Podcast
BiggerPockets Money Podcast
Hosted by BiggerPockets · EN
Intermediate to advanced personal finance strategies for people serious about the FIRE (financial independence retire early) movement—not just dreaming about it.
Tune in on Tuesdays and Fridays for new BiggerPockets Money episodes with your hosts, Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench! Or visit BiggerPocketsMoney.com with additional resources.
203episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
How to Negotiate Your Salary and Reach Financial Independence Faster | Paula Pant
Jan 2001:00:30Summary readyWant to reach financial independence faster? The quickest path isn't extreme frugality—it's earning more. And that starts with salary negotiation. Paula Pant from the Afford Anything podcast joins Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench to break down exactly how to negotiate your salary, whether you're asking for a raise, negotiating a job offer, or realizing you're chronically underpaid. Paula shares her personal negotiation journey, the strategies that worked (and what didn't), and the mindset shifts that helped her confidently ask for more. This Episode Covers: Paula Pant's personal salary negotiation experiences and lessons learned How to determine your true market value (beyond salary surveys) Understanding the employer's perspective in negotiations BATNA (Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement) and why it's your secret weapon Daily negotiation practice: building the skill in low-stakes situations Using scorecards and performance reviews to document your value Perfect timing for asking for a raise (and when NOT to ask) How to set yourself up for a promotion before you ask Negotiating strategies in tough job markets and recessions Aligning your incentives with your employer's goals Whether you're early in your career, a seasoned professional, or someone who's never negotiated before, Paula's practical advice will help you earn more and reach financial independence faster. Every successful negotiation adds years of compounding returns to your FIRE timeline. Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter: www.biggerpocketsmoney.com Want to be a guest on the show? Apply here: https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/contact/ Get 50% Off Your First Year of Monarch by using code ‘Pockets’: https://www.monarchmoney.com/ Connect with Paula Pant: Website: https://affordanything.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulapant Connect with Scott and Mindy: Scott: https://www.instagram.com/scott_trench/ Mindy: https://www.instagram.com/_mindyatbp/ Follow BiggerPockets Money on Social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biggerpocketsmoney/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
SummaryReached FI at 60: How to Switch from Accumulation to Drawdown with Bill Yount
Jan 1600:53:07Summary readyYou've hit financial independence—now what? How do you actually start spending the money you've spent years accumulating? Bill Yount reached FI at 60 after a 10-year journey, and he's figured out the answer. Bill shares his complete decumulation strategy—the detailed plan he built with a flat-fee financial advisor to transition from wealth building to wealth preservation. This isn't just theory; Bill is actively living this plan and stress-testing it in real time. This Episode Covers: Bill achieving financial independence at age 60 The psychological shift from saving to spending after a decade of accumulation How to build a comprehensive drawdown plan (and why Bill hired help) Working with a flat-fee financial advisor vs. AUM advisors Portfolio rebalancing when transitioning to retirement Risk parity strategy and how it fits into retirement portfolios Stress-testing your financial plan: running scenarios to ensure you won't run out Social security timing decisions and optimization Retirement withdrawal strategies: the 4% rule and alternatives How much to actually spend in early retirement Helping your kids build wealth without jeopardizing your own retirement Financial independence for late starters: proof it's not too late after 50 Managing the emotional transition from accumulation to distribution phase Investment strategy changes in decumulation If you're approaching FI, already there and uncertain about spending, or starting your FIRE journey later in life, Bill's practical, well-planned approach shows you exactly how to transition from building wealth to confidently living off it. Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter: www.biggerpocketsmoney.com Want to be a guest on the show? Apply here: https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/contact/ Get 50% Off Your First Year of Monarch by using code ‘Pockets’: https://www.monarchmoney.com/ Connect with Bill Yount: Website: https://catchinguptofi.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catchinguptofi/ Connect with Scott and Mindy: Scott: https://www.instagram.com/scott_trench/ Mindy: https://www.instagram.com/_mindyatbp/ Follow BiggerPockets Money on Social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biggerpocketsmoney/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
SummaryBroke and in Debt at 50? How to Still Retire On-Time (Step-by-Step Plan)
Jan 1301:08:28Summary readyYou're in your 50s, $50,000 in debt, and retirement at 65 feels impossible. We made this episode for you. Today, Mindy and Scott spell out the exact step-by-step plan to go from $50K in debt to a million-dollar retirement—even if you're starting over in your fifties. Meet Nancy: a recently divorced stay-at-home mom reentering the workforce with significant debt and zero savings. Her story represents millions of people starting over financially in their fifties due to divorce, job loss, or never having saved for retirement. But Nancy's situation isn't hopeless—and neither is yours. This Episode Covers: Nancy's starting point: $50K in debt, no savings, reentering the workforce in her 50s The debt payoff strategy for people who are catching up to FI and how to prioritize which debts to tackle first Income optimization tactics for your 50s: negotiating salary, side hustles, and career pivots Smart expense cuts that don't feel like deprivation Which retirement accounts to prioritize when you're behind (401k, IRA, HSA strategy) Balancing debt payoff with retirement savings: when to do both simultaneously The real numbers: how much Nancy needs to save monthly to hit $1 million by 65 Investment strategy for people with a shorter timeline to retirement Why it's never too late—and the mindset shifts that make comeback possible Don't give up on retirement—let's show you how to catch up! Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter: www.biggerpocketsmoney.com Want to be a guest on the show? Apply here: https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/contact/ Get 50% Off Your First Year of Monarch by using code ‘Pockets’: https://www.monarchmoney.com/ Connect with Scott and Mindy: Scott: https://www.instagram.com/scott_trench/ Mindy: https://www.instagram.com/_mindyatbp/ Follow BiggerPockets Money on Social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biggerpocketsmoney/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
SummaryHow to Reach Coast FIRE (The Relaxed Way to Retire!)
Jan 900:51:07Summary readyWhat if you didn't have to save 70% of your income to retire early? What if you could hit a number in your 30s, ease off the gas, and still reach financial independence—without sacrificing your present life? That's Coast FIRE, and today's guest Andy Hill is the perfect example of how it works in real life. Andy hit his Coast FIRE number in his late thirties, left his corporate job at 40, and now runs a successful part-time business that supports his family of four while giving him total control over his time. In this conversation, Andy breaks down his journey from W2 employee to entrepreneur, the specific Coast FIRE calculations that gave him confidence to leave, and how he built a business that prioritizes family first, income second. This Episode Covers: What Coast FIRE actually is and how it's different from traditional FIRE Andy's path from corporate employee to hitting his Coast FIRE number in his late 30s How Andy built the confidence to leave his W2 job at 40 Transitioning from employee to entrepreneur while supporting a family of four Building a part-time business that generates enough income without the corporate grind How Coast FIRE allows you to prioritize family and lifestyle now (not just in retirement) Key lessons from Andy's book 'Own Your Time' How to structure your life around what matters most If traditional FIRE feels too extreme or you're tired of delaying life for decades, Coast FIRE might be the strategy you've been looking for. Andy's story proves you can have financial independence AND a life you love today. Connect with Andy Hill: Social: https://www.instagram.com/marriagekidsandmoney Website: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/ Pre-Order ‘Own Your Time’ Now: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book/ Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter: www.biggerpocketsmoney.com Follow BiggerPockets Money on Social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biggerpocketsmoney/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
SummaryHow to Retire Early: A 15-Year Plan to Go from $1,000 to FIRE
Jan 600:49:57Summary readyWhat if you're doing FIRE in the wrong order? Most people chasing financial independence are following steps that actually slow them down—and it could be costing you years of freedom. In this episode, Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench break down the exact step by step order for achieving FIRE as fast as possible. Whether you're just starting with your first emergency fund or you're already maxing out retirement accounts and wondering what's next, this episode gives you the complete roadmap. You'll learn which financial moves to prioritize, which to skip, and how to avoid the "middle-class trap" that kills most early retirement dreams before they happen. This Episode Covers: The correct financial order of operations for FIRE (step-by-step from $0 to early retirement) Which retirement accounts to fund first (401k, IRA, Roth, HSA strategy) High-interest debt payoff strategy that accelerates FIRE When to start investing in taxable brokerage accounts How to add real estate and cash-flowing investments to your FIRE plan Mistakes that cost people years on their path to FIRE If you're confused about what to do next on your FIRE journey, this is your complete checklist. No more guessing—just the fastest, most efficient path to financial independence. Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter: www.biggerpocketsmoney.com Want to be a guest on the show? Apply here: www.biggerpocketsmoney.com/contact/ Follow BiggerPockets Money on Social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biggerpocketsmoney/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
SummaryHow to Use AI to Reach Financial Independence Faster
Jan 200:31:25Summary readyAI is revolutionizing how we build wealth and achieve financial independence. In this episode, Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench break down exactly how to use AI tools to accelerate your path to FI—from automating budgets and analyzing investments to generating income streams and optimizing your financial strategy. Discover which AI tools actually work for personal finance, how AI is changing job markets and earning potential, and practical ways to leverage this technology today. Whether you're new to AI or already experimenting, learn how to use artificial intelligence as your secret weapon for reaching financial freedom faster. This Episode Covers: How AI tools can accelerate your path to financial independence Practical AI applications for budgeting and personal finance management Using AI for investment research and strategy development AI-powered income generation and side hustle opportunities How AI is changing job markets and what it means for your career Real risks and limitations of AI in financial decision-making Future trends in AI and personal finance How to stay ahead in the AI revolution without getting overwhelmed Whether you're an AI skeptic or enthusiast, you'll walk away with actionable ways to use this technology to reach your financial goals faster. Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter: www.biggerpocketsmoney.com Follow BiggerPockets Money on Social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biggerpocketsmoney/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
SummaryScott Builds Four Portfolios with Four Different Strategies ($40k Experiment)
Dec 3000:42:40Summary readyIn this episode of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast with Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench, Scott builds four different investment portfolios using real money, each account starting with $10,000 and employing different strategies. Scott invests in an index fund, a 60/40 stock-bond portfolio, a risk parity portfolio, and a unique actively managed thesis. Follow along as they discuss the rationale, mechanics, and expected outcomes of these investments. NOTE: This episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is NOT professional investment advice. Brokerage services provided by Open to the Public Investing Inc, member FINRA & SIPC. Investing involves risk. Experience of this investor may not be representative of other customers. Past performance does not guarantee future results, and investment values may rise or fall. At Public earn an uncapped 1% bonus when you transfer your portfolio with: www.Public.com/BPM Subscribe to the FREE 31 Day Challenge Starting on January 1st: www.biggerpocketsmoney.com/31days Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter: www.biggerpocketsmoney.com Want to be a guest on the show? Apply here: https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/contact/ Get 50% Off Your First Year of Monarch by using code ‘Pockets’: https://www.monarchmoney.com/ Connect with Scott and Mindy: Scott: https://www.instagram.com/scott_trench/ Mindy: https://www.instagram.com/_mindyatbp/ Follow BiggerPockets Money on Social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biggerpocketsmoney/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
SummaryWhich Path to Financial Independence Is Faster? Sell or Rent?
Dec 2600:48:16Summary readyShould you turn your primary home into a rental property or sell it when you move? It's one of the biggest financial decisions homeowners face, and in this episode, Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench are helping Alyssa and John figure out the answer. This couple is relocating and facing a dilemma: they have a home with a low mortgage rate that could generate rental income, but they're also craving simplicity and wondering if selling would accelerate their path to financial independence. Alyssa and John open up about their complete financial picture, investment portfolio, and long-term FI goals as Scott and Mindy crunch the numbers and weigh the options. This Episode Covers: The financial pros and cons of converting your primary residence into a rental property How to analyze rental property cash flow and return on investment Tax implications of selling vs. renting out your home The impact of low mortgage rates on the rent vs. sell decision Lifestyle considerations: being a long-distance landlord and property management challenges How rental income affects your path to financial independence Real numbers breakdown: Alyssa and John's complete financial analysis Property management costs and whether DIY landlording is worth it How to make smarter real estate decisions during major life transitions And SO much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
SummaryHow to Set FIRE Goals and Actually Achieve Them (2026)
Dec 2300:36:33Summary readyEpisode #704 ~~~ Download the Goal Setting Document: www.biggerpocketsmoney.com/resources ~~~ Subscribe to the 31 Day Challenge: www.biggerpocketsmoney.com/31days ~~~ Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter: www.biggerpocketsmoney.com ~~~ Want to be a guest on the show? Apply here: https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/contact/ ~~~ Get 50% Off Your First Year of Monarch by using code ‘Pockets’: https://www.monarchmoney.com/ ~~~ Connect with Scott and Mindy: Scott: https://www.instagram.com/scott_trench/ Mindy: https://www.instagram.com/_mindyatbp/ ~~~ Follow BiggerPockets Money on Social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biggerpocketsmoney/ ~~~ Learn how to set and achieve your 2026 goals in this episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast with hosts Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench. In this episode, Mindy and Scott review their 2025 achievements and create actionable plans for 2026, covering everything from family milestones and fitness goals to business ventures and financial targets. You'll discover proven goal-setting techniques, strategic planning frameworks, and practical tips for turning New Year's resolutions into real results. What You'll Learn: Strategic goal-setting frameworks for personal, financial, and professional growth How to set realistic yet ambitious goals for 2026 Accountability strategies to actually achieve your resolutions Real examples of personal finance goals and wealth-building plans How to track progress and adjust goals throughout the year And SO much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
SummaryHow to Track Your Path to FI in 2026 (Step-by-Step Guide)
Dec 1900:24:39Summary readyReady to take control of your finances in 2026? Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench are breaking down one of the most powerful tools for financial success: the personal financial statement. Think of it as your complete financial snapshot—tracking your net worth, cash flow, assets, and liabilities all in one place. The best part? They're giving you a free comprehensive spreadsheet to make it ridiculously easy. This Episode Covers: What a personal financial statement is and why it's essential for reaching your 2026 FI goals How to calculate your net worth and track it over time Step-by-step instructions for filling out your financial statement spreadsheet Organizing your assets and liabilities in one powerful location Using cash flow analysis to understand where your money goes Tips for serious financial planning with your completed statement Access to the free comprehensive spreadsheet template at BiggerPocketsMoney.com/resources Mindy and Scott's recommended budgeting software, Monarch Money (use code 'Pockets' for 50% off Your First Year) Whether you're just starting out or ready to level up your money game, this episode gives you the foundation you need. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Summary