The Financial Samurai Podcast

Discover the surprising truths behind the desire for early retirement. Some motivated by the FIRE movement grapple with hidden frustrations, such as job dissatisfaction and societal pressures. Factors like life’s fragility and the yearning for independence emerge as powerful motivators. The podcast dives into the importance of social skills in career longevity, while also shedding light on alternative lifestyles as a response to economic challenges. A thought-provoking exploration of what early retirement truly means for many.

Being the sole income earner can be brutally difficult and stressful. Money strains can jeopardize a marriage and can create a tremendous amount of resentment in the household. Here are some ways to cope to save your relationship and your children.  To read the article, click here. 

The average wedding cost is over $30,000. That's a ridiculous sum of money given the median household income is only about $62,000 before tax. Here are the new wedding spending rules to follow so you don't end up broke and alone.  To read the post, click here. 

At last! After 10 years, we've finally got our first Fed rate cut. Here's some logical analysis as to why we should all spend a little less, save a little more, and invest more cautiously over the next 12-18 months. If we are indeed at the beginning of a multiple rate cut cycle, history has not been kind to investors. To read the article and check out the charts, click here.

Since publishing my book, How To Engineer Your Layoff, in 2012, I've had a number of people tell me that engineering your layoff is morally or ethically wrong. But I'm here to argue that quitting your job is the morally and ethically wrong thing to do because you leave so many people in the lurch. Creating a win-win scenario and giving your colleagues time to find your replacement is a much better way to go. My book is now in its 3rd edition for 2019 and beyond. 

The old three-legged stool for retirement consisted of: 1) Pension (Company), 2) Social Security (Government), and 3) Personal Savings (You). The NEW three-legged stool for retirement consists of: 1) You, 2) You, and 3) You. It's time to get serious about your finances! To read the post for more details click here. 

Early retirement may seem like a dream, but it comes with unexpected challenges. The emotional toll includes an identity crisis as former professionals struggle to find purpose. Many face feelings of inadequacy and the burden of unstructured time, which can strain personal relationships. The discussion sheds light on the significance of seeking new sources of fulfillment to navigate these hidden struggles. It’s a thought-provoking look at the realities that many don’t discuss.

Without a doubt, being a stay at home parent is harder than any day job out there. For those of you who are considering giving up your day job to spend those precious first years of life with your newborn, you'll find this episode useful in helping you make your decision. If you're a new father, you will especially appreciate this episode.  Original post here. I love you son very much!

Everybody wants to be a millionaire! Alas, only about 12 million households, or 3% of the U.S. population are millionaires. Here's a deep dive look into your chances of becoming a millionaire by age, race, and education. I firmly believe every Financial Samurai listener will be a millionaire in their lifetimes. See this post for detailed charts and graphs. 

Explore the intriguing world of early retirement as listeners grapple with the reality of living close to the poverty line. Discover the stark financial strategies involved in achieving early freedom while navigating the challenges of limited resources. Personal stories reveal the sacrifices made and the misconceptions about a fulfilling lifestyle on a tight budget. Get ready to rethink what it truly means to retire early!