BiggerPockets Money Podcast

If you want to retire early, the Mad Fientist is your guide. For over a decade, Brandon, more commonly known as the “Mad Fientist,” has been running simulations, experiments, and exercises to discover which road to early retirement is the fastest. Now, in his forties, Brandon has time to reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and his regrets on the sprint to early retirement and financial freedom. And he’s also got a new update that’ll make your early retirement journey smoother. After tinkering with the beloved and rarely challenged 4% rule, Brandon decided it was time to sit down and calculate how much you really need to retire early. For decades, financial freedom chasers have been breaking their backs, trying to have as much stashed away as possible to enjoy their well-earned time off from work. But, it turns out that this number might be overinflated, and you can retire with much less than you think. That means your early retirement timeline just got a LOT shorter. In this episode, Brandon will describe why the 4% rule may be a bit too rigid, how to ensure you’ll have enough during early retirement, what to do during a market crash or correction, and why spending thousands of dollars on a coffee machine isn’t such a bad idea. If you want to maximize enjoyment in early retirement, instead of building a big bank account you probably won’t use, stick around! In This Episode We Cover Early retirement rules of thumb you MUST know when on the path to FIRE The 4% rule and why you DON’T need to follow it to a tee Retirement withdrawal rules and how much to spend during a crash/correction The skill of spending and what Brandon regrets most from pre-FIRE life Tracking your expenses and why knowing your costs is CRUCIAL to early retirement And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott's Instagram Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Money Moment Check Out Mindy’s 2022 Live Spending Tracker and Budget Hear Our Past Interviews with The Mad Fientist: Accessing Retirement Funds Before Age 59½ with The Mad Fientist Backdoor Roths, Mega Backdoor Roths, and Roth Conversion Ladders Is It Time to Give Up on Financial Independence? Hear Our Interview with "Just Keep Buying" Author, Nick Maggiulli: The Problem with the 4% Rule (and Why You Could Retire Even Sooner Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-428 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email us: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A rental property portfolio can replace your job, give you ultimate financial freedom, and allow you to do what you want when you want. But building this massive passive income stream takes time, and if you stick with it, you’ll be rewarded plentifully like today’s guests, Jennifer and John. After starting with an “average” income, this couple was able to consistently buy cash-flowing rentals with the leftovers from their salaries. They compounded their cash flow to buy even more properties and now sit on around $8,000,000 in real estate. With so much wealth, you’d expect Jennifer and John to be the jet-skiing, vacation-home-buying, luxury car-racing types; but they’re FAR from it. John is still working at his W2 job as Jennifer continues to run her business. They both keep their spending low and live a moderate lifestyle. But, the lack of time freedom and heavy hours of a full-time job is eating away at John. This couple needs to know how they can use their real estate portfolio to retire early. To go through all the rates, rentals, construction costs, and cash-flow-number-crunching is investing expert James Dainard, who joins Scott on a resourceful episode for any real estate investor. James and Scott will review Jennifer and John’s entire portfolio, giving them suggestions on what to sell, keep, and buy instead. By the end of this episode, John and Jennifer have multiple options that could make them MILLIONS in just a few years’ time! In This Episode We Cover The “rate trap” that stops so many rental property investors from upgrading their portfolios Investing in real estate on an “average” income and why it’s possible for everyone Tapping into equity and the one metric that’ll tell you whether you should keep or sell your property Small multifamily vs. large multifamily and why bigger is usually better ADUs (accessory dwelling units) and how to make instant equity by building one And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Find Investor-Friendly Lenders Join BiggerPockets for FREE Scott's Instagram Connect with James BiggerPockets Watch James on the “On The Market” YouTube Channel Listen to The “On The Market” Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BiggerPockets Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Money Moment How To Build A Real Estate Portfolio ROE over ROI and Why Your “Cash Flow” Number is Deceiving Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-427 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email us: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Financial Independence, Retire Early movement (FIRE movement) is changing. More people are investing, making money, and working from anywhere in the world. Investing education and advice has become easier to access, and self-made millionaires have been created through simple frugality and smart spending. Compared to when the FIRE movement was born, now may be one of the best times in recent history to achieve financial independence. But there’s more than one path to choose from. Happy Financial Independence Day! That’s right; we’re swapping hot dogs for home equity, fireworks for frugality, and a cold one for some cold hard cash because TODAY is a day to celebrate an accomplishment we all hope to achieve! In this special episode, Scott and Mindy fly solo, touching on the history of the FIRE movement, its most prominent figures, and lessons learned on the path to FI. But that’s not all; tell your overspending Uncle to tune in as Scott and Mindy debate some of the most common complaints about the FIRE movement and prove that anyone, in almost any situation, can live life on their terms. So sit back, grab those chips you saved for tomorrow’s barbeque (no one will notice), and get your FIRE started! In This Episode We Cover The financial independence retire early movement (FIRE movement) explained The MULTIPLE paths to early retirement you can take (and which is right for you) FIRE rules you MUST follow that can help ANYONE reach financial freedom What to do once you achieve FIRE and planning for it when you’re on the path Debating the FIRE critics and why you DON’T need to give up everything as you build wealth And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott's Instagram Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Check Out Mindy’s 2022 Live Spending Tracker and Budget Bill Bengen (The Inventor of the 4% Rule) From Homeless at 14 to Debt-Free Homeowner AFTER Prison Time with Jazmyn Gray How to Change Your Financial Life with a Money “Reset” with Jill Schlesinge Mr. Money Mustache on Life After FI: The Truth About Retiring Early in Your 30s Mr. Money Mustache Coast FI: The Calculated Way to Retire Early WITHOUT Giving Up What You Love with The Fioneers Designing a Frugal But Luxurious FI Life by Age 32 Change Your Money Mindset, Change Your Life with Vicki Robin Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money- Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email us: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you make the right money moves, financial freedom is only a few years away. You can’t spend your entire paycheck on travel, trips, high rent, or entertainment if you want to retire early and have true time freedom. Matt Amabilerealized this earlier than most. At twenty-two years old, Matt wasn’t making much at his job, and living in an expensive area didn’t help. His goal was simple: live for free so he could pocket most of his take-home pay. What happened was even better than he would have expected. With one property purchase, Matt eliminated his rent expense and created a $1,600-a-month passive income stream. This first venture into real estate was challenging, to say the least. From shady contractors to fist fights in a four-unit, a renovation timeline that went much longer than expected, and lockdowns making even simple tasks impossible, Matt hoped the reward was worth the risk on his first property. Spoiler alert: it definitely was. Now, financially free at twenty-six, Matt works when he wants, where he wants, making $6,000 per month in passive income. He did all this in just four years, starting with $10,000, making a median salary. If Matt can do it, with zero experience in real estate investing, what’s stopping you from doing the same? In This Episode We Cover The most underrated real estate strategy that helps you reach financial freedom FAST The 203(k) loan explained and using it to make MASSIVE equity gains on a property Sacrificing luxuries and keeping your expenses low so you can retire early Real estate partnerships and how to buy properties when you don’t have any money The “BRRRR on training wheels” that new real estate investors should try Job hopping and how Matt tripled his salary in under five years And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Find Investor-Friendly Lenders Join BiggerPockets for FREE Scott's Instagram Connect with James BiggerPockets Watch James on the “On The Market” YouTube Channel Listen to The “On The Market” Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BiggerPockets Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Money Moment Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-425 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email us: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Coast FI by 32 after racking up $20K in credit card debt only a few years earlier!? However unlikely this turn of events might seem, the truth is that any money story can be turned on its head with a little financial know-how and good money habits. And today’s guest is living proof! Having accumulated $20K in credit card debt by the time she graduated from college, Yanely Espinal wasn’t exactly on the straight and narrow path toward financial freedom. But after reading Suze Orman’s Women & Money, Yanely was inspired to take control of her finances. Within 18 months, she had not only wiped out her debt entirely but also catapulted herself toward financial independence—a goal she would achieve before her 32nd birthday. Yanely has since made it her life mission to champion the financial literacy movement and push for financial education requirements in all states by 2030. Whether you’re at a crossroads in your financial journey, waist-deep in consumer debt, or well on your way to FIRE, there’s something for everyone to take away from Yanely’s story. In this episode, she shares her game plan to getting out of debt, achieving coast FI, and the keys to improving financial literacy in schools. As always, our trusted hosts Mindy and Scott join the conversation to help demystify several money topics—from overcoming generational poverty to creating multiple income streams and more! In This Episode We Cover The dangers of high-interest credit card debt (and how to get rid of it!) How to achieve coast FI as soon as possible and retire comfortably Breaking the cycle of generational poverty in the United States The THREE keys to improving financial literacy in schools What YOU can do to help propel the financial education movement forward And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott's Instagram Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Listen to The “On The Market” Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BiggerPockets Money Moment From $50K in Debt to Financially Free in 2 Years w/ Lots of Ups & Downs Compound Interest Calculator Grab Your Copy of “Women & Money” by Suze Orman Grab Your Copy of Yanely’s Latest Book, “Mind Your Money” Track Your State’s Movement for Financial Education with the NGPF Bill Tracker MissBeHelpful Website Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-424 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email us: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is your W2 job causing you to burn out? You have dreams of achieving financial independence and retiring early, but the unrelenting demands of your nine-to-five job are causing you to work around the clock and miss precious moments with loved ones. If you’re feeling this way, you’re not alone! Welcome back to another episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast! Today’s guest, Amanda, has spent the last four years grinding toward an early retirement. Although the security of her husband’s reliable W2 income has allowed them to cover all of their expenses, invest in real estate, and grow their nest egg, they are quickly reaching a breaking point. As parents of four young children, they don’t want their busy work lives to keep them from what matters most. Is there a middle ground? If your FIRE journey is causing you to burn the candle at both ends, this is an episode you won’t want to miss! Mindy and our guest co-host, Kyle Mast, share their perspectives on quitting your W2 job, finding work-life balance through real estate, and when it might be time to pump the brakes on your journey toward early retirement! In This Episode We Cover How to create work-life balance on your journey toward FIRE Leaving the security of a W2 job for the flexibility of real estate The challenges you might face when investing out of state The pros and cons of short-term, mid-term, and long-term rentals (and how to choose!) Using your market’s short-term rental comps to raise or lower your Airbnb rates When to sell an investment property rather than holding on to it And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Mindy on BiggerPockets Kyle’s Website Clarity Financial Kyle’s Twitter Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Listen to The “On The Market” Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BiggerPockets Money Moment The Money Date: What You Should (And Definitely Should Not) Do to Align Your Finances as a Couple Hear Our Last Finance Friday Episode with Joe Find Short-Term Rental Comps with AirDNA Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-423 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email us: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is early retirement possible if you’re dead broke in your 50s? What about regular retirement when you have a negative net worth later in life? If you feel it’s too late to retire, today’s guests are here to prove you wrong. After waking up at fifty with zero dollars to her name, Becky Heptig faced a dilemma—make a change or work for the rest of her days. So Becky and her husband, almost overnight, flipped their lifestyle around and started saving and investing everything they could. Now, she’s retired as a millionaire with complete financial flexibility. Bill Yount wasn’t just worth zero dollars; he had a negative net worth at fifty. Even with a high-paying job, new cars, and a nice house, Bill was miles away from retirement but took the same path as Becky as he aggressively saved and started planning for retirement. Just a few years out from retirement, Bill has millions stashed away, a luxury lifestyle that his investments support, and a boat-sized amount of cash in his bank account. If you think it’s TOO late to retire, you’re wrong. Becky and Bill prove in today’s episode that even if you’re starting late, with NOTHING to your name, retirement is only a decade (or a few years) away. You’ll hear EXACTLY how they retired early when starting from zero, the “wake-up call” late starters MUST have, and what you can do TODAY to get your retirement planning on track! In This Episode We Cover How to go from broke in your 50s to millionaire (or multimillionaire) in your 60s Lifestyle creep and why a high income is dangerous for most Americans How to reverse your “spend first, save last” mindset and start investing for your future The “wake-up call” that caused Becky and Bill to change their financial mindset Whether or not it’s ever “too late” to retire (and what to do if you’re there) Becky and Bill’s advice for those that are broke in their 40s, 50s, or 60s Why you should NEVER buy a boat And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott's Instagram Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Listen to The “On The Market” Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BiggerPockets Money Moment Rethink Social Security: Myths, Benefits, and Clearing Up Misconceptions Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-422 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email us: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the best ways to boost your earning potential is with multiple income streams. With only so much time to dedicate to each stream, however, how do you maximize your total income without burning out? Today’s guest, Joe, is no stranger to the time constraints that come with managing multiple streams of income. With THREE promising income streams, he’s got his hands full! At 22, Joe launched an online coaching business that earned almost $30K per month at its peak. Unfortunately, working 90–100 hours each week quickly took its toll on Joe, his relationships, and his overall well-being. Unsure of how to juggle his online business, nine-to-five, and latest endeavor—investing in real estate—Joe now finds himself at a crossroads. Which avenues should he pursue going forward? Which income streams offer the highest earning potential? Which options afford him the most schedule flexibility? In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast, you’ll get a full breakdown of Joe’s monthly income and expenses, as well as a glimpse of some of his long-term financial goals—including how he plans to revamp his online business, make real estate his next side hustle, and retire early. With help from Mindy and guest co-host Kyle Mast, Joe weighs the pros and cons of each income stream and gets a clearer vision of how to optimize his total income going forward! In This Episode We Cover Maximizing your earning potential without sacrificing work-life balance How to avoid burnout when scaling a profitable side hustle The importance of time management when you have multiple income streams What you need to know before you start investing in real estate How to use other income streams to fund your real estate investments What it really takes to retire early in your 40s And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Mindy on BiggerPockets Kyle’s Website Clarity Financial Kyle’s Twitter Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Listen to The “On The Market” Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BiggerPockets Money Moment Financial Freedom Through Multiple Streams of Income Building 61 Passive Streams of Income with Pat Hiban Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-421 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email us: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Turning a man cave into a “money cave” Airbnb making thousands of extra dollars a month? It doesn’t get more house-hackable than this! Ron Curtis was able to pick up his first home in a pricey area for only a few thousand dollars. But how he funded his “money cave” is even more impressive. Within just hours, Ron was able to get $20K to renovate and rehab his basement unit, turning a few thousand dollars into two fully-furnished units and a house hack that pays his mortgage for him. Want to hear how he did it? Tune in! Ron is a serial entrepreneur. If it makes money, Ron has tried it. From renting cars on Turo to managing Airbnbs, starting his own credit repair and financial coaching consultancy, and turning his primary residence into a cash-flowing short-term rental, Ron isn’t messing around. He does all this while still having a typical W2 job, allowing him to save almost all the income he collects so that he can invest even faster. But, just five years ago, Ron was in a different financial state. After blowing five figures on travel, trips, and going out, Ron took a step back and looked at all the credit card debthe racked up. Thanks to a helpful coworker, he was able to pay it off without succumbing to twenty-plus percent interest rates. Ron used this same strategy to help his friends pay off their debt and eventually start coaching. Now, running multiple cash-flowing businesses, Ron has side hustles that outpace most people’s nine-to-five. So how does he do it all with just twenty-four hours in the day? He’ll share his secrets in this episode! In This Episode We Cover The two easiest ways to escape credit card debt (and which one Ron recommends) Low money down real estate loans and the mortgage programs you MUST know about Starting your side hustles and the true cost of building a business Short-term rental house hacking and turning spare space into extra cash Outsourcing and delegating using VAs (virtual assistants) so you DON’T have to work for your business Business credit cards and using yours to buy assets that will make you richer And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Scott's Instagram Connect with James BiggerPockets Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Money Moment Listen to The “On The Market” Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BiggerPockets Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-420 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email us: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Side income streams are your way out of breaking even every month. If you’re like most Americans and find your savings stagnating, without much room for growth, it might be time to look at opportunities outside your nine-to-five. This is exactly what today’s guest, Liz, did by becoming a real estate agent and growing her seasonal business. But, Liz is in one of the northernmost states, where winters are harsh and home sales halt once the snow falls. Liz wants to grow her real estate agent side income into a full-blown business, but how can she do so when half of the year is too cold to show houses? If you have seasonal income or an infrequent side hustle to help pay your bills, this is an episode for you! Mindy and Scott will walk through how Liz, or any other entrepreneur, can use the sunny season to grow their businesses to new heights, strengthen their savings, and invest the rest so early retirement isn’t just some far-off dream. Liz also needs to know where her money is best put to use. With a serious cash cushion, she’s debating whether or not having a large amount of cash is worth the financial stability or if investing it for passive income is a better option. With her own primary residence coming close to closing, what should Liz do with her hard-earned cash? In This Episode We Cover How to turn a seasonal income stream into a full-time business that pays your yearly salary What to do when you’re breaking even every month (EVEN with low expenses) Becoming a real estate agent and how to find leads in untraditional ways Cash reserves and where to invest your money when you have too much REITs (real estate investment trusts) vs. index funds and which makes more passive income When to pay off debt vs. keeping cash in a high-yield savings account And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott's Instagram Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Listen to The “On The Market” Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BiggerPockets Fire by 45 Investment Plan Grab “6 Steps to 7 Figures” Read More About REITs Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-419 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email us: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An online side hustle that replaces your $100K salary in year one!? It sounds like an impossible feat, but today’s guest was able to achieve this by launching an unusual ecommerce business—allowing his wife to quit her job and stay at home with their kids full-time! Welcome back to another episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast! Today, we’re chatting with Steve Chou, a serial entrepreneur, ecommerce influencer, and founder of MyWifeQuitHerJob.com. When Steve’s wife became pregnant with their first child, he was faced with the challenge of finding a side hustle that could replace his wife’s 9-5 income. Of course, living in Silicon Valley isn’t cheap, and replacing a $100K salary is much easier said than done. Despite these hurdles, Steve was able to turn one brilliant idea into a profitable business that has managed to grow every year since 2007. If you’ve always wanted to start your own side hustle but are unsure where to begin, this episode is for aspiring entrepreneurs like you! Tune in to hear Steve share about the humble beginnings of his handkerchief side hustle, how to find ecommerce success in 2023, and achieving financial freedom without burning out. As always, Mindy and Scott bring their own financial expertise to the table and deliver some timely wisdom! In This Episode We Cover Why you NEED a side hustle to make life-changing money How to launch a successful ecommerce business in 2023 Building a business with the goal of replacing your 9-5 salary Staying relevant, outlasting AI, and achieving longevity in your business How to arrive at “enough” so that you enjoy financial freedom without burning out The best ways to protect your business against intellectual property (IP) theft And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott's Instagram Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Listen to The “On The Market” Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BiggerPockets Money Moment Grab Your Copy of “Set for Life: An All-Out Approach to Early Financial Freedom The Most Profitable Skill to Learn (From a $200M+ VC Investor) Pre-order The Family First Entrepreneur and Get $690 in FREE Bonuses Learn How to Start a Thriving Ecommerce Business Bumblebee Linens Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-418 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email us: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pet insurance probably isn’t a top priority for you right now. Your budget might have health, car, and home insurance, but pet insurance? Is it really worth the cost? Today we talk to David, an engineer and part-time wilderness trip guide, who was hit with an astonishing amount of vet bills after his beloved four-legged friend, Blaze, was diagnosed with Lymphoma. This unexpected bill damaged David and his wife’s investing plans, but not all hope is lost. If you have a dog, cat, rabbit, lizard, or other non-human friend (sorry, your kids don't count) living at home, this is an episode for you! We’ll get into the nitty-gritty of what happens when your pet has an unexpected medical diagnosis, leaving you with a mortgage-sized bill to pay every month. While many of us have animal companions that make our life whole, few realize the cost of paying for treatment when a life-threatening disease comes into play. You’ll hear about thepros and cons of pet insurance, whether or not it’s actually worth it, and the hard choices you may have to make when adopting or purchasing a pet. But it’s not all bones and hairballs in this episode. Our guest David also has some exciting news about a six-figure business he and his wife are building. With David’s wife itching to start taking this income stream to new heights, David is debating whether or not giving up one of their stable incomes is worth the hit to their retirement accounts. Thankfully, Mindy and Scott find a workaround to keep them in a FIRE-first position! In This Episode We Cover The true cost of a sick pet and how to deal with six-figure vet bills Pet insurance pros and cons and what to look for when choosing a policy Serious side hustles and how to turn yours into a six-figure income stream Keeping your stable job vs. following your passion and starting a business Why reaching financial independence fast IS NOT for everyone (and what to do instead) Cash reserves and why keeping your expenses low will help you deal with medical emergencies Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott's Instagram Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Listen to The “On The Market” Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BiggerPockets Money Moment Take a Trip with Blaze Adventure Tours Pet Insurance Links: Healthypaws Trupanion Mid-Atlantic Federal Credit Union HELOCs Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-417 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email us: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Want to replace your nine-to-five? You'll need to know how to buy a business. And while you may think that you need to be some high-level executive or business-building savant, the reality is that TONS of profitable businesses are selling for pennies on the dollar, just waiting for you to come in, scoop them up, and start making six (or even seven) figures without doing all the work. This is the EXACT strategy that Codie Sanchez used to leave her high-paid banking career to make millions running so-called “boring” businesses. Whether it’s a laundromat, landscaping service, or law firm, businesses are up for sale without you even knowing it. You DON’T need to be an industry expert to get in on any of these deals. Many of the businesses that Codie has bought have been outside of her core competency. She’s gotten so good at business-buying that Codie now helps other want-to-be entrepreneurs get out of their jobs and into businesses that’ll help them build wealth. Codie’s ten simple steps to business buying can help ANYONE buy, build, and profit from a “boring” business. Codie breaks down exactly why she left the big paychecks behind to start buying businesses, the repeatable steps to acquiring and growing a business, which business you should be looking for, and five to NEVER buy. You’ll also hear how she funds these business purchases and what to do AFTER buying a business that massively multiplies revenue and makes you millions! In This Episode We Cover The “boring” businesses that can replace your salary and make you a millionaire How to buy a business from start to finish and five business types you MUST avoid Jobs vs. businesses and how to ensure you buy cash flow, not another nine-to-five Codie’s buy box and EXACTLY what she looks for when acquiring a business Where to find funding for business purchases (and which sellers will offer you financing) Hiring, firing, and becoming the CEO of your first business And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott's Instagram Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Listen to The “On The Market” Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BiggerPockets Money Moment Hear Past BiggerPockets Episodes with Codie: The Cash-Flow Boosting Businesses that Savvy Real Estate Investors Own The MOST Profitable Skill to Learn (From a $200M+ VC Investor) How to Buy Yourself a 6-Figure Income Stream w/Tim Delaney Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-416 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email us: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Retirement is always some far-off goal. When you’re older and much more wealthy, you can live the golden years of your life without a care in the world. The problem? None of us know how much time we have left, how healthy we’ll be as we age, and whether or not these years are the best we’ll ever get. So, why wait to retire in your sixties when it’s possible to retire in your twenties, thirties, forties, or fifties? If you had the choice to live your ideal life NOW, wouldn’t you choose to do so? On this Finance Friday episode, we talk to Sara, who had a recent wake-up call about waiting for retirement. While on a casual run, Sara suffered sudden cardiac arrest, prompting her to be put into a medically-induced coma. Without any signs of something like this happening, Sara started to ask whether or not she was living her life to the best of her ability and if waiting for retirement age was worth the risk. With six figures in student debt from her husband but solid salaries to support their low-cost-of-living lifestyle, Sara wants to know how she can transition to part-time work while still saving and investing for early retirement. Thanks to smart decisions Sara has made, she’s in a phenomenal position to take her foot off the gas, but how can she do so without sacrificing her future? In This Episode We Cover Student loans and whether to pay off debt or invest for early retirement Switching from full-time work to part-time hours while keeping benefits and saving your sanity Planning your “ideal life” and why waiting until traditional retirement age could be a big mistake Cash reserves and how much you should have when planning to leave a full-time salary Building your investment plan based on what you (and your partner) really want out of life And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott's Instagram Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Listen to The “On The Market” Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BiggerPockets Money Moment Scott Trench’s Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your Perfect, 1-Page Investment Plan How to Retire Early (From Someone Who Did at Age 27) Should You Pay Off Debt or Invest? Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-415 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email us: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wish you had a few money hacks to help with things like getting out of debt, finding the right assets to invest in, and growing your nest egg? The average person may not even know where to start! Today’s guest is using her platform to help simplify money concepts and improve financial literacy at a time when it is sorely lacking. Welcome back to another edition of the BiggerPockets Money podcast! Today, we’re joined by Nicole Lapin, founder of the Money News Network, host of Money Rehab with Nicole Lapin, and author of multiple New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling books, including Rich Bitch, Boss Bitch, Miss Independent, and Becoming Super Woman. Born into a first-generation American family, Nicole lacked financial literacy early on in life and was easily intimidated by financial concepts. Only after learning the language of money was she able to take control of her finances and pay off the consumer debt she had accumulated. In this episode, Nicole spills some of the top money hacks she has learned over the past 20 years. Wherever you are in your financial journey—whether it’s neck-deep in consumer debt or well on your way towards achieving financial independence and retiring early—you won’t want to miss what Mindy, Scott, and Nicole have to share about investing in today’s climate, assessing your risk tolerance, and making the most out of your money! In This Episode We Cover Money hacks for investing and rehabbing your personal finances Two methods of getting out (and staying out) of consumer debt How to create a “spending” plan using the “three E’s” Living below your means to fast-track your journey towards financial freedom How to assess your risk tolerance and find the right assets to invest in An alternative to financial independence, retire early (that could allow you to “retire” even sooner!) And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott's Instagram Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Listen to The “On The Market” Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BiggerPockets Money Moment The Pillars of FI: Designing the Life You Want 12 Things to Give Up to Become Debt-Free This Year Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-414 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email us: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Early retirement is possible for almost anyone, no matter where you start or how much you make. If you can sacrifice and save more than you spend, there’s a good chance you could retire years or even decades earlier than the rest. In fact,you can retire early on a median income salary without any retirement savings to start with…but you’ll need to do one crucial thing. As you’ll see from today’s guests, David and Danielle, one smart purchase may have set them up for life! We’re back with another Finance Friday, where we talk to David and Danielle, two median-income earners trying to figure out the right path to early retirement. After Danielle’s sales-based burnout, the couple has been surviving with just one income, cutting it close every month. But, with a return to work on the calendar for Danielle, the chances of financial freedom are looking bright. But where do they go from here? With David and Danielle’s real estate dreams, Scott and Mindy come up with a handful of ways that this couple could use their primary residence to bolster their chances of early retirement and allow them to save a significant amount of money every month. So if you feel like you’re starting over on the path to FIRE and don’t know which move is right, this is an episode for you! In This Episode We Cover How to use your home to retire early and start investing Grocery shopping, food bills, and how to stop eating your money every month Legal fees and accounting for lawyer bills during an ongoing dispute House hacking and living for free while renting out spare space Assumable loans and upgrading your property when you have LOTS of equity And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott's Instagram Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Listen to The “On The Market” Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BiggerPockets Money Moment House Hacking: A Beginners Guide to Living for Free Grocery Shopping Got a Hold on Your Wallet? Check Out These Episodes: Cutting Your Grocery Bill in Half The Most Efficient Path to Financial Freedom Food Spending Eating Away at Your FI Plans? Here’s How to Eat for Cheap Slash Your Food Budget by $150+ Per Week with EASY, Healthy, and Tasty Meals Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-413 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email us: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While the job of a full-time content creator might seem glamorous from the outside looking in, make no mistake—there’s plenty of work involved, and it’s not always easy to get your business off the ground. Our next guest spent years building up her content creation platform while continuing to work her nine-to-five tech job before she made her first six figures! Welcome back to another episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast! Today, Scott and Amanda are joined by Gabrielle Judge, a content creator and emerging thought leader for the Gen Z workforce. Gabrielle is helping to usher in the next phase of work-life balance with “quiet quitting”—an oft-misunderstood concept that has less to do with being lazy and much more to do with assessing your return on investment (ROI) at work and creating space for your other goals and passions. Whether you’re interested in content creation or tired of working for “the man,” you won’t want to miss out on all that Gabrielle has to share. She offers a handful of top tips on how to cultivate a side hustle so that it one day becomes a full-time job—including credit card stacking to access a large line of credit for new business ventures, becoming a hard money lender, and using Chat GPT to help you leave your current job and land your next one faster! In This Episode We Cover The real meaning of “quiet quitting” and how to set boundaries at work Growing a side hustle and turning it into your full-time job Viewing yourself as a business and evaluating your ROI at work Credit card stacking to access a large, unsecured line of credit How to become a bank for someone else through hard money lending Leveraging Chat GPT to streamline the job application process and get a bigger paycheck And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Amanda's Instagram Scott's Instagram Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! The Real Estate Rookie Podcast Listen to The “On The Market” Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BiggerPockets She Wolf of Wall Street Website 10 Tips For Leaving Your 9-5 and Adjusting to Life as an Entrepreneur How to Start a Profitable Side Hustle Start Credit Card Stacking with Fund&Grow Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-411 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Let us know! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A debt-free homeowner with an emergency fund and a keen eye for personal finance? A few years ago, Jazmyn Gray wouldn’t have dreamed that’s how her life turned out. From a young age, Jazmyn was thrown into drug addiction, homelessness, a life of crime, and later, prison time. She was a teenage mother whose silver lining was running a successful business until she was robbed, abused, and pushed into relapsing. But that’s not Jazmyn’s whole story. Through some entrepreneurial pursuits behind bars and putting her finances first, Jazmyn has had an almost unbelievable path to recovery. Even after her time in prison, Jazmyn was forced to pay restitution and other debts she had piled up before her incarceration. However, through a chance meeting with none other than our own Scott Trench, Jazmyn was given the master plan she needed to rebuild her financial position, even when the odds were stacked against her. Now, in a completely different position than she was in just a few years ago, Jazmyn is ready to tell her whole story, not only to provide hope to those that need it but give actionable steps to improving your financial life. You’ll hear how she built a six-figure business within a few months, how she recently bought a house with a record low interest rate, the debt snowball method she used to become debt-free faster than most Americans, and how she’s using her rough road to help others build their own wealth. In This Episode We Cover Hitting financial rock bottom and starting your journey when you have nothing Building a six-figure business and what caused Jazmyn to give up hers Homelessness, drug addiction, and fighting to survive as a teenager The “debt snowball” method Jazmyn used to pay off her debt in record time Buying your first home and how to do so only a few years after being dead broke Jazmyn’s easily-repeatable advice for ANYONE starting their financial journey And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott's Instagram Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! The Real Estate Rookie Podcast Listen to The “On The Market” Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BiggerPockets Money Moment From Extreme Poverty to DIY Wealth and 2 Full-Time Incomes 12 Things to Give Up to Become Debt-Free This Year Get Involved with CrossPurpose Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-410 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Let us know! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As a first-time home buyer, you may be struggling to make a move. And who can blame you? In 2023, with high mortgage rates and stiff competition, more and more would-be home buyers are staying put as renters—but this could be a big mistake. Even Jay Papasan, executive at Keller Williams and bestselling author, wishes he made his first home purchase faster. It wasn’t until Jay was thirty that he finally pulled the trigger on purchasing a property. He had just moved to Austin, Texas, and bought the worst property in the best neighborhood he could find. Now, a good twenty years later, this property alone has made Jay close to a million dollars, and he thinks today’s homebuyers could be in the same position. So, how do you build wealth when buying your first property? In this episode, Jay walks through what first-time home buyers should be looking for when scouting out houses, the telltale signs of a great (and not-so-great) real estate agent, simple improvements you can make to increase property value dramatically, and what to do with today’s high mortgage rates. Jay also includes a little-known way to lower your mortgage rate on your next home, so you can pay less and profit more when you move out! In This Episode We Cover Why you should NEVER sell your first home (and what you should do instead) How to lower your mortgage rate WITHOUT increasing your cost to close Signs of a great agent and the MOST important trait they must have Easy improvements that will shoot up your home’s value Tracking your net worth and why you MUST know your personal profit and loss Housing horror stories and whether or not your agent needs to tell you about the ghost haunting your kitchen And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott's Instagram Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! The Real Estate Rookie Podcast Listen to The “On The Market” Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BiggerPockets Money Moment Grab the First-Time Home Buyer Book Bundle and Use Code “BPKELLER” at Checkout Putting Yourself in the Best Financial Position as a First Time Home Buyer Big Goals? Here’s How to Get Your Spouse or Partner on Board Becoming a Millionaire Real Estate Investor How to Manage Your Time Like a Millionaire Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-409 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Let us know! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Early retirement is the holy grail of financial freedom. With a large enough nest egg, you no longer have to work, giving you the time to spend with your family and friends or do whatever you want. The problem? Hitting financial independence is much easier than most FIRE-chasers think, and achieving their biggest goal comes with unintended consequences. The fact of the matter is, retiring early is a hard choice, and it’s NOT as simple as walking away from your job. Today, we talk to Phil, who’s bringing in a large salary and doing a job he loves but wants to take more time off work to be around his growing family. Phil has reached financial freedom. He has plenty of money in his retirement accounts, a short-term rental property portfolio paying him a median-income salary, and lots of cash on hand in case he runs out. He’s also got a job that makes him a stellar salary and has the flexibility to allow him to increase or decrease his shifts as he sees fit. Phil has done it. He’s found financial freedom and built a fortress of assets to hold up his lifestyle for the rest of his life.But, the idea of walking away from work is stopping him from taking the time off that he needs. With such high pay and work that gives him meaning, how can Phil slowly start stepping away from work without sacrificing his identityor ability to help others? This is a struggle for many who have hit financial independence, and you, too, may face the same dilemma in the not-so-distant future! In This Episode We Cover Building multiple income streams so you can reach financial freedom faster Giving up the high-pay of a skilled job to spend more time with your family When to pay off your properties and whether living mortgage-free is worth it Transitioning out of a career and why stepping away from work is more complicated than it seems Building your ideal post-FI life (even if that means working!) The “middle-class trap” and why over-investing in retirement could be a mistake And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott's Instagram Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! The Real Estate Rookie Podcast Listen to The “On The Market” Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BiggerPockets Money Moment Mr. Money Mustache on Life After FI: The Truth About Retiring Early How to Avoid the “Middle Class Trap” When Building Wealth The “Deathbed Toolkit” That Makes Building Wealth Much More Enjoyable w/Doc G Grab Your Copy of “Taking Stock: A Hospice Doctor's Advice on Financial Independence, Building Wealth, and Living a Regret-Free Life Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-408 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Let us know! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Think it might be too late for you to enjoy the spoils of real estate investing? Well, you’d be wrong! Regardless of age, background, or financial circumstances, it’s never too late to switch careers and become a real estate investor. Just ask today’s guest! In this edition of the BiggerPockets Money podcast, we’re joined by Evan Miller, who was a bright-eyed, bushy-tailed US Air Force cadet when he first took an interest in real estate. It wasn’t long before his childhood dream of becoming a pilot was ousted by the entrepreneurial pull of building his own real estate empire. Although his journey included a stint in intelligence and a pit stop as a certified financial planner, Evan has managed to create a portfolio of eight properties over the last eight years. In today’s episode, Evan shares his entire story from start to finish, including his frugal upbringing, his time at the academy, and his journey towards becoming a full-time real estate investor. As always, our trusted hosts Mindy and Scott are along for the ride. Tune in as we demystify a handful of money-related topics—qualifying for real estate professional status (REPS) and its enormous tax benefits, finding exclusive deals through assumable loans, and flipping houses for a profit—even in a bad housing market! In This Episode We Cover How to seamlessly transition from your current vocation to a career in real estate The value of frontloading depreciation when building your real estate portfolio Assumable loans and how to find HUGE deals in military markets How to flip houses at a profit in a volatile housing market Real estate professional status (REPS) tax benefits (and how to qualify!) The opportunities that come from surrounding yourself with other real estate investors And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott's Instagram Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! The Real Estate Rookie Podcast Listen to The “On The Market” Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BiggerPockets Money Moment Episode 217: 16 Units in 3 States as a BiggerPockets Power Couple Working Full-Time Grab “The Book on Investing in Real Estate with No (and Low) Money Down Tax Day Q&A: Live CPAs Help YOU Owe Less To the IRS Year-End Tax Tips and How to Owe Even Less in 2023 Try the BiggerPockets Calculators: Mortgages Rental Calculator Rental Estimator Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-407 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Let us know! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The road to early retirement isn’t easy. Once you become dead-set on finding financial freedom, your entire world turns upside down. For many of us, this means spending as little as possible, ditching takeout, saying goodbye to expensive events, and becoming a frugal hermit in our own financially-focused worlds. But, this can lead to serious burnout since a life without fun is a hard life to live. Today, we talk to Sam, who’s feeling his own type of frugal fatigue. Sam was blindsided by a sudden divorce, separating him from his daughter and prompting him to restart his career. He went the unconventional route, getting his pilot’s license and slowly building up his income. But, switching from stay-at-home dad to breadwinner in an instant left a mental mark on Sam. As a result, he’s kept an extremely lean budget, even as his income has grown into six figures. He’s doing a phenomenal job on the path to early retirement, but with time freedom in sight, Sam is still struggling to live life in the present moment instead of always focusing on the future. In this Finance Friday episode, Mindy and Scott walk through paying off unconventional student debt, building a financial runway, the difference between being frugal and cheap, and whether house hacking vs. renting is the right move in this housing market. They’ll also chat over employee stock purchase programs and investing for early retirement, all while making dozens of pilot puns along the way! In This Episode We Cover Investing for early retirement and what to focus on to hit financial freedom Being frugal vs. cheap and whether your FIRE obsession is making life harder Student loan debt and when selling investments makes sense House hacking and using extra space in your home to make more money Building your “financial runway” and when it’s time to reallocate your investment portfolio Employee stock purchase programs and the GUARANTEED profit you’ll make And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott's Instagram Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Subscribe to The “On The Market” YouTube Channel Listen to The “On The Market” Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BiggerPockets Money Moment Scott Trench’s Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your Perfect, 1-Page Investment Plan Why You Don’t Need to Sacrifice Everything to Hit Financial Freedom How to Get to Early Retirement Even Faster Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-406 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Let us know! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Healthy meals that taste great AND save you money? Surely, you can’t have all three! Today’s guest would beg to differ. After deciding roughly six years ago to embrace a healthy lifestyle, she made it her personal mission to find clean recipes that were equally affordable and flavorful. Today, she saves roughly $150 - $200 on her grocery bill each week! Welcome to a special bonus episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast. Today, our hosts Mindy and Scott pick the brain of Jenn Lueke, a food blogger who teaches people how to curb their monthly food spend and prepare healthy, craveable dishes that keep food exciting. Have you always wanted to improve your diet without breaking the bank or spending countless hours in the kitchen? Do you wish that healthy choices tasted a little better? Tune in as Jenn talks about how she plans and preps all of her meals ahead of time, sticks to a tight grocery budget even amidst inflation or an economic downturn, and keeps all of her food organized in a one-bedroom apartment. You’ll even learn about her top budget-saving foods, go-to one-pan recipes, and favorite places to shop! In This Episode We Cover How to save on your grocery bill ($150 or more!) each week The best ways to optimize food storage with limited space Finding easy, cheap, and healthy recipes that become household staples How to plan and prep meals for HUGE time savings When to buy organic produce instead of conventional Shopping seasonally to take advantage of lower prices (and fresher produce!) And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Scott's Instagram Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Subscribe to The “On The Market” YouTube Channel Listen to The “On The Market” Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BiggerPockets Money Moment Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Let us know! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The formula to build wealth isn’t complicated. Most American millionaires have figured it out, and you might have as well. It’s safe to say that almost every wealthy American has followed these three steps that lead to a life of riches. If you follow the same path, you, too, can end up with financial independence, early retirement, and generational wealththat will propel your family forward. But, even though these steps are simple, most Americans can’t or won’t follow them. Joining us in the fight to help every American reach financial freedom are Brian Preston and Bo Hanson from The Money Guy Show. Brian and Bo both boast numerous financial acronyms after their names. As licensed financial professionals (CPAs, CFPs, PFSs, CFAs), it’s fair to say that they know their way around a portfolio. They’ve been helping their clients and podcast listeners build wealth no matter what stage of life they’re in. And their newest study on millionaires has illuminated some surprising takeaways. In today’s show, Brian and Bo break down EXACTLY what millionaires are doing that average Americans aren’t, the three core principles you MUST follow to build wealth, diversification vs. concentration, and whether or not real estate should be a part of your portfolio. So whether you just got your first job, are nearing retirement, or hover somewhere in between, Brian and Bo give actionable advice you can take away to not only build wealth but keep it for generations to come! In This Episode We Cover The three core principles you MUST follow to build wealth and become a millionaire Self-made riches and the surprising facts about starting from SCRATCH How to protect your generational wealth after you’ve made it Why those that reach financial independence rarely choose to retire early Diversification and whether your business, home, or stock portfolio owns too much of your wealth The right way to invest in real estate for early retirement (and when it’s TOO risky) Rising interest rates and how this will affect those pursuing financial independence And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Scott's Instagram Mindy on BiggerPockets Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Subscribe to The “On The Market” YouTube Channel Listen to The “On The Market” Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BiggerPockets Money Moment Listen to “The Money Guy Show” Download the Financial Order of Operations Work with Brian and Bo Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-404 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Let us know! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Financial freedom vs. family time. If done correctly, you can have both; but living the best of both worlds is impossible without sacrifice. For new parents, switching from a dual-income household to a single full-time income overnight can be a hard burden to bear. With less money comes lower retirement accounts, a longer time horizon to being debt-free, and financial freedom pushed years, or even decades, away. So, is being a stay-at-home parent worth the financial sacrifice? On this Finance Friday, we talk to Patrick, who recently became a new dad (woohoo!). His wife has taken on the full-time job of being a stay-at-home mom, but with a massive amount of debt hanging over their heads, Patrick is debating whether or not returning to dual income is the right move to make. Not only is this choice a financial one, it’s also an extremely personal debate, as many parents would far rather spend their time with their kids than bring home a bigger paycheck. And while we can’t tell Patrick what to do next, Mindy and Scott can offer the financial options he and his wife NEED to know about. But we’re not just talking about student loan debt in this episode. We also get into whole life insurance policies, HELOCs (home equity lines of credit), car loans, and whether or not buying rental properties is the right move for a new parent. You may be in Patrick’s position soon (if not already), and this topic is one you CANNOT afford to miss if you’re building wealth while raising a family! In This Episode We Cover Student loan debt and what you MUST do to become debt-free Whole life insurance policies and whether they’re worth the high monthly premiums The true cost of college and what to know BEFORE you finance your degree Rental property headaches and when real estate investing may NOT be the right move Ditching dual income to become a stay-at-home parent and who is in the position to do so Reaching financial freedom as a new parent and the sacrifices you MUST make to retire early And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Scott's Instagram Mindy on BiggerPockets Grab Scott’s Book, “Set for Life” Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Subscribe to The “On The Market” YouTube Channel Listen to The “On The Market” Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BiggerPockets Money Moment The Money Date: What You Should (And Definitely Should Not) Do to Align Your Finances as a Couple Finance Friday: How to Become Debt-Free 20 Years Faster Than You Thought Is College Worth the Cost? This 30,000 Variable Study Says “Sometimes…” Why 40% of Master’s Degrees Aren’t Worth It (and Which Are) w/Preston Cooper Should You Pay Down Student Debt or Start Investing? Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-403 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Let us know! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tax season is a nerve-racking time for many, especially for those who don’t have simple tax returns. If you’re a real estate investor, you need top-notch tax advice if you hope to reap the best tax savings when filing—legally, of course. And that’s exactly what we’ve got for you today! Welcome back to another episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast. Ahead of this year’s tax deadline, we’ve brought in reinforcements to answer all of your burning tax questions. Today’s guests are Kyle Mast, fee-only certified financial planner (CFP) and real estate investor, and Natalie Kolodij, real estate tax strategist and IRS enrolled agent. In this episode, they use their collective tax expertise and perspectives to tackle a handful of key topics. Ever wondered whether there are different tax benefits when buying a property in cash rather than via a traditional home loan? If you’re in a partnership on a short-term rental property, how do you claim depreciation? What is a cost segregation study, and when should you do one instead of taking depreciation deductions over the normal timeline? As always, our trusted host Mindy chimes in with some important nuggets to help make your journey toward financial freedom that much easier (while owing less to Uncle Sam)! In This Episode We Cover Tax benefits of buying a property in cash versus getting a loan The “2-out-of-5-year” rule that allows you to avoid HUGE capital gains taxes How to claim depreciation deductions in an investing partnership The pros and cons of cost segregation studies and normal depreciation deductions Why you NEED to hire a real estate tax strategist (and how to find one!) How to set up your business entity for the best real estate tax savings And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Connect with Mindy on BiggerPockets Mindy's Twitter Kyle’s Website Clarity Financial Kyle’s Twitter Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Subscribe to The “On The Market” YouTube Channel Listen to The “On The Market” Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BiggerPockets Money Moment Get Tax Professional Recommendations from Other Investors The Biggest Real Estate Tax Loophole You’ve (Probably) Never Heard Of Year-End Tax Tips and How to Owe Even Less in 2023 2023 Real Estate Taxes: Write-Offs, Loopholes, and How to Pay Less Next Year Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-402 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Let us know! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How important are beneficiary designations? What happens if you die without a will? What are intestate succession laws? Death is a subject that most people want to avoid, especially when it intersects with finances. Unfortunately, these are necessary questions to ask, as your legacy is at stake, and taking just a few hours to plan could save your family thousands of hours after you pass. When guest and long-time friend Renee received the call that her husband of nine years had passed unexpectedly, she was left to deal with not only her own grief but also the financial implications of her husband’s death. While the two had discussed death and finances on multiple occasions, little did they know that a common financial error would create a logistical nightmare—one that would lead to ongoing legal battles and fractured relationships. In today’s episode, Renee joins us to tell her story and stress the importance of planning for the unexpected. We cover things like beneficiary designations, wills, living trusts, and intestate succession laws. Renee also shares the three steps you MUST take to avoid having a post-passing financial nightmare. As always, our hosts Mindy and Scott are here to share some invaluable advice you won’t want to miss! In This Episode We Cover How a few hours of end-of-life planning could save your next of kin thousands of hours Why beneficiary designations are king for all financial assets Intestate succession laws and what happens when you die without a will When others may have a legal claim to assets over a spouse How relationships are impacted by the financial implications of your passing The three steps you MUST take to get your assets in order before you die And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Scott's Instagram Mindy's Twitter Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Subscribe to The “On The Market” YouTube Channel Listen to The “On The Market” Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BiggerPockets Getting Financially “Naked” with Your Significant Other — With Erin Lowry from Broke Millennial (Episode #24) Estate Planning, Wills, and What to Do NOW to Protect Your Heirs w/Jordan Klint (Episode #395) Get Your Family Emergency Binder The Easiest Way to Create a Will Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-401 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Let us know! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Being able to retire early is a blessing and a curse. When you first start working a job, all you can think of is escaping your everyday responsibilities. The mind-numbing tasks, the early mornings, late nights, horrible bosses—it all adds up. But, you then find the “financial independence, retire early movement (FIRE),” and almost overnight, you decide that your future will be dedicated to setting yourself financially free. You develop skills that help you make more at your job, feeding into bigger, better investments. And as a result, you end up being in a better position, at a more respectable job, earning more than you thought possible, and enjoying the challenge of everyday work. This is precisely what happened to your hosts, Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench. Both started at jobs they didn’t love, wanting to be financially free. Through hard work and skill-building, Mindy and Scott were brought together, prompting them to start the BiggerPockets Money Podcast and build a company they both love. Now financially free, Mindy and Scott refuse to retire early for a good reason. In this special four-hundredth episode, Mindy and Scott share their money stories, how they found the FIRE movement, what they did with their money, and why they choose to work, even though they don’t have to. If you want to know the real reason behind Scott and Mindy’s skyrocketing success, stick around because their stories are much more repeatable than you may think. In This Episode We Cover The origins of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast and how risky investing prompted a powerful podcast The index fund vs. individual stock-picking debate and why Mindy started to shift her portfolio How Mindy and Scott found the FIRE movement and how they both quickly reached financial independence Becoming a CEO and why Scott’s “don’t ask for a raise” philosophy paid off BIG time Choosing to work instead of retiring early and why a meaningful livelihood beats a relaxing early retirement The simple but profound moves Scott made to triple his net worth in just a few years And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Scott's Instagram Mindy's Connect with James Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Subscribe to The “On The Market” YouTube Channel Listen to The “On The Market” Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BiggerPockets Money Moment Mr. Money Mustache's article 1,500 Days Breaking the Taboo of Talking About Money with Friends, Family, and Bosses How to Change Your Financial Life with a Money “Reset” Margin Loans: Low-Interest Lending or Risky Rates? Mindy's First Episode: Jump Starting Your Early FI Plans by Live-in Flipping Scott’s First Episode: An All-Out Approach to Financial Independence at an Early Age Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-400 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Let us know! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Want to retire early in your 30s? Early retirement may be closer than you think. With smart money moves, intelligent investments, and the ability to save more than you spend, you could trade forty-hour work weeks for full days with your family. But, before you do, you’ll need to set yourself up with some killer cash flow, so your assets can pay for your lifestyle while you sit back and enjoy ultimate time freedom. This is exactly what Jenny Bayless did over the past ten years. After college, Jenny was able to score a well-paying job but realized only a few months in that the “work for forty years, retire at sixty-five” plan wasn’t worth the grind. So, shestarted aggressively saving, doing whatever she could to get into her first property. From there, she stumbled upon the BRRRR strategy of real estate investing, allowing her to recycle her cash to buy more properties in far less time than it took to save up for a down payment. In this episode, Jenny explains precisely how this method led her to financial freedom, what FIRE-chasers in 2023 can do to retire even earlier, and why EVERYONE should have a financial exit plan, no matter how much they love their work. Jenny’s repeatable system to financial freedom through real estate isn’t as complicated as you might think, and she gives three crucial tips that, when followed, will lead to FIRE even faster! In This Episode We Cover How to retire in ten years (or less!) by using the BRRRR investing method Leaving your W2 and how to know it’s the right time to walk away from a paycheck Three tips ANYONE can follow to hit financial freedom faster “Failing forward” and why those that make mistakes are the ones who get ahead Cash-out refinances and how to recycle your down payment funds to buy more property Life after FIRE and why you’re still allowed to make money even when retired early And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Scott's Instagram Connect with James Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Subscribe to The “On The Market” YouTube Channel Listen to The “On The Market” Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BiggerPockets Money Moment Meet Scott and James at BPCon2023 Grab The Book on “Investing in Real Estate with No (and Low) Money Down” Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-399 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Let us know! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For so long, early retirement has been THE goal of those chasing financial independence. Can you imagine waking up with unlimited time, not having to work, and reporting to no one but yourself? Now imagine that day in and day out. Before long, the luster of never working gets to you, and that's because if you've achieved financial independence, the regular type of "retirement" just won't work. But what if you could restart your career, do something you REALLY cared about, or build your dream business? Jill Schlesinger, author of The Great Money Reset: Change Your Work, Change Your Wealth, Change Your Life, has redefined what FIRE should mean. Instead of financial independence, retire early, she's opting for financial independence, new endeavor. Now, those skills you've been building for decades can be put to good use, working how much you want, for who you want, and doing what you want. But what if you're not at financial independence yet? What if you're stuck feeling miserable in a job, slogging your way to retirement? Jill suggests performing a "money reset." Through a five-step system, you'll see where you stand financially, what's important to you, and how to change your life entirely so you can stop doing what you must and start doing what you love. Whether you're retired, retired early, on the path to FI, or don't know where to start, Jill's money thoughts will rock your financial world. In This Episode We Cover Why you (probably) AREN'T pursuing your dreams, and whether money is REALLY the issue Resetting your career and why it's a smart move to make MULTIPLE times in life The FINE alternative to the FIRE movement, and why working after early retirement is a blessing, not a curse The 'Fabulous Five" that will give you an overall picture of your financial health and money wealth How to perform a "money reset" no matter what stage you're at in life (or how much money you have) And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Mindy's Twitter Henry's BiggerPockets Profile Henry's Instagram Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! On The Market Subscribe to The “On The Market” YouTube Channel Listen to The “On The Market” Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BiggerPockets Check Out Mindy’s 2022 Live Spending Tracker and Budget Money Moment Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-398 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Let us know! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Financial freedom allows you to do what you want, when you want, and with who you want. But it’s not just for lounging in hammocks or jet-setting around the world. When tragedy strikes, a sudden loss occurs, and you need time to spend with your family, friends, and loved ones, financial freedom becomes the bedrock of what helps you recover. This is why the option to retire early is so crucial for the everyday American; you never know when you’ll need to take some time for yourself. Jordan Klint, former guest on episode sixty-three, achieved financial freedom at a surprisingly young age, with five children to boot! His time freedom and ability to live on his terms was an added bonus the last time we talked to him, but now, we understand that it was necessary for Jordan to keep sane during the past year. Jordan’s family went through a significant tragedy, resulting in the loss of not one but multiple relatives all at once. This was an incredibly hard time for Jordan and his family but has allowed him to reflect on what FIRE-chasers need to do to ensure their families are protected when they pass. While this episode does bring up some difficult points, it’s full of extremely useful tips that Jordan used to get his family’s finances together. We get into estate planning, why you need a will, life insurance, car insurance, and the “emergency binder” that EVERYONE should have. Don’t wait until the unexpected happens. If you’re building wealth, you NEED to put these plans in place. In This Episode We Cover Estate planning 101 and why trusts, wills, and other documents can protect your family’s wealth Self-care, mental health, and why investing in your friends is so important Life insurance and why buying a policy is crucial for family members who rely on you Financial planners and how to use their expertise to help you structure an after-passing plan Early retirement and how Jordan was able to take time to recover and recharge Jordan’s post-retirement portfolio and how he’s spending his days after reaching financial freedom And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Mindy's Twitter Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Subscribe to The “On The Market” YouTube Channel Listen to The “On The Market” Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BiggerPockets Check Out Mindy’s 2022 Live Spending Tracker and Budget Money Moment Hear Our Last Episode with Jordan Everything You Need to Know BEFORE You Invest in Syndications Grab the “Emergency Binder” Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-397 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Let us know! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You want to retire early, but odds are, you think that you can’t. Whether it’s a high-stress job, a business that requires your full attention, or just the belief that you MUST be working, most Americans don’t think they can regain their time freedom. But most people don’t know about “lifestyle investing.” Instead of trying to be the wealthiest investor with the biggest house, fastest car, and most money in the bank, lifestyle investing asks, “what do you TRULY need to be financially free?” And there’s no one better to answer this question than Justin Donald, author of The Lifestyle Investor: The 10 Commandments of Cash Flow Investing for Passive Income and Financial Freedom. Justin redefined what it means to be rich by focusing on time, not money, as the most important metric. He went from working as a stressed-out business owner to having complete time and financial freedom simply by putting the lifestyle he wanted before everything else. And he has a lot to teach those of us that have yet to hit financial independence. Today, Justin will define some of his cash flow commandments, explain why passive income is the most essential investment you can make, and detail how to start living a proactive, not reactive, lifestyle. No matter where you’re at financially, this shift in understanding will help you build the life you love, WITHOUT creating more tasks for yourself to take care of! In This Episode We Cover Lifestyle investing explained, and why time freedom is far more important than money How to find out whether you run your business or your business runs you The ten commandments of passive cash flow and where to find it Real estate investing and other income streams EVERYONE should know about Diversification vs. concentration and which builds wealth faster De-risking your investments and how to get money out of any deal your enter And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Mindy's Twitter Jamil's Profile Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Subscribe to The “On The Market” YouTube Channel Listen to The “On The Market” Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BiggerPockets Check Out Mindy’s 2022 Live Spending Tracker and Budget Money Moment 12 Ways To Make Passive Income From Real Estate Investing Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-396 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Let us know! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Want to hit FIRE? You’ll need a smart side hustle. We’re talking about income-doubling, cash-printing, serious side businesses that will allow you to leave your job and grow a substantial income stream, so you can invest the rest andreach the early retirement you’ve dreamed of. And for today’s guest, Alex, this is exactly the goal. Alex left college and went straight into the corporate world, only to realize that her potential wasn’t being met and there were alternative income goldmines that she could be chasing. So, she got her real estate license as a side hustle, helping buyers and sellers get into and out of homes. Her commissions boosted her income to unforeseen amounts, and now, Alex is sitting on a stack of cash that could help launch her to financial independence. But, even now, with a better job and a serious side hustle, Alex wants to venture deeper into the entrepreneurial realm. The next big dream? Becoming a financial coach for those that want to be in her position. But, before she starts, Alex needs help figuring out what to do with the savings account she’s been diligently growing. Should she use it to put twenty percent down on a house hack that would limit her living expenses? Or, is there a savvier, more creative way to finance her next property that could put Alex in a FAR better position? If you’re trying to hit FI before, after, or at forty-five, this episode is one you can’t afford to miss! In This Episode We Cover Starting your side hustle and boosting your income by turning extra time into money Creative financing and how to buy your first property at a rock-bottom mortgage rate How to know if you have too much cash (and what to do with it) HSAs, IRAs, 401ks, and other retirement accounts you should be throwing cash at Becoming a real estate agent and whether or not it’s worth it for the commission checks Designing the perfect portfolio for early retirement (even if you’re just getting started) House hacking and how to use your primary residence to generate passive income And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Scott's Instagram Mindy's Twitter Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Subscribe to The “On The Market” YouTube Channel Listen to The “On The Market” Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BiggerPockets Check Out Mindy’s 2022 Live Spending Tracker and Budget Money Moment Finance Friday: Why “Doing Everything Yourself” is Costing You THOUSANDS How to Make Extra Money in 2023: 21 Ideas for Part-Time Gigs & Side Hustles From Extreme Poverty to DIY Wealth and 2 Full-Time Incomes w/The She Wolfe of Wall Street Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-395 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Check out our sponsor page! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Retirement investing, bad debt, backdoor Roth IRAs, bonds, and starting a business. If you’re just beginning your personal finance journey, this can all seem a bit complicated. Where do you invest first? What should you do with extra cash? And how do you know a financial fiduciary is genuinely looking out for your best interest? Don’t worry; you don’t need all the answers. Just tune in, and listen to what financial expert Amanda Wolfe and Certified Financial Planner Kyle Mast have to say. It’s been a few months since we spoke to our go-to money experts. But we’ve been receiving a ton of finance FAQs in our Facebook group. So, we rounded up some of the best and got Amanda and Kyle’s take live on this episode. First, we’ll go over when to pay off bad debt when starting a business and what a “no money down” business really means. Then, Amanda and Kyle give their strong stances on if bond investing makes sense for the average FIRE-chaser. You’ll also hear the OPTIMAL way to set up your retirement investing, which accounts are worth hitting first, and the financial order of operations you should follow to optimize your retirement planning. And try not to send your financial advisor this episode because we’ll be discussing when an advisor is and isn’t worth the money and why a commission-based fee structure could be a big red flag when deciding who to invest with. All this (and much more) is coming up in this episode! In This Episode We Cover The exact way to invest for retirement and which accounts deserve your cash the most The backdoor Roth IRA explained and how to invest a MASSIVE amount in one of the most tax-advantaged retirement accounts Whether you should pay off bad debt BEFORE starting your own small business Investing in bonds and why this “safe” investment might not be worth the lost profit HSAs (health savings accounts) and when to get reimbursed for past medical purchases Fee-only vs. commission-based financial advisors and why the two are DRAMATICALLY different And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Mindy's Twitter Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Subscribe to The “On The Market” YouTube Channel Listen to The “On The Market” Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BiggerPockets Check Out Mindy’s 2022 Live Spending Tracker and Budget She Wolf of Wall Street Website How MLMs and Pyramid Schemes Trap Average Americans Amanda’s Past Episodes: From Extreme Poverty to DIY Wealth and 2 Full-Time Incomes Kyle's Past Episodes: A Personal Finance Masterclass Retirement Planning During (and After) the Coronavirus with Kyle Mast How to Find the Best Possible Certified Financial Planner Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-394 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Let us know! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Both SVB (Silicon Valley Bank) and Signature Bank have crashed and burned dramatically over the past week. What once was a few large customers making withdrawals quickly turned into a bank run of epic proportions. Within just a few days, SVB went from one of the largest banks in the United States to one of the biggest bank failures in the nation’s history. But what led to such a fast-paced collapse, and are more banks on the chopping block? You don’t need to be an expert economist to understand what happened at SVB and Signature Bank this week. But you will want to hear Dave Meyer’s take on what could come next. With bailouts back on the table, many Americans fear we’re on the edge of a total financial collapse, mirroring what unfolded in 2008. With more and more Americans going on cash grabs, trying to keep their wealth safe from the “domino effect” of bank failures, what should everyday investors prepare for? More specifically, for our beloved real estate investors, how could SVB’s failure affect the housing market? Will the Federal Reserve finally be forced to end its aggressive rate hikes? Could money flood into real estate as hard assets become more attractive? Stick around as Dave explains this week’s wild events and what it could mean for the future of the US economy. In This Episode We Cover SVB’s (Silicon Valley Bank) collapse explained and why it failed so fast The bank run “domino effect” that could put other intuitions at risk Why a “bailout” happened so quickly, and whether customer funds were secured Bond yields and why making long-term investments was a risky bet for SVB The future of mortgage rates and how SVB’s failure could lead to fewer rate hikes The psychology behind a bank failure and how it affects the entire economy And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding BiggerPockets Bootcamps Join BiggerPockets for FREE Scott's Instagram Mindy's Twitter Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Subscribe to The “On The Market” YouTube Channel Listen to The “On The Market” Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BiggerPockets Check Out Mindy’s 2022 Live Spending Tracker and Budget Dave’s BiggerPockets Profile Dave’s Instagram How Did A $200B+ Bank Collapse In 48 Hours? Is Real Estate Going To Be Impacted? Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-393 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Let us know! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kevin O’Leary (AKA Mr. Wonderful) might be the world’s favorite (and most outspoken) investor. You’ve probably seen him on Shark Tank, where he’s doing deals with startups, putting overconfident entrepreneurs in their place, and often making boring products into billion-dollar companies. Kevin has the Midas touch, or at least it seems that way on television. Still, he doesn’t shy away from mentioning failures and the enormous lessons he’s learned that eventually led him to make hundreds of millions of dollars. But before Kevin was Mr. Wonderful, he was just Kevin, the local ice cream scooper who learned a hard lesson about being an employee. After college, Kevin started a production business, which eventually led him to create The Learning Company, a $4.2 billion business that allowed Kevin to enter into a new stage of wealth. Since then, he’s been aggressively investing in (and building) private companies inside and out of Shark Tank. And after investing so heavily and working so hard, Kevin knows EXACTLY what makes a company (and investment) succeed or fail. Today, we get a glimpse inside Kevin’s personal investment portfolio, the three things he thinks EVERY entrepreneur should have to make it big, and why diversification is one of the most CRUCIAL ways to build and protect your wealth. You’ll also hear how to invest in startups like Kevin does, why Kevin makes big bets on women entrepreneurs, and how he’s investing during today’s recessionary environment. In This Episode We Cover Kevin’s investment portfolio exposed and which assets he’s all-in on The difference between an entrepreneur and an employee and why Kevin only worked one job Why you MUST start tracking your income and expenses unless you want to remain broke The three things EVERY investor/entrepreneur needs to make it big Why building a portfolio beats investing in single stocks, companies, or ideas The government program that could pay you hundreds of thousands if you own a business How to start investing in startups and small businesses like Kevin does on Shark Tank And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Scott's Instagram Mindy's Twitter Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Subscribe to The “On The Market” YouTube Channel Listen to The “On The Market” Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BiggerPockets Check Out Mindy’s 2022 Live Spending Tracker and Budget Money Moment 3 Rules for Crushing It in Business Here’s What It Takes to Succeed as an Entrepreneur Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money- Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Check out our sponsor page! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your small business could be the key to financial independence, early retirement, and more income than your W2 is paying you. But, most small business owners don’t understand the best way to grow their income stream. With a DIY mentality, you could be stuck doing the skilled work, answering the emails, picking up phone calls, bookkeeping, and spinning ten plates at the same time while your business fails to grow. Instead, you must step out of the “solopreneur” role and into the “business owner” mindset that can help you quickly make a six-figure income while working for yourself. Today’s guest Amy took a big risk, leaving her job to start her physical therapy practice. She’s been slowly building up her income to a stable monthly amount but wants to spend more time on money-making activities in her business and less on administrative work that she could easily hire out. With a few quick calculations, Scott and Mindy devise a scalable way for Amy to start bringing in six figures while outsourcing all the work she doesn’t love. And even though Amy wants to make more income, she’s not obsessed with hitting FIRE fast. Instead, she wants a slow path to FI, one where she can focus on raising her son, spending time with her family, and helping the patients that need it most. So if you’re stuck in a small business or side hustle that takes too much time while making too little, stick around for some stellar advice from Scott and Mindy! In This Episode We Cover The slow path to financial freedom and why you DON’T need to race to retire early Small businesses, side hustles, and when it’s worth quitting your job to pursue your passion Outsourcing and how to take the most menial tasks off your plate so you can focus on making more money Websites, referrals, and other marketing tactics to bring in new business Auto loans and the “gray area” of interest rates that EVERY listener should be careful of Unit economics 101 and what all solopreneurs need to do to grow a full-on business And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Scott's Instagram Mindy's Twitter Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Subscribe to The “On The Market” YouTube Channel Listen to The “On The Market” Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BiggerPockets Check Out Mindy’s 2022 Live Spending Tracker and Budget Money Moment How to Outsource Your Way to Multiple Streams of Income The 3 Main Stages of Scaling Your Small Business Buying and Growing a Small Business With Little to No Risk 21 Ideas for Part-Time Gigs & Side Hustles Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-391 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Check out our sponsor page! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is whole life insurance a scam or a worthwhile investment? You may have heard us talk about whole life insurance before, but we’d bet we’re not the only ones mentioning it to you. Your financial advisor, business partner, parents, or fellow investors could have also let you in on the “amazing benefits” that only whole life insurance can provide. But how much of this is fact, and how much is fiction? And, if whole life insurance is such a bulletproof investment, why not buy a policy right now instead of investing for retirement? We brought on Dr. Jim Dahle, better known as, The White Coat Investor, to explain the truth behind the whole life insurance system and whether or not it really is a scam. Jim started his financial education during his medical school residency after realizing that almost every financial professional was trying to take advantage of him. Whether it was a real estate agent, financial advisor, or accountant, Jim felt like he couldn’t hold his own when in casual conversation with them. So, he beefed up his knowledge of investing and finance and started The White Coat Investor to help doctors, just like him, make sense of their cents. Early in his investing career, Jim spent over seven years paying into a high-priced whole life insurance policy, only to realize that he made a negative return. Now, he’s here to educate EVERY investor on what whole life insurance really is, who truly needs it, and the MASSIVE commissions salespeople make when selling you a policy. If you have whole life insurance, you NEED to hear this. And if you don’t, you’ll now understand why it’s pushed so hard on everyday Americans. In This Episode We Cover Whole life insurance explained, and the real benefit of having a policy Term life insurance vs. whole life insurance and which is better bang for your buck Sales commission schemes and why whole life insurance policies are so expensive The situations when a whole life insurance policy makes sense (and when it DOES NOT) The “infinite banking” illusion and why this capital-raising tactic isn’t as clever as it seems Rebuttals to make next time your financial advisor pushes a policy on you Fee-based vs. fee-only financial advisors and which have your best interest at heart And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Scott's Instagram Mindy's Twitter Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Subscribe to The “On The Market” YouTube Channel Listen to The “On The Market” Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BiggerPockets Check Out Mindy’s 2022 Live Spending Tracker and Budget Money Moment How to Find the Best Possible Certified Financial Planner (CFP) for Your Needs with Kyle Mast Everything You Never Wanted to Know About Life Insurance (But Absolutely Need To) Why All Real Estate Investors Should Have Solid Life Insurance Coverage Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-390 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Check out our sponsor page! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Doubling your net worth in only a year? Seems impossible, right? Is making such massive money moves during a down market even realistic? If you think it can’t be done, tune in, and you’ll hear exactly how repeat guest Yourri Dessureault did it. Yourri’s name may sound familiar; we talked to him back on BiggerPockets Money episode 236, where he spoke about trying to achieve a massive $7,000,000 retirement goal while making $120K per year. But, a lot has changed in seventeen-or-so months. Yourri has returned with a much bigger paycheck, a ten-unit real estate portfolio, and a net worth that dwarfs what he presented in 2021. So, how did he make such big moves, and what was the catalyst for him to get on the financial freedom fast track? Over the past year, Yourri has been extremely disciplined with his finances, looking at every dollar he had and asking whether or not it was doing the best it could. As a result, he’s decided to sell off some significant stock holdings, put his Bitcoin mining on pause, and go headfirst into the world of real estate investing. Now, with nine rental properties out of state, Yourri is starting to build an outsourced team that can work to help his wealth grow while he spearheads an effort to fund bigger, better deals. Through intelligent networking, Yourri found a “golden goose,” slowly feeding him real estate deals that’ll make him rich in no time. If you want to repeat Yourri’s almost unbelievable system for building wealth quickly, you’ll need to tune in! In This Episode We Cover Why Yourri said “bye-bye” to Bitcoin and hello to real estate investing How to get a raise at work and taking on more responsibility for a much larger paycheck Out-of-state real estate investing and using it to buy cheap houses with phenomenal cash flow Financing your rental properties and what to do when no one will fund your mortgage Selling stocks and when it’s time to trade passive investing for active income Traditional 401(k)s vs. Roth 401(k)s and which to pick when you’re in a high tax bracket And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Scott's Instagram Mindy's Twitter Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Subscribe to The “On The Market” YouTube Channel Listen to The “On The Market” Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BiggerPockets Check Out Mindy’s 2022 Live Spending Tracker and Budget Money Moment Finance Friday: Enjoy Life Before FI with Simple Investing Strategies Your Step-by-Step Guide to Buying Out-of-State Investment Properties Finance Friday: How to Hit $10M Net Worth in 10 Years (Or Less) Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-389 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Check out our sponsor page! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Twitter’s massive layoffs affected the tech industry more than people think. For years, tech stocks ran with enormous valuations, with over-inflated workforces of employees getting paid six-figure salaries with even more impressive bonus packages. This wasn’t sustainable by any means, and as a new type of CEO steps in, tech companies are looking to get leaner, more operationally efficient, and return to their startup-like roots. But how does this reforming tech market affect the US economy? We brought on Aman Verjee, founder of Practical Venture Capital, to explain what’s happening in Silicon Valley and what it means for your finances. Aman has worked in the tech sector for almost as long as it’s been relevant. FromPayPal to eBay, Sonos, and more, Aman has been on the ground floor of some of the most promising tech companies, helping them operate with leaner teams while bringing in bigger revenues. And as an industry expert, Aman isn’t surprised or disappointed by the recent tech layoffs. He touches on why these layoffs aren’t what most people think, how they could affect the overall economy, what CEOs need to know to survive this market, and what everyday investors should look at BEFORE buying tech stocks. Aman’s practical advice is CRUCIAL for anyone investing. And as the stock market becomes more and more tech-centered, knowing some of this information could help you make FAR more lucrative decisions on which companies you’re rooting for. In This Episode We Cover Tech layoffs in 2023 and why the number of employees being cut isn’t what it seems Twitter’s “warning shot” that sent other CEOs into an efficiency-first mode Work-from-home culture and whether or not a return to the office is happening What to look for in a tech company that’s about to IPO and telltale signs of solid growth Investing in public markets and why Warren Buffet’s super simple advice still applies What business owners should know when trying to grow and scale their small businesses And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Scott's Instagram Mindy's Twitter Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Subscribe to The “On The Market” YouTube Channel Listen to The “On The Market” Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BiggerPockets Check Out Mindy’s 2022 Live Spending Tracker and Budget Money Moment Annual Event 2022 - Peter Zeihan Presentation Silicon Valley Investors Club Finance Friday: First Down Market? Here’s How to Stop Stressing Surviving a Layoff: What HR Wants You to Know? Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-388 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Check out our sponsor page! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most people assume that buying rental properties is only for those making six-figure salaries. How can the average American afford the sizeable down payment and high interest rates of today’s housing market? Let us introduce you to Tiffany, a twenty-three-year-old from Colorado who’s using her $41,000 salary to build wealth at an early age. Tiffany is doing this all while bringing in just a few thousand dollars a month without a four-year degree. She’s ready to buy her second property this year but wants to speed up her timeline. With a smaller salary, Tiffany has had to be smart with her expenses. She’s already house hacking, allowing her to wipe out a significant portion of her mortgage. She also has side hustles and keeps her costs low to save as much as she can every month. But, with years of experience in her social media management job, she could be leaving money on the table by not job hopping to greener pastures with bigger paychecks. This could make a HUGE difference on her bottom line every month. Tiffany is also debating whether a college degree is worth it as she looks to bring home a business degree. With “YouTube University” and numerous free and low-cost education platforms online, Tiffany doesn’t know whether a college degree is what it once was and wants to be sure the investment she’s making will pay dividends, not just present her with a glorified piece of paper. So, if you’re starting your investing journey or want to invest on a lower income, this is the episode for you! In This Episode We Cover House hacking explained and how you can live mortgage-free by renting out extra rooms Raises, boosting your income, and when to leave your job for a higher-paying employer The 203(k) loan and using it to “live in BRRRR” your way to a significant real estate portfolio The ROI of college and whether or not a degree is even worth the effort in 2023 401(k) matching and how having an employer with benefits can be a BIG boost to your wealth Starting your side hustle and turning your skills into income by sacrificing a few hours a week And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Scott's Instagram Mindy's Twitter Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Subscribe to The “On The Market” YouTube Channel Listen to The “On The Market” Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BiggerPockets Check Out Mindy’s 2022 Live Spending Tracker and Budget Money Moment House Hacking 101: What It Is and How to Get Started Is College Worth the Cost? This 30,000 Variable Study Says “Sometimes…”: Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-387 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Check out our sponsor page! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Look up any “how to retire early” guide online, and you’ll see some basic information: invest in your 401(k), take advantage of your employer match, buy real estate, and invest the rest in index funds. While this type of advice is by no means wrong, it’s geared almost entirely toward W2 workers with consistent income and a full stack of benefits. Those waiting tables, bartending, or doing any other service industry work don’t fall into the “predictable income” category, so they often get left behind when spreading the word about building wealth. We wanted to fill the informational gap and give service industry workers EVERYTHING they need to know to turn tips into early retirement. The perfect person to teach us all about it? Barbara Sloan! She’s the author of Tipped: The life changing guide to financial freedom for waitresses, bartenders, strippers, and all other service industry professionals. In it, she teaches those working for tips how to turn their inconsistent (and frequently non-taxed) income into a portfoliothat will make them set for life. Barbara walks through her money story, from getting deep into debt, moving to New York City with just $700, working at bars and Wall Street, and how she turned a fluctuating income into financial independence. She gives actionable advice on how ANY service industry worker can start saving, set up an emergency fund, and build wealth, even if they’re not making a high income. She also explains why tip work like bartending and serving makes the ultimate retirement plan for those that have already hit FI! In This Episode We Cover How to reach financial independence even when working for tips or on a low income Why reporting income for taxes is a MASSIVE benefit when building wealth Building “buffers” and how to set yourself up for time off (even if you’re not getting paid for it) Health insurance, retirement accounts, and how service-industry workers can get on par with W2 worker benefits Building a budget and why tracking your expenses is CRUCIAL on a fluctuating income The busiest times for tipping work and how to make the MOST money during every off-season And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Scott's Instagram Mindy's Twitter Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Subscribe to The “On The Market” YouTube Channel Listen to The “On The Market” Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BiggerPockets Check Out Mindy’s 2022 Live Spending Tracker and Budget Share your Money Moment How to Become an “Overnight” Success in 10 Short Years with David Greene Finance Friday: How to Get to Early Retirement Even Faster Tipped Finance Website Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-386 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Check out our sponsor page! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your home equity could be the secret sauce to earlier retirement. With so many homeowners and rental property investors across the nation sitting on hundreds of thousands in home equity, one asks, “what if you used this trapped equity to build wealth?” And although most homeowners won’t want to sell their primary residences, refinance into higher mortgage rates, or risk taking out a high-priced HELOC, rental property owners are in the perfect position to use their massive equity positions to upgrade to bigger, better investments. We brought on Chris Lopez, Denver-based investor and agent, to explain. Chris has been able to build a sizable real estate portfolio quite quickly, but even he admits to starting a little later. After working most of his career as an internet marketer turned day trader, Chris gave it all up to go head-first into real estate as an investor-friendly agent and investor. And, as a Denver investor, he’s seen homes he bought just a few years ago EXPLODE in value, and many other investors feel the same. So, if you’re in Austin, Boise, Raleigh, Phoenix, or any other real estate boom markets, it can seem as if you’re sitting on a pile of wealth that can’t be touched. But you’d be wrong. In this episode, Chris walks through how homeowners and real estate investors can unlock the “trapped” equity in their homes. He goes through when to buy, sell, or refi and how to use the BiggerPockets Rental Property Calculatorto decide the best move. Chris knows that not every property is worth selling/upgrading, but if you trade a few lackluster properties for cash-flowing ones, you could reach your retirement goals YEARS faster, with more money coming in and less stress. So, want to unlock your home’s equity and speed up your path to early retirement? Stick around! In This Episode We Cover Home equity explained and how to use it to build wealth even faster When to buy, sell, or refinance and how to calculate the best option for you Cap rates and using this simple metric to decide whether a rental property is worth keeping HELOCs (home equity lines of credit) and which banks will offer them on rental properties Chris’ five-step framework to reassess and upgrade your rental portfolio When to cash-out refinance and whether or not doing so makes sense with today’s high interest rates And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Scott's Instagram Mindy's Twitter Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Subscribe to The “On The Market” YouTube Channel Listen to The “On The Market” Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BiggerPockets Check Out Mindy’s 2022 Live Spending Tracker and Budget Finance Friday: Living Paycheck-to-Paycheck with 9 Rental Properties Chris Lopez Profile Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-385 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Check out our sponsor page! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every entrepreneur wants to build a nine-figure business. Even a million dollars in revenue seems like a dream to the everyday American. So how did a Red Robin waiter, making five-dollar tips, leave college to start one of the fastest-growing real estate businesses in the country? Even better, how did he do it multiple times, creating not one, not two, but a group of entrepreneurial endeavors that casually bring in over nine figures each year? If you want to hear his system to success, you’ll have to stick around. James Dainard didn’t know much about real estate before college. After his roommate (and now business partner) started door knocking for local wholesalers, James decided to give it a try. He was miserable at it, barely getting a single deal done before leaving college. But, when offered a cushy six-figure salary, James declined, knowing that there were still riches to be made in real estate, but only if he worked smart. Fast-forward fifteen years and James owns a slew of real estate-related companies. From a luxury house flippingbusiness to hard money lending, a successful brokerage, a real estate development firm, and more, James didn’t just master one business—he mastered anything he could get his hands on. The best part? You can do this too! James drops some time-tested gems on starting, building, and scaling a business that will allow you to grow at an almost unbelievable rate like he did. In This Episode We Cover Why James declined a $200K salary (out of college) to make a business-bet on himself Door knocking, wholesaling, and the BEST ways to make money as a college student Frugality, keeping expenses low, and the massive benefit of reinvesting every dollar you have Hard money lending, real estate syndications, and other highly-profitable businesses most investors are unaware of Structuring your team and how to scale your business even if you don’t have leadership experience The struggles of being a CEO and what to do when your strategy isn’t working Why every business needs a “quarterback” and a “coach” to succeed And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Scott's Instagram Mindy's Twitter Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Subscribe to The “On The Market” YouTube Channel Listen to The “On The Market” Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BiggerPockets Check Out Mindy’s 2022 Live Spending Tracker and Budget On The Market Financial Freedom Through Small Life Changes and a Modest Real Estate Portfolio How to Become an “Overnight” Success in 10 Short Years with David Greene Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-384 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Check out our sponsor page! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Knowing how to build business credit could be the difference between starting your dream business or waiting on the sidelines. And while most people think that building business credit requires years of income, million-dollar revenue, or a personal connection with your local bank, Jack McColl is here to tell you otherwise. Jack has been able to unlock half a million dollars in business credit in record time through a simple system. He did this using means that EVERYONE has access to and is here today to teach you how to do the same. Jack is a credit master, knowing the ins and outs of every credit score rating, travel credit card, business credit card, line of credit, and everything in between. He teaches some basic techniques in today’s show about how you can get your personal credit score to 700+ quickly and then use that to grow your business credit profile, allowing you to access 0% interest credit cards that can jumpstart your business when you’re low on cash. And even if you aren’t planning onbuilding a business anytime soon, Jack’s tips will help you get a better credit card, a lower mortgage rate, and easier access to lines of credit. Jack also touches on the exact steps you need to follow to reach an 850 credit score and why the “no credit, no debt” line of thinking will hurt you later in life. He shares the best banks to get business credit from, which cards will help your score the most, and why you should always open a checking account BEFORE asking for a business line of credit. If you want to boost your score, build a business, or just travel for free using points, stick around for this episode. In This Episode We Cover How Jack scaled from $0 to $500K in business credit (and how you can too) FICO vs. VantageScore and which credit score is the most important Personal vs. business credit and how the two impact each other 0% interest credit cards and how to unlock them by building your business credit Boosting your credit limits and the three cards to apply for to boost your credit profile Lines of credit, SBA loans, and other options business owners have to draw funds from Credit card hacking and how to use travel point cards to globetrot for free! And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Money Moment Scott's Instagram Mindy's Twitter Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Subscribe to The “On The Market” YouTube Channel Listen to The “On The Market” Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BiggerPockets Check Out Mindy’s 2022 Live Spending Tracker and Budget My Score IQ CreditKarma Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-383 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Check out our sponsor page! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if you won the HGTV Dream Home? If you’ve heard of the sweepstakes before, you know what it feels like to watch the walkthroughs, read about the top-tier renovations, and imagine yourself soaking in the bliss of winning a mansion, tucked away in some of America’s most serene areas. But this dream may never come to fruition because the reality of winning the HGTV Dream Home is much different than most people think. To explain, we brought on CPA and tax expert Amanda Han. Amanda admits that even though she threw her name in for the Dream Home drawing, she has some reservations about winning. While HGTV promises a multi-million dollar mansion in the mountains of Colorado, the reality is far from a turnkey option. With so many winners either choosing to sell the home or take the cash prize, one wonders, “what really happens when you win?” If you decide to keep the home, you better have mountains of cash available to pay for it because this prize is far from free. But even if you don’t, you aren't entirely out of luck. Amanda highlights a few strategies that one lucky winner can use to keep the home, how to dodge an almost unbelievable tax burden, what to do if you opt for cash, and whether turning the Dream Home into a rental property makes more financial sense. We hope you win, and if you do, please send a housewarming party invitation to BiggerPockets at 3344 Walnut Street, Denver, CO 80205! In This Episode We Cover The 2023 HGTV Dream Home and why it’s a perfect Colorado wilderness getaway The MASSIVE tax implications of winning a sweepstakes and what you can expect to owe Taking the cash prize option and why this may be a better bet than keeping the home Tax saving strategies that can help you owe even less to the IRS How much you need to make to afford the upkeep on this $2M+ mansion Donating the Dream Home to charity and whether you’ll still owe taxes after Real estate professional status, depreciation, and turning the Dream Home into a rental for ongoing cash flow And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Scott's Instagram Mindy's Twitter Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Subscribe to The “On The Market” YouTube Channel Listen to The “On The Market” Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BiggerPockets Check Out Mindy’s 2022 Live Spending Tracker and Budget Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-382 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Check out our sponsor page! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Knowing how to build wealth may come as a given for most investors. Buy assets, hold on to them, profit, and repeat. While this formula may seem simplistic at first glance, the emotional side behind investing is something rarely ever talked about. For those just starting to build wealth, wanting to become financially free, it can be anxiety-provoking tosacrifice most of your money for a single investment that could profit or end up failing. Rookie real estate investors constantly feel this fear before doing their first deal. But what about the fear of never moving forward? Tamar Hermes grew up without much money, and for most of her life, she never felt she deserved to have a financial surplus. For Tamar, money was something tied to guilt, but she knew to become a self-made millionaire, she’d need to change her mindset. Now, she’s helping other investors, many of whom relate to Tamar’s “starting from zero" story, get their start by building passive-income-producing empires. If you want to repeat Tamar’s path, you’ll have to stick around! In this episode, Tamar breaks down the simple ways anyone can start building wealth in 2023. She also hits on breaking past financial fear, building your money mindset, and why big goals should always be done in small steps, so you can hit your milestones faster than you think. 2023 is your year, and this is the best way to get started! Tackle your 2023 goals with the help of BiggerPockets Pro! Sign up and use code “MONEYSHOW23” for a special discount! In This Episode We Cover Overcoming money fears and why so many of us don’t think we deserve wealth Knowing your “worst-case scenario” and how it can set you free when investing 2023 goals and how to turn yours into bite-sized steps you can accomplish every day Becoming the person you need to be to build wealth in 2023 What to do when your social circle/partner disagrees with your financially-free dreams Pushing through “the grind” and why sacrifice is a prerequisite for success Scott and Mindy’s simple 2023 steps that you can use to get on the right financial footing for this year And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Scott's Instagram Mindy's Twitter Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Subscribe to The “On The Market” YouTube Channel Listen to The “On The Market” Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BiggerPockets Check Out Mindy’s 2022 Live Spending Tracker and Budget Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-381 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Check out our sponsor page! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 2023 tech layoffs have already begun to make the 2022 tech layoffs look like small-scale firings. What started as a few large companies firing unneeded hires quickly ramped up to an industry-wide cost-cutting exercise as hundreds of thousands of employees were forced to walk away from their stable salaries, free lunches, and healthcare. With tech companies being some of the most generous in terms of compensation, it makes sense that these would be the first businesses to force mass layoffs. But what about those of us who aren’t in tech? Or those that are in tech but still have a job? Tara Pramme joins us as a human resource expert, explaining exactly why layoffs are happening now, who will be most affected, what to do if you’re let go, and getting back into the job market. Tara knows how hard layoffs can be, especially for those with families to feed or work visas that only last as long as they’re employed. She knows precisely which document means what, what you should know before signing layoff contracts, what you can expect as severance, and how to keep yourself mentally stable during this challenging period. With large-scale layoffs looking to last for at least the near future, Tara wants to ensure you’re ready for whatever happens next. You’ll also hear about the common warning signs that a layoff is about to happen, why you should NEVER post negatively online after a firing, and what to do on your last day at work. We hope a layoff never happens to you, but if it does, this episode will leave you prepared to bounce back stronger than ever! In This Episode We Cover The 2023 tech layoffs explained and why so many companies are letting employees go Common warning signs that a layoff is heading your way Who is first to be fired when a layoff is announced, and how to tell if your company is planning one Severance packages, non-disparagement agreements, and how to avoid your final paycheck getting taken away Healthcare, COBRA, and how to make sure you’re insured when you lose your job Getting back into the job market and why it’s never too early to update your resume The “why” behind layoffs and how companies choose to cut staff And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Scott's Instagram Mindy's Twitter Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Subscribe to The “On The Market” YouTube Channel Listen to The “On The Market” Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BiggerPockets Check Out Mindy’s 2022 Live Spending Tracker and Budget Silicon Valley Investors Club Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-380 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Check out our sponsor page! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For the entry-level worker, employee stock options may seem completely foreign. But for most tech workers, this is commonplace and can be highly lucrative if understood correctly. In short, employee stock options, employee stock purchase plans (ESPPs), and restricted stock units (RSUs) all give an employee far more upside (and downside) than a traditional salary. As a result, you’re trading steady take-home pay for the potential to own company stock sharesthat could be valued at even more when you decide to sell. But is this gamble ever worth it? JT, long-time tech worker, has spent most of his life tinkering away as an engineer at some of the biggest companies in computing. He’s no stranger to the world of stock-based compensation and knows it can be worth the lack of salary if done correctly. In this episode, JT gives a complete overview of what stock-based compensation means, the three different types of stock you’ll be offered, and how this type of payout compares to a regular salary. He also goes in-depth on timing the sale of your stocks, the tax traps that could cost you thousands, and how to create a plan that lets you profit when getting paid in shares. If you ever foresee yourself working at a startup, tech company, or publicly-traded conglomerate, you MUST know what these types of compensation mean. Or, you’ll risk losing the real reward of a stock-based salary. In This Episode We Cover Stock-based compensation explained and why companies would rather pay shares than a salary ESPPs, RSUs, stock options, and the different ways you could get paid at a tech company When to sell your company shares and tax tips that can stop you from owning a big IRS bill Who is eligible to be paid in stock, and whether or not entry-level workers can get access The stock-payout schedule and when employees can expect to receive full compensation for years of company loyalty JT’s stock-selling strategy and whether he chooses to sell or hold on to company stock And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Scott's Instagram Mindy's Twitter Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Subscribe to The “On The Market” YouTube Channel Listen to The “On The Market” Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BiggerPockets Check Out Mindy’s 2022 Live Spending Tracker and Budget Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-379 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Check out our sponsor page! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“What to do if you win the lottery." This question is getting more online searches than ever before. But what would you do? The wheels start turning as soon as those lucky numbers get picked. You stare down at your ticket in disbelief. Then, you make sure to match the ticket in your hand to the numbers on the screen. You could be staring at a million or billion-dollar prize, and for a second, most of your financial worries start to slip away, soon to be replaced by a new set of challenges. How will you manage it? How much will you owe back in taxes? Should you take the annual payouts or the lump sum? A better question is, “how do I redeem this thing!?” The lottery is played by millions across the United States, hoping to get their hands on the winning prize. But how does the lottery work? Where does the money you spend on a ticket go? And do you really have a chance of ever winning? Carolyn Becker from the California State Lottery knows more than most. She’s been working with lottery agencies for years, making sure that winners are genuine players and ensuring that a percentage of the lottery profits go to good causes within the Golden State. She outlines exactly how the lottery works, how the winning numbers are chosen, the philanthropic side of buying a ticket, and what to do when you win millions or billions of dollars at once. She also drops some tips on better ways to play the lottery and why there’s a higher chance of you winning than you think. So, if you’re buying a ticket in hopes of a billion-dollar jackpot, Carolyn’s advice could help! In This Episode We Cover The history of the lottery and using ticket sales to fund philanthropic causes Why Mega Millions and Powerball jackpots are hitting the billion-dollar mark The actual odds of winning the lottery and the chance of you getting a cash prize Interest rates and the Federal Reserve’s effect on lottery jackpots What to do if you win the lottery and why a financial advisor should be your first hire The “lottery curse” and why so many winners blow their money after hitting a big win And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Scott's Instagram Mindy's Twitter Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Subscribe to The “On The Market” YouTube Channel Listen to The “On The Market” Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BiggerPockets Check Out Mindy’s 2022 Live Spending Tracker and Budget Megamillions Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-378 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Check out our sponsor page! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices