It's fascinating how two people can interpret a single image so differently. The same holds true for how homeowners and renters perceive the current economy. According to all the data, it's clear that the economy is robust. However, the degree of its strength depends on whom you ask. The rent versus buy debate has raged […] The post How Homeowners And Renters See...
I've now paid cash for a home twice: once for a fixer in 2019 and again for a fully remodeled home in 2023. In this post, I'd like to share some of the psychology of paying cash for a home, given many decisions go into it. I know some of you think paying cash for […] The post The Intricate Psychology Of Paying...
I believe in personal responsibility. So should you. If we take responsibility for our actions, we will end up wealthier and lead better lives. If you father a child, you had better step up and take care of your child until they are adults. None of this “see you later” nonsense while you shack up […] The post Personal Responsibility Is Important: How...
Money is great, but it can also create awkwardness among friends, colleagues, or even strangers. In this post, I want to share an awkward money situation that dragged on for months. In the end, the money situation was resolved. However, it made me realize that we personal finance enthusiasts are an unusual bunch. It also […] The post An Awkward Money Situation Reveals...
If you want to invest in venture capital, I believe it's more beneficial to invest in a venture capital fund than in individual private companies. By investing in a venture capital fund, you will not only decrease your chances of losing money but also increase your chances of earning a positive return. I've been a […] The post Why Venture Capital Funds Beats...
With the New York Times article on Fat FIRE, I've been thinking a lot more about the repercussions of achieving financial independence and retiring early. One of those repercussions is that financial independence can turn you into stingy person who is unwilling to give! Every year, my kids' Mandarin immersion independent school hosts a fundraiser […] The post The Stinginess of Financial Independence:...
Originally, I planned to title this post, “Getting Rich by Getting Lucky Doesn't Feel So Good.” However, after some time, I realized that getting lucky actually feels better over time! This change in sentiment has profound socioeconomic implications, as it may lead us to hoard our wealth and create more inequality. On May 10, 2024, […] The post Getting Rich By Getting Lucky...
Income taxes can hinder wealth creation. Fortunately, for Americans seeking to save on taxes, there are nine states without income tax where we can choose to reside. These states are listed below in alphabetical order: Ideally, you'll secure a fantastic job and find your soulmate in one of these nine income tax-free states. As your […] The post The Best No Income Tax...
Understanding the fundamentals of personal finance is pivotal for kids to successfully launch into the world of adulting. Money skills are necessary to navigate effectively through everything from life's humdrum day-to-day tasks to its elaborate complexities. Yet what surprises me is that most schools are still not required to teach financial literacy to students. Due […] The post Raising Money-Smart Kids: A Guide...
On August 7, 2023, I received an email from Amy X. Wang, the assistant editor at the New York Times Magazine, inquiring about the modern-day FIRE movement and its Fat FIRE offshoot. Amy is a self-proclaimed FIRE enthusiast herself who has worked side hustles to make extra money and used rewards points to save. As […] The post Behind The Headlines: My Experience...
One of my ongoing challenges as a writer is explaining financial concepts in an easy-to-understand manner. With a background in business school and 13 years at Goldman Sachs and Credit Suisse, financial concepts come naturally to me. Despite writing over 2,500 personal finance articles since 2009 on Financial Samurai, however, some concepts still get misunderstood […] The post Navigating Retirement: Dynamic Safe Withdrawal...
In October 2023, my passive income took a significant $150,000 hit, representing a decrease of 39%, following the purchase of a new house. It was funded by proceeds from selling public stocks and bonds. The decision to buy the house with cash was agonizing, as we didn't need a nicer home. It also meant we […] The post Why Earning Less Passive Income...
Understanding how home prices fluctuate over time is one of the most intriguing insights gleaned from my post on the reasons behind property bidding wars. Understanding how prices change over time will empower you to make more informed purchases in the future. I contend that timing the housing market is comparatively simpler than timing the […] The post Analyzing Home Price Dynamics: A...
Well folks, as anticipated, bidding wars are back with a vengeance, at least here in San Francisco. If I were a real estate agent, I would never encourage my clients to engage in a bidding war. Winning such a war often leads to what's known as the “winner's curse.” This term signifies paying a price […] The post Understanding Why People Get Into...
