BiggerPockets Money Podcast

Kevin Scanlan, better known as the Financial Tutor, joins Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench on the BiggerPockets Money podcast to share how he went from house hacking in Chicago to building nearly $2 million in net worth by age 32 and leaving his six-figure corporate job. He breaks down how buying and renovating a three-unit property helped accelerate his wealth, how side hustles grew into a new career, and why he ultimately decided to sell the property. Now, with a growing family and more than $500,000 in proceeds from the sale, Kevin faces a new question: should he invest the money, pay down his mortgage, or build a business? It's a candid look at Coast FI, real estate investing, entrepreneurship, and what financial freedom actually looks like when your priorities start to change. To go beyond the podcast: Interested in a Flat Fee Financial Planner? Go to https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/fipro/ Interested in Learning More About Buying a Franchise? Check out: biggerpocketsmoney.com/franzy Get 50% Off Your First Year of Monarch by using code ‘Pockets’: https://www.monarch.com/pockets Connect with Kevin Scanlan: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FinancialTutor Website: https://www.kevinfinancialtutor.com/ We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What financial products do millionaires actually use, and which ones do they wish they'd avoided? Tad Fallows from Long Angle shares insights from a survey of high-net-worth households, revealing the credit cards, brokerages, mortgages, and insurance policies wealthy people recommend. If you're building wealth or looking to make smarter financial decisions, these findings offer a useful look at what works for households with millions to manage. To go beyond the podcast: Interested in a Flat Fee Financial Planner? Go to https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/fipro/ Interested in Learning More About Buying a Franchise? Check out: biggerpocketsmoney.com/franzy Get 50% Off Your First Year of Monarch by using code ‘Pockets’: https://www.monarch.com/pockets Connect with Tad Fallows! Long Angle Website: https://www.longangle.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fallows/ Asset Allocation 2026 Report: https://www.longangle.com/research/high-net-worth-asset-allocation We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Can you achieve financial independence and retire in 15 years if you're starting from $0 at age 50? In this episode, we break down how to build wealth on a lower income by rethinking your biggest expenses, growing your earning potential, and making your money work harder. Learn how your first $25,000 can create a foundation for financial security, how house hacking and real estate investing can accelerate your progress, and why developing new skills and pursuing side hustles can help you reach your goals faster. Whether you're a late starter or simply trying to get serious about your finances, discover practical strategies to save more, invest wisely, and build a realistic path to early retirement. To go beyond the podcast: Listen to the Full Episode (668): https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/podcast/how-to-go-from-broke-at-50-to-retired-at-60/ Interested in working with a Flat Fee Financial Planner? Go to https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/fipro/ Get 50% Off Your First Year of Monarch by using code ‘Pockets’: https://www.monarch.com/pockets Follow BiggerPockets Money on Social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biggerpocketsmoney/ We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Your 20s can be the best time to take risks, but knowing which risks are worth taking can make all the difference in reaching financial independence. In this episode, we break down how to take smart risks with your money, career, and lifestyle to build wealth faster. Learn how to invest for long-term growth, negotiate a higher salary, start a side hustle, use house hacking to build wealth, and protect yourself with insurance and an emergency fund. We also cover the risks to avoid, from high-interest debt to speculative investments, so you can pursue financial independence without putting your financial future at unnecessary risk. To go beyond the podcast: Interested in a Flat Fee Financial Planner? Go to https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/fipro/ Interested in Learning More About Buying a Franchise? Check out: biggerpocketsmoney.com/franzy Get 50% Off Your First Year of Monarch by using code ‘Pockets’: https://www.monarch.com/pockets Connect with Evan Lawler: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_financialfoundation/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@The_FinancialFoundation We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How do you go from financial mistakes and debt to financial independence? On this episode of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast, Kelley Long shares her journey from money struggles in her twenties to reaching Coast FI and building a life with more flexibility and financial freedom. Kelley discusses paying off debt, changing her money mindset, investing for long-term wealth, and spending intentionally without sacrificing the things she loves. If you're pursuing Coast FI, early retirement, or financial independence, Kelley's story offers practical lessons for creating a financial future on your own terms. To go beyond the podcast: Interested in a Flat Fee Financial Planner? Go to https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/fipro/ Interested in Learning More About Buying a Franchise? Check out: biggerpocketsmoney.com/franzy Get 50% Off Your First Year of Monarch by using code ‘Pockets’: https://www.monarch.com/pockets Connect with Kelley Long: Website: https://www.financialblisscoach.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/financialblisscoach/ We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How can you have a $3.8 million net worth and still have zero cash available? In this episode of BiggerPockets Money, Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench help a couple navigate a financial puzzle involving wealth tied up in real estate and retirement accounts, significant medical expenses, and a cash flow shortfall. They explore strategies for accessing money early, including Roth conversions, the 72(t) rule, and real estate sales, while considering healthcare costs, ACA subsidies, and tax implications. If you're planning for early retirement, this case study shows why having a high net worth isn't always the same as having money you can actually spend. To go beyond the podcast: Interested in a Flat Fee Financial Planner? Go to https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/fipro/ Interested in Learning More About Buying a Franchise? Check out: biggerpocketsmoney.com/franzy Get 50% Off Your First Year of Monarch by using code ‘Pockets’: https://www.monarch.com/pockets We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is the massive investment in AI worth the cost? In this Best of BiggerPockets Money episode, Aswath Damodaran breaks down the trillions being poured into AI infrastructure, the revenue needed to justify that spending, and the risk of an AI investment bubble. Learn how to evaluate AI stocks, understand Big Tech valuations, and manage investment risk without trying to time the market. To go beyond the podcast: Listen to the Full Episode (780): https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/podcast/aswath-damodaran-why-ai-needs-10-trillion-in-revenue-to-work/ Interested in working with a Flat Fee Financial Planner? Go to https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/fipro/ Get 50% Off Your First Year of Monarch by using code ‘Pockets’: https://www.monarch.com/pockets Follow BiggerPockets Money on Social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biggerpocketsmoney/ We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What would we do if we were 25 years old and starting from $0? In this episode of BiggerPockets Money, Mindy Jensen and Evan Lawler break down a step-by-step plan to build wealth and reach financial independence from scratch. Learn how to track your spending, build a $1,000 emergency fund, pay off high-interest debt, and make the most of your 401(k), Roth IRA, and HSA. Whether you're just starting your financial journey or trying to get your money on track, these practical steps can help you build a strong financial foundation and put compound growth to work early. To go beyond the podcast: Interested in a Flat Fee Financial Planner? Go to https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/fipro/ Interested in Learning More About Buying a Franchise? Check out: biggerpocketsmoney.com/franzy Get 50% Off Your First Year of Monarch by using code ‘Pockets’: https://www.monarch.com/pockets Connect with Evan Lawler: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_financialfoundation/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@The_FinancialFoundation We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How do you build a $2 million portfolio and retire at 54 without earning an enormous salary? Mike shares how 25 years of consistent saving, basic investing, and real estate helped him reach financial independence. In this episode of BiggerPockets Money, Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench explore his simple investing strategy, including the three-fund portfolio, tax-advantaged retirement accounts, and the importance of paying yourself first. Mike also explains how he’s preparing for early retirement, from managing healthcare costs and ACA subsidies to planning portfolio withdrawals. His story shows how living below your means and sticking to a boring, long-term investment strategy can build lasting wealth without chasing hot stocks or timing the market. To go beyond the podcast: Interested in a Flat Fee Financial Planner? Go to https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/fipro/ Interested in Learning More About Buying a Franchise? Check out: biggerpocketsmoney.com/franzy Get 50% Off Your First Year of Monarch by using code ‘Pockets’: https://www.monarch.com/pockets We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if you had $1 million invested for financial independence at just 36, but still worried that buying a home could derail your early retirement plans? Cheryl and her family have two young kids, a $1 million FI portfolio, and big goals: reach Coast FI and potentially work part time within five years, while ultimately retiring with $3 million by age 59.5. But after buying a primary residence, Cheryl wants to know whether she’s made a major financial mistake or if she can make homeownership, part-time work, and financial independence all work together. On this Finance Friday episode, Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench break down Cheryl’s numbers and explore what it will take to balance her family’s goals without losing sight of the bigger FI plan. To go beyond the podcast: Interested in a Flat Fee Financial Planner? Go to https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/fipro/ Interested in Learning More About Buying a Franchise? Check out: biggerpocketsmoney.com/franzy Get 50% Off Your First Year of Monarch by using code ‘Pockets’: https://www.monarch.com/pockets Connect with Cheryl: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/millionairecher/ We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How much can you safely withdraw in early retirement, and is the 4% rule still a good guideline? Ben Felix breaks down portfolio risk, asset allocation, bonds vs. stocks, flexible spending, and the psychological side of investing in retirement. To go beyond the podcast: Listen to the Full Episode Here: https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/podcast/ben-felix-100-equities-in-fire/ Interested in working with a Flat Fee Financial Planner? Go to https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/fipro/ Get 50% Off Your First Year of Monarch by using code ‘Pockets’: https://www.monarch.com/pockets We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is house hacking still a good strategy for reaching financial independence in 2026? Scott Trench and Evan Lawler break down a real house-hacking opportunity, looking at mortgage costs, cash flow, market conditions, sold properties, and how to systematically find real estate deals that can help you build wealth. If you're considering house hacking, real estate investing, or using rental income to accelerate FIRE, this episode offers a practical framework for evaluating the numbers and knowing when to act. To go beyond the podcast: Interested in a Flat Fee Financial Planner? Go to https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/fipro/ Interested in Learning More About Buying a Franchise? Check out: biggerpocketsmoney.com/franzy Get 50% Off Your First Year of Monarch by using code ‘Pockets’: https://www.monarch.com/pockets Connect with Evan Lawler: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_financialfoundation/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@The_FinancialFoundation We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How much do you actually need to retire, and once you get there, how do you turn your portfolio into income without running out of money? In this episode, Christine Benz from Morningstar joins us to talk about one of the biggest challenges of early retirement: decumulation. We get into how much you can realistically withdraw, what to do when markets are expensive or take a downturn, and how to build a portfolio that can support you for decades. Christine also explains why you don’t need a perfect portfolio or an overly complicated strategy to retire successfully, and why staying flexible may be one of the most important parts of a good retirement plan. To go beyond the podcast: Interested in a Flat Fee Financial Planner? Go to https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/fipro/ Interested in Learning More About Buying a Franchise? Check out: biggerpocketsmoney.com/franzy Get 50% Off Your First Year of Monarch by using code ‘Pockets’: https://www.monarch.com/pockets Connect with Christine Benz: Website: https://www.morningstar.com Podcast: The Longview We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What is happening with inflation, interest rates, energy prices, and the economy, and what does it mean for investors? In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast, Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench welcome back J Scott to break down the current economic landscape and explain how inflation, Federal Reserve policy, energy costs, housing, interest rates, money supply, and geopolitical events can affect your finances and investments. They discuss why inflation still feels high, how rising energy prices impact the broader economy, why mortgage and borrowing costs can remain elevated, and whether investors should change their portfolios in response. To go beyond the podcast: Interested in a Flat Fee Financial Planner? Go to https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/fipro/ Interested in Learning More About Buying a Franchise? Check out: biggerpocketsmoney.com/franzy Get 50% Off Your First Year of Monarch by using code ‘Pockets’: https://www.monarch.com/pockets Connect with J Scott: https://linktr.ee/jscottinvestor We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What are the best careers for reaching financial independence? In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast, Mindy Jensen and Evan Lawler explore careers that can accelerate your path to FI. They break down how income potential, flexibility, pensions, benefits, variable income, and lifestyle can affect your ability to build wealth and reach financial independence faster.. They also discuss side hustles, managing inconsistent income, and why choosing the right career can be just as important as saving and investing when you're working toward FI. To go beyond the podcast: Interested in a Flat Fee Financial Planner? Go to https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/fipro/ Interested in Learning More About Buying a Franchise? Check out: biggerpocketsmoney.com/franzy Get 50% Off Your First Year of Monarch by using code ‘Pockets’: https://www.monarch.com/pockets Connect with Evan Lawler: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_financialfoundation/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@The_FinancialFoundation We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How do you go from nearly $1 million in debt to building a $1.3 million net worth? In this BiggerPockets Money episode, hosts Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench sit down with Naseema McElroy to hear how she rebuilt her finances through intentional money decisions, strategic debt payoff, disciplined investing, and strong financial systems. Naseema shares how selling a home helped her eliminate debt, how she learned to control major expenses, and why boring, consistent investing became the foundation of her wealth. She also opens up about navigating real estate setbacks, life transitions, and the path toward financial independence. If you’re paying off debt, investing, rebuilding after a financial setback, or working toward financial freedom, this episode is packed with practical lessons you can use to build wealth. To go beyond the podcast: Interested in a Flat Fee Financial Planner? Go to https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/fipro/ Interested in Learning More About Buying a Franchise? Check out: biggerpocketsmoney.com/franzy Get 50% Off Your First Year of Monarch by using code ‘Pockets’: https://www.monarch.com/pockets Connect with Naseema McElroy: Website:financiallyintentional.com Social: @financiallyintentional We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How do you go from $18,000 in debt to nearly $1 million in just six years? On the BiggerPockets Money Podcast, Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench sit down with Kate to unpack the money decisions that completely changed her financial trajectory. She shares how she tackled debt, curbed sneaky spending, built an emergency fund, grew her income through career moves, and began consistently investing in low-cost index funds. More importantly, Kate explains how aligning her spending with what she actually values helped her build wealth without feeling like she was constantly depriving herself. If you're working toward financial independence, paying off debt, or simply trying to build better money habits, this episode is packed with practical strategies you can put to work. To go beyond the podcast: Interested in a Flat Fee Financial Planner? Go to https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/fipro/ Interested in Learning More About Buying a Franchise? Check out: biggerpocketsmoney.com/franzy Get 50% Off Your First Year of Monarch by using code ‘Pockets’: https://www.monarch.com/pockets Connect with Kate: Website: https://www.derekateonfire.com/ Email: derekateonfire@gmail.com We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lifestyle inflation can quietly derail your path to financial independence, but does spending more as your income and life change have to be a bad thing? Scott Trench and Evan Lawler break down how spending changes through different stages of life, what the data says about future expenses like housing and childcare, and how to build a realistic financial independence or Coast FI plan. They also explore the FI community’s shift away from extreme frugality and how to use data, flexibility, and better spending expectations to build wealth without sacrificing your quality of life. To go beyond the podcast: Check out the Budget Calculator from this episode: https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/budget/ Interested in a Flat Fee Financial Planner? Go to https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/fipro/ Interested in Learning More About Buying a Franchise? Check out: biggerpocketsmoney.com/franzy Get 50% Off Your First Year of Monarch by using code ‘Pockets’: https://www.monarch.com/pockets Connect with Evan Lawler: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_financialfoundation/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@The_FinancialFoundation We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast, Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench sit down with Eli Breece from Dividendology to unpack dividend growth investing and how it compares to traditional index fund investing. They discuss sequence of returns risk, dividend sustainability, free cash flow, valuation, bear markets, and how to evaluate dividend growth stocks. Eli also explains why he believes dividend investing can be a powerful approach to building long-term wealth and creating retirement income, while Mindy and Scott bring their own skepticism to the strategy. To go beyond the podcast: Interested in a Flat Fee Financial Planner? Go to https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/fipro/ Interested in Learning More About Buying a Franchise? Check out: biggerpocketsmoney.com/franzy Get 50% Off Your First Year of Monarch by using code ‘Pockets’: https://www.monarch.com/pockets Connect with Eli Breece: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/dividendology We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast, Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench explore how you can use AI to make better financial decisions and move closer to financial independence. They share practical ways to ask better questions, give AI the right context, stress test your financial plan, and even develop an investment thesis. Plus, they talk about where AI can help and why you still need to double-check its work. To go beyond the podcast: Interested in a Flat Fee Financial Planner? Go to https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/fipro/ Interested in Learning More About Buying a Franchise? Check out: biggerpocketsmoney.com/franzy Get 50% Off Your First Year of Monarch by using code ‘Pockets’: https://www.monarch.com/pockets We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast, Mindy Jensen and Evan Lawler take a closer look at Coast FIRE and what it really means to stop aggressively saving for retirement while still working toward financial independence. They talk through what could go wrong, from market downturns and rising expenses to lifestyle creep and unexpected changes in your life or career. They also discuss how much flexibility Coast FIRE can give you, how to build in a little margin, and what to think about when deciding whether Coast FIRE or traditional FIRE makes sense for you. To go beyond the podcast: Interested in a Flat Fee Financial Planner? Go to https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/fipro/ Interested in Learning More About Buying a Franchise? Check out: biggerpocketsmoney.com/franzy Get 50% Off Your First Year of Monarch by using code ‘Pockets’: https://www.monarch.com/pockets Connect with Evan Lawler: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_financialfoundation/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@The_FinancialFoundation We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast, Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench sit down with Professor Aswath Damodaran, one of the world’s leading experts on valuation and a professor of finance at NYU Stern School of Business, to unpack whether the massive excitement around AI is justified by the numbers. They explore the billions being invested in AI infrastructure, how much revenue AI companies would need to justify today’s valuations, the risks of overinvestment and an AI bubble, and how investors should think about mega-cap tech stocks in an AI-driven market. Aswath also breaks down the potential impact of AI on employment and the broader economy, why storytelling can distort investment decisions, and why diversification and sound valuation principles matter more than ever. To go beyond the podcast: Interested in a Flat Fee Financial Planner? Go to https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/fipro/ Interested in Learning More About Buying a Franchise? Check out: biggerpocketsmoney.com/franzy Get 50% Off Your First Year of Monarch by using code ‘Pockets’: https://www.monarch.com/pockets We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Two years ago, Alex Preziosi came to the BiggerPockets Money Podcast with one big question: should she quit her W-2 job and go all-in on real estate? Fast forward to today, and she's left behind her brutal commute, grown her real estate business, added another rental property, gotten married, and built a net worth of more than $1 million, all before 35! But here's the twist: Alex is now just $50,000 away from Coast FI and wondering if she can finally take her foot off the gas. Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench catch up with Alex to talk about quitting your job before financial independence, building wealth with real estate, Coast FI, entrepreneurship, and whether $1 million is really enough when kids and a growing family could be in the future. To go beyond the podcast: Interested in a Flat Fee Financial Planner? Go to https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/fipro/ Interested in Learning More About Buying a Franchise? Check out: https://www.biggerpocketsmoney.com/franzy Get 50% Off Your First Year of Monarch by using code ‘Pockets’: https://www.monarch.com/pockets Connect with Alex Preziosi: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerseygirlfinance/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandrapreziosi/ Alex’s Previous Episodes: 395 and 589 We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast, Scott Trench is joined by Alex Smereczniak of Franzy to break down how to buy a franchise, what franchises actually cost, who is best suited for franchise ownership, and how to evaluate the risks and rewards of buying a franchise business. They also explore real-world franchise success stories, passive income potential, and how franchising can fit into a broader financial independence strategy. This episode is brought to you in partnership with Franzy. BiggerPockets Money may receive compensation if you choose to work with Franzy. As always, do your own research and evaluate whether a franchise opportunity is right for your financial situation and goals. To go beyond the podcast: Interested in a Flat Fee Financial Planner? Go to https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/fipro/ Interested in Learning More About Buying a Franchise? Check out: https://www.biggerpocketsmoney.com/franzy Get 50% Off Your First Year of Monarch by using code ‘Pockets’: https://www.monarch.com/pockets Connect with Alex Smereczniak: https://www.instagram.com/alexfromfranzy/?hl=en We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Ashley Kehr and Tim Delaney share their very different experiences owning and operating liquor stores, from starting a business during COVID to buying an existing store and dealing with the realities of employees, cash flow, inventory, suppliers, and day-to-day management. They break down what it takes to build a profitable liquor store, how to source rare bourbon and whiskey, why standard operating procedures are critical, and the costly lessons that can come from poor financial oversight and business management. Whether you’re interested in buying a small business, starting a liquor store, entrepreneurship, retail business, or building passive income, Ashley and Tim offer practical lessons on turning a small retail business into a more scalable and profitable operation. To go beyond the podcast: Interested in a Flat Fee Financial Planner? Go to https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/fipro/ Get 50% Off Your First Year of Monarch by using code ‘Pockets’: https://www.monarch.com/pockets Connect with Ashley Kehr: Social: https://www.instagram.com/wealthfromrentals/ Website: https://www.ashleykehr.com/ Real Estate Rookie: https://www.youtube.com/c/RealEstateRookie Connect with Tim Delaney: Business Buying for Financial Independence: https://open.spotify.com/show/2kBagDg0jmHwOmPJggAnGH?si=525c0e8e64dd4136 We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast, Nic Morales shares how his experience working for the NFL led him into real estate investing and ultimately to managing a $50 million portfolio. He reveals the challenges, financing strategies, operational demands, and hard lessons behind scaling a large real estate business. To go beyond the podcast: Interested in a Flat Fee Financial Planner? Go to biggerpocketsmoney.com/fipro Get 50% Off Your First Year of Monarch by using code ‘Pockets’: https://www.monarch.com/pockets Connect with Nic Morales: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nic-morales-24797ab5/ We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast, Dave shares how he and his family went from no real savings to building more than $1 million in net worth in just seven years while raising five kids on a median income. Dave explains how he used side hustles, aggressive saving, minimalism, DIY skills, and strategic investing to dramatically improve his family’s finances. Dave also shares how paying off the mortgage, investing in tax-advantaged accounts, controlling major expenses, and having regular money conversations with his spouse helped transform their financial trajectory. His story offers practical lessons for anyone trying to build wealth, increase their savings rate, and create more financial freedom without needing an enormous income. To go beyond the podcast: Interested in a Flat Fee Financial Planner? Go to biggerpocketsmoney.com/fipro Get 50% Off Your First Year of Monarch by using code ‘Pockets’: https://www.monarch.com/pockets Follow BiggerPockets Money on Social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biggerpocketsmoney Connect with Dave: http://www.davesguitarmusic.com/ We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of The BiggerPockets Money Podcast, we explore how someone starting from zero at age 50 can build wealth and potentially reach a $1 million net worth by 65. We break down a realistic 15-year wealth-building strategy, including aggressive saving, living at the bottom quintile of expenses in your area, increasing income through jobs and side hustles, eliminating bad debt, and maximizing tax-advantaged retirement accounts. We also explore how real estate strategies like house hacking and live-in flips can accelerate wealth creation, along with the importance of disciplined spending, smart investing, community, and continuous learning. Starting at 50 presents unique challenges, but with a clear plan and consistent execution, financial independence can still be within reach. To go beyond the podcast: Interested in a Flat Fee Financial Planner? Go to biggerpocketsmoney.com/fipro Get 50% Off Your First Year of Monarch by using code ‘Pockets’: https://www.monarch.com/pockets Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biggerpocketsmoney BiggerPocket Money Episodes to Listen to for Catching up Later in Life Content: 130, 152, 194, 333, 345, 446, 459, 484, 537, 538 We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of The BiggerPockets Money Podcast, hosts Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench are joined by special guest Carl Jensen to explore the bull and bear cases for megacap stocks, the future of AI, and what rapid technological advancement could mean for investors and the broader economy. They break down tech valuations, surging AI investment, market concentration, the potential for AI to transform the labor market, and the risks of overpaying for future growth. To go beyond the podcast: Interested in a Flat Fee Financial Planner? Go to biggerpocketsmoney.com/fipro Get 50% Off Your First Year of Monarch by using code ‘Pockets’: https://www.monarch.com/pockets Follow BiggerPockets Money on Social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biggerpocketsmoney Connect with Carl: https://www.1500days.com We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How do you choose the right financial advisor? Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench explain what to look for when hiring a financial planner, including AUM vs. flat-fee vs. hourly compensation, CFP credentials, fiduciary status, advisor qualifications, questions to ask, and how to prepare for your first meeting. If you're considering working with a financial advisor, this episode will help you understand how advisors are compensated, identify potential conflicts of interest, prepare your financial information, and get more value from professional financial planning. To go beyond the podcast: Interested in a Flat Fee Financial Planner? Go to biggerpocketsmoney.com/fipro Get 50% Off Your First Year of Monarch by using code ‘Pockets’: https://www.monarch.com/pockets Follow BiggerPockets Money on Social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biggerpocketsmoney We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How do Scott and Virginia Trench actually run their household, set big financial goals, and build toward financial independence together? In this episode, Scott and Virginia pull back the curtain on the systems and conversations that keep their family, finances, and future moving in the same direction. They talk about their approach to goal setting, weekly household and financial check-ins, dividing responsibilities, and making sure their money decisions support the life they actually want to live. They also dive into their investment strategy, including real estate, stocks, portfolio diversification, and how they adjust their investments as market conditions change. And of course, there’s plenty to unpack when it comes to building and protecting wealth, from proactive tax planning and estate planning to the financial tools they use to keep track of everything. If you’re working toward financial independence, investing for the long term, or simply trying to get more intentional about your money and your life, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Scott and Virginia make it all work. To go beyond the podcast: Take the guesswork out of investing, taxes, and retirement. Book a free consultation with Domain Money Today: www.biggerpocketsmoney.com/cfp Get 50% Off Your First Year of Monarch by using code ‘Pockets’: https://www.monarch.com/pockets Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney Connect with Virginia Trench: Website: https://www.virginiatrench.com/ We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

REITs have underperformed for 25 years, but could the next decade be different? Jussi Askola joins us to look at where REITs stand today, how they are valued, and where investors may find the best opportunities. We discuss how to value REITs using NAV and FFO, why management quality matters, and which sectors look most attractive, including data centers, cell towers, multifamily, retail, and office. We also compare public and private real estate and explore what could drive REIT returns over the next 10 years. To go beyond the podcast: Take the guesswork out of investing, taxes, and retirement. Book a free consultation with Domain Money Today: www.biggerpocketsmoney.com/cfp Get 50% Off Your First Year of Monarch by using code ‘Pockets’: https://www.monarch.com/pockets Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney Connect with Jussi Askola Website: https://www.leonbergcapital.com/ Buy His New Book ‘The Reit Advantage’: https://www.amazon.com/dp/9916435359?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback Substack: https://www.high-yield-landlord.com/ We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Can a 29-year-old couple with a $1.7 million net worth become work optional by age 40? In this Finance Friday episode, we break down their financial plan after inheriting two rental properties and explore the biggest decision they face: keep investing in real estate, leverage their equity, or shift toward index funds? We analyze their rental property cash flow, portfolio allocation, tax strategies, and long-term investment plan to determine the smartest path toward financial independence. Whether you're pursuing FIRE, building wealth through rental properties, or deciding how to invest an inheritance, this episode offers practical insights for making thoughtful long-term financial decisions. To go beyond the podcast: Take the guesswork out of investing, taxes, and retirement. Book a free consultation with Domain Money Today: www.biggerpocketsmoney.com/cfp Get 50% Off Your First Year of Monarch by using code ‘Pockets’: https://www.monarch.com/pockets Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast, hosts Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench react to the biggest takeaways and criticisms from Mindy's recent episode with The Money Guys. Mindy shares her perspective on the conversation, clears up misconceptions, and discusses what financial independence really means from her point of view. The discussion also explores the judgment that often exists within the financial independence community, how personal values influence investing decisions, and why there is no single path to building wealth. Whether you're pursuing FIRE, growing your investment portfolio, or refining your long term financial strategy, this episode offers practical insights to help you make confident financial decisions. To go beyond the podcast: Take the guesswork out of investing, taxes, and retirement. Book a free consultation with Domain Money Today: www.biggerpocketsmoney.com/cfp Get 50% Off Your First Year of Monarch by using code ‘Pockets’: https://www.monarch.com/pockets Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of BiggerPockets Money, hosts Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench sit down with Adrianna Adams, CFP at Domain Money, to discuss some of the biggest mistakes people make on the path to financial independence and early retirement. From chasing the perfect FIRE number to overlooking liquidity and tax planning, Adriana shares the lessons she's learned helping clients build wealth and confidently transition into early retirement. They dive into practical strategies for reducing taxes, managing portfolio risk, accessing retirement savings before traditional retirement age, and making smarter decisions around Roth conversions, direct indexing, mortgages, and withdrawal planning. Whether you're working toward FIRE or already financially independent, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you build a stronger financial plan and make your money work harder throughout retirement. To go beyond the podcast: Take the guesswork out of investing, taxes, and retirement. Book a free consultation with Domain Money Today: www.biggerpocketsmoney.com/cfp Get 50% Off Your First Year of Monarch by using code ‘Pockets’: https://www.monarch.com/pockets Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Early Retirement Group, LLC (“BiggerPockets Money”), is acting as a promoter for Domain Money Advisors, LLC (“Domain”) and receives a flat fee for each client who enrolls in or purchases the promoted services. In addition to the compensation provided to Bigger Pockets Money, Scott Trench is a current client of Domain and received non-cash compensation related to his promotional activity. This compensation creates a conflict of interest because the promoter has a financial incentive to recommend the service. Clients should independently evaluate whether the service is appropriate for their needs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast, hosts Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench sit down with Cody Berman to uncover how he achieved financial independence before age 30 and built a $5 million net worth through entrepreneurship, side hustles, real estate investing, stock market investing, and multiple income streams. Cody shares the mindset, strategies, and lessons that accelerated his path to FIRE, from leveraging unfair advantages and embracing failure to building passive income. Whether you're pursuing financial independence, looking to grow your income, or searching for practical wealth-building strategies, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you reach financial freedom faster. Connect with Cody: Website: https://codydberman.com/ Buy ‘Retire by 30’: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GVPVB2KJ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/codydberman To go beyond the podcast: Take the guesswork out of investing, taxes, and retirement. Book a free consultation with Domain Money Today: www.biggerpocketsmoney.com/cfp Get 50% Off Your First Year of Monarch by using code ‘Pockets’: https://www.monarch.com/pockets Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What is the Middle Class Trap, and how can high earners avoid it on the path to financial independence? In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast hosts, Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench explain why maximizing income isn't always enough and how smart tax planning can dramatically improve your after-tax wealth. They explore how strategies like Roth conversions, maximizing your 401(k), and thoughtful tax planning can create more flexibility in early retirement. Along the way, they explain how real estate, liquidity, and focusing on your after-tax net worth can play a critical role in reaching financial independence. Whether you're pursuing FIRE or simply want to retire with more flexibility, this episode offers practical strategies to keep more of your money and build lasting wealth. To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump Accounts are one of the newest tax-advantaged investment accounts for children, but where do they fit in your financial plan? In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast, Jeremy Schneider of Personal Finance Club explains how Trump Accounts work, who should open one, how they compare to 529 plans and custodial accounts (UGMA/UTMA), and why they may become an important long-term wealth-building tool for families. You'll learn the rules, contribution limits, Roth IRA rollover opportunities, investment restrictions, financial aid implications, and practical strategies for parents and grandparents looking to build generational wealth. Connect with Jeremy Schneider: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/personalfinanceclub/ Website: https://personalfinanceclub.com/ Nectarine: https://hellonectarine.com/ To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What did Mindy and Carl Jensen learn from The Money Guys after they reviewed their portfolio? In this recap episode, Mindy and Carl share their biggest takeaways on retirement planning, cash reserves, Roth conversions, tax strategy, and portfolio diversification. They discuss what advice they're putting into action, what they're still debating, and how these lessons could help anyone pursuing financial independence and long-term wealth. To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is Coast FI the smarter path to financial independence in today's economy? In this episode, Scott Trench and Evan Lawler compare Coast FI vs. traditional FIRE, breaking down the trade-offs between reaching financial freedom as fast as possible or building enough wealth to let compound growth do the heavy lifting. They discuss investing, side hustles, real estate, lifestyle design, and the strategies young professionals can use to achieve financial independence while maintaining flexibility. To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney Connect with Evan Lawler: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_financialfoundation/ Email: The.FinancialFoundation00@gmail.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@The_FinancialFoundation We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this special episode of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast, Mindy Jensen and her husband Carl head to The Money Guy Show studio for a comprehensive portfolio review with Brian Preston and Bo Hanson. After years of maximizing traditional 401(k) contributions to reduce their tax bill, they've built substantial wealth, but now they're asking an important question: Have they fallen into the middle class trap? Together, they break down Mindy and Carl's investment portfolio, retirement accounts, tax strategy, and long-term financial plan to determine whether they're on the right path. Whether you're pursuing FIRE, planning for early retirement, or looking to optimize your portfolio, Brian and Bo share actionable advice to help you avoid costly financial mistakes and create lasting wealth. To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney Connect with The Money Guys: Website: moneyguy.com YouTube: youtube.com/c/MoneyGuyShow?sub_confirmation=1 Instagram: instagram.com/moneyguyshow We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Are you actually spending too much, or does it just feel that way because of where you live? In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast, Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench break down a new budget benchmarking tool that compares your spending to households like yours using real government data, regional cost-of-living adjustments, fair market rents, childcare costs, and local pricing. They explain the difference between cost of living and affordability, compare high-cost and low-cost cities, and show how housing, transportation, and income all impact your path to financial independence. You'll learn how to benchmark your own budget, identify areas where you may be overspending, and use data, AI, and your own transaction history to make smarter financial decisions. Whether you live in a high-cost city or a low-cost market, this episode will help you optimize your spending, increase your savings rate, and reach financial independence faster. To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is $500,000 actually a more important financial milestone than becoming a millionaire? In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast, Mindy Jensen sits down with Evan Lawler to explore why reaching $500K early could put you on track for Coast FIRE and potentially grow into millions by traditional retirement. They discuss the power of compound interest, high savings rates, intentional spending, and why financial independence doesn't always mean retiring early. Mindy and Evan also dive into the psychology of money, including the difference between being frugal and being cheap, building healthy spending habits after years of saving, and how lifestyle inflation, family, and changing priorities affect your FIRE journey. Whether you're just starting to invest or already pursuing financial independence, this episode will help you rethink the milestones that matter most. To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney Connect with Evan Lawler: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_financialfoundation/ Email: The.FinancialFoundation00@gmail.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@The_FinancialFoundation We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Military service offers more financial advantages than most Americans realize, but is staying for a 20-year pension always the smartest move? In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast, Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench sit down with Carol and Doug to discuss how military benefits can accelerate financial independence. They cover military pensions, VA disability compensation, TRICARE, reserve retirement, and the opportunity cost of leaving active duty for a civilian career. Carol shares how she left active duty after five years, joined the reserves, and built wealth through disciplined investing. Doug explains why military compensation is worth more than base pay alone, how to think about pensions as a probabilistic asset, and why quality of life should be part of every financial decision. Whether you're active duty, a reservist, a veteran, or pursuing Financial Independence (FIRE), this episode is packed with practical strategies for building long term wealth. To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney Connect with Carol and Doug: Carol: https://www.facebook.com/NextGenFinance Doug: militaryfinancialindependence.com AND Nordsnords@gmail.com Resources from Todays Episode: https://themilitarywallet.com/leave-active-duty-for-reserves/ https://militarypay.defense.gov/Calculators.aspx https://militarypay.defense.gov/calculators/rmc-calculator/ https://tricare.mil/Plans/HealthPlans https://militaryfinancialindependence.com/2024/06/27/why-you-file-your-veterans-disability-claim-not-just-how/ We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Reaching financial independence is only half the battle, knowing how to withdraw your money in early retirement is just as important. The right withdrawal strategy can help you minimize taxes, avoid unnecessary penalties, and make your portfolio last longer. In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast, Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench break down six early retirement withdrawal frameworks. Whether you're planning to retire before age 59.5 or you're already financially independent, you'll learn how to access your retirement savings, reduce your tax bill, and create a withdrawal plan that fits your goals. If you're pursuing FIRE (financial independence retire early), this episode will help you make smarter decisions with the money you've worked so hard to build. Resources from this episode: To access the slides from this episode: www.biggerpocketsmoney.com/withdraw To use the Healthcare Costs Projection App: https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/healthcarecosts/ To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.