Navigating the Now Understanding the Next
One of the most common pushbacks I get from some of my investing and economy-related articles is that the stock market isn’t the economy. To conflate the two could be a mistake. I agree since not everybody owns stocks. Therefore, not everybody…
Wondering how much to spend on vacation while being fiscally responsible and still having a good time? In this post, I offer a vacation spending guide to help you manage your spending responsibly without compromising on fun. I came up with this…
Have you ever feared running out of money? I have. This fear is why there’s a phenomenon called the “one more year syndrome,” where workers keep working to save more, even though they’ve run the numbers and know they have more than…
For over a decade, I’ve been witnessing a phenomenon that has left me scratching my head. A commenter will say how the economy is suffering and people are experiencing financial hardship. Then, when I ask them about their personal hardships, they say…
It’s fascinating how two people can interpret a single image so differently. The same holds true for how homeowners and renters perceive the current economy. According to all the data, it’s clear that the economy is robust. However, the degree of its…
I’ve now paid cash for a home twice: once for a fixer in 2019 and again for a fully remodeled home in 2023. In this post, I’d like to share some of the psychology of paying cash for a home. I know…
I believe in personal responsibility. So should you. If we take responsibility for our actions, we will end up wealthier and lead better lives. If you father a child, you had better step up and take care of your child until they…
Money is great, but it can also create awkwardness among friends, colleagues, or even strangers. In this post, I want to share an awkward money situation that dragged on for months. In the end, the money situation was resolved. However, it made…
If you want to invest in venture capital, I believe it’s more beneficial to invest in a venture capital fund than in individual private companies. By investing in a venture capital fund, you will not only decrease your chances of losing money…
With the New York Times article on Fat FIRE, I’ve been thinking a lot more about the repercussions of achieving financial independence and retiring early. One of those repercussions is that financial independence can turn you into stingy person who is unwilling…
Originally, I planned to title this post, “Getting Rich by Getting Lucky Doesn’t Feel So Good.” However, after some time, I realized that getting lucky actually feels better over time! This change in sentiment has profound socioeconomic implications, as it may lead…
Income taxes can hinder wealth creation. Fortunately, for Americans seeking to save on taxes, there are nine states without income tax where we can choose to reside. These states are listed below in alphabetical order: Alaska Florida New Hampshire Nevada South Dakota…
Understanding the fundamentals of personal finance is pivotal for kids to successfully launch into the world of adulting. Money skills are necessary to navigate effectively through everything from life’s humdrum day-to-day tasks to its elaborate complexities. Yet what surprises me is that…
On August 7, 2023, I received an email from Amy X. Wang, the assistant editor at the New York Times Magazine, inquiring about the modern-day FIRE movement and its Fat FIRE offshoot. Amy is a self-proclaimed FIRE enthusiast who has worked side…
One of my ongoing challenges as a writer is explaining financial concepts in an easy-to-understand manner. With a background in business school and 13 years at Goldman Sachs and Credit Suisse, financial concepts come naturally to me. Despite writing over 2,500 personal…
In October 2023, my passive income took a significant $150,000 hit, representing a decrease of 39%, following the purchase of a new house. It was funded by proceeds from selling public stocks and bonds. The decision to buy the house with cash…
Understanding how home prices fluctuate over time is one of the most intriguing insights gleaned from my post on the reasons behind property bidding wars. Learning how prices change will empower you to make more informed purchases in the future. I contend…
Well folks, as anticipated, bidding wars are back with a vengeance, at least here in San Francisco. If I were a real estate agent, I would never encourage my clients to engage in a bidding war. Winning such a war often leads…
Despite my extensive experience of 13 years working in international equities, living abroad for the same duration, and visiting approximately 60 countries, I don’t allocate much of my investments to international stocks. I believe the risk outweighs the potential reward, especially when…
My life has been filled with rejections, and I’ve finally come to embrace rejection as a natural part of life. To me, being rejected is akin to the urgent need to visit the bathroom after indulging in too much Taco Bell. The…
Amidst a recent whirlwind of car maintenance expenses with my trusty nine-year-old Range Rover Sport, I embarked on a quest to find the most budget-friendly car brands for long-term upkeep. With my finances feeling the pinch, I’m on a mission to squirrel…
Since middle school, I’ve embraced frugality, largely influenced by my parents’ thrifty habits. They drove aging cars, donned the same clothes for decades, and preferred water at restaurants. Today, I drive a nine-year-old car, opt to repair rather than replace my belongings,…
Contrary to popular belief, it’s not the Federal Reserve but the bond market that controls mortgage rates. The Federal Reserve regulates the Fed Funds rate, the overnight lending rate for banks, which sits at the shortest end of the yield curve. When…
I recently caught up with Ben Miller, CEO of Fundrise in person, about the Innovation Fund’s latest investments in private AI (artificial intelligence) companies. Since launching the open-ended venture capital fund in 2H 2022, the Innovation Fund has made a series of…
Recently, I received a capital distribution from a private real estate fund, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. The experience brought me both joy and relief, prompting me to share it in the hope that it might inspire you…
Unlike buying a primary residence, where I believe you should buy one as soon as you can afford to, purchasing a vacation property is a different matter. Nobody needs to buy a vacation property; it’s a luxury expense that everyone can do…
In 2007, I had a dream of taking my future family on a ski vacation. I was an avid snowboarder and my wife enjoyed the tranquility of Lake Tahoe. After receiving a good bonus, I bought a two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo at Everline…
Tipping has become increasingly pervasive, leaving many wondering how much to tip without feeling like a miser. To alleviate this dilemma, I’ve crafted a tipping guide to help you navigate gratuities with confidence. This guide not only suggests appropriate tip amounts but…
The rich are frequently criticized for not contributing their fair portion of taxes. However, when examining income taxes, it becomes evident that the wealthy actually contribute more than their fair share. Here’s a chart displaying the proportion of income taxes paid by…
After delving into the exorbitant prices of new luxury cars, I’ve come to the realization that a larger segment of the population is purchasing such vehicles than I initially thought. This trend poses a significant problem for those striving for financial freedom,…
During the global financial crisis in 2008 – 2009, I expected the San Francisco Property Assessor Office to automatically lower my property tax bill. After all, home prices had topped out at the end of 2006 and had declined about 5% a…
If you’re a book collector, I wanted to give you a heads up that the first print of the first edition of Buy This Not That is almost sold out. My editor at Portfolio Penguin informed me that the next print of…
Education is the key to freedom for all of us. Therefore, I’ve made the decision to pursue a doctorate degree instead of seeking a fancy tech job. Specifically, I plan to earn a Doctorate in Business Administration with a focus on real…
In 2002, at age 25, I foolishly bought a new luxury car, a Mercedes Benz G500. I had just gotten a raise and a promotion to Associate. Why not YOLO and feed my car addiction at the time? The G-Wagon cost $78,000…
Who stands to gain the most from the settlement reached with the National Association of Realtors regarding commission price collusion? The clear beneficiaries are residential real estate investors and owners. Why? Because they were the ones burdened with paying the so-called “standard”…
Now that I’m on a quest to save money and improve my cash flow, I’ve stumbled upon some new ways to save that I hadn’t really considered before. Let me share with you my latest realization about how good relationships can help…
If you’re aiming for a more cost-effective lifestyle, you might find it surprising that opting for a more expensive home over a median-priced one could be the way to go. While it may seem counterintuitive, let me explain. Since purchasing a pricier…
Lately, I’ve been pondering why I tend to have less admiration for men who claim to be retired but have a working spouse. Is it fueled by envy? It’s possible, considering I wouldn’t mind if my wife were the breadwinner, easing some…
Exciting news for homesellers and homebuyers! The National Association of Realtors (NAR) has reached a settlement in its lost $1.8+ billion lawsuit on price fixing and collusion, agreeing to pay $418 million in damages. This settlement marks a significant shift in the…
If you’ve been feeling down despite the apparent strength of the economy, I can relate. Despite stocks and real estate reaching near all-time highs, there seems to be a growing silent recession among Americans. Here are the primary reasons why I believe…
I’ve faced criticism for encouraging my wife to re-enter the workforce after she left in 2015. However, it’s important to clarify that she hasn’t been truly retired. Instead, she has been actively engaged as a full-time mom since 2017. In addition, she…
One of the most commonly asked questions I get is whether I had to make sacrifices in my pursuit of FIRE (financial independence and retire early). When they refer to sacrifices, what they really mean is whether I missed out on the…
Zillow recently released an intriguing study that outlines the income needed to afford a “typical home” in different cities. The study considers a 10% down payment and utilizes the Zillow Home Value Index to determine the median home price in each city.…
With cash flow running tight, I’ve embarked on a mission to trim unnecessary expenses from my budget. In times of surplus cash before my home purchase, I hadn’t scrutinized my expenses for years. It’s not that I was lazy about budgeting; instead,…
One of the most effective ways to build semi-passive income is to own your primary residence, live in it for several years, then rent it out and purchase a nicer property. If you’re aiming to retire early, over a 20-year career, you…
I might have made a significant error by disseminating incorrect information about what constitutes a top 1% net worth in America today. Over the years, I relied on data from the U.S. Survey Of Consumer Finances, released every three years by the…
Now that cash flow is tight, I’ve reviewed all the expenses where I could potentially cut. One such expense is a private sports club membership. I joined the club in February 2023 when it was raining nonstop for three months. I was…
For those of you who are looking to upgrade homes, let me tell you a sad truth. I climbed to the top of the property ladder with my latest home purchase, and after four months, I feel no happier. Whenever someone would…
In 2009, I established my first rule of FIRE: generate enough passive income to cover your basic living expenses. Once achieved, you attain financial independence and the freedom to pursue your desires. Since then, various permutations of FIRE have emerged, one of…
After receiving significant criticism for my post, Embrace Living Paycheck-To-Paycheck To One Day Be Free, I find myself contemplating the existence of a net worth level that brings about serenity and inner peace, prohibiting one from feeling troubled. Is there a financial…
I once encountered an actor in Paris who had secured minor roles in significant films, courtesy of his friendship with Leonardo DiCaprio. Despite having the opportunity to continue with these smaller roles due to his connections, his pride led him to pursue…
Living paycheck-to-paycheck is one of the most unpleasant financial experiences. Not only does it mean needing to spend everything you have to make ends meet, it also creates an ongoing feeling of despair. You might even have to get into debt to…
Money is great. Money provides freedom. But you will always regret sacrificing love for money. When you get older, you will realize how true this statement really is if you haven’t found someone. Life is simply not as fun if you don’t…
Our first visit to the emergency room unfolded three years ago when our daughter displayed signs of anaphylaxis due to a food allergy. Unsure of what steps to take, we dialed 911, which led to an ambulance arriving promptly to transport us…
A common suggestion people have made to help me regain my financial independence is to move to a cheaper area of the country or the world to save money. I’ve resisted relocating so far because I believe the excitement of living in…
In general, the longer you stay invested, the greater your chance of making money. To help you maintain a long-term investment approach, it’s imperative to develop an investment thesis. Drawing from my experience in investing since 1995, it’s quite easy to get…
During my time living abroad, about 90% of my friends were fluent in a second language besides English. This high percentage was expected, given that most of my classmates at the International School of Kuala Lumpur and Taipei American School were foreigners,…
I’ve been documenting my journey in Financial Independence Retire Early (FIRE) since July 2009. To the best of my knowledge, I can’t identify any other blogger who commenced their FIRE journey earlier, is still currently retired or unemployed, and has maintained a…
After publishing my post on no longer being financially independent, several media outlets picked up the story and thousands of comments on their respective platforms ensued. The main criticism was that my expenses were way too high and that I am greedy.…
My family and I could have been set for life. Instead, due to my inability to beat back real estate FOMO, I blew up our passive income. And because our passive income is now much lower, we are no longer financially independent.…
In 2017 and 2019, I superfunded two 529 plans for my two children. Since then, my wife and my parents have also regularly contributed to the two college savings plans. You would think with all this aggressive saving, I would feel confident…
When my kids were born, I made a promise to be a stay-at-home father for the first five years of each of their lives. Mission accomplished with my son in April 2022. But there’s still some time to go before my daughter…
In December 2016, I purchased a 2015 Range Rover Sport with 10,800 miles. At the time, I had been driving a Honda Fit but sought a larger vehicle as my wife was expecting in early 2017. During the purchase, the option to…
In a compelling TikTok video, Brittany Pietsch chronicles her own experience of being laid off at Cloudflare, a publicly-traded tech company. The call involves an HR (Human Resources) representative named Rosie and another man, presumably also from HR. The man begins by…
At the end of 2023, feeling burnt out and in need of a peaceful environment to work on my book, I opted for a wellness retreat lasting just one day. Instead of spending $2,000 a night at a wellness center in the…
In this episode, I interview Ben Miller, the CEO of Fundrise, discussing his revised perspective on the real estate market for 2024 and beyond. The year 2023 posed challenges for institutional real estate investors, marked by 11 rate hikes and a significant…
While I consider myself frugal, there are instances where saving money isn’t worth the additional time investment. Let me share a story illustrating how excessive frugality cost me my health, productivity, and happiness. Recently, we decided to attend Monster Jam for the…
On Jan 2, 2024, Claudine Gay resigned as the president of Harvard University amid public outcry over her failure to support the safety of Jews on campus before Congress and allegations of approximately 50 counts of plagiarism. As an author and blogger,…
Everyone aspires to be a self-made millionaire, but surprisingly, there are fewer self-made millionaires than commonly thought. Before finding out the answer, what percentage of millionaires do you think are self-made with no inheritance or significant financial help from their parents or…
In 2024, I am transitioning from a spender to a saver mindset. I am returning to frugal habits reminiscent of my lifestyle in the first thirteen years after college. This change is prompted by the need to rebuild liquidity. One area I’m…
Happy new year everyone! For 2024, my theme of the year is, “One last year of intense focus.” This marks my 15th year running Financial Samurai, coinciding with both my children starting full-time school in September. Fatigue has set in, reminiscent of…
I’ve been writing year-in-review posts for over a decade now. It’s a rewarding way to document what went well and where I can improve. While 2023 brought more failures than wins, being alive and healthy fills me with gratitude. My theme for…
At the end of every year, I highlight the best posts and podcasts on Financial Samurai. Determining the “best” of Financial Samurai is both objective and subjective. For those new here, I started this site in July 2009, at the depths of…
With stocks again near record highs, it’s a good idea to find ways to spend some of your stock market gains. Owning stocks provides no utility or inherent joy (unless you’re a lover of money itself), so we must sell on occasion…
Now that I’ve published the 2024 S&P 500 predictions, let’s look at the 2024 housing market predictions by various industry experts. The forecast for 2024 home prices ranges from -1.7% to +4.1%. Real estate is my favorite asset class to build wealth.…
After a bull market in 2023, let’s look at the 2024 Wall Street forecasts for the S&P 500. Overall, the 2024 S&P 500 targets range from 4,200 to 5,500, implying returns between -8.1% and +20.3% from 4,559. Obviously, anything can happen between…
The end of the year is always the best time to reflect and plan. I’d like to share several financial moves you should make before the new year in order to protect your wealth and hopefully grow your wealth in a risk-adjusted manner…
House rich, cash poor is when you have a lot of equity in your house but not a lot of cash. For whatever reason, a homeowner has untapped equity in their property but is unwilling or unable to withdraw it. Due to excessive…
In my post, the percentage of homeowners who pay cash, a reader asked my opinion on having home insurance for paid-off properties. Paid off properties include a property you purchased with all cash or a property you own after paying off the…
While watching some competitive 5.0 tennis, a top 1% level, I suddenly started to reflect on why the window of opportunity that many of us have is smaller than we think. From 2015 until 2021, I played at the 5.0 level. I…
Anticipating future trends can lead to smart investments. Drawing from my 20 years of real estate investing experience, I expect bidding wars to resurge in the housing market in 2024 and beyond. The main reasons for the return of bidding wars in…
