White Coat Investor Podcast MtoM #246: Neonatologist's Hobby Turns into Lucrative Side Gig and Alternative Investment and Finance 101: Alternative Investments
Oct 27, 2025
A neonatologist shares her journey from focusing solely on FIRE to investing in comic books, building a $500,000 collection while enjoying her passion. She explains how saving 30-40% of her income allowed her to turn a hobby into a lucrative financial venture. With six figures from buying and trading comics, she emphasizes the joy of spending mindfully. The discussion expands to alternative investments, advising on allocation strategies and the potential risks of speculative assets like comics and crypto.
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From Childhood Hobby To Half-Million Collection
- Sumi, a neonatologist 14 years out of fellowship, rebuilt a childhood comic hobby into a $500,000 collection.
- She started buying again five years ago after reaching financial stability and found it entertaining and entrepreneurial.
Save First To Buy What You Love
- Save consistently and use tax-advantaged accounts to reach financial flexibility that lets you enjoy discretionary passions.
- Sumi saved 30–40% of income into pre- and post-tax accounts which enabled later discretionary spending.
FIRE Can Create An Identity Void
- Financial independence can leave you with too much unstructured time and unclear purpose.
- That gap can push people to pursue meaningful hobbies or side businesses rather than fully retire early.
