This episode completely reframes the conversation around saving money. Instead of extreme penny-pinching that breeds resentment, Mindy and Scott explore "creative frugality"—intelligent strategies that help you save significantly more without feeling deprived. From small incremental changes that compound into thousands of dollars annually to innovative approaches for slashing major expenses, you'll walk away with immediately actionable tactics that prove financial independence isn't about sacrifice—it's about smart optimization.

This Episode Covers:

• Why your savings rate matters more than your investment returns or salary

• Mindy and Scott's personal savings rate journeys and biggest mistakes

• Lifestyle optimization strategies that boost savings without reducing happiness

• The psychology behind sustainable high savings rates

• Creative approaches to cutting your three biggest expenses

• Why starting a side business accelerates your FIRE timeline

• Investment strategies that support aggressive savers

• How to increase your savings rate at different career stages

• Common savings rate mistakes that derail FIRE progress

• How small changes compound into life-changing financial results

And SO much more!

00:00 How to Supercharge Your Savings Rate

01:14 Mindy and Scott’s Savings Rate

03:40 Strategies for High Savings Rates

11:50 Creative Ways to Reduce Expenses

20:02 Increasing Income

26:06 We want to hear from you!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pete doesn't just share theory—he walks through the real strategies, investment decisions, and mindset shifts that allowed him to achieve financial freedom in his thirties. Whether you're new to FIRE or looking to optimize your current approach, this episode cuts through the noise to deliver the foundational principles that actually work.

This Episode Covers:

• The one metric that determines your entire FIRE timeline

• Why saving 50% gets you to FI in just 17 years (and the math behind it)

• How Pete retired at 30 and what his portfolio looked like

• The psychology of frugality and why it's actually liberating

• Pete's current thoughts on real estate investing for FIRE

• His take on Bitcoin and alternative assets in a FIRE portfolio

• Common FIRE mistakes that derail people's progress

• Why your income level matters less than you think

• Practical strategies for increasing your savings rate immediately

• The mindset shifts that make extreme saving sustainable

And SO much more!
00:00 The Basics of Early Retirement

01:02 The Shockingly Simple Math Behind Early Retirement

01:21 Understanding Your Savings Rate

05:41 Pre-Tax Savings and 401k Considerations

11:06 The 4% Safe Withdrawal Rate

13:09 Seven Levels of Safety in Early Retirement

28:44 The $50,000 Earner

31:51 Raising Kids on a Budget

35:17 Health Insurance in Early Retirement

41:39 Real Estate as a Retirement Strategy

46:41 Bitcoin and Speculative Investments

51:19 Connect with Mr. Money Mustache

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Finance Friday episode, Beau opens up his entire financial playbook with hosts Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench. We're talking rental properties generating serious cash flow, private lending deals that most investors don't even know exist, and tax strategies so advanced they'll make your accountant jealous. This isn't your typical "I bought a duplex" story—this is next-level wealth building.

If you're serious about real estate investing and want to see what's possible with the right strategy and execution, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Beau's complete real estate portfolio breakdown and current cash flow numbers

• Advanced private lending strategies that generate consistent returns

• Tax optimization techniques for real estate heavy portfolios

• How to transition from active to passive real estate investing

• Strategic property sale timing and 1031 exchange considerations

• The pros and cons of private money lending versus traditional investments

• Portfolio diversification strategies for real estate investors

• How military discipline translated into investment success

• Specific steps to make your real estate investments more hands-off

• Risk management strategies for high-net-worth real estate portfolios

And SO much more!

00:00 Beau’s FIRE Journey

02:43 Beau’s FI Number

04:52 Exploring Passive Income Options

09:53 Private Lending and Real Estate Portfolio Analysis

19:17 Evaluating Property Performance and Future Plans

28:54 Exploring Arbitrage in Real Estate Lending

33:32 Amortization and Long-Term Financial Planning

36:34 Balancing Private Lending and Real Estate Investments

44:32 Tax Strategies and Portfolio Diversification

54:51 Connect with Beau!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this groundbreaking BiggerPockets Money podcast episode, hosts Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench deliver unprecedented financial transparency. Mindy tracks her personal net worth and finances in real-time using Monarch Money, giving you an authentic behind-the-scenes look at how a financial expert truly manages her money.

This Episode Covers:

• Live demonstration of actual account connections
• Mindy's real spending patterns and financial habits
• Advanced Monarch Money features most people miss
• How to automate your entire financial tracking system
• Why regular financial reviews change everything
• Exclusive listener discount for Monarch Money (Get 50% off your 1st Year with the Promo Code POCKETS)

Whether you're drowning in financial chaos or ready to level up your money management game, this episode shows you exactly how to centralize and streamline your finances like a true professional.

00:39 Why We Love Monarch Money

01:50 Tracking Your Net Worth

06:29 Setting Up Your Monarch Money Account

16:39 Budgeting How To

22:06 Tracking Spending 

25:05 Total Net Worth

27:48 Setting Up Monarch Money

35:11 Sign up for Monarch Money Today!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joining BiggerPockets Money hosts Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench, Aubrey introduces his revolutionary guardrails strategy that completely flips traditional retirement advice on its head. Instead of the rigid, fear-based approach that dominates most retirement planning, Aubrey's method shows you exactly how to create flexible spending rules that respond to real market conditions.

This isn't just another investment strategy—it's a complete mindset shift. Aubrey walks through the psychological barriers that keep retirees from actually enjoying their money, then provides the practical tools and historical evidence you need to overcome them. Get ready for a masterclass in turning retirement anxiety into genuine retirement confidence, backed by decades of market data and real-world application.

00:00 Rethinking Early Retirement

01:24 Adjusting Spending in Retirement

02:30 Myths of Financial Independence

04:48 Tools for Decumulation

11:18 Guardrails for Safe Withdrawal

24:23 The Risks of Underspending

29:15 Introducing Risk-Based Guardrails

29:27 Building a Sample Portfolio

30:16 Adjusting Spending Based on Portfolio Performance

32:07 Historical Analysis and Guardrails

54:41 Connect with Aubrey!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Despite conventional wisdom warning against individual stock selection, Gardner exposes his proven approach to identifying winning stocks early and holding for long-term gains. This isn't about day trading - it's about building lasting wealth through strategic stock analysis and smart diversification.

This Episode Covers:

• Why index funds alone may not be enough for maximum wealth building
• David Gardner's legendary stock picking strategy from 30 years at The Motley Fool
• How to identify undervalued companies before Wall Street catches on
• The 'Sleep Number' concept for managing portfolio risk and peace of mind
• Balancing individual stocks with index fund investing for optimal returns
• Long-term holding strategies vs. market timing and day trading
• Portfolio diversification techniques that actually work

Whether you're a beginner investor or looking to refine your strategy, Gardner provides actionable insights on building real wealth through a combination of stock picking and index fund investing. Discover how to transform your investment approach and achieve financial independence faster.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We spell out exactly what we would do to go from a zero-dollar net worth to a million dollars in retirement! This is a step-by-step plan that anyone who wants to retire on time can follow, focusing specifically on Barb - a recently divorced stay-at-home mom reentering the workforce with a zero-dollar net worth. Her situation represents millions of people who find themselves starting over financially in their fifties, whether due to divorce, job loss, or simply never having started saving for retirement.

This Episode Covers:

• How to maximize earning potential when reentering the workforce after years away

• Emergency fund strategies when you're starting from scratch (and why it's different in your 50s)

• The exact investment prioritization order for late-starter retirement savers

• How to catch up on retirement savings using IRS catch-up contribution rules

• Debt elimination strategies that won't derail your retirement timeline

• Creative ways to reduce expenses without sacrificing quality of life

• The psychology of starting over financially and maintaining motivation

And SO much more!

00:00 Introduction: Overcoming Financial Challenges at 50

05:44 Understanding the Emotional and Financial Starting Point

12:33 Setting Clear Financial Goals

14:33 Tracking and Measuring Finances

18:29 The Math Behind Early Retirement

20:03 Building the First $25,000

25:34 Side Hustles and Income Strategies

31:54 Downsizing and Financial Adjustments

39:02 House Hacking Strategy

50:17 Investment Strategies for Late Starters

01:04:11 Connect with Jackie & Bill

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

His approach blends real estate investing, the smart use of military benefits, and disciplined plays in traditional markets. The result? Multiple streams of income that comfortably cover his lifestyle — all without tapping his retirement accounts. Beau's story proves that you can reach FI in as little as ten years, not by living on rice and beans, but by leveraging creative financing, making intentional moves, and thinking bigger than conventional financial advice allows.

This Episode Covers:

• The exact house hacking strategies Beau used to build his first income streams
• Creative financing techniques that work even with limited starting capital
• How to maximize VA loan benefits for accelerated wealth building
• Why mobile home parks and self-storage became Beau's secret weapons
• Building multiple income streams that cover lifestyle costs without touching retirement accounts
• Diversification strategies across real estate and traditional markets
• The ten-year FI timeline: realistic expectations vs. extreme sacrifice
• How to leverage unique advantages (military or otherwise) for faster wealth building

And SO much more!

00:00 Introduction to Today's Guest

01:14 Military Background and Financial Beginnings

05:42 First Steps into Real Estate

07:52 House Hacking 

10:34 First Duplex Purchase

16:17 Expanding the Real Estate Portfolio

19:42 Diverse Investment Strategies

21:38 Seller Financing 

28:28 Expanding the Portfolio

31:49 Achieving Financial Independence

34:36 Life as a Full-Time Investor

37:47 Connect with Beau!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This isn't just another success story – it's a masterclass in entrepreneurial thinking, strategic pivoting, and building scalable systems that generate massive wealth.

This Episode Covers:

• How to identify and overcome limiting beliefs about money
• Scaling from solo operator to eight-figure company
• Cash flow management in unpredictable business cycles
• Investment strategies specifically for business owners
• Balancing reinvestment vs. personal wealth building

And SO much more!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Enter Jessica and Corey from The Fioneers, who've proven this gentler approach actually works. When they discovered the FI movement, they were earning just $30,000 combined—hardly a six-figure head start. As their income grew, so did their savings rate, but Jessica quickly realized that climbing the corporate ladder came with a hidden cost. The stress became so overwhelming that she needed a six-month mental health break from work.

That break changed everything. Jessica never returned to traditional employment, instead building her own business. Today, she and Corey have achieved what they call "slow FI"—they're Coast FI with complete time autonomy, still enjoying travel and comfortable living, while on track to retire in their early 50s. They're living proof that financial independence doesn't require sacrificing your mental health, relationships, or joy along the way.

Their story challenges the narrative that you must choose between financial freedom and actually living your life. Sometimes, the scenic route gets you exactly where you need to go.

In This Episode We Cover

• Coast FI explained and how it’s a far more enjoyable alternative to standard financial independence

• Saving and investing even while making a below-median income salary 

• Resisting lifestyle creep and how to use pay raises to increase your net worth

• The danger of going “too fast to FI” and how retiring too early can be a detriment

• Part-time jobs, side hustles, and other ways that you can make more apart from your W2

• Spending money to “escape” and how quitting a stressful job could save you more money

And So Much More!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Coast FI isn't about retiring early - it's about retiring the anxiety around retirement savings. Once you hit your Coast FI number, compound interest does the heavy lifting while you focus on living your life. This approach offers the perfect middle ground between traditional retirement planning and extreme FIRE strategies.

This Episode Will Cover:

• How to calculate your personal Coast FI number
• Investment strategies that maximize compound growth
• The psychological freedom that comes with hitting Coast FI
• Real examples of Coast FI timelines and scenarios
• Why this might be the perfect FIRE strategy for most people

And SO much more!

00:38 What is Coast FIRE

02:16 How to Achieve Coast FI

05:56 Calculate Your Coast FI Number

07:54 Coast Fire by Age

09:21 Passive Income and Coast Fire

19:52 Investment Strategies for Coast Fire

22:40 Investment Order of Operations

28:15 Connect with Scott and Mindy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cody shares the practical strategies, mindset shifts, and career decisions that accelerated his path to financial freedom. He breaks down his personal approach to portfolio management, explains how to avoid the lifestyle inflation trap, and discusses building multiple income streams through business ventures. Whether you're contemplating a career change, looking to optimize your FIRE timeline, or seeking guidance from someone who's walking the walk, this episode is packed with actionable insights you can implement immediately.

This Episode Covers:

• Cody's journey from musician to financial planner and FIRE discovery
• Strategic career pivoting to accelerate financial independence
• Portfolio theory and investment strategies for early retirement
• Avoiding lifestyle inflation while building wealth
• The importance of finding your "why" for financial independence

And SO much more!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

They discuss what's really happening with GDP growth, consumer spending patterns, and the evolving nature of work itself. From the rise of gig economy jobs that complicate traditional employment metrics to the unprecedented challenges facing businesses nationwide, this deep-dive conversation reveals the nuances behind the economic data that directly impacts your financial decisions.

This Episode Covers:

• Key indicators of a recession
• Analysis of recent conflicting economic headlines
• Differing impacts on consumer spending and employment trends
• Influence of tariffs and the rising wave of business bankruptcies
• Potential economic impact of artificial intelligence
• Importance of portfolio diversification during uncertain times

And SO much more!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From establishing emergency savings in level one to focusing on investment choices in level three and contemplating business decisions in levels five and six, Nick provides a comprehensive guide across different stages of wealth. The episode is perfect for anyone aiming to grasp a structured approach to financial independence and learn how to adapt their strategies as their wealth grows.

This episode cover:

• The Wealth Ladder (All 6 Levels)
• How to adjust your portfolio over time
• The importance of increasing your income
• Balancing lifestyle upgrades with sustainable financial growth

And SO much more!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This Episode Covers: 

• Budgeting effectively while enlisted

• Understanding military pay structures

• The power of house hacking and live-in flips, and investment strategies tailored specifically for service members.

• They explore the potential of achieving substantial net worth through disciplined savings and smart investing, even within an eight-year service commitment.

And SO much more!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Frank takes listeners step-by-step through building this portfolio on Fidelity, demonstrating real-world implementation rather than just concepts. You'll discover how mathematical principles like the Fibonacci sequence can guide your allocation decisions, why traditional diversification falls short, and how to rebalance effectively without overthinking the process. Most importantly, Frank shows how to customize this approach to your specific situation, making risk parity accessible whether you're approaching FIRE or already financially independent.

This Episode Covers:

• Risk parity fundamentals - Understanding true diversification beyond stocks and bonds
• Asset class breakdown - Specific investments across equities, bonds, commodities, and alternatives
• Rebalancing strategies - When and how to adjust your portfolio without constant tinkering
• Withdrawal techniques - Practical methods for taking income from multiple asset classes

And SO much more!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The conversation covers the nuances of structuring a portfolio with equities, bonds, and alternative assets like gold and managed futures. They also explore the implications of real estate investments and the timing of transitioning from an accumulation to a decumulation strategy. Frank shares insights on the importance of balanced withdrawals, the challenges of adhering to conventional investment philosophies, and the need to move towards a holistic view of financial independence that includes well-being and responsible spending.

We Discuss: 

• Why the standard 60/40 portfolio may be failing FIRE investors

• Optimal allocation strategies across equities, bonds, and alternative assets

• The critical timing of portfolio transitions as retirement approaches

• Strategic withdrawal approaches that prioritize longevity over accumulation

• The psychological shift from wealth accumulation to wealth optimization

And SO much more!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to the BiggerPockets Money podcast! How much money do you actually need to retire? For years, the four-percent rule has been the “official” stance of the FI community. But why is it, then, that so many people continue saving and investing when they can comfortably retire? In this episode, Scott and Mindy talk about their own FI numbers, how they calculated them, and how their financial positions have evolved over time. You’ll learn whether the four-percent rule still works today or if you need a larger buffer!

If you’re worried about inflation, one of the best things you can do is keep your living expenses in check. This might seem out of your control, but there are several ways to either lock in certain costs or eliminate them entirely. We’ll discuss the many advantages of a paid-off house, self-managing your rental properties in retirement, and a one-time investment that could help you save thousands of dollars over your lifetime!

In This Episode We Cover

• How to calculate your financial independence number (and when to adjust it!)

• The four-percent rule explained (and whether it still works in 2024)

• Why most people chasing FIRE don’t retire on the four-percent rule

• How to control your expenses and protect against inflation in retirement

• The “home run” investment that could save you thousands of dollars

And So Much More!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’re a beginner in the FIRE movement, start here and work through these steps to FIRE the fastest. If you’re close to FIRE already or at a significant financial milestone, don’t worry. We have tips you can use right now to retire earlier and avoid the “middle-class trap” that kills so many FIRE dreams.The episode dives deep into why each step is essential and provides actionable tips for maximizing your investment strategy based on your personal goals.

What We Discuss:

• Investing Order of Operations for FIRE

• Invest Order of Operations for Real Estate Investors

• Why we prioritize a Fully Funded 401(k) over a Roth IRA

And SO much more!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether you're a teacher, earn a median income, or simply want to see how creative financial planning can accelerate your journey to freedom, you'll discover actionable strategies that work regardless of your income level and prove that YOU can follow this simple path to achieve financial freedom too.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How Dave and his wife became net worth millionaires at 39 years old.

• Can one move change your life?

• Living below your means is key to building wealth.

• If you can downsize your lifestyle, it is a cheat code.

And SO Much More!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andy and Oliver have made substantial financial progress in just six years by doing what’s simple—a “set it and forget it” investing strategy that means less stress and faster FIRE. With $2M FIRE goals each, they’ve got a big gap to fill, but starting in their 20s gives them a huge leg up. In this episode, they break down their net worths, assets, and how they balance stocks and real estate to stay on track for FIRE by 45! 

Are you new to the FIRE movement? Check out Andy and Oliver’s beginner channel for personal finance, Twin Finances, and subscribe to BiggerPockets Money!

In This Episode We Cover

The “set it and forget it” investing strategy for FIRE by your mid-40s 

Why you MUST be flexible with your FIRE number as your life changes 

How to handle market corrections and crashes without losing your FIRE progress 

Andy and Oliver’s impressive net worths (they’re only in their 20s!)

Combining rental properties and consistent stock investing to diversify your FIRE income

And So Much More!

Check out more resources from this show on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BiggerPockets.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-645

Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠advertise@biggerpockets.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

But, how did he get to a seven-figure net worth in his mid-30s anyway? A few very savvy (and repeatable) money moves catapulted Ryan’s net worth, allowing him to reach a level of financial freedom three decades before traditional retirement age. Through smart investing, unconventional living, and using his money to multiply his investments, Ryan secured the financial runway to enjoy a long sabbatical, doing what he truly loves—service work.

After multiple volunteering trips, Ryan started the FI Service Corps, a group for those on their way to (or at) FI to give back to the community and help others in less fortunate positions. Ryan and his FI Service friends have helped build houses for qualifying low-income families, laid floors, and painted for Habitat for Humanity, and done it all while staying on track for early retirement. Want to give back, too? Join Ryan on a FI Service Corps volunteer trip! 

In This Episode We Cover

Repeatable money moves Ryan made to reach Coast FI by 36 

Why financial independence is so much more than just growing your net worth (it’s about giving back!)

How to know you’re ready to take a sabbatical or quit your job 

The live-in flip house hack strategy that will supercharge your FIRE progress 

Why Slow FI may be even better than retiring as early as possible 

How to join Ryan and other FI friends on a trip to help those in need

And So Much More!

Check out more resources from this show on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BiggerPockets.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-644

Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠advertise@biggerpockets.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Karsten has done the math, and the 4% rule checks out. But even he, an early retiree, doesn’t follow it. So, instead of the safe withdrawal rate, what’s the comfortable withdrawal rate early retirees should be following to FIRE on time and with less stress? And with turbulence in today’s stock market, and rising prices (which cause your spending to rise), what does the right FIRE portfolio look like?

Karsten walks through how your portfolio should change as you approach FIRE. He explains why hedging with cash-flowing assets may be a smart move, how much cash to keep on hand, and whether those reserves can actually protect against sequence risk. Plus, should you pay off your mortgage on the path to FIRE? Scott and Karsten offer two different perspectives on whether it’s smarter to pay off your mortgage or invest that money instead.

If you’re planning to FIRE, this is info you need to know!

In This Episode We Cover

Is the 4% rule math or myth, and why doesn’t anyone actually trust it enough to use it?

The optimal FIRE portfolio for less risk and higher potential returns 

Cash reserves and emergency “buckets” to limit your sequence of returns risk 

Should you pay off your mortgage early or invest that money instead?

One smart hedge to protect your portfolio against a stock market downturn 

And So Much More!

Check out more resources from this show on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BiggerPockets.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-643

Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠advertise@biggerpockets.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Podcast Description

Taxes in retirement have been called a “silent wealth killer” for those pursuing FIRE—but does the data tell a different story? If you’re worried about a ticking tax bomb wiping out a huge chunk of your investment portfolio or even delaying early retirement, you won’t want to miss this one!

Welcome back to the BiggerPockets Money podcast! Today, we’re joined by fellow investor and self-proclaimed data nerd Mark Livingstone, who has created a free resource and spreadsheet YOU can use to estimate your tax burden in retirement. For most early retirees, taxes are negligible compared to the amount of income they can withdraw, and Mark will demonstrate this with a step-by-step walkthrough of his powerful FIRE tax tool!

Along the way, you’ll learn the key differences between marginal and effective tax rates and why people who retire today pay much less tax than in decades prior. You’ll also hear about the four income “levers” you can pull in retirement, when income tax and capital gains tax kick in, and how to build the most tax-friendly withdrawal strategy possible!

In This Episode We Cover

Why taxes in retirement aren’t nearly as bad as you probably think

A step-by-step walkthrough of Mark’s free retirement tax spreadsheet

How the United States’ progressive income tax system works

Marginal and effective tax rates explained (and how they impact your tax burden)

The four income “levers” you can pull in retirement (and how each is taxed)

How taxes impact the safe withdrawal rate (and why the 4% rule works)

And So Much More!

Check out more resources from this show on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BiggerPockets.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-642

Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠advertise@biggerpockets.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To see, we had to ask the man himself. So, back again, is JL Collins! Today, we’re answering the big questions many FIRE chasers still ask. What’s the right portfolio balance when growing wealth vs. retiring, does JL hold bonds or 100% index funds, should we be worried about all-time-high price-to-earnings ratios, and do you EVER need to rebalance your portfolio? JL answers them all, plus gives Scott his honest take on what a market crash would mean for his portfolio.

But what about real estate, cryptocurrency, and other alternative assets? Is there any space in your portfolio for those, or should you only invest in index funds and bonds? JL has some advice you might not expect, but it could help you if you’re itching to diversify. 

Want to learn more about The Simple Path to Wealth? Pre-order the updated version, The Simple Path to Wealth (Revised & Expanded 2025 Edition), today! 

In This Episode We Cover

The “simple” path to wealth, FIRE, and early retirement explained 

JL’s exact stock/bond ratio while in retirement (and where yours should be)

Are Scott’s concerns about price-to-earnings ratios valid? JL shares his view

When to rebalance your portfolio and why “set it and forget it” investing WON’T work

REITs, real estate, and crypto: does JL invest in ANY of these alternative assets (and should you)? 

And So Much More!

Links from the Show

Mindy on BiggerPockets

Scott on BiggerPockets

Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place

Join BiggerPockets for FREE

Email Mindy: Mindy@biggerpockets.com

Email Scott: Scott@biggerpockets.com

BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group

Follow BiggerPockets Money on Instagram

“Like” BiggerPockets Money on Facebook

Subscribe to the BiggerPockets Money YouTube Channel!

The Simple Path to Wealth (Revised & Expanded 2025 Edition)

How I Lost Money in Real Estate Before It Was Fashionable

Grab “The Simple Path to Wealth (Revised & Expanded 2025 Edition)”

Get to FIRE Faster with “Set for Life”

Sign Up for the BiggerPockets Money Newsletter

Property Manager Finder

The Simple Path to Wealth—Index Funds Explained with JL Collins

Check out more resources from this show on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BiggerPockets.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-640

Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠advertise@biggerpockets.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to the BiggerPockets Money podcast! There are several ways to fund your child’s education, and if you’re actively building wealth, you likely have even more options at your disposal. We’ll show you how to find “free” money through government grants and scholarships, but since these could be off the table for those who are pursuing financial independence, we’ll also compare popular college savings accounts—like the 529 college savings plan and UTMA (Uniform Transfer to Minors Act) account. If you want to limit your tax liability, one option reigns supreme!

We know this is a personal decision, and you shouldn’t be guilted into one direction or the other. Whether you’re saving for your own children, your grandkids, or just curious about how to balance college tuition costs with FIRE goals, we’ll equip you with a practical roadmap for funding education on your own terms—one that keeps you on track to retire early!

In This Episode We Cover

How Scott, Mindy, and Amberly are funding their children’s college education

The pros and cons of 529 college savings plans versus UTMA accounts

How to uncover “free money” to help pay for college tuition costs

State-specific tax benefits to keep in mind when contributing to a 529 plan

Securing your financial future before saving for higher education

And So Much More!

Check out more resources from this show on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BiggerPockets.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-639

Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠advertise@biggerpockets.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

And here’s the kicker—Chris isn’t even touching his retirement portfolio. Thanks to a passive income side hustle, he’s funding his lifestyle without drawing down his nest egg. Chris is proof that even after divorce, with kids and an event-packed lifestyle, you CAN afford to retire early.

What’s Chris’s investment portfolio made up of? What’s his passive income-producing side hustle? And how does he deal with stock market downturns without losing his head? Chris shares the raw realities of early retirement, the biggest struggles to prepare for, and the one thing that makes FIRE truly amazing once you achieve it.

In This Episode We Cover

How to retire early in your 40s by supercharging your savings rate 

Why you need a passive income stream to have a stress-free FIRE lifestyle 

Is a financial advisor worth it? Why Chris is confident in his decision to use an advisor 

What you need to prepare for NOW if you’re planning on retiring early 

Why Chris is worried about running out of life, not money, in early retirement (and you should be, too)

And So Much More!

Links from the Show

Mindy on BiggerPockets

Scott on BiggerPockets

Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place

Join BiggerPockets for FREE

Email Mindy: Mindy@biggerpockets.com

Email Scott: Scott@biggerpockets.com

BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group

Follow BiggerPockets Money on Instagram

“Like” BiggerPockets Money on Facebook

Subscribe to the BiggerPockets Money YouTube Channel!

Rich Dad Poor Dad

Sahil Bloom: The “X Factor” for Financial Freedom and Why FIRE Won’t Make You Happy

When You Should (and Shouldn’t) Hire a Financial Advisor | Life After FIRE

Heavy Metal Money

Maximize Your Real Estate Investing with a Self-Directed IRA from Equity Trust

Grab the Personal Finance Classic, “Rich Dad Poor Dad”

Sign Up for the BiggerPockets Money Newsletter

Property Manager Finder

When You Should (and Shouldn’t) Hire a Financial Advisor | Life After FIRE

Connect with Chris

Connect with Carl

Check out more resources from this show on ⁠⁠⁠⁠BiggerPockets.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-638

Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email ⁠⁠⁠⁠advertise@biggerpockets.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scared of not having enough to retire, retiring during a market crash, or being forced to be frugal once you leave the workforce? That’s precisely what we’re talking about in today’s episode. The 4% rule has become untouchable within the FIRE movement, but its hard-and-fast downsides may lead to your FIRE’s demise. 

Tyler shares what he thinks is the ultimate FIRE portfolio allocation, why he’s way more bullish on stocks and index funds than bonds, EVEN during retirement, and why target date retirement funds—often scoffed at—can actually help protect your portfolio once you FIRE. If you’re planning on retiring early with the 4% rule, think again. All of us have our doubts, and we’re sharing them today. 

In This Episode We Cover

Why the 4% “rule” is WRONG for most FIRE chasers, and why withdrawing only 4% could be a mistake 

The new (updated!) FIRE number that most people should be chasing 

Hate your job and want to retire early? Here’s why you should find a better career (NOT quit) instead 

The ultimate FIRE portfolio allocation and why a target date retirement fund actually makes sense for many 

And So Much More!

Links from the Show

Mindy on BiggerPockets

Scott on BiggerPockets

Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place

Join BiggerPockets for FREE

Email Mindy: Mindy@biggerpockets.com

Email Scott: Scott@biggerpockets.com

BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group

Follow BiggerPockets Money on Instagram

“Like” BiggerPockets Money on Facebook

Subscribe to the BiggerPockets Money YouTube Channel!

Connect with Tyler on Instagram

Connect with Tyler on TikTok

Your Money Guide on the Side Podcast

Want to FIRE in 2025? How to Prepare for Early Retirement w/Emma von Weise

Maximize Your Real Estate Investing with a Self-Directed IRA from Equity Trust

Get to FIRE Faster with “Set for Life”

Sign Up for the BiggerPockets Money Newsletter

Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area

(00:00) Intro
(02:05) Is the 4% Rule Wrong?
(06:05) This Saves Your FIRE
(10:09) “One More Year” Syndrome
(14:33) Healthcare in Early Retirement
(16:34) Ultimate FIRE Portfolio Allocation
(24:29) Include Real Estate?
(29:49) Target Date Retirement Funds
(36:25) Don’t Quit Working?
(54:30) Find a Job You LOVE
(57:02) Connect with Tyler!
(58:30) FIRE Chasers Are Wrong!

Check out more resources from this show on ⁠⁠⁠BiggerPockets.com⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-637

Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email ⁠⁠⁠advertise@biggerpockets.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to the BiggerPockets Money podcast! Chris had been hustling, saving money, and chasing financial freedom for years before experiencing a big wake-up call. He encountered a half-billionaire who, despite “having it all,” was deeply unhappy and filled with regret. That moment sparked a shift—not toward more money, but toward more meaning.

Since then, Chris has dived for treasure with Navy SEALs, unearthed dinosaur fossils, and much more—all before turning 50! But he’s also faced his fair share of fear and uncertainty. After receiving a cancer diagnosis and losing his voice to chemotherapy, he made a promise: if his voice came back, he’d finally record the album he’d dreamed of making. And he did. Stick around till the very end to hear the “world premiere” of Chris’ brand-new song!

In This Episode We Cover

What really happens after you achieve financial independence

Designing your “dream” life once you reach early retirement

How to maintain a sense of purpose after retiring from your nine-to-five

The secret to weathering major portfolio swings in retirement

A BiggerPockets-exclusive live rendition of Chris’ brand-new song

And So Much More!

Check out more resources from this show on ⁠⁠BiggerPockets.com⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-636

Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email ⁠⁠advertise@biggerpockets.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tyler Gardner, former portfolio manager and financial advisor, has seen the toxic side of FIRE far too often. Tyler believes that working on something you love can be far more meaningful than early retirement, and he might be right. Early retirees often struggle with their post-career lifestyle, and many find they can’t thrive without meaningful work. This identity shift can cause profound dissatisfaction, even after so much sacrifice to get to this point.

Tyler’s advice: slowly phase out of work or have other income streams that can keep you going, not just for your mental health but your portfolio’s health. So, how do you do that? Mindy, Scott, and Tyler have a meaningful debate, with significant disagreements, on the best way to phase out full-time work, why a 100% stock portfolio may be safer than you thought, and the toxic side of FIRE nobody talks about.

In This Episode We Cover

The problem with FIRE and why early retirement won’t solve everything

The #1 risk early retirees are NOT prepared for and how to ensure you keep your FIRE blazing

How to phase out of work even if you have a demanding, full-time, 40+ hours per week job 

Why working during early retirement is not a bad thing and has massive benefits 

Creating cash flow before you retire and how to minimize the dreaded “sequence of returns risk”

And So Much More!

Check out more resources from this show on ⁠BiggerPockets.com⁠ and ⁠https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-635

Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email ⁠advertise@biggerpockets.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to the BiggerPockets Money podcast! Amirra and Mazi Condelee’s first date was an all-timer. While many consider personal finance a taboo topic, they cut right to the money talk—specifically, debt. And it was a good thing they did because they’ve racked up a combined $500,000 in student debt. Most would assume this spells doom for financial independence, but Amirra and Mazi knew they could pay it off by increasing their income, cutting costs, and staying disciplined.

In just five years, they’ve snowballed out of student loan debt and toward their long-term goal—retiring in their 50s. Now that this power couple is nearly debt-free, they’re focused on saving for retirement. Tune in to learn what they still need to do to reach their (high) FIRE number, why they refuse to downsize their dreams, and how they plan to spend their retirement!

In This Episode We Cover

How Amirra and Mazi crushed $500,000 in student loan debt in just five years

Best practices for paying off debt and fast-tracking financial independence

How to determine whether your FIRE number is too high (or low!)

The money conversations you and your partner NEED to have

How to “travel hack” your way to FREE vacations (without spending more)

And So Much More!

Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-634

Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to the BiggerPockets Money podcast! Unpredictable healthcare costs keep many would-be retirees tethered to their nine-to-five jobs, but today’s guest has a solution. Jared Walker founded Dollar For, a nonprofit organization that has helped erase over $83 million in medical costs for everyday Americans. How? The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires many healthcare providers to offer a program that discounts costs for patients, so Jared and his team simply use it to negotiate people’s medical bills on their behalf.

High healthcare costs affect everyone, whether you’re facing hardship, trying to reach financial independence, or already retired. In this episode, Jared will share tips anyone can use to minimize their healthcare costs and negotiate their own medical bills!

In This Episode We Cover

How to negotiate and lower your medical bills (even if you’re retired)

Saving thousands on healthcare with this Affordable Care Act (ACA) program

How to use cash payments as leverage when negotiating medical debt

The healthcare “hack” that helps you spot erroneous or exorbitant charges

The two best ways to proactively minimize healthcare costs

And So Much More!

Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-633

Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We know the steps because we’re reverse-engineering our own paths to financial independence, and we WISH we had done some of these earlier. If you’re a beginner in the FIRE movement, start here and work through these steps to FIRE the fastest. If you’re close to FIRE already or at a significant financial milestone, don’t worry. We have tips you can use right now to retire earlier and avoid the “middle-class trap” that kills so many FIRE dreams.

We’re going through retirement accounts, emergency funds, cash-flowing investments, and side hustles to help you earn more. Plus, what to do once you make TOO much money to invest in tax-advantaged retirement accounts.

In This Episode We Cover

The exact financial order of operations to reach financial independence fastest 

The bare minimum emergency fund you should have in your bank account at all times 

How to calculate your FIRE number in five seconds so you know your goal

What to do when you make TOO much money to invest in a Roth IRA

When to STOP investing in retirement accounts to avoid the middle-class trap

Moves to make as soon as you’re retired early that’ll make your FIRE last even longer 

And So Much More!

Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-632

Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In her mid-30s, Diana had a huge wake-up call. Her parents, who had just retired, suddenly passed away. This lit a flame that would eventually ignite a full FIRE under Diana to live life on her terms well before the standard retirement age. She and her husband saved diligently, invested heavily, and were able to quit their jobs at 45, starting two businesses, one of which broke even while the other turned a profit.

The problem? Diana most likely had enough money to retire once she quit her W2, but she didn’t realize she could FIRE so early. Thanks to Roth conversions, 72(t) strategies, and smart tax planning, Diana is fully retired and ready to teach you how to FIRE faster!

In This Episode We Cover

How to withdraw from retirement accounts early and FIRE in your 40s or 50s 

The 72(t) strategy explained and using your 401(k) to retire early (seriously!) 

Early retirement healthcare and how Diana is covering it with pre-existing conditions 

Retiring during a stock market crash and how new retirees can handle 2025’s bumpy market 

The biggest FIRE regret Diana has and a lesson you should learn before you retire (early)

And So Much More!

Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-630

Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to the BiggerPockets Money podcast! At just 31 years old, Kat has been diligently maxing out her retirement accounts, saving a ton of cash, and making enormous strides towards retiring by age 45. Most would say this is a long shot for someone with a teacher’s salary, but thanks to a high savings rate and savvy financial decisions, Kat is right on track to reach her lofty goal. The real question is, should she?

Kat will need to grind for the next 15 years to retire on her original timeline. Is it worth taking an extra couple of years to reach financial independence if it prevents burnout? In this episode, Mindy and Amberly will break down Kat’s options, help her avoid the dreaded middle-class trap, and give her a roadmap for achieving FIRE quickly while also enjoying the journey!

In This Episode We Cover

Kat’s roadmap to FIRE by age 45 (on a teacher’s salary!)

Why you DON’T need to be a high income earner to retire early

When to stop contributing to retirement accounts and pivot to other investments

Giving yourself financial flexibility by saving cash (and how to deploy it)

When you should (and shouldn’t) pay off your mortgage early

Why it’s worth taking extra time to enjoy the journey to financial independence

And So Much More!

Links from the Show

Mindy on BiggerPockets

Scott on BiggerPockets

Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place

Join BiggerPockets for FREE

Email Mindy: Mindy@biggerpockets.com

Email Scott: Scott@biggerpockets.com

BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group

Follow BiggerPockets Money on Instagram

“Like” BiggerPockets Money on Facebook

Subscribe to the BiggerPockets Money YouTube Channel!

The Simple Path to Wealth

The Fioneers Coast FI Calculator

FIRE Faster with the Book, “Set for Life”

Sign Up for the BiggerPockets Money Newsletter

Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area

BiggerPockets Money 259 - Pensions 101: Are Pensions Worth It? w/ Grumpus Maximus

Connect with Amberly

Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-629

Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to the BiggerPockets Money podcast! Today, Mindy and guest co-host Amberly Grant are pitting real estate investing and stock investing against each other to determine which of these popular investments is most FIRE-friendly. The best part? They don’t exactly agree! First, Amberly will defend the position of real estate investing. From house hacking and live-in flips to out-of-state investing, there are several strategies you can use to create monthly cash flow, build wealth through appreciation, and save a fortune on taxes!

Meanwhile, Mindy will defend her time-tested stock investing strategy. Along the way, she’ll share the many advantages of passive investing, compare 60/40 and 90/10 stock-to-bond investment portfolios, and show you the ideal portfolio mix for those who plan to retire on the 4% rule. YOU decide which of our financially independent hosts has the strongest case!

In This Episode We Cover

Real estate versus stocks (and which will help you FIRE faster)

How YOU can “live for free” with the house hacking strategy

Saving hundreds of thousands in taxes with the live-in flip strategy

How to turn your rental properties passive by investing out of state

The perfect stock portfolio allocation for retiring on the 4% rule

And So Much More!

Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-626

Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your income is NOT the limiting factor to you achieving FIRE, no matter how much it seems that way. Bryce took a slow and sacrifice-heavy path to early retirement and now makes more than 300% of the combined income of his and his wife’s teacher salaries. He was frugal without a doubt, but focusing on income-generating opportunities is what really slingshotted his net worth, passive income, and FIRE timeline. 

So, what money move should you make RIGHT now to turn your median salary into investments that pay you passive income every month? What sacrifices should you be making to put your family in a FIRE financial position? What was the one purchase that launched Bryce’s path to FIRE? Whether you’re making under, over, or around six figures, you can retire earlier by taking Bryce’s advice. 

In This Episode We Cover

The one investment Bryce made that helped him get to FIRE in 10 years 

Building multiple income streams so you’re NOT reliant on your job 

Why house hacking (living for free) is the ULTIMATE FIRE super-charger 

Investments to make with a low/median income that will get you to FIRE faster

The #1 reason you should NOT tell your partner about your FIRE dreams…yet

And So Much More!

Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-625

Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With “Barista FIRE,” you can retire with a lower FIRE number, still work (minimally) doing what you love, and have almost complete time freedom over your life. Why have FIRE when you can “semi-retire” decades earlier? Plus, your retirement nest egg will be growing in the background, all while you do what you want, when you want, with who you want. Sounds like a dream life, right? Well, you’re not far from it already!

After barely scraping by (even with a good job), Julie knew something needed to change, but she wasn’t ready for it. It wasn’t until she got laid off multiple times that she realized it was time to put her financial future in her own hands. This led her down the FIRE movement rabbit hole, getting almost addicted to saving and investing, and finding herself in a position to quit her job and do what she really loves: travel and get PAID to plan trips for others. 

Now, she’s Barista FIRE (FIRE with the help of a side hustle), living nomadically for a fraction of the cost of a basic life in the United States! 

In This Episode We Cover

“Barista FIRE” and the faster way to semi-retire early with a lower FIRE number

Why consumerism WON’T fulfill you, but it will make you broke

Using side hustles to supercharge your savings rate and investing goals 

Building your Barista FIRE income stream BEFORE you quit your job 

Early retirement healthcare and how Julie pays just $40/month for coverage

Living your best life abroad for a fraction of the cost of living in the States 

And So Much More!

Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-623

Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last month, Scott talked about his big decision to sell off a chunk of his index fund portfolio in fears of overvalued stock prices. What followed? A significant stock sell-off, with some major indexes falling 10% already. Scott urges those close to FIRE to “lock in” their gains and avoid unnecessary risks to push their FIRE numbers higher.

So, what did Scott move his money into, and should you do the same? Should you switch to bonds for a safer but lower-return correction hedge? What happens if this stock downturn lasts years? Should someone in their 20s or 30s, just starting on the FIRE path, stop investing or double down? We’re answering all of your burning FIRE questions today! 

In This Episode We Cover

Why Amy uses a financial advisor to help manage her money in retirement

Amy’s journey to financial independence, losing her husband, and retiring early

Assets under management (AUM) versus fee-only advisors (and which one to hire!)

How to reach your FIRE number sooner through “experimental deprivation”

Why you need to have regular money check-ins with your significant other

And So Much More!

Links from the Show

Mindy on BiggerPockets

Scott on BiggerPockets

Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place

Join BiggerPockets for FREE

Email Mindy: Mindy@biggerpockets.com

Email Scott: Scott@biggerpockets.com

BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group

Follow BiggerPockets Money on Instagram

“Like” BiggerPockets Money on Facebook

BiggerPockets Money YouTube Channel

Save $100 on Real Estate’s Biggest Event of the Year, BPCON2025

Get to FIRE Faster with “Set for Life”

Sign Up for the BiggerPockets Money Newsletter

Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area

BiggerPockets Real Estate 1,095 - Scott Trench: How I’m Protecting My Money From “Irrational Exuberance”

(00:00) Stock Market Update

(06:44) Close to FIRE? Do This

(14:41) Fix Your FIRE Portfolio

(17:20) Lock-In Your FIRE!

(19:02) Scott’s 2025 FIRE Portfolio

(21:30) Already Retired/FIRE?

(23:46) What About Taxes?

(28:49) What if This Crash Lasts?

(35:00) Start Shifting Toward Retirement

Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-622

Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to the BiggerPockets Money podcast! In light of the recent market pullback, Ricky is going to share why he thinks it’s the right time to take advantage of low stock prices. He’ll discuss some of his best bargain buys, his biggest portfolio wins and losses in recent years, and, most importantly, the four-step approach you can use to identify stocks that could be set to soar in 2025.

If you’re a regular listener, you know that Scott and Mindy are partial to stashing their money in index funds, sitting back, and watching their wealth snowball over the long haul. You might say that Ricky has a slightly larger appetite for risk, as he isn’t opposed to picking stocks, timing the market, and getting out after three to five years. Stick around to find out if his strategy works!

In This Episode We Cover

Whether now is the time to buy stocks after the recent market pullback

Ricky’s four-step approach to finding value in the stock market

Using insider buying activity to find potential investing opportunities

How to prevent “tax drag” when buying and selling off stocks

Reviewing Ricky’s biggest portfolio wins and losses (Meta, Spotify, and more!)

And So Much More!

Links from the Show

Mindy on BiggerPockets

Scott on BiggerPockets

Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place

Join BiggerPockets for FREE

Email Mindy: Mindy@biggerpockets.com

Email Scott: Scott@biggerpockets.com

BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group

Follow BiggerPockets Money on Instagram

“Like” BiggerPockets Money on Facebook

BiggerPockets Money YouTube Channel

Motley Fool Money Podcast

Ricky’s Twitter/X

A Simple Path to Wealth

One Up on Wall Street

Get Fast, Affordable Landlord Insurance with Steadily

Get $100 Off Your Tickets to BPCON2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada

Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life”

Sign Up for the BiggerPockets Money Newsletter

Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area

BiggerNews: Real Estate vs. Stocks, the Ultimate Wealth-Building Debate

(00:00) Intro

(01:09) The Recent Pullback

(08:53) Hunting for Value

(18:55) Portfolio Wins & Losses

(24:58) Holding Periods & “Tax Drag”

(30:18) Why Costco Is “Safe”

(33:05) How to Pick Stocks

(38:50) Connect with Ricky!

(40:45) Do Your Research!

Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-620

Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 4% rule is one of the most bulletproof retirement formulas. It’s simple: Build a portfolio from which you can comfortably withdraw 4% annually. Need $40,000 per year to live? Your FIRE number is $1,000,000. Need $100,000 per year? Then you’re looking at $2,500,000. This math has been checked, double-checked, and triple-checked to withstand even the greatest economic depressions. However, most people have their portfolio set up WRONG, and it could put them at significant risk.

So, how do you ENSURE you can retire (early) with the 4% rule? What hedges should you make in your portfolio so your wealth stays afloat even as the economic tide starts to turn? What are Scott and Mindy doing now to prepare for a rocky stock market? Don’t miss this one—it could cost you your FIRE!

In This Episode We Cover

The 4% rule explained and whether it still works in 2025 and during market downturns 

Why your FIRE portfolio is WRONG, and it could be at massive risk right now 

How to prepare for an economic downturn to ensure you stay FIREd or on the path to FIRE

What Scott is selling and buying right now to protect his wealth (will his strategy work?)

Alternatives to the 4% rule that will protect your retirement portfolio even during the greatest of depressions 

And So Much More!

Links from the Show

Mindy on BiggerPockets

Scott on BiggerPockets

Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place

Join BiggerPockets for FREE

Email Mindy: Mindy@biggerpockets.com

Email Scott: Scott@biggerpockets.com

BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group

Follow BiggerPockets Money on Instagram

“Like” BiggerPockets Money on Facebook

BiggerPockets Money YouTube Channel

BiggerPockets Real Estate 1,095 - Scott Trench: How I'm Protecting My Money From “Irrational Exuberance”

BiggerPockets Money 120 - Are FIRE Naysayers Bad at Math? Yes. with Michael Kitces

The Rational Investor’s Case Against Bitcoin

Dow Jones - DJIA - 100 Year Historical Chart

Try REsimpli, The Only All-In-One Real Estate Investor CRM Software That Helps You Manage Data, Marketing, Sales, and Operations

Get to FIRE Faster with “Set for Life”

Sign Up for the BiggerPockets Money Newsletter

Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area

(00:00) Is the 4% Rule Dead?

(04:39) You CANNOT FIRE with This

(11:42) How to Prepare for Downturns

(21:12) Assets That Are At Risk

(23:17) What Scott’s Buying/Selling

(28:29) Alternatives to 4% Rule Portfolio

(34:21) Do You Trust the 4% Rule?

Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-619

Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To make sure you not only become wealthy but stay wealthy, we brought Whitney Elkins-Hutten, author of Money for Tomorrow, on the show to share the best ways to keep your portfolio safe from the four horsemen. Whitney scaled her portfolio from almost nothing to life-changing wealth, and she could have lost it all if she hadn’t learned how to protect it.

Mindy and Scott tag-team to show YOU how to protect your FIRE from these four horsemen, including sharing what they’re doing right now to set themselves up for a successful (and safe) financial future. Don’t let your wealth get drained before OR during FIRE; take these tips to heart ASAP! 

In This Episode We Cover

The four “horsemen” that could destroy your FIRE lifestyle and disrupt your generational wealth

How Whitney went from accidental house flipper to financially-free investor 

The overlooked investing “fees” that could cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars

Why you’re (probably) paying too much money for insurance (and how to start saving)

When (and when not) to pay off debt and which balances to prioritize first

And So Much More!

Links from the Show

Mindy on BiggerPockets

Scott on BiggerPockets

Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place

Join BiggerPockets for FREE

Email Mindy: Mindy@biggerpockets.com

Email Scott: Scott@biggerpockets.com

BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group

Follow BiggerPockets Money on Instagram

“Like” BiggerPockets Money on Facebook

BiggerPockets Money YouTube Channel

Grab Whitney’s Book “Money for Tomorrow”

Save $100 on Real Estate’s Biggest Event of the Year, BPCon2025

Sign Up for the BiggerPockets Money Newsletter

Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area

The Points Guy’s Travel Hacking Tips to Fly for FREE in 2025

Connect with Whitney

(00:00) Intro

(06:00) "Ownership" Makes You Rich

(10:09) Aggressively Investing in Rentals

(11:52) This Could Destroy Your Wealth

(19:07) Which Debt to Pay Off

(23:14) Save Thousands on Insurance

(30:23) This Could Delay Your FIRE

(37:08) STOP Being Scared of Taxes!

Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-617

Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to the BiggerPockets Money podcast! With a six-figure income and a six-figure net worth at just 25 years old, Austin Crofoot should have no problem reaching financial independence by age 50, right? The only issue is that his FI number of $5,000,000 is much higher than most. As you’re about to hear, he’ll need to make several “bets” over the next few years, cross his fingers, and hope that at least one of them pays off in a huge way.

Like many in the FIRE community, Austin also wants to avoid the middle-class trap. Scott and Mindy will show him how to balance his retirement accounts with a mix of cash, brokerage accounts, and real estate investments—giving him the financial flexibility to pursue entrepreneurial ventures and retire on his terms. Stick around to hear how Austin can take advantage of a rebounding housing market by taking on assumable mortgages with rock-bottom interest rates!

In This Episode We Cover

The “levers” Austin needs to pull to reach his $5,000,000 FI number

The roadmap to achieving financial independence by age 50

How Austin built a six-figure net worth by just 25 years old

Building wealth by taking on assumable mortgages with low interest rates

Why the Austin, Texas housing market is poised to bounce back in 2025

Reducing your taxable income to maximize Roth IRA contributions

And So Much More!

Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-616

Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One thing slingshots average Americans to the top 1%, and even the top 0.1%, but you don’t have to bank on this huge bet to get there. Surprisingly, the top 1% invests in assets that YOU already have access to, not elite-only investment opportunities or massive business deals. They’re invested in FAR more passive assets than you’d think, so you don’t HAVE to build a real estate portfolio to get there.

What gives you the best chance of hitting the top 1% in wealth? Maybe you don’t want to go that far—how do you get to the top 10%? Scott and Mindy share a few strategies that could skyrocket your net worth into the tens of millions—if you’re willing to do the work. Plus, they reveal where to park your money once you reach the top.

In This Episode We Cover

The average net worth of the 1% and the 0.1% in America (less than you’d think)

How the 1% invest their money and why they AREN’T heavily invested in real estate 

The best investment for the chance of breaking into the top 1%

The “middle-class trap” that the 1% escape, but the upper-middle-class can’t

How the top 1% invest now compared to pre-pandemic and pre-2008

And So Much More!

Links from the Show

Mindy on BiggerPockets

Scott on BiggerPockets

Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place

Join BiggerPockets for FREE

Email Mindy: Mindy@biggerpockets.com

Email Scott: Scott@biggerpockets.com

BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group

Follow BiggerPockets Money on Instagram

“Like” BiggerPockets Money on Facebook

BiggerPockets Money YouTube Channel

Fed Assets by Wealth Percentile Group in 2024

Get $100 Off Your Tickets to BPCON2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada

Grab “The Millionaire Next Door”

Sign Up for the BiggerPockets Money Newsletter

Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area

BiggerPockets Money 325 - How to Buy Yourself a 6-Figure Income Stream w/Tim Delaney

Fed Assets by Wealth Percentile Group in 2024

(00:00) Intro

(01:12) Top 1% Net Worth

(08:49) The Top 1% Portfolio

(16:05) How Their Investments Evolve

(17:40) Cheat Code to 1% Status?

(21:12) Average American vs. 1% Investments

(29:46) Best Investment to Become 1%?

Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-614

Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to the BiggerPockets Money podcast! So far, Leah and Zach Landis are doing everything right. They earn high incomes, they spend very little, and they invest the difference. Well on their way to retiring early, they plan to quit their jobs by age 45 or sooner! But will their current asset allocation get in the way of their big goal? What kind of bridge will they need to tide them over until traditional retirement age? Will having children impact their financial freedom?

Fortunately, Leah and Zach have all kinds of options. Tune in as Scott and Mindy dive into the couple’s budget and discuss their best path forward. Along the way, we’ll debate whether they should pause their 401(k) contributions, double down on brokerage accounts, and deploy their cash savings on their “dream” home!

In This Episode We Cover

Breaking down Leah and Zach’s best path to FIRE by 45 (or sooner!)

The middle-class trap explained and how to avoid (or escape) it

The BEST ways to invest your cash and make it work harder for you

How much you should expect to pay in taxes once you reach retirement

When to stop growing your 401(k) plan (and where to invest instead)

And So Much More!

Links from the Show

Mindy on BiggerPockets

Scott on BiggerPockets

Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place

Join BiggerPockets for FREE

Email Mindy: Mindy@biggerpockets.com

Email Scott: Scott@biggerpockets.com

BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group

Follow BiggerPockets Money on Instagram

“Like” BiggerPockets Money on Facebook

BiggerPockets Money YouTube Channel

BiggerPockets Money 219 - Syndications: Everything You Need to Know BEFORE You Invest

Maximize Your Real Estate Investing with a Self-Directed IRA from Equity Trust

Get $100 Off Your Tickets to BPCON2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada

Buy the Book “Rich Dad Poor Dad”

Sign Up for the BiggerPockets Money Newsletter

Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area

BiggerPockets Money 456 - The Harsh Reality Real Estate Syndications (and Investors) Face in 2024

Connect with Leah

Connect with Zach

(00:00) Intro

(01:05) Leah & Zach’s Money Journey

(08:20) Money Snapshot

(12:27) Buying the “Dream” Home

(18:33) Best Ways to Invest Cash

(26:51) Avoiding the Middle-Class Trap

(36:28) Maxing Out the 401(k) & HSA

(47:06) Don’t Get Trapped!

Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-613

Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re talking about making passive real estate income tax-deferred, flipping houses and sheltering the profits for when you retire, or having a rental property portfolio producing massive passive income, all with the tax benefits of your 401(k), IRA, or Roth IRA. 

We’re, of course, talking about the self-directed IRA (SDIRA) and the sizable benefits that come with it. 

To help, John Bowens (Certified IRA Services Professional) from Equity Trust is on the show to share the tax advantages most Americans have zero clue about. Scott starts the interview by coming in hot, throwing out his most significant objections to an SDIRA. We were even surprised by just how many benefits this single account has and how you can use it in ways most people would never assume of a retirement account.

We’re talking about how to buy rental properties IN your retirement accounts (and profit from them tax-free/deferred), whether a self-directed IRA or 401(k) makes the most sense for you, the “material participation” rule that you CANNOT afford to break, and how much this account costs to set up. This is a game-changing account for retirees who want to live a rich life, so do not skip out on it!

In This Episode We Cover

Scott’s biggest objections to the self-directed IRA (is he wrong?)

How to get tax-free/deferred passive income from real estate in your retirement accounts 

The one tax that you MUST know about before investing in an SDIRA 

Can you get a mortgage for a rental property in an SDIRA?

How much an SDIRA costs to set up and keep going (less than you’d think)

And So Much More!

Links from the Show

Mindy on BiggerPockets

Scott on BiggerPockets

Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place

Join BiggerPockets for FREE

Email Mindy: Mindy@biggerpockets.com

Email Scott: Scott@biggerpockets.com

BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group

Follow BiggerPockets Money on Instagram

“Like” BiggerPockets Money on Facebook

BiggerPockets Money YouTube Channel

How to Access Retirement Funds Early

Maximize Your Real Estate Investing with a Self-Directed IRA from Equity Trust

Want More Smart Tax Strategies? Grab “The Book on Tax Strategies for the Savvy Real Estate Investor”

Sign Up for the BiggerPockets Money Newsletter

Find Investor-Friendly Lenders

The Self-Directed IRA: What You Should Know About This Wealth-Building Tool

Connect with John

(00:00) Intro

(08:26) Tax-Free Real Estate Gains

(16:45) One Tax to Watch Out For

(19:59) Self-Directed 401(k)s vs. IRAs

(27:36) Making $34,000 Tax-Free!

(30:42) The "Material Participation" Risk

(35:41) Financing Rentals in an SDIRA

(39:40) SDIRA Fees and Costs

(50:05) Completely Passive Income

(51:56) Active Investing in an SDIRA

Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-612

Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To reach FIRE in your 40s, you must make some strategic moves like Amy. Thankfully, you don’t need to make six figures to retire early in 2025. Throughout Amy’s career, she never entered the “high income” threshold but could still save aggressively, thanks to the perks of teaching at international schools. We’re talking free rent, subsidized travel, and plenty of paid vacation.

But it wasn’t always the dream life that it sounds like. Amy had constant stress and was routinely feeling burned out, forcing her to take multiple sabbaticals, change where she lived, and deal with some of the money trauma that had plagued her past. Now, she’s FIRE, thriving, and living entirely on her terms. You can (and should) do it, too!

In This Episode We Cover

How to reach FIRE in your 40s even if you feel like it’s too “late” for you

Why teachers should look into teaching abroad to save a significant portion of their income

Investing from abroad and what to do when you have little-to-no social security contributions

How much cash you should keep on hand when you’re ready to retire early

Living off the three percent rule (instead of the traditional four percent rule) by moving to low-cost-of-living areas

Why you must take a sabbatical at least once in your working career

And So Much More!

Links from the Show

Mindy on BiggerPockets

Scott on BiggerPockets

Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place

Join BiggerPockets for FREE

Email Mindy: Mindy@biggerpockets.com

Email Scott: Scott@biggerpockets.com

BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group

Follow BiggerPockets Money on Instagram

“Like” BiggerPockets Money on Facebook

BiggerPockets Money YouTube Channel

Save $100 on Real Estate’s Biggest Event of the Year, BPCon2025

Reach FIRE Faster with "Set for Life"

Sign Up for the BiggerPockets Money Newsletter

Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area

From Making $40K/Year as a Teacher to Reaching FI in 4 Years by Doing THIS

Connect with Amy

Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-610

Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to the BiggerPockets Money podcast! Sarah earns a great salary and diligently saves for retirement each month. You’d think she’s on pace to leave her W2 job in a few years, but there’s one problem—she has more expenses than the average person. Financially responsible for two extra family members, Sarah pays for their mortgage, food, and lifestyle, all while covering her own expenses!

Does Sarah’s financial situation need a major shake-up? Tune in as Scott and Mindy debate whether it’s time for Sarah to part with a property that’s bleeding money, strategize about when to put it on the market, and discuss what to do with the money from the sale. We’ll also touch on the tough conversations Sarah needs to have with family members if she wants to achieve her retirement goal!

In This Episode We Cover

The three things Sarah must do to achieve her goal of FIRE by 35

How to reach your financial goals despite extra expenses

What to do with a rental property that has negative cash flow

The BEST time to put an investment property on the market

How to budget for future children (family planning 101!)

And So Much More!

Links from the Show

Mindy on BiggerPockets

Scott on BiggerPockets

Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place

Join BiggerPockets for FREE

Email Mindy: Mindy@biggerpockets.com

Email Scott: Scott@biggerpockets.com

BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group

Follow BiggerPockets Money on Instagram

“Like” BiggerPockets Money on Facebook

BiggerPockets Money YouTube Channel

Find Investor-friendly Tax and Financial Experts

Maximize Your Real Estate Investing with a Self-Directed IRA from Equity Trust

Achieve FIRE with Scott’s Book, “Set for Life”

Sign Up for the BiggerPockets Money Newsletter

Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area

BiggerPockets Money 12 – How to Become an “Overnight” Success in 10 Short Years with David Greene

Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-609

Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices