The Financial Samurai Podcast

It looks like demand for buying a home has hit an 11-year high. Before you buy a home, it's good to know what's going on in the mortgage industry. The mortgage industry / banks hold the key to a steady real estate market.  See this post for more charts and details. 

Let's have a discussion on how climate change may affect real estate prices. Your desire for a beachfront home might be misplaced. But maybe it's best to live life now! Post: How Climate Change May Affect Real Estate Prices 

Wondering whether to pay down your mortgage debt or invest? I go through a logical framework of how to do both, and also highlight the extra benefits of paying off a mortgage: more courage! Mentioned posts: No Mortgage More Courage  FS-DAIR: Invest and Debt Framework

Racism is systemic in America. We must speak up and fight back against racism. We must share our stories and hold racists accountable for their actions. Do not stay silent during this time of crisis. Let us do our part in helping end the cycle of hate.  Mentioned posts: Dear Minorities, Please Use Racism As Motivation To Achieve Financial Independence The Importance Of Feeling Consistently Uncomfortable For Personal Growth    

I've been skeptical about college for a while, but now that the pandemic has hit and tens of millions of jobs are lost and perhaps never coming back, I find college to be too risky of an investment to make for the average middle class family.  Pertinent posts: https://www.financialsamurai.com/should-i-go-to-public-school-or-private-school/ https://www.financialsamurai.com/recommended-529-plan-amounts-by-age/ https://www.financialsamurai.com/accept-1000000-to-attend-public-school-over-private-school/

With such a massive 30%+ rebound from the lows in March 2020, the S&P 500 is almost back to 3,000. I discuss why I've de-risked in my taxable investment portfolio. At the same time, I also discuss why you may want to keep holding onto your stocks.  Here are some bearish charts and some bullish charts for you to review and consider. 

So you want to save for college in a 529 plan but you're unsure of how much to save. Or, you're wondering whether you should contribute more or less. I address your questions and more in this episode and in this post with a detailed chart. 

Don't you dare slack off. We're almost done with mass lockdowns and now is the time to step things up a notch. There will be consequences if you do not!

Buying real estate during the COVID-19 pandemic is tricky because of lockdowns and lower inventory. But this is a chance for buyers to get a great deal from a doomer bear seller. Highlighted posts: Real Estate Buying Strategies During A Pandemic How To Get Preapproved For A Mortgage

I believe the PPP program is the best economic stimulus program the government has ever created. However, more than one month  into the PPP program, there is some disappointing progress. There is also some hesitation by small business owners who have accepted the PPP to spend the money due to fear of it not being forgiven. Let's discuss! Post highlighted: The Paycheck Protection Program

A look at the latest enhanced unemployment benefits and ranking the highest and lowest unemployment benefit amounts by state. See this post for charts: Highest And Lowest Unemployment Benefit Amounts By State See this post if you need information on how to file: Coronavirus Unemployment Benefits: How To File

With the S&P 500 up over 25% from its lows, let's look at what the Doomers got wrong so we can potentially make better decisions investment decisions in the future. Post reference: How To Predict The Stock Market Bottom Like Nostradamus

Just checking in to share that good things have been happening since the last episode. Paycheck Protection Program is awesome if it goes through.  Stimulus Checks are getting dispersed to millions. Unemployment benefits are $600 more a week.  The stock market has rebounded a lot.  Hang in there folks!

Are you wondering when the stock market will bottom during a bear market? So am I! Here's an easy exercise all of us equity investors can go through to estimate when the stock market will finally find a footing. The exercise will calm your nerves and provide you with rational entry points to invest.  Read: How To Predict A Stock Market Bottom for charts and graphs as well. 

It was good while it lasted. Now it's time to hunker down.