BiggerPockets Money Podcast

Trump Accounts are one of the newest tax-advantaged investment accounts for children, but where do they fit in your financial plan? In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast, Jeremy Schneider of Personal Finance Club explains how Trump Accounts work, who should open one, how they compare to 529 plans and custodial accounts (UGMA/UTMA), and why they may become an important long-term wealth-building tool for families. You'll learn the rules, contribution limits, Roth IRA rollover opportunities, investment restrictions, financial aid implications, and practical strategies for parents and grandparents looking to build generational wealth. Connect with Jeremy Schneider: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/personalfinanceclub/ Website: https://personalfinanceclub.com/ Nectarine: https://hellonectarine.com/ To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney  Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 21 July 2026

What did Mindy and Carl Jensen learn from The Money Guys after they reviewed their portfolio? In this recap episode, Mindy and Carl share their biggest takeaways on retirement planning, cash reserves, Roth conversions, tax strategy, and portfolio diversification. They discuss what advice they're putting into action, what they're still debating, and how these lessons could help anyone pursuing financial independence and long-term wealth. To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney  Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 17 July 2026

Is Coast FI the smarter path to financial independence in today's economy? In this episode, Scott Trench and Evan Lawler compare Coast FI vs. traditional FIRE, breaking down the trade-offs between reaching financial freedom as fast as possible or building enough wealth to let compound growth do the heavy lifting. They discuss investing, side hustles, real estate, lifestyle design, and the strategies young professionals can use to achieve financial independence while maintaining flexibility. To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney  Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney Connect with Evan Lawler: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_financialfoundation/ Email: The.FinancialFoundation00@gmail.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@The_FinancialFoundation We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 15 July 2026

In this special episode of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast, Mindy Jensen and her husband Carl head to The Money Guy Show studio for a comprehensive portfolio review with Brian Preston and Bo Hanson. After years of maximizing traditional 401(k) contributions to reduce their tax bill, they've built substantial wealth, but now they're asking an important question: Have they fallen into the middle class trap? Together, they break down Mindy and Carl's investment portfolio, retirement accounts, tax strategy, and long-term financial plan to determine whether they're on the right path. Whether you're pursuing FIRE, planning for early retirement, or looking to optimize your portfolio, Brian and Bo share actionable advice to help you avoid costly financial mistakes and create lasting wealth. To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney  Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney Connect with The Money Guys: Website: moneyguy.com YouTube: youtube.com/c/MoneyGuyShow?sub_confirmation=1 Instagram: instagram.com/moneyguyshow We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 14 July 2026

Are you actually spending too much, or does it just feel that way because of where you live? In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast, Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench break down a new budget benchmarking tool that compares your spending to households like yours using real government data, regional cost-of-living adjustments, fair market rents, childcare costs, and local pricing. They explain the difference between cost of living and affordability, compare high-cost and low-cost cities, and show how housing, transportation, and income all impact your path to financial independence. You'll learn how to benchmark your own budget, identify areas where you may be overspending, and use data, AI, and your own transaction history to make smarter financial decisions. Whether you live in a high-cost city or a low-cost market, this episode will help you optimize your spending, increase your savings rate, and reach financial independence faster. To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney  Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 10 July 2026

Is $500,000 actually a more important financial milestone than becoming a millionaire? In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast, Mindy Jensen sits down with Evan Lawler to explore why reaching $500K early could put you on track for Coast FIRE and potentially grow into millions by traditional retirement. They discuss the power of compound interest, high savings rates, intentional spending, and why financial independence doesn't always mean retiring early. Mindy and Evan also dive into the psychology of money, including the difference between being frugal and being cheap, building healthy spending habits after years of saving, and how lifestyle inflation, family, and changing priorities affect your FIRE journey. Whether you're just starting to invest or already pursuing financial independence, this episode will help you rethink the milestones that matter most. To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney  Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney Connect with Evan Lawler: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_financialfoundation/ Email: The.FinancialFoundation00@gmail.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@The_FinancialFoundation We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 8 July 2026

Military service offers more financial advantages than most Americans realize, but is staying for a 20-year pension always the smartest move? In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast, Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench sit down with Carol and Doug to discuss how military benefits can accelerate financial independence. They cover military pensions, VA disability compensation, TRICARE, reserve retirement, and the opportunity cost of leaving active duty for a civilian career. Carol shares how she left active duty after five years, joined the reserves, and built wealth through disciplined investing. Doug explains why military compensation is worth more than base pay alone, how to think about pensions as a probabilistic asset, and why quality of life should be part of every financial decision. Whether you're active duty, a reservist, a veteran, or pursuing Financial Independence (FIRE), this episode is packed with practical strategies for building long term wealth. To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney  Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney Connect with Carol and Doug: Carol: https://www.facebook.com/NextGenFinance Doug: militaryfinancialindependence.com AND Nordsnords@gmail.com Resources from Todays Episode: https://themilitarywallet.com/leave-active-duty-for-reserves/ https://militarypay.defense.gov/Calculators.aspx https://militarypay.defense.gov/calculators/rmc-calculator/ https://tricare.mil/Plans/HealthPlans https://militaryfinancialindependence.com/2024/06/27/why-you-file-your-veterans-disability-claim-not-just-how/ We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 7 July 2026

Reaching financial independence is only half the battle, knowing how to withdraw your money in early retirement is just as important. The right withdrawal strategy can help you minimize taxes, avoid unnecessary penalties, and make your portfolio last longer. In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast, Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench break down six early retirement withdrawal frameworks. Whether you're planning to retire before age 59.5 or you're already financially independent, you'll learn how to access your retirement savings, reduce your tax bill, and create a withdrawal plan that fits your goals. If you're pursuing FIRE (financial independence retire early), this episode will help you make smarter decisions with the money you've worked so hard to build. Resources from this episode: To access the slides from this episode: www.biggerpocketsmoney.com/withdraw To use the Healthcare Costs Projection App: https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/healthcarecosts/ To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney  Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 3 July 2026

In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast, Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench tackle one of the biggest questions in the FIRE movement: Why has the traditional $1 million FIRE goal grown to $2.5 million or more? They discuss how inflation, rising living costs, lifestyle changes, and retirement planning have reshaped what financial independence looks like today. You'll learn how the 4% rule, healthcare, geography, and spending habits influence your financial independence number. Whether you're pursuing FI or early retirement, this episode will help you determine how much you really need to retire and build a plan that fits your goals and lifestyle. To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney  Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 30 June 2026

Is investing ethical? Can you build wealth, pursue financial independence, and still invest according to your values? Scott and Mindy tackle one of the biggest questions in personal finance, exploring ethical investing, ESG investing, capitalism, index funds, and the moral trade-offs that come with building long-term wealth. They discuss whether investing in companies like Tesla, Costco, or tobacco companies can ever be ethical and how to think critically about aligning your portfolio with your beliefs. The conversation also examines whether pursuing financial independence is itself an ethical goal. This episode offers a thoughtful framework for making investment decisions that reflect your principles. To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney  Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 26 June 2026

Healthcare is one of the biggest unknowns in any FIRE plan. If you're considering early retirement, self-employment, or leaving a traditional job, understanding health insurance costs could save you thousands of dollars per year and prevent costly planning mistakes. In this episode, we break down the Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance, premium tax credits, MAGI planning, and how healthcare costs vary by state. We also walk through a healthcare cost estimator tool that can help you project future expenses and build a more resilient financial independence plan. Resources Featured in the Episode: Healthcare Cost Projection: https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/healthcarecosts/ 2026 Tax Projection: https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/income-tax-projection/ How Health Insurance Works in Early Retirement Blog Post: https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/how-health-insurance-works-in-early-retirement-and-self-employment-2026/ How to Plan for Healthcare Over Early Retirement Blog Post: https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/planning-for-healthcare-costs-over-a-decades-long-early-retirement/ To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney  Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 23 June 2026

How do you build nearly $1 million in net worth while working seasonally, living intentionally, and creating a lifestyle you actually enjoy? In this episode, Heather shares her remarkable journey from living in a 300-square-foot cabin to building substantial wealth through nursing, guiding, rental properties, and smart financial decisions. We break down her real estate portfolio, income streams, and the challenges that come with balancing financial independence and life goals. With mortgage rates potentially doubling from 4% to 8%, Heather faces several important decisions: Should she pay off rental debt, refinance, sell properties, or preserve flexibility for a future sabbatical? We explore the numbers, the emotional side of real estate ownership, cash reserve strategies, tax considerations, and how to create a financial plan that supports both long-term wealth and personal freedom. Whether you're building wealth through real estate, planning a career break, or navigating major financial decisions, this conversation offers valuable insights and actionable takeaways. To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney  Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 19 June 2026

Most people know they should have an estate plan, but keep putting it off. In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast, Mindy Jensen and special guest Carl Jensen sit down with estate planning attorney Skipton Reynolds to break down everything you need to know about wills, trusts, probate, beneficiary designations, powers of attorney, guardianship planning, and estate taxes. Whether you're a young adult, a parent, a high-net-worth investor, or someone pursuing financial independence, estate planning is one of the most important financial moves you'll ever make. Learn how to protect your assets, avoid costly probate mistakes, ensure your loved ones are cared for, and create a plan that reflects your wishes. Connect with Skipton Reynolds: Website: https://www.skiptonlaw.com/ To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney  Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 16 June 2026

In this Finance Friday episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast, hosts Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench analyze whether Katie can step back from work while still making sure that her husband, Jesus, can retire early at 50. They break down the FIRE math, withdrawal strategies, healthcare considerations, market risk, pension benefits, and the emotional challenges of leaving a high-income career. Whether you're planning for early retirement, wondering if your portfolio is large enough, or trying to decide when to leave a stressful job, this episode provides practical insights and actionable retirement planning strategies. To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney  Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 12 June 2026

If you work at a startup or public tech company and have RSUs, stock options, founder shares, or a potential IPO on the horizon, this episode could save you thousands—or even millions—in taxes. Equity compensation can be one of the fastest paths to building wealth, but it can also lead to costly mistakes if you don't understand the tax implications, liquidity opportunities, and diversification decisions involved. That's why we sat down with Equity for the Win founders CJ Sturmitz and founding investor Toby Johnston to discuss how employees and founders can navigate concentrated stock positions and prepare for major liquidity events. Connect with CJ and Toby Johnston To work with EquityFTW: https://www.biggerpocketsmoney.com/equityftw About EquityFTW: https://www.equityftw.com/about To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney  Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! - BiggerPockets Money (operated by Early Retirement Group, LLC) has a paid promotional arrangement with Equity FTW. Under this arrangement, Equity FTW pays BiggerPockets Money a cash fee of $100 for each prospective client who books a meeting with Equity FTW and is attributed to BiggerPockets Money, including through links on our website, references in our podcast, and other BiggerPockets Money channels. BiggerPockets Money is not a client of Equity FTW and is not an investment adviser, and nothing on this page or in any BiggerPockets Money content constitutes investment, legal, tax, or accounting advice. This compensation arrangement creates a material conflict of interest, because BiggerPockets Money has a financial incentive to promote Equity FTW and to encourage listeners and readers to book meetings, regardless of whether Equity FTW's services are appropriate for any particular individual. The opinions expressed in BiggerPockets Money content are editorial; however, listeners and readers should consider this financial relationship when evaluating any statements about Equity FTW or its services. Equity FTW is solely responsible for the financial planning and advisory services it provides to its clients, and any decision to engage Equity FTW should be made based on your own independent evaluation and, where appropriate, consultation with your own qualified advisors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 9 June 2026

Want to build tax-free wealth even if your income is too high for a Roth IRA? In this episode, Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench are joined by CPA’s Amanda Han and Matt MacFarland. They break down the Backdoor Roth IRA and Mega Backdoor Roth strategies step-by-step. You'll learn how the Backdoor Roth works, how to avoid costly tax mistakes, how the pro-rata rule can impact your conversion strategy, and when the Mega Backdoor Roth may allow you to contribute tens of thousands of additional dollars to Roth accounts each year. Whether you're pursuing FIRE, optimizing your retirement accounts, or looking for advanced tax planning strategies, this episode covers everything you need to know. Connect with Amanda Han and Matt MacFarland Website: https://www.keystonecpa.com/pages/about-us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanda_han_cpa/?hl=en To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney  Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 5 June 2026

Most people think financial independence is all about cutting expenses, but there's only so much you can cut. In this episode, Haley Sacks, better known as Mrs. Dow Jones, shares the strategies that actually move the needle when it comes to building wealth, reaching financial independence, and creating long-term financial freedom. We discuss how to increase your income, negotiate higher pay, avoid lifestyle creep, invest with confidence, and build a simple system for managing money. Haley also explains why human capital may be your most valuable asset, how AI is changing career opportunities, and why index funds remain one of the most powerful wealth-building tools available. Whether you're pursuing FIRE, trying to grow your net worth, or simply looking to make smarter financial decisions, this episode provides practical strategies you can start using today. Connect with Haley Sacks: Website: https://www.mrsdowjones.com/book Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrsdowjones/ To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney  Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 2 June 2026

In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast hosts Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench break down practical strategies for doubling your net worth and accelerating your path to financial independence. From reducing fixed expenses and increasing cash flow to investing consistently and growing your income, we cover the core habits and wealth-building systems that can dramatically speed up net worth growth, even if you’re starting from a modest financial position. Whether you’re pursuing FIRE, early retirement, or simply trying to grow your wealth faster, this episode provides a practical roadmap for increasing your net worth and building lasting financial security. To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney  Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 29 May 2026

In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast, Bob Haines joins hosts Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench to explain how to build an investor policy statement and create a long-term investment philosophy for financial independence and early retirement. We break down how FIRE investors can design a personalized investing framework that aligns with their goals, risk tolerance, lifestyle, and withdrawal strategy while avoiding emotional investing during market volatility. To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney  Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 26 May 2026

In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast, Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench break down the six foundational principles for building wealth and achieving financial independence. From controlling major expenses and increasing your savings rate to investing strategically and building additional income streams, this episode covers the practical habits that consistently help people grow wealth over time and accelerate their path to FIRE. Whether you’re just starting your financial independence journey or looking to optimize your wealth-building strategy, this episode provides a simple and repeatable framework for building lasting wealth without overcomplicating personal finance. To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney  Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 22 May 2026

In this episode, Ben Felix joins Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench on the BiggerPockets Money podcast to break down his thoughts on the FIRE movement, portfolio design, safe withdrawal rates, and long-term investing. We discuss how to build a FIRE portfolio that balances risk, flexibility, quality of life, and long-term sustainability — without falling into the trap of over-optimization or extreme frugality. Whether you're pursuing FIRE, early retirement, Coast FIRE, or simply trying to become a smarter long-term investor, this conversation offers an evidence-based framework for building wealth while still enjoying life along the way. Connect with Ben Felix! Website: https://www.pwlcapital.com/?ki-cf-botcl=1 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BenFelixCSI Podcast: https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast Resources from today’s episode: https://www.pm-research.com/content/iijretire/10/3/47 https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4590406 https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4227132 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGzgsSXdPjo https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=rHiFIykmOJJs8UKF&v=S9InNdQhFwc&feature=youtu.be https://research-tools.pwlcapital.com/research/risk-profile To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney  Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 19 May 2026

In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast hosts Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench break down the biggest portfolio mistakes people make on the path to financial independence. From holding too much cash and staying stuck in accumulation mode to ignoring tax optimization, estate planning, and withdrawal strategies, we cover the investing mistakes that can quietly derail long-term wealth building and FIRE success. Whether you’re pursuing FIRE, Coast FIRE, or traditional retirement, this episode will help you avoid common portfolio mistakes and build a more resilient long-term financial plan. To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney  Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 15 May 2026

On this episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench bring on Kyle Collette to discuss how he achieved financial independence and built a real estate portfolio worth more than $4 million while earning less than $40,000 per year. Through house hacking, rental property investing, frugal living, and strategic relationships, Kyle scaled from small single-family rentals to multi-unit properties across Ohio — proving that building wealth doesn’t require a massive salary. Whether you're pursuing FI, early retirement, or long-term wealth through real estate investing, this episode offers a practical roadmap for building financial freedom on a modest income. To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney  Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney Connect with Kyle:  kdcoll4@gmail.com OR Kyle@firstohiohome.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-collette-7ba24541 https://www.instagram.com/tennisguyrei/ We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 12 May 2026

In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast, hosts Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench break down the biggest mistakes people make when calculating their FIRE number and planning for financial independence. Many early retirement calculators rely on simplified assumptions like the 4% rule or current spending levels, but real-life retirement planning is far more complicated. This episode covers how healthcare costs, inflation, one-time expenses, and changing lifestyle spending can dramatically impact your true FI number and long-term retirement success. We also discuss safe withdrawal rates, stress testing your retirement plan flexible income streams, and why many FIRE investors underestimate future spending during early retirement. Whether you’re pursuing FIRE, early retirement, Coast FIRE, or traditional financial independence, this episode will help you build a more realistic retirement strategy and avoid common mistakes that can derail long-term wealth and portfolio sustainability. To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney  Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 8 May 2026

On this episode of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast, hosts Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench sit down with Ben Felix to break down one of the most debated topics in long-term investing: small cap value investing. Ben explains the research behind factor investing, the Fama-French multi-factor model, and why investors continue to look at small cap value ETFs like AVUV and Dimensional funds as potential upgrades to traditional index fund portfolios.  If you've ever wondered whether AVUV, Dimensional ETFs, or small cap value funds can outperform broad market index funds like VTI over the long run, this episode gives you a deep evidence-based framework for deciding. Connect with Ben Felix! Website: https://www.pwlcapital.com/?ki-cf-botcl=1 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BenFelixCSI Podcast: https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast Resources from today's episode: https://zbib.org/669127c48e994c818f42b4354a84ed21 To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney  Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 5 May 2026

What are high-net-worth investors actually doing with their money in 2026? In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast, we break down the latest asset allocation trends using real portfolio data from Long Angle—a community of high-net-worth investors. From equities and real estate to private credit and alternative investments, this is a behind-the-scenes look at where sophisticated investors are putting capital right now. Joined by Tad Fallows, Managing Director at Long Angle, we explore how the top 1% are thinking about risk, return, and opportunity—and what it means for your own investing strategy. Connect with Tad Fallows! Long Angle Website: https://www.longangle.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fallows/  Asset Allocation 2026 Report: https://www.longangle.com/research/high-net-worth-asset-allocation To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney  Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 1 May 2026

The “messy middle” is the longest—and hardest—phase of the financial independence (FIRE) journey. It’s where progress feels slow, motivation dips, and burnout can creep in. In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast, Mindy Jensen and Carl Jensen (our guest host for today) break down how to stay consistent, avoid over-optimization, and actually enjoy life while building wealth. From increasing income and investing smarter to designing the life you want before you retire, this is your guide to getting through the messy middle without losing momentum. If your FIRE journey feels stuck, this episode will help you reset and keep going. To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney  Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney Connect with Carl Jensen: https://www.1500days.com/ We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 28 April 2026

Kim Hunter Borst didn’t start her financial independence journey in New York City—but it’s where everything changed. After building a high-income life, she and her husband found themselves $69,000 in debt from lifestyle inflation. Instead of leaving NYC, they got intentional—cutting expenses, leveraging a rent-stabilized apartment, and maxing out retirement accounts. Now, they’ve achieved financial independence and retired early—proving you don’t have to leave a high-cost city to build real wealth. To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney  Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney Connect with Kim Hunter Borst: Website: https://khbfinancial.com/ We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 24 April 2026

Paula quit her $32,000 job in 2008—before she’d ever heard of the FIRE movement—with just $25,000 saved to travel the world. When she came back, she started freelancing and made a pivotal decision: buying a triplex and house hacking. That one move changed everything. Today, she’s fully financially independent in New York City through real estate—all without ever earning more than $32K at her day job. In this episode, we break down how she did it, the risks she took early on, and the strategy that turned a modest income into long-term financial freedom. To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney  Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney Connect with Paula Pant: Website: https://affordanything.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulapant We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 23 April 2026

Most people think you need to leave expensive cities to reach financial independence. Walli Miller did the opposite. After discovering the FIRE movement in 2015, Walli Miller moved to New York City—one of the highest cost-of-living cities in the world—and still retired at 39 with her husband, on a combined income under $200K/yr. In this episode, we break down how they made it work, from intentional spending and leveraging NYC’s free lifestyle to redefining what financial independence actually looks like. If you think FIRE isn’t possible in a high-cost city, this episode might change your mind. To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney  Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney Connect with Walli Miller: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/financially_thriving/ Website: https://financiallythriving.com/ We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 22 April 2026

In this episode, discover how Eli, a 24-year-old living in NYC, is on track to hit financial independence and retire early—despite the city’s high living costs. His strategies and mindset shift challenge common perceptions about NYC being an obstacle to FIRE. To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney  Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney Connect with Eli Saperstein: Sparks FI Group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/H2qxCTm6bZ40Dj72ORkLXg?mode=gi_t Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stresslessaboutmoney?igsh=ZHF5cjZnbm13dzdr We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 21 April 2026

In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast, Mindy Jensen and Carl Jensen (our guest host for the week!) break down 9 financial independence (FIRE) lessons most people don’t discover until it’s too late. From the hidden downsides of early retirement to spending, purpose, and relationships, this episode covers what actually changes after you reach FI—and how to avoid the mistakes that can quietly derail your life. Whether you're pursuing FIRE or already financially independent, these insights will help you build a more sustainable, fulfilling life. To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney  Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 17 April 2026

Corby Goade went from a modest teacher salary to financial independence through real estate investing—and he did it by mastering the fundamentals. In this episode, he shares how house hacking, long-term rentals, and smart leverage helped him build wealth over 25 years, even through the 2008 housing crash. Learn practical strategies for navigating market cycles, scaling a rental portfolio, and achieving financial freedom without a high income. To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney  Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney Connect with Corby Goade:  Website: https://boise-turnkey.appointlet.com/b/corby-goade BiggerPockets: https://www.biggerpockets.com/users/cgoade#0 We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 14 April 2026

Thinking about early retirement in the next 5 years? This episode breaks down exactly how to prepare—financially and emotionally—so you don’t just retire early, but stay retired. Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench walk through the critical steps to stress test your portfolio, plan for healthcare costs, optimize your tax strategy, and build a realistic withdrawal plan. Plus, they cover the often-overlooked side of FIRE: your health, purpose, and lifestyle design. If you’re in the “messy middle” or approaching financial independence, this is your blueprint to confidently retire early without costly mistakes. To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney  Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 10 April 2026

What if you didn’t have to grind your way to financial independence? In this episode, Alyssa shares how she reached Coast FI by prioritizing flexibility, intentional spending, and what she calls “hobby jobs” over traditional full-time work. After leaving a high-stress healthcare career, she designed a life of part-time income, travel, and freedom—proving you can build wealth while actually enjoying your life along the way. To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney  Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney Connect with Alyssa:  Blog: https://theprofessionalnursedropout.substack.com/ We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 7 April 2026

Is a $2M net worth enough to retire in 10 years? In this Finance Friday episode, Mindy and Scott break down a real “messy middle” case study—Karl, a high-saving household navigating early retirement planning, rising expenses, healthcare costs, and market uncertainty after doing everything right.  You’ll learn how to evaluate your FI timeline using the 4% rule, safe withdrawal strategies, portfolio diversification, and tax-efficient investing across 401(k)s, Roth IRAs, and brokerage accounts. They also cover sequence of returns risk, Roth conversion strategies, and how to balance active income with long-term wealth building. If you’re wondering whether you’re truly on track for early retirement—or how to turn your net worth into lasting financial freedom—this episode gives you the frameworks and numbers to find out. To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/resources Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney  Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney Resources from this episode: KFF Health Insurance Calculator: https://www.kff.org/interactive/subsidy-calculator/ Rising Healthcare Costs in Early Retirement Article: https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/why-healthcare-costs-rise-sharply-with-age-in-early-retirement-and-why-early-retirees-need-a-bigger-buffer-than-the-4-rule/ Personal Financial Statement: biggerpocketsmoney.com/resources  We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 3 April 2026

From $500 a month to a $10M+ net worth, Tiffany Aliche shares how she rebuilt her life after $300K in debt—and the 10 pillars of “financial wholeness” that helped her do it. This episode of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast breaks down the mindset, strategy, and systems behind lasting wealth, stability, and freedom. To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney  Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney Connect with Tiffany Aliche: Buy ‘Get Good With Money’: https://getgoodwithmoney.com/ Website: https://thebudgetnista.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebudgetnista We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 31 March 2026

What does it actually take to think like a CEO? In this episode, Scott Trench breaks down the essential “CEO toolkit”—from strategic thinking and financial fluency to culture, decision-making, and crisis management—giving you the frameworks and systems you need to lead effectively, whether you’re running a company or simply trying to make better, higher-stakes decisions in your own life. To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney  Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 27 March 2026

Building lasting wealth doesn’t have to be complicated. In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast, hosts Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench break down the Financial Stability Framework, a practical roadmap designed to help middle-class households achieve long-term financial independence. To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney  Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 24 March 2026

If you’re within three years of early retirement, your success depends on more than just your net worth. In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast, hosts Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench sit down with Fritz Gilbert to break down the most overlooked part of financial independence: the mental, emotional, and social transition into retirement. Learn why the final years before FIRE are critical, and how failing to prepare beyond finances can lead to loss of identity, lack of purpose, and unexpected dissatisfaction. You’ll discover Fritz’s powerful framework for navigating the four phases of retirement, how to replace work-driven identity with purpose and community, and why curiosity, experimentation, and health span planning are essential for long-term fulfillment. Whether you’re approaching financial independence or already planning your early retirement lifestyle, this episode gives you a practical roadmap to build a meaningful, flexible, and deeply satisfying life after work. To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney  Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney Connect with Fritz Gilbert Website: https://www.theretirementmanifesto.com/blog/ We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 20 March 2026

What are the biggest mistakes people make on the road to financial independence? In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast, hosts Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench break down the 13 biggest FIRE mistakes that quietly delay or derail your progress toward early retirement. From starting too late and ignoring spending habits to misunderstanding the 4% rule and overlooking healthcare costs, these common financial independence mistakes can cost you years on your journey to FIRE. You’ll learn how to avoid lifestyle creep, optimize your savings and investment strategy, reduce tax inefficiencies, and build a flexible financial independence plan that can adapt to real-world risks. Whether you’re just starting your FIRE journey or already investing for early retirement, this episode reveals the most co To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney  Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 17 March 2026

In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast, hosts Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench sit down with Evan Lawler, a full-time engineer and content creator, to break down his plan to reach Coast FIRE with $500,000 invested by age 30. Instead of pursuing traditional early retirement, Evan is building a disciplined, automated investment strategy that allows his portfolio to compound while he focuses on career growth and enjoying his 20s and 30s. Mindy and Scott unpack Evan’s early start in personal finance, his frugal lifestyle choices, Roth account strategy, and approach to negotiating raises and increasing income. From optimizing housing costs in Philadelphia to building long-term flexibility and balance, this episode offers a practical blueprint for anyone interested in Coast FIRE, financial independence, and smart wealth-building in their 20s. To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney  Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney Connect with Evan Lawler: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_financialfoundation/ Email: The.FinancialFoundation00@gmail.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@The_FinancialFoundation We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 13 March 2026

Are you a high earner in your 30s or 40s with a growing net worth — but somehow still feel financially stuck? You might be caught in the "boring middle" — a phase where your wealth is locked in home equity and retirement accounts, leaving you cash-poor, inflexible, and far from the financial freedom you've been working toward. In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast, Scott Trench and Mindy Jensen sit down with CFP David Jackson of  Domain Money to break down the middle-class trap and reveal why the conventional advice to max out your 401(k) may actually be slowing your path to financial independence. David shares three powerful strategic options for DEWK households (dual-income, employed, with kids) to build liquidity, optionality, and tax efficiency — without sacrificing long-term growth. You'll learn the Liquidity First Optionality Framework (LaFaF), how to think about diversifying across Roth, pre-tax, and brokerage accounts, and why psychological freedom matters just as much as portfolio size. Whether you're chasing FIRE, reassessing your retirement strategy, or simply tired of feeling trapped by your own financial success — this episode is your blueprint. To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney  Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney Interested in learning more Domain Money and working with David Jackson? Visit: https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/cfp/ Early Retirement Group, LLC (“BiggerPockets Money”), is acting as a promoter for Domain Money Advisors, LLC (“Domain”) and receives a flat fee for each client who enrolls in or purchases the promoted services. In addition to the compensation provided to Bigger Pockets Money, Scott Trench is a current client of Domain and received non-cash compensation related to his promotional activity. This compensation creates a conflict of interest because the promoter has a financial incentive to recommend the service. Clients should independently evaluate whether the service is appropriate for their needs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 10 March 2026

What’s the real relationship between money and happiness? In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast, hosts Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench sit down with leading happiness researcher Matt Killingsworth to unpack what the science actually says about income and happiness. Drawing from real-time data collected through Track Your Happiness, Matt explains why happiness does not plateau at $75,000, how income and emotional well-being are logarithmically connected, and why control over your time may matter more than any specific dollar amount. Beyond debunking the famous happiness ceiling, this conversation dives into defining “enough,” avoiding the FIRE community’s “one more year” trap, and understanding how relationships, engagement, and community drive lasting fulfillment. If you’re pursuing financial independence and wondering whether more money will truly make you happier, this episode delivers research-backed clarity and practical frameworks to evaluate your own happiness metrics—so you can design a life that feels rich long before (and after) retirement. To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney  Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney Connect with Matt Killingsworth: Website: https://www.mattkillingsworth.com/ Track Your Happiness: https://trackyourhappiness.org/ We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 6 March 2026

In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast, hosts Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench sit down with Grace Gudenkauf, a real estate investor who began her journey at just 23 years old with $15,000 in savings during COVID. Grace shares how she built a thriving rental portfolio in Iowa by leveraging local market knowledge, living below her means, and strategically balancing renovations, new construction, and entrepreneurship. Mindy and Scott unpack Grace’s approach to deal analysis, seller financing, local bank relationships, and pivoting strategies during rising interest rates. From flipping to building triplexes with a “build one, keep one” model, Grace reveals how she’s designing a low-leverage, resilient portfolio on her path to financial independence. If you want practical real estate investing strategies for your 20s—or a blueprint for long-term cash flow—this episode delivers. To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney  Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney Connect with Grace Gudenkauf: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grace.investing/ We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 3 March 2026

Can you reach financial independence earning a median or below-median income? In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast, hosts Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench break down why making less money can actually be a powerful advantage on the path to wealth. Instead of chasing a higher salary, they explore how lower fixed expenses, smarter tax positioning, and intentional lifestyle choices can accelerate financial freedom. Mindy and Scott reveal the strategic habits, mindset shifts, and wealth-building tactics that lower-income earners can leverage over time. From Roth strategies and house hacking to side hustles and multiple small bets, this episode shows how consistent, smart decisions can compound into long-term financial independence. To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 27 February 2026

On this episode of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast, Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench are joined by Emily Egashira to hear about her financial journey. Emily’s journey to financial independence proves that your starting point doesn’t determine your financial future. Growing up in poverty with a scarcity mindset, she transformed her life and is set to reach financial independence by 40 through disciplined saving, strategic investing, and powerful mindset shifts.  Emily breaks down the exact strategies that helped her save 45–50% of her income, manage healthcare costs as a self-employed professional, navigate market dips like the COVID-19 crash, and plan a dual early retirement with complex drawdown strategies. We also explore the psychology of money, overcoming limiting beliefs, growing income intentionally, and why having a financial plan changes everything on the path to FIRE and early retirement. To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney  Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney Connect with Emily Egashira:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyfrienditsem Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Hey-Friend-Its-Em/61575209009919/ We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 24 February 2026

On this episode of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast, Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench are joined by Frank Vasquez to explore small cap value investing, factor research from Eugene Fama and Kenneth French, and how funds like AVUV compare to total market index funds like VTSAX. They discuss historical outperformance, diversification benefits, expense ratios, index construction differences, and whether small cap value deserves a place in your long-term portfolio. To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney  Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney Connect with Frank Vasquez:  https://www.riskparityradio.com/about Fairfax CASA Donation Page https://www.fairfaxcasa.org/give-now/ Father McKenna Center Donation Page: https://fathermckennacenter.org/how-you-can-help/donate/ We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 20 February 2026

In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast, hosts Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench are joined by Paul Merriman. Paul shares decades of investing wisdom and explains why simple index investing often outperforms complex strategies. We explore the power of diversification beyond the S&P 500, the importance of bonds in a portfolio, and how glide paths reduce risk over time. Paul also breaks down the psychological traps that sabotage investors—and how to avoid them. If you want to: Build wealth with index funds Create a smarter asset allocation Reduce risk while maximizing long-term returns This episode is your blueprint. To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources Subscribe on YouTube for even more content Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners Connect with Paul Merriman: Website: https://www.paulmerriman.com/ Paul’s New Book ‘We’re Talking Millions!’: https://irp.cdn-website.com/6b78c197/files/uploaded/Were-Talking-Millions.pdf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 17 February 2026

What if financial independence isn’t about retiring early — but about controlling your time right now? In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast, hosts Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench sit down with Brian Herriot — millionaire in his 40s, now managing a $3 million portfolio, and author of Time Freedom — to talk about redefining what financial independence really means. Brian shares how he built wealth, why he shifted his focus from net worth to time control, and how entrepreneurship, investing, and spending habits all play a role in designing a life you don’t want to escape from. They dive into: The mindset shift from “early retirement” to “time freedom” How Brian grew from $1M to a $3M portfolio The life events that reshaped his financial goals Why flexible work can accelerate financial independence The connection between entrepreneurship and freedom Investing strategies that align with your life vision The overlooked importance of relationships in business Health insurance, risk management, and real-world FIRE challenges Work-life balance and building a sustainable version of success If you’re pursuing FIRE, building wealth, or questioning whether early retirement is actually the goal — this conversation will challenge how you think about money. To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources Subscribe on YouTube for even more content Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners Connect with Brian Herriot: Website: https://timefreedom.life/ Buy Brian’s New Book ‘Time Freedom’: https://timefreedom.life/book/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 13 February 2026