The Financial Samurai Podcast
Helping listeners achieve financial freedom sooner rather than later. Financial Samurai is America's number one personal finance blog and podcast helping you make more money, save more money, and live the life that you truly want.
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Housing Security: The Underappreciated Benefit of Owning In A Rising Rent World
11/13/2025
Housing Security: The Underappreciated Benefit of Owning In A Rising Rent World
The debate between owning and renting will go on forever — it all depends on your stage in life, finances, and lifestyle. But as you get older, one thing becomes clear: housing security matters more than ever. The last thing you want in retirement is to be forced out of your neighborhood because of rising rent. Yet as a renter, you have little control over how much your landlord raises prices, especially if you’re not in a rent-stabilized home. With housing inflation outpacing wage growth, it’s time to get neutral real estate by at least owning your primary residence. In this episode, I’ll share why ownership becomes more valuable with age — and how to think about real estate in a world where affordability keeps shrinking. Read the post for more details and discussion: Other related post: Invest In Real Estate Passively If you can’t buy a home yet, don’t sit on the sidelines while housing prices and rents keep rising. You can still participate in the real estate market and build wealth over time — without needing to come up with a massive down payment. That’s why I’ve invested with , a platform that allows everyday investors to gain exposure to residential and industrial properties nationwide. With over $3 billion in assets under management and 350,000+ investors, Fundrise makes it easy to own a piece of the real estate market that continues to compound in value. Real estate has historically been one of the best ways to hedge against inflation and grow wealth passively. And with a minimum investment of only $10, anyone can start investing today. Fundrise has been a long-time sponsor of Financial Samurai because our philosophies align — consistent, disciplined investing in tangible assets to build financial freedom. Regards, Sam To expedite your journey to financial freedom, join over 60,000 others and subscribe to the . You can also get my posts in your e-mail inbox as soon as they come out by . Financial Samurai is among the largest independently-owned personal finance websites, established in 2009. Everything is written based on firsthand experience and expertise.
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Permission To Live It Up In Retirement With Bill Bengen, Father Of The 4% Rule Going To 5%
10/22/2025
Permission To Live It Up In Retirement With Bill Bengen, Father Of The 4% Rule Going To 5%
Bill Bengen, the father of the 4% Rule, is back with a new book titled . In it, he raises his SAFEMAX—or safe withdrawal rate—from 4% to 5%. This change has major implications: retirees can confidently spend more and enjoy life to the fullest, while those pursuing FIRE or traditional retirement may not need to save as aggressively or work as long to achieve financial freedom. See related Financial Samurai post: Free Financial Analysis Offer From Empower If you have over $100,000 in investable assets—whether in savings, taxable accounts, 401(k)s, or IRAs—you can get a free financial check-up from an Empower financial professional by . It’s a no-obligation way to have a seasoned expert, who builds and analyzes portfolios for a living, review your finances. A fresh set of eyes could uncover hidden fees, inefficient allocations, or opportunities to optimize—giving you greater clarity and confidence in your retirement financial plan. The statement is provided to you by Financial Samurai (“Promoter”) who has entered into a written referral agreement with Empower Advisory Group, LLC (“EAG”). Click to learn more. Subscribe To Financial Samurai To increase your chances of achieving financial independence, join 60,000+ readers and subscribe to my . Financial Samurai began in 2009 and is the leading independently-owned personal finance site today. Everything is written based off firsthand experience.
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The End Of The Commercial Real Estate Recession With Ben Miller, CEO of Fundrise
09/17/2025
The End Of The Commercial Real Estate Recession With Ben Miller, CEO of Fundrise
Since 2022, commercial real estate (CRE) investors have endured one of the toughest stretches in decades. Surging inflation drove mortgage rates higher, cap rates expanded, and property values sank. The mantra became clear: “survive until 2025.” Now, with inflation cooling, rates easing, and capital returning, the tide may finally be turning. In this episode, I sit down with Ben Miller, CEO of , who shares why he’s more optimistic about CRE’s future—and why the next three years could be far better than the last. Invest In CRE In A Diversified Way If you’re looking to gain exposure to commercial real estate, take a look at . Founded in 2012, Fundrise now manages over $3 billion for 380,000+ investors. Their focus is on residential-oriented commercial real estate in lower-cost markets - assets that tend to be more resilient than office or retail. Throughout the downturn, Fundrise continued deploying capital to capture opportunities at lower valuations. Now, as the CRE cycle turns, they’re well-positioned to benefit from the rebound. The minimum investment is just $10, making it easy to dollar-cost average over time. I’ve personally invested six figures into Fundrise’s CRE offerings, and I appreciate that their long-term approach aligns with my own. Fundrise has also been a long-time sponsor of Financial Samurai, which speaks to our shared investment philosophy. Related post: Subscribe To Financial Samurai Pick up a copy of my USA TODAY national bestseller, . I’ve distilled over 30 years of financial experience to help you build more wealth than 94% of the population—and break free sooner. To expedite your journey to financial freedom, join over 60,000 others and subscribe to the . You can also get my posts in your e-mail inbox as soon as they come out by . Financial Samurai is among the largest independently-owned personal finance websites, established in 2009. Everything is written based on firsthand experience and expertise.
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How the Tax-Free Home Sale Exclusion Works
08/28/2025
How the Tax-Free Home Sale Exclusion Works
In this solo episode, I want to clarify how the tax-free home sale exclusion works. For those who want to move back into their rentals to then qualify after two years, there is a pro-rated amount you need to implement. See this post for more details: ( Subscribe To Financial Samurai Pick up a copy of my USA TODAY national bestseller, . I’ve distilled over 30 years of financial experience to help you build more wealth than 94% of the population—and break free sooner. Listen and subscribe to The Financial Samurai podcast on or . I interview experts in their respective fields and discuss some of the most interesting topics on this site. Your shares, ratings, and reviews are appreciated. To expedite your journey to financial freedom, join over 60,000 others and subscribe to the . Financial Samurai is among the largest independently-owned personal finance websites, established in 2009. Everything is written based on firsthand experience and expertise.
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The Acceleration Of AI Growth And Adoption With Ben Miller, CEO of Fundrise
08/08/2025
The Acceleration Of AI Growth And Adoption With Ben Miller, CEO of Fundrise
On the latest episode of the Financial Samurai podcast, I sat down with Ben Miller, cofounder and CEO of , for a deep dive into AI, venture capital, and what it really takes to get into the best deals. Key Takeaways from the Podcast 1. AI Growth and Market Dynamics Revenue growth is accelerating in big AI companies like Anthropic. There’s an AI benchmarking race where many products seem similar, but differentiation still matters—Ben Miller doesn’t believe AI is a commodity at all. The biggest AI players continue to extend their lead, creating a “winner-take-most” dynamic. 2. Venture Capital Strategy and Concentration How much concentration is acceptable in a venture fund: up to 50% of the portfolio can be concentrated in just two companies. Importance of building a pipeline (“bench”) of potential giants like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Databricks. Leveraging scouts in key hubs like San Francisco to source the next wave of private growth companies. 3. Valuation and Economic Concepts Growth-Adjusted Revenue Multiple as a more nuanced valuation approach for high-growth companies. Baumol Effect – rising costs in labor-intensive sectors despite limited productivity gains, and how this might influence AI adoption and consumer behavior. 4. Access and Allocation Challenges Figma IPO: Allocation was difficult even for well-connected investors; demand for strong growth companies far outstrips supply. Innovation Fund’s approach: invested in 6 of the top 50 companies on the CNBC Disruptor list. The battle of connections and wealth—strong networks often determine who gets into the best deals. See related post: 5. Strategic Advantages for Investors Directing a 2M+ user base to both invest in and use portfolio company products (examples: Ramp, Flywheel) as a growth driver. Using product adoption to create a feedback loop of higher valuations and more capital access. 6. Macro Perspectives on AI China’s optimistic, aggressive push into AI contrasts with America’s more cautious and sometimes pessimistic stance. Why I’m personally increasing my allocation to AI—both as a long-term growth opportunity and as a hedge against missing the next big wave. Invest in Private Growth Companies With Fundrise Companies are staying private longer, which means more gains go to early private investors rather than the public. If you don’t want to fight in the IPO “Hunger Games” for scraps, consider . About 80% of the Fundrise venture portfolio is in artificial intelligence—an area I’m extremely bullish on. In 20 years, I don’t want my kids asking why I ignored AI when it was still early. The investment minimum is just $10, compared with $200,000+ for most traditional venture funds (if you can even get in). You can also see exactly what the fund holds before you invest, and you don’t need to be an accredited investor. Subscribe To Financial Samurai Pick up a copy of my USA TODAY national bestseller, . I’ve distilled over 30 years of financial experience to help you build more wealth than 94% of the population—and break free sooner. To expedite your journey to financial freedom, join over 60,000 others and subscribe to the . Financial Samurai is among the largest independently-owned personal finance websites, established in 2009. Everything is written based on firsthand experience and expertise. To Your Financial Freedom, Sam
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How You'll Know When You Finally Have Enough Money
07/10/2025
How You'll Know When You Finally Have Enough Money
Figuring out when you have enough money is a mix of math and emotion. You might have enough on paper, but if you’re not emotionally ready to live life entirely on your terms, then you probably don’t have enough yet. As one of the pioneers of the modern-day FIRE movement in 2009, I’ve developed a new framework with clear action steps to help determine if you’ve truly reached “enough.” It goes beyond the typical 4% rule or simply having 25 times your annual expenses in investable assets. Related posts: If You're Interested In 1X1 Consulting For those of you who are interested in speaking with me about optimizing your personal finances, building a business, or negotiating a severance package, you can . Simply fill out the brief form at the end of the page and I'll get back to you within 24 hours. I only take on two consulting clients a month, so there may be a wait. My goal is to help you see through blindspots and have the confidence to live your life the way you want. Subscribe To Financial Samurai Pick up a copy of my USA TODAY national bestseller, . I’ve distilled over 30 years of financial experience to help you build more wealth than 94% of the population—and break free sooner. Listen and subscribe to The Financial Samurai podcast on or . I interview experts in their respective fields and discuss some of the most interesting topics on this site. Your shares, ratings, and reviews are appreciated. To expedite your journey to financial freedom, join over 60,000 others and subscribe to the . Financial Samurai is among the largest independently-owned personal finance websites, established in 2009. Everything is written based on firsthand experience and expertise.
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The Hidden Dangers of Earning Risk-Free Passive Income
06/26/2025
The Hidden Dangers of Earning Risk-Free Passive Income
Earning passive income is the holy grail of personal finance and achieving financial independence. With interest rates still elevated, it's become much easier to generate a larger amount of risk-free passive income. If you're not financially independent yet, this could be a suboptimal choice. Check out the post: Suggestions Check out if you’re looking to gain exposure to some of the top private AI companies. You can view all of its holdings before investing, which adds a welcome layer of transparency. I’ve personally invested over $150,000 so far and plan to add more next month once I receive funds from a liquidity event. Fundrise is a long-time sponsor of Financial Samurai as our investment views are aligned. Pick up a copy of my USA TODAY national bestseller, , if you want to build more wealth. I synthesize 30 years of wealth-building knowledge to help you outperform 94% of the U.S. population so you can break free sooner. Join over 60,000 others and subscribe to the . Financial Samurai is among the largest independently-owned personal finance websites, established in 2009. Everything is written based on firsthand experience and expertise.
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Buying the Dip: A Mindset Guide for the Next Market Selloff
06/17/2025
Buying the Dip: A Mindset Guide for the Next Market Selloff
Buying the stock market dip can be intimidating. As a result, many investors sit on cash, waiting for clear signs of a recovery. However, history has shown that those who bought during downturns and held on have often done well over time. With that in mind, I wanted to share a few strategies to help build the courage to buy the dip when the next opportunity arises. See post: Your shares, ratings, and reviews are appreciated! Every episode takes hours to record and produce. Your positive reviews help keep me recording. Suggestions Check out if you’re looking to gain exposure to some of the top private AI companies. You can view all of its holdings before investing, which adds a welcome layer of transparency. I’ve personally invested over $150,000 so far and plan to add more next month once I receive funds from a liquidity event. Fundrise is a long-time sponsor of Financial Samurai as our investment views are aligned. Pick up a copy of my USA TODAY national bestseller, , if you want to build more wealth. I synthesize 30 years of wealth-building knowledge to help you outperform 94% of the U.S. population so you can break free sooner. Join over 60,000 others and subscribe to the . Financial Samurai is among the largest independently-owned personal finance websites, established in 2009. Everything is written based on firsthand experience and expertise.
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Creating a Life on Your Terms with Joe Saul-Sehy of The Stacking Benjamins Podcast
06/05/2025
Creating a Life on Your Terms with Joe Saul-Sehy of The Stacking Benjamins Podcast
In this episode, I reconnect with my old friend from to talk about creating your own life curriculum — because when you do, you may no longer be beholden to anyone. With AI eliminating jobs and making the path to financial independence even tougher, I wanted to sit down with another creator who forged his own way—building a business and income stream through podcasting. I firmly believe everyone should build an online brand and develop a side hustle. The era of job security, pensions, and abundant opportunities is fading. You—and your children—need to learn how to create your own income streams. Check out Joe's work at: Subscribe To Financial Samurai Join 60,000+ others and subscribe to the . My goal is to help you achieve financial freedom sooner, rather than later. Financial Samurai started in July 2009 and is the leading independently-owned personal finance site today. This episode is sponsored by , an innovative venture capital product that invests in private AI companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, Anduril, Databricks, and more. The minimum investment to start is only $10, and I personally have invested over $185,000 in Fundrise Venture so far.
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The Making Of Millionaire Milestones: Simple Steps To Seven Figures
05/06/2025
The Making Of Millionaire Milestones: Simple Steps To Seven Figures
After three years of writing, revising, and reflecting, I’m excited to share that is now available everywhere—in hardcover, eBook, and audiobook! In this special episode, my wife and I sit down to talk about the journey behind the book: why I wrote it, what readers can expect, and how it ties into over a decade of sharing free financial content on Financial Samurai. We also dive into the emotional side of writing—especially how the process impacted our family, what it means to lead by example for our kids, and what we hope this book will do for readers striving to build lasting wealth. Whether you're just getting started on your financial journey or looking for that extra push to reach the next level, this episode gives you an honest, behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to turn knowledge into action—and how to stay motivated along the way. Pick up a hard copy or two of Millionaire Milestones on: Your local book store or anywhere you buy books Your reviews and shares are appreciate! There's nothing better than giving the gift of financial freedom. Fight on! Sam Feel free to join 60,000 others and sign up for my as well. My goal is to help you achieve financial freedom sooner, rather than later. Financial Samurai was founded in 2009 and is the leading independently-owned personal finance site today. Everything is written based off firsthand experience and knowledge because money is too important to be left to pontificaiton.
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What It's Like Building A $4+ Million New Home From Scratch
04/29/2025
What It's Like Building A $4+ Million New Home From Scratch
In this episode, I talk with Harry, a long-time Financial Samurai reader, about his journey to building a $4+ million home in the Los Angeles area. While most people buy move-in ready homes, Harry shares an insightful behind-the-scenes look at how it's done — from financing the project to the timeline it takes to build, and whether it's ultimately a good investment. Related posts: Wealth-Building Recommendations This episode is brought to you by , my preferred private real estate investment platform. Fundrise predominantly in residential and industrial commercial real estate in the Sunbelt, where valuations are lower and yields are higher. I've personally invested over $300,000 in Fundrise to diversify. The investment minimum is only $10, so it's easy to dollar-cost average in. If you’re ready to build more wealth than 93% of the population, grab a copy of my new book, With over 30 years of experience working in, studying, and writing about finance, I’ve distilled everything I know into this practical guide to help you achieve financial success. To expedite your journey to financial freedom, join over 60,000 others and subscribe to the . Financial Samurai is among the largest independently-owned personal finance websites, established in 2009. Everything is written based on firsthand experience and expertise. To Your Financial Freedom, Sam
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Helping Millions And Making Millions On YouTube And TikTok With Humphrey Yang
03/26/2025
Helping Millions And Making Millions On YouTube And TikTok With Humphrey Yang
I have the pleasure of speaking with , a personal finance content creator with over 1.6 million followers on YouTube and over 3.3 million followers on TikTok. Humphrey burst onto the scene in 2020 when COVID-19 began and has been growing steadily ever since. According to polls by YouGov and toy-maker Lego, being a YouTuber or TikToker consistently ranks as one of the top aspirations for teenagers and young adults today. Given this trend, I thought it would be insightful to chat with Humphrey about his journey. With the soaring cost of college and the increasingly cutthroat competition to get accepted — even for some of the top high school students — more young people are considering bypassing traditional gatekeepers and creating something of their own. Becoming a content creator is one way to take control of your future and potentially achieve financial success on your own terms. I invite you to check out our conversation and subscribe to Humphrey's personal finance and channels. It's clear that video is all the rage now and in the future. If you enjoyed this podcast episode, I'd appreciate a positive review and a share. Each episode takes hours to create. Please also subscribe to my at . To Your Financial Freedom, Sam, Financial Samurai
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Uncertainty, Fear, And Chaos: A Real Estate Investor's Best Friends
03/05/2025
Uncertainty, Fear, And Chaos: A Real Estate Investor's Best Friends
With trade wars, massive federal government employee cuts, fallout with Ukraine, and worsening relationships with European countries, the Trump administration is kicking off with significant uncertainty and chaos. I spoke with Ben Miller, co-founder and CEO of , about how this turbulence could impact the real estate market. In essence, chaos can be good for real estate, and he believes real estate will outperform stocks in 2025 and potentially 2026. Read the post with charts: Join 60,000+ others and sign up for the free Financial Samurai newsletter . Financial Samurai is the leading independently-owned personal finance site in the world with over 1 million organic pageviews a month. It was started in 2009 and everything is wirtten and spoken based off firsthand experience and knowledge.
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The Million-Dollar Mindset By Personal Finance Enthusiasts
02/25/2025
The Million-Dollar Mindset By Personal Finance Enthusiasts
With stock market volatility returning and the potential for an economic slowdown ahead, I can’t help but feel grateful for the incredible gains we’ve made in 2023 and 2024. This reflection led me to record why I believe those who actively manage their finances are among the luckiest people on earth. With our (post), we’re not just accumulating wealth—we’re creating happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives than those who neglect their finances. Since 2020, those of us who prioritize financial growth have seen our investments soar, making life significantly easier. My hope is that more people embrace this mindset—because with greater financial security comes more freedom, love, and opportunity for all. Time To Take Action If you’re ready to take control of your finances and unlock new possibilities, pre-order . This book will guide you toward financial freedom, helping you design life on your own terms. Order your copy on or wherever you buy books. Your future self will thank you. Join 60,000+ others and sign up for the as well. I keep you engaged and thinking about personal finances so you can keep on building wealth for you and your family.
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Building Purpose, Minimizing Regret, And Getting Off The Achievement Treadmill
02/20/2025
Building Purpose, Minimizing Regret, And Getting Off The Achievement Treadmill
I speak with Dr. Jordan Grumet about building purpose for a happier and more meaningful life. If you're feeling stuck, as many of us so inevitably do at some point, Dr. Grumet has a new book out called (Amazon) to help you find your way. You can learn more about Dr. Grumet's book and his podcast, Earn & Invest, at If you enjoyed this episode, I'd appreciate a share, rate and review. Each podcast takes hours to record and produce and your reviews keep me going. If you want to stay on top of everything I write on Financial Samurai, you can subscribe to my free weekly newsletter (www.financialsamurai.com/news).
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How An Open-Ended Venture Capital Fund Operates
01/29/2025
How An Open-Ended Venture Capital Fund Operates
In part 2 of my discussion with Ben Miller, CEO of , and sponsor of Financial Samurai, I ask him about how an open-ended venture capital fund works. If I’m going to build a $500,000+ position in an open-ended fund to gain more exposure to , I want to fully understand how the fund operates. Here are some of the questions I asked during our discussion: What happens to a private company that successfully goes public, and how does this impact the fund? Is it harder to identify a promising company or to actually invest in that company? How does Fundrise and other venture capital firms compete to gain access to invest in private companies? How does Fundrise approach risk management in its investments? What’s the process for writing checks to invest in companies? If you don’t have cash on hand, how do you secure a line of credit to invest in a company? How do you provide liquidity to investors in the Innovation Fund? How do you determine the size of a fund you want to run? Related post: Join 60,000+ readers and subscribe to my . My goal is to help you reach financial freedom sooner, rather than later.
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The Bull Case For Commercial Real Estate In 2025 And Beyond
01/16/2025
The Bull Case For Commercial Real Estate In 2025 And Beyond
In this episode, I speak to Ben Miller, co-founder and CEO of about his outlook for commercial real estate in 2025. Despite high mortgage rates, he's taken a positive view and he shares the main reasons why. Investing in stocks and bonds in your 401(k) or IRA are classic staples for retirement investing. However, I also suggest diversifying into real estate—an investment that combines the income stability of bonds with greater upside potential. I’ve personally invested over $300,000 with Fundrise, and they’ve been a trusted partner and long-time sponsor of Financial Samurai. With a $10 investment minimum, diversifying your portfolio has never been easier. enables you to 100% passively invest in residential and industrial real estate without the headache of maintenance or tenants. With about $3 billion in private real estate assets under management, Fundrise focuses on properties in the Sunbelt region, where valuations are lower, and yields tend to be higher. Subscribe To Financial Samurai Listen and subscribe to The Financial Samurai podcast on or . I interview experts in their respective fields and discuss some of the most interesting topics on this site. Your shares, ratings, and reviews are appreciated. To expedite your journey to financial freedom, join over 60,000 others and subscribe to the . Financial Samurai is among the largest independently-owned personal finance websites, established in 2009. Everything is written based on firsthand experience and expertise because money is too important to be left up to pontification.
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Why You Could Make More In Retirement Than While Working
01/09/2025
Why You Could Make More In Retirement Than While Working
One of the biggest reasons I was is my belief that most people won’t make more money in retirement than while working. As a result, they’re unlikely to pay a higher tax rate in retirement than during their working years. While most Americans earn less in retirement, you aren’t most people. You subscribe to the and are obsessed about money and living an incredible life! Readers of personal finance sites like this one are likely saving far more and investing more strategically than the average individual. We're a nerdy bunch who care immensely about our financial future. Thanks to the power of compounding, decades of disciplined saving and investing could result in you earning far more in retirement than you ever anticipated. And perhaps equally as important is understanding how 401(k) and IRA withdrawals are taxed. They are considered deferred income and will be taxed as income, not capital gains. You can read more and discuss on my post: . There's an example too. Reach Financial Freedom Sooner With Boldin If you’re serious about building wealth and retiring comfortably, consider signing up for . They offer a free version and a PlannerPlus version for just $120/year—an affordable alternative to hiring a financial advisor. For the paid version, there's a free 14-days trial. Boldin was specifically designed for retirement planning, providing a holistic approach to financial management. It goes beyond managing your stock and bond portfolio by integrating real estate investments, guiding Roth conversions to minimize taxes, helping with college savings, and addressing other real-life financial scenarios we all face. As I approach the , I’ve found Boldin’s tools particularly helpful in deciding how much to convert to a Roth IRA. The ability to model various “what if” scenarios has been invaluable for planning my future, especially for when I’m older and less able to manage my finances. To Your Financial Freedom, Sam Thanks for rating, sharing, and subscribing to my podcast. Every review means a lot.
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What To Expect In 2025 For Stocks, Real Estate, And Financial Samurai
01/04/2025
What To Expect In 2025 For Stocks, Real Estate, And Financial Samurai
Happy New Year everyone! I hope you’re enjoying the time off and doing some reflecting. I’ve returned to San Francisco after eight days of being in Oahu and am ready to relax some more! Here are some quick thoughts about what to expect in 2025 for the stock market, real estate market, and Financial Samurai. Mentioned posts: Join 60,000+ other readers achieving financial sooner by subscribing to my free weekly newsletter .
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How To Increase Your Chances Of Getting Into A Top College
12/16/2024
How To Increase Your Chances Of Getting Into A Top College
I speak to high school principal, John Durante, about his latest book, We also talk in depth about how high school students can boost their chances of getting into a top college. John has interviewed hundreds of college admissions officers on his podcast, , and plans to interview hundreds more! If you have any questions you’d like John to cover on future episodes, or any comments you’d like to share, please email him at: And don’t forget to visit his website at More resources: Monica Romero Matthews - Facebook Group: Scholarship Help & College Talk for Parents
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Concerns From Retirement Planners With Steve Chen, Founder of Boldin (formerly NewRetirement)
12/06/2024
Concerns From Retirement Planners With Steve Chen, Founder of Boldin (formerly NewRetirement)
I recently spoke with Steve Chen, founder of (formerly NewRetirement), about common concerns retirees face. Boldin stands out as the most comprehensive DIY financial planning software I’ve encountered. It goes beyond analyzing stocks and bonds, incorporating other investments to optimize your net worth. Boldin also helps address key financial goals like buying a house, saving for college, planning for retirement, and more. You can start with —it’s far more detailed than a typical retirement calculator. For just $120 a year, you can upgrade to PlannerPlus, unlocking its full potential. It’s a fraction of the cost of hiring a financial advisor, and you can access it anytime without additional fees. Most importantly, PlannerPlus provides peace of mind, actionable insights, and the tools to grow your wealth far beyond the cost of the software. For more information, see my post on Financial Samurai:
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The 4% Rule: Clearing Up Misconceptions With Its Creator Bill Bengen
11/15/2024
The 4% Rule: Clearing Up Misconceptions With Its Creator Bill Bengen
I had the pleasure of speaking with Bill Bengen, creator of the "4% Rule" for retirement planning. Bill has been a reader of Financial Samurai for many years and has always been courteous in the comments section when I write about . So, I figured it was time we had a chat to clear up some misconceptions. For those unfamiliar, the 4% Rule, developed by Bill in the 1990s, suggests that traditional retirees (around age 65) can safely withdraw 4% of their retirement portfolio in the first year—adjusted for inflation in subsequent years—without running out of money over a 30-year period. Misconceptions About The 4% Rule Cleared Up By Bill Bengen Here’s what I learned from Bill that helped clarify the 4% Rule: Not a Hard “Rule”: Bill considers the 4% Rule more of a guideline than a strict rule. He encourages flexibility with withdrawal rates, though it’s often treated as a rigid rule in the public eye. 4% Isn’t Actually Aggressive: Contrary to popular belief, Bill’s data shows that 4% is actually conservative. In his study of 400 retirees since 1926, only one retiree (who retired in 1968) had to stick to a 4% rate to avoid running out of money. The rest withdrew an average of 7% without depleting their portfolios. Adjusting for Inflation: The 4% Rule isn’t static; it adjusts with inflation. For instance, if you start with a $1 million portfolio and withdraw $40,000 one year, you would adjust that amount by inflation the next year to $44,000. This means your withdrawals fluctuate with your financial needs and economic conditions. You can e-mail bill at if you have any questions. Posts mentioned: If you enjoyed this episode please rate, share, and susbscribe. Every review means a lot as every episode takes hours to record, edit, and produce. Thank you! To expedite your journey to financial freedom, join over 60,000 others and subscribe to the . Financial Samurai is among the largest independently-owned personal finance websites, established in 2009.
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What A Trump Presidency Means For Your Investments, Net Worth, And Career
11/07/2024
What A Trump Presidency Means For Your Investments, Net Worth, And Career
Donald Trump will be the 47th President of the United States, this time with JD Vance as his Vice President. Let’s explore how this new Trump presidency might impact your finances. We’ll look at how Trump’s policies could affect stocks, real estate, bonds, venture capital, and even our careers. Overall, Trump's return is generally seen as positive for investors. However, since investing in risk assets always carries uncertainty, it's essential to align your investments with your personal goals and risk tolerance. Related posts: Suggestions: If you’re looking to diversify your investments beyond stocks, . Fundrise manages over $3 billion in private real estate investments, with a primary focus on the Sunbelt region, where valuations are generally lower and yields tend to be higher. As the Fed enters a multi-year cycle of interest rate cuts and with Trump as president, real estate demand may increase in the coming years. Given Trump’s background and success in real estate, I wouldn’t be surprised if he introduces buyer incentives and policies to support heartland regions, which were key in his election victory. I’ve personally invested over $270,000 with Fundrise, and they are a long-time sponsor of Financial Samurai. Finally, you can join 60,000+ readers and sign up for my free weekly newsletter .
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Investing In Fine Wine And Whiskey With Anthony Zhang From Vinovest
10/25/2024
Investing In Fine Wine And Whiskey With Anthony Zhang From Vinovest
Investing in alternative assets has become an increasingly popular way to diversify beyond traditional stocks and bonds. Wine and whiskey, in particular, are gaining traction due to their potential for strong returns, resilience during economic downturns, and rising demand. In this episode, I speak to Anthony Zhang, CEO and Founder of , a platform that enables individuals to invest in fine wine and whiskey. We'll talk about why wine and whiskey have performed well and why they are a growing asset class. I also talk to Anthony Zhang about bringing awareness to spinal cord injuries, after his own accident, and how we can help. If you'd like to explore Vinovest's offerings, you can . Related post: ****** If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, share, and review. Every podcast takes hours to produce. Your support means a lot! Finally, if you want to achieve financial freedom sooner, join 60,000+ readers and sign up for my Everything I write is based off firsthand experience because money is too important to be left up to pontification.
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College Admission Consulting For High Schoolers With Alice Chen
10/10/2024
College Admission Consulting For High Schoolers With Alice Chen
If you have children, you likely want to provide them with the best education possible, which may include helping them get into a top college. Along the way, you may come across college consulting services and wonder how beneficial they really are. In today's episode, I speak with Alice Chen, Founder of to find out more about the service. Alice is a daughter of immigrants and grew up in the Boston area. Alice’s father was a research scientist and her mother an auditor, so Alice grew up thinking that those who studied and worked the hardest would succeed. But after attending Stanford and working in TV journalism, Alice quickly learned that IQ was not the most important factor for workplace (and life) success. Alice created BrightStory to offer the mentoring she wishes she had as a teen. Alice also created , a newsletter focused on wellness and living a meaningful life, and she incorporates these values into her coaching work. ***** If you enjoyed this podcast, I'd appreciate a share and a positive review. It helps keep me motivated to finding new guests to share with all of you. Every podcast takes hours to record and produce. To expedite your journey to financial freedom, join over 60,000 others and subscribe to the . Financial Samurai is among the largest independently-owned personal finance websites, established in 2009. ***** Related posts:
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What A Fed Rate Cut Means For Real Estate, Stocks, and Your Retirement
09/18/2024
What A Fed Rate Cut Means For Real Estate, Stocks, and Your Retirement
After four years, the Federal Reserve has finally cut the Fed Funds rate by 50 basis points, bringing the target range to 4.75% - 5%. Expectations point to another 50 basis points in cuts for 2024 and a total of 100 basis points by 2025. Fed Chair Powell remains optimistic, stating the economy is 'very solid' and sees no elevated risk of a downturn. In this episode, I'll break down what this rate cut means for real estate, stocks, and—most importantly—your retirement, focusing on the impact to your safe withdrawal rate. Get A Free Financial Checkup Of Your Investment Portfolio If you have over $250,000 in investable assets, take advantage and schedule an appointment with an . Complete your two video calls with the advisor before October 31, 2024, and you'll receive a free $100 Visa gift card. After a great run in stocks, another recession could hit. It's always a good idea to get a second opinion about how your investments are positioned, especially from a professional who sees other people in your situation all the time. Related posts: Join 60,000+ others and subscribe to the free weekly . This way, you'll never miss a thing.
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Maximizing Real Estate Returns In A Multi-Year Rate Cut Environment
09/09/2024
Maximizing Real Estate Returns In A Multi-Year Rate Cut Environment
I speak to Ben Miller, CEO of about investing in real estate during a multi-year rate cut environment. With the Federal Reserve finally cutting rates in September 2024 after raising them in 2022, real estate should have a nice tailwind for a couple of years. Main Theme: Interest rates are the most significant driver of real estate prices, surpassing operational improvements. Apartments are likely to benefit the most by the end of 2025. Diversify Your Real Estate Investments If you're considering investing in private real estate, take a look at . They manage private real estate funds focused on the Sunbelt region, where valuations are lower, and yields are higher. Fundrise specializes in residential and industrial real estate, offering investors diversification and passive income potential. Currently, Fundrise manages over $3 billion for nearly 400,000 investors. I've personally invested over $270,000 with Fundrise, and they’ve been a proud sponsor of Financial Samurai for years. Related post: Join 65,000 others and subscribe to the free weekly financial Samurai newsletter .
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From Making $2 Million A Year To Quitting His Finance Job With Khe Hy
08/29/2024
From Making $2 Million A Year To Quitting His Finance Job With Khe Hy
I speak with Khe Hy, who spent 15 years on and became one of the youngest Managing Directors at BlackRock at just 31. He earned up to $2 million a year—then he quit! His journey mirrors mine in many ways, though he earned significantly more. I thought it would be fascinating to understand why he chose to walk away from such wealth. Could you give up $1-2 million a year in your mid-to-late 30s? I don't think I could. But then again, I sometimes forget just how miserable and unhealthy I felt working on Wall Street. He now spends time with his family, writing his and recording The → The RadReads email newsletter and blog http://radreads.co/join → The Examined Life Podcast https://pod.link/1692585605 If you enjoyed this conservationed, I'd love a share and a positive review. Every review counts! Special Promo: Get A Free Financial Checkup For those with over $250,000 in investable assets who want a free financial checkup, you can schedule an appointment with an (). If you complete your two video calls with the advisor before October 31, 2024, you'll receive a free $100 Visa gift card. With stock market volatility returning and a potential recession on the horizon, it’s wise to get a second opinion from a professional. Illuminate financial blindspots you don't know you have and better optimize your finances. The last thing you want is to be misallocated relative to your financial goals and risk tolerance. When you lose money, you ultimately lose precious time. Again, you can schedule your free financial consultation . If you do not see a link copy and paste this URL in your browser: The statement is provided to you by Financial Samurai (“Promoter”) who has entered into a written referral agreement with Empower Advisory Group, LLC (“EAG”). Click to learn more. Regards, Sam You can join 60,000+ others and subscribe to the free Financial Samurai newsletter . Financial Samurai began in 2009 with the goal of helping readers achieve financial freedom sooner, rather than later.
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How Much You Really Need to Invest to Break Free from Work And Change Your Life
08/15/2024
How Much You Really Need to Invest to Break Free from Work And Change Your Life
After 15 years of experimenting with and living an early retirement lifestyle, I've developed my Minimum Investment Threshold Formula to help determine when you can finally break free from a suboptimal job. Once you reach this threshold, you'll have the option to find a more fulfilling job that pays less, take a sabbatical, go back to school, stay at home to raise your children, or even retire Related post: Recommended Resources: Read to learn more about negotiating a severance package. When it's time to leave that dreadful job behind, try to negotiate a severance package instead of simply quitting. Since you planned to quit anyway, negotiating a severance only has upside. You could receive a severance check, subsidized healthcare, unvested stock and cash, job search assistance, and more. Plus, you'll likely be eligible for unemployment benefits, which aren't available to those who quit. To build wealth through real estate, check out . Thanks to 11 rate hikes since 2022, there are now more commercial real estate opportunities. With interest rates heading down, pent-up demand for real estate may be unleashed, potentially boosting prices in the future. Since real estate has lagged behind stocks since 2022, I expect its performance to catch up over time. To achieve financial freedom sooner, join 60,000+ others and sign up for my .
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A Man Is Not A Financial Plan: TradWives And Its Financial And Social Implications
08/08/2024
A Man Is Not A Financial Plan: TradWives And Its Financial And Social Implications
In this episode, I speak to , bestselling author of The Sicilian Inheritance, podcaster, and award-winning journalist. We discuss tradwives and its financial and social implications. Given that Financial Samurai is about achieving financial freedom sooner, being financially dependent on someone as an adult is the exact opposite of what I want for readers. A tradwife typically denotes a woman who believes in and practices traditional gender roles and marriages. Some may choose to take on a homemaking role within their marriage or leave their careers to focus on meeting their family's needs at home. According to Google Trends, online searches for the term "tradwife" began to rise in popularity around mid-2018 and reached high levels during the early 2020s. If you enjoyed this podcast episode, please rate, review, share and subscribe. It helps us grow. Related posts: To increase your chances of achieveing financial independence sooner, join 60,000+ others and subscribe to the .
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