BiggerPockets Money Podcast

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 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

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 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

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, 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

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 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

Episode #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