Did you know you can use your 401(k) to retire early? Yep, it’s possible. And today’s guest, Eric Cooper, is doing it atage 47! Most FIRE chasers search for how to withdraw from a 401(k) early but know that doing so will hit them with substantial penalties. The best way around this? The 72(t) rule—which is precisely what Eric has been taking advantage of. Eric uses the 72(t) rule’s “substantially equal periodic payments” to take early withdrawals from his 401(k) of $30K per year, starting at age 47. But how does it work? Eric comes on the show to describe exactly how this early withdrawal rule works, how much you can take out, the regulations to follow so you avoid penalties, and why early retirement may be much closer than you think. But this isn’t the only early retirement income Eric has got. We’ll review his substantial real estate portfolio and detail Eric's almostunbelievable tax savings from combining tax-advantaged rental properties with rule 72(t). Plus, Eric shares how he built a multimillion-dollar nest egg by his mid-forties and why those starting young on the path to early retirement can repeat his strategy to be much richer in retirement. Do you have money sitting in retirement accounts that you’re ready to use? The 72(t) rule might be just what you need. In This Episode We Cover How to access retirement funds early with the often overlooked 72(t) rule Escaping the “middle-class trap” that stops you from retiring on your terms Avoiding 401(k) penalties and using retirement accounts to actually retire early  The rules and regulations you MUST follow to withdraw penalty-free  How Eric amassed such a massive retirement account balance (and how you can, too) Early retirement healthcare and how to lower your taxable income to greatly reduce premium costs And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group Network with Other Investors on The Path to FIRE Through the BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott on BiggerPockets Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area Find Investor-Friendly Lenders BiggerPockets Money Group How to Access Retirement Funds Early 72(t) Calculator  See Mindy and Scott at BPCON2024 in Cancun! How the “Middle-Class Trap” Stops Your Early Retirement 00:00 intro 01:14 What is Rule 72(t)? 05:30 Avoiding Early Withdrawal Penalties 11:12 Building a BIG Nest Egg 17:14 Retiring Early at 47! 18:00 Different Investment Accounts 21:41 Why Withdraw Early? 24:52 Rental Income and Healthcare 30:44 Selling the Rentals? 32:54 Calculating Your 72(t) Income 38:40 Advice for Early Retirement 41:18 Connect with Eric! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-560 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

What if you could “retire” early, working only FOUR hours a week? Coast FIRE achiever Diania Merriam did just that! After a decade of hustle in corporate America, Diania found herself financially behind with $30,000 in debt. Dreaming of a life-changing adventure but lacking the funds, she decided to overhaul her finances. Fast forward, and now in her mid-thirties, she’s debt-free, successfully self-employed (or, as she puts it, happily “unemployed”), living life on her terms. So, how did Diania save enough to walk away from her nine-to-five? The answer might surprise you. She didn’t need millions in the bank, and neither do YOU, to embrace early retirement. Diania asks, “Do you have enough to take a risk?” If you do, you could live the Coast FIRE lifestyle, just like her, working minimal hours and maximizing time freedom. Ready to slash your workweek and dive into what you love? Stick around—by following Diania’s example, early retirement could be within your reach, EVEN if you’re just getting started on your FIRE journey! In This Episode We Cover Why you must be financially prepared to quit a soul-sucking job  Achieving Coast FIRE without millions in the bank and how to be happy living off of little Why self-employed health insurance isn’t as big of an expense as most people think Burning out before you hit FIRE and why being hyper-fixated on a financial goal could kill your drive How starting your own business can save you a ton on taxes How to “retire” early without replacing your full-time salary  And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group Network with Other Investors on The Path to FIRE Through the BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott on BiggerPockets Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area Find Investor-Friendly Lenders BiggerPockets Money Group Let Us Know What You Thought of the Show! Grab Dave’s Newest Book “Start with Strategy” See Mindy at BPCON2024 in Cancun! Coast FI: The Calculated Way to Retire Early WITHOUT Giving Up What You Love 00:00 Intro 01:03 $30K in Debt! 03:22 Quitting Her "Toxic" Job 09:23 What About Health 12:02 How Much She Makes 20:53 You Have ENOUGH Money! 25:24 Connect with Diania! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-559 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

Todd retired early at age forty-four, just three years after discovering the FIRE movement. The most interesting part? He quit without reaching his FIRE number. That’s right. After realizing he couldn’t go one more day working his job, he quit, even without the perfect amount of money on the sidelines. Did he survive in the FIRE life, or did he eventually have to return to work to rebuild his portfolio? Stick around and find out! Although Todd made a good income, he spent most of it on his lifestyle. As his family’s sole provider, every expense took away from his income, leaving him with a respectable but by no means large savings rate. One day, as Todd surfed the internet at work, he stumbled upon a financial independence blog post, and the rest was history! He chased FIRE ruthlessly for three years and eventually was able to retire on his terms. If you’re looking to retire in your forties, quit your job, find financial freedom, or finally grow your savings, tune in for Todd’s advice. Even if you don’t have a high income, you can follow his cost-cutting, “boring” investing advice to achieve financial independence faster than you thought possible! In This Episode We Cover The “boring” investments that lead you to financial independence and early retirement Coming up with your FIRE number and whether the 4% rule still works Getting richer in retirement and how to build wealth WITHOUT working How cutting your expenses will fast-track your path to early retirement Quitting your job and why you MUST prepare for life in retirement BEFORE you walk away from your salary And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group Network with Other Investors on The Path to FIRE Through the BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott on BiggePockets Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area Find Investor-Friendly Lenders Property Manager Finder Apply to Be a Finance Friday Guest Subscribe to The BiggerPockets Money YouTube Channel  Apply to Be a BiggerPockets Money Guest Apply to Be a Finance Review Guest Email mindy@biggerpockets.com for the 4% Rule Article or Todd’s Contact Information See Mindy at BPCON2024 in Cancun! How to Retire Early (From Someone Who Did at Age 27) 00:00 Intro 01:09 Finding the FIRE Movement 03:24 Getting His Wife on Board 04:38 His FIRE Number  05:32 FIRE Movement Myths  07:37 Getting Richer in Retirement  11:55 Quitting His Job! 13:14 Prepare for Post-FI! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-551 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

You want to retire, but you’ve got credit debt, auto loans, and student loans. It feels like every time you get your paycheck, it quickly slips away, and at the end of every month, you’re left in the same position, or worse, than thirty days prior. What’s happening, and why is it SO hard to get out of debt? And will you EVER be able to retire if you keep living this way? Seth Godwin was fired from his job while holding $30,000 in credit card debt. He had no way to pay it off, but somehow, over the next two years, he was able to become debt-free, increase his credit score by hundreds of points, and become one of the internet’s leading financial influencers. After crawling out of debt, Seth began working at a financial institution, looking at car loans, realizing how many people, like him, had been scammed into throwing tens of thousands of dollars away. Now, on the other side of the financial spectrum, Seth is financially flourishing with a steady stream of income, stable investments, and twenty-seven (!) credit cards—but he’s still debt-free! In this episode, Seth will show you EXACTLY how car salespeople are scamming you, how to escape credit card debt confidently, what to do now that student loans are resuming, and why you SHOULDN’T trade in your old car. In This Episode We Cover The common auto loan scams that trick you into spending FAR more than you should Why you should NEVER trade in a “negative equity” car to upgrade The best car makes to buy (and two that rarely break down) How to crawl yourself out of credit card debt and come out with a 700/800 credit score How much money Seth makes on TikTok every month (it’s WILD!) Student loan resumption and whether college is worth the increase in salary And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Scott's Instagram Mindy on BiggerPockets Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Money Moment Is College Worth It (Part1) Is College Worth It (Part 2) Liz Frugalwoods Tinian Crawford Side Hustle Resources: Side Hustle Nation Budgets Are Sexy Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-461   Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email us: moneymoment@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Will the housing market crash? If you’re like most Americans, the economy is starting to feel a bit unsettling. But, with so many homeowners locked into low mortgage rates or owning their homes outright, is there even a possibility of a housing crash, regardless of whether a recession does happen? The answer isn’t as straightforward as most people think, and if you don’t know the facts, you could get caught off guard. Mindy and Scott are back to answer YOUR money questions. This time, we’re taking questions from our Facebook Group, and MANY have to do with mortgage rates, home sales, and a potential crash. First, we answer what could cause a housing market crash in the near future. Then, a listener asks whether or not they should sell their home to pay off credit card debt. An investor wants to know if paying off their mortgage early beats the stock market, and a divorcee seeks to sell her home because of “bad juju.” The problem? She’s got a killer mortgage rate. Finally, we’ll debate stocks vs. real estate as the best path to FIRE! Got a money question you want to ask Mindy and Scott? Head over to the BiggerPockets Money Facebook group, or click here to submit your question on our next Q&A episode! In This Episode We Cover Could the housing market crash? And if so, which areas will be most affected? Crazy credit card debt and whether selling your home is worth being debt-free Should you stay in a house you hate just because you have a low rate? When leaving your business to go back to a W2 makes sense Paying off your mortgage early vs. investing in stocks when rates are sky-high The fastest path to financial freedom and whether stocks vs. real estate gets you there sooner And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Scott's Instagram Mindy on BiggerPockets Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Money Moment Money and Relationships: How to Have “The Talk” Before It’s Too Late w/Vivian Tu Seriously—Why Hasn’t the Housing Market Crashed Yet? Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Early or Invest? I Will Teach You To Be Rich Episode 80 Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-460   Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email us: moneymoment@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marriage and money are known for mixing like oil and water, but a little financial knowledge will allow you to navigate these sensitive issues with confidence. Today’s guest is an expert on this front and is here to equip you with some future-saving finance tips! Welcome back to the BiggerPockets Money podcast! In this episode, we’re joined by Tracy Coenen, a forensic accountant who specializes in unearthing money shenanigans in marriages. On most days, Tracy works closely with spouses who suspect financial infidelity or that their partner is making financial arrangements in preparation for a divorce. This is a vulnerable position for any partner to be in, but with Tracy in their corner, they can better handle their finances and weather the storm. Whether you’re single, preparing for marriage, or filing for divorce, this episode is loaded with all kinds of personal finance tips that will help you protect your financial future. Tracy shares why it’s critical for all couples to draft up prenuptial agreements before getting married, the biggest warning signs of financial infidelity in a partner, and when you might need to hire a forensic accountant to assist with your marital money problems. Stay tuned until the very end to hear about some of the wildest cases Tracy has worked on over the years! In This Episode We Cover Common marriage and money-related stressors that contribute to divorce When to hire a forensic accountant for your marital money issues The biggest warning signs of financial infidelity or divorce planning Why you and your partner NEED a prenuptial agreement before getting married Keeping legal costs under control during the divorce process How a couple’s finances and assets are typically divided in a divorce And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Scott's Instagram Mindy on BiggerPockets Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Money Moment What Out for These Financial Infidelity “Red Flags” in Your Marriage w/ Tracy Coenen Why You’re (Probably) Wrong About Prenups w/ Aaron Thomas Money and Relationships: How to Have “The Talk” Before It’s Too Late w/ Vivian Tu Getting Financially “Naked” with Your Significant Other w/ Erin Lowry Connect with Tracy and Get $100 Off Your Divorce Money Guide Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-459   Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email us: moneymoment@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if one part-time side hustle could replace your entire income? Even better, what if you could keep your full-time job and spend a few hours a week making thousands extra a month, raking in cash, and reaching financial freedomfaster? If you’re today’s guest, Ryan, then this is the situation you find yourself in. Don’t know which super lucrative side hustle we’re talking about? Stick around because you may have never thought of it before. Ryan works full-time as a registered nurse in one of the most expensive areas of the country, Northern California. He’s made some ingenious money moves that allowed him to quadruple his income in just four years and live close to free every month in his own house. But, with a baby on the way, Ryan’s lucrative house hacking lifestyle may be coming to a close, and he’s debating what to do next. Should he pay off student loans, buy another home for his new family, stay in his current property, or expand his successful side hustle? The good thing is that any of these moves could make Ryan richer, but he’ll be strapped for time with a sixty-hour-per-week working schedule and a newborn requiring constant attention. So, what’s the best money move to make for his future family? And should he go all-in on this wild side hustle that could make him even more than his job? In This Episode We Cover Ryan’s unbelievably profitable side hustle that almost anyone can start NOW House hacking 101 and how to live-mortgage free every month When paying off debt DOESN’T make sense (and what you should do with the money instead) Investing in real estate vs. your side hustle and why mortgage rates have changed the game Buying businesses from retiring baby boomers and the HUGE opportunities out there How Ryan quadrupled his salary in just four years (without burning out!) And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Scott's Instagram Mindy on BiggerPockets Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Money Moment Alex Hormozi on The “Weak Links” That Will Make Anyone a Millionaire Leila and Alex Hormozi’s Unbelievably Simple Investing Advice Codie Sanchez: These “Boring Businesses” Will Make You Rich How to Make Extra Money in 2023: 21 Ideas for Part-Time Gigs & Side Hustles Passive Income, Aggressive Retirement Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-458   Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email us: moneymoment@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vivian Tu, AKA “Your Rich BFF,” is the internet’s expert on money and personal finance. She was doing schoolyard trades before she worked on Wall Street, and now, as the host of Networth and Chill, she talks about the much more profound aspects of finances. Stuff like love, marriage, happiness, and when to ditch another date with someone who could put you in financial ruin. Americans tend to think with their hearts and less with their heads when finding love. The problem with that logic? Money is usually the single-largest reason for divorce, so if your partner doesn’t have their money right, your relationship could be rocky. So, how do you know from the jump if someone is financially savvy enough to build your life with? And, if you already have a partner, what do you do if they’re not in the financial spot you need them to be in? In this episode, Vivian walks through the financial red flags you should look for on a first date, questions to ask to see how a potential partner is doing financially, the BIGGEST money mistake in relationships, and how to start financial planning together so you can live a happier, healthier, and wealthier life. In This Episode We Cover The biggest money mistake that most couples make (and how to fix it NOW) Money questions to ask on a first date (they won’t know you’re asking about money...) The mandatory “money date” that Vivian and her partner regularly have Make a change or break up? What to do when your partner isn’t on the same financial path as you Financial planning as a couple and accomplishing your biggest financial goals together And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Mindy on BiggerPockets Amanda's Instagram Amanda's Website Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Money Moment 16 Money Skills They Didn’t Teach You in High School Divorce: The Biggest Marriage and Money Mistakes to Avoid Smart Money Mamas’ Emergency Binder Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-457   Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email us: moneymoment@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many real estate syndications are facing absolute failure in 2023. But, even if you aren’t investing in any, this could be a learning experience like no other to help you build your wealth in the future. If you’ve never heard of a real estate syndication before, here’s a quick summary: a real estate syndication is where an “operator” raises money from a group of investors to buy a large commercial property, often an apartment complex, self-storage facility, or housing community. Over the past ten years, these investments have boasted massive profits, but everything is about to change. Real estate syndications face obstacles like they never have before. Rising interest rates and vacancies, a backlog of evictions, plummeting prices, and inexperienced operators who have NEVER been in a down market. These failed deals could lead to opportunities for you to invest at a massive margin, but how do you know which deal is worth putting money into? J Scott, world-famous investor, flipper, syndicator, and author, is on the show to explain exactly what to look for in a syndication, whether investing now is the right move to make, and what to know before investing in a syndication. The right syndication can make you hundreds of thousands in a completely hands-off, passive investment. The wrong syndication can tank your entire net worth. How do you know which is which? Tune in!   In This Episode We Cover Syndication investing explained and whether putting money into this “passive” investment is worth it The commercial real estate crash and why property values are plummeting Massive economic headwinds syndicators face in 2023 and why many won’t survive The danger of “floating rates” and why many syndicators could be forced to sell Accredited vs. non-accredited investors and who should consider syndication investing The most critical question you should ask ANY syndicator   And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Scott's Instagram Mindy on BiggerPockets Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Money Moment Grab the Best-Selling Real Estate Books by J Scott Syndications: Everything You Need to Know BEFORE You Invest The Biggest Crash Imaginable is Coming For Commercial Assets REITs: How to Make Real Estate Money WITHOUT Owning Rentals w/Jussi Askola  Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-456   Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email us: moneymoment@biggerpockets.com   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Want passive income? Well, DON’T invest in rental properties. Buy REITs (real estate investment trusts) instead. Yes, you read that right. Although rental properties are a phenomenal way to build wealth and cash flow and pay fewer taxes on your income, they aren’t the most “passive” type of investment around. Between the 2 AM tenant phone calls, leaky toilets, evictions, and common headaches of owning a house, rental properties might not be worth the extra incomefor most Americans. But REITs probably are. REITs are traded on the stock market just like your favorite index fund. The difference between REITs and traditional stocks? REITs let you buy a share in a large landlord company, which passes their income down to you via dividends and often an appreciating share price. And now, as many commercial real estate values are dumping, top REITs could be selling at a HUGE discount. So, how do you start investing in them? We brought Jussi Askola on to help. Jussi runs Leonberg Capital, where he consults with some of the largest REITs in the world. He also writes the “High Yield Landlord” newsletter for Seeking Alpha and is arguably the world’s most up-to-date REIT expert. In today’s episode, Jussi gives you a top-to-bottom breakdown of REIT investing, who should (and shouldn’t) invest in them, how to know whether one is worth buying, and why rentals PALE in comparison to the passive income REITs provide. In This Episode We Cover REITs vs. rental properties and why one beats the other on profit and passive income potential How to make TRULY passive income by investing in REITs today Private vs. public REITs and which are safer, easier to exit, and provide better returns  The MASSIVE REIT discount in today’s stock market and which companies are worth investing in REIT industries to avoid in 2023 that may continue to see their prices drop And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Connect with Scott on BiggerPockets Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Money Moment Passive Income (Without the Properties!) by Investing in REITs w/Matt Argersinger What Are REITs And How Can You Invest In Them? Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-455   Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email us: moneymoment@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tyler and Jenna need to know how to retire in ten years or less so they can spend less time working and more time with their family. The problem? They’re spending more than $10,000 monthly in expenses, and even with a high salary, that hurts their bottom line. But, a bigger problem to take care of is the six-figure savings sitting in their bank account, not bringing them any closer to becoming financially free. So, what should they do next? Today, Mindy is joined by her husband, Carl, as these lucrative lovebirds advise a young couple who just had their first child and are looking to speed up their early retirement timeline. Tyler works in finance, taking home a stable income, and Jenna runs her own business that’s still expanding. They want to increase their incomes, invest more, and move closer to early retirement, so where do they start? With three FI-friendly investment options—index funds, short-term rentals, and syndications—Tyler and Jenna can use any (or all) of these to multiply their wealth. But, one of these options poses a substantially bigger risk than they may think, and Mindy and Carl feel that they MUST warn this couple about it before they pull the trigger. If you dream of hitting FI in a decade or less, this episode can help you get there! In This Episode We Cover How to hit financial independence in ten years or less (and what to invest in) Tracking your expenses and categories you may want to cut out of your budget Syndication investing 101 and why now may NOT be the time to invest in passive deals Private money lending and becoming the bank for active real estate investors Buying a short-term rental and how to ensure it’ll actually turn a profit Index funds for early retirees and the easiest way to make your money grow  And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Mindy on BiggerPockets Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Money Moment The Best Alternative Investment No One Knows About Syndications: Everything You Need to Know BEFORE You Invest Making $2,000/Month with Etsy Printables Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-454   Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email us: moneymoment@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Financial trauma is an extremely common roadblock on the journey to financial freedom. In fact, most people deal with this issue on some level, even if they aren’t aware of it. Whether your trauma patterns stem from your parents’relationship with money or an instance of financial abuse, know that there’s light at the end of the tunnel! Welcome back to the BiggerPockets Money podcast! Today’s guest is Shannah Game—author, entrepreneur, certified financial planner (CFP), and host of the Everyone’s Talkin’ Money show. Shannah would be the first to tell you that her relationship with money has been far from perfect. Having grown up in a family where money decisions were always heavily scrutinized, Shannah has worked hard to not only address her own deep-rooted money trauma but also help others overcome similar traumatic patterns in their lives. If your negative experiences with money are preventing you from achieving your financial goals, tune in as Shannah shares her expertise on an issue that is sorely overlooked today. In this episode, you’ll learn how to name and work through your unique money trauma, avoid your biggest money triggers, and get back on the straight and narrow toward financial freedom. You’ll also learn the most common signs of trauma to look for, as well as practical exercises you can use to get your financial fear under control! In This Episode We Cover The most common signs of money trauma to look for in your own life How financial trauma is passed down through multiple generations Two questions you MUST ask to uncover the root cause of money trauma Working through money trauma patterns to reach your financial goals Exercises to practice when experiencing a traumatic money-related event Why you NEED to talk about finances with close friends and family members And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Scott's Instagram Mindy on BiggerPockets Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Money Moment How to Use Your Financial Fear to Build Wealth Better w/Farnoosh Torabi Breaking the Taboo of Talking About Money with Friends, Family, and Bosses w/Erin Lowry Download Shannah’s FREE Guide, “10 Money Questions to Ask Yourself Right Now” Tune in to the “Everyone’s Talkin’ Money” podcast Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-453   Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email us: moneymoment@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’re new to personal finance, investment accounts can seem complicated. The terms, the lingo—HSA, Roth, IRA, 401(k)—these may seem like letters in an arbitrary order, but using these retirement and investment accounts can help you reach financial freedom faster, pay WAY less in taxes, and maximize your money even while you’re asleep. So, how do you get started? Tune in; we’ll show you how! Joining us is early-retired CFP (Certified Financial Planner) Kyle Mast to walk through each retirement, investment, and savings account you MUST have on your road to FIRE. In today’s episode, we’ll touch on the common accounts you’ve heard of, like the 401(k) and IRA, as well as some lesser-known investing and savings accounts that can help your money grow faster than you thought possible. And whether you’re just starting your retirement journey in your 40s, 50s, or 60s, or you’re a twinkly-eyed twenty-something-year-old ready for compound interest to run its course, you’ll get EVERYTHING you need to know about investing and retirement accounts from this episode. In This Episode We Cover Retirement accounts explained and how to lower your taxes with 401(k)s and Traditional IRAs The “triple-tax benefit” account that most Americans don’t even know exists How to turn taxable income into tax-free charitable contributions in retirement The savings account that will pay you solid interest JUST to park your money  What to do if you’re a high-income earner and don’t qualify for tax-advantaged accounts Highly-advantaged niche retirement accounts like the 401a and 457(b) that you might have access to And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Mindy on BiggerPockets Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Money Moment From “Bad with Money” to Intentional Saving and Spending with Jamila Souffrant Starting From $0 at Age 35 as a Teacher and Becoming ‘The Millionaire Educator’ Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-452   Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email us: moneymoment@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wouldn’t it be nice if your home paid for itself? Every month, you throw a substantial sum of money towards your rent or mortgage payment, but what if you could live mortgage-free? With ADU investments, it’s more than possible. Michael Russell used an ADU (accessory dwelling unit) to make an extra $1,400/month off of his pricey California home. Combined with a bit of house hacking, Michael was getting PAID to live in one of the nation’s most expensive states. And he did it all on an average salary! So, how do YOU use ADUs to lower your cost of living and turn your home into a cash-flowing investment? Today, Michael walks us through exactly how he did it, how much it cost, how long it took, and how much money he ended up making. With high interest rates, will the ADU investing strategy still work in today’s market? How hard is it to build an ADU? And what’s the one mistake Michael wishes he hadn’t made before he built his ADU? We’re answering all these questions in this episode and showing you how to slash your mortgage payment, even if you live in a costly housing market! In This Episode We Cover ADU investing explained and how much it costs to build an accessory dwelling unit Why more local and state governments WANT homeowners to build ADUs How to get paid to live (even in a high-cost-of-living area) with ADUs and house hacking The one mistake that cost Michael months of time (and rent) that you can’t afford to repeat Finding homes with ADU potential and the investor-friendly agent you NEED to spot these opportunities And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group Network with Other Investors on The Path to FIRE Through the BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott on BiggePockets Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area Find Investor-Friendly Lenders Property Manager Finder Work with Michael BiggerPockets Real Estate 356 - 30+ Rentals (in a Pricy Market) Through BRRRR and Section 8 with Joe Asamoah BiggerPockets Real Estate 575 - Killer Cash Flow with This “Tenant-First” Section 8 Rental Strategy w/Joe Asamoah BiggerPockets Money 37 - Paying Off Student Loan Debt with a Median Income and Two Kids in Northern California with Kyle Renke 00:00 Intro 01:19 Money Snapshot 04:17 Home Run House Hack  06:01 Smart Money Moves Early On 10:47 Surviving on $36K/Year  12:40 Building the ADU 22:12 How Long Did it Take? 24:55 ADU Investing with High Rates  33:37 Starting ADU Side Hustles 37:40 The Right Type of Agent  45:58 Connect with Michael!  46:59 The Housing Solution? Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-550 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

This “financial order of operations” could be your ticket to financial freedom. If most Americans followed these steps, they would find themselves debt-free, with full retirement accounts, passive income, and “wealth-accelerating” investments that only top-income earners can access. But you don’t need to make hundreds of thousands of dollars a year to follow this “Stairway to Wealth”; you just need to follow these steps! Andrew Giancola from The Personal Finance Podcast built the “Stairway to Wealth” after realizing that the common wealth-building plans, like Dave Ramsey’s “Baby Steps,” wouldn’t fit most people’s lifestyles. Instead, Andrew worked to develop a system that almost anyone could use, one that was tailored to TODAY’s financial environment and gave people more of a choice when it came to their investments. Following this nine-step plan, you can go from low cash and high debt to debt-free, financially safe and secure, and invested for your future. Whether you’re starting on step one or step nine, this type of financial framework can make financial independence and early retirement MUCH easier. In This Episode We Cover The “Stairway to Wealth” financial order of operations ANYONE can use to build wealth  Emergency reserves and why the “$1,000 standard" amount ISN’T enough Roth IRAs, 401(k)s, and which retirement accounts to invest in Paying off debt and which interest rate is worth tackling first The “wealth accelerators” that boast massive returns but with higher risk The “super retirement account” that most Americans don’t know about And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Scott's Instagram Mindy on BiggerPockets Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Money Moment Learn from Other Real Estate Investors on the BiggerPockets Forums Start Your Real Estate Investing Journey with the “BiggerPockets Real Estate” Podcast Are Dave Ramsey’s 7 Baby Steps Overrated Master Money The Personal Finance Podcast The “Stairway to Wealth” Andrew on BiggerPockets Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The fear of Job loss has become real for most Americans. And if you’re falling into the “middle-class trap,” a sudden loss of income could be even more severe. After the recent tech layoffs of 2022 and 2023, businesses outside of the Silicon Valley bubble are starting to feel the effects of higher interest rates and lower consumer spending. But what happens if YOU’RE the one who’s getting laid off? Will you be able to pay the bills? How much of a severance package can you expect? And what moves should you make NOW to get ahead? Mindy and Scott are taking questions directly from listeners to put YOU in the best financial position possible. On this show, you’ll learn what to do AS SOON as you hear about layoffs in your company, how much you could get paid for severance, and why you CAN NOT rely on unemployment for everything. Next, we hear from a high-income earner who can’t get out of debt and is stuck in the “middle-class trap.” For those with too much cash on their hands, Mindy and Scott get into investing in syndications, plus what to do if your house bills are slowly eating you alive. Got a money question you want to ask Mindy and Scott? Head over to the BiggerPockets Money Facebook group, or click here to submit your question on our next Q&A episode! In This Episode We Cover What to do if you get laid off and how to start making income ASAP Severance packages and questions you NEED to ask your employer if you lose your job The “middle class trap” that high-income earners get stuck in Syndication investing 101 and when to RUN away from a potential investment What to do if you’ve "bought too much house” and payments are putting pressure on your finances Unemployment income and why you CAN’T rely on it to pay for your life Why EVERYONE needs a side hustle to survive (yes, even YOU!) And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Scott's Instagram Mindy on BiggerPockets Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Money Moment Syndications: Everything You Need to Know BEFORE You Invest Want More Syndication Info? Email Scott Check Out Mindy’s ENTIRE 2022 Budget Surviving a Layoff: What HR Wants You to Know Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-450   Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email us: moneymoment@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People spend much of their lives grinding to Coast FI, but the truth is that you’re only ever one big financial swing from achieving your FI goals much faster. Despite starting out with very little, today’s guest was able to break the cycle and reach her Coast FI goal in just four years. In this episode, she shares the blueprint for her “overnight” success! Welcome back to the BiggerPockets Money podcast! Today, we’re speaking with finance guru and real estate investorAmberly Grant. Amberly didn’t come from wealth. Growing up, her family never owned a home or had enough money to afford simple repairs. But, at fifteen, she discovered the book The Wealthy Barber, which ignited her love for finance. After several failed business ventures and a late start to college, Amberly discovered the power of real estate investingin 2019. House hacking covered her mortgage each month, and keeping her expenses down allowed her to save most of her income and buy more properties. In this episode, Amberly demonstrates just how quickly things can swing in your favor with a little financial knowledgeand hard work. Comfortably Coast FI, Amberly now works from home, manages her real estate portfolio on the side, and spearheads FinTalks—a segment of the FIRE community that discusses important finance topics each week. Tune in to learn how she doubled her W2 income, saved eighty thousand dollars in one year, and made her husband wife-FI! In This Episode We Cover How to fast-track your journey to financial independence Reaching Coast FI in as little as four years with real estate Eliminating your mortgage payment through the power of house hacking Increasing your income through W2 raises and HUGE property cash flow Reducing your monthly expenses and supercharging your savings And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott on BiggerPockets Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Money Moment How This Teacher Squashed $20K in Credit Card Debt and Hit Coast FI by 32 w/Yanely Espinal Join the FinTalks Community Today Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-449   Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email us: moneymoment@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Want to know how to invest $10K, $25K, $50K, or even $100K? The average American household has $41,600 saved. While that’s a decent chunk of cash, it’s not working very hard for you by sitting in a savings account, is it? Fortunately, there are all types of ways to invest that money and grow your nest egg much faster! Welcome back to the BiggerPockets Money podcast! In this “sequel” to our $100-$5,000 episode, we’re looking at ways to invest a much larger amount of money—$10,000-$100,000. Scott and Mindy are joined by guest hosts Kyle Mast and James Dainard, who share their own expertise on where to allocate your capital. Even with the diverse perspectives, all of our hosts agree: don’t just sink your money into your primary residence or fancy car and call yourself a millionaire! The moves you make today could determine your financial future. Stay tuned as our hosts offer active and passive investing ideas to consider, depending on your risk tolerance. You’ll also learn how to get one-hundred percent financing for real estate deals, ways to build (or buy!) a profitable business, and essential tax planning tips at various income levels! In This Episode We Cover The best ways to invest with $10,000, $25,000, $50,000, or $100,000 Active and passive investment opportunities at every level How to build a nest egg that allows you to live off passive income in retirement Getting one-hundred percent financing for a house flip through hard money and private money How to start and build a profitable business with zero startup costs Strategic tax planning tips to consider at different income levels  And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Mindy on BiggerPockets Kyle’s Website Clarity Financial Kyle’s Twitter James on BiggerPockets James's Website Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Money Moment The Beginner’s Guide to Investing (Start with Just $100!) Codie Sanchez: These “Boring Businesses” Will Make You Rich How to Build Yourself a 6-Figure Income Stream Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-448   Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email us: moneymoment@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Financial fear is… a good thing!? Fear is an uncomfortable feeling we often try to ignore or suppress. But what if, like other emotions, it exists for a specific purpose? What if following it could help you avoid deathly decisions? Today’s guest is here to set the record straight on this very basic yet misunderstood human emotion we call fear. Welcome back to the BiggerPockets Money podcast! In this episode, we’re speaking with leading personal finance expert and host of the So Money podcast, Farnoosh Torabi. Ahead of the release of her new book, A Healthy State of Panic, we discuss the emotion at its center—one that is so often intertwined with money: fear. There are all kinds of financial fears that cripple people today—the fear of a stock market crash, of losing their job in a recession, or of running out of money in retirement. Farnoosh is here to tell you that fear isn’t a bad thing. In fact, it’s often the catalyst for a brighter financial future. If you struggle with a particular money-related fear, guess what? You’re in good company! We all deal with fear on some level—especially when our finances are involved. Tune in to hear Farnoosh talk about the nine most common“flavors” of fear that people face. She also discusses practical ways to leverage fear and gain wisdom in return. Finally, she talks about how working through fear can help you practice gratitude in your life! In This Episode We Cover Leveraging the fear in your life to glean new financial wisdom The nine most common “flavors” of financial fear that hold people back The importance of education in helping you process your financial fears Confronting fear today to prevent financial loss in the future How to live “fearlessly” with a healthy amount of fear in your life Using fear to practice gratitude for what you have And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Scott's Instagram Mindy on BiggerPockets Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Money Moment Scott Trench’s Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your Perfect, 1-Page Investment Plan Grab Your Copy of Farnoosh’s Latest Book, “A Healthy State of Panic” “So Money” Podcast Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-447   Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email us: moneymoment@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The FIRE community is notorious for chasing early retirement at all costs. Many search for creative ways to earn more money and spend less of it, only to end up hating the journey. If you’ve ever felt burnt out or discouraged on the road to FIRE, you’re in for a real treat with today’s episode! Welcome back to the BiggerPockets Money podcast! Today, we’re joined by Mark Trautman from Mark’s Money Mind. Early on, Mark decided that he was going to live life on his own terms. So, he and his wife worked their way out of debt and adopted the motto, “Make some, save and invest, and live on the rest.” After maximizing their 401(k) contributions, investing their money in other retirement accounts, and diligently saving each month, Mark and his wife were able to retire by the time he reached age fifty. We wish Mark’s story ended there. A few years later, however, his life was turned upside down after the death of his wife. While grieving the loss, Mark needed to adjust how he used his nest egg going forward. By implementing smart Roth conversion strategies and opening a “fun bucket” account, Mark was able to not only minimize his tax liabilitybut also find new ways to enjoy retirement. Stick around for a true masterclass on how to relish the journey to FIRE! In This Episode We Cover How to enjoy the journey toward financial independence and early retirement The financial implications you face after the death of a spouse Reducing your lifetime tax liability with Roth conversion strategies The “fun bucket” strategy you NEED to implement in retirement How to start teaching financial independence to your children TODAY And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Scott's Instagram Mindy on BiggerPockets Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Money Moment Backdoor Roths, Mega Backdoor Roths, and Roth Conversion Ladders Take Mark’s FREE 7-Week Financial Literacy Course Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-446   Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email us: moneymoment@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Travel hacking allows you to see the world for less than you spend at home. That’s right. If you took your rent or mortgage payment in the US and traded it for traveling abroad, you could live off far less money and do far more than you do back in the States. But you’ll need to know how to work the system before you take off on your flight, or else you might come home happy and full but broke. Matthew Kepnes, better known online as Nomadic Matt, made travel his full-time job, documenting how much he spent, saved, and enjoyed along the way. Matt has spent more time outside the US than most Americans will in their lives—and he has some secrets to share. Matt goes over EXACTLY how to start travel hacking, from credit cards to cheap activities, hostels, hotels, and horror stories you should try to avoid. Matt also shares why so many Americans spend WAY too much money when they’re abroad and what you can do tomake your trip last FAR longer IF you follow a few essential tips. So, if you want to finally take the year off and wander around Europe, Southeast Asia, or Central America but don’t think you have the funds to do so, Matt is here to prove you wrong. In This Episode We Cover The most cost-effective way to travel and why you MUST “travel like you live” Why smart spenders MUST get a travel rewards credit card NOW Geographic arbitrage and the cheapest countries/areas to stay in for weeks (or months!) Hostel horror stories and why it ISN’T all partying and bunk beds Free activities you can do in ANY city and where to find them Matt’s top travel websites and apps to find hotel and flight deals for cheap  And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Scott's Instagram Mindy on BiggerPockets Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Money Moment How to Earn Free Vacations With Travel Rewards Credit Cards Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-445   Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email us: moneymoment@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Financial advisors are supposed to look after your money, but sometimes, their profits come first. We’ve had many questions about which type of financial advisors to use, which aren’t worth the fee, and whether you even need one in the first place. On this Finance Friday episode, Mindy and Scott are taking questions directly from listeners like you, and one of the top ones finally answers the question: what are these “fees” financial advisors are charging me!? You’ve got money questions. Scott and Mindy have answers. In this episode, they’ll touch on topics like which type of financial advisor to hire, whether cashing out your 401(k) early is ever worth it, what to do when your bank messed up your interest rate, when (and when not) to use LLCs for real estate investing, and how to start investing in stocks when you’ve only got $1,000!  Got a money question you want to ask Mindy and Scott? Head over to the BiggerPockets Money Facebook group, or click here to submit your question on our next Q&A episode! In This Episode We Cover How to start investing in the stock market with $1,000 (or less!) Rental property LLCs and why you’re probably wrong about “tax write-offs” Financial advisor fees and the ONLY type of financial advisor we’d recommend Cashing out your 401(k) early when you need to pay off credit card debt Return on equity explained and signs it’s time to sell/refinance a property And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Scott's Instagram Mindy on BiggerPockets Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Register for an Upcoming InvestHER Event Money Moment Hear Our Last Q&A Episode The Simple Path to Wealth—Index Funds Explained with JL Collins The Simple Path to Wealth (Book) Work with a Fee-ONLY Financial Advisor Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-444   Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email us: moneymoment@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A “wife-FI,” semi-retired finance blogger? It sounds like an exciting life, but what does it entail? Today’s guest didn’t arrive here overnight and doesn’t recommend it for everyone. What he does recommend, however, is identifying the type of financial independence you want and then working hard to achieve it! Welcome back to the BiggerPockets Money podcast! Today, we’re chatting with J Money, one of the pioneering finance bloggers who started his journey toward financial freedom back in 2007. After catching the personal finance bug, J decided to document his progress on his blog Budgets Are Sexy. After selling the blog to The Motley Fool and buying it back a few years later, J now blogs for fun, spends time with his three kids, and otherwise goes with the flow. In this episode, J shares about the “wife-FI” lifestyle and how he invests his money for the long haul. He also opens up about his recent autoimmune disease diagnosis and how it affects his family’s finances today. As always, Scott and Mindy are here to tackle all kinds of financial topics—including the debate between renting and home ownership, paying off your home versus keeping a home loan, and how to invest amid a potential economic downturn! In This Episode We Cover A typical “day in the life” of a semi-retired finance blogger The pros and cons of owning versus renting your home When it makes sense to pay off your home or keep a mortgage Where to invest your money in a shaky economy Budgeting for monthly expenses and medical costs on one income And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Scott's Instagram Mindy on BiggerPocket Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Join The Real Estate InvestHER Community on Facebook Money Moment How to Get Rich Slowly and Retire Earlier Than Most with a Modest Portfolio Budgets Really ARE Sexy! With J. Money Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-443   Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email us: moneymoment@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Knowing how to budget is one thing. Knowing how to budget for a pricey pregnancy and future family is another. So, how do you smoothly go from a couple used to saving thousands of dollars every month to a family with a slew of new costs added to the budget? First, let’s look at what you’re making, what you’re keeping, and what you MUST have on hand to safely raise a family.  We’ll be doing precisely that with today’s guest John. John and his wife make a sizable income and keep a strict budget with modest expenses. They’re saving a serious amount of money every month, but there’s one massive expense that’s about to be added to their budget. John and his wife have to go the surrogacy route for their first two children, and the price tag isn’t cheap. With a six-figure cost PER successful surrogacy, John wants to know how to balance his budget with his high student loans about to kick back in. He also wants to invest but knows that could put his surrogacy savings at risk. Even if you’re not going the surrogacy route, this episode is CRUCIAL for any new parent—especially those that still want to achieve FI earlier in life! In This Episode We Cover Budgeting for your future family and how to make sure your savings stay risk-free Surrogacy, expensive pregnancies, and unexpected costs you may have to pay Student loan debt and how to plan for payments once the pause is over The BEST savings account to stick your money into today Active investing vs. passive investing and why rental properties aren’t for everyone And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Scott's Instagram Mindy on BiggerPocket Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Scott Trench’s Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your Perfect, 1-Page Investment Plans Hear James on the “On the Market” Podcast Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Listen to The Real Estate InvestHER Show Join The Real Estate InvestHER Community on Facebook Register for an Upcoming InvestHER Event Money Moment Federal Student Loan Forgiveness Update: What Happens Now? Budgeting for a Baby: The Costs EVERY New Parent Should Expect Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-442   Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email us: moneymoment@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is the FIRE movement dead? In 2024, more people are catching on to the huge downsides of pursuing financial independence, retire early. Strict frugality, massive sacrifice, working harder than ever…is it really worth it to retire decades before everyone else? If you’re internally screaming, “Yes! Of course it is!” you’re in good company. Today, we’re talking about why FIRE is NOT dead in 2024 but why most Americans won’t achieve it. It’s easy to claim that the FIRE movement is dead in 2024 when inflation has been high, savings rates are low, and there’s economic uncertainty all around. The problem? Almost all of that can be easily factored into your FIRE plan, and with some sacrifices, you could easily retire early in five, ten, or fifteen years. So, if FIRE is still possible, what must the average person do to achieve it? We’ll discuss the mindset shift you must undergo to reach financial independence, the sacrifices you must prepare for, and what we would have done differently on our own paths to FIRE. Achieving financial freedom doesn’t need to be an all-out grind with zero enjoyment. Even if you make minor money moves today, you could be retiring YEARS earlier than you thought possible! In This Episode We Cover An update on the FIRE movement and whether or not FIRE is possible in 2024 The 4% rule explained, and why it works EVEN during high inflation The sacrifice that most Americans will NEVER make to retire early  How to achieve FIRE even if you have an average income  The “grind” that gets you RICH and how to tell you’re on the right track for FIRE How frequently to check your investments/accounts (and whether it really matters) And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group Network with Other Investors on The Path to FIRE Through the BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott on BiggePockets Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area Find Investor-Friendly Lenders Property Manager Finder Apply to Be a Finance Friday Guest BiggerPockets Money 120 - Are FIRE Naysayers Bad at Math? Yes. with Michael Kitces BiggerPockets Money 169 - Breaking the Taboo of Talking About Money with Friends, Family, and Bosses w/Erin Lowry BiggerPockets Money 243 - Ramit Sethi’s Money Advice for Couples: Live a Rich Life, Together BiggerPockets Money 516 - Jaspreet Singh: Getting Rich Slowly and Why Some People STAY Broke cFIREsim (FIRE Calculator) My Death March to Financial Independence Email mindy@biggerpockets.com for the “4% Rule” Article 00:00 Intro 04:19 Is the FIRE Movement Dead? 10:93 Do You Need a High Income? 16:36 Should Everyone Pursue FIRE? 24:44 How Average People Achieve FIRE 30:04 FIRE in 2024 35:54 Retiring Early During Inflation  38:38 You CAN Achieve FIRE Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-549 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

As an investor, it’s easy to become fixated on cash flow, much like today’s guest at the start of his real estate journey. After realizing he was “house poor” with a mortgage payment larger than he could afford, Eric Garber stumbled upon house hacking. He rented out his basement and used the extra money to pay off his house early. With proof of concept for his newfound house hacking strategy and income from a stable W2 job, everything was going great. Then Eric’s world came crashing down when his marriage ended and his employer froze his pension plan. Without a prenuptial agreement, his financial fate was left to the state court system. Losing more than half of the assets he had worked tirelessly to grow, Eric found himself back at square one. This time, he was going to do things differently. Rather than pouring his time, energy, and money into paying off his real estate and living off the cash flow, Eric realized the opportunity that could be had by accessing his equity and putting it to work—a revelation that will allow him to retire early, despite the curveballs life has thrown his way. If you think getting a prenup is “planning for divorce,” you’ll want to hear what Eric has to share in this episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast. Beyond offering practical financial tips you can put into practice before getting married, he talks about the paradigm shift that allowed him to unlock wealth. He also discusses the investing strategythat allows him to earn truly “passive” income—syndication deals! In This Episode We Cover Why you NEED a prenuptial agreement to protect your financial future One of the most “passive” ways to invest in real estate Weathering economic downturns by diversifying your investment portfolio How to do your homework when analyzing a syndication deal Key financial tips to consider before you get married And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Scott's Instagram Mindy on BiggerPockets Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Listen to The Real Estate InvestHER Show Join The Real Estate InvestHER Community on Facebook Register for an Upcoming InvestHER Event Money Moment Why You’re (Probably) Wrong About Prenups ROE over ROI and Why Your “Cash Flow” Number Is Deceiving Syndications: Everything You Need to Know BEFORE You Invest Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-440   Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email us: moneymoment@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What should you do if you suspect financial infidelity from a partner? Money is a taboo subject in many marriages, and it doesn’t help that some spouses take a hands-off approach to personal finance. As you might imagine, this can quickly lead to one partner taking advantage of the other. Today’s guest is helping people save their nest eggs by uncovering and proving financial infidelity. Welcome back to another episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast! Today, we’re joined by Tracy Coenen, a veteran forensic accountant who investigates fraud, hidden money, and other money “shenanigans” in marriages. Most often, Tracy helps spouses navigate finances during a divorce when emotions are already running high and both parties feel overwhelmed. Whether you need help unearthing hidden money or getting on the same page with your spouse, this episode is loaded with all kinds of helpful tips, tricks, and resources that will help you get a better handle on your finances. Join Tracy, Mindy, and guest host, Amanda Wolfe, as they discuss the biggest financial “red flags” in a marriage, things to include in a prenuptial agreement, and why the weekly money check-in is so important! In This Episode We Cover What to do if you suspect financial infidelity in your marriage The “fraud snowball” and how to stop it in its tracks How to uncover hidden money, secret accounts, and secret spending Why you NEED to form the habit of discussing finances with your spouse The importance of prenuptial agreements (and what you should include!) Tips and resources to help you keep a closer eye on your finances And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Scott's Instagram Amanda's Instagram Amanda's Website Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Listen to The Real Estate InvestHER Show Join The Real Estate InvestHER Community on Facebook Money Moment Why You’re (Probably) Wrong About Prenups Money Dates, Prenups, & Combining Finances Visit Tracy’s Website for More Helpful Resources Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-439   Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email us: moneymoment@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Only have $100 – $5,000 but want to know how to invest it wisely? No amount is too small to start building smart money habits today. While some asset classes may not be viable for you just yet, there are still all kinds of ways to invest with a modest amount of money. Making the most of what you have now can set you up for a bright financial future. In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast, Scott and Mindy have brought in reinforcements to discuss the best ways for beginners to invest a small amount of money—whether it’s $5,000 or as little as $100. With four unique perspectives on investing, you’ll find that there are several ways to make your money work harder for you. There is one common message, however: educate yourself and take action! Not everyone has a large nest egg to throw around. In fact, most Americans live paycheck to paycheck. If you don’t have much money to spare, this is the episode for you. You’ll learn about the investing order of operations, different types of retirement accounts and how they work, and ways to purchase real estate with no money down! In This Episode We Cover The best ways to invest with $100, $500, $1,000, $2,500, or $5,000 How to buy real estate with ZERO money down Different types of retirement accounts to add to your portfolio Maximizing your 401(k) contributions for a HUGE return on investment Leveraging debt to fast-track your investing journey And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Scott's Instagram Amanda's Instagram Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Listen to The Real Estate InvestHER Show Join The Real Estate InvestHER Community on Facebook Money Moment Scott Trench’s Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your Perfect, 1-Page Investment Plan Check Your USDA Loan Eligibility Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-438   Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email us: moneymoment@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wedding costs have been slowly growing over the past few decades. But recently, after a wild 2020, 2021, and 2022 wedding season, the average wedding cost has hit heights that most Americans simply can’t afford. But what can you do? Cancel your wedding and go straight to the courthouse? While this isn’t a bad option for some, most couples tying the knot want something their friends and family will remember for years. So, here’s how to do it on a budget! We brought expert event planner and fundraiser AJ Williams on the show to go over what’s worth it, what’s not, and what couples should spend the MOST money on when planning their special day. Whether you’re getting married at home, stateside, or abroad, there are a few specific expenses of a wedding that you should never skip out on and some that could put you in a tough financial bind. With flowers, DJs, photography, and catering, which deserves a spot in your ceremony? AJ will also go over how much a wedding costs on average, what the elite pay for their ceremonies and parties (you won’t believe the number), and the top wedding myths that could cost you.  In This Episode We Cover The average wedding cost in America and why prices have recently been rising What to cut and what to keep during your wedding day Budgeting for your wedding and how much of a buffer you REALLY need Common wedding cost myths and tips to save you THOUSANDS  Non-negotiables when planning your wedding and what is worth paying extra for  And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Scott's Instagram Amanda's Instagram Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Listen to The Real Estate InvestHER Show Join The Real Estate InvestHER Community on Facebook Register for an Upcoming InvestHER Event Money Moment How to Financially Thrive in Marriage (Even if You or Your Partner is In Debt! AJ's Website Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-437   Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email us: moneymoment@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Get rich slowly” is a concept that most people in the FIRE community can get behind. “Time off,” on the other hand, seems to go against the idea of grinding to financial independence now and waiting until later in life to enjoy the spoils. Today’s guest is bucking this trend—using his financial freedom to support a “retired” lifestyle that includes traveling the world, discovering new hobbies, and learning new skills! Welcome back to the BiggerPockets Money podcast! Today, we’re speaking with J.D. Roth, founder of the personal finance blog, Get Rich Slowly. Initially launched to document his quest out of debt, this popular blog helped J.D. fast-track his journey toward financial independence. He now considers himself “retired,” although the more risk-averse person might say it’s a little too soon. If you’ve ever considered taking some time away from work but fear you don’t have the nest egg to support it, this is the episode you need to hear! J.D. tackles a handful of issues that FI-focused individuals don’t always touch on—including the importance of mental health and using a “mini” retirement to decompress. He also talks about why he’s not worried about his modest portfolio and shares the three five-year plans you need to prepare for any curveball life might throw in your direction! In This Episode We Cover How to implement a “mini” retirement on your journey to FIRE Prioritizing your mental health in a fast-paced, work-first culture How to take time off from work without blowing your nest egg A day in the life of someone who is taking a year off from working Important tips for saving more money and retiring even earlier And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott's Instagram Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Listen to The Real Estate InvestHER Show Join The Real Estate InvestHER Community on Facebook Register for an Upcoming InvestHER Event Money Moment Finance Friday: How Sabbaticals Make You Happier, Healthier, and Wealthier Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-436   Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email us: moneymoment@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is early retirement healthcare crushing your budget? Are you tired of getting your standard two percent raise every year? What do you do when a “friend” borrows money and never pays you back? Some personal finance questions aren’t easily answered online. Instead, you need time-tested money experts to give their takes on the best moves to make. And in today’s episode, Mindy and Scott will do just that, taking questions from BiggerPockets Money listeners and answering them so you can reach financial freedom faster. This time, we’ve got a couple of uncomfortable positions you probably wouldn’t want to be in. One listener has a friend who asked for a loan and then almost immediately stopped paying, with the “friend” never to be seen again. Another question concerns a parent wanting to be paid back for student loans they took out in their name. Mindy and Scott then share a creative way to pay off credit card debt and give options on the BEST place to find post-retirement (but pre-sixty-five years old) healthcare. Finally, Scott puts on his CEO hat and shows you exactly how to ask for a raise! Got a money question you want to ask Mindy and Scott? Head over to the BiggerPockets Money Facebook group, or click here to submit your question on our next Q&A episode! In This Episode We Cover What to do when someone owes you money (and WON’T pay it back) Student debt and whether or not you’re responsible for the loans your parents took out Early retirement health insurance and how to find affordable coverage before Medicare kicks in Knowing your market value and what to do when your employer can’t pay you more How to ask for a raise and the easiest way to identify whether you’re “essential” or not Creative ways to pay off your credit card debt when interest rates are high And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Scott's Instagram Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Listen to The Real Estate InvestHER Show Join The Real Estate InvestHER Community on Facebook Register for an Upcoming InvestHER Event Money Moment Millennial Revolution Part 1 Millennial Revolution Part 2 Erin Lowry on Asking for a Raise 18 Options for Healthcare in Early Retirement with Lynn Frair How to Ask for a Raise (and Actually Get It!) w/Kassandra Dasent Submit your question for our next Q&A episode Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-435   Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email us: moneymoment@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The last time Ramit Sethi was on the show, tears were shed, money fears were exposed, and Mindy was forced to take a hard look at her financial habits. Now, Ramit is back, as we revisit some of the critical moments of Mindy and her husband Carl’s interview on Ramit’s show, I Will Teach You To Be Rich. In this episode, Mindy challenges the FIRE frugality she’s been stuck on for so long and discovers why more money isn’t always a good thing. If you’ve ever had a money struggle, whether too much or too little in the bank, Ramit is who you should listen to. His advice goes far beyond the regular “save more than you spend, invest the rest” type of advice you constantly hear from frugal podcasters. Instead, Ramit wants you to maximize your happiness and make the most out of life while not struggling to survive. In short, Ramit wants you to live a rich life, not a frugal one. If you struggle to spend, pinch pennies, or are dead set on reaching FIRE as fast as possible, this episode is for you.Carl, Mindy, and Scott will go over the common misconceptions about money, debunk the “wasteful” spending myth, explain why you should die with zero, and critique the flaws of the FIRE community. In This Episode We Cover Why the FIRE movement is wrong and getting rich should NOT be the goal What to do when you have lots of money but no time to spend it How to “Die With Zero” and enjoy your wealth while you’re still here The “what if I run out” fear and how to get over the dread of overspending  Testing your spending and why you NEED to book that trip you’ve been thinking of Building a rich life and how to make the most of it with the money you have And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott's Instagram Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Listen to The Real Estate InvestHER Show Join The Real Estate InvestHER Community on Facebook Register for an Upcoming InvestHER Event Money Moment Mile High FI Podcast 1,500 Days to Freedom Carl's Email Ramit Sethi’s Money Advice for Couples: Live a Rich Life, Together Mr. Money Mustache on Life After FI: The Truth About Retiring Early in Your 30s Hear Mindy and Carl on “I Will Teach You To Be Rich” My Death March to Financial Independence Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-433   Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email us: moneymoment@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Terrified of running out of money in retirement? Countless people share the same fear. With so much recent discourse surrounding inflation and a looming recession, you may have a tighter grip on your money than usual. Today’s guest is here to help cool some of your concerns. In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast, we’re joined by David Stein from Money for the Rest of Us, who believes there are reasons to be optimistic about the economy and even more reasons to stay on the straight and narrow when it comes to investing. If you’re easily overwhelmed by the thought of investing or choosing the right asset classes, David’s message is clear: investing doesn’t need to be difficult. There are plenty of tools the average person can use to invest, grow their nest egg, and have enough money for retirement. Don’t let fear stop you from putting your money to work! Whether you’re a novice or long-time investor, you’re in for a treat with today’s episode. Tune in as David addresses several issues—including the current state of the economy, whether we should brace for a recession, and the markets he’s investing in. He also talks about the benefit of steering clear of individual stocks in lieu of ETFs and index funds, as well as when it might be smart to buy an immediate annuity! In This Episode We Cover The four-percent rule and how to avoid running out of money in retirement How current returns on real estate compare to those of other asset classes The benefit of buying exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and index funds in lieu of individual stocks Diversifying your investment portfolio to include non-U.S. markets Three important principles to focus on when deciding where to invest Buying annuities to lock in an additional income stream during retirement And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott's Instagram Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Listen to The Real Estate InvestHER Show Join The Real Estate InvestHER Community on Facebook Register for an Upcoming InvestHER Event Money Moment Choosing the Right Investment Type for Your Goals with David Stein Check Out the Latest Five-Year TIPS at TreasuryDirect Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-432   Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email us: moneymoment@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are we in a recession? Are we headed for a recession? No one knows for certain, but you can never be too prepared for an economic downturn. Are you saving money? Do you have a plan in the event you lose your job? In today’s episode, we’ll help prepare you for anything that might be thrown your way! Welcome back to the BiggerPockets Money podcast! Amidst economic uncertainty, there are two steps you must take to weather tough times: build an emergency fund and brace for a potential layoff. Today, Mindy and guest co-host Amanda Wolfe are bringing you their best money tips for getting through a recession. First, they’ll show you how to pad your emergency fund by saving hundreds on groceries each month, negotiating your bills, and eliminating unnecessary expenses from your budget. Believe it or not, it might even be time to cut back on aggressive debt paydown or extra 401(k) contributions! Next, they’ll help you with a potential job search. You’ll learn how to get your resume seen by more employers and determine your market pay rate. But that’s not all. Stick around until the end to learn why staying with your current company—regardless of whether your job is at risk—could cost you millions of dollars over your lifetime! In This Episode We Cover How to get your financial house in order before an economic decline Calculating how much money YOU need for an emergency fund How to slash your food bill by hundreds of dollars per month The BEST places to find money and bolster your savings How to start preparing for a new job today (before you lose it!) When to cut back on “extra” payments and retirement contributions Why staying at your current job might be costing you millions of dollars And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group Network with Other Investors on The Path to FIRE Through the BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott on BiggePockets Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area Find Investor-Friendly Lenders Property Manager Finder Try Amanda’s Free Emergency Fund Calculator Connect with Amanda on Instagram Enjoy Ebooks and Audiobooks with Libby Enjoy Ebooks and Audiobooks with Hoopla Check Out Market Pay Rates with Glassdoor See Mindy at BPCON2024 in Cancun! BiggerPockets Money - Episode 110: Systematically Increasing Income and Intentionally Decreasing Spending with A Purple Life 00:00 Intro 02:19 Building Your  11:31 Slashing Your Grocery Bill 17:22 Negotiating Bills & Auditing Purchases 27:56 The “No-Spend” Challenge 33:52 Preparing for a New Job 42:53 Send Us Your Money Tips! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-548 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 gender investing gap is real, but it’s not due to women lacking capital. More often than not, women are saving their money rather than investing in real estate and allowing it to grow. As successful women in real estate, today’s guests are here to break down the reasons for this investing gap and how we can work together to close it. In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast, we’re joined by none other than Liz Faircloth and Andresa Guidelli, co-hosts of our sister show, The Real Estate InvestHER Show. Like many novice investors, Liz and Andresa both discovered their love for real estate shortly after reading Robert Kiyosaki’s Rich Dad Poor Dad. Years later, both have amassed their own large portfolios and are committed to helping more women dive into the world of real estate investing. Regardless of gender, there’s something for everyone to take away from this episode. Liz and Andresa share about the unique challenges women investors face today, building your real estate network, and how to find your investing partner. They also deliver some actionable next steps for women who are hesitant to invest, as well as some tips for men who want to be allies for women investors! In This Episode We Cover The global economic impact of women investing their capital The unique advantages and disadvantages women face when investing How to be an ally for women investors in your sphere of influence Actionable next steps for women looking to invest in real estate The importance of community when getting into real estate How to find the perfect partner for your real estate investments And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott's Instagram Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Listen to The Real Estate InvestHER Show Join The Real Estate InvestHER Community on Facebook Register for an Upcoming InvestHER Event Money Moment Download the FREE Partnership Question Guide Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-431   Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email us: moneymoment@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Want to cut your electric bill in HALF? A few secret yet simple hacks can save you hundreds, if not THOUSANDS, on your utility bills. And with energy prices almost double where they were just a few years back, everyone is antsy about turning on their air conditioners, even if you feel like you’re about to melt. Thankfully, we’ve got Larry and Hope Ware, also known as “Under the Median,” to show us EXACTLY how they lowered their electric bill by making some simple money moves. Larry and Hope have been long-time frugalists. A few years into dating, they realized they were flat broke and had to make a tough choice: put their future family first or keep spending without second thoughts. They chose the frugal path to financial independence and, as a result, raised four children on a $40,000/year salary, becoming completely debt-freein the process. Larry and Hope know how to run a budget, and saving money is their sport of choice. In this episode, Larry and Hope will unpack one of their most astonishing financial accomplishments of late; cutting their electricity bill in half. Through some utility-bill digging and kilowatt-testing, Larry and Hope have built a list of tips that could help you lower your utility bills to levels you may have never seen before. Want in on this money-saving cheat code? Tune in! In This Episode We Cover How to cut your electricity bill in half, EVEN if you live in a sweltering climate Building your “Bare Bones Budget” and prioritizing where money is best spent The “big green pile of cash” trap that you CAN’T fall into The BIGGEST mistake most people make when budgeting “Vampire energy” and how unused appliances could be stealing your cash And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Mindy on BiggerPockets Kyle’s Website Clarity Financial Kyle’s Twitter Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Money Moment Check Out Mindy’s 2022 Live Spending Tracker and Budget The Stupid-Simple Budgeting Trick I’m Using to Stop Blowing 5 Figures a Month The Cheapest Way to Lower Your AC Bill This Summer We Cut Our Electric Bill in Half in About 6 Weeks Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-430   Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email us: moneymoment@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

First-time home buyer? After this episode, you’ll see the house-hunting process in an entirely new light. Throw out the granite countertops and exposed beams you’ve always dreamed of because making an emotion-first home-buying decision could ruin your financial future. If you’re trying to build wealth, you’ll want to follow Scott Trench’s home-buying checklist, which may show that renting is the best money move you can make. The roles are reversed on today’s show because this ISN’T the BiggerPockets Money podcast; It’s Money Rehab with Nicole Lapin! Scott recently joined Nicole to talk transparently about the realities of buying your first home. In this show, Scott and Nicole go through why homeownership is falling across the US, whether or not buying in 2023 even makes sense, and why your house ISN’T what you think it is. Plus, if you’ve been debating buying a rental property, Scott has some words of wisdom you MUST take to heart before putting in offers. You’ll also hear why SO many landlords are wrong about LLCs (DO NOT miss this section) and the EXACT steps you should take to put yourself in the best home-buying position possible! Want to hear more Money Rehab? Never miss an episode and subscribe to Money Rehab with Nicole Lapin wherever you get your favorite podcasts, or here: https://link.chtbl.com/91jeLu8k In This Episode We Cover Scott Trench’s checklist for the first-time home buyer  The “Lock-In Effect” and why homeowners are unable to sell their houses Why your house isn’t the investment that you think it is House hacking, living next to tenants, and the truth about becoming a landlord Whether or not you need an LLC and how having one could actually hurt you The exact process Scott follows before buying any property  And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Scott's Instagram Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Money Moment Check Out Mindy’s 2022 Live Spending Tracker and Budget Tune into “Money Rehab with Nicole Lapin” Nicole Lapin’s Money Hacks to Rehab Your Finances & Say Goodbye to Bad Debt Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-429   Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email us: moneymoment@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you want to retire early, the Mad Fientist is your guide. For over a decade, Brandon, more commonly known as the “Mad Fientist,” has been running simulations, experiments, and exercises to discover which road to early retirement is the fastest. Now, in his forties, Brandon has time to reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and his regrets on the sprint to early retirement and financial freedom. And he’s also got a new update that’ll make your early retirement journey smoother. After tinkering with the beloved and rarely challenged 4% rule, Brandon decided it was time to sit down and calculate how much you really need to retire early. For decades, financial freedom chasers have been breaking their backs, trying to have as much stashed away as possible to enjoy their well-earned time off from work. But, it turns out that this number might be overinflated, and you can retire with much less than you think. That means your early retirement timeline just got a LOT shorter. In this episode, Brandon will describe why the 4% rule may be a bit too rigid, how to ensure you’ll have enough during early retirement, what to do during a market crash or correction, and why spending thousands of dollars on a coffee machine isn’t such a bad idea. If you want to maximize enjoyment in early retirement, instead of building a big bank account you probably won’t use, stick around! In This Episode We Cover Early retirement rules of thumb you MUST know when on the path to FIRE The 4% rule and why you DON’T need to follow it to a tee Retirement withdrawal rules and how much to spend during a crash/correction The skill of spending and what Brandon regrets most from pre-FIRE life Tracking your expenses and why knowing your costs is CRUCIAL to early retirement And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott's Instagram Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Money Moment Check Out Mindy’s 2022 Live Spending Tracker and Budget Hear Our Past Interviews with The Mad Fientist: Accessing Retirement Funds Before Age 59½ with The Mad Fientist Backdoor Roths, Mega Backdoor Roths, and Roth Conversion Ladders Is It Time to Give Up on Financial Independence? Hear Our Interview with "Just Keep Buying" Author, Nick Maggiulli: The Problem with the 4% Rule (and Why You Could Retire Even Sooner Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-428 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email us: moneymoment@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A rental property portfolio can replace your job, give you ultimate financial freedom, and allow you to do what you want when you want. But building this massive passive income stream takes time, and if you stick with it, you’ll be rewarded plentifully like today’s guests, Jennifer and John. After starting with an “average” income, this couple was able to consistently buy cash-flowing rentals with the leftovers from their salaries. They compounded their cash flow to buy even more properties and now sit on around $8,000,000 in real estate. With so much wealth, you’d expect Jennifer and John to be the jet-skiing, vacation-home-buying, luxury car-racing types; but they’re FAR from it. John is still working at his W2 job as Jennifer continues to run her business. They both keep their spending low and live a moderate lifestyle. But, the lack of time freedom and heavy hours of a full-time job is eating away at John. This couple needs to know how they can use their real estate portfolio to retire early. To go through all the rates, rentals, construction costs, and cash-flow-number-crunching is investing expert James Dainard, who joins Scott on a resourceful episode for any real estate investor. James and Scott will review Jennifer and John’s entire portfolio, giving them suggestions on what to sell, keep, and buy instead. By the end of this episode, John and Jennifer have multiple options that could make them MILLIONS in just a few years’ time! In This Episode We Cover The “rate trap” that stops so many rental property investors from upgrading their portfolios Investing in real estate on an “average” income and why it’s possible for everyone Tapping into equity and the one metric that’ll tell you whether you should keep or sell your property  Small multifamily vs. large multifamily and why bigger is usually better ADUs (accessory dwelling units) and how to make instant equity by building one And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Find Investor-Friendly Lenders Join BiggerPockets for FREE Scott's Instagram Connect with James BiggerPockets Watch James on the “On The Market” YouTube Channel Listen to The “On The Market” Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BiggerPockets Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Money Moment How To Build A Real Estate Portfolio ROE over ROI and Why Your “Cash Flow” Number is Deceiving Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-427   Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email us: moneymoment@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Financial Independence, Retire Early movement (FIRE movement) is changing. More people are investing, making money, and working from anywhere in the world. Investing education and advice has become easier to access, and self-made millionaires have been created through simple frugality and smart spending. Compared to when the FIRE movement was born, now may be one of the best times in recent history to achieve financial independence. But there’s more than one path to choose from. Happy Financial Independence Day! That’s right; we’re swapping hot dogs for home equity, fireworks for frugality, and a cold one for some cold hard cash because TODAY is a day to celebrate an accomplishment we all hope to achieve! In this special episode, Scott and Mindy fly solo, touching on the history of the FIRE movement, its most prominent figures, and lessons learned on the path to FI. But that’s not all; tell your overspending Uncle to tune in as Scott and Mindy debate some of the most common complaints about the FIRE movement and prove that anyone, in almost any situation, can live life on their terms. So sit back, grab those chips you saved for tomorrow’s barbeque (no one will notice), and get your FIRE started! In This Episode We Cover The financial independence retire early movement (FIRE movement) explained  The MULTIPLE paths to early retirement you can take (and which is right for you) FIRE rules you MUST follow that can help ANYONE reach financial freedom What to do once you achieve FIRE and planning for it when you’re on the path Debating the FIRE critics and why you DON’T need to give up everything as you build wealth And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott's Instagram Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Check Out Mindy’s 2022 Live Spending Tracker and Budget Bill Bengen (The Inventor of the 4% Rule) From Homeless at 14 to Debt-Free Homeowner AFTER Prison Time with Jazmyn Gray How to Change Your Financial Life with a Money “Reset” with Jill Schlesinge Mr. Money Mustache on Life After FI: The Truth About Retiring Early in Your 30s Mr. Money Mustache Coast FI: The Calculated Way to Retire Early WITHOUT Giving Up What You Love with The Fioneers Designing a Frugal But Luxurious FI Life by Age 32 Change Your Money Mindset, Change Your Life with Vicki Robin Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-   Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email us: moneymoment@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you make the right money moves, financial freedom is only a few years away. You can’t spend your entire paycheck on travel, trips, high rent, or entertainment if you want to retire early and have true time freedom. Matt Amabilerealized this earlier than most. At twenty-two years old, Matt wasn’t making much at his job, and living in an expensive area didn’t help. His goal was simple: live for free so he could pocket most of his take-home pay. What happened was even better than he would have expected. With one property purchase, Matt eliminated his rent expense and created a $1,600-a-month passive income stream. This first venture into real estate was challenging, to say the least. From shady contractors to fist fights in a four-unit, a renovation timeline that went much longer than expected, and lockdowns making even simple tasks impossible, Matt hoped the reward was worth the risk on his first property. Spoiler alert: it definitely was. Now, financially free at twenty-six, Matt works when he wants, where he wants, making $6,000 per month in passive income. He did all this in just four years, starting with $10,000, making a median salary. If Matt can do it, with zero experience in real estate investing, what’s stopping you from doing the same? In This Episode We Cover The most underrated real estate strategy that helps you reach financial freedom FAST The 203(k) loan explained and using it to make MASSIVE equity gains on a property Sacrificing luxuries and keeping your expenses low so you can retire early  Real estate partnerships and how to buy properties when you don’t have any money  The “BRRRR on training wheels” that new real estate investors should try Job hopping and how Matt tripled his salary in under five years And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Find Investor-Friendly Lenders Join BiggerPockets for FREE Scott's Instagram Connect with James BiggerPockets Watch James on the “On The Market” YouTube Channel Listen to The “On The Market” Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BiggerPockets Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Money Moment Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-425   Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email us: moneymoment@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Coast FI by 32 after racking up $20K in credit card debt only a few years earlier!? However unlikely this turn of events might seem, the truth is that any money story can be turned on its head with a little financial know-how and good money habits. And today’s guest is living proof! Having accumulated $20K in credit card debt by the time she graduated from college, Yanely Espinal wasn’t exactly on the straight and narrow path toward financial freedom. But after reading Suze Orman’s Women & Money, Yanely was inspired to take control of her finances. Within 18 months, she had not only wiped out her debt entirely but also catapulted herself toward financial independence—a goal she would achieve before her 32nd birthday. Yanely has since made it her life mission to champion the financial literacy movement and push for financial education requirements in all states by 2030. Whether you’re at a crossroads in your financial journey, waist-deep in consumer debt, or well on your way to FIRE, there’s something for everyone to take away from Yanely’s story. In this episode, she shares her game plan to getting out of debt, achieving coast FI, and the keys to improving financial literacy in schools. As always, our trusted hosts Mindy and Scott join the conversation to help demystify several money topics—from overcoming generational poverty to creating multiple income streams and more! In This Episode We Cover The dangers of high-interest credit card debt (and how to get rid of it!) How to achieve coast FI as soon as possible and retire comfortably Breaking the cycle of generational poverty in the United States The THREE keys to improving financial literacy in schools What YOU can do to help propel the financial education movement forward And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott's Instagram Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Listen to The “On The Market” Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BiggerPockets Money Moment From $50K in Debt to Financially Free in 2 Years w/ Lots of Ups & Downs Compound Interest Calculator Grab Your Copy of “Women & Money” by Suze Orman Grab Your Copy of Yanely’s Latest Book, “Mind Your Money” Track Your State’s Movement for Financial Education with the NGPF Bill Tracker MissBeHelpful Website Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-424   Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email us: moneymoment@biggerpockets.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is your W2 job causing you to burn out? You have dreams of achieving financial independence and retiring early, but the unrelenting demands of your nine-to-five job are causing you to work around the clock and miss precious moments with loved ones. If you’re feeling this way, you’re not alone! Welcome back to another episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast! Today’s guest, Amanda, has spent the last four years grinding toward an early retirement. Although the security of her husband’s reliable W2 income has allowed them to cover all of their expenses, invest in real estate, and grow their nest egg, they are quickly reaching a breaking point. As parents of four young children, they don’t want their busy work lives to keep them from what matters most. Is there a middle ground? If your FIRE journey is causing you to burn the candle at both ends, this is an episode you won’t want to miss! Mindy and our guest co-host, Kyle Mast, share their perspectives on quitting your W2 job, finding work-life balance through real estate, and when it might be time to pump the brakes on your journey toward early retirement! In This Episode We Cover How to create work-life balance on your journey toward FIRE Leaving the security of a W2 job for the flexibility of real estate The challenges you might face when investing out of state The pros and cons of short-term, mid-term, and long-term rentals (and how to choose!) Using your market’s short-term rental comps to raise or lower your Airbnb rates When to sell an investment property rather than holding on to it And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Mindy on BiggerPockets Kyle’s Website Clarity Financial Kyle’s Twitter Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Listen to The “On The Market” Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BiggerPockets Money Moment The Money Date: What You Should (And Definitely Should Not) Do to Align Your Finances as a Couple Hear Our Last Finance Friday Episode with Joe Find Short-Term Rental Comps with AirDNA Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-423   Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email us: moneymoment@biggerpockets.com   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is early retirement possible if you’re dead broke in your 50s? What about regular retirement when you have a negative net worth later in life? If you feel it’s too late to retire, today’s guests are here to prove you wrong. After waking up at fifty with zero dollars to her name, Becky Heptig faced a dilemma—make a change or work for the rest of her days. So Becky and her husband, almost overnight, flipped their lifestyle around and started saving and investing everything they could. Now, she’s retired as a millionaire with complete financial flexibility. Bill Yount wasn’t just worth zero dollars; he had a negative net worth at fifty. Even with a high-paying job, new cars, and a nice house, Bill was miles away from retirement but took the same path as Becky as he aggressively saved and started planning for retirement. Just a few years out from retirement, Bill has millions stashed away, a luxury lifestyle that his investments support, and a boat-sized amount of cash in his bank account. If you think it’s TOO late to retire, you’re wrong. Becky and Bill prove in today’s episode that even if you’re starting late, with NOTHING to your name, retirement is only a decade (or a few years) away. You’ll hear EXACTLY how they retired early when starting from zero, the “wake-up call” late starters MUST have, and what you can do TODAY to get your retirement planning on track! In This Episode We Cover How to go from broke in your 50s to millionaire (or multimillionaire) in your 60s Lifestyle creep and why a high income is dangerous for most Americans How to reverse your “spend first, save last” mindset and start investing for your future The “wake-up call” that caused Becky and Bill to change their financial mindset  Whether or not it’s ever “too late” to retire (and what to do if you’re there) Becky and Bill’s advice for those that are broke in their 40s, 50s, or 60s Why you should NEVER buy a boat  And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott's Instagram Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Listen to The “On The Market” Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BiggerPockets Money Moment  Rethink Social Security: Myths, Benefits, and Clearing Up Misconceptions Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-422   Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email us: moneymoment@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You could be missing out on the chance to earn passive income from your home (and other rentals!) with a “no-brainer” money move. This investing strategy is picking up steam and could become one of the big trends in real estate this year. Today’s guest was one of the early adopters, and it carried him to FIRE by his late thirties! Welcome back to the BiggerPockets Money podcast! Today, we’re chatting with “That ADU Guy,” Derek Sherrell. Right before the 2008 housing market crash, Derek left his contracting job behind and returned to school to become a firefighter. Little did he know that this career move would provide the time, freedom, and connections to launch a full-blown side hustle alongside his W2 job. Before the age of forty, Derek became financially independent, with the ability to retire early, all thanks to this simple strategy. Since then, he has made it his life’s mission to inspire countless others to do the same! In this episode, we’re taking a deep dive into accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Tune in to learn why the combination of serial house hacking and some kind of “secret sauce” (in this case, ADUs) is perhaps the easiest path to FIRE. Derek will tell you everything you need to know about buying, building, and renting out ADUs—from financing these units to scaling your business! Support today’s show sponsor, BAM Capital, your path to generational wealth with premier real estate investment opportunities!  In This Episode We Cover Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) explained (and how they create passive income) Why the modified serial house hacking strategy might be the easiest path to FIRE How to completely replace your W2 income with cash flow from ADUs How to easily (and affordably) convert a single-family home into a duplex Why ADU investing could be one of the biggest investing opportunities in 2024 How to get your spouse on board with your real estate investing strategy And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group Network with Other Investors on The Path to FIRE Through the BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott on BiggePockets Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area Find Investor-Friendly Lenders Property Manager Finder Check Out Derek’s Website Derek on BiggerPockets 00:00 Intro 02:31 Life with FI & Current Portfolio 06:06 Derek’s Money Journey 12:26 Changing Careers & Building Wealth 18:21 Buying the “Lucky” House 28:14 House Hacking with ADUs 37:20 3 ADU Investing Strategies 49:06 Derek’s BIG Mission 55:58 Connect with Derek! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-547 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 of the best ways to boost your earning potential is with multiple income streams. With only so much time to dedicate to each stream, however, how do you maximize your total income without burning out? Today’s guest, Joe, is no stranger to the time constraints that come with managing multiple streams of income. With THREE promising income streams, he’s got his hands full! At 22, Joe launched an online coaching business that earned almost $30K per month at its peak. Unfortunately, working 90–100 hours each week quickly took its toll on Joe, his relationships, and his overall well-being. Unsure of how to juggle his online business, nine-to-five, and latest endeavor—investing in real estate—Joe now finds himself at a crossroads. Which avenues should he pursue going forward? Which income streams offer the highest earning potential? Which options afford him the most schedule flexibility? In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast, you’ll get a full breakdown of Joe’s monthly income and expenses, as well as a glimpse of some of his long-term financial goals—including how he plans to revamp his online business, make real estate his next side hustle, and retire early. With help from Mindy and guest co-host Kyle Mast, Joe weighs the pros and cons of each income stream and gets a clearer vision of how to optimize his total income going forward! In This Episode We Cover Maximizing your earning potential without sacrificing work-life balance How to avoid burnout when scaling a profitable side hustle The importance of time management when you have multiple income streams What you need to know before you start investing in real estate How to use other income streams to fund your real estate investments What it really takes to retire early in your 40s  And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Mindy on BiggerPockets Kyle’s Website Clarity Financial Kyle’s Twitter Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Listen to The “On The Market” Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BiggerPockets Money Moment Financial Freedom Through Multiple Streams of Income Building 61 Passive Streams of Income with Pat Hiban Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-421   Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email us: moneymoment@biggerpockets.com   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Turning a man cave into a “money cave” Airbnb making thousands of extra dollars a month? It doesn’t get more house-hackable than this! Ron Curtis was able to pick up his first home in a pricey area for only a few thousand dollars. But how he funded his “money cave” is even more impressive. Within just hours, Ron was able to get $20K to renovate and rehab his basement unit, turning a few thousand dollars into two fully-furnished units and a house hack that pays his mortgage for him. Want to hear how he did it? Tune in! Ron is a serial entrepreneur. If it makes money, Ron has tried it. From renting cars on Turo to managing Airbnbs, starting his own credit repair and financial coaching consultancy, and turning his primary residence into a cash-flowing short-term rental, Ron isn’t messing around. He does all this while still having a typical W2 job, allowing him to save almost all the income he collects so that he can invest even faster. But, just five years ago, Ron was in a different financial state. After blowing five figures on travel, trips, and going out, Ron took a step back and looked at all the credit card debthe racked up. Thanks to a helpful coworker, he was able to pay it off without succumbing to twenty-plus percent interest rates. Ron used this same strategy to help his friends pay off their debt and eventually start coaching. Now, running multiple cash-flowing businesses, Ron has side hustles that outpace most people’s nine-to-five. So how does he do it all with just twenty-four hours in the day? He’ll share his secrets in this episode! In This Episode We Cover The two easiest ways to escape credit card debt (and which one Ron recommends) Low money down real estate loans and the mortgage programs you MUST know about Starting your side hustles and the true cost of building a business Short-term rental house hacking and turning spare space into extra cash Outsourcing and delegating using VAs (virtual assistants) so you DON’T have to work for your business Business credit cards and using yours to buy assets that will make you richer And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Scott's Instagram Connect with James BiggerPockets Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Money Moment Listen to The “On The Market” Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BiggerPockets Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-420   Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email us: moneymoment@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Side income streams are your way out of breaking even every month. If you’re like most Americans and find your savings stagnating, without much room for growth, it might be time to look at opportunities outside your nine-to-five. This is exactly what today’s guest, Liz, did by becoming a real estate agent and growing her seasonal business. But, Liz is in one of the northernmost states, where winters are harsh and home sales halt once the snow falls. Liz wants to grow her real estate agent side income into a full-blown business, but how can she do so when half of the year is too cold to show houses? If you have seasonal income or an infrequent side hustle to help pay your bills, this is an episode for you! Mindy and Scott will walk through how Liz, or any other entrepreneur, can use the sunny season to grow their businesses to new heights, strengthen their savings, and invest the rest so early retirement isn’t just some far-off dream. Liz also needs to know where her money is best put to use. With a serious cash cushion, she’s debating whether or not having a large amount of cash is worth the financial stability or if investing it for passive income is a better option. With her own primary residence coming close to closing, what should Liz do with her hard-earned cash? In This Episode We Cover How to turn a seasonal income stream into a full-time business that pays your yearly salary What to do when you’re breaking even every month (EVEN with low expenses) Becoming a real estate agent and how to find leads in untraditional ways Cash reserves and where to invest your money when you have too much REITs (real estate investment trusts) vs. index funds and which makes more passive income When to pay off debt vs. keeping cash in a high-yield savings account And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott's Instagram Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Listen to The “On The Market” Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BiggerPockets Fire by 45 Investment Plan Grab “6 Steps to 7 Figures” Read More About REITs Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-419   Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email us: moneymoment@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An online side hustle that replaces your $100K salary in year one!? It sounds like an impossible feat, but today’s guest was able to achieve this by launching an unusual ecommerce business—allowing his wife to quit her job and stay at home with their kids full-time! Welcome back to another episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast! Today, we’re chatting with Steve Chou, a serial entrepreneur, ecommerce influencer, and founder of MyWifeQuitHerJob.com. When Steve’s wife became pregnant with their first child, he was faced with the challenge of finding a side hustle that could replace his wife’s 9-5 income. Of course, living in Silicon Valley isn’t cheap, and replacing a $100K salary is much easier said than done. Despite these hurdles, Steve was able to turn one brilliant idea into a profitable business that has managed to grow every year since 2007. If you’ve always wanted to start your own side hustle but are unsure where to begin, this episode is for aspiring entrepreneurs like you! Tune in to hear Steve share about the humble beginnings of his handkerchief side hustle, how to find ecommerce success in 2023, and achieving financial freedom without burning out. As always, Mindy and Scott bring their own financial expertise to the table and deliver some timely wisdom! In This Episode We Cover Why you NEED a side hustle to make life-changing money How to launch a successful ecommerce business in 2023 Building a business with the goal of replacing your 9-5 salary Staying relevant, outlasting AI, and achieving longevity in your business How to arrive at “enough” so that you enjoy financial freedom without burning out The best ways to protect your business against intellectual property (IP) theft And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott's Instagram Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Listen to The “On The Market” Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BiggerPockets Money Moment Grab Your Copy of “Set for Life: An All-Out Approach to Early Financial Freedom The Most Profitable Skill to Learn (From a $200M+ VC Investor) Pre-order The Family First Entrepreneur and Get $690 in FREE Bonuses Learn How to Start a Thriving Ecommerce Business Bumblebee Linens Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-418   Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email us: moneymoment@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pet insurance probably isn’t a top priority for you right now. Your budget might have health, car, and home insurance, but pet insurance? Is it really worth the cost? Today we talk to David, an engineer and part-time wilderness trip guide, who was hit with an astonishing amount of vet bills after his beloved four-legged friend, Blaze, was diagnosed with Lymphoma. This unexpected bill damaged David and his wife’s investing plans, but not all hope is lost. If you have a dog, cat, rabbit, lizard, or other non-human friend (sorry, your kids don't count) living at home, this is an episode for you! We’ll get into the nitty-gritty of what happens when your pet has an unexpected medical diagnosis, leaving you with a mortgage-sized bill to pay every month. While many of us have animal companions that make our life whole, few realize the cost of paying for treatment when a life-threatening disease comes into play. You’ll hear about thepros and cons of pet insurance, whether or not it’s actually worth it, and the hard choices you may have to make when adopting or purchasing a pet. But it’s not all bones and hairballs in this episode. Our guest David also has some exciting news about a six-figure business he and his wife are building. With David’s wife itching to start taking this income stream to new heights, David is debating whether or not giving up one of their stable incomes is worth the hit to their retirement accounts. Thankfully, Mindy and Scott find a workaround to keep them in a FIRE-first position! In This Episode We Cover The true cost of a sick pet and how to deal with six-figure vet bills Pet insurance pros and cons and what to look for when choosing a policy Serious side hustles and how to turn yours into a six-figure income stream Keeping your stable job vs. following your passion and starting a business  Why reaching financial independence fast IS NOT for everyone (and what to do instead) Cash reserves and why keeping your expenses low will help you deal with medical emergencies  Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott's Instagram Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Listen to The “On The Market” Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BiggerPockets Money Moment Take a Trip with Blaze Adventure Tours Pet Insurance Links: Healthypaws Trupanion Mid-Atlantic Federal Credit Union HELOCs Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-417   Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email us: moneymoment@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices