There is more wealth out there than you think. But the government and media sometimes likes to trick us into believing there is not. Government data says the median net worth in America is around $200,000. Meanwhile, the media keeps highlighting financial struggles, convincing us there’s a looming retirement crisis. But what gets overlooked is| Financial Samurai
When people consider the costs of having many children, they often focus solely on the financial burden. But the true cost of raising a large family goes beyond money. It includes the time, devotion, education, sacrifice, love, support, and attention that children need. When any of these elements are lacking, the consequences can be tragic.| Financial Samurai
The reason why the terms 'starving artist' or 'starving writer' exist is because they are true. It is very difficult to make money in the arts. However, if you want to be a professional writer and not starve, let me provide you with some insights. For background, I've written over 2,500 articles on Financial Samurai| Financial Samurai
Zillow recently released an intriguing study that outlines the income needed to afford a 'typical home' in different cities. The study considers a 10% down payment and utilizes the Zillow Home Value Index to determine the median home price in each city. A 10% down payment is lower than my recommended 20% down payment based| Financial Samurai
Although being a millionaire sounds nice, it's not that impressive anymore thanks to inflation. In order to be a real millionaire, you will need to have a net worth of at least $3 million, not $1 million. A $1 million net worth provided a great lifestyle before 1990. Not so much today. If you retired| Financial Samurai
Practice stealth wealth if you know what's good for you. Showing off how much you make and how much you have is not the way of the Financial Samurai. You will be crucified by the public if you show of your outsized wealth. People will not give you credit for the risk you took and| Financial Samurai
The average percent of income donated to charity by levels of income is sadly very low across the board. According to several of the largest charitable foundations, the average income donated to charity ranges from just 3% to 5% of annual gross income. Not surprisingly, the average percent donated to charity is the highest for| Financial Samurai
There is a never-ending debate between going to public or private school. Is private grade school and private university really worth it? I'm not so sure in this day and age of high inflation and free online education. Personally, I went to international private school while my parents were stationed abroad until I was 13.| Financial Samurai
In a previous post, I discussed the futility of working when your net worth is declining. During a stock market crash or recession, your Return on Effort (ROE) for working drops significantly. Therefore, the only way to increase your Return On Effort is to work less, not more. At some point in your life, you’ll| Financial Samurai
Everyone with children should contribute to a 529 plan. It is a tax-efficient way to save for college since none of the gains are taxable if used for approved college expenses. Today, it costs about $200,000 in total for four years at the most expensive public colleges and about $400,000 for four years at the| Financial Samurai
In 2023, my passive income took a significant $150,000 hit, representing a decrease of 39%, following the purchase of a new house we didn't really need. 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| Financial Samurai
In 2007, I had a dream of taking my future family on a ski vacation. I was an avid snowboarder and my wife enjoyed the tranquility of Lake Tahoe. After receiving a good bonus, I bought a two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo at Everline Resort in Palisades. Our son came ten years later, but we didn't go| Financial Samurai
