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The Financial Samurai Podcast

The Financial Samurai Podcast

Sam Dogen: Financial Samurai founder, personal finance blogger · Financial Samurai

260 episodesEN

Show overview

The Financial Samurai Podcast has been publishing since 2017, and across the 9 years since has built a catalogue of 260 episodes. That works out to roughly 100 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a fortnightly cadence.

Episodes typically run ten to twenty minutes — most land between 14 min and 26 min — though episode length varies meaningfully from one episode to the next. It is catalogued as a EN-language Business show.

The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed 2 months ago, with 4 episodes already out so far this year. The busiest year was 2023, with 65 episodes published. Published by Financial Samurai.

Episodes
260
Running
2017–2026 · 9y
Median length
19 min
Cadence
Fortnightly

From the publisher

Helping listeners achieve financial freedom sooner rather than later. Financial Samurai is America's number one personal finance blog and podcast helping you make more money, save more money, and live the life that you truly want.

Latest Episodes

View all 260 episodes

Public Venture Capital Is Here: Why VCX Has Soared and What Fundrise Investors Should Do Now

With Fundrise's successful listing of VCX on March 19, 2026, its venture capital product, I want to discuss what's potentially next for the fund and for investors. The listing has far surpassed my expectations, and the expectations of most investors. Anything can happen during the 6-month lock-up period, so it's important to keep expectations low and stay humble. Don't spend any paper profits until you actually have liquidity. Financial Samurai has been working with Fundrise as a corporate partner for over 10 years now. I'm proud of what Ben Miller and his team have accomplished in democratizing access to venture capital through public venture capital. Let's see what the future holds! Related posts: After A Big Investment Win Stay Humble: Clean A Toilet How ETFs, Open End Funds, and Closed End Funds Trade Recommended Net Worth Asset Allocation By Age and Work Experience Subscribe and Support Financial Samurai Every podcast episode takes hours to record, edit, and produce. Your shares and positive reviews mean a lot and are greatly appreciated. If you've benefited from my writing in any way, please pick up a copy of Millionaire Milestones and Buy This Not That, and leave a review on Amazon. These national bestselling books will help you make better financial decisions and reach financial independence sooner rather than later. For more nuanced personal finance content, join 60,000+ subscribers and sign up for my free newsletter. Financial Samurai started in 2009 and is one of the top independently run personal finance sites today. Fundrise is a long-time sponsor of Financial Samurai and Financial Samurai is an investor in Fundrise products. Our investment philosophies are aligned. Best, Sam

Mar 26, 202630 min

Forget Learn To Code, Learn To Invest Instead To Survive

For more than a decade, the mantra for boosting your career and income was simple: learn to code. Becoming a programmer or engineer was seen as the clearest path to job security and high pay. But with the rapid rise of AI, coding is no longer the protective moat it once was. As I revisited my own FIRE plans after leaving work in 2012, I realized the one financial buffer that has consistently stood the test of time: knowing how to invest well. Forget "learn to code." Learn to invest. Becoming a competent investor may be the most important skill you develop to survive - and thrive - in the coming AI wave. Posts mentioned: Becoming A Competent Investor Is A Vital Skill To Master Gain Financial Security By Creating Financial Buffers For Your Financial Buffers The FIRE Movement Is So Back Due To AI Disruption Free Financial Analysis Offer From Empower Stay on top of your net worth with Empower, the web's #1 free financial app. Track your cash flow, x-ray your investment portfolio for excessive fees and inappropriate risk exposure, and use their retirement calculator to plan for the future. If you have over $100,000 in investable assets—whether in savings, taxable brokerage accounts, 401(k)s, or IRAs—you can sign up for a free financial check-up from a professional at Empower. It's a no-obligation opportunity to have a seasoned advisor—someone who analyzes portfolios for a living—take a fresh look at your finances. A professional review can help you identify hidden fees, inefficient allocations, or missed opportunities to grow and protect your wealth. More importantly, it can give you the clarity and confidence to know whether your current savings and investment strategy aligns with your long-term financial goals. I've taken advantage of three free consultations with Empower over the past decade and each session has helped me build more wealth. There's no rewind button in life. Make the most of everything, especially things that are helpful and free. The statement is provided to you by Financial Samurai ("Promoter") who has entered into a written referral agreement with Empower Advisory Group, LLC ("EAG"). Diversify Your Retirement Investments Stocks and bonds are classic staples for retirement investing. However, I also suggest diversifying into real estate. It is an investment that combines the income stability of bonds with greater upside potential. Consider Fundrise, a platform that allows you to 100% passively invest in residential and industrial real estate. With over $3.5 billion in private real estate assets under management, Fundrise focuses on properties in the Sunbelt region, where valuations are lower, and yields tend to be higher. Residential commercial real estate is attract. Meanwhile, the Fed is set to cut rates further. I've personally invested over $500,000 with Fundrise, and they've been a trusted partner and long-time sponsor of Financial Samurai. With a $10 investment minimum, diversifying your portfolio has never been easier. Subscribe To Financial Samurai To increase your chances of achieving financial independence, join 60,000+ readers and subscribe to my free Financial Samurai newsletter here. Financial Samurai began in 2009 and is the leading independently-owned personal finance site today.

Feb 24, 202623 min

The Wonderful Flexibility Of Coast FIRE with Andy Hill, Author of Own Your Time

If you are a parent who is interested in FIRE, you should listen to Andy Hill's podcast, Marriage, Kids, & Money on Apple, Spotify, and wherever you listen to podcasts. It's a great show that talks about all the financial and parenting issues all mothers and fathers face. Andy also came out with a new book called, Own Your Time: 10 Financial Steps To Put Your Family First and Escape The Corporate Grind. Go check it out, it's a great book for parents looking to achieve financial independence. On the podcast, talk about the merits of Coast FIRE, a type of FIRE that I've dubbed the most dangerous early retirement strategy to follow. But the older and more tired I get, the more I've come to accept Coast FIRE's merits. It's certainly beter than aimlessly grinding away at a job you don't love forever. If you enjoy this podcast episode, please support my guest Andy, and please share the episode and leave a positive review. Every review means a lot as every podcast episode takes hours to produce. If you want to achieve financial freedom, you can also sign up for my free weekly newsletter here.

Jan 22, 202632 min

Being Happy In Spite Of Everything

Happy New Year 2026, everyone. Despite a strong year in the stock market in 2025, I found myself feeling less happy due to some family health challenges. That contrast inspired me to reflect on what truly brings us greater happiness and gratitude. Related posts: 2025 Year In Review And The Happiness Curve The Best Of Financial Samurai 2025 Eliminated A Regret And Fulfilled A Childhood Dream Join 60,000+ others and sign up for my free weekly newsletter here. My goal is to help you achieve financial freedom sooner, rather than later.You can receive my posts in your inbox immediately after they are first published without ads by signing up here.

Jan 6, 202617 min

Housing Security: The Underappreciated Benefit of Owning In A Rising Rent World

The debate between owning and renting will go on forever — it all depends on your stage in life, finances, and lifestyle. But as you get older, one thing becomes clear: housing security matters more than ever. The last thing you want in retirement is to be forced out of your neighborhood because of rising rent. Yet as a renter, you have little control over how much your landlord raises prices, especially if you're not in a rent-stabilized home. With housing inflation outpacing wage growth, it's time to get neutral real estate by at least owning your primary residence. In this episode, I'll share why ownership becomes more valuable with age — and how to think about real estate in a world where affordability keeps shrinking. Read the post for more details and discussion: Please Don't Rent For Life: Housing Security Is Vital Other related post: Why I'll Never Manage Money For Anyone For Free Again Invest In Real Estate Passively If you can't buy a home yet, don't sit on the sidelines while housing prices and rents keep rising. You can still participate in the real estate market and build wealth over time — without needing to come up with a massive down payment. That's why I've invested with Fundrise, a platform that allows everyday investors to gain exposure to residential and industrial properties nationwide. With over $3 billion in assets under management and 350,000+ investors, Fundrise makes it easy to own a piece of the real estate market that continues to compound in value. Real estate has historically been one of the best ways to hedge against inflation and grow wealth passively. And with a minimum investment of only $10, anyone can start investing today. Fundrise has been a long-time sponsor of Financial Samurai because our philosophies align — consistent, disciplined investing in tangible assets to build financial freedom. Regards, Sam To expedite your journey to financial freedom, join over 60,000 others and subscribe to the free Financial Samurai newsletter. You can also get my posts in your e-mail inbox as soon as they come out by signing up here. Financial Samurai is among the largest independently-owned personal finance websites, established in 2009. Everything is written based on firsthand experience and expertise.

Nov 13, 202510 min

Permission To Live It Up In Retirement With Bill Bengen, Father Of The 4% Rule Going To 5%

Bill Bengen, the father of the 4% Rule, is back with a new book titled A Richer Retirement. In it, he raises his SAFEMAX—or safe withdrawal rate—from 4% to 5%. This change has major implications: retirees can confidently spend more and enjoy life to the fullest, while those pursuing FIRE or traditional retirement may not need to save as aggressively or work as long to achieve financial freedom. See related Financial Samurai post: Persmission To Live It Up In Retirement Free Financial Analysis Offer From Empower If you have over $100,000 in investable assets—whether in savings, taxable accounts, 401(k)s, or IRAs—you can get a free financial check-up from an Empower financial professional by signing up here. It's a no-obligation way to have a seasoned expert, who builds and analyzes portfolios for a living, review your finances. A fresh set of eyes could uncover hidden fees, inefficient allocations, or opportunities to optimize—giving you greater clarity and confidence in your retirement financial plan. The statement is provided to you by Financial Samurai ("Promoter") who has entered into a written referral agreement with Empower Advisory Group, LLC ("EAG"). Click here to learn more. Subscribe To Financial Samurai To increase your chances of achieving financial independence, join 60,000+ readers and subscribe to my free Financial Samurai newsletter here. Financial Samurai began in 2009 and is the leading independently-owned personal finance site today. Everything is written based off firsthand experience.

Oct 22, 202524 min

The End Of The Commercial Real Estate Recession With Ben Miller, CEO of Fundrise

Since 2022, commercial real estate (CRE) investors have endured one of the toughest stretches in decades. Surging inflation drove mortgage rates higher, cap rates expanded, and property values sank. The mantra became clear: "survive until 2025." Now, with inflation cooling, rates easing, and capital returning, the tide may finally be turning. In this episode, I sit down with Ben Miller, CEO of Fundrise, who shares why he's more optimistic about CRE's future—and why the next three years could be far better than the last. Invest In CRE In A Diversified Way If you're looking to gain exposure to commercial real estate, take a look at Fundrise. Founded in 2012, Fundrise now manages over $3 billion for 380,000+ investors. Their focus is on residential-oriented commercial real estate in lower-cost markets - assets that tend to be more resilient than office or retail. Throughout the downturn, Fundrise continued deploying capital to capture opportunities at lower valuations. Now, as the CRE cycle turns, they're well-positioned to benefit from the rebound. The minimum investment is just $10, making it easy to dollar-cost average over time. I've personally invested six figures into Fundrise's CRE offerings, and I appreciate that their long-term approach aligns with my own. Fundrise has also been a long-time sponsor of Financial Samurai, which speaks to our shared investment philosophy. Related post: The End Of The CRE Recession Is Finally Here Subscribe To Financial Samurai Pick up a copy of my USA TODAY national bestseller, Millionaire Milestones: Simple Steps to Seven Figures. I've distilled over 30 years of financial experience to help you build more wealth than 94% of the population—and break free sooner. To expedite your journey to financial freedom, join over 60,000 others and subscribe to the free Financial Samurai newsletter. You can also get my posts in your e-mail inbox as soon as they come out by signing up here. Financial Samurai is among the largest independently-owned personal finance websites, established in 2009. Everything is written based on firsthand experience and expertise.

Sep 17, 202535 min

How the Tax-Free Home Sale Exclusion Works

In this solo episode, I want to clarify how the tax-free home sale exclusion works. For those who want to move back into their rentals to then qualify after two years, there is a pro-rated amount you need to implement. See this post for more details: How To Use The Tax-Free Exclusion Amount Every Two Years To Save On Capital Gains (https://www.financialsamurai.com/how-to-strategically-use-the-tax-free-home-sale-exclusion-every-two-years/) Subscribe To Financial Samurai Pick up a copy of my USA TODAY national bestseller, Millionaire Milestones: Simple Steps to Seven Figures. I've distilled over 30 years of financial experience to help you build more wealth than 94% of the population—and break free sooner. Listen and subscribe to The Financial Samurai podcast on Apple or Spotify. I interview experts in their respective fields and discuss some of the most interesting topics on this site. Your shares, ratings, and reviews are appreciated. To expedite your journey to financial freedom, join over 60,000 others and subscribe to the free Financial Samurai newsletter. Financial Samurai is among the largest independently-owned personal finance websites, established in 2009. Everything is written based on firsthand experience and expertise.

Aug 28, 20259 min

The Acceleration Of AI Growth And Adoption With Ben Miller, CEO of Fundrise

On the latest episode of the Financial Samurai podcast, I sat down with Ben Miller, cofounder and CEO of Fundrise, for a deep dive into AI, venture capital, and what it really takes to get into the best deals. Key Takeaways from the Podcast 1. AI Growth and Market Dynamics Revenue growth is accelerating in big AI companies like Anthropic. There's an AI benchmarking race where many products seem similar, but differentiation still matters—Ben Miller doesn't believe AI is a commodity at all. The biggest AI players continue to extend their lead, creating a "winner-take-most" dynamic. 2. Venture Capital Strategy and Concentration How much concentration is acceptable in a venture fund: up to 50% of the portfolio can be concentrated in just two companies. Importance of building a pipeline ("bench") of potential giants like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Databricks. Leveraging scouts in key hubs like San Francisco to source the next wave of private growth companies. 3. Valuation and Economic Concepts Growth-Adjusted Revenue Multiple as a more nuanced valuation approach for high-growth companies. Baumol Effect – rising costs in labor-intensive sectors despite limited productivity gains, and how this might influence AI adoption and consumer behavior. 4. Access and Allocation Challenges Figma IPO: Allocation was difficult even for well-connected investors; demand for strong growth companies far outstrips supply. Innovation Fund's approach: invested in 6 of the top 50 companies on the CNBC Disruptor list. The battle of connections and wealth—strong networks often determine who gets into the best deals. See related post: The Futility Of Chasing Allocation In A Hot IPO Company 5. Strategic Advantages for Investors Directing a 2M+ user base to both invest in and use portfolio company products (examples: Ramp, Flywheel) as a growth driver. Using product adoption to create a feedback loop of higher valuations and more capital access. 6. Macro Perspectives on AI China's optimistic, aggressive push into AI contrasts with America's more cautious and sometimes pessimistic stance. Why I'm personally increasing my allocation to AI—both as a long-term growth opportunity and as a hedge against missing the next big wave. Invest in Private Growth Companies With Fundrise Companies are staying private longer, which means more gains go to early private investors rather than the public. If you don't want to fight in the IPO "Hunger Games" for scraps, consider Fundrise Venture. About 80% of the Fundrise venture portfolio is in artificial intelligence—an area I'm extremely bullish on. In 20 years, I don't want my kids asking why I ignored AI when it was still early. The investment minimum is just $10, compared with $200,000+ for most traditional venture funds (if you can even get in). You can also see exactly what the fund holds before you invest, and you don't need to be an accredited investor. Subscribe To Financial Samurai Pick up a copy of my USA TODAY national bestseller, Millionaire Milestones: Simple Steps to Seven Figures. I've distilled over 30 years of financial experience to help you build more wealth than 94% of the population—and break free sooner. To expedite your journey to financial freedom, join over 60,000 others and subscribe to the free Financial Samurai newsletter. Financial Samurai is among the largest independently-owned personal finance websites, established in 2009. Everything is written based on firsthand experience and expertise. To Your Financial Freedom, Sam

Aug 8, 202550 min

How You'll Know When You Finally Have Enough Money

Figuring out when you have enough money is a mix of math and emotion. You might have enough on paper, but if you're not emotionally ready to live life entirely on your terms, then you probably don't have enough yet. As one of the pioneers of the modern-day FIRE movement in 2009, I've developed a new framework with clear action steps to help determine if you've truly reached "enough." It goes beyond the typical 4% rule or simply having 25 times your annual expenses in investable assets. Related posts: A Net Worth Equal To 25X Annual Expenses Is Not Enough To Retire Early The Best Way To Determine If You Have Enough Money The Minimum Investment Amount Where Work Becomes Optional If You're Interested In 1X1 Consulting For those of you who are interested in speaking with me about optimizing your personal finances, building a business, or negotiating a severance package, you can click here. Simply fill out the brief form at the end of the page and I'll get back to you within 24 hours. I only take on two consulting clients a month, so there may be a wait. My goal is to help you see through blindspots and have the confidence to live your life the way you want. Subscribe To Financial Samurai Pick up a copy of my USA TODAY national bestseller, Millionaire Milestones: Simple Steps to Seven Figures. I've distilled over 30 years of financial experience to help you build more wealth than 94% of the population—and break free sooner. Listen and subscribe to The Financial Samurai podcast on Apple or Spotify. I interview experts in their respective fields and discuss some of the most interesting topics on this site. Your shares, ratings, and reviews are appreciated. To expedite your journey to financial freedom, join over 60,000 others and subscribe to the free Financial Samurai newsletter. Financial Samurai is among the largest independently-owned personal finance websites, established in 2009. Everything is written based on firsthand experience and expertise.

Jul 10, 202518 min

The Hidden Dangers of Earning Risk-Free Passive Income

Earning passive income is the holy grail of personal finance and achieving financial independence. With interest rates still elevated, it's become much easier to generate a larger amount of risk-free passive income. If you're not financially independent yet, this could be a suboptimal choice. Check out the post: The Hidden Dangers Of Earning Risk-Free Pasisve Income Suggestions Check out Fundrise Venture if you're looking to gain exposure to some of the top private AI companies. You can view all of its holdings before investing, which adds a welcome layer of transparency. I've personally invested over $150,000 so far and plan to add more next month once I receive funds from a liquidity event. Fundrise is a long-time sponsor of Financial Samurai as our investment views are aligned. Pick up a copy of my USA TODAY national bestseller, Millionaire Milestones: Simple Steps To Seven Figures, if you want to build more wealth. I synthesize 30 years of wealth-building knowledge to help you outperform 94% of the U.S. population so you can break free sooner. Join over 60,000 others and subscribe to the free Financial Samurai newsletter. Financial Samurai is among the largest independently-owned personal finance websites, established in 2009. Everything is written based on firsthand experience and expertise.

Jun 26, 202517 min

Buying the Dip: A Mindset Guide for the Next Market Selloff

Buying the stock market dip can be intimidating. As a result, many investors sit on cash, waiting for clear signs of a recovery. However, history has shown that those who bought during downturns and held on have often done well over time. With that in mind, I wanted to share a few strategies to help build the courage to buy the dip when the next opportunity arises. See post: How To Gain The Courage To Buy The Dip And Prosper Your shares, ratings, and reviews are appreciated! Every episode takes hours to record and produce. Your positive reviews help keep me recording. Suggestions Check out Fundrise Venture if you're looking to gain exposure to some of the top private AI companies. You can view all of its holdings before investing, which adds a welcome layer of transparency. I've personally invested over $150,000 so far and plan to add more next month once I receive funds from a liquidity event. Fundrise is a long-time sponsor of Financial Samurai as our investment views are aligned. Pick up a copy of my USA TODAY national bestseller, Millionaire Milestones: Simple Steps To Seven Figures, if you want to build more wealth. I synthesize 30 years of wealth-building knowledge to help you outperform 94% of the U.S. population so you can break free sooner. Join over 60,000 others and subscribe to the free Financial Samurai newsletter. Financial Samurai is among the largest independently-owned personal finance websites, established in 2009. Everything is written based on firsthand experience and expertise.

Jun 17, 202516 min

Creating a Life on Your Terms with Joe Saul-Sehy of The Stacking Benjamins Podcast

In this episode, I reconnect with my old friend Joe Saul-Sehy from The Stacking Benjamins podcast to talk about creating your own life curriculum — because when you do, you may no longer be beholden to anyone. With AI eliminating jobs and making the path to financial independence even tougher, I wanted to sit down with another creator who forged his own way—building a business and income stream through podcasting. I firmly believe everyone should build an online brand and develop a side hustle. The era of job security, pensions, and abundant opportunities is fading. You—and your children—need to learn how to create your own income streams. Check out Joe's work at: https://joesaulsehy.com https://www.stackingbenjamins.com Subscribe To Financial Samurai Join 60,000+ others and subscribe to the free weekly Financial Samurai newsletter. My goal is to help you achieve financial freedom sooner, rather than later. Financial Samurai started in July 2009 and is the leading independently-owned personal finance site today. This episode is sponsored by Fundrise Venture, an innovative venture capital product that invests in private AI companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, Anduril, Databricks, and more. The minimum investment to start is only $10, and I personally have invested over $185,000 in Fundrise Venture so far.

Jun 5, 202541 min

The Making Of Millionaire Milestones: Simple Steps To Seven Figures

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

May 6, 202531 min

What It's Like Building A $4+ Million New Home From Scratch

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

Apr 29, 202556 min

Helping Millions And Making Millions On YouTube And TikTok With Humphrey Yang

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

Mar 26, 202544 min

Uncertainty, Fear, And Chaos: A Real Estate Investor's Best Friends

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

Mar 5, 202531 min

The Million-Dollar Mindset By Personal Finance Enthusiasts

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

Feb 25, 202521 min

Building Purpose, Minimizing Regret, And Getting Off The Achievement Treadmill

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

Feb 20, 202547 min

How An Open-Ended Venture Capital Fund Operates

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

Jan 29, 202521 min
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