BiggerPockets Money Podcast How to Avoid (or Escape) the Middle-Class Trap and Retire Early
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Nov 4, 2025 What if your savvy financial moves are actually keeping you in a job you want to escape? The discussion delves into the middle-class trap and how even a million-dollar net worth can feel like a prison. Through the example of a diligent saver named Sam, the hosts explore tactics like Coast FIRE and advanced tax strategies that can unlock retirement funds early. They also weigh the benefits of aggressive expense reduction against the pursuit of future wealth. It's a deep dive into achieving true financial freedom!
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Millionaires Can Still Feel Trapped
- Having a million-dollar net worth can still leave you financially trapped if most wealth is illiquid in home equity and retirement accounts.
- Net worth != accessible financial portfolio, and that mismatch creates the middle-class trap.
Following Rules Can Create Rigidity
- Following the standard retirement order of operations can concentrate wealth in illiquid vehicles and cause lack of present flexibility.
- The controversy arises because people did 'everything right' yet still lack accessible money.
Check If You're Coast FIRE
- Run a Coast FIRE calculation to see if you can stop contributing and still reach traditional retirement.
- If coast-FIRE works, redeploy contributions into after-tax investments or business pursuits for present flexibility.