BiggerPockets Money Podcast

Join Leah Landis, a tech sales account executive, and her husband Zach as they share their ambitious plan to retire by 45. They expertly navigate the challenges of the middle-class trap and offer insights on balancing spending and investing. Discover their strategies for mindful financial habits and how family planning could impact their journey. They also dive into housing market dynamics and explore alternative investment options like house hacking and REITs, all while aiming for financial independence and smarter retirement planning.

Join John Bowens, Director at Equity Trust Company and self-directed IRA expert, as he unveils the little-known self-directed IRA (SDIRA) strategy that could revolutionize your retirement planning. Discover how this unique account allows you to invest in real estate tax-free, generate passive income, and even flip houses without the usual constraints. John tackles objections to SDIRAs, shares invaluable insights on the 'material participation' rule, and explains the potential for wealth-building that most Americans overlook. Your retirement could be richer than you think!

Virginia Trench, a published author and Scott Trench's wife, joins the conversation to reveal their secrets to financial success. They discuss Scott's extreme frugality and their unique financial planning dates that keep them aligned on goals. Virginia shares insights on the value of prenuptial agreements and how they foster a lasting partnership. With their recent portfolio changes and personal anecdotes about cooking mishaps, this entertaining chat highlights their approach to achieving financial independence together.

Amy Minkley, a former international teacher, achieved financial independence and retired at 45, leveraging her unique experiences abroad. She discusses the perks of teaching internationally, like free housing and subsidized travel, which allowed for aggressive saving. Amy shares her journey of overcoming burnout and financial trauma to embrace a life of freedom in Bali. Listeners learn about investing strategies while living overseas, the importance of community support, and how strategic living can lead to fulfilling personal and financial goals.

A guest aspires to retire by 35, but her budget is stretched thin by supporting family members and a troublesome rental property. The hosts dive into the complexities of balancing financial responsibilities with personal goals. They discuss strategies for selling her negative cash flow property and the best timing for a sale. Topics also include budgeting for future family plans and the emotional challenges of honest financial conversations. It’s a blend of actionable advice and insight into managing finances while supporting loved ones.

In this enlightening discussion, Amanda Han, a CPA and real estate investor, shares critical insights into savvy tax strategies for 2024 and beyond. Learn about the real estate tax loophole that could save everyday investors thousands and why you might want to skip the standard deduction if you bought a home recently. Amanda also highlights common audit red flags to avoid and discusses whether looming tax reforms under President Trump could actually materialize. It's a treasure trove of money-saving tips for savvy investors!

The discussion dives into whether relying solely on index funds is still a viable strategy for financial independence. As prices soar and market conditions shift, one host shares his bold choice to sell a significant portion of his index funds in favor of real estate. The contrasting views highlight the risks of 100% index fund investments and the diminishing certainty of FIRE assuredness. They also weigh the benefits of real estate, including cash flow stability and taxing strategies, as they navigate this evolving financial landscape.

Brian Kelly, known as The Points Guy, is a leading travel hacking expert and author of "How to Win at Travel." He shares how to fly for free or at a fraction of the cost by leveraging credit card rewards. Listeners will discover strategies for turning everyday purchases into luxury travel experiences. Brian also reveals his favorite credit cards, discusses the benefits of flexibility over airline loyalty, and explains how proper rewards planning can save thousands. His tips provide a roadmap for maximizing travel perks and enjoying free flights.

In this engaging conversation, Bobby Beck shares his inspiring journey of retiring at 47 using the 4% rule, defying doubts in the FIRE community. He reflects on overcoming the 'One More Year Syndrome' and confidently jumps into retirement despite market volatility. Bobby also discusses his luxurious lifestyle, including traveling frequently while only checking his portfolio monthly. With insights on retirement strategies, tax implications, and smart investing, he offers valuable motivation for anyone considering an early exit from their career.

Sahil Bloom, a serial entrepreneur and author of "The 5 Types of Wealth," shares his journey from financial illiteracy to independence. He discusses why focusing solely on financial wealth can lead to unhappiness and the importance of balancing different types of wealth. Listeners will find insights on the key factors that drive financial freedom, the value of diverse income streams, and the significance of maintaining relationships and personal happiness. Sahil also emphasizes transitioning from traditional jobs to entrepreneurship for a more fulfilling life.