Podcasts about financial samurai

Feeling uneasy about your finances in today's economy? Learn how to turn fear into your greatest investing motivator with Sam Dogen, founder of Financial Samurai. In this powerful episode, Sam shares how fear helped him build wealth, leave a high-stress Wall Street job, and create true financial independence. Whether you're just getting started or trying to level up your savings rate, this conversation will inspire you to use fear—not as a crutch, but as a catalyst. RESOURCES: Sponsors + Partners + Deals Millionaire Milestones (book): https://amzn.to/4jOuh1n (affiliate) CHAPTERS 00:00 – The Role of Fear in Hard Times00:20 – Show Intro: Using Fear to Drive Financial Action01:30 – Should Families Be Fearful of Today's Economy?02:30 – How Fear Can Be a Powerful Motivator03:40 – When Fear Becomes Paralysis04:15 – The Concept of “Return on Effort”05:15 – What is a Saving Rate and Why it Matters06:30 – How to Calculate Your Saving Rate07:45 – Sam's Saving Journey: From Goldman Sachs to FIRE10:00 – Facing the Financial Crisis and Learning from It11:15 – The Fear During 2008 and Lessons for 202512:50 – Investment Strategies: Beyond the 401(k)13:45 – The Utility of Stocks vs. Real Estate Investing15:15 – Reaching Financial Independence and Negotiating a Severance17:20 – Financial Independence with Kids: The New Fear18:15 – The Dual Unemployed Parents Dilemma20:00 – Optimal Parental Anxiety and Letting Go21:00 – One Final Piece of Advice for Struggling Families22:00 – Understanding Bear Markets and Historical Cycles23:00 – Where to Find “Millionaire Milestones” by Sam Dogen23:20 – Andy's Top 3 Takeaways from the Interview25:25 – Closing Credits and Final Thoughts MKM RESOURCES: MKM Coaching: Want 1-on-1 support with your family finance journey? Book a time with me today. Coast FIRE Calculator: A free calculator to help you find out when you can slow down or stop investing for retirement. Mortgage Payoff Calculator: A free calculator to help you see how fast you can become mortgage free. YouTube: Subscribe for free to watch videos of these episodes and interviews. RECOMMENDED RESOURCES (SPONSORS AND AFFILIATES): Monarch Money - Best Budget App for Families & Couples Empower - Free Portfolio Tracker Crew - HYSA Banking Built for Families - Get an Extra 0.5% APY with my partner link Ethos - Affordable Term Life Insurance Trust & Will - Convenient Estate Planning HOW WE MAKE MONEY + DISCLAIMER: This show may contain affiliate links or links from our advertisers where we earn a commission, direct payment or products. Opinions are the creators alone. Information shared on this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Marriage Kids and Money (www.marriagekidsandmoney.com) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. CREDITS: Podcast Artwork: Kayli Johnson Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Support: Nev Maraj Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do most millionaires have in common? No, it's not a yacht named “Compound Interest.” It's mindset. In this episode, Joe Saul-Sehy and OG kick off Mindset Week by welcoming Sam Dogen, the Financial Samurai himself, to help you start your journey toward a million-dollar net worth—one intentional step at a time. Sam shares why building wealth is less about luck and more about grit, clear goals, and a killer savings rate. He explains why $250,000 is the magic milestone where compounding takes over, why your “why” is more important than your budget, and how a simple house-to-car ratio can reveal whether you're cruising toward financial freedom or stuck in the valet lane. You'll learn: Why your first $250,000 is the hardest (and most critical) How to find your “why” and let it drive your money decisions Why some people crush millionaire goals while others stall out The pros and cons of prioritizing student loan payoff How real estate, entrepreneurship, and mindset play a role in long-term success Plus, Doug delivers trivia about the world's most millionaire-dense country (hint: it's not the U.S.), and Joe announces a live event with Boldin's Steve Chen to help you master retirement planning tools. All that and a wink toward OG's dream car obsession (which definitely didn't come from the after-show... wink wink).

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3593: Sam from Financial Samurai dismantles the myth that remodeling guarantees a return on investment, explaining that most renovations recoup only about 65% of their cost. He emphasizes that true profit comes from expansion, not remodeling, and encourages homeowners to remodel for personal enjoyment rather than profit, unless increasing livable square footage is the goal. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.financialsamurai.com/does-remodeling-pay-off-make-money/ Quotes to ponder: "Almost all property remodeling does not recoup the cost spent remodeling based on national averages." "Remodeling is a lifestyle choice with generally negative returns." "Increase the livable square footage of the home, and you increase the home's selling price. It's that simple." Episode references: 2023 Cost vs. Value Report by Remodeling Magazine: https://www.remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value/2023/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3593: Sam from Financial Samurai dismantles the myth that remodeling guarantees a return on investment, explaining that most renovations recoup only about 65% of their cost. He emphasizes that true profit comes from expansion, not remodeling, and encourages homeowners to remodel for personal enjoyment rather than profit, unless increasing livable square footage is the goal. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.financialsamurai.com/does-remodeling-pay-off-make-money/ Quotes to ponder: "Almost all property remodeling does not recoup the cost spent remodeling based on national averages." "Remodeling is a lifestyle choice with generally negative returns." "Increase the livable square footage of the home, and you increase the home's selling price. It's that simple." Episode references: 2023 Cost vs. Value Report by Remodeling Magazine: https://www.remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value/2023/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3593: Sam from Financial Samurai dismantles the myth that remodeling guarantees a return on investment, explaining that most renovations recoup only about 65% of their cost. He emphasizes that true profit comes from expansion, not remodeling, and encourages homeowners to remodel for personal enjoyment rather than profit, unless increasing livable square footage is the goal. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.financialsamurai.com/does-remodeling-pay-off-make-money/ Quotes to ponder: "Almost all property remodeling does not recoup the cost spent remodeling based on national averages." "Remodeling is a lifestyle choice with generally negative returns." "Increase the livable square footage of the home, and you increase the home's selling price. It's that simple." Episode references: 2023 Cost vs. Value Report by Remodeling Magazine: https://www.remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value/2023/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sam Dogen is the force behind the Financial Samurai blog. He has written a new book called Millionaire Milestones. In this episode we chat about whether a million dollars is what it used to be and how to become an inevitable millionaire. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can you achieve the American Dream by saving half your paycheck? Sam Dogen, founder of Financial Samurai, left Wall Street at 34 with a seven-figure nest egg after a demanding investment banking career. He saved “until it hurts” but would he do it differently? We discuss real estate, generational wealth, and financial freedom. [Episode 101]Sam Dogen is the founder of Financial Samurai, one of the most visited sites on Financial Independence and Early Retirement.Learn more about Sam:• Financial Samurai: https://www.financialsamurai.com/who-is-sam-dogen-founder-of-financial-samurai/• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-dogen-aa2152178/• X/Twitter: https://x.com/financialsamura?lang=en—-JOIN OUR GROUP COACHING COHORTS:Are you looking to ask deep, introspective and provocative questions about your own life (with Khe and likeminded peers)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apply today⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠—-BECOME A RADREADER:

In this episode of Boldin Your Money, host Steve Chen welcomes back Sam Dogen, the Financial Samurai, to discuss his journey from Wall Street to financial independence, and his latest book, Millionaire Milestones. Sam shares hard-earned insights from his early career in finance, the emotional and financial toll of market downturns, and how he transformed a cathartic blog into a thriving income source and community. The conversation explores the power of compounding, the value of real estate in wealth-building, risk tolerance, money mindset, and why aligning financial goals with personal values is crucial. Sam also dives into how AI is shaping the future of content creation and wealth strategy, both as a tool and a hedge. Whether you're starting your financial journey or refining your path to early retirement, this episode offers rich takeaways on how to invest with intention, build passive income, and live a life of purpose and autonomy.

Click Here for the Show Notes In this episode, Melissa Nash interviews Sam Dogen, better known as the Financial Samurai, who shares his powerful journey from Wall Street executive to achieving financial independence. Together, they explore the mindset shifts required to build true wealth, the importance of consistent saving and investing, and practical strategies for establishing generational wealth. Sam also discusses the deeper meaning of success, emphasizing that real wealth is about freedom and time, not just financial gain. His story offers inspiration and grounded guidance for anyone seeking financial clarity and life balance.

Summary In this conversation, Sam from Financial Samurai shares insights on wealth building, investment strategies, and the importance of intentional spending. He has a net worth over $10 million. He discusses his journey from a finance career to becoming a successful author and investor, emphasizing the significance of real estate and public equities in his portfolio. Sam also reflects on the mindset shift towards spending and investing in education for his children, culminating in the release of his new book, 'Millionaire Milestones.' Sam shares his insights on building wealth, the importance of compounding, and the milestones necessary for achieving financial independence. He discusses the structure of his book, 'Millionaire Milestones', and emphasizes the significance of saving and investing strategically. Sam also reflects on his personal experiences, aspirations for family travel, and the lessons learned from childhood that shape his financial philosophy. He encourages listeners to be intentional with their finances and to seek knowledge from those who have succeeded before them. Takeaways *Sam's new book focuses on building wealth for freedom. *His net worth grew from $3 million to over $8.5 million. *Diversification in investments is key to financial stability. *Maxing out 401k and Roth IRA is essential for retirement. *Taxable brokerage accounts should be prioritized for flexibility. *Real estate provides stability and utility compared to stocks. *Intentional spending became a focus after age 45. *Investing in education is a valuable long-term investment. *The importance of adapting investment strategies over time. *Sam's journey reflects the balance between saving and enjoying life. The experience of 30 years in finance is invaluable. *It's important to read and learn from others' experiences. *Investment milestones are crucial for financial growth. *Compounding interest significantly increases wealth over time. *Financial independence allows for freedom of expression and action. *Intentional living and travel can enrich family experiences. *Spending should be intentional and meaningful. *Childhood lessons shape financial perspectives. *The journey to wealth requires consistent effort and strategy. *Engaging with mentors can accelerate financial learning. Sponsored by: Indeed Indeed.com/unveiled Shopify Shopify.com/unveiled  

After three years of writing, revising, and reflecting, I'm excited to share that Millionaire Milestones: Simple Steps To Seven Figures is now available everywhere—in hardcover, eBook, and audiobook! In this special episode, my wife and I sit down to talk about the journey behind the book: why I wrote it, what readers can expect, and how it ties into over a decade of sharing free financial content on Financial Samurai. We also dive into the emotional side of writing—especially how the process impacted our family, what it means to lead by example for our kids, and what we hope this book will do for readers striving to build lasting wealth. Whether you're just getting started on your financial journey or looking for that extra push to reach the next level, this episode gives you an honest, behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to turn knowledge into action—and how to stay motivated along the way. Pick up a hard copy or two of Millionaire Milestones on: Amazon B&N Books A Million Your local book store or anywhere you buy books Your reviews and shares are appreciate! There's nothing better than giving the gift of financial freedom.  Fight on!  Sam Feel free to join 60,000 others and sign up for my free weekly newsletter as well. My goal is to help you achieve financial freedom sooner, rather than later.  Financial Samurai was founded in 2009 and is the leading independently-owned personal finance site today. Everything is written based off firsthand experience and knowledge because money is too important to be left to pontificaiton.   

In this episode, I talk with Harry, a long-time Financial Samurai reader, about his journey to building a $4+ million home in the Los Angeles area. While most people buy move-in ready homes, Harry shares an insightful behind-the-scenes look at how it's done — from financing the project to the timeline it takes to build, and whether it's ultimately a good investment. Related posts: How To Survive The Most Dangerous Time After Buying A Home A Big Expensive How Can Ruin Your Path To Financial Freedom To Remodel With Permits Or Without To Save Time And Money Wealth-Building Recommendations This episode is brought to you by Fundrise, my preferred private real estate investment platform. Fundrise predominantly in residential and industrial commercial real estate in the Sunbelt, where valuations are lower and yields are higher. I've personally invested over $300,000 in Fundrise to diversify. The investment minimum is only $10, so it's easy to dollar-cost average in.  If you're ready to build more wealth than 93% of the population, grab a copy of my new book, Millionaire Milestones: Simple Steps to Seven Figures. With over 30 years of experience working in, studying, and writing about finance, I've distilled everything I know into this practical guide to help you achieve financial success. To expedite your journey to financial freedom, join over 60,000 others and subscribe to the free Financial Samurai newsletter. Financial Samurai is among the largest independently-owned personal finance websites, established in 2009. Everything is written based on firsthand experience and expertise. To Your Financial Freedom, Sam

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3123: Sam from Financial Samurai argues that true happiness stems more from how much we save than how much we earn. Backed by compelling survey data and personal anecdotes, he illustrates how saving creates peace of mind, freedom, and long-term satisfaction, far outweighing the temporary highs of spending or earning more. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.financialsamurai.com/they-key-to-happiness-is-saving-more-not-making-more-money/ Quotes to ponder: "The more you save, the more likely you are to be happy." "Saving money affects happiness MORE than how much you earn." "There is no happiness plateau with saving money in the survey because savings gives people peace of mind, pride, and independence." Episode references: Healing Back Pain by Dr. John Sarno: https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Back-Pain-Mind-Body-Connection/dp/0446392308 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3123: Sam from Financial Samurai argues that true happiness stems more from how much we save than how much we earn. Backed by compelling survey data and personal anecdotes, he illustrates how saving creates peace of mind, freedom, and long-term satisfaction, far outweighing the temporary highs of spending or earning more. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.financialsamurai.com/they-key-to-happiness-is-saving-more-not-making-more-money/ Quotes to ponder: "The more you save, the more likely you are to be happy." "Saving money affects happiness MORE than how much you earn." "There is no happiness plateau with saving money in the survey because savings gives people peace of mind, pride, and independence." Episode references: Healing Back Pain by Dr. John Sarno: https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Back-Pain-Mind-Body-Connection/dp/0446392308 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3123: Sam from Financial Samurai argues that true happiness stems more from how much we save than how much we earn. Backed by compelling survey data and personal anecdotes, he illustrates how saving creates peace of mind, freedom, and long-term satisfaction, far outweighing the temporary highs of spending or earning more. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.financialsamurai.com/they-key-to-happiness-is-saving-more-not-making-more-money/ Quotes to ponder: "The more you save, the more likely you are to be happy." "Saving money affects happiness MORE than how much you earn." "There is no happiness plateau with saving money in the survey because savings gives people peace of mind, pride, and independence." Episode references: Healing Back Pain by Dr. John Sarno: https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Back-Pain-Mind-Body-Connection/dp/0446392308 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I have the pleasure of speaking with Humphrey Yang, a personal finance content creator with over 1.6 million followers on YouTube and over 3.3 million followers on TikTok. Humphrey burst onto the scene in 2020 when COVID-19 began and has been growing steadily ever since. According to polls by YouGov and toy-maker Lego, being a YouTuber or TikToker consistently ranks as one of the top aspirations for teenagers and young adults today. Given this trend, I thought it would be insightful to chat with Humphrey about his journey. With the soaring cost of college and the increasingly cutthroat competition to get accepted — even for some of the top high school students — more young people are considering bypassing traditional gatekeepers and creating something of their own. Becoming a content creator is one way to take control of your future and potentially achieve financial success on your own terms. I invite you to check out our conversation and subscribe to Humphrey's personal finance YouTube and TikTok channels. It's clear that video is all the rage now and in the future.  If you enjoyed this podcast episode, I'd appreciate a positive review and a share. Each episode takes hours to create. Please also subscribe to my free weekly newsletter at www.financialsamurai.com/news.  To Your Financial Freedom, Sam, Financial Samurai

With trade wars, massive federal government employee cuts, fallout with Ukraine, and worsening relationships with European countries, the Trump administration is kicking off with significant uncertainty and chaos. I spoke with Ben Miller, co-founder and CEO of Fundrise, about how this turbulence could impact the real estate market. In essence, chaos can be good for real estate, and he believes real estate will outperform stocks in 2025 and potentially 2026. Read the post with charts: Chaos, Uncertainty, Fear: Wonderful For Real Estate Investors Join 60,000+ others and sign up for the free Financial Samurai newsletter here. Financial Samurai is the leading independently-owned personal finance site in the world with over 1 million organic pageviews a month. It was started in 2009 and everything is wirtten and spoken based off firsthand experience and knowledge. 

With stock market volatility returning and the potential for an economic slowdown ahead, I can't help but feel grateful for the incredible gains we've made in 2023 and 2024. This reflection led me to record why I believe those who actively manage their finances are among the luckiest people on earth. With our million-dollar mindsets (post), we're not just accumulating wealth—we're creating happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives than those who neglect their finances. Since 2020, those of us who prioritize financial growth have seen our investments soar, making life significantly easier. My hope is that more people embrace this mindset—because with greater financial security comes more freedom, love, and opportunity for all. Time To Take Action If you're ready to take control of your finances and unlock new possibilities, pre-order Millionaire Milestones: Simple Steps to Seven Figures. This book will guide you toward financial freedom, helping you design life on your own terms. Order your copy on Amazon or wherever you buy books. Your future self will thank you. Join 60,000+ others and sign up for the free weekly Financial Samurai newsletter as well. I keep you engaged and thinking about personal finances so you can keep on building wealth for you and your family.     

I speak with Dr. Jordan Grumet about building purpose for a happier and more meaningful life. If you're feeling stuck, as many of us so inevitably do at some point, Dr. Grumet has a new book out called The Purpose Code (Amazon) to help you find your way.  You can learn more about Dr. Grumet's book and his podcast, Earn & Invest, at Jordangrumet.com.  If you enjoyed this episode, I'd appreciate a share, rate and review. Each podcast takes hours to record and produce and your reviews keep me going.  If you want to stay on top of everything I write on Financial Samurai, you can subscribe to my free weekly newsletter here (www.financialsamurai.com/news).

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3041: Simon Zhen applies Sun Tzu's Art of War to the fight for financial independence, offering timeless wisdom on how to aggressively eliminate debt and defend yourself against its return. From avoiding prolonged struggles with interest to maintaining a strong offense, these war tactics provide a blueprint for achieving lasting financial freedom. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.financialsamurai.com/sun-tzus-art-of-war-applied-to-your-battle-against-debt/ Quotes to ponder: "Every battle is won before it is ever fought." "There is no instance of a country having benefited from prolonged warfare. In war, then, let your great object be victory, not lengthy campaigns." "If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3041: Simon Zhen applies Sun Tzu's Art of War to the fight for financial independence, offering timeless wisdom on how to aggressively eliminate debt and defend yourself against its return. From avoiding prolonged struggles with interest to maintaining a strong offense, these war tactics provide a blueprint for achieving lasting financial freedom. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.financialsamurai.com/sun-tzus-art-of-war-applied-to-your-battle-against-debt/ Quotes to ponder: "Every battle is won before it is ever fought." "There is no instance of a country having benefited from prolonged warfare. In war, then, let your great object be victory, not lengthy campaigns." "If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3041: Simon Zhen applies Sun Tzu's Art of War to the fight for financial independence, offering timeless wisdom on how to aggressively eliminate debt and defend yourself against its return. From avoiding prolonged struggles with interest to maintaining a strong offense, these war tactics provide a blueprint for achieving lasting financial freedom. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.financialsamurai.com/sun-tzus-art-of-war-applied-to-your-battle-against-debt/ Quotes to ponder: "Every battle is won before it is ever fought." "There is no instance of a country having benefited from prolonged warfare. In war, then, let your great object be victory, not lengthy campaigns." "If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In part 2 of my discussion with Ben Miller, CEO of Fundrise, and sponsor of Financial Samurai, I ask him about how an open-ended venture capital fund works.  If I'm going to build a $500,000+ position in an open-ended fund to gain more exposure to private AI companies, I want to fully understand how the fund operates. Here are some of the questions I asked during our discussion: What happens to a private company that successfully goes public, and how does this impact the fund? Is it harder to identify a promising company or to actually invest in that company? How does Fundrise and other venture capital firms compete to gain access to invest in private companies? How does Fundrise approach risk management in its investments? What's the process for writing checks to invest in companies? If you don't have cash on hand, how do you secure a line of credit to invest in a company? How do you provide liquidity to investors in the Innovation Fund? How do you determine the size of a fund you want to run? Related post: Why I'm Only Investing In Open-Ended Venture Capital Funds Going Forward Join 60,000+ readers and subscribe to my free weekly newsletter here. My goal is to help you reach financial freedom sooner, rather than later. 

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3008: Sam from Financial Samurai explores the consequences of closing credit cards, sharing personal insights and practical advice to safeguard your credit score and financial health. By understanding key factors like credit history, credit line usage, and account management, you can make informed decisions about whether to keep or close your credit cards. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.financialsamurai.com/should-i-close-out-my-credit-cards/ Quotes to ponder: "To build a good credit score, you need to prove you can handle credit!" "If a credit card doesn't have an annual fee, I see little reason to close it unless, of course, you think it will tempt you to overspend." "Work on kicking your addictive habits first, before using a credit card." Join 250K readers (20% of which have hit 7 figures) who are already building a brighter financial future - subscribe now. Sign up at readthejoe.com/subscribe-swap Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3008: Sam from Financial Samurai explores the consequences of closing credit cards, sharing personal insights and practical advice to safeguard your credit score and financial health. By understanding key factors like credit history, credit line usage, and account management, you can make informed decisions about whether to keep or close your credit cards. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.financialsamurai.com/should-i-close-out-my-credit-cards/ Quotes to ponder: "To build a good credit score, you need to prove you can handle credit!" "If a credit card doesn't have an annual fee, I see little reason to close it unless, of course, you think it will tempt you to overspend." "Work on kicking your addictive habits first, before using a credit card." Join 250K readers (20% of which have hit 7 figures) who are already building a brighter financial future - subscribe now. Sign up at readthejoe.com/subscribe-swap Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3008: Sam from Financial Samurai explores the consequences of closing credit cards, sharing personal insights and practical advice to safeguard your credit score and financial health. By understanding key factors like credit history, credit line usage, and account management, you can make informed decisions about whether to keep or close your credit cards. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.financialsamurai.com/should-i-close-out-my-credit-cards/ Quotes to ponder: "To build a good credit score, you need to prove you can handle credit!" "If a credit card doesn't have an annual fee, I see little reason to close it unless, of course, you think it will tempt you to overspend." "Work on kicking your addictive habits first, before using a credit card." Join 250K readers (20% of which have hit 7 figures) who are already building a brighter financial future - subscribe now. Sign up at readthejoe.com/subscribe-swap Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I speak to Ben Miller, co-founder and CEO of Fundrise about his outlook for commercial real estate in 2025. Despite high mortgage rates, he's taken a positive view and he shares the main reasons why.  Investing in stocks and bonds in your 401(k) or IRA are classic staples for retirement investing. However, I also suggest diversifying into real estate—an investment that combines the income stability of bonds with greater upside potential. I've personally invested over $300,000 with Fundrise, and they've been a trusted partner and long-time sponsor of Financial Samurai. With a $10 investment minimum, diversifying your portfolio has never been easier. Fundrise enables you to 100% passively invest in residential and industrial real estate without the headache of maintenance or tenants. With about $3 billion in private real estate assets under management, Fundrise focuses on properties in the Sunbelt region, where valuations are lower, and yields tend to be higher.  Subscribe To Financial Samurai Listen and subscribe to The Financial Samurai podcast on Apple or Spotify. I interview experts in their respective fields and discuss some of the most interesting topics on this site. Your shares, ratings, and reviews are appreciated. To expedite your journey to financial freedom, join over 60,000 others and subscribe to the free Financial Samurai newsletter. Financial Samurai is among the largest independently-owned personal finance websites, established in 2009. Everything is written based on firsthand experience and expertise because money is too important to be left up to pontification.   

One of the biggest reasons I was against contributing to a Roth IRA is my belief that most people won't make more money in retirement than while working. As a result, they're unlikely to pay a higher tax rate in retirement than during their working years. While most Americans earn less in retirement, you aren't most people. You subscribe to the free Financial Samurai newsletter and are obsessed about money and living an incredible life! Readers of personal finance sites like this one are likely saving far more and investing more strategically than the average individual. We're a nerdy bunch who care immensely about our financial future. Thanks to the power of compounding, decades of disciplined saving and investing could result in you earning far more in retirement than you ever anticipated. And perhaps equally as important is understanding how 401(k) and IRA withdrawals are taxed. They are considered deferred income and will be taxed as income, not capital gains.  You can read more and discuss on my post: Why You May Make More In Retirement Than While Working. There's an example too.  Reach Financial Freedom Sooner With Boldin If you're serious about building wealth and retiring comfortably, consider signing up for Boldin's powerful retirement planning tools. They offer a free version and a PlannerPlus version for just $120/year—an affordable alternative to hiring a financial advisor. For the paid version, there's a free 14-days trial. Boldin was specifically designed for retirement planning, providing a holistic approach to financial management. It goes beyond managing your stock and bond portfolio by integrating real estate investments, guiding Roth conversions to minimize taxes, helping with college savings, and addressing other real-life financial scenarios we all face. As I approach the traditional retirement age, I've found Boldin's tools particularly helpful in deciding how much to convert to a Roth IRA. The ability to model various “what if” scenarios has been invaluable for planning my future, especially for when I'm older and less able to manage my finances. To Your Financial Freedom, Sam Thanks for rating, sharing, and subscribing to my podcast. Every review means a lot. 

Happy New Year everyone! I hope you're enjoying the time off and doing some reflecting. I've returned to San Francisco after eight days of being in Oahu and am ready to relax some more! Here are some quick thoughts about what to expect in 2025 for the stock market, real estate market, and Financial Samurai.  Mentioned posts: 2025 Goals And Resolutions: Back To Simple Retirement Living 2024 Year In Review: A Year Of Transition And Luck The Best Of Financial Samurai 2024: Favorite Posts And Popular Reads 30/30/3 Home Buying Rule To Follow Join 60,000+ other readers achieving financial sooner by subscribing to my free weekly newsletter here. 

Straight From The Admissions Office: Insider Strategies For College ApplicationsIf you're looking for helpful tips and insights for the college admissions process, check out my book by clicking the links below:

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2975: Buying or renting a home isn't just a financial decision, it's about lifestyle, long-term happiness, and personal circumstances. Sam of FinancialSamurai.com shares his journey to homeownership, offering practical tips like the 30/30/3 rule and emphasizing the importance of loving where you live. This balanced perspective helps you weigh your options and align them with your goals. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.financialsamurai.com/how-to-decide-whether-to-buy-a-home-or-rent/ Quotes to ponder: "If you were forced to live in your current location for 10 years, would you be happy, OK, or frustrated?" "Deciding on buying a home is like deciding on a relationship or a marriage. You just know at that point in time." "There's no point in making money if one doesn't spend it on things that improve the quality of your life." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2975: Buying or renting a home isn't just a financial decision, it's about lifestyle, long-term happiness, and personal circumstances. Sam of FinancialSamurai.com shares his journey to homeownership, offering practical tips like the 30/30/3 rule and emphasizing the importance of loving where you live. This balanced perspective helps you weigh your options and align them with your goals. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.financialsamurai.com/how-to-decide-whether-to-buy-a-home-or-rent/ Quotes to ponder: "If you were forced to live in your current location for 10 years, would you be happy, OK, or frustrated?" "Deciding on buying a home is like deciding on a relationship or a marriage. You just know at that point in time." "There's no point in making money if one doesn't spend it on things that improve the quality of your life." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2975: Buying or renting a home isn't just a financial decision, it's about lifestyle, long-term happiness, and personal circumstances. Sam of FinancialSamurai.com shares his journey to homeownership, offering practical tips like the 30/30/3 rule and emphasizing the importance of loving where you live. This balanced perspective helps you weigh your options and align them with your goals. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.financialsamurai.com/how-to-decide-whether-to-buy-a-home-or-rent/ Quotes to ponder: "If you were forced to live in your current location for 10 years, would you be happy, OK, or frustrated?" "Deciding on buying a home is like deciding on a relationship or a marriage. You just know at that point in time." "There's no point in making money if one doesn't spend it on things that improve the quality of your life." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I had the pleasure of speaking with Bill Bengen, creator of the "4% Rule" for retirement planning. Bill has been a reader of Financial Samurai for many years and has always been courteous in the comments section when I write about safe withdrawal rates. So, I figured it was time we had a chat to clear up some misconceptions. For those unfamiliar, the 4% Rule, developed by Bill in the 1990s, suggests that traditional retirees (around age 65) can safely withdraw 4% of their retirement portfolio in the first year—adjusted for inflation in subsequent years—without running out of money over a 30-year period. Misconceptions About The 4% Rule Cleared Up By Bill Bengen Here's what I learned from Bill that helped clarify the 4% Rule: Not a Hard “Rule”: Bill considers the 4% Rule more of a guideline than a strict rule. He encourages flexibility with withdrawal rates, though it's often treated as a rigid rule in the public eye. 4% Isn't Actually Aggressive: Contrary to popular belief, Bill's data shows that 4% is actually conservative. In his study of 400 retirees since 1926, only one retiree (who retired in 1968) had to stick to a 4% rate to avoid running out of money. The rest withdrew an average of 7% without depleting their portfolios. Adjusting for Inflation: The 4% Rule isn't static; it adjusts with inflation. For instance, if you start with a $1 million portfolio and withdraw $40,000 one year, you would adjust that amount by inflation the next year to $44,000. This means your withdrawals fluctuate with your financial needs and economic conditions. You can e-mail bill at Bill@begenfs.com if you have any questions.  Posts mentioned: Misconceptions About The 4% Rule With Bill Bengen The Proper Safe Withdrawal Rate Finishing Rich In A Low Return Stock Market Environment If you enjoyed this episode please rate, share, and susbscribe. Every review means a lot as every episode takes hours to record, edit, and produce. Thank you! To expedite your journey to financial freedom, join over 60,000 others and subscribe to the free Financial Samurai newsletter. Financial Samurai is among the largest independently-owned personal finance websites, established in 2009.

Donald Trump will be the 47th President of the United States, this time with JD Vance as his Vice President. Let's explore how this new Trump presidency might impact your finances. We'll look at how Trump's policies could affect stocks, real estate, bonds, venture capital, and even our careers. Overall, Trump's return is generally seen as positive for investors. However, since investing in risk assets always carries uncertainty, it's essential to align your investments with your personal goals and risk tolerance. Related posts: What Trump Means For Your Finances Financial Planning Through Changing Presidencies Being Even Greedier While Others Are Greedy Stock Market Performance Under A Democratic Or Republican Presidents Suggestions: If you're looking to diversify your investments beyond stocks, check out Fundrise. Fundrise manages over $3 billion in private real estate investments, with a primary focus on the Sunbelt region, where valuations are generally lower and yields tend to be higher. As the Fed enters a multi-year cycle of interest rate cuts and with Trump as president, real estate demand may increase in the coming years. Given Trump's background and success in real estate, I wouldn't be surprised if he introduces buyer incentives and policies to support heartland regions, which were key in his election victory. I've personally invested over $270,000 with Fundrise, and they are a long-time sponsor of Financial Samurai. Finally, you can join 60,000+ readers and sign up for my free weekly newsletter here.    

If you have children, you likely want to provide them with the best education possible, which may include helping them get into a top college. Along the way, you may come across college consulting services and wonder how beneficial they really are. In today's episode, I speak with Alice Chen, Founder of BrightStory Admission Consulting, to find out more about the service.  Alice is a daughter of immigrants and grew up in the Boston area. Alice's father was a research scientist and her mother an auditor, so Alice grew up thinking that those who studied and worked the hardest would succeed. But after attending Stanford and working in TV journalism, Alice quickly learned that IQ was not the most important factor for workplace (and life) success. Alice created BrightStory to offer the mentoring she wishes she had as a teen. Alice also created Happy Asian Woman, a newsletter focused on wellness and living a meaningful life, and she incorporates these values into her coaching work. ***** If you enjoyed this podcast, I'd appreciate a share and a positive review. It helps keep me motivated to finding new guests to share with all of you. Every podcast takes hours to record and produce. To expedite your journey to financial freedom, join over 60,000 others and subscribe to the free Financial Samurai newsletter. Financial Samurai is among the largest independently-owned personal finance websites, established in 2009. ***** Related posts: The Wide Implications Of The College Admissions Scandal An Asian American's View On Affirmative Action Is Private K-12 Worth It? What If You Go To Harvard And End Up A Nobody?

After four years, the Federal Reserve has finally cut the Fed Funds rate by 50 basis points, bringing the target range to 4.75% - 5%. Expectations point to another 50 basis points in cuts for 2024 and a total of 100 basis points by 2025. Fed Chair Powell remains optimistic, stating the economy is 'very solid' and sees no elevated risk of a downturn. In this episode, I'll break down what this rate cut means for real estate, stocks, and—most importantly—your retirement, focusing on the impact to your safe withdrawal rate. Get A Free Financial Checkup Of Your Investment Portfolio If you have over $250,000 in investable assets, take advantage and schedule an appointment with an Empower financial advisor here. Complete your two video calls with the advisor before October 31, 2024, and you'll receive a free $100 Visa gift card.  After a great run in stocks, another recession could hit. It's always a good idea to get a second opinion about how your investments are positioned, especially from a professional who sees other people in your situation all the time.  Related posts: Maximizing Real Estate Returns In A Multi-Year Interest Rate Cut Cycle Increasing The Safe Withdrawal Rate For Retirement At The WRONG Time Join 60,000+ others and subscribe to the free weekly Financial Samurai newsletter here. This way, you'll never miss a thing. 

I speak to Ben Miller, CEO of Fundrise about investing in real estate during a multi-year rate cut environment. With the Federal Reserve finally cutting rates in September 2024 after raising them in 2022, real estate should have a nice tailwind for a couple of years.  Main Theme: Interest rates are the most significant driver of real estate prices, surpassing operational improvements. Apartments are likely to benefit the most by the end of 2025. Diversify Your Real Estate Investments  If you're considering investing in private real estate, take a look at Fundrise. They manage private real estate funds focused on the Sunbelt region, where valuations are lower, and yields are higher. Fundrise specializes in residential and industrial real estate, offering investors diversification and passive income potential. Currently, Fundrise manages over $3.5 billion for more than 500,000 investors. I've personally invested over $270,000 with Fundrise, and they've been a proud sponsor of Financial Samurai for years. Related post: Maximizing Real Estate Returns In A Rate Cut Environment Join 65,000 others and subscribe to the free weekly financial Samurai newsletter here. 

I speak with Khe Hy, who spent 15 years on Wall Street and became one of the youngest Managing Directors at BlackRock at just 31. He earned up to $2 million a year—then he quit! His journey mirrors mine in many ways, though he earned significantly more. I thought it would be fascinating to understand why he chose to walk away from such wealth. Could you give up $1-2 million a year in your mid-to-late 30s? I don't think I could. But then again, I sometimes forget just how miserable and unhealthy I felt working on Wall Street. He now spends time with his family, writing his Radreads newsletter and recording The Examined Life podcast. → The RadReads email newsletter and blog http://radreads.co/join → The Examined Life Podcast https://pod.link/1692585605 If you enjoyed this conservationed, I'd love a share and a positive review. Every review counts! Special Promo: Get A Free Financial Checkup For those with over $250,000 in investable assets who want a free financial checkup, you can schedule an appointment with an Empower financial advisor here (https://www.financialsamurai.com/advisor). If you complete your two video calls with the advisor before October 31, 2024, you'll receive a free $100 Visa gift card. With stock market volatility returning and a potential recession on the horizon, it's wise to get a second opinion from a professional. Illuminate financial blindspots you don't know you have and better optimize your finances. The last thing you want is to be misallocated relative to your financial goals and risk tolerance. When you lose money, you ultimately lose precious time.  Again, you can schedule your free financial consultation here. If you do not see a link copy and paste this URL in your browser: https://www.financialsamurai.com/advisor The statement is provided to you by Financial Samurai (“Promoter”) who has entered into a written referral agreement with Empower Advisory Group, LLC (“EAG”). Click here to learn more. Regards, Sam You can join 60,000+ others and subscribe to the free Financial Samurai newsletter here. Financial Samurai began in 2009 with the goal of helping readers achieve financial freedom sooner, rather than later. 

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2276: Sam Dogen explores the challenges and dynamics faced by women dating highly motivated men. He offers insights on understanding these "Super Motivated Boyfriends," emphasizing the importance of supporting their ambitions while maintaining personal confidence and independence. Dogen suggests practical strategies to nurture the relationship and potentially lead it to marriage. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.financialsamurai.com/how-to-get-your-super-motivated-boyfriend-to-marry-you/ Quotes to ponder: "SMB's need constant reinforcement that they are doing the right thing, even though you think they're not." "Despite being insecure, SMB's often come across as overly confident." "The more you spend time with your girlfriends, the more the SMB wants to spend time with you." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I speak to Jo Piazza, bestselling author of The Sicilian Inheritance, podcaster, and award-winning journalist. We discuss tradwives and its financial and social implications.  Given that Financial Samurai is about achieving financial freedom sooner, being financially dependent on someone as an adult is the exact opposite of what I want for readers. A tradwife typically denotes a woman who believes in and practices traditional gender roles and marriages. Some may choose to take on a homemaking role within their marriage or leave their careers to focus on meeting their family's needs at home. According to Google Trends, online searches for the term "tradwife" began to rise in popularity around mid-2018 and reached high levels during the early 2020s. If you enjoyed this podcast episode, please rate, review, share and subscribe. It helps us grow. Related posts: Financial Dependence Is the Worst Not Having Kids Is Your FIRE Super Power To increase your chances of achieveing financial independence sooner, join 60,000+ others and subscribe to the Financial Samurai newsletter. 

I love the concept of Coast FIRE. It allows you to free up more money to enjoy life now instead of retirement.   But … just because I think Coast FIRE is great, doesn't mean everyone does.  To help us get another perspective on this Coast FIRE concept and what could go wrong with it, I've invited Sam Dogen back on the show today.  GUEST BIO - Sam Dogen: Sam is the founder of Financial Samurai, a personal finance website focused on slicing through money's mysteries. He has been featured in major publications including The Wall Street Journal, The Sydney Herald, The Chicago Tribune and The L.A. Times.  Sam is also the author of the Wall Street Journal bestselling book “Buy This, Not That: How to Spend Your Way to Wealth and Financial Freedom”.  When he's not writing about financial independence, Sam loves spending time with his wife and two kids and playing pickleball and tennis in San Francisco. EPISODE RESOURCES: Sponsors + Partners + Deals Coast FIRE Calculator MKM RESOURCES: MKM Coaching: Want 1-on-1 support with your family finance journey? Book a time with me today. Make My Kid a Millionaire Course: Want to build generational wealth and happiness for your kid? Learn more about my course! YouTube: Subscribe for free to watch videos of these episodes and interviews. Instagram: Follow our IG channel SHOW INFORMATION:  Marriage Kids and Money is dedicated to helping young families build wealth and happiness. This award-winning platform helps couples and parents achieve financial independence and discover the true meaning of wealth.  To achieve these big goals, we answer questions and interview experts who uncover smart net worth building habits and tools that can help everyone find their own version of financial independence. Learn more at https://www.marriagekidsandmoney.com  HOST BIO:  Andy Hill, AFC® is the award-winning family finance coach behind Marriage Kids and Money - a platform dedicated to helping young families build wealth and happiness.  Andy's advice and personal finance experience have been featured in major media outlets like CNBC, Forbes, MarketWatch, Kiplinger's Personal Finance and NBC News. With millions of downloads and views, Andy's message of family financial empowerment has resonated with listeners, readers and viewers across the world.    When he's not "talking money", Andy enjoys being a soccer Dad, singing karaoke with his wife and relaxing in his hammock. HOW WE MAKE MONEY + DISCLAIMER: This show may contain affiliate links or links from our advertisers where we earn a commission, direct payment or products. Opinions are the creators alone. Information shared on this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Marriage Kids and Money (www.marriagekidsandmoney.com) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. CREDITS: Podcast Artwork: Liz Theresa Editor: Podcast Doctors Podcast Support: Nev Maraj Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I've decided that my Home-To-Car Ratio guide is the most important pesonal finance guide for everyone to fall. After all, everybody needs a place to live, real estate is the best asset to build wealth for the average person, and America has a love affair with cars. My Home-To-Car Ratio guide helps personal finance enthusiasts reduce their car spending and maximize their house spending in a practical way. By following my guide, more people will build more wealth than those who don't! See: The Right House-To-Car Ratio For Financial Freedom Real Estate Investing Suggestion To invest in private real estate, take a look at Fundrise, my favorite private real estate investing platform. Fundrise was founded in 2012 and manages over $3.3 billion with over 500,000 investors. The firm focuses on residential and industrial properties in the Sunbelt, where valuations are lower and cap rates are higher. Take advantage of the demographic shift to lower-cost areas of the country.  Personally, I've invested $954,000 in private real estate since 2016 to diversify my exposure and earn more passive income. I've invested six figures in Fundrise's Flagship Fund and Fundrise is a sponsor of Financial Samurai.  Join 70,000 others and sign up for my weekly financial freedom newsletter here. If you do, you'll improve your chances of building more wealth.   

I spoke to my wife about how my saver's mindset naturally kicked in after purchasing our new house in October 2023. Our liquidity was tight, and we were literally living paycheck to paycheck for six months. This is when my frugal gene kicked in and made me lock down expenses. This experience taught me that experiencing financial difficulty often triggers a saver's mindset. The key is to maintain this saver's mindset at all times, not just when you're in a crunch. Articles Referenced: Embrace Living Paycheck To Paycheck For A Better Life Why Earning Less Passive Income Has Changed My Life For The Better Three Sneaky Expenses That Are Ruining Your Budget Recommendations Real estate is my favorite asset class for most people to build long-term wealth. It's important to invest your savings to try and beat inflation. If you'd like to invest in real estate without a mortgage, check out Fundrise, my favorite private real estate platform. The investment minimum is only $10 to help you diversify and earn more passive income.  Financial Samurai is a six-figure investor in Fundrise funds and Fundrise is an investor in Financial Samurai.  Join 70,000 others and subscribe to my free weekly newsletter. You'll increase your chances of achieving financial freedom sooner if you do.     

Property bidding wars are back, despite persistently high mortgage rates, due to the strength of the economy and the stock market. This episode discusses why people are getting into bidding wars and the best time of the year to buy a house.  Articles referenced: Understanding Why People Getting Into Property Bidding Wars Analyzing Housing Price Dynamics: Helping Buyers Buy At The Best Time Real estate is my favorite asset class for most people to build long-term wealth. If you'd like to invest in real estate without a mortgage, check out Fundrise, my favorite private real estate platform. The investment minimum is only $10 to help you diversify and earn more passive income.  Financial Samurai is a six-figure investor in Fundrise funds and Fundrise is an investor in Financial Samurai.  Join 70,000 others and subscribe to my free weekly newsletter. You'll increase your chances of achieving financial freedom sooner if you do. 

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2160: Explore the profound lessons in Sam's article on why prioritizing your career over personal relationships can lead to regret. Discover the story of Lana, who achieved immense financial success but missed out on decades of potential love and companionship. Learn why balancing love and career is essential for a fulfilling life. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.financialsamurai.com/you-will-regret-sacrificing-love-for-money-almost-all-of-the-time/ Quotes to ponder: “But you will always regret sacrificing love for money." "I would have absolutely focused as hard on my love life as I did on my career." "I would absolutely trade all my wealth to have my family." Episode references: Columbia University: https://www.columbia.edu/ Dartmouth College Tuck School of Business: https://www.tuck.dartmouth.edu/ Whistler Blackcomb: https://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/ Swiss Alps: https://www.myswitzerland.com/en/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I catch up with Ben Miller, Co-founder and CEO of Fundrise about artificial intelligence and the latest investments by the  Innovation Fund. We discuss how company valuations are calculated in the fund, a defense AI investment, and so much more.  The Innovation Fund is an open-ended venture capital fund with only a $10 minimum. You can see what the fund is investing in before you decide to invest and how much. Unlike traditional closed-end venture capital funds, you can gain liquidity if you want in one quarter. Check out the Innovation Fund here. Financial Samurai is an investor in Fundrise and Fundrise is a long-time sponsor of Financial Samurai.  Personally, I'm bullish on artificial intelligence and will be building $500,000 worth of exposure to AI companies and funds that invest in artificial intelligence over the next five years. In 20 years, I don't want my children asking me why I didn't invest in AI near the beginning.  Related post: Artificial Intelligence: How To Protect Yourself And Benefit Financially  Subscribe To Financial Samurai To achieve financial independence sooner, Join 60,000+ others and subscribe to the free Financial Samurai newsletter. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, rate, and review. Every review means a lot as each episode takes hours to produce. 

 Sam Dogen offered himself up to me as a sacrificial lamb when he wrote to me and told me that he was the male equivalent of the trad wife.  He was kidding. But Sam is a stay-at-home dad who is the primary caregiver for his children and today we talk about the stigma and judgement he feels for having taken on that role. Learn more about Sam and The Financial Samurai brand and content here.Order a copy of The Sicilian Inheritance here, here and here.

I speak with Colleen Kong-Savage about becoming a children's book illustrator and author, as well as a freelance graphic designer while living in expensive New York City. Colleen has a new book out entitled Piano Wants To Play. It is a wonderful book for children and adults of all ages who appreciate music. It is also a touching story about rekindling the joy we had as children. Colleen has been a long-time illustrator for Financial Samurai, creating all of the custom Samurai-themed graphics, including the logo and the Financial Samurai mask. As you may know, it can be challenging to make a living as a creative professional. Therefore, I'm proud to support Colleen's endeavors. If you're looking to support artists, the best way to do so is to purchase their work and hiring them. Please consider purchasing a copy of Piano Wants To Play and visiting Colleen's website at ckongsavage.com. If you want to learn more about being a children's author and illustrator, you can check out the resources at www.highlightsfoundation.org and www.scbwi.org. If you enjoyed this episode, I'd appreciate a review and a share! To Your Financial Freedom, Sam

Every residential real estate investor and homeowner is richer after the National Association Of Realtors settled its price fixing lawsuit. I know many real estate agents, realtors, and brokerages are upset with the ruling. However, the decision was decided quickly by a jury of our peers. The money that would have went into the real estate industry's pockets are now going back into the homeowners' and investors' pockets.  See: Why Every Residential Real Estate Investor And Homeowner Is Richer Busting The Real Estate Cartel With Attorney Mike Ketchmark Recommendations Check out Fundrise, my favorite private real estate platform with over $3.3 billion under management for 500,000+ investors. With mortgage rates coming down and the stock market strong, the demand for real estate is building.  Fundrise predominantly invests in residential and industrial real estate in the Sunbelt region, where valuations are lower and yields are higher. I believe there is a multi-decade demographic shift towards lower-cost areas of the country thanks to technology.  Financial Samurai is an investor in Fundrise funds and Fundrise is a long-time sponsor of Financial Samurai.  Subscribe To Financial Samurai To achieve financial freedom sooner, join 60,000+ others and subscribe to the free Financial Samurai newsletter. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, rate, and review. Every review means a lot as each episode takes hours to produce.