BiggerPockets Money Podcast
The BiggerPockets Money Podcast offers intermediate to advanced personal finance strategies for those serious about the FIRE (financial independence retire early) movement. Hosted by Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench, the show releases new episodes on Tuesdays and Fridays. It provides practical advice and insights to help listeners achieve financial independence and retire early.
Episodes
The Bear Case vs The Bull Case for Megacap Tech
In this episode of The BiggerPockets Money Podcast, hosts Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench are joined by special guest Carl Jensen to explore the bull and bear cases for megacap stocks, the future of AI, and what rapid technological advancement could mean for investors and the broader economy. They break down tech valuations, surging AI investment, market concentration, the potential for AI to transf
What to Know Before Hiring a Financial Advisor
How do you choose the right financial advisor? Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench explain what to look for when hiring a financial planner, including AUM vs. flat-fee vs. hourly compensation, CFP credentials, fiduciary status, advisor qualifications, questions to ask, and how to prepare for your first meeting.
If you're considering working with a financial advisor, this episode will help you understan
How Scott & Virginia Trench Think About Goals, Spending and Investing
How do Scott and Virginia Trench actually run their household, set big financial goals, and build toward financial independence together? In this episode, Scott and Virginia pull back the curtain on the systems and conversations that keep their family, finances, and future moving in the same direction.
They talk about their approach to goal setting, weekly household and financial check-ins, divid
REITs Have Under Performed for 25 Years. Is the Next Decade Different?
REITs have underperformed for 25 years, but could the next decade be different? Jussi Askola joins us to look at where REITs stand today, how they are valued, and where investors may find the best opportunities.
We discuss how to value REITs using NAV and FFO, why management quality matters, and which sectors look most attractive, including data centers, cell towers, multifamily, retail, and offi
Can This 29-Year-Old Couple Retire by 40 With a $2.5M Portfolio?
Can a 29-year-old couple with a $1.7 million net worth become work optional by age 40? In this Finance Friday episode, we break down their financial plan after inheriting two rental properties and explore the biggest decision they face: keep investing in real estate, leverage their equity, or shift toward index funds?
We analyze their rental property cash flow, portfolio allocation, tax strategie
There's No "Right" Way to Reach Financial Independence
In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast, hosts Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench react to the biggest takeaways and criticisms from Mindy's recent episode with The Money Guys. Mindy shares her perspective on the conversation, clears up misconceptions, and discusses what financial independence really means from her point of view.
The discussion also explores the judgment that often exists w
The 5 FIRE Mistakes CFPs See Over and Over
On this episode of BiggerPockets Money, hosts Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench sit down with Adrianna Adams, CFP at Domain Money, to discuss some of the biggest mistakes people make on the path to financial independence and early retirement. From chasing the perfect FIRE number to overlooking liquidity and tax planning, Adriana shares the lessons she's learned helping clients build wealth and confide
This ALL OUT Entrepreneurial Approach to FI Got him to $5M by 30
On this episode of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast, hosts Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench sit down with Cody Berman to uncover how he achieved financial independence before age 30 and built a $5 million net worth through entrepreneurship, side hustles, real estate investing, stock market investing, and multiple income streams. Cody shares the mindset, strategies, and lessons that accelerated his pat
The "Middle Class Trap" Is Real—But We Need a Better Name
What is the Middle Class Trap, and how can high earners avoid it on the path to financial independence? In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast hosts, Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench explain why maximizing income isn't always enough and how smart tax planning can dramatically improve your after-tax wealth. They explore how strategies like Roth conversions, maximizing your 401(k), and thou
Yes, the Trump Account Belongs in your Financial Order of Operations. Here’s Where.
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
The Money Guys Gave Us Advice… Here’s What We’re Changing
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 fina
Should You Choose Coast FI or Go All In on FIRE?
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 strategi
The Money Guys Help us Escape Our 401k Tax Trap
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 cla
Is My Spending Reasonable? This Data Set Will Tell You
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 expla
Why $500K Is More Important Than $1 Million (Coast FIRE)
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
Should You Stay for the Military Pension? The Math Might Surprise You
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
The Best Early Retirement Withdrawal Strategy (6 Proven Frameworks)
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. Whe
Has the FIRE Number Gone from $1M to $2.5M?
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, h
Is Investing Ethical? How to Invest Without Compromising Your Values
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 tobacc
The Ultimate Guide to Healthcare Costs for FIRE
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 healthcar
Mortgage Rates Jumping from 4% to 8%: What Should This Investor Do?
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, a
The Financial Independence Step Most People Forget: Estate Planning
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'r
Katie Wants to Quit Her Job. Can They Afford It?
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.
Whe
What to Do When Most of Your Wealth Is in Company Stock
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 dec
Reach Financial Independence Faster: Backdoor & Mega Backdoor Roth Explained
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, a
The Fastest Path to Financial Independence Isn't What You Think | Mrs. Dow Jones
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, avo
10 Ways to Massively Increase Your Net Worth in One Year (Median Salary)
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
How to Build an Investment Strategy for Financial Independence
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 withdraw
6 Simple Steps to Financial Independence
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 ov
Ben Felix Critiques FIRE… And Then Makes the Case for 100% Equities in FIRE
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 fru
The Biggest Portfolio Mistakes FIRE Investors Make
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 buildin
How Kyle Built a $4M Real Estate Portfolio Making Less Than $40K
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 m
Your FIRE Number Is Probably Wrong — Here’s Why
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
Is Small Cap Value Worth It? Ben Felix Explains the Truth About AVUV & Factor Investing
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 u
How the Top 1% Are Investing in 2026 (Real Portfolio Data)
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 investo
The Messy Middle of Financial Independence (How to Stay Motivated)
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 increa
From $69K Debt to Financial Independence in NYC
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 financ
Paula Pant Quit Her Job with $25K (Now She’s FI in NYC)
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
She Retired at 39… After Moving to New York City
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 intentio
Coast FI by 30 in a HCOL City (Here’s How He’s Doing it)
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
9 Things No One Tells You About Financial Independence
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 q
How This Teacher Reached Financial Independence with Rentals
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 achi
Retiring Early in 5 Years? Do THIS First
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-overloo
How She Quit Full-Time Work at 27 Without Millions (Coast FI)
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 enjoyin
Can He Retire in 10 Years? (We Ran the Numbers)
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, portfoli
How Tiffany Aliche Went from Rock Bottom to Millionaire
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 o
The Hidden Systems Great CEOs Use Every Day
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 be
How Middle-Class Families Can Retire On Time Without Burning Out
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 reso
Why the Last 3 Years Before Early Retirement Matter Most
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,
The 13 Biggest Financial Independence Mistakes (That Delay FIRE by Years)
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
How He’ll Hit $500K by 30 (Coast FI Plan)
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
The Middle Class Trap: Why $750,000 Doesn't Feel Like Enough (Financial Plan)
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 Mi
Does More Money REALLY Buy Happiness? | Matt Killingsworth
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
From $15,000 to Financial Independence Through Real Estate
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 constru
Can You Reach Financial Independence on a Median Income?
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 acc
Cruising to FIRE in Her 40s (After Living Pay Check to Pay Check!)
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 discipli
AVUV vs VTSAX: Why Small Cap Value Could Outperform
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 s
Paul Merriman’s 4-Step Portfolio Strategy for Long-Term Wealth
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 New FIRE? Why Time Freedom Beats Early Retirement
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
The Ultimate Guide to Finding Your Ideal Side Hustle
How do you choose a side hustle that actually makes money instead of wasting your time? In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast Nick Loper from Side Hustle Nation breaks down exactly how to find the right opportunity by aligning your skills and interests with real market demand.
Whether you're looking for low-skill options to get started or high-paying side hustles that don't require
Debate: AUM vs Flat Fee Which is Better?
In this episode of the BiggerPocketsMoney podcast, Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench host Ryan Sterling, CEO of NerdWallet Wealth Partners, to discuss the nuances of different financial advisor compensation structures. Whether you're planning your financial future or evaluating advisors, understanding these models can help you make informed decisions that align with your goals.
This Episode Covers:
How We Built a $1M Net Worth by 32 (Step-by-Step Breakdown)
Trevor and his wife reached a $1 million net worth by age 32 and are on track to achieve financial independence well before 40. In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast, hosts Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench chat with Trevor about his unconventional journey involving strategic career moves, real estate investments, and leveraging corporate benefits. Learn how Trevor went from a $1,000 net
The 4% Rule Was Never Designed for FIRE’s Healthcare Reality
The 4% rule has a major flaw: it doesn't account for healthcare costs. If you're planning to retire early, health insurance premiums will rise sharply as you age—from your 30s through your 60s before Medicare kicks in at 65. This isn't speculation; it's how the U.S. healthcare system works under the ACA.
On this episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast, Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench break down
The Major MONEY Milestones To Hit By EVERY Decade!
Are you on track to achieve financial independence? In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast, Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench outline the essential financial milestones for your 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s. Learn the net worth benchmarks and financial habits that will set you up for a successful journey to financial freedom in EVERY decade. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine
The Proven Path to Financial Independence by 44
Should you retire the second you hit financial independence, or is there value in working just a little longer? Steven faced this exact decision at 40 and chose to work four more years. The result? He added $1 million to his net worth and entered retirement at 44 with $3.5 million and a bulletproof plan.
In this conversation, Steven shares his complete early retirement strategy, including why he
How to Negotiate Your Salary and Reach Financial Independence Faster | Paula Pant
Want 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 he
Reached FI at 60: How to Switch from Accumulation to Drawdown with Bill Yount
You'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;
Broke and in Debt at 50? How to Still Retire On-Time (Step-by-Step Plan)
You'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 represe
How to Reach Coast FIRE (The Relaxed Way to Retire!)
What 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
How to Retire Early: A 15-Year Plan to Go from $1,000 to FIRE
What 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 ou
How to Use AI to Reach Financial Independence Faster
AI 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 mark
Scott Builds Four Portfolios with Four Different Strategies ($40k Experiment)
In 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, mecha
Which Path to Financial Independence Is Faster? Sell or Rent?
Should 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 sim
How to Set FIRE Goals and Actually Achieve Them (2026)
Episode #704
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How to Track Your Path to FI in 2026 (Step-by-Step Guide)
Ready 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
How this Couple Achieved FIRE in Their 30s (Average Income)
Sam and Carolyn reached financial independence in their thirties through frugality, real estate investing, and building side hustles that generated $10,000 per month. Then they made a bold move—quitting their jobs and briefly relocating to Canada.
This Episode Covers:
How Sam and Carolyn house-hacked their way to a multi-property real estate portfolio
The unconventional side hustles th
Financial Independence Through the Unthinkable: A Healthcare Crisis
Join Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench for a powerful conversation with Regina Moore, who achieved millionaire status before 35 through frugality and her career as a pharmacist. But when her young son was diagnosed with cancer, everything changed.
In this deeply personal episode, Regina opens up about how a healthcare crisis tested her Lean FIRE plan in ways she never anticipated. And how financial i
The Ultimate Guide to Early Retirement Drawdown (2026)
Building a $2.5 million portfolio is hard. Spending it without running out? That's even harder.
Welcome to the 700th episode of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast! To mark this milestone, hosts Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench are tackling one of the most critical—and most overlooked—aspects of financial independence: decumulation. Most people obsess over building wealth but stumble when it's time to a
The Case for Blended (Instead of Sequential) Drawdown for Early Retirees
Are you using the wrong retirement withdrawal strategy? Sequential drawdown—draining one account before touching the next—is the most common approach to early retirement, but it could be costing you tens of thousands in unnecessary taxes.
In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast, hosts Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench sit down with Enrolled Agent Mark to break down tax-efficient withdrawal
If We Started FIRE Over in 2025, Here's Exactly What We'd Do
What would you do differently if you could start your FIRE journey over today?
Back in 2013, Scott was fresh out of college house hacking his way to financial independence, while Mindy and her husband were deep into their FIRE journey documenting it all on their blog. Fast forward to 2025—both are financially independent, but if they were starting from scratch today, they'd make some serious chan
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