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

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 [00:00:00] 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 [00:10:00] 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 [00:14:21] provide alternatives to traditional degrees, giving non-degree holders a way to prove skills to employers. Networking Strategies [00:30:00] 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 [01:10:00] Communicate expectations with loved ones during life transitions. When facing competing financial priorities like SEP IRA and Roth IRA contributions [00:38:41], prioritize based on cash flow and long-term goals. Resources MDsave: Locked-in pricing for medical procedures at mdsave.com [00:34:14] Whisk App: Meal planning and recipe organization at whisk.com [00:27:48] Chase Ink Business Preferred Card: Business expenses and travel rewards at chase.com/business/ink [01:11:29] Notable Quotes "If you're still trying to use the rule book from 1990, you're wasting your time." [00:11:09] "You need to demonstrate what can you do and what have you done." [00:15:12] "If Google is standing up, that provides cover to other companies to say, 'Hey, maybe this isn't necessary anymore'" [00:14:21] Action Items Join live coaching call on travel rewards at chooseabetter.com/live [00:02:01] Explore Google certificates for career advancement at coursera.org [00:13:17] Identify networking goals and make connections now, before you need them [00:46:44]