Episodes

  • AVUV vs VTSAX: Why Small Cap Value Could Outperform

    AVUV vs VTSAX: Why Small Cap Value Could Outperform
    Feb 20 2026
    On this episode of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast, Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench are joined by Frank Vasquez to explore small cap value investing, factor research from Eugene Fama and Kenneth French, and how funds like AVUV compare to total market index funds like VTSAX. They discuss historical outperformance, diversification benefits, expense ratios, index construction differences, and whether small cap value deserves a place in your long-term portfolio. To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney Connect with Frank Vasquez: https://www.riskparityradio.com/about Fairfax CASA Donation Page https://www.fairfaxcasa.org/give-now/ Father McKenna Center Donation Page: https://fathermckennacenter.org/how-you-can-help/donate/ We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    48 mins
  • Paul Merriman’s 4-Step Portfolio Strategy for Long-Term Wealth

    Paul Merriman’s 4-Step Portfolio Strategy for Long-Term Wealth
    Feb 17 2026
    In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast, hosts Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench are joined by Paul Merriman. Paul shares decades of investing wisdom and explains why simple index investing often outperforms complex strategies. We explore the power of diversification beyond the S&P 500, the importance of bonds in a portfolio, and how glide paths reduce risk over time. Paul also breaks down the psychological traps that sabotage investors—and how to avoid them. If you want to: Build wealth with index funds Create a smarter asset allocation Reduce risk while maximizing long-term returns This episode is your blueprint. To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources Subscribe on YouTube for even more content Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners Connect with Paul Merriman: Website: https://www.paulmerriman.com/ Paul’s New Book ‘We’re Talking Millions!’: https://irp.cdn-website.com/6b78c197/files/uploaded/Were-Talking-Millions.pdf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 23 mins
  • The New FIRE? Why Time Freedom Beats Early Retirement

    The New FIRE? Why Time Freedom Beats Early Retirement
    Feb 13 2026
    What if financial independence isn’t about retiring early — but about controlling your time right now? In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast, hosts Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench sit down with Brian Herriot — millionaire in his 40s, now managing a $3 million portfolio, and author of Time Freedom — to talk about redefining what financial independence really means. Brian shares how he built wealth, why he shifted his focus from net worth to time control, and how entrepreneurship, investing, and spending habits all play a role in designing a life you don’t want to escape from. They dive into: The mindset shift from “early retirement” to “time freedom” How Brian grew from $1M to a $3M portfolio The life events that reshaped his financial goals Why flexible work can accelerate financial independence The connection between entrepreneurship and freedom Investing strategies that align with your life vision The overlooked importance of relationships in business Health insurance, risk management, and real-world FIRE challenges Work-life balance and building a sustainable version of success If you’re pursuing FIRE, building wealth, or questioning whether early retirement is actually the goal — this conversation will challenge how you think about money. To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources Subscribe on YouTube for even more content Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners Connect with Brian Herriot: Website: https://timefreedom.life/ Buy Brian’s New Book ‘Time Freedom’: https://timefreedom.life/book/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    58 mins
  • The Ultimate Guide to Finding Your Ideal Side Hustle

    The Ultimate Guide to Finding Your Ideal Side Hustle
    Feb 10 2026
    How do you choose a side hustle that actually makes money instead of wasting your time? In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast Nick Loper from Side Hustle Nation breaks down exactly how to find the right opportunity by aligning your skills and interests with real market demand. Whether you're looking for low-skill options to get started or high-paying side hustles that don't require heavy lifting, Nick explains how to identify opportunities in everyday problems, set realistic income expectations, and use AI to brainstorm ideas tailored to your specific situation. Learn why most side hustles fail, how to avoid common mistakes, and the proven framework for choosing something that will actually generate income. This Episode Covers: It's important to take an honest inventory of your available time for a side hustle. Setting realistic goals for your side hustle can help maintain motivation. Identifying your skills and interests is crucial for finding the right side hustle. Look for opportunities in everyday problems that others face. Low-skill side hustles can be a good starting point for many people. Market demand is essential; if a service is needed, there's potential for success. Building trust and reputation is key to gaining clients in any side hustle. AI can assist in brainstorming side hustle ideas tailored to your skills. Creative solutions for busy families can lead to lucrative side hustle opportunities. And SO much more! To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources Subscribe on YouTube for even more content Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners Connect with Nick Loper: Website Social Media AI Brainstorming Worksheet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    58 mins
  • Debate: AUM vs Flat Fee Which is Better?

    Debate: AUM vs Flat Fee Which is Better?
    Feb 6 2026
    In this episode of the BiggerPocketsMoney podcast, Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench host Ryan Sterling, CEO of NerdWallet Wealth Partners, to discuss the nuances of different financial advisor compensation structures. Whether you're planning your financial future or evaluating advisors, understanding these models can help you make informed decisions that align with your goals. This Episode Covers: The core differences between flat fee and assets under management (AUM) fee models How transparency and client mindset influence fee preferences The conflicts of interest inherent in AUM and commission-based models When AUM fees may be more appropriate for high-net-worth clients Practical scenarios demonstrating long-term cost implications of each model The evolving landscape of flat fee financial planning and industry fee compression Ryan’s insights on selecting quality advisors and the importance of credentials like CFP How fee structure impacts client behavior, trust, and long-term financial outcomes To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources Subscribe on YouTube for even more content Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners Connect with Ryan Sterling: LinkedIn NerdWallet Wealth Partners We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! NerdWallet Wealth Partners, LLC is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training and nothing contained herein should be construed as investment advice. NerdWallet Wealth Partners does not guarantee investment results and does not provide tax or legal advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • How We Built a $1M Net Worth by 32 (Step-by-Step Breakdown)

    How We Built a $1M Net Worth by 32 (Step-by-Step Breakdown)
    Feb 3 2026
    Trevor and his wife reached a $1 million net worth by age 32 and are on track to achieve financial independence well before 40. In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast, hosts Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench chat with Trevor about his unconventional journey involving strategic career moves, real estate investments, and leveraging corporate benefits. Learn how Trevor went from a $1,000 net worth after college to $1 million through smart financial decisions and opportunities. Trevor shares his experiences, challenges, and the importance of financial flexibility in achieving Coast Fire in his 30s. To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources Subscribe on YouTube for even more content Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    55 mins
  • The 4% Rule Was Never Designed for FIRE’s Healthcare Reality

    The 4% Rule Was Never Designed for FIRE’s Healthcare Reality
    Jan 30 2026
    The 4% rule has a major flaw: it doesn't account for healthcare costs. If you're planning to retire early, health insurance premiums will rise sharply as you age—from your 30s through your 60s before Medicare kicks in at 65. This isn't speculation; it's how the U.S. healthcare system works under the ACA. On this episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast, Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench break down why early retirees need a bigger financial buffer than traditional FIRE calculations suggest. Learn the real cost of healthcare in early retirement, strategies to reduce expenses (geographical arbitrage, health shares, catastrophic coverage), why you can't rely on ACA subsidies long-term, and how to build a healthcare plan that won't derail your path to financial independence. To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources Subscribe on YouTube for even more content Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    Not Yet Known
  • The Major MONEY Milestones To Hit By EVERY Decade!

    The Major MONEY Milestones To Hit By EVERY Decade!
    Jan 27 2026
    Are you on track to achieve financial independence? In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast, Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench outline the essential financial milestones for your 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s. Learn the net worth benchmarks and financial habits that will set you up for a successful journey to financial freedom in EVERY decade. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your strategy, this comprehensive guide will help you plan and achieve your financial goals. To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources Subscribe on YouTube for even more content Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    48 mins