In this episode, I catch up with Ben Miller, Co-founder and CEO of Fundrise about artificial intelligence and the latest investments by the  Innovation Fund. We discuss how company valuations are calculated in the fund, a defense AI investment, and so much more.  The Innovation Fund is an open-ended venture capital fund with only a $10 minimum. You can see what the fund is investing in before you decide to invest and how much. Unlike traditional closed-end venture capital funds, you can...

I speak with Colleen Kong-Savage about becoming a children's book illustrator and author, as well as a freelance graphic designer while living in expensive New York City. Colleen has a new book out entitled Piano Wants To Play. It is a wonderful book for children and adults of all ages who appreciate music. It is also a touching story about rekindling the joy we had as children. Colleen has been a long-time illustrator for Financial Samurai, creating all of the custom Samurai-themed...

Every residential real estate investor and homeowner is richer after the National Association Of Realtors settled its price fixing lawsuit. I know many real estate agents, realtors, and brokerages are upset with the ruling. However, the decision was decided quickly by a jury of our peers. The money that would have went into the real estate industry's pockets are now going back into the homeowners' and investors' pockets.  See: Why Every Residential Real Estate Investor And Homeowner Is...

The most expensive cities in America include cities like New York City, San Francisco, and San Jose. However, these expensive cities could actually be the cheapest due to all the income and investment opportunities. Let's explore the reasons why. Related post: Income Required To Afford A Typical Home In The Top 50 Cities Recommendations 1) Check out Fundrise, my favorite private real estate platform with over $3.3 billion under management for 500,000+ investors. With mortgage rates coming...

In this episode, I talk to my wife about what it's nice to own the nicest home we can afford five months after moving in. Although I am no happier, I do feel more satisfied.  Related post: Climbed To The Top Of The Property Ladder  Recommendations 1) Check out Fundrise, my favorite private real estate platform with over $3.3 billion under management for 500,000+ investors. With mortgage rates coming down and the stock market strong, the demand for real estate is building.  2) To invest...

In this episode, I speak with Kathy Fang, star of the Food Network's Chef Dynasty, as well as owner of Fang Restaurant, one of my favorite Chinese restaurants in San Francisco.  We talk about what it was like making a reality TV show, running a restaurant, expansion potential, and raising a family in San Francisco on chef hours.  You can find Kathy on Instagram @ChefKathyFang and on her website at KathyFang.com.  If you enjoyed this episode, I'd appreciate a review, share, and subscribe....

Since 2009, when I began Financial Samurai, I've noticed some people are too afraid to invest or get easily shaken out whenever there is economic or stock market turbulence. Then, these investors get left behind as the economyc, stock market, real estate market, and other markets eventually recovery. To help you overcome your fear of investing, I suggest coming up with an investment thesis. An investment thesis is your north star and will help you hold strong during difficult times. For...

I talk to Emily Luk, Co-Founder and CEO of Plenty, a wealth platform for today's modern couples. Due to career aspirations, higher education, and the rising cost of living, couples are taking longer to get married and have children. In addition, couples are also building more wealth on their own before getting married.  Plenty is based in San Francisco, California and will launch its platform by April 1, 2024. You can get on the waitlist or join now, depending on when you listen to this...

I speak with Noah Kagan about being one of the first employees at Facebook and Mint, not making the megabucks, and then turning into a successful entrepreneur with AppSumo.  Noah's new book is called Million Dollar Weekend by my same publisher, Portfolio Penguin. You can find Noah on Twitter and YouTube.  Related posts on entrepreneurship: How Much Entrepreneurship Income Is Needed To Replace Your Day Job Income What If You Take A Leap Of Faith And Your Dreams Don't Come True The...

In this episode, I speak to Ben Miller, CEO of Fundrise about his change in outlook for the real estate market in 2024 and beyond. He believes October 2023 was the bottom and we're going up from here.  In this episode we explore several key topics: The reasoning behind Ben's belief that October 2023 marked the bottom, and the less obvious indicators supporting this perspective. The motivation behind selling during this period, just after reaching the presumed bottom. The possibility of...

Happy 2024 everyone! Here are some of our goals and financial predictions for 2024. Overall, we're optimistic about the year. Related posts: 2024 S&P 500 Forecasts 2024 Housing Price Forecasts 2024 Financial Samurai Goals Explaining All The Surprise Capital Calls Investing In 2024 If you'd like to invest in the rebound in real estate in 2024, check out Fundrise, my favorite private real estate platform with over $3.3 billion under management for 500,000+ investors.  To invest in...

Sydney and I review 2023 and discuss the importance of intrinsic motivation to keep going. Be aware of only chasing extrinsic motivators, like money, fame, and promotions, to achieve your results. If you do, chances are high you'll burn out quicker than expected. We'd love a share and a review of the podcast. Each episode takes at least two hours to produce.  Related post: 2023 Financial Samurai Year In Review: More Failes Than Wins The Best Posts And Podcasts On Financial Samurai 2023 ...

I speak to Sydney, my wife, about the idea of sending our children to Community College instead of directly to a four-year state or private university. The benefits are many, including less stress and more fun! If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe! Posts mentioned: Community College May Be The Way: How I Plan To Spend $1.5 Million Median Income Earned By Ivy League Graduates Keep In Touch With Financial Samurai Join 60,000+ others and subscribe to my free...

This episode is sponsored by Danielson Legal, which provides top tier intellectual property legal services for the greatest value proposition available in the market. Their attorneys have formidable experience and expertise from practicing at the highest levels of the profession—from the top law firms in Boston to publicly traded corporate legal departments. Episode Synopsis If you retire early, chances are high you will have an itch to return to work within a year or two. Only after...

I speak to my friend and 4-time NBA champ, Shaun Livingston about his journey from high school basketball prodigy to winning multiple championships with the Golden State Warriors.  If you're an NBA fan or a professional sports fan, you're going to love this episode. Please rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast. Every review means a lot! Related Financial Samurai posts: Where Are All The Adult Athletes? Sports And Your Career The Secret To Your Success: 10 Years Of Unwavering...

This episode is sponsored by Danielson Legal, which provides top tier intellectual property legal services for the greatest value proposition available in the market. Their attorneys have formidable experience and expertise from practicing at the highest levels of the profession—from the top law firms in Boston to publicly traded corporate legal departments. Episode Synopsis Supposedly by the time our children turn 19, we will have spent 80% - 90% of the time we will ever spend with them....

After the real estate industry was found guilty of collusion by a Missouri jury, I spoke to lead trial lawyer, Mike Ketchmark about how the entire process came about.  If you're into real estate, thinking of selling or buying a home, or are curious about how lawyers get compensated, you're going to love this episode! Related posts: Real Estate Collusion Revealed! Misaligned Commission Incentives Real Estate Alternative If you're looking to invest in private growth companies, take a look...

This episode is sponsored by Danielson Legal, which provides top tier intellectual property legal services for the greatest value proposition available in the market. Their attorneys have formidable experience and expertise from practicing at the highest levels of the profession—from the top law firms in Boston to publicly traded corporate legal departments. Show notes: We know the median American household has a net worth of about $193,000 and the average American household has a net worth...

After a couple of months, I was able to successfully convince my wife to upgrade homes! But now that she's on board, I'm afraid to move forward.  I'm afraid because it's scarier to buy a home when demand is down. There's a comfort in buying when everybody else wants to buy. But I think I'm mostly afraid of buying because I had to convince my wife. As a result, if anything unfortunate happens after we move, I will feel guilty and to blame.  If you are thinking of making a big move where you...

Congrats! The average American household is now a millionaire according to the latest Federal Reserve Consumer Finance Survey. It's good to be average! Alas, the median American household is not a millionaire, which is a better reflection of the average American!  Related posts:  The Average American Household Is Now A Millionaire The 30/30/3-5 Homebuying Rule What Millionaires Do: 1) Invest in stocks  2) Participate in their retirement plans 3) Invest in real estate 4) Start and...

I talk to Roger Lee, Co-Founder of Human Interest, a YC-backed private company that offers 401(k) plans to small businesses. Human Interest raised $200 million in a Series D round in August 2022 valuing the company at $1 billion. Roughly 80% of small businesses with under 100 people don't have 401(k)s. We talk about how Roger got into Harvard, why he decided to become an entrepreneur instead of go into the management consulting or finance world, AI, and more.  You can learn about Roger's...

I speak to Eric Rosenberg, a long-time blogging buddy, about his journey from corporate employee to freelance writer, podcaster, and web designer. Eric has three children and lives in expensive Southern California. Yet, he's able to provide for his family on his freelance income alone.  If you've ever wanted to become a freelancer and make side money or full-time freelancer money, this is your show! You can find out more about Eric at Eric.money.  Subscribe To Financial Samurai Join...

I figured out how to cure those afflicted with entitlement mentality! Once cured, I'm positive most will be happier and richer over their lifetimes.  Because for the longest time it boggled my mind how wealthy, privileged people could feel so entitled instead of so grateful. Posts mentioned: Entitlement Mentality Is A Sneaky Wealth Destroyer How To Calculate The Value Of A College Degree Investor Virtue Signaling In A Capitalist Country Is Fascinating Support Financial Samurai Join...