Reciprocal tariffs will drive up the cost of most goods, making everyday life more expensive for American households. According to Fitch Ratings, the U.S. tariff rate on all imports has jumped from 2.5% in 2024 to around 22% today. Some research firms estimate the percentage is closer to 30%. As a result, more Americans may […]
Reciprocal Tariffs Actually Make Wealthy Americans Even Richer Read More »
As we wrap up 2024, it’s time to highlight the best posts from Financial Samurai this year. When I started Financial Samurai in July 2009, my goal was to publish three posts a week for 10 years. I achieved that milestone in July 2019, but much like Forrest Gump, I kept on going. Writing has
Best Of Financial Samurai 2024: Favorite Posts And Popular Reads Read More »
Money dysmorphia is a negative and unrealistic perception of one’s financial wellness or position. If you have money dysmorphia, you might constantly worry about your finances, even if you are doing well for your age. One significant reason for experiencing money dysmorphia is the unhealthy comparison with others facilitated by social media platforms like Instagram,
Money Dysmorphia May Be Growing Inside You: Let’s Cure It Read More »
After publishing my post, “When To Stop Contributing To A 529 Plan,” I felt a sense of emptiness. For years, I had been trying to find a logical way to decide when to stop saving for my children’s college education. When I finally figured out the answer to my financial obligation, I lost some purpose.
A Parent’s Existential Crisis: When All Financial Obligations Are Met Read More »
Money is great, but it can also create awkwardness among friends, colleagues, or even strangers. In this post, I want to share an awkward money situation that dragged on for months. In the end, the money situation was resolved. However, it made me realize that we personal finance enthusiasts are an unusual bunch. It also
An Awkward Money Situation Reveals An Uncomfortable Truth Read More »
A common suggestion people have made to help me regain my financial independence is to move to a cheaper area of the country or the world to save money. I’ve resisted relocating so far because I believe the excitement of living in a big city is worth the cost. Instead of focusing on saving money
The Excitement Of Living In A Big City Is Worth The Cost Read More »
Although it’s a bear market in 2022, things could be worse! After China’s 20th Party Congress meeting, where Xi Jinping got even more powerful, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index plummeted 6% in one day and the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index lost 9% in one week. In the past 30 years, the MSCI China Index has
China Stock Investment Returns: Terrible For 30 Years Read More »
The average income of Caucasian Americans continues to be one of the highest among all races with a median household income of roughly $68,000. However, the average income of Caucasian Americans is not the highest. The average income of Asian Americans is highest. Caucasian Americans, (Non-Hispanic whites), account for roughly 61% of the United States
Average Income Of Caucasian Americans Grows Rapidly Read More »
Even if the Fed hikes rates, it may have little impact on borrowing costs for mortgages. In general, the Fed is behind the curve when it comes to hiking rates. And that’s understandable. The Fed would rather be a little too slow in hiking rates than a little too fast in order to help our
Why Fed Rate Hikes Will Have Little Impact On Borrowing Costs Read More »
A forced savings account will help make you rich over time. It forces you to save versus relying on your own discipline to save. A mortgage is exactly this, a forced savings account where the homeowner pays down principal each month and builds equity. One of the main reasons why the average net worth of
Mortgage As A Forced Savings Account To Build Wealth Read More »
