Avsnitt
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If you invest consistently, reaching FIRE (financial independence, retire early) by your mid-40s is absolutely possible. These two financial-freedom-chasing twins are proof of it! Only in their 20s, both Andy and Oliver from Twin Finances have six-figure net worths, rental properties, and fully-loaded stock accounts! Conveniently, right after getting their first jobs, they found out about the FIRE movement, and have been quickly approaching their FIRE numbers ever since!
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
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For many of us, FI (financial independence) isn’t just about having the biggest bank account. Growing wealth is one thing, but getting rich isn’t the goal. Freedom, time with loved ones, and giving back to your community are. So, when he reached the millionaire mark and achieved Coast FI, Ryan Brennan knew it was time to leave his new director role and focus on something that fueled his FIRE in a non-financial way.
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
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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Most people assume the “safe withdrawal rate” for retirement (or early retirement) is 4%. But, if that’s the case, why is it SO hard to find anyone who’s gotten to their FIRE number, quit their job, and lived entirely off of the 4% rule? If the 4% rule is so safe and backed by solid math, why are so few FIRE followers confident enough to actually use it? We don’t know. So we asked Karsten, AKA “Big Ern,” from Early Retirement Now to help answer!
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
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No, Taxes Won’t Derail Your FIRE: Here’s What You’ll Really Pay in Retirement
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
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BiggerPockets’ CEO Scott Trench announces his decision to step down as CEO, and focus full-time efforts on personal finance content with BiggerPockets Money. We also welcome BiggerPockets’ new CEO, Ale Ayestaran.
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The Simple Path to Wealth is arguably the most influential book in the FIRE movement. JL Collins, its author, is revered among early retirees as one of the trailblazers for FIRE, showing that anyone, with the right investing consistency, can reach financial independence WITHOUT complicated investing strategies, risky alternative assets, or individual stock picking. This is THE simplest way to wealth, but does it still work in 2025?
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
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Email Mindy: [email protected]
Email Scott: [email protected]
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The Simple Path to Wealth (Revised & Expanded 2025 Edition)
How I Lost Money in Real Estate Before It Was Fashionable
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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
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Paying for college is one of the biggest financial hurdles families face—even as you’re chasing or approaching FIRE. What’s the smartest way to save for higher education while also securing your financial future? Scott, Mindy, and Amberly are breaking it all down on today’s episode!
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
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You CAN retire early in just ten years IF you save and invest enough. Fortunately, your retirement expenses may be less than you think. Chris Luger, from Heavy Metal Money, didn’t think about retiring early until a divorce made him take control of his finances. He realized that the path to early retirement was only ten years away, so he started saving—a lot. Chris managed to save and invest 70% of his income for seven years, and just last year, he pulled the trigger and retired!
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
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Email Mindy: [email protected]
Email Scott: [email protected]
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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
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Grab the Personal Finance Classic, “Rich Dad Poor Dad”
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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
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For decades, the 4% rule has been the calculation every FIRE chaser has used to determine when they can retire early—risk-free. The math is simple: have a portfolio big enough to withdraw 4% per year to fund your lifestyle. But there’s one BIG problem with the 4% rule that nobody is talking about—a problem that could force you to work longer, ruin your retirement lifestyle, and put your portfolio in jeopardy if you don’t plan carefully. Tyler Gardner, former portfolio manager and financial advisor, is back on the show to share why much of the FIRE community may be wrong about this “rule.”
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: [email protected]
Email Scott: [email protected]
BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group
Follow BiggerPockets Money on Instagram
“Like” BiggerPockets Money on Facebook
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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”
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(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
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What if you reached financial independence…before knowing what it was? That’s what happened to Chris Rusin. After discovering the FIRE movement and stumbling across Mindy and Carl’s blog, he realized he was already at his goal. Then, early retirement unlocked a new life full of wild adventures, creative rebirth, and deeper purpose!
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
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You’re part of the FIRE movement (financial independence, retire early) so you can quit your job, have complete time freedom, and truly enjoy your life. But what if early retirement isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be? What if you grind for years or decades, reach your FIRE number, quit your job, and realize… you’re bored? Your schedule is wide open, but what do you fill it with? You start asking yourself, “Did I pursue FIRE for financial freedom—or to escape something else entirely?”
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
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Fear that early retirement is out of the question because you have too much debt? It’s not game over. Whether you’re debt-free or still chipping away at your student loans, today’s guests are proof that FIRE is never too far out of reach—even if you’ve got half a million dollars in debt!
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
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Wealth and health are closely intertwined, especially here in the US, where the high cost of healthcare can put significant financial pressure on families. But is there a remedy to these exorbitant expenses that Americans are missing? Stay tuned and we’ll show you how to negotiate your medical bills—even if you’ve reached FIRE!
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
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Most people chasing FIRE (financial independence, retire early) are doing it all out of order, and it’s costing them years of financial freedom. So, we thought, “What’s the fastest way to achieve FIRE, and which steps would you take if you were starting from scratch?” Today, we’re bringing you a supercharged financial independence plan, sharing the exact financial order of operations that’ll take you from a $1,000 emergency fund to fully-fledged early retirement.
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
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We’re coming off one of the wildest weeks in stock market history. How are retirees reacting to these massive swings? How should you adjust your FIRE portfolio in case there are even more turbulent times ahead? We’re chatting with someone who’s in the loop!
Welcome back to the BiggerPockets Money podcast! Today, Emma von Weise, certified financial planner (CFP), returns to the show to give her perspective on the recent stock market volatility. She’ll share what her clients are doing and the course of action she recommends for those who are worried about their nest egg crumbling.
Times like these prove you need an investment plan. If you don’t already have one, Emma will show you how to create it. You’ll also learn how a few years of cash distributions can help you protect your investments and keep you from selling stocks at a loss. Are bonds actually a “safe haven” for investors? We’ll make sense of rising yields and, finally, share a tax strategy YOU can take advantage of during a stock market slide to trim your taxable income!
In This Episode We Cover
How to adjust your FIRE portfolio after recent stock market volatility
How cash distributions protect retirees from selling stocks low in a downturn
Why you need to create an investment plan today (if you don’t have one!)
How to balance “growth” and “safety” in your investment portfolio
Why bond yields have spiked after a huge sell-off (and whether you should buy)
Offsetting capital gains from stocks through tax-loss harvesting
And So Much More!
Links from the Show
Mindy on BiggerPockets
Scott on BiggerPockets
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Email Mindy: [email protected]
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Early retirement in your 50s is a dream for most Americans, but today’s guest is sharing how she could have retired in her 40s, a decade earlier, if she had avoided these FIRE “traps.” Yes, it IS possible to FIRE in your 40s even with much of your money in retirement accounts. “But I thought you couldn’t take out that money until you’re 59.5?” That’s where you’re wrong, and today, Diana Hummel is showing YOU how to withdraw from your retirement accounts even earlier.
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
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Is it possible to reach FIRE by 45, even on a teacher’s salary or an average income? Today’s guest is proving that, yes, you can retire early, regardless of your paycheck. It may be a little harder than it is for high-income earners, but with frugality, discipline, and smart investments, regular people can achieve FIRE!
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
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Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-629
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Tariffs are now on PAUSE! And just like that, the stock market is flying back up again. Is this a signal for us all to breathe a sigh of relief, or is more market volatility coming our way? It’s been a wild week so far, and it’s only Thursday! Just yesterday, President Trump paused new reciprocal tariffs on dozens of countries, with markets slingshotting back up as a response. So, are we doing anything different with our investments now that things are slightly more stable?
We’ve got Amberly, Mindy, and Scott (with a mustache!) on the show to discuss how these new tariff pauses have affected their investments, portfolio, and FIRE investing plans. Amberly, our Canadian of the group, brings a valuable view as someone who is directly seeing how US tariffs impacted her country. Will America remain the economic superpower we’ve long been, or will tariffed countries quickly form new alliances? Is that good for YOUR future investments?
What about interest rates? With more theories that President Trump is making these moves to lower rates, could your next mortgage get more affordable? Or, will lower rates plus tariffs trigger serious inflation—or potentially even deflation? This news brings a lot of “what ifs,” and if you’re confused, fret not; we’ll explain it in this bonus episode.
In This Episode We Cover
The new tariff pause and why markets sprung up (massively!) on Wednesday
How we’re investing (right now) during all this stock market hysteria
The long-term trade risks that affect all Americans after these recent tariff proposals
Will interest rates fall with this much volatility; could a new Fed chair force lower rates?
One major flaw with the “manufacturing boost” theory that comes with new tariffs
Incoming inflation AND deflation risks as prices rise but American budgets shrink
And So Much More!
Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-628
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The path to FIRE (financial independence, retire early) isn’t easy. You’re working a lot, saving a lot, all while seeing many of your friends out traveling, buying new cars and bigger homes, leaving you feeling isolated on the path to early retirement. But it doesn’t have to be that way. There are FIRE freaks, just like you, all over the country, and before you quit the path to FIRE and start spending to impress your friends, we have a crucial piece of advice: find your FIRE community!
Mindy and Carl just came back from the EconoMe Conference, a three-day celebration of those chasing financial independence and early retirement, where you can meet new FI friends and rediscover why you’re after FIRE in the first place. But you DON’T have to wait until next year to go to a FIRE event; we’re sharing exactly how to find your FIRE tribe today.
Attending these events was one of the—if not THE—single most impactful parts of Mindy and Carl’s journey to early retirement as they often unlock new FIRE strategies you didn’t know were possible, allow you to grind side-by-side with FIRE-minded people just like you, and give you a sense of strong community that’s behind you EVERY step of the way, even during life after FIRE!
Do NOT skip out on this, or you could risk your FIRE!
In This Episode We Cover
The #1 way to stay motivated while on the path to financial freedom
The best big and small FIRE events to attend this year and next
What to do if you’re introverted and struggle at live events with many people
How to find your local FI meetup so you can make new FI friends
Want to meet Mindy and Carl in person? We’re sharing how you can!
And So Much More!
Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-627
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There’s no arguing that real estate and stocks are the two most proven ways to build wealth, but which one comes out on top in a race to FIRE? Stay tuned as we put these investment vehicles to the test and show you the fastest path to early retirement!
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
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