Retirement

The 4% Rule: Clearing Up Misconceptions With Its Creator Bill Bengen

I had the pleasure of speaking with Bill Bengen, creator of the “4% Rule” for retirement planning. Bill has been a reader of Financial Samurai for many years and has always been courteous in the comments section when I write about safe withdrawal rates. So, I figured it was time we had a chat to […]

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2025 401(k) Contribution Limits: Bigger Savings, Better Retirement

The 401(k) contribution limit for employees in 2025 has increased to $23,500, up from $23,000 in 2024. The employer contribution limit also rises to $46,500, bringing the combined employee and employer 401(k) contribution limit to $70,000 for 2025. Don’t underestimate the power of employer 401(k) contributions, especially as you advance in your career. As you

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Four Years Later, You’re Likely Way Better Off Than You Think

Every time a political candidate asks if you’re better off than four years ago, I can’t help but sigh. The implication, regardless of party, is always that you’re worse off and that they are the answer to your problems. The Democrat says things went downhill under the Republican, and the Republican says the same about

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Apply Stop Losses To Protect Your Wealth And Quality Of Life

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

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Wine and Whiskey: Investing for Enjoyment and Diversification

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

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Finishing Rich Despite A Low-Return Stock Market Environment

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, and 2022, stock market investors have largely been well rewarded. However, Goldman Sachs warns that the good times might be coming to an end. Goldman projects

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Why Retiring Early Is Obviously Better Than Retiring Rich

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

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A Severance Package Is The Ultimate Catalyst For Early Retirement

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

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