The Financial Samurai Podcast

When you can borrow money at a negative real interest rate and invest in a guaranteed positive real return, you've got it made! Let's discuss this fascinating scenario for investors. Posts Mentioned: I Bond Returns Negative Real Mortgage Rates

CEO of Better.com Vishal Garg said 250 of the 900 people he laid off were stealing from him and his clients by only working two hours a day. Is slacking off considered stealing if you are getting your work done? My wife and I discuss. Relevant posts: The Best Time To Work Is During A Pandemic In Search For The Two-Hour Work Day The Top 10 Worst Times To Retire  

Investing in two target-date funds for my children's 529 plans has cost me over $30,000 so far in lost profits. Here are some downsides to target-date funds and who should invest in target-date funds.  Mentioned post: The Problem With Target Date Funds Historical Returns Of Different Stock And Bond Portfolio Weightings Different Investing Strategies For Different Life Stages Recommended 529 Plan Amounts By Age

Although inflation is at its highest rate in 30 years, inflation should normalize in 2022 and beyond. Instead, we should start worrying about a boom BUST cycle due to excess supply in the future.  Posts mentioned: Cities Most At Risk Of A Housing Downturn

In a bull market, it's easy to get carried away. Just be careful not to think you're an investing genius when it's really the bull market that is helping you make winning investments.  Work on building your strong mind for more financial security. It's your ultimate secret weapon!  Posts mentioned:  https://www.financialsamurai.com/the-ultimate-source-of-financial-security-your-strong-mind/ https://www.financialsamurai.com/perpetual-failure-the-reason-why-i-continue-to-save-so-much/

We only have about a 20-year window to own the nicest house we can afford. After this 20-year window closes, it will likely be shut forever. If you're looking to buy a nicer home, let's explore when we should spend the most money on where we live. Posts Mentioned: Primary Residence As A Percentage Of Net Worth Guide How A Big Expensive House Can Ruin Your Life The Best Time To Own The Nicest House You Can Afford

There is a tremendous amount of data that can help you make better investment decisions. One strategy I used was the FS20 guide for property buying. Another interesting data source is the Yelp Economic Average report for buying stocks. Let's discuss! Posts mentioned: The FS20 Property Indicator For Buyers Health And Fitness Stocks: The Last Reopening Trade  

Social Security is our national pension fund that is underfunded by about 22%. With a massive cost-of-living adjustment in 2022, Social Security actually robs from poorer generations to give to the wealthiest generation of all time! Let's discuss why Social Security is actually turning out better than expected and how we should change our retirement planning.  Posts mentioned: Social Security Cost Of Living Adjustments $3 Million Is The New $1 Million The New Three-Legged Stool In Retirement

I've thought a lot about doing a Roth IRA conversion lately given it might go away in 2022 and beyond. But I've come to the conclusion that for most people, converting to a Roth IRA won't save you any taxes. Instead, contribute to a Roth IRA when you can and just keep your traditional IRA and other retirement vehicles. Here's the analysis. See post for more: A Roth IRA Conversion Is Probably A Waste Of Time And Money Opening A Roth IRA For Your Kids Is A No Brainer Living A Middle Class Lifestyle On $300,000 A Year

As a public school graduate and parent, the debate between public school versus private school is fascinating. I think for the vast majority of people, going to public school and handing your kid a $1 million check upon graduation is the way to go. Posts mentioned: https://www.financialsamurai.com/why-public-schools-will-rank-higher-than-private-schools/ https://www.financialsamurai.com/the-wide-implications-of-the-college-admissions-bribery-scandal/ https://www.financialsamurai.com/accept-1000000-to-attend-public-school-over-private-school/  

Is the grass greener on the other side? Maybe! But it sure seems like work is awesome for knowledge workers during the pandemic. I discuss this topic with my wife. We'll talk about public school rankings later! Posts mentioned: Working During A Pandemic How To Convince Your Spouse To Work Longer So You Can Retire Earlier

Are you feeling less and less motivated to work because your investment returns are surpassing your active income? Let's discuss the crossover point where spending any amount of time working no longer makes sense. I've talked to regular income-earning folks and folks making millions a year. The growing feeling of apathy towards work is the same! Post: When Investment Returns Are Greater Than Active Income

If you dare to publicly think ahead, you may be beaten over the head. However, it's important to always plan for the future and forecast how things might turn out if you want to build greater wealth and happiness.  Come up with a Blue Sky, Realistic, and Bear Case model. You won't be able to forecast all the events that will happen in the world. But if you plan ahead, you will be better prepared to capitalize. It's your life at stake. Posts mentioned: Proper Safe Withdrawal Rate To Get Rich, Practice Predicting The Future Strong Reasons To Hire A Financial Advisor

Although the U.S. housing market is very strong, there's a likelihood prices could go up even further if it gets as hot as the Canadian housing market.  International investors and a self-realization by Americans are the two X factors that could cause the U.S. housing market to jump by another 30% - 75%. Why should Canada have all the fun! Posts Mentioned U.S. Housing Market Upside If Compared To Canada U.S. Real Estate Market: One Of The Cheapest In The World

Investors have gotten surprisingly much wealthier since the pandemic began. Therefore, it's important to protect your assets with an umbrella policy. If you haven't updated your umbrella policy in several years, you are likely underinsured for liability and lawsuits. See: Your Umbrella Policy Needs To Be Updated

The ideal time to contribute to a Roth IRA is when you're young and poor. In other words, if you're a student and in your 20s earning less than the maximum income limit, you should be contributing. However, if you're about the 22% federal marginal income tax rate, it's a push. Tax diversification in retirement is important!  https://www.financialsamurai.com/disadvantages-of-the-roth-ira-not-all-is-what-it-seems/ https://www.financialsamurai.com/never-contribute-to-roth-ira/

The housing market is hot, hot, hot! Even though I think with 80% certainly that the housing market will continue to go up every year for the next three years, there's still a 20% chance it could correct. Let me share what happens if you buy a home at the top of the market. If you decide to buy today, make sure you following my 30/30/3 home buying rule! Posts: https://www.financialsamurai.com/what-if-you-buy-a-home-at-the-top-of-the-market-and-a-recession-hits/ https://www.financialsamurai.com/three-home-buying-rules-for-all-to-follow/ https://www.financialsamurai.com/why-the-housing-market-wont-crash/  

The retirement philosophy you follow will determine whether you agree with the 4% rule or the Financial Samurai Safe Withdrawal Rate Rule. Posts mentioned: Two Retirement Philosophies To Think About The Proper Safe Withdrawal Rate

Once you have housing FOMO, there's no escape. Your housing FOMO tends to increase dramatically after having kids. Beware! Related post: Why Real Estate Will Always Be More Desirable Than Stocks

Here are 15 reasons why the housing market won't crash. I predict high single-digit price appreciation for the next three years. Stay long and strong.