Since the bottom of the global financial crisis in July 2009, the S&P 500 has generally experienced a bull market. While there were challenging periods in 2018, 1Q 2020, 2022, and April 2025, stock market investors have largely been well rewarded. However, Goldman Sachs and Vanguard warns that the good times might be coming to […]
Finishing Rich Despite A Low-Return Stock Market Environment Read More »
Before retiring in 2012, I didn’t fear boredom or loneliness. It never occurred to me that I would be bored with so much potential freedom. My main fear was whether giving up a steady paycheck was an impetuous move that could lead me to financial ruin! After I left work, I found myself telling my
Overwhelmed, Not Bored: An Unexpected Challenge Of Retirement Read More »
I’ve now surpassed the one year mark since I purchased the most expensive house I could afford. Leading up to the purchase, I wrestled with uncertainty about whether buying such a home was the right move. For most, a home is the largest purchase they will ever make, bringing with it a mix of excitement
Reflecting On A Year After Purchasing A House I Didn’t Need Read More »
This guest post is by Vaughn, a long-time Financial Samurai reader who retired at 44 and is now 55. Vaughn’s early retirement was driven by necessity rather than choice due to a congenital bone disease. Fortunately, his high income during his working years secured a solid SSDI benefit, and his mother’s foresight provided future rental
An 80/20 Stock-Heavy Portfolio In Retirement Might Be Ideal Read More »
One of the worst experiences for a homeowner is filing a home insurance claim only to be told it’s not covered. After years of paying premiums, the insurance company doesn’t deliver when it’s needed most. What a disappointment. This disconnect happens because we rarely take the time to review our home insurance policies each year.
A Home Insurance Policy Review To Understand What’s Covered Read More »
There are two things most financially-conscience people aspire to: retiring rich or retiring early. But which is better? Many people who haven’t retired believe early retirement sounds fantastic, especially since so many are disengaged from work. On the other hand, who wouldn’t want to retire rich? However, to retire rich, you typically have to work
Why Retiring Early Is Obviously Better Than Retiring Rich Read More »
Retiring early with a severance package is one of the smartest ways to leave the corporate world. Walking away without trying to secure one could leave tens of thousands, or even millions, on the table. I also believe that retiring early is better than retiring rich. For those who choose my preferred retirement path, negotiating
A Severance Package Is The Ultimate Catalyst For Early Retirement Read More »
As a parent, your top priority is to protect your children until they are old enough to fend for themselves. Protecting your children requires good health, being alive, having resources, self-defense skills, and using common sense. If you’re missing one of these, the chances of your children and partner being harmed go up. After a
Effective Ways To Protect Your Family From Harm’s Way Read More »
For over 10 years, my father has been my primary editor on Financial Samurai. When my father isn’t available, my wife steps in. This system has allowed me to maintain a consistent publishing schedule of three quality posts a week. Typically, I spend 1.5–3 hours writing a post. Then, my father spends 1–1.5 hours editing
Artificial Intelligence Put My Dad Out Of A Job And I’m Worried Read More »
One of the most significant developments to come out of the pandemic, if not the greatest, was the shift to remote work for millions of employees. Beginning in March 2020, businesses quickly adapted out of necessity, keeping their operations afloat with employees working in pajamas from their living rooms. However, this golden era of remote
Settling The Work From Home Debate Once And For All Read More »
