Be Smart by Jared Dillian

People pour their hearts out on Reddit. In episode 381, Jared and Cameron tap into personal finance subreddits, addressing questions about payday loan apps, when to repair your vehicle versus buying a new one, mortgages and retirement, negotiating for a higher salary, steps to achieving financial comfort, and… clogged cats?

Anytime a new technology is developed, there's an initial hype phase where money pours into the space, which leads to overinvestment and malinvestment. Then you enter the Valley of Despair before getting a second bull market years down the line. In episode 380, Jared clarifies why we may be close to completing the first runup in AI, why crypto has no place in the Awesome Portfolio, why he's so bearish on Google, the 2024 election, and more.

Would you have more money if you didn't buy coffee? Perhaps marginally more, but it's a rounding error in the grand scheme of things. Stop focusing on the little things that don't matter. Buying coffee is peewee stuff that just does not matter, and you have these so-called financial "experts" focused on this kind of stuff, alienating everyone in the process. There are so many other things you should be focusing on to improve your financial well-being.

Having money in stocks and mutual funds that perform well doesn't mean you're creating wealth. In that case, you're just a passenger along for the ride on the back of someone else. Creating wealth could mean starting a business or showing up to work and producing value that exceeds what you are paid. In episode 378, Jared discusses the difference between creating and destroying wealth, as well as the president's impact on the US economy.

No, it's not choosing the right mutual fund to invest in or opting for a 15-year mortgage instead of a 30-year one. Not even paying off all your credit cards cracks the top three. The three biggest financial decisions you will ever make include choosing the right person to marry, your career, and where to live. In episode 377, Jared breaks down why these choices are so crucial to get right—because getting them wrong can do serious damage in the long run.

Mutual funds let you pool your money with other investors to buy stocks, bonds, and other securities. They're run by professional money managers who decide which securities to buy (stocks, bonds, etc.) and when to sell them. Here's the thing, though: Mutual funds are not free. That said, they're inexpensive, but that doesn't stop people from getting worked up over fees. In episode 376, Jared explains why we should stop complaining about fees… especially when they're near zero already.

In episode 375, Jared maps his evolution from "class warrior" as a kid in Connecticut to his college years when he dabbled in objectivism to his present-day views on the likes of Jeff Bezos. He breaks down the philosophical basis for the revolution that swept through the world in the 1970s and '80s (influenced by prominent figures such as Ayn Rand, Margaret Thatcher, Ronald Reagan, Friedrich Hayek, and Milton Friedman) and discusses how people's thinking on economics is totally backward these days.

In episode 374 of the BE SMART podcast, Jared demystifies the key to deal negotiation for a home and why, as a buyer, you should be making a series of negative comments to your realtor to bring the price of a house down. Everything in real estate is negotiable, and it's a bit like playing cards—meaning it's helpful to know which cards a seller is holding. You don't want to be a "people pleaser" when negotiating for a house. It never hurts to ask for something you want included, whether it be the drapes or a piece of furniture.

There are points in time when producers have pricing power, and there are other times when they don't. This concept is known as demand elasticity. If something has elastic demand, companies can't raise prices much or else demand will go down. On the flip side, if something has inelastic demand, it doesn't matter how much prices increase because people will still pay for it. In this episode of the BE SMART podcast, Jared discusses how demand elasticity impacts consumer spending habits, people's perception of value, and whether you should ditch a company like Netflix when it jacks up its monthly subscription price.

Catastrophic thinking is when you believe that something terrible is always going to happen, like a divorce, a fatal illness, or devastating financial hardship. A lot of people suffer from it and are susceptible to this mindset, which can cripple your relationships and personal goals. What it boils down to is fear, but the possibility that something earth-shattering will happen to you is lower than you think. Bad things happen, of course, but there is one key solution to overcoming a negative mindset and putting yourself in a healthier frame of mind to succeed.

No stock is "safe," but blue-chip stocks tend to be the safest. That's why, if you go to a financial advisor, they're likely to load you up on stocks found in the Dow Jones Industrial Average—the Boeings and Microsofts of the world—because it's a strategy that's much harder to screw up than others. In this episode, Jared discusses risk, growth, the sad reality of the brokerage industry, and the key to financial success as an investor.

Fun fact: Most people in the finance business believe in crazy, ridiculous conspiracy theories. It's astounding the type of stuff people believe in—like, for instance, that a shadowy government organization buys large quantities of stocks or futures to bleed short sellers and turn a profit. In this episode of the Be Smart podcast, Jared discusses why so many people perpetuate conspiracy theories and how their mentality seeps into everyday situations.

Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) is a movement defined by frugality and extreme savings and investment. It's also a dumb philosophy. Why? Because it is a perfectly normal human desire to accumulate material positions. Consumption is not immoral, and depriving yourself for several years only to continue living in deprivation doesn't make any sense. The FIRE followers have it backwards: You don't gain self-esteem and happiness from no stress. You get these things from overcoming stress through work and achievement.

Not having a lot of debt, minimizing your exposure to risk, and having financial security are all ways to deal from a position of strength. Sure, having more money often helps, but not always. There's more to it than that, which we'll dive into, along with six key things you must do to eliminate financial stress and put yourself in a position of strength.

There's a lot of money out there. We have printed trillions of dollars. Let's put it this way: There is no shortage of money. Really, there's a surplus, and it's not that hard to come by. You don't need to starve yourself or keep the thermostat at 60 degrees in the winter to save money. What it comes down to is a change in attitude. Instead of thinking that money is hard to come by, you need to embrace the idea that it's easy to get… you just need to know how to do it.

A lot of people say they want to get rich, but most of the time, these people are full of it. Being rich is a lot harder than it seems—a rich person's life gets much more complicated once they become rich. More houses, cars, bank accounts, greater investments, and rising taxes… it's a lot to keep track of, and it can create a lot of added stress. Truth is, if you like leading a simple life, you won't like being rich. Let's talk some of the complications that come with more money…

If you get into a top-tier school, like Harvard, you must go. But what about second- and third-tier schools? It's not always a no-brainer based on the cost. Student loans can be crushing, and you need to factor in your return on investment via earnings potential, especially in a world where student graduates are netting $55K a year for sales jobs while high school dropouts receive offers for $110K for trucking jobs. Luckily, I have a rubric to help you determine whether you can (and should) enroll in college…

There's an old saying: "Nothing ventured, nothing gained." If you want to make money, you must take the risk… because sitting idly and wishing to make money is not going to yield positive results. In today's episode of the Be Smart podcast, Jared discusses the ways people fall backwards into money, what you should do if you come into a windfall, and the value of cash.

John C. Bogle, the founder and chief executive of Vanguard who is credited with popularizing the index fund, was only worth about $20 million when he died in 2019. Sure, that's nothing to sneeze at, but he created something so revolutionary that he could have been a billionaire many times over. His idea transformed the entire asset management industry, and it's still transforming it to this day. Yet he was only worth $20 million? In today's episode, Jared reemphasizes the idea of choosing to make more money. Because remember: Money is a choice, and guess what? Making more money DOES affect your level of happiness. It's okay to want more, but it also can't become an obsession…

What is a hedge fund? In today's episode of the Be Smart podcast, Jared discusses the ins and outs of hedge funds (including the different types), why they are not magic money machines despite rich people's inclination to invest in them, and the distinction between absolute returns and relative returns.

Capitalism doesn't suck just because you're bad at it. Capitalism is a competition. Life is a competition. But that's what's so great about the US: There are so many opportunities if you want to take advantage of them. Are you ready to compete in the free market? Dive into today's episode of the Be Smart podcast, where Jared discusses how to better position yourself in a capitalist society and succeed.

Growing up in poverty scars us for life and distorts our relationship with money. The good news: It helps us develop mindful financial habits. The bad: We often don't experience life to the fullest because we're always waiting for the next shoe to drop. In today's episode of the Be Smart podcast, Jared discusses frugality, why so many people carry around financial trauma, and surviving versus thriving.

The mark of a good person is the ability to be genuinely happy for another person and their success. In today's podcast, Jared discusses how envy often creeps into the DNA of garbage human beings, inspirational "rags to riches" stories, and what it takes to succeed.

You can't just sit around and expect a million dollars to fall into your lap. It doesn't work that way. The first step to getting more money is wanting it. And it's okay to want more money; it doesn't automatically make you a greedy person. In today's episode, Jared discusses money-conflicted people and, conversely, ways to grow your wealth if you embrace earning more.

Long-time guest David Mannen joins Jared Dillian to catch up on summer happenings, including writing short stories and the "just do it" mentality, student loans, how politicians often mirror TV evangelists, baseball, anti-intellectualism, the polarization of Donald Trump, and more.

If you're going to spend money, spend money on quality stuff—not junk that's destined to end up in the landfill in 12 months. Jared discusses buying items that last, ways to spend money on experiences that won't break the bank, and certain types of irresponsible purchases to avoid.

The little stuff does not matter. If you want to buy the fancy name-brand Ziploc bags, buy the Ziploc bags. The accumulation of small decisions does not add up to a meaningful amount of money. It's not going to change your life. Remember, it's not the million little things that matter. It's the major expenses—the house, the car, and the student loans—that require vigilance.

Spending money to try new things and experience new places is priceless. But people won't do it. They get stuck on the number in their bank account, which causes them to miss out on a lot of life. While excessive or frivolous purchases can be regrettable, a lot of the time you will regret not spending money on stuff.

What role does gambling play in personal finance? Are you allowed to gamble if you want to lead a stress-free financial life? Jared answers these questions and more as he recaps his recent trip to Las Vegas.

Seems like every time you turn around, there's something you have to pay for. In this episode, Jared discusses the unforeseen expenses you're never ready for, how they cause stress in your finances, and how to prepare for the unexpected.

The UConn Huskies dominating March Madness, weight gain, business updates, and more. Jared and long-time guest David Mannen discuss life, work, and hitting the gym.

Is it worth it to be paranoid with your money? Jared discusses the difference between spreading your money out and diversifying your assets, and shares how to avoid the grip of financial paranoia.

Who is next after Silicon Valley Bank? After an unintentional hiatus, Jared is back, explaining what happened, trying to figure out which banks have exposure, and discussing how to avoid collapse.

How do you get the job you really want? There is nothing more powerful than a personal connection. Jared talks about navigating the intricacies of the hiring process and how to draw on your industry contacts.

Before going back to teaching at Coastal Carolina University this fall, Jared talks campus life, frat guys, professors DJing at college parties, turning 21, and making a statement vs. showing up clean cut for interviews with Logan Miller, intern and the man behind the magic at The Daily Dirtnap newsletter.

Jared has the real estate financial experience, and realtor and friend David Mannen has the boots on the ground experience. They discuss the importance of the number seven when buying or selling a house, the ups and downs of the real estate market, and the playoffs for football and baseball.

If you're being forced to choose between fixing the car and going on vacation, you've got a problem. In this episode, Jared talks about what it means to truly be financially comfortable in life.

Is this the year to take risks in the financial market? Jared discusses what you should do in 2023 to prepare for 2024 and saving college students from bankruptcy with personal finance.

What are your investing goals for the new year? Jared talks about the realities of financial goals, avoiding big mistakes, and dealing with the unknown.

People end up in credit card debt because they don't want to have hard conversations. Jared discusses the quality and impact of truly meaningful gifts.

Jared and realtor David Manning talk about the profitability of Jared's dream club, the evolution of reality TV, football career lengths, and more.

Fair warning: The IRS is now targeting third-party payment apps such as Venmo and PayPal, emphasizing the need to report income on transactions exceeding $600. Jared explains the importance of reporting your earnings, whether it be through part-time work, a side gig, or cashed-out winnings.

Life insurance doesn't make any sense. Jared talks about the dichotomy of needing but not wanting life insurance.

Gold is finally turning around. Jared takes a deep dive into the best way to invest in gold and how to buy physical gold.

Any one of the problems we face—energy prices, housing, inflation—by itself wouldn't break our back, says John Mauldin, co-founder of Mauldin Economics and one of the most brilliant minds in macroeconomics. But all of them coming together could create a serious crisis. Show host Ed D'Agostino and John discuss what the looming global debt crisis could mean for your portfolio... the disconnect between energy policies and energy needs... and why the Fed needs to "drive a stake through the heart of inflation." For more of John Mauldin's macroeconomic insights, click here to subscribe to his free weekly e-letter, Thoughts from the Frontline. Don't miss this week's episode of Global Macro Update—listen now!

The pandemic caused ripple effects still sloshing through the economy, including inflation, but it's going to end. Jared takes a look in the crystal ball at the next six months and the psychological effect of inflation's inevitable downturn.

People in the financial world are panicking, but people in the real world have the right perspective. Jared discusses the wealth effect and the invaluable hope of "normal people."

The changes in the housing market all come down to this rate phenomenon. Jared gives his predictions on where the housing market is going and how inflation affects it.

The bear market is getting old, and it's time to get greedy while others are still paralyzed with fear. Jared reflects on the past year in the market and gives hope for the future.

It's a disadvantage to be an introvert in this world. Jared shares how he broke out of being an introvert and what being "lucky" requires from you.