BiggerPockets Money Podcast

How do you choose a side hustle that actually makes money instead of wasting your time? In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast Nick Loper from Side Hustle Nation breaks down exactly how to find the right opportunity by aligning your skills and interests with real market demand. Whether you're looking for low-skill options to get started or high-paying side hustles that don't require heavy lifting, Nick explains how to identify opportunities in everyday problems, set realistic income expectations, and use AI to brainstorm ideas tailored to your specific situation. Learn why most side hustles fail, how to avoid common mistakes, and the proven framework for choosing something that will actually generate income. This Episode Covers: It's important to take an honest inventory of your available time for a side hustle. Setting realistic goals for your side hustle can help maintain motivation. Identifying your skills and interests is crucial for finding the right side hustle. Look for opportunities in everyday problems that others face. Low-skill side hustles can be a good starting point for many people. Market demand is essential; if a service is needed, there's potential for success. Building trust and reputation is key to gaining clients in any side hustle. AI can assist in brainstorming side hustle ideas tailored to your skills. Creative solutions for busy families can lead to lucrative side hustle opportunities. And SO much more! To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources Subscribe on YouTube for even more content Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners Connect with Nick Loper: Website Social Media AI Brainstorming Worksheet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the BiggerPocketsMoney podcast, Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench host Ryan Sterling, CEO of NerdWallet Wealth Partners, to discuss the nuances of different financial advisor compensation structures. Whether you're planning your financial future or evaluating advisors, understanding these models can help you make informed decisions that align with your goals. This Episode Covers: The core differences between flat fee and assets under management (AUM) fee models How transparency and client mindset influence fee preferences The conflicts of interest inherent in AUM and commission-based models When AUM fees may be more appropriate for high-net-worth clients Practical scenarios demonstrating long-term cost implications of each model The evolving landscape of flat fee financial planning and industry fee compression Ryan’s insights on selecting quality advisors and the importance of credentials like CFP How fee structure impacts client behavior, trust, and long-term financial outcomes To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources Subscribe on YouTube for even more content Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners Connect with Ryan Sterling: LinkedIn NerdWallet Wealth Partners We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! NerdWallet Wealth Partners, LLC is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training and nothing contained herein should be construed as investment advice. NerdWallet Wealth Partners does not guarantee investment results and does not provide tax or legal advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trevor and his wife reached a $1 million net worth by age 32 and are on track to achieve financial independence well before 40. In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast, hosts Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench chat with Trevor about his unconventional journey involving strategic career moves, real estate investments, and leveraging corporate benefits. Learn how Trevor went from a $1,000 net worth after college to $1 million through smart financial decisions and opportunities. Trevor shares his experiences, challenges, and the importance of financial flexibility in achieving Coast Fire in his 30s. To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources Subscribe on YouTube for even more content Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners 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

The 4% rule has a major flaw: it doesn't account for healthcare costs. If you're planning to retire early, health insurance premiums will rise sharply as you age—from your 30s through your 60s before Medicare kicks in at 65. This isn't speculation; it's how the U.S. healthcare system works under the ACA. On this episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast, Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench break down why early retirees need a bigger financial buffer than traditional FIRE calculations suggest. Learn the real cost of healthcare in early retirement, strategies to reduce expenses (geographical arbitrage, health shares, catastrophic coverage), why you can't rely on ACA subsidies long-term, and how to build a healthcare plan that won't derail your path to financial independence. To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources Subscribe on YouTube for even more content Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners 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

Are you on track to achieve financial independence? In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast, Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench outline the essential financial milestones for your 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s. Learn the net worth benchmarks and financial habits that will set you up for a successful journey to financial freedom in EVERY decade. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your strategy, this comprehensive guide will help you plan and achieve your financial goals. To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources Subscribe on YouTube for even more content Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners 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

Should you retire the second you hit financial independence, or is there value in working just a little longer? Steven faced this exact decision at 40 and chose to work four more years. The result? He added $1 million to his net worth and entered retirement at 44 with $3.5 million and a bulletproof plan. In this conversation, Steven shares his complete early retirement strategy, including why he delayed retirement past his FI number, how those extra years set him up for flexible spending of $120K-$180K annually, and the specific withdrawal tactics he uses to optimize taxes and health insurance subsidies. This Episode Covers: Steven's journey from engineer to early retirement at 44 Why he chose to work four more years after hitting his FI number Career transitions and strategic income optimization Investment strategy and asset allocation for early retirement Planning the transition to early retirement Flexible spending strategy: $120K-$180K annual range Navigating the ACA subsidy cliff for health insurance Strategic Roth conversions and tax optimization Safe withdrawal rates and managing inflation Starting new business ventures in early retirement What daily life actually looks like in early retirement at 44 Steven's story proves that "one more year syndrome" isn't always fear-based procrastination—sometimes it's strategic planning that pays off big. Whether you're close to your FI number or just beginning your journey, his practical approach offers a roadmap for retiring early with confidence. Follow BiggerPockets Money: Website: https://www.biggerpocketsmoney.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biggerpocketsmoney/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Want to reach financial independence faster? The quickest path isn't extreme frugality—it's earning more. And that starts with salary negotiation. Paula Pant from the Afford Anything podcast joins Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench to break down exactly how to negotiate your salary, whether you're asking for a raise, negotiating a job offer, or realizing you're chronically underpaid. Paula shares her personal negotiation journey, the strategies that worked (and what didn't), and the mindset shifts that helped her confidently ask for more. This Episode Covers: Paula Pant's personal salary negotiation experiences and lessons learned How to determine your true market value (beyond salary surveys) Understanding the employer's perspective in negotiations BATNA (Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement) and why it's your secret weapon Daily negotiation practice: building the skill in low-stakes situations Using scorecards and performance reviews to document your value Perfect timing for asking for a raise (and when NOT to ask) How to set yourself up for a promotion before you ask Negotiating strategies in tough job markets and recessions Aligning your incentives with your employer's goals Whether you're early in your career, a seasoned professional, or someone who's never negotiated before, Paula's practical advice will help you earn more and reach financial independence faster. Every successful negotiation adds years of compounding returns to your FIRE timeline. Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter: www.biggerpocketsmoney.com Want to be a guest on the show? Apply here: https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/contact/ Get 50% Off Your First Year of Monarch by using code ‘Pockets’: https://www.monarchmoney.com/ Connect with Paula Pant: Website: https://affordanything.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulapant Connect with Scott and Mindy: Scott: https://www.instagram.com/scott_trench/ Mindy: https://www.instagram.com/_mindyatbp/ Follow BiggerPockets Money on Social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biggerpocketsmoney/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You've hit financial independence—now what? How do you actually start spending the money you've spent years accumulating? Bill Yount reached FI at 60 after a 10-year journey, and he's figured out the answer. Bill shares his complete decumulation strategy—the detailed plan he built with a flat-fee financial advisor to transition from wealth building to wealth preservation. This isn't just theory; Bill is actively living this plan and stress-testing it in real time. This Episode Covers: Bill achieving financial independence at age 60 The psychological shift from saving to spending after a decade of accumulation How to build a comprehensive drawdown plan (and why Bill hired help) Working with a flat-fee financial advisor vs. AUM advisors Portfolio rebalancing when transitioning to retirement Risk parity strategy and how it fits into retirement portfolios Stress-testing your financial plan: running scenarios to ensure you won't run out Social security timing decisions and optimization Retirement withdrawal strategies: the 4% rule and alternatives How much to actually spend in early retirement Helping your kids build wealth without jeopardizing your own retirement Financial independence for late starters: proof it's not too late after 50 Managing the emotional transition from accumulation to distribution phase Investment strategy changes in decumulation If you're approaching FI, already there and uncertain about spending, or starting your FIRE journey later in life, Bill's practical, well-planned approach shows you exactly how to transition from building wealth to confidently living off it. Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter: www.biggerpocketsmoney.com Want to be a guest on the show? Apply here: https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/contact/ Get 50% Off Your First Year of Monarch by using code ‘Pockets’: https://www.monarchmoney.com/ Connect with Bill Yount: Website: https://catchinguptofi.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catchinguptofi/ Connect with Scott and Mindy: Scott: https://www.instagram.com/scott_trench/ Mindy: https://www.instagram.com/_mindyatbp/ Follow BiggerPockets Money on Social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biggerpocketsmoney/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You're in your 50s, $50,000 in debt, and retirement at 65 feels impossible. We made this episode for you. Today, Mindy and Scott spell out the exact step-by-step plan to go from $50K in debt to a million-dollar retirement—even if you're starting over in your fifties. Meet Nancy: a recently divorced stay-at-home mom reentering the workforce with significant debt and zero savings. Her story represents millions of people starting over financially in their fifties due to divorce, job loss, or never having saved for retirement. But Nancy's situation isn't hopeless—and neither is yours. This Episode Covers: Nancy's starting point: $50K in debt, no savings, reentering the workforce in her 50s The debt payoff strategy for people who are catching up to FI and how to prioritize which debts to tackle first Income optimization tactics for your 50s: negotiating salary, side hustles, and career pivots Smart expense cuts that don't feel like deprivation Which retirement accounts to prioritize when you're behind (401k, IRA, HSA strategy) Balancing debt payoff with retirement savings: when to do both simultaneously The real numbers: how much Nancy needs to save monthly to hit $1 million by 65 Investment strategy for people with a shorter timeline to retirement Why it's never too late—and the mindset shifts that make comeback possible Don't give up on retirement—let's show you how to catch up! Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter: www.biggerpocketsmoney.com Want to be a guest on the show? Apply here: https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/contact/ Get 50% Off Your First Year of Monarch by using code ‘Pockets’: https://www.monarchmoney.com/ Connect with Scott and Mindy: Scott: https://www.instagram.com/scott_trench/ Mindy: https://www.instagram.com/_mindyatbp/ Follow BiggerPockets Money on Social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biggerpocketsmoney/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if you didn't have to save 70% of your income to retire early? What if you could hit a number in your 30s, ease off the gas, and still reach financial independence—without sacrificing your present life? That's Coast FIRE, and today's guest Andy Hill is the perfect example of how it works in real life. Andy hit his Coast FIRE number in his late thirties, left his corporate job at 40, and now runs a successful part-time business that supports his family of four while giving him total control over his time. In this conversation, Andy breaks down his journey from W2 employee to entrepreneur, the specific Coast FIRE calculations that gave him confidence to leave, and how he built a business that prioritizes family first, income second. This Episode Covers: What Coast FIRE actually is and how it's different from traditional FIRE Andy's path from corporate employee to hitting his Coast FIRE number in his late 30s How Andy built the confidence to leave his W2 job at 40 Transitioning from employee to entrepreneur while supporting a family of four Building a part-time business that generates enough income without the corporate grind How Coast FIRE allows you to prioritize family and lifestyle now (not just in retirement) Key lessons from Andy's book 'Own Your Time' How to structure your life around what matters most If traditional FIRE feels too extreme or you're tired of delaying life for decades, Coast FIRE might be the strategy you've been looking for. Andy's story proves you can have financial independence AND a life you love today. Connect with Andy Hill: Social: https://www.instagram.com/marriagekidsandmoney Website: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/ Pre-Order ‘Own Your Time’ Now: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book/ Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter: www.biggerpocketsmoney.com Follow BiggerPockets Money on Social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biggerpocketsmoney/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if you're doing FIRE in the wrong order? Most people chasing financial independence are following steps that actually slow them down—and it could be costing you years of freedom. In this episode, Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench break down the exact step by step order for achieving FIRE as fast as possible. Whether you're just starting with your first emergency fund or you're already maxing out retirement accounts and wondering what's next, this episode gives you the complete roadmap. You'll learn which financial moves to prioritize, which to skip, and how to avoid the "middle-class trap" that kills most early retirement dreams before they happen. This Episode Covers: The correct financial order of operations for FIRE (step-by-step from $0 to early retirement) Which retirement accounts to fund first (401k, IRA, Roth, HSA strategy) High-interest debt payoff strategy that accelerates FIRE When to start investing in taxable brokerage accounts How to add real estate and cash-flowing investments to your FIRE plan Mistakes that cost people years on their path to FIRE If you're confused about what to do next on your FIRE journey, this is your complete checklist. No more guessing—just the fastest, most efficient path to financial independence. Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter: www.biggerpocketsmoney.com Want to be a guest on the show? Apply here: www.biggerpocketsmoney.com/contact/ Follow BiggerPockets Money on Social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biggerpocketsmoney/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AI is revolutionizing how we build wealth and achieve financial independence. In this episode, Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench break down exactly how to use AI tools to accelerate your path to FI—from automating budgets and analyzing investments to generating income streams and optimizing your financial strategy. Discover which AI tools actually work for personal finance, how AI is changing job markets and earning potential, and practical ways to leverage this technology today. Whether you're new to AI or already experimenting, learn how to use artificial intelligence as your secret weapon for reaching financial freedom faster. This Episode Covers: How AI tools can accelerate your path to financial independence Practical AI applications for budgeting and personal finance management Using AI for investment research and strategy development AI-powered income generation and side hustle opportunities How AI is changing job markets and what it means for your career Real risks and limitations of AI in financial decision-making Future trends in AI and personal finance How to stay ahead in the AI revolution without getting overwhelmed Whether you're an AI skeptic or enthusiast, you'll walk away with actionable ways to use this technology to reach your financial goals faster. Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter: www.biggerpocketsmoney.com Follow BiggerPockets Money on Social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biggerpocketsmoney/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast with Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench, Scott builds four different investment portfolios using real money, each account starting with $10,000 and employing different strategies. Scott invests in an index fund, a 60/40 stock-bond portfolio, a risk parity portfolio, and a unique actively managed thesis. Follow along as they discuss the rationale, mechanics, and expected outcomes of these investments. NOTE: This episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is NOT professional investment advice. Brokerage services provided by Open to the Public Investing Inc, member FINRA & SIPC. Investing involves risk. Experience of this investor may not be representative of other customers. Past performance does not guarantee future results, and investment values may rise or fall. At Public earn an uncapped 1% bonus when you transfer your portfolio with: www.Public.com/BPM Subscribe to the FREE 31 Day Challenge Starting on January 1st: www.biggerpocketsmoney.com/31days Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter: www.biggerpocketsmoney.com Want to be a guest on the show? Apply here: https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/contact/ Get 50% Off Your First Year of Monarch by using code ‘Pockets’: https://www.monarchmoney.com/ Connect with Scott and Mindy: Scott: https://www.instagram.com/scott_trench/ Mindy: https://www.instagram.com/_mindyatbp/ Follow BiggerPockets Money on Social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biggerpocketsmoney/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Should you turn your primary home into a rental property or sell it when you move? It's one of the biggest financial decisions homeowners face, and in this episode, Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench are helping Alyssa and John figure out the answer. This couple is relocating and facing a dilemma: they have a home with a low mortgage rate that could generate rental income, but they're also craving simplicity and wondering if selling would accelerate their path to financial independence. Alyssa and John open up about their complete financial picture, investment portfolio, and long-term FI goals as Scott and Mindy crunch the numbers and weigh the options. This Episode Covers: The financial pros and cons of converting your primary residence into a rental property How to analyze rental property cash flow and return on investment Tax implications of selling vs. renting out your home The impact of low mortgage rates on the rent vs. sell decision Lifestyle considerations: being a long-distance landlord and property management challenges How rental income affects your path to financial independence Real numbers breakdown: Alyssa and John's complete financial analysis Property management costs and whether DIY landlording is worth it How to make smarter real estate decisions during major life transitions And SO much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode #704 ~~~ Download the Goal Setting Document: www.biggerpocketsmoney.com/resources ~~~ Subscribe to the 31 Day Challenge: www.biggerpocketsmoney.com/31days ~~~ Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter: www.biggerpocketsmoney.com ~~~ Want to be a guest on the show? Apply here: https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/contact/ ~~~ Get 50% Off Your First Year of Monarch by using code ‘Pockets’: https://www.monarchmoney.com/ ~~~ Connect with Scott and Mindy: Scott: https://www.instagram.com/scott_trench/ Mindy: https://www.instagram.com/_mindyatbp/ ~~~ Follow BiggerPockets Money on Social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biggerpocketsmoney/ ~~~ Learn how to set and achieve your 2026 goals in this episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast with hosts Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench. In this episode, Mindy and Scott review their 2025 achievements and create actionable plans for 2026, covering everything from family milestones and fitness goals to business ventures and financial targets. You'll discover proven goal-setting techniques, strategic planning frameworks, and practical tips for turning New Year's resolutions into real results. What You'll Learn: Strategic goal-setting frameworks for personal, financial, and professional growth How to set realistic yet ambitious goals for 2026 Accountability strategies to actually achieve your resolutions Real examples of personal finance goals and wealth-building plans How to track progress and adjust goals throughout the year And SO much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ready to take control of your finances in 2026? Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench are breaking down one of the most powerful tools for financial success: the personal financial statement. Think of it as your complete financial snapshot—tracking your net worth, cash flow, assets, and liabilities all in one place. The best part? They're giving you a free comprehensive spreadsheet to make it ridiculously easy. This Episode Covers: What a personal financial statement is and why it's essential for reaching your 2026 FI goals How to calculate your net worth and track it over time Step-by-step instructions for filling out your financial statement spreadsheet Organizing your assets and liabilities in one powerful location Using cash flow analysis to understand where your money goes Tips for serious financial planning with your completed statement Access to the free comprehensive spreadsheet template at BiggerPocketsMoney.com/resources Mindy and Scott's recommended budgeting software, Monarch Money (use code 'Pockets' for 50% off Your First Year) Whether you're just starting out or ready to level up your money game, this episode gives you the foundation you need. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sam and Carolyn reached financial independence in their thirties through frugality, real estate investing, and building side hustles that generated $10,000 per month. Then they made a bold move—quitting their jobs and briefly relocating to Canada. This Episode Covers: How Sam and Carolyn house-hacked their way to a multi-property real estate portfolio The unconventional side hustles that generated $10K monthly in additional income Their complete financial strategy: savings rate, expense tracking, and investment allocation The decision to quit their jobs and achieve full financial independence in their thirties Why they moved to Canada and how universal healthcare and education factored into their FIRE plan Navigating the challenges of early retirement and aligning goals as a couple Building systems for long-term wealth preservation and flexible lifestyle design Lessons learned and advice for aspiring FIRE seekers Whether you're just starting your FIRE journey or looking for creative ways to accelerate your path to financial independence, Sam and Carolyn's story offers actionable strategies you can implement today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench for a powerful conversation with Regina Moore, who achieved millionaire status before 35 through frugality and her career as a pharmacist. But when her young son was diagnosed with cancer, everything changed. In this deeply personal episode, Regina opens up about how a healthcare crisis tested her Lean FIRE plan in ways she never anticipated. And how financial independence—despite not being a perfect shield—gave her family options during their hardest moments. Her family was placed in an incredibly difficult position due to subsidy cliffs. The conversation highlights the practical realities Regina and others face, examines the structural challenges within current healthcare policy, and discusses potential solutions. This episode covers: How achieving FI before crisis provided crucial flexibility The ACA subsidy cliff and impossible financial trade-offs Adjusting FIRE plans when life doesn't go as expected Why she's still grateful she achieved financial independence Systemic healthcare issues A must-listen for anyone pursuing financial independence who wants to understand what happens when real life tests your plan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Building a $2.5 million portfolio is hard. Spending it without running out? That's even harder. Welcome to the 700th episode of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast! To mark this milestone, hosts Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench are tackling one of the most critical—and most overlooked—aspects of financial independence: decumulation. Most people obsess over building wealth but stumble when it's time to actually spend it. The withdrawal strategy you choose can mean the difference between a comfortable 40-year retirement and running out of money at the worst possible time. In this episode, we cover: Sequential vs. blended vs. cyclical withdrawal strategies—which is right for you? How to create a tax-efficient drawdown plan that could save you hundreds of thousands The role of Roth accounts, traditional IRAs, and taxable brokerage accounts in your withdrawal strategy When to do Roth conversions and how to time them for maximum benefit Healthcare planning in early retirement and how it affects your withdrawal strategy Estate planning considerations and maximizing what you leave behind Real-world scenarios: what withdrawal strategies look like in practice The biggest mistakes retirees make in the decumulation phase Whether you're just starting your FI journey or you're ready to retire next year, this comprehensive guide will help you spend your money strategically, minimize taxes, and make your nest egg last. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you using the wrong retirement withdrawal strategy? Sequential drawdown—draining one account before touching the next—is the most common approach to early retirement, but it could be costing you tens of thousands in unnecessary taxes. In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast, hosts Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench sit down with Enrolled Agent Mark to break down tax-efficient withdrawal strategies that maximize your retirement savings. Discover blended drawdown strategies and cyclical drawdown methods that optimize which accounts you tap first—Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, taxable brokerage, HSA—to minimize your lifetime tax burden. This episode covers: Sequential vs. blended vs. cyclical retirement drawdown strategies How to optimize withdrawal order from retirement accounts (401k, IRA, Roth, taxable accounts) Tax-efficient retirement planning for early retirees and FIRE followers How to leverage today's historically low tax rates before they expire Healthcare costs in early retirement (ACA subsidies, Medicare planning) Asset protection and estate planning considerations Roth conversion strategies during low-income years How to avoid costly tax mistakes in the decumulation phase Whether you're planning for financial independence, already retired early, or managing multiple retirement accounts, this tax optimization masterclass will help you keep more of your money and make your nest egg last longer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What would you do differently if you could start your FIRE journey over today? Back in 2013, Scott was fresh out of college house hacking his way to financial independence, while Mindy and her husband were deep into their FIRE journey documenting it all on their blog. Fast forward to 2025—both are financially independent, but if they were starting from scratch today, they'd make some serious changes. Welcome to the BiggerPockets Money Podcast! In this episode, Scott and Mindy reveal what they'd do differently starting their FI journey in 2025. The fundamentals still work—frugality, saving, investing—but the tactical strategies? Those have evolved dramatically. In this episode, we cover: The real estate strategies Scott would prioritize in today's market Stock investments and portfolio allocation for 2025 How AI and technology are reshaping the path to FI The biggest regrets—including times they wish they'd spent MORE What still works from 2013 vs. what's completely outdated Lifestyle changes they'd make earlier in the journey Updated timelines and expectations for achieving FIRE today Whether you're just starting out or already on track to financial independence, this episode gives you a fresh roadmap for building wealth in today's world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens after you achieve financial independence? Former Facebook employee turned comedian Paul Ollinger discovered the answer wasn't what he expected—and it completely changed how he thinks about money, work, and happiness. This Episode Covers: Why financial autonomy beats wealth accumulation—and what that actually means for your daily life The psychological challenges of early retirement nobody talks about (and why having a plan is non-negotiable) How he navigated major financial decisions in high-cost cities like New York without sacrificing his goals The truth about happiness and wealth—does more money actually make you happier? How to prepare for life's unexpected curveballs that can derail even the best financial plans And SO much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Will 2026 healthcare costs destroy your FIRE plan? Enhanced ACA tax credits expire in 2026—meaning health insurance premiums could DOUBLE or TRIPLE overnight. This healthcare subsidy cliff threatens millions who depend on affordable marketplace coverage. In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast, Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench interview Matt McGough from KFF to break down the 2026 healthcare crisis and what you can do NOW to protect your early retirement. This Episode Covers: Who gets hit hardest by 2026 healthcare premium increases Exact cost projections for early retirement health insurance in 2026 Actionable strategies to prepare NOW for rising healthcare costs Which FIRE strategies still work after ACA subsidy changes Affordable health insurance alternatives for early retirees History of ACA subsidies and why they're expiring Steps to protect your financial independence from the healthcare affordability crisis And SO much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Think you need a six-figure salary to retire early? Think again. Middle school teacher Andrew Luman is achieving financial independence and retiring at 50—all on a teacher's salary. In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast, hosts Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench unpack Andrew's complete FIRE strategy, proving that early retirement isn't reserved for high earners. In this episode, you'll learn: How Andrew discovered the FIRE movement and started his financial independence journey Building wealth on $35,000 a year: Andrew's early budgeting strategies The power of a high savings rate and how to achieve it on a modest income House hacking explained: How Andrew used a multi-unit property to eliminate housing costs Real estate investing for teachers and average income earners Portfolio breakdown: Andrew's asset allocation and investment strategy for early retirement The four-day work week advantage and how it accelerated his path to FIRE Choosing time over money: lifestyle decisions that make early retirement possible Side hustles for FIRE: Which ones are worth it Cash management strategies for approaching financial independence Approaching your FIRE number: What the final stretch looks like And SO much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Time's running out on 2025, and there are critical financial moves you need to make before December 31st. In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast, Mindy and Scott walk you through the essential year-end tasks that could save you thousands of dollars and keep your FIRE goals on track. These aren't just suggestions—they're time-sensitive opportunities that literally disappear when the calendar flips to January 1st. Whether you're aggressively pursuing financial independence or simply want to optimize your money, ignoring these year-end deadlines could cost you big. The good news? Most of these tasks take less than an hour to complete, and the payoff can be substantial. In this episode, you'll discover: How to maximize your tax-advantaged retirement accounts before contribution deadlines Why you need to spend every dollar in your FSA or lose it forever Tax-loss harvesting strategies to offset gains and reduce your tax bill Strategic charitable giving tactics that benefit both you and your favorite causes When and how to rebalance your investment portfolio for optimal performance Critical Roth conversion considerations before year-end HSA contribution limits and why maxing out matters for FIRE Required minimum distribution rules you can't ignore How to bunch deductions to maximize tax benefits The BiggerPockets Money End of Year Checklist And SO much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pay off your mortgage or invest? If you're pursuing FIRE, you've wrestled with this question. A paid-off house means thousands extra in your pocket each month and a lower FIRE number. But investing that same money could build significantly more wealth and get you to FIRE with a bigger nest egg. So which strategy wins? To help you decide, Scott built a brand-new mortgage calculator that accounts for interest rates, investment returns, and taxes. He and Mindy use it to analyze real-world scenarios—high mortgage balances, different life stages, various risk tolerances—proving there's no one-size-fits-all answer. In this episode, you'll learn: Who should prioritize paying off their mortgage early The hidden pros and cons of each strategy Why your timeline to FIRE changes everything How to use Scott's calculator for your specific situation Different paths for those retiring soon versus decades away Whether you want maximum wealth for a luxurious retirement or just want to quit your job as fast as possible, we've mapped out strategies for both. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices