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How to Factor My Mortgage into My FI Number | Live Stereo Q&A

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Ep. 307 How to Factor My Mortgage into My FI Number | Live Stereo Q&A

Chase Sapphire Preferred hits 80,000-point all-time high — plus factoring mortgage debt into FI calculations.

Brad Barrett, Jonathan Mendonsa · · 87,013 plays
1h 15m 21s
  1. Travel Rewards Update
  2. Changing Job Market
  3. Networking Strategies
  4. Balancing Side Hustles

Choose FI has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Choose FI and CardRatings may earn compensation from card issuers when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author's alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities. American Express is a ChooseFI advertiser.

The job market has fundamentally changed, and what worked in 1990 will waste your time today. Jonathan and Brad break down how to adapt your job search strategy in an economy that no longer rewards resume submissions. They cover the Chase Sapphire Preferred's updated 80,000-point bonus, explore how Google's certificate programs are challenging the necessity of traditional degrees, and explain why building your personal brand before you need it is critical. The conversation also tackles balancing side hustles with full-time work and making smart decisions about retirement contributions when cash flow is tight.

Key Topics

Travel Rewards Update
Chase Sapphire Preferred offers 80,000 points—the best bonus in a decade. Ultimate rewards points transfer to multiple airline and hotel partners, offering flexibility for entire trip planning. Check current offers at choosefi.com/csp.

Changing Job Market
Traditional resume submission no longer works. Job seekers must demonstrate capabilities through portfolios, projects, and personal branding rather than relying solely on credentials. Google's certificate programs provide alternatives to traditional degrees, giving non-degree holders a way to prove skills to employers.

Networking Strategies
Build your external brand and relationships before you need them. Target specific companies, enhance your talent stack, and leverage LinkedIn to stand out. Authentic networking creates opportunities that resumes cannot.

Balancing Side Hustles
Communicate expectations with loved ones during life transitions. When facing competing financial priorities like SEP IRA and Roth IRA contributions , prioritize based on cash flow and long-term goals.

Resources

  • MDsave: Locked-in pricing for medical procedures at mdsave.com
  • Whisk App: Meal planning and recipe organization at whisk.com
  • Chase Ink Business Preferred Card: Business expenses and travel rewards at chase.com/business/ink

Notable Quotes

"If you're still trying to use the rule book from 1990, you're wasting your time."

"You need to demonstrate what can you do and what have you done."

"If Google is standing up, that provides cover to other companies to say, 'Hey, maybe this isn't necessary anymore'"

Action Items

  • Join live coaching call on travel rewards at chooseabetter.com/live
  • Explore Google certificates for career advancement at coursera.org
  • Identify networking goals and make connections now, before you need them

Top Travel Card

Ready to unlock a world of free travel? Start with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

$95 annual fee | Earn 75,000 bonus points

Best Card for Side Hustlers and Business Owners

Side hustlers! With the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card you can earn free travel from your business expenses.

$95 annual fee | Earn 100,000 bonus points

Most Flexible Travel Card

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card can be used to offset almost any travel expense.

$95 annual fee | Earn 75,000 Miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening

ChooseFI has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. ChooseFI and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.

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