BiggerPockets Money Podcast

Pete Adeney, aka Mr. Money Mustache, joins BiggerPockets Money hosts Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench to break down the shockingly simple math behind early retirement. The man who started the FIRE movement and retired at 30 reveals why most people are overcomplicating financial independence—and why your savings rate is literally the only number that determines when you can quit your job. Pete doesn't just share theory—he walks through the real strategies, investment decisions, and mindset shifts that allowed him to achieve financial freedom in his thirties. Whether you're new to FIRE or looking to optimize your current approach, this episode cuts through the noise to deliver the foundational principles that actually work. This Episode Covers: The one metric that determines your entire FIRE timeline Why saving 50% gets you to FI in just 17 years (and the math behind it) How Pete retired at 30 and what his portfolio looked like The psychology of frugality and why it's actually liberating Pete's current thoughts on real estate investing for FIRE His take on Bitcoin and alternative assets in a FIRE portfolio Common FIRE mistakes that derail people's progress Why your income level matters less than you think Practical strategies for increasing your savings rate immediately The mindset shifts that make extreme saving sustainable And SO much more!00:00 The Basics of Early Retirement 01:02 The Shockingly Simple Math Behind Early Retirement 01:21 Understanding Your Savings Rate 05:41 Pre-Tax Savings and 401k Considerations 11:06 The 4% Safe Withdrawal Rate 13:09 Seven Levels of Safety in Early Retirement 28:44 The $50,000 Earner 31:51 Raising Kids on a Budget 35:17 Health Insurance in Early Retirement 41:39 Real Estate as a Retirement Strategy 46:41 Bitcoin and Speculative Investments 51:19 Connect with Mr. Money Mustache Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on the BiggerPockets Money Podcast, we're diving into an incredible success story. Meet Beau, a retired military professional who built a massive real estate empire and achieved financial independence in his thirties. But here's the twist: even with a winning formula, Beau wants his investments to work even HARDER while he works even LESS. In this Finance Friday episode, Beau opens up his entire financial playbook with hosts Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench. We're talking rental properties generating serious cash flow, private lending deals that most investors don't even know exist, and tax strategies so advanced they'll make your accountant jealous. This isn't your typical "I bought a duplex" story—this is next-level wealth building. If you're serious about real estate investing and want to see what's possible with the right strategy and execution, this episode is packed with actionable insights. In this episode, you'll discover: Beau's complete real estate portfolio breakdown and current cash flow numbers Advanced private lending strategies that generate consistent returns Tax optimization techniques for real estate heavy portfolios How to transition from active to passive real estate investing Strategic property sale timing and 1031 exchange considerations The pros and cons of private money lending versus traditional investments Portfolio diversification strategies for real estate investors How military discipline translated into investment success Specific steps to make your real estate investments more hands-off Risk management strategies for high-net-worth real estate portfolios And SO much more! 00:00 Beau’s FIRE Journey 02:43 Beau’s FI Number 04:52 Exploring Passive Income Options 09:53 Private Lending and Real Estate Portfolio Analysis 19:17 Evaluating Property Performance and Future Plans 28:54 Exploring Arbitrage in Real Estate Lending 33:32 Amortization and Long-Term Financial Planning 36:34 Balancing Private Lending and Real Estate Investments 44:32 Tax Strategies and Portfolio Diversification 54:51 Connect with Beau! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wondered how financial experts ACTUALLY manage their own money? Mindy Jensen opens her real financial accounts LIVE on this episode! In this groundbreaking BiggerPockets Money podcast episode, hosts Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench deliver unprecedented financial transparency. Mindy tracks her personal net worth and finances in real-time using Monarch Money, giving you an authentic behind-the-scenes look at how a financial expert truly manages her money. This Episode Covers: Live demonstration of actual account connections Mindy's real spending patterns and financial habits Advanced Monarch Money features most people miss How to automate your entire financial tracking system Why regular financial reviews change everything Exclusive listener discount for Monarch Money (Get 50% off your 1st Year with the Promo Code POCKETS) Whether you're drowning in financial chaos or ready to level up your money management game, this episode shows you exactly how to centralize and streamline your finances like a true professional. 00:39 Why We Love Monarch Money 01:50 Tracking Your Net Worth 06:29 Setting Up Your Monarch Money Account 16:39 Budgeting How To 22:06 Tracking Spending 25:05 Total Net Worth 27:48 Setting Up Monarch Money 35:11 Sign up for Monarch Money Today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Retire earlier. Spend more. Live better. For most people, these sound like mutually exclusive goals—you can pick one, maybe two, but certainly not all three. Financial planner Aubrey Williams is here to prove that conventional wisdom wrong. Joining BiggerPockets Money hosts Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench, Aubrey introduces his revolutionary guardrails strategy that completely flips traditional retirement advice on its head. Instead of the rigid, fear-based approach that dominates most retirement planning, Aubrey's method shows you exactly how to create flexible spending rules that respond to real market conditions. This isn't just another investment strategy—it's a complete mindset shift. Aubrey walks through the psychological barriers that keep retirees from actually enjoying their money, then provides the practical tools and historical evidence you need to overcome them. Get ready for a masterclass in turning retirement anxiety into genuine retirement confidence, backed by decades of market data and real-world application. 00:00 Rethinking Early Retirement 01:24 Adjusting Spending in Retirement 02:30 Myths of Financial Independence 04:48 Tools for Decumulation 11:18 Guardrails for Safe Withdrawal 24:23 The Risks of Underspending 29:15 Introducing Risk-Based Guardrails 29:27 Building a Sample Portfolio 30:16 Adjusting Spending Based on Portfolio Performance 32:07 Historical Analysis and Guardrails 54:41 Connect with Aubrey! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fear that early retirement is out of the question because you have too much debt? It's not game over. Whether you're debt-free or still chipping away at your student loans, today's guest is proof that FIRE is never too far out of reach—even when life throws you a curveball that leaves you with $90,000 in debt! Welcome back to the "BiggerPockets Money" podcast! Aubrey Williams thought his financial world was crumbling when his divorce was finalized, leaving him staring down $90,000 in debt. Most would assume this spells doom for financial independence, but Aubrey knew he could dig his way out by increasing his income, cutting costs, and staying laser-focused on his goals. In just eight years, he snowballed out of debt and toward his long-term goal—achieving financial independence at 45. Now that he's turned his financial ship around, he's focused on building wealth for the future. Tune in to learn how he transformed his finances into a comeback story, why he refuses to let setbacks define his dreams, and what his path to FIRE looks like after starting over! 01:05 FI After 90k in Debt 04:32 How to Fast Track FI 05:51 The Path to Savings 14:21 Financial Pillars 19:47 Career Shifts During FI 32:45 The Value of Financial Planning 42:39 Entrepreneurial Journey and Lessons Learned 47:16 Connect with Aubrey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you think you can't beat the market? David Gardner, co-founder of The Motley Fool, joins the BiggerPockets Money podcast to shatter this limiting belief and reveal why stock picking can supercharge your wealth-building strategy alongside index fund investing. Despite conventional wisdom warning against individual stock selection, Gardner exposes his proven approach to identifying winning stocks early and holding for long-term gains. This isn't about day trading - it's about building lasting wealth through strategic stock analysis and smart diversification. This Episode Covers: Why index funds alone may not be enough for maximum wealth building David Gardner's legendary stock picking strategy from 30 years at The Motley Fool How to identify undervalued companies before Wall Street catches on The 'Sleep Number' concept for managing portfolio risk and peace of mind Balancing individual stocks with index fund investing for optimal returns Long-term holding strategies vs. market timing and day trading Portfolio diversification techniques that actually work Whether you're a beginner investor or looking to refine your strategy, Gardner provides actionable insights on building real wealth through a combination of stock picking and index fund investing. Discover how to transform your investment approach and achieve financial independence faster. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you worried you won't be able to retire at sixty-five? Feeling financially limited in your fifties and need a retirement plan so you can finally stop working? Well, we made this episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast just for you. Today, Mindy and Scott are joined by experts Jackie Cummings Koski and Bill Yount from Catching Up to FI to teach you how to retire on time at age sixty-five (or even retire early!) if you're starting from zero with no money to your name. We spell out exactly what we would do to go from a zero-dollar net worth to a million dollars in retirement! This is a step-by-step plan that anyone who wants to retire on time can follow, focusing specifically on Barb - a recently divorced stay-at-home mom reentering the workforce with a zero-dollar net worth. Her situation represents millions of people who find themselves starting over financially in their fifties, whether due to divorce, job loss, or simply never having started saving for retirement. This Episode Covers: How to maximize earning potential when reentering the workforce after years away Emergency fund strategies when you're starting from scratch (and why it's different in your 50s) The exact investment prioritization order for late-starter retirement savers How to catch up on retirement savings using IRS catch-up contribution rules Debt elimination strategies that won't derail your retirement timeline Creative ways to reduce expenses without sacrificing quality of life The psychology of starting over financially and maintaining motivation And SO much more! 00:00 Introduction: Overcoming Financial Challenges at 50 05:44 Understanding the Emotional and Financial Starting Point 12:33 Setting Clear Financial Goals 14:33 Tracking and Measuring Finances 18:29 The Math Behind Early Retirement 20:03 Building the First $25,000 25:34 Side Hustles and Income Strategies 31:54 Downsizing and Financial Adjustments 39:02 House Hacking Strategy 50:17 Investment Strategies for Late Starters 01:04:11 Connect with Jackie & Bill Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast Mindy and Scott are joined by Beau Webb. Beau went from flying Blackhawk helicopters in the Army to achieving financial independence in his 30s through a diversified investment strategy that goes way beyond basic index funds. Beau built wealth through real estate, and savvy use of military benefits while still crushing it in traditional markets. But here's what makes his story even more powerful - he's living proof that you CAN retire early in just ten years if you save and invest strategically. His approach blends real estate investing, the smart use of military benefits, and disciplined plays in traditional markets. The result? Multiple streams of income that comfortably cover his lifestyle — all without tapping his retirement accounts. Beau's story proves that you can reach FI in as little as ten years, not by living on rice and beans, but by leveraging creative financing, making intentional moves, and thinking bigger than conventional financial advice allows. This Episode Covers: The exact house hacking strategies Beau used to build his first income streams Creative financing techniques that work even with limited starting capital How to maximize VA loan benefits for accelerated wealth building Why mobile home parks and self-storage became Beau's secret weapons Building multiple income streams that cover lifestyle costs without touching retirement accounts Diversification strategies across real estate and traditional markets The ten-year FI timeline: realistic expectations vs. extreme sacrifice How to leverage unique advantages (military or otherwise) for faster wealth building And SO much more! 00:00 Introduction to Today's Guest 01:14 Military Background and Financial Beginnings 05:42 First Steps into Real Estate 07:52 House Hacking 10:34 First Duplex Purchase 16:17 Expanding the Real Estate Portfolio 19:42 Diverse Investment Strategies 21:38 Seller Financing 28:28 Expanding the Portfolio 31:49 Achieving Financial Independence 34:36 Life as a Full-Time Investor 37:47 Connect with Beau! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it take to transform from a $27,000-a-year employee into an eight-figure entrepreneur? Hala Taha, founder of YAP Media, joins Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench on the BiggerPockets Money podcast to reveal the mindset shifts, strategic decisions, and hard-won lessons that built her media empire. This isn't just another success story – it's a masterclass in entrepreneurial thinking, strategic pivoting, and building scalable systems that generate massive wealth. This Episode Covers: How to identify and overcome limiting beliefs about money Scaling from solo operator to eight-figure company Cash flow management in unpredictable business cycles Investment strategies specifically for business owners Balancing reinvestment vs. personal wealth building And SO much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Coast FI is a fascinating concept that's gaining traction in the financial independence community. And no, to Mindy's disappointment, it doesn't involve having enough money to live beachside (though the lifestyle can be just as relaxing). Unlike the extreme FIRE approach that dominates personal finance blogs—where you're told to save every penny, never eat out, and forget about vacations—Coast FI offers a more sustainable path to early retirement. Enter Jessica and Corey from The Fioneers, who've proven this gentler approach actually works. When they discovered the FI movement, they were earning just $30,000 combined—hardly a six-figure head start. As their income grew, so did their savings rate, but Jessica quickly realized that climbing the corporate ladder came with a hidden cost. The stress became so overwhelming that she needed a six-month mental health break from work. That break changed everything. Jessica never returned to traditional employment, instead building her own business. Today, she and Corey have achieved what they call "slow FI"—they're Coast FI with complete time autonomy, still enjoying travel and comfortable living, while on track to retire in their early 50s. They're living proof that financial independence doesn't require sacrificing your mental health, relationships, or joy along the way. Their story challenges the narrative that you must choose between financial freedom and actually living your life. Sometimes, the scenic route gets you exactly where you need to go. In This Episode We Cover Coast FI explained and how it’s a far more enjoyable alternative to standard financial independence Saving and investing even while making a below-median income salary Resisting lifestyle creep and how to use pay raises to increase your net worth The danger of going “too fast to FI” and how retiring too early can be a detriment Part-time jobs, side hustles, and other ways that you can make more apart from your W2 Spending money to “escape” and how quitting a stressful job could save you more money And So Much More! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tired of the extreme saving grind? What if there was a way to front-load your retirement savings and then "coast" to financial independence without the stress? In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast, hosts Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench break down Coast FI - the strategy that lets you stop aggressive saving in your 30s while still retiring comfortably at 65. Coast FI isn't about retiring early - it's about retiring the anxiety around retirement savings. Once you hit your Coast FI number, compound interest does the heavy lifting while you focus on living your life. This approach offers the perfect middle ground between traditional retirement planning and extreme FIRE strategies. This Episode Will Cover: How to calculate your personal Coast FI number Investment strategies that maximize compound growth The psychological freedom that comes with hitting Coast FI Real examples of Coast FI timelines and scenarios Why this might be the perfect FIRE strategy for most people And SO much more! 00:38 What is Coast FIRE 02:16 How to Achieve Coast FI 05:56 Calculate Your Coast FI Number 07:54 Coast Fire by Age 09:21 Passive Income and Coast Fire 19:52 Investment Strategies for Coast Fire 22:40 Investment Order of Operations 28:15 Connect with Scott and Mindy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join hosts Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench as they sit down with Cody Garrett, a former musician turned financial planner who discovered the FIRE movement seven years ago and is now just four years away from achieving financial independence by age 40. Cody's unique dual perspective—as both someone actively pursuing FIRE and a professional helping others achieve it—makes this conversation particularly valuable for anyone on their own early retirement journey. Cody shares the practical strategies, mindset shifts, and career decisions that accelerated his path to financial freedom. He breaks down his personal approach to portfolio management, explains how to avoid the lifestyle inflation trap, and discusses building multiple income streams through business ventures. Whether you're contemplating a career change, looking to optimize your FIRE timeline, or seeking guidance from someone who's walking the walk, this episode is packed with actionable insights you can implement immediately. This Episode Covers: Cody's journey from musician to financial planner and FIRE discovery Strategic career pivoting to accelerate financial independence Portfolio theory and investment strategies for early retirement Avoiding lifestyle inflation while building wealth The importance of finding your "why" for financial independence And SO much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast, hosts Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench are joined by real estate expert J Scott to break down the mixed signals dominating today's economic landscape. Are we or we not heading into a recession? They discuss what's really happening with GDP growth, consumer spending patterns, and the evolving nature of work itself. From the rise of gig economy jobs that complicate traditional employment metrics to the unprecedented challenges facing businesses nationwide, this deep-dive conversation reveals the nuances behind the economic data that directly impacts your financial decisions. This Episode Covers: Key indicators of a recession Analysis of recent conflicting economic headlines Differing impacts on consumer spending and employment trends Influence of tariffs and the rising wave of business bankruptcies Potential economic impact of artificial intelligence Importance of portfolio diversification during uncertain times And SO much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this insightful episode of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench delve into the practical steps for building wealth with financial writer Nick Maggiulli. They discuss his new book, 'The Wealth Ladder,' which introduces a six-level wealth ladder for assessing and enhancing one's financial strategy. From establishing emergency savings in level one to focusing on investment choices in level three and contemplating business decisions in levels five and six, Nick provides a comprehensive guide across different stages of wealth. The episode is perfect for anyone aiming to grasp a structured approach to financial independence and learn how to adapt their strategies as their wealth grows. This episode cover: The Wealth Ladder (All 6 Levels) How to adjust your portfolio over time The importance of increasing your income Balancing lifestyle upgrades with sustainable financial growth And SO much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast, hosts Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench, along with guest David Pere, delve deep into achieving financial independence while serving in the military. They discuss the unique advantages of military benefits, such as zero-cost healthcare and housing allowances, and how these can be leveraged to fast-track financial independence. The episode is packed with actionable advice and real-life examples to inspire military personnel to build wealth and achieve financial freedom. This Episode Covers: Budgeting effectively while enlisted Understanding military pay structures The power of house hacking and live-in flips, and investment strategies tailored specifically for service members. They explore the potential of achieving substantial net worth through disciplined savings and smart investing, even within an eight-year service commitment. And SO much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast, hosts Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench welcome Frank Vasquez back on to challenge everything you thought you knew about safe withdrawal rates. Frank reveals how a properly constructed risk parity portfolio can support a 5% withdrawal rate—meaning you could comfortably pull $125,000 annually from a $2.5 million portfolio without the traditional fear of running out of money. This isn't theoretical; it's a practical strategy that sophisticated investors have been using for decades. Frank takes listeners step-by-step through building this portfolio on Fidelity, demonstrating real-world implementation rather than just concepts. You'll discover how mathematical principles like the Fibonacci sequence can guide your allocation decisions, why traditional diversification falls short, and how to rebalance effectively without overthinking the process. Most importantly, Frank shows how to customize this approach to your specific situation, making risk parity accessible whether you're approaching FIRE or already financially independent. This Episode Covers: Risk parity fundamentals - Understanding true diversification beyond stocks and bonds Asset class breakdown - Specific investments across equities, bonds, commodities, and alternatives Rebalancing strategies - When and how to adjust your portfolio without constant tinkering Withdrawal techniques - Practical methods for taking income from multiple asset classes And SO much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast, hosts Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench are joined by Frank Vasquez, host of the Risk Parity Radio Podcast. Frank introduces the concept of a risk parity portfolio. Rather than relying on traditional stock-heavy portfolios, Frank reveals how strategic diversification across asset classes can potentially support higher withdrawal rates while actually reducing your risk of running out of money. The conversation covers the nuances of structuring a portfolio with equities, bonds, and alternative assets like gold and managed futures. They also explore the implications of real estate investments and the timing of transitioning from an accumulation to a decumulation strategy. Frank shares insights on the importance of balanced withdrawals, the challenges of adhering to conventional investment philosophies, and the need to move towards a holistic view of financial independence that includes well-being and responsible spending. We Discuss: Why the standard 60/40 portfolio may be failing FIRE investors Optimal allocation strategies across equities, bonds, and alternative assets The critical timing of portfolio transitions as retirement approaches Strategic withdrawal approaches that prioritize longevity over accumulation The psychological shift from wealth accumulation to wealth optimization And SO much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What’s your financial independence number (FI/FIRE number)? Are you being too conservative, or are you cutting things close? Do you even have one? Today, we’re taking a deep dive into this hotly debated topic to help you build a nest egg that will support your early retirement! Welcome back to the BiggerPockets Money podcast! How much money do you actually need to retire? For years, the four-percent rule has been the “official” stance of the FI community. But why is it, then, that so many people continue saving and investing when they can comfortably retire? In this episode, Scott and Mindy talk about their own FI numbers, how they calculated them, and how their financial positions have evolved over time. You’ll learn whether the four-percent rule still works today or if you need a larger buffer! If you’re worried about inflation, one of the best things you can do is keep your living expenses in check. This might seem out of your control, but there are several ways to either lock in certain costs or eliminate them entirely. We’ll discuss the many advantages of a paid-off house, self-managing your rental properties in retirement, and a one-time investment that could help you save thousands of dollars over your lifetime! In This Episode We Cover How to calculate your financial independence number (and when to adjust it!) The four-percent rule explained (and whether it still works in 2024) Why most people chasing FIRE don’t retire on the four-percent rule How to control your expenses and protect against inflation in retirement The “home run” investment that could save you thousands of dollars And So Much More! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast, hosts Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench discuss the order of operations for investing your money to achieve FIRE. They outline the steps for both traditional early retirees and those looking to invest in real estate (or start a business). If you’re a beginner in the FIRE movement, start here and work through these steps to FIRE the fastest. If you’re close to FIRE already or at a significant financial milestone, don’t worry. We have tips you can use right now to retire earlier and avoid the “middle-class trap” that kills so many FIRE dreams.The episode dives deep into why each step is essential and provides actionable tips for maximizing your investment strategy based on your personal goals. What We Discuss: Investing Order of Operations for FIRE Invest Order of Operations for Real Estate Investors Why we prioritize a Fully Funded 401(k) over a Roth IRA And SO much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Want to access your IRA before turning 59½ without paying the brutal 10% early withdrawal penalty? You're not alone, and there are completely legal ways to do it that most people never learn about. In this comprehensive guide, John Bowens from Equity Trust will walk us through the exact strategies that allow you to tap into your IRA funds for early retirement, major expenses, or financial emergencies while staying on the right side of the IRS. This episode delves into the serious considerations and potential consequences of accessing IRA funds before retirement age. It highlights the penalties and tax implications of early withdrawals, emphasizing the disruption to the growth of retirement savings. The discussion includes valid exceptions for penalty-free withdrawals, such as higher education expenses and first-time home purchases, while stressing the importance of evaluating all options and consulting with a financial advisor. Listeners are encouraged to weigh the immediate need against long-term financial health to make informed decisions. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Legal penalty-free withdrawal strategies that bypass the 10% early withdrawal penalty IRS-approved exceptions including first-time home purchases, higher education costs, and medical expenses Tax implications of early IRA withdrawals and how they affect your overall financial picture Long-term impact analysis of early withdrawals on your retirement savings growth Alternative funding sources to consider before tapping into your IRA When to consult a financial advisor and what questions to ask Step-by-step evaluation process for weighing immediate needs against future financial security Documentation requirements and proper procedures for penalty-free withdrawals And SO much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices