The Mount Rushmore of Financial Independence: Icons, Community, and Inspiration

What if the Financial Independence (FI) movement had its own Mount Rushmore? In a lively discussion on the Forget About Money Podcast, the hosts, David and Carla, imagined their personal versions of this iconic monument. They revealed their top picks for the most influential figures in FI, explored the criteria behind their choices, and discussed how these leaders have shaped the movement.

This post shares their Mount Rushmores, examines the reasoning behind their selections, and highlights the resources that make these Financial Independence Icons (FICONS) must-know names for anyone pursuing financial freedom.

David’s Mount Rushmore of Financial Independence

David’s selections focus on the creators of the most influential blogs, podcasts, community events, and books. His Mount Rushmore reflects how these mediums have shaped the FI journey for millions.

David’s Criteria: The Most Influential FI Mediums

David’s criteria for choosing his Mount Rushmore icons revolved around the specific platforms and resources that have brought FI concepts to the masses:

1. Most Influential Blogs: Have they changed how people think about frugality and intentional living?
2. Top Podcasts: Do they make FI accessible and relatable for a broad audience?
3. Community Builders: Have they created spaces where FI enthusiasts can connect in person?
4. Books Authored: Have they written guides that simplify and inspire financial independence?

David’s Selections and Justifications

🧔 Pete Adeney – Mr. Money Mustache

• Mr. Money Mustache Blog
  Pete Adeney revolutionized how people view frugality and early retirement with his blog, Mr. Money Mustache. Pete’s blog demonstrates that living on less is not deprivation—it’s freedom. David specifically credits MMM’s blog post, The Shockingly Simple Math Behind Early Retirement, for clarifying how to set the financial goalpost necessary to achieve financial independence.

🎙️ Brad Barrett & Jonathan Mendonsa – ChooseFI

• ChooseFI
  The ChooseFI podcast is a cornerstone of the FI community, blending practical advice with inspiring stories. Brad and Jonathan were the go-to voices, delivering valuable insights week after week to elevate your financial independence journey.

🏕️ Stephen Baughier – CampFI

• CampFI
  Stephen Baughier’s CampFI series brings FI enthusiasts together for retreats across the U.S. Since 2017, CampFI’s 50+ events have built a powerful network of in-person support, sparking lifelong friendships and transforming both financial and personal lives.

📚 JL Collins – The Simple Path to Wealth

• The Simple Path to Wealth
  JL Collins’ book The Simple Path to Wealth is the quintessential guide to investing for FI. With its emphasis on index funds and a straightforward approach, it’s become a must-read for anyone pursuing financial freedom. David states this is his most gifted book to those he feels can use some education and motivation to take those first powerful steps towards financial independence.

Carla’s Financial Independence Mount Rushmore: Historical Parallels and a Disclaimer

Carla’s Mount Rushmore selections came with a creative twist. She drew inspiration from the actual Mount Rushmore presidents—Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln. For Carla, each FI figure aligned loosely with the presidents’ traits, focusing on their leadership, vision, or community impact.

Disclaimer

Carla emphasized that these comparisons are loose correlations, intended purely for fun. They don’t imply any connection to potential character flaws or actions of the historical figures depicted on Mount Rushmore.

Carla’s Criteria: Aligning FI Leaders with Presidential Traits

1. Leadership (Washington): Who led the FI movement or inspired its growth?
2. Visionary Ideas (Jefferson): Who brought fresh, transformative ideas to the community?
3. Community Impact (Roosevelt): Who built connections and strengthened the FI network?
4. Resilience (Lincoln): Who embodies perseverance and authenticity in their FI journey?

Carla’s Selections and Justifications

📘 Vicki Robin – Your Money or Your Life (Washington)

• Purchase Your Money or Your Life
  Vicki Robin is a groundbreaking figure in FI, much like Washington is for the U.S. Her book Your Money or Your Life is a financial independence staple. Carla stated, “Your Money or Your Life was a launch point for many people in the FIRE community, especially in the early days.” Published in 1992, this book introduced the concept of money as life energy and inspired generations to rethink their finances.

🌐 Paula Pant – Afford Anything (Lincoln)

• Afford Anything
  Paula Pant’s visionary spirit and numerous accomplishments embodies Lincoln. Her mantra, “You can afford anything, but not everything” encourages people to achieve the mindset to break free. Paula Pant’s focus of prioritizing spending on the things you truly value offers a path to designing a purpose-driven life.

🏕️ Stephen Baughier – CampFI (Roosevelt)

• CampFI
  Like Roosevelt, Stephen Baughier excels in creating community and connecting people. His CampFI events bring FI enthusiasts together for learning, connection, and growth. Carla explained, “I think Stephen is the probably the best person at building the FI Community on a national scale, I think he’s just done a phenomenal job of that.”

📓 Carl & Mindy Jensen – 1500 Days (Jefferson)

• 1500 Days Blog
  Carl and Mindy Jensen reflect Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence inspiration for people to experience a life of freedom. Carl and Mindy Jensen, creators of 1500 Days and contributors to BiggerPockets Money, inspire the financial independence community by sharing their relatable journey to early retirement with authenticity and humor. And Carla and David both agree that, even in real life, they are two of the world’s most amazing people.

David’s Honorable Mentions

These honorable mentions celebrate others who have made a significant impact on the FI community:

📘 Jacob Lund Fisker: Early Retirement Extreme

🌐 Paula Pant: Afford Anything

🏕️ Diania Merriam: EconoMe Conference

📘 Vicki Robin: Your Money or Your Life

Carla’s Honorable Mentions

Carla also celebrated several additional influencers who’ve shaped FI:

🧔 Pete Adeney: Mr. Money Mustache 

📘 Jacob Lund Fisker : Early Retirement Extreme

🏕️ Diania Merriam: EconoMe Conference

🌲 Frugalwoods: Frugalwoods Blog

🎙️ Brandon Ganch: Mad Fientist

Final Thoughts

The Mount Rushmore of Financial Independence is more than a thought experiment—it’s a tribute to the leaders and ideas that have inspired a movement. From foundational texts like Your Money or Your Life to community events like CampFI, these icons have reshaped how people think about money, freedom, and purpose.

As Carla summarized in the podcast, “Financial independence isn’t just about retiring early—it’s about living life on your terms.”

Which FI leaders would make your Mount Rushmore? Share your thoughts and start a conversation!