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BiggerPockets Money Podcast

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12 snips
May 6, 2025 • 1h 11min

The 4% “Rule” is Wrong for FIRE—Here’s a Better Alternative

Tyler Gardner, a former portfolio manager and financial advisor, shares valuable insights on retirement planning. He challenges the 4% rule, arguing its rigid nature might jeopardize financial security for early retirees. Gardner emphasizes the need for flexibility in withdrawal strategies, advocates for a more robust FIRE portfolio, and highlights the importance of having a financial cushion. He also discusses the psychological complexities of retiring early and suggests alternative investment strategies, including a focus on stocks and real estate.
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18 snips
May 2, 2025 • 30min

How to Build (and Enjoy) Your “Dream” Life in Early Retirement | Life After FIRE

Chris Rusin, an early retiree who achieved financial independence before discovering the FIRE movement, shares his remarkable journey. He reflects on a life-changing encounter with a wealthy investor that shifted his focus from money to meaning. Chris recounts thrilling adventures, from treasure diving with Navy SEALs to unearthing dinosaur fossils. After facing cancer, he fulfilled a dream by releasing his first album. The episode concludes with a live premiere of his new song, showcasing his creative rebirth and the joys of life after retirement.
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9 snips
Apr 29, 2025 • 53min

The Single Biggest Risk That Could Stop Your Early Retirement (& How to Dodge It)

Tyler Gardner, a former portfolio manager and financial advisor, shares his insights on the FIRE movement. He discusses the unexpected challenges of early retirement, such as boredom and a loss of identity. Tyler emphasizes the importance of finding meaningful work rather than just quitting to enjoy free time. He advocates for gradual work transition and diversified income streams to maintain mental and financial health. The conversation also explores the real risks of early retirement and how psychological factors can influence financial independence.
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13 snips
Apr 25, 2025 • 59min

We Paid Off $500K in Debt: Now We’re on Track to Retire (Early) in Our 50s

Fear that early retirement is out of the question because you have too much debt? It’s not game over. Whether you’re debt-free or still chipping away at your student loans, today’s guests are proof that FIRE is never too far out of reach—even if you’ve got half a million dollars in debt!Welcome back to the BiggerPockets Money podcast! Amirra and Mazi Condelee’s first date was an all-timer. While many consider personal finance a taboo topic, they cut right to the money talk—specifically, debt. And it was a good thing they did because they’ve racked up a combined $500,000 in student debt. Most would assume this spells doom for financial independence, but Amirra and Mazi knew they could pay it off by increasing their income, cutting costs, and staying disciplined.In just five years, they’ve snowballed out of student loan debt and toward their long-term goal—retiring in their 50s. Now that this power couple is nearly debt-free, they’re focused on saving for retirement. Tune in to learn what they still need to do to reach their (high) FIRE number, why they refuse to downsize their dreams, and how they plan to spend their retirement!In This Episode We CoverHow Amirra and Mazi crushed $500,000 in student loan debt in just five yearsBest practices for paying off debt and fast-tracking financial independenceHow to determine whether your FIRE number is too high (or low!)The money conversations you and your partner NEED to haveHow to “travel hack” your way to FREE vacations (without spending more)And So Much More!Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-634Interested 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
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21 snips
Apr 22, 2025 • 40min

Healthcare Hacks That Could Save You Thousands on the Journey to FIRE

Jared Walker, founder of Dollar For, helps Americans tackle the high costs of healthcare by negotiating medical bills. He reveals how you can leverage the Affordable Care Act to save thousands on healthcare expenses. Learn clever tips for negotiating bills, utilizing cash payments, and spotting erroneous charges. Jared also discusses the emotional turmoil of medical debt and shares strategies for financial independence. Empower yourself with knowledge and take control of your healthcare costs!
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35 snips
Apr 18, 2025 • 41min

The Financial Order of Operations for FIRE (Step-by-Step Early Retirement Plan)

Most people chasing FIRE (financial independence, retire early) are doing it all out of order, and it’s costing them years of financial freedom. So, we thought, “What’s the fastest way to achieve FIRE, and which steps would you take if you were starting from scratch?” Today, we’re bringing you a supercharged financial independence plan, sharing the exact financial order of operations that’ll take you from a $1,000 emergency fund to fully-fledged early retirement.We know the steps because we’re reverse-engineering our own paths to financial independence, and we WISH we had done some of these earlier. If you’re a beginner in the FIRE movement, start here and work through these steps to FIRE the fastest. If you’re close to FIRE already or at a significant financial milestone, don’t worry. We have tips you can use right now to retire earlier and avoid the “middle-class trap” that kills so many FIRE dreams.We’re going through retirement accounts, emergency funds, cash-flowing investments, and side hustles to help you earn more. Plus, what to do once you make TOO much money to invest in tax-advantaged retirement accounts.In This Episode We CoverThe exact financial order of operations to reach financial independence fastest The bare minimum emergency fund you should have in your bank account at all times How to calculate your FIRE number in five seconds so you know your goalWhat to do when you make TOO much money to invest in a Roth IRAWhen to STOP investing in retirement accounts to avoid the middle-class trapMoves to make as soon as you’re retired early that’ll make your FIRE last even longer And So Much More!Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-632Interested 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
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18 snips
Apr 16, 2025 • 36min

The “Silver Lining” for Investors After a Historic Week for Stocks| Life After FIRE

Emma von Weise, a Certified Financial Planner, shares her insights on market volatility after a tumultuous week for stocks. She discusses strategies for retirees and those in the FIRE community, emphasizing the importance of having a solid investment plan. Emma explains how cash distributions can protect investments and prevent panic selling. Additionally, she breaks down the rising bond yields and introduces practical tax strategies for managing capital gains during downturns. Tune in for actionable advice to navigate these uncertain financial waters!
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26 snips
Apr 15, 2025 • 44min

Early Retirement “Traps” That Delayed My FIRE by a Decade

Diana Hummel, an inspiring advocate for early financial independence, shares her journey to retiring at 45, a decade earlier than expected. She discusses the pivotal moments following her parents' passing that ignited her FIRE journey. Listeners will learn about strategic withdrawals from retirement accounts, utilizing the 72(t) method, and navigating healthcare challenges for early retirees. Diana also highlights common pitfalls to avoid and reveals how smart tax planning can fast-track your retirement dreams, all while balancing life and entrepreneurship.
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14 snips
Apr 11, 2025 • 57min

How to FIRE in Your 40s on a Teacher’s Salary (or Average Income) (Finance Friday)

Can you reach financial independence by 45 on a teacher’s salary? A guest proves it's possible with discipline and smart investments. Discover how a high savings rate and strategic planning can pave your way to FIRE. Explore the complexities of early retirement, including when to pay off your mortgage and how to maintain flexibility. The conversation dives into balancing contributions between different retirement accounts while ensuring personal well-being. It's a roadmap to financial freedom that emphasizes enjoying the journey along the way!
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14 snips
Apr 10, 2025 • 38min

Tariffs Pause, Stocks Erupt, But the Volatility Could Be Far From Over

Markets are soaring after a pause on tariffs, prompting discussions on investment strategies during this volatile period. The hosts analyze how these changes could reshape global trade dynamics and impact personal portfolios. There's an intriguing debate on interest rates and their potential effects on future mortgages. As investment paths shift towards real estate, the conversation also highlights the need for diversified strategies amidst uncertainty. Tune in for expert insights and practical advice on navigating these unpredictable financial waters!

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