Detailed Summary of ChooseFI Episode 548: FI Service Corps with Ryan Brennan

Podcast Information:

• Title: ChooseFI
• Host: ChooseFI (Brad)
• Episode: 548 | FI Service Corps | Ryan Brennan
• Release Date: May 26, 2025

In Episode 548 of ChooseFI, host Brad engages in an enlightening conversation with Ryan Brennan, the founder of the FI Service Corps. This innovative organization merges the pursuit of Financial Independence (FI) with meaningful community service, creating a unique space for the FI community to give back while forging strong connections. The episode delves into Ryan's personal journey, the creation and mission of FI Service Corps, the execution of their pilot event, and actionable insights for listeners eager to contribute.

1. Introduction to Ryan Brennan and FI Service Corps

Brad kicks off the episode by introducing Ryan Brennan, highlighting his role in founding the FI Service Corps—a community-driven organization aimed at blending FI meetups with volunteer work. Brad emphasizes the uniqueness of FI Service Corps in fostering both financial independence and altruism within the FI community.

Brad [00:00]: "Ryan's able to create these events, and they started their pilot in December 2024. It went so incredibly well that they now have four events on the books for 2025, and it's onward and upward from here."

Ryan expresses his enthusiasm for being on the show, noting the community's yearning for connection and ways to give back.

Ryan [01:27]: "Well, thanks so much, Brad. It's awesome to be here talking to you and I appreciate you having me on."

2. Ryan's Background and Transition from CPA

Ryan shares his professional background as a certified public accountant (CPA) and his unexpected journey towards creating FI Service Corps. He left his traditional accounting job in September 2023, initially planning a year-long sabbatical. However, this period extended beyond a year and a half, leading him to establish FI Service Corps instead of returning to his previous career.

Ryan [01:40]: "I identify as a CPA, although I haven't practiced for over a year and a half. I left my W2 job in September of 2023... I created a job for myself in this new Venture FI Service Corps."

Brad reflects on the significance of taking an extended break, noting it as a privilege that the FI community often facilitates.

Brad [02:16]: "It's something that really only a select few people in the world can have the opportunity to do. And of course being in the FI community, it certainly makes it easier."

3. Financial Strategies Post-CPA Career

Ryan discusses how he financially managed his transition by drawing from his savings, which were bolstered by real estate investments. His portfolio includes live-in flips and rental properties, providing a financial runway that allowed him to sustain his lifestyle without returning to traditional employment.

Ryan [02:56]: "I have been drawing from my savings in order to support my lifestyle... I was able to build up a financial runway to feel comfortable, to step away from work for a little while."

Brad probes into the mechanics of Ryan’s financial management, highlighting the common curiosity around transitioning from saving to drawing down funds.

Brad [03:38]: "How do you mechanically do that? Do you have the money set aside in like a high yield savings? Do you sell investments every month?"

Ryan explains his approach with a taxable brokerage account, periodically selling holdings to maintain a cash balance.

Ryan [04:05]: "I have a taxable brokerage account and it has a cash balance that I've been drawing from. I have had to periodically sell some holdings to create more of a cash balance."

He emphasizes the mental shift required from an accumulation mindset to a drawing mindset, referencing his previous mini-retirement as a catalyst for this transition.

Ryan [05:38]: "Thinking back to my three-month mini retirement where I took $10,000 for road tripping around the U.S. helped me with the mindset shift...."

4. Embracing a Non-Linear Path to Financial Independence

Ryan highlights that the FI journey isn't linear and accommodates varying risk tolerances. His accounting background provided a safety net, allowing him to take risks while knowing he could revert to his CPA career if needed.

Ryan [07:46]: "Everybody has varying degrees of risk tolerance...you realize that it's not a linear path. It doesn't have to be a linear path."

Brad underscores the importance of maintaining options and not burning bridges, resonating with Ryan’s approach to building multiple income streams.

Brad [08:54]: "There's nothing wrong with having options and having multiple income streams...you could always just go back..."

5. Real Estate Investments and House Hacking

Ryan details his real estate ventures, including rental properties in Washington D.C., the Eastern Shore of Maryland, and a four-unit multifamily home in New Haven, Connecticut. He explains how these investments not only generate passive income but also lower his living expenses, providing financial stability and peace of mind.

Ryan [10:15]: "The rental properties also help with that peace of mind... I have a property in Washington D.C. that cash flows about $500 a month... we live in a four-unit multifamily, house hacking to lower our living expenses."

Brad appreciates the strategic approach Ryan has taken to manage living costs through real estate.

Brad [12:37]: "Your living expenses are negligible... the two other properties bring in about a thousand dollars a month."

6. Discovering the Intersection of FI and Volunteering

Ryan recounts how conversations and experiences led him to integrate financial independence with volunteerism. An influential interview with Megan Combs from the Everyday FI podcast prompted him to reflect on his desire to serve, culminating in the creation of FI Service Corps.

Ryan [15:56]: "FI has been a part of my life for a long time... I never really thought about how they could be joined together until recently with FI Service Corps."

Brad emphasizes the impact of Megan’s feedback in inspiring Ryan to formalize his mission of combining FI with service.

Brad [22:19]: "The ripple effect of that one comment is you created the FI Service Corps."

7. Launching the Pilot Event: New Orleans, December 2024

Ryan describes the successful execution of the pilot trip to New Orleans, where participants volunteered with a local nonprofit to build "opportunity homes." The trip combined hands-on volunteer work with social activities, fostering deep connections among participants.

Ryan [36:08]: "We spent three days painting the outside of opportunity homes... organized a ghost and voodoo walking tour of the French Quarter."

Brad notes the balance between volunteer work and social bonding, which strengthened friendships within the group.

Brad [36:42]: "Shared service, that shared sacrifice has got to deepen friendships as well."

8. Lessons Learned and Future Plans

The pilot event revealed the importance of structured group interactions and the desire for more communal activities beyond volunteer work. Encouraged by the positive outcomes, Ryan plans to replicate the model in other cities like Colorado Springs and potentially expand FI Service Corps to host multiple events annually.

Ryan [38:29]: "This could very well be like a replicable trip that we do on an annual basis."

Brad supports the replicable model, encouraging listeners to initiate similar service events in their local FI groups.

Brad [42:03]: "Why can't we all have a FI day of service... Make it happen in your local group."

9. How to Get Involved with FI Service Corps

Listeners interested in participating can visit fiservicecorps.org to learn more about upcoming trips, registration details, and volunteer opportunities. Events typically involve a registration fee covering lodging and participation in volunteer activities, with group sizes tailored to ensure effective collaboration with partner organizations.

Ryan [42:03]: "There is a registration fee to participate in these service trips... covering the lodging costs."

Brad encourages immediate action, highlighting upcoming events with available slots.

Brad [50:40]: "Take action. Go to FiveServiceCorps.org and sign up for the mailing list."

10. Closing Thoughts and Call to Action

Brad and Ryan wrap up the episode by reiterating the mission of FI Service Corps—to harness the FI community's desire for financial independence and meaningful service. Ryan expresses his passion and commitment to expanding the organization's impact, while Brad urges listeners to support and participate in these transformative events.

Ryan [49:59]: "I wake up in the morning, excited to reach out to potential volunteer partners. It has become a calling."

Brad [51:18]: "Take action. Go to FiveServiceCorps.org and sign up for the mailing list... Take a look at the volunteer options... make something happen."

Key Takeaways:

• Non-Linear FI Journey: Embracing flexibility and personal risk tolerance is crucial in achieving financial independence.
• Integration of Service: Combining FI with volunteerism fosters community, purpose, and deeper connections.
• Real Estate as a Tool: Strategic real estate investments can provide financial stability and support unconventional career paths.
• Community-Driven Events: FI Service Corps' model is replicable and scalable, encouraging participation across various locales.
• Actionable Steps: Interested individuals can engage by visiting the FI Service Corps website, joining mailing lists, and participating in upcoming events.

This episode serves as an inspiring blueprint for those looking to blend financial goals with meaningful community service, showcasing how strategic planning and passion can create impactful change within the FI community.