Login
Financial Independence

Savings rate, FI number, and the path to freedom.

Retirement Strategies

Withdrawal plans, Roth ladders, and early access.

Investing

Index funds, asset allocation, and real estate.

Tax Strategies

Roth conversions, capital gains, and FI tax planning.

Earning More

Career growth, side hustles, and entrepreneurship.

Money Mindset

Beliefs, purpose, and financial psychology.

Health & Fitness

Exercise, nutrition, and mental wellness.

College Hacking Toolbox
Podcast
Ep. 078R · · 59m 50s

College Hacking Toolbox

Jonathan and Brad break down scholarship strategies and address the timing regrets many FI followers experience.

Hosted by Brad Barrett & Jonathan Mendonsa
0:00 / --:--

ChooseFI has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. ChooseFI 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. All information about the card(s) on this page has been collected independently by ChooseFI.

Most college students don't realize billions in scholarship dollars go unclaimed every year—a missed opportunity that could dramatically reduce or eliminate their debt before it even starts. This Friday Roundup dissects last week's conversation with Travis Hornsby, the student loan planner, applying his strategies to real listener scenarios involving six-figure debt loads and government forgiveness programs.

Decluttering & Selling Items


Jonathan shares his success selling items on Craigslist. Tips include pricing competitively, using quality images, and writing effective ad copy to move inventory quickly.

Financial Literacy for Kids


Teaching children about money management early sets them up for long-term success. Jonathan uses a "three bucket" system for allowance—saving, spending, and charity—to make financial concepts tangible.

Student Loan Repayment Strategies

How Close Are You to Financial Independence?

Free calculators, a personalized FI roadmap, and a community of 25K+ on the same journey.


Income-based repayment plans and forgiveness programs can be powerful tools, but require careful navigation. Understanding qualification requirements and long-term tax implications prevents costly surprises down the line.

Community College Savings
Attending community college for the first two years significantly lowers tuition costs without sacrificing educational quality.

Unclaimed Scholarships
Many small scholarships go unclaimed because students don't apply. Actively seeking these opportunities can add up to substantial savings.

Community Input & Resources


Listener success stories and community insights demonstrate how real people are tackling debt and building wealth.

Resources:

Related Episodes:

Loading transcript...

Comments

Your comment will be posted after signing in
Join the Conversation

Create an account or sign in to post a comment.

See How Your Choices Change Your FI Timeline

Preview how small changes to saving and spending can move your FI date by years.

Compare multiple FI scenarios

Find the changes that matter most

See years gained at a glance

or

100% free — no credit card required

Account created! Redirecting...

Try searching for

⌘K to open anytime

Where Are You on the Path to FI?

1/3

Step 1 of 3

Which of these sounds most like you?

Scan to get the app

Point your phone camera at the QR code