As an investor, it’s essential to understand that risk assets come with no guaranteed returns. Setting and following a stop loss can help protect your capital from significant losses, especially if you’re an active investor who picks individual stocks. Yet, I’ve come to realize that stop losses aren’t only useful for active investors—they can be […]
Apply Stop Losses To Protect Your Wealth And Quality Of Life Read More »
If you haven’t spoken to a financial professional in over a year, I suggest you speak to one. You will likely get great insights into how you can better invest your hard-earned money. Further, the financial professional might uncover some financial blindspots you had no idea you had. Empower is actually offering free financial professional
How Speaking To A Financial Professional Saved Me From Myself Read More »
Investing in alternative assets has become an increasingly popular way to diversify beyond traditional stocks and bonds. Wine and whiskey, in particular, are gaining traction due to their potential for positive returns, resilience during economic downturns, and rising global demand. If Goldman Sachs and Vanguard’s predictions are true for an abysmally low stock market return
Wine and Whiskey: Investing for Enjoyment and Diversification Read More »
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 56. 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 »
