000; font-weight:bold;">many</strong> things I\u2019m missing on this list, but it\u2019s a good start for some important items you may forget before your next international trip!\u201d</p>\n<hr / style="border:0; border-top:1px solid #e6e6e6; margin:24px 0;" />\n </div>\n \n </div><div data-block="broadcast-blocks.markdown-email"><div style="">\n <h2 style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:24px; font-weight:600; margin:0 0 16px; color:#000; text-align:center;"><strong style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; color:#000; font-weight:bold;">Struggle Leads to Lasting Contentment</strong></h2>\n<p style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; color:#3d3d3d; font-weight:400; line-height:1.5;">I recently listened to the \u2018Modern Wisdom\u2019 podcast from 3/19/26 with Gurwinder Bhogal and a quote of his jumped out to me so much that I marked down the timestamp to send to you here in the newsletter.</p>\n<p style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; color:#3d3d3d; font-weight:400; line-height:1.5;">It actually appeared in his article titled, "<a href="https://www.gurwinder.blog/p/26-useful-concepts-for-2026" style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; font-weight:500; color:#1c7ff2; text-decoration:none; border-bottom:2px solid #1c7ff2; padding-bottom:2px;">26 Useful Concepts for 2026</a>."</p>\n<blockquote style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; border-left:4px solid #1c7ff2; padding:0 15px; color:#666; line-height:1.5;">\n<p style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; color:#3d3d3d; font-weight:400; line-height:1.5;"><strong style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; color:#000; font-weight:bold;">Eustress</strong>: People have more comforts and conveniences than ever, yet reports of unhappiness are at an all-time high. One reason is that discomfort isn\u2019t an obstacle to happiness, it\u2019s the path to it, for it\u2019s only by enduring struggles that we develop the resilience necessary for lasting contentment.</p>\n</blockquote>\n<p style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; color:#3d3d3d; font-weight:400; line-height:1.5;">We don\u2019t realize it at first, but nobody wants an easy life. An easy free of all hardship simply isn\u2019t a fulfilling life.</p>\n<p style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; color:#3d3d3d; font-weight:400; line-height:1.5;">You must overcome, you must persevere and you must do hard things.</p>\n<p style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; color:#3d3d3d; font-weight:400; line-height:1.5;">This is as close to a law of nature for me as exists.</p>\n<hr / style="border:0; border-top:1px solid #e6e6e6; margin:24px 0;" />\n </div>\n \n </div><div data-block="broadcast-blocks.markdown-email"><div style="">\n <h2 style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:24px; font-weight:600; margin:0 0 16px; color:#000; text-align:center;"><strong style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; color:#000; font-weight:bold;">Heartwarming Book Recommendation</strong></h2>\n<p style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; color:#3d3d3d; font-weight:400; line-height:1.5;">It\u2019s no secret that I love the public library. Of the many positive ways my tax dollars are spent (schools, National Parks, roads, public safety, etc. etc.), I\u2019d be hard-pressed to find one with a more lasting impact for me than the public library.</p>\n<p style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; color:#3d3d3d; font-weight:400; line-height:1.5;">I just checked out the novel \u201c<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Theo-Golden-Novel-Allen-Levi/dp/1668236516" style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; font-weight:500; color:#1c7ff2; text-decoration:none; border-bottom:2px solid #1c7ff2; padding-bottom:2px;">Theo of Golden</a>\u201d by Allen Levi last week and devoured the entire 400-page book this past weekend.</p>\n<p style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; color:#3d3d3d; font-weight:400; line-height:1.5;">I was able to \u2018habit stack\u2019 a few things I\u2019ve been meaning to pair together: The weather was gorgeous, so I sat outside on our rooftop patio, enjoyed the nourishing sunshine, and read this entire heartwarming tale.</p>\n<p style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; color:#3d3d3d; font-weight:400; line-height:1.5;">It made me reflect on the powers of generosity, presence and connection and I really believe it will impact my life positively moving forward.</p>\n<p style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; color:#3d3d3d; font-weight:400; line-height:1.5;">I think you\u2019d like it if you\u2019re looking for a page turner that just makes you feel good to be alive.</p>\n<p style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; color:#3d3d3d; font-weight:400; line-height:1.5;">There\u2019s a little bit of mystery and intrigue, but overall, it\u2019s just a wonderful feel-good story. Reminds me of a \u201cthey don\u2019t make them like that anymore\u2026\u201d type movie like \u2018Good Will Hunting.\u2019</p>\n<p style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; color:#3d3d3d; font-weight:400; line-height:1.5;">Enjoy and if you have any similar recommendations, send them my way!</p>\n<hr / style="border:0; border-top:1px solid #e6e6e6; margin:24px 0;" />\n </div>\n \n </div><div data-block="broadcast-blocks.markdown-email"><div style="">\n <h2 style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:24px; font-weight:600; margin:0 0 16px; color:#000; text-align:center;">ChooseFI Updates</h2>\n<p style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; color:#3d3d3d; font-weight:400; line-height:1.5;"><strong style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; color:#000; font-weight:bold;">ChooseFI Local Group Events: Email Notification</strong>: Take 30 seconds and <a href="https://local.choosefi.com/groups?utm_source=fi-weekly&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=fi-weekly-mar-24-2026" style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; font-weight:500; color:#1c7ff2; text-decoration:none; border-bottom:2px solid #1c7ff2; padding-bottom:2px;">sign up for your local group here</a>. Then sit back and get email notifications of the local events in your area. This is a complete <strong style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; color:#000; font-weight:bold;">game change</strong>r for local events.</p>\n<p style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; color:#3d3d3d; font-weight:400; line-height:1.5;"><strong style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; color:#000; font-weight:bold;">Episode Discussion</strong>: You can now join the discussion and give us your thoughts on each podcast episode. <a href="https://local.choosefi.com/member/episode/591?utm_source=fi-weekly&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=fi-weekly-mar-24-2026" style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; font-weight:500; color:#1c7ff2; text-decoration:none; border-bottom:2px solid #1c7ff2; padding-bottom:2px;">Here's the link to Episode 591</a> with Kristy and Bryce.</p>\n<p style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; color:#3d3d3d; font-weight:400; line-height:1.5;"><strong style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; color:#000; font-weight:bold;">Travel Rewards Credit Cards</strong>: I keep my <a href="https://choosefi.com/top-recommended-travel-cards?utm_source=fi-weekly&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=fi-weekly-mar-24-2026" style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; font-weight:500; color:#1c7ff2; text-decoration:none; border-bottom:2px solid #1c7ff2; padding-bottom:2px;">Top Ten Recommended Cards page</a> constantly updated, so it should always be your first source for travel rewards cards.</p>\n<p style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; color:#3d3d3d; font-weight:400; line-height:1.5;">(<strong style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; color:#000; font-weight:bold;">Note</strong>: We earn a commission if you sign up for credit cards through our site. Your support using these card links continues to make it possible for us to not advertise on the podcast or in this newsletter. <strong style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; color:#000; font-weight:bold;">Thank you</strong>!)</p>\n<hr / style="border:0; border-top:1px solid #e6e6e6; margin:24px 0;" />\n<h2 style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:24px; font-weight:600; margin:0 0 16px; color:#000; text-align:center;">ChooseFI Community Taking Action This Week</h2>\n </div>\n \n </div><div data-block="broadcast-blocks.community-spotlight"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%; margin: 16px 0">\n \n <td\n style="\n border-left: 4px solid #3b82f6;\n background-color: #eff6ff;\n border-radius: 0 8px 8px 0;\n padding: 20px;\n font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif;\n "\n >\n <p style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; color:#3d3d3d; font-weight:400; line-height:1.5;">I have also been updating the beneficiary designations on all my accounts\nrecently. To further simplify things for my loved ones after my passing, I\nalso completed a Transfer on Death (TOD) form. Although it required\nnotarization and a bit of extra effort, I believe it was well worth it to\nease the process for my family.</p>\n <p style="margin: 12px 0 0; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 600; color: #1e40af">\n — Kathrin\n </p>\n </td>\n </tr>\n </table>\n\n</div><div data-block="broadcast-blocks.community-spotlight"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%; margin: 16px 0">\n \n <td\n style="\n border-left: 4px solid #3b82f6;\n background-color: #eff6ff;\n border-radius: 0 8px 8px 0;\n padding: 20px;\n font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif;\n "\n >\n <p style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; color:#3d3d3d; font-weight:400; line-height:1.5;">This week\u2019s 1% better is actually up to 90% better, and it is BULK SPICES at the grocery store! Plus bulk goods in general, eg rice, beans, nuts, trail mix, chocolate chips, etc.</p>\n<p style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; color:#3d3d3d; font-weight:400; line-height:1.5;">As an example, organic fennel seeds in a small glass jar at my grocery store are $10.45/oz ($167.20/lb) - $12 bucks!</p>\n<p style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; color:#3d3d3d; font-weight:400; line-height:1.5;">The same organic fennel seeds sold bulk are $1.03/oz ($16.49/lb). Meaning the bulk seeds are only 9.86% of the cost of the jarred seeds, a savings of over 90%!</p>\n <p style="margin: 12px 0 0; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 600; color: #1e40af">\n — Michael\n </p>\n </td>\n </tr>\n </table>\n\n</div><div data-block="broadcast-blocks.community-spotlight"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%; margin: 16px 0">\n \n <td\n style="\n border-left: 4px solid #3b82f6;\n background-color: #eff6ff;\n border-radius: 0 8px 8px 0;\n padding: 20px;\n font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif;\n "\n >\n <p style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; color:#3d3d3d; font-weight:400; line-height:1.5;">Making better use of my work benefits. I'm fortunate to receive $12k a year of use or lose money towards education. I used it for a grad degree when I first started but have left it untouched for the last 7 years as I've juggled having kids and working full time as a solo parent by choice.</p>\n<p style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; color:#3d3d3d; font-weight:400; line-height:1.5;">I revisited my benefit this year and discovered I could use it towards executive education courses! I asked my boss if I could use work time to take 2 classes I found, lasting a total of 6 days and costing just over $10k. He approved my request so I took out a new credit card to use for the class (and be reimbursed from work) to meet the steep $6k spend signup bonus, earning 90k reward points.</p>\n<p style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; color:#3d3d3d; font-weight:400; line-height:1.5;">I plan to do it again in another month for the second class. It was a total win win win! I get 6 days off work to deepen my knowledge in areas that I'm interested in, will complete half the requirements towards an executive education certificate from an Ivy League school, and will earn 180k of reward points to use towards travel for me and my kids!</p>\n <p style="margin: 12px 0 0; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 600; color: #1e40af">\n — Erin\n </p>\n </td>\n </tr>\n </table>\n\n</div><div data-block="broadcast-blocks.community-spotlight"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%; margin: 16px 0">\n \n <td\n style="\n border-left: 4px solid #3b82f6;\n background-color: #eff6ff;\n border-radius: 0 8px 8px 0;\n padding: 20px;\n font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif;\n "\n >\n <p style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; color:#3d3d3d; font-weight:400; line-height:1.5;">My recent win is after paying off 70k in student and car loans in\nSeptember, I drove for work to Nashville, where I found out during an oil\nchange that I needed 4 new tires due to an alignment issue. This cost\n$1100, and was very unexpected.</p>\n<p style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; color:#3d3d3d; font-weight:400; line-height:1.5;">Without any concern, I was able to put it on my credit card, get an Uber, and continue my pay while they worked on my car. It came from a YNAB line item where I was building an unexpected cost savings, and did not negatively affect my progress towards FI.</p>\n<p style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; color:#3d3d3d; font-weight:400; line-height:1.5;">Thank you for introducing me to FIRE and having me be prepared for these\nmoments. I am now over 1/3 actual on my path to FI and probably closer to\n1/2 way to my time until FI!</p>\n <p style="margin: 12px 0 0; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 600; color: #1e40af">\n — Sean\n </p>\n </td>\n </tr>\n </table>\n\n</div><div data-block="broadcast-blocks.community-spotlight"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%; margin: 16px 0">\n \n <td\n style="\n border-left: 4px solid #3b82f6;\n background-color: #eff6ff;\n border-radius: 0 8px 8px 0;\n padding: 20px;\n font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif;\n "\n >\n <p style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; color:#3d3d3d; font-weight:400; line-height:1.5;">After reading one of the recent newsletter \u201cTaking Action Sections\u201d I was\nreminded that I had intentionally signed up for my company\u2019s Hospital\nIndemnity Plan ahead of the birth of my daughter this year.</p>\n<p style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; color:#3d3d3d; font-weight:400; line-height:1.5;">Thanks to one of the readers for sharing their story because it was the reminder I needed to submit my claim. This should put over $1,000 back in my pocket after\npaying my hospital bills! Big win!</p>\n <p style="margin: 12px 0 0; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 600; color: #1e40af">\n — Emily\n </p>\n </td>\n </tr>\n </table>\n\n</div><div data-block="broadcast-blocks.community-spotlight"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%; margin: 16px 0">\n \n <td\n style="\n border-left: 4px solid #3b82f6;\n background-color: #eff6ff;\n border-radius: 0 8px 8px 0;\n padding: 20px;\n font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif;\n "\n >\n <p style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; color:#3d3d3d; font-weight:400; line-height:1.5;">I had several wins this past week. First of all, I got a recommendation\nfrom a coworker on an auto repair shop his sister has used for 30 years to\nservice her car. So I went there to get my brakes done and get a\ntransmission flush and I was very happy with the price and the service.</p>\n<p style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; color:#3d3d3d; font-weight:400; line-height:1.5;">I also discovered a new neighborhood in my favorite city. (Chicago) that I\ncan be a tourist in. While I was waiting for my car, I discovered the\ncutest little coffee shop I have ever been to in my life. I really felt\nlike I was on vacation while I was walking around that neighborhood\nexploring it and drinking my iced brown sugar coffee.</p>\n<p style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; font-size:16px; color:#3d3d3d; font-weight:400; line-height:1.5;">Next, I paid cash for my brakes and rotor replacement, which saved me $46.\nAlso, I am going to save $250 on a trip to Turkey simply by paying the tour\npeople in an E check versus a credit card.</p>\n <p style="margin: 12px 0 0; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 600; color: #1e40af">\n — Sheila\n </p>\n </td>\n </tr>\n </table>\n\n</div></div></td></tr></tbody></table>"