There are plenty of reasons people choose not to have kids, with the cost of raising them being a major one. Another big factor is the fear that children will disrupt an ideal FIRE lifestyle. Many envision a life of traveling the world, indulging in incredible cuisine, and living spontaneously—things that can feel more challenging […]
Having Kids Might Not Hurt Your Ideal FIRE Lifestyle After All Read More »
When I lived in the Marina neighborhood of San Francisco, I could walk to endless bars and restaurants within 10 minutes. It was the perfect place for twenty- and thirty-somethings to live, socialize, and indulge in city life. Back in 2005, at age 28, I had just bought my first single-family home—a handsome three-bedroom house
A Home Within Walking Distance of Everything Might Not Be Ideal Read More »
A couple earning $500,000 a year should feel rich, right? That’s top 2% territory in America—plenty of cash to save, invest, and splurge on the finer things in life. Or so you’d think. But when I dive into the financial lives of high-income households, the reality often doesn’t match the perception. Take, for example, this
From Struggling To Living Well On $500K A Year: Escaping the Rat Race Faster Read More »
This newsletter is proudly sponsored by Fundrise, my top choice for private real estate and private company investments. With over $3 billion in assets under management, Fundrise makes investing accessible to everyone, starting with just a $10 minimum. Personally, I’ve invested more than $300,000 with Fundrise to gain greater exposure to AI and high-quality residential
Newsletter For Dec 29, 2024: Grateful For The Year Read More »
“Flexing” is a slang term that means showing off or boasting about one’s accomplishments, possessions, or skills, often with the intention of impressing others. For example, someone might “flex” on social media by posting pictures of their new Porsche or sharing stories about their achievements. Personally, I’m not a fan of flexing—what’s the point? It
The Biggest Flex By Men Is Not What You Think Read More »
I recently had dinner with Steve Chen, founder of Boldin, in San Francisco, and I’m excited to deepen my partnership with his company. Since first writing about Boldin (formerly NewRetirement) in 2020, I’ve seen how much the platform has evolved and expanded its offerings. It is one of the most powerful financial planning tools today.
Boldin Financial Planner Review: Financial Freedom Made Easier Read More »
On Friday, after volunteering to help with setup and enjoying a Thanksgiving meal at my children’s school, I headed to the pickleball courts from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. The courts were packed! In my group, two players were in their mid-20s, and one looked to be about 35. It’s clear that the downshift is underway, as
Newsletter For Nov 24, 2024: Downshifting Time Of Year Read More »
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
The 4% Rule: Clearing Up Misconceptions With Its Creator Bill Bengen Read More »
After reviewing my analysis on a conversation I had with a financial professional in 2013, I decided to take another close look at my finances. To my surprise, I uncovered a huge gap between my perceived risk tolerance and the reality of my portfolio. Since leaving work in 2012, I’ve generally seen myself as a
Uncover Your True Investment Risk Profile: It’s Not What You Think 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 »
