BiggerPockets Money Podcast

4.5 (2.9K)
INVESTING
UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

For those who have money… or want more of it! Join Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench (from BiggerPocketsMoney.com) weekly for the BiggerPockets Money Podcast. Each week, financial experts Mindy and Scott interview unique and powerful thought leaders about how to earn more, keep more, spend smarter, and grow wealth.

2D AGO

The Portfolio that Supports a 5% Safe Withdrawal Rate | Frank Vasquez

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

58 min
6D AGO

How Much Do You Need for Early Retirement? (How to Calculate Your FI Number)

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

42 min
JUL 8

The Best Investing Order of Operations for FIRE (2025)

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

39 min
JUL 4

How I'm Accessing My IRA at 45 (Without Paying Penalties)

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

53 min
JUL 1

Your Complete Guide to Financial Independence (2025)

The FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement has transformed how people think about work, money, and retirement. In this comprehensive episode, Mindy and Scott break down everything you need to know about achieving financial independence and potentially retiring decades earlier than traditional retirement age. We explore the mathematics behind FIRE, different approaches to the movement, and practical strategies for dramatically increasing your savings rate. From understanding the 4% rule to optimizing your investment portfolio, this episode provides a complete roadmap for anyone interested in financial independence. Perfect for both beginners exploring the concept and those already on their FIRE journey looking to optimize their approach. What We Discuss: The 4% Rule Explained How to calculate your FIRE number Proven strategies to save 50%+ of your income Best investment vehicles for FIRE (401k, IRA, taxable accounts) Common FIRE mistakes to avoid Updated strategies for 2025 market conditions Withdrawal strategies And SO much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

37 min
JUN 27

Wall Street Pro Reveals Why He Ditched Trading for Index Funds

In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast, Mindy and Scott speak with Victor Haghani, a seasoned financial expert whose journey from Wall Street titan to FIRE advocate will transform how you think about wealth building. Victor's path from Salomon Brothers and Long-Term Capital Management to founding Elm Wealth reveals the shocking truth: the complex strategies that made millions on Wall Street pale in comparison to simple index fund investing for achieving financial independence. What We Discuss: Why Victor's billion-dollar trading experience led him to index funds The age-based asset allocation strategy that adapts as you approach FI The psychological traps that derail FIRE journeys (even for Wall Street pros) Practical portfolio management for the path to financial independence And SO much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

42 min
JUN 24

How to FIRE Without Investing in Real Estate

You're eager to build serious wealth, but the idea of managing tenants, fixing toilets, handling trash issues, and dealing with the endless headaches that come with real estate investing makes you cringe. Even though we're the world's largest platform for real estate investors, we totally understand that the landlord life isn't suited for everyone. The great news? Real estate is definitely not your only ticket to wealth. There are five other proven methods to accumulate serious money that won't have you answering frantic tenant calls at 2 A.M. On today's episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast, Mindy and Scott team up to reveal the five most effective wealth-building strategies that don't require purchasing a single rental property. These approaches are accessible to virtually anyone, regardless of your current salary or existing savings account balance. Some of these strategies are extremely passive, needing only a few minutes monthly to kickstart your wealth accumulation, while others have the potential to dramatically boost your earnings but demand considerably more active participation. In this episode, you'll learn: The five ways to get rich WITHOUT investing in real estate The four “levers” of wealth you can pull to level up your financial lifestyle “Boring” businesses and HUGE investment opportunities for those in their 20s, 30s, or 40s Job hopping and why you could be underpaid and overworked at your current role The investment accounts that can expedite your path to becoming a millionaire The super passive investment anyone can use to build massive wealth in the background And SO Much More! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

35 min
JUN 20

Is Your FIRE Strategy Wrong? The Middle Class Trap Debate with Brad Barrett

Buying a house, maxing out your 401(k), and leveraging real estate are considered the gold standard for building wealth, but what if these strategies are actually sabotaging your early retirement? Today, we're diving into the controversial "middle-class trap" debate with Brad Barrett from the ChooseFI podcast! Welcome back to the BiggerPockets Money podcast! Is your net worth locked up in home equity and retirement accounts you can't access? Brad, Mindy, and Scott are having a friendly but fierce debate about whether this middle-class trap is real or just financial fear-mongering, breaking down strategies to avoid it and revealing the ideal portfolio for early retirees. In this episode, you'll learn: If the Middle Class Trap is real or not! The difference between your Net Worth vs. FI Number The Psychological Barriers to Financial Freedom And SO Much More! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1 hr

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TRAILER

BiggerPockets Real Estate 2.0 - A New Era of the Podcast

The BiggerPockets Real Estate Podcast is about to hit a huge milestone—our 1,000th episode! Real estate has changed quite a bit since we started this podcast, so we’re making some changes, too. We’re bringing on new guests and new formats while focusing on investing tactics and strategies that work in TODAY’s housing market. Oh, and did we mention fewer ads, too? We’re still delivering the time-tested knowledge, inspiration, and news you expect from the BiggerPockets Real Estate Podcast so YOU can work towards financial freedom, no matter the market conditions. Join Dave Meyer, our new host, for our 1,000th episode, and tune in on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays to learn how YOU can reach financial independence through real estate! Hit “Follow” to never miss an episode! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-no-number Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

08/05/2024

•

1 min

Mindy Jensen

Host
Scott Trench

Host
Frank Vasquez

Guest

4.5

out of 5

2,905 Ratings

My All Time Favorite Podcast!

Mar 24

@JaredKSmith

BiggerPockets Money is hands down my favorite podcast of all time! Over the course of 14,765 miles (and counting) of running, it has kept me entertained, informed, and motivated to make smarter financial decisions. The hosts break down complex money topics in a way that’s both engaging and actionable, with real-life stories that resonate. Whether you’re just starting your financial journey or looking to optimize your wealth, this podcast is a must-listen. It’s been the perfect companion on my long runs helping me go the distance both financially and physically! Thank you so much Scott & Mindy! - Jared
Non professional advice

Jul 9

EBFI2002

It seems like they’ve ridden the podcast wave, gotten lucky on individual stocks and aren’t necessary qualified to give advice. It can be annoying when it’s assumed everyone is healthy so they should do an HSA. And they don’t correct things before they publish (heard of AI research?)I’ve moved on from this show as it’s mainly for people getting started.
Bad hosts, misleading topics

Jul 5

Player1307

Scott comes across as arrogant & shockingly insensitive at times. The podcast titles are “clickbaity” and they rarely talk about the topics they say they’re going to.
Wow just wow

Jun 27

XYZ9007

These people, especially Scott, for the last six months or so, intervewing to just validate his decision to get out of the stock market!! How you can look up to these people is beyond me!!

For those who have money… or want more of it! Join Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench (from BiggerPocketsMoney.com) weekly for the BiggerPockets Money Podcast. Each week, financial experts Mindy and Scott interview unique and powerful thought leaders about how to earn more, keep more, spend smarter, and grow wealth.

Channel

BiggerPockets
Creator

BiggerPockets
Years Active

2017 - 2025
Episodes

668
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Copyright © 2024 BiggerPockets. All Rights Reserved. Disclaimer: The information contained in this podcast is for general informational purposes only. In no event will BiggerPockets be liable for any loss or damage derived from the information provided.
Show Website

BiggerPockets Money Podcast