The Financial Samurai Podcast

So you want to save for college in a 529 plan but you're unsure of how much to save. Or, you're wondering whether you should contribute more or less. I address your questions and more in this episode and in this post with a detailed chart. 

Don't you dare slack off. We're almost done with mass lockdowns and now is the time to step things up a notch. There will be consequences if you do not!

Buying real estate during the COVID-19 pandemic is tricky because of lockdowns and lower inventory. But this is a chance for buyers to get a great deal from a doomer bear seller. Highlighted posts: Real Estate Buying Strategies During A Pandemic How To Get Preapproved For A Mortgage

I believe the PPP program is the best economic stimulus program the government has ever created. However, more than one month  into the PPP program, there is some disappointing progress. There is also some hesitation by small business owners who have accepted the PPP to spend the money due to fear of it not being forgiven. Let's discuss! Post highlighted: The Paycheck Protection Program

A look at the latest enhanced unemployment benefits and ranking the highest and lowest unemployment benefit amounts by state. See this post for charts: Highest And Lowest Unemployment Benefit Amounts By State See this post if you need information on how to file: Coronavirus Unemployment Benefits: How To File

With the S&P 500 up over 25% from its lows, let's look at what the Doomers got wrong so we can potentially make better decisions investment decisions in the future. Post reference: How To Predict The Stock Market Bottom Like Nostradamus

Just checking in to share that good things have been happening since the last episode. Paycheck Protection Program is awesome if it goes through.  Stimulus Checks are getting dispersed to millions. Unemployment benefits are $600 more a week.  The stock market has rebounded a lot.  Hang in there folks!

Are you wondering when the stock market will bottom during a bear market? So am I! Here's an easy exercise all of us equity investors can go through to estimate when the stock market will finally find a footing. The exercise will calm your nerves and provide you with rational entry points to invest.  Read: How To Predict A Stock Market Bottom for charts and graphs as well. 

It was good while it lasted. Now it's time to hunker down. 

Besides working to pay your taxes, perhaps nothing feels more depressing than going to work only to lose more money in your investments. Here are some thoughts on how to overcome this feeling of futility. Read more on FinancialSamurai.com. 

Coronavirus fears have hit stock markets around the world. Here are my thoughts on how to best navigate the investment waters, what we can learn from history, and what I'm personally doing.  I truly believe real estate is going to outperform stocks in 2020, like it did in 2018. 

Cherish life. Tomorrow is not guaranteed.

Here are all the reasons why I'm an early retirement failure. It was a good 8-year run, but all good things must come to an end! Read the post here. 

At last! The government doesn't something positive for most American's retirement plans! Let's learn about all the things the SECURE Act does to help Americans save more for retirement.  Read the post here. 

No matter how much you plan, you'll never know all the variables. Here are some unanticipated benefits of early retirement that may surprise you. If I knew about just one of them, I probably would have been less worried about early retirement for sure. This podcast will help you make a more informed decision.  Read the post here.  

Getting a lot of good quality sleep is all the rage now. But if you don't sleep well, you'll probably get a lot richer because you have more time to do stuff and that's awesome. But I say you are probably less happier than someone who sleeps well and through the night. Let me share reasons why. Check out the post here.  

Here are some smart money moves to make before the new year to reduce your tax liability. Taxes are our largest ongoing liability. It behooves us to stay on top of the tax code every year. Read the post: Smart Year-End Tax Moves To Make

Your 401(k) is part of the three-legged stool for retirement. The other two legs are your after-tax investments and your ability to make side income. You can't count on Social Security or a Pension anymore. If they are there, great. If not, you never counted on them in the first place. Check out this post with all the latest 401(k) charts and graphs. 

This is my favorite time of the year because it's a time where we can all look back and be grateful for all that we have. I'm truly grateful to all of you for listening and sharing the Financial Samurai podcast and articles all these years. Your feedback is what keeps running Financial Samurai so much fun! Here's a related post about how I think most of our success is mostly luck. 

If 70% of Americans are overweight and median retirement savings balance is way less than $100,000, perhaps spending time cooking at home to save money and be healthy is not the proper way to go. Let's look into all the reasons why ordering food delivery or going out to eat will help boost your health and wealth. Roughly 82% of Americans mainly cook at home. Check out the health charts here.