The Financial Samurai Podcast

Here's my method to always get the lowest mortgage rate possible, no matter the interest rate environment. I've refinanced multiple mortgages multiple times in the past 10 years. During this time, I've probably saved over $100,000 in interest expense. To read the post, click here. 

The yield curve has officially inverted in 3Q2019. The 10-year bond yield is now lower than the 2-year bond yield. Let me explain from different perspectives why an inverted yield curve as an ominous sign and what we should all do to make sure we stay financially safe. Please read: The Yield Curve: A Prescient Economic Indicator for more charts and analysis. 

As a parent, you want the best for your kids. However, there's a risk parents over-protect their kids from harm's way. It is through difficulty and conflict that we learn the most. In this episode, we discuss the benefits of raising our son in Virginia, where he'd be a minority, versus in Hawaii, where he'd be a majority. I, Sam, grew up in Virginia and the conflict help give me a lot of motivation and grit.  To read the post, click here. 

A college degree is depreciating in value, yet tuition is at all-time highs. For those parents and students looking to attend a private university like Harvard, I'm not sure whether the cost, stress, and all the work to get in is worth it. The reputation of private schools and private school grads are getting sullied due to the college bribery scandal.  Read the post here. 

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.