BiggerPockets Money

One of the most frequently asked questions in the BiggerPockets forums is "How can I start investing in real estate with no money and bad credit?" The answer? You can't (Well, to be more accurate, you probably shouldn't). You need to fix your "No money and bad credit" situation and invest from a position of financial strength. Co-hosted by BiggerPockets' Scott Trench and Mindy Jensen, this podcast provides the education you didn't get in school. You'll get tips for getting your financial house in order and actionable advice from guests who have been in your shoes - and found their way out.

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Previous Episodes

October 29, 2018

BiggerPockets Money Podcast 44: DIY Your Way to FI with Tinian Crawford

Tinian Crawford went to college - and took 6 years to complete his Associates Degree in Graphic Design. College just wasn’t for him - he didn’t enjoy it and didn’t get much out of it. He knew he needed a job, but wasn’t sure what he wanted to do for the rest of his life. A series of odd jobs led to a position at a sign shop. Connecting the dots, he saw that many of the signs needed electricity, and figured he’d be worth more if he was an electrician. After mentioning this to his wife, suddenly vocational brochures started to arrive in the mail. He chose the most expensive way to get his license, and parlayed it into a minimum wage job until he was a journeyman electrician. Tinian took some time to figure out his path, but is now on the way to Financial Independence, living the life he wants on the terms he chooses. If you think you’re too late for FI (Spoiler Alert: you’re not!) THIS is the episode that will change your mind and show you it IS possible, even if you’re not 20 years old. ... show more

October 22, 2018

BiggerPockets Money Podcast 43: Using the Power of Goal-Setting to Fundamentally Alter Your Financial Path with J Scott

You’ve probably heard J Scott’s real estate story (spoiler alert—he’s killing it!). But he’s never really told his money story that led up to this massive real estate success. Today, we talk to J and discover that in his 20s, he knew nothing about money, investing, or real estate. He started off $35,000 in debt, with no plan and no goals. An investing discussion with friends led to the creation of a spreadsheet to display his financial position in terms he could not ignore. The spreadsheet spawned a goal of $0 debt, a second job as a bartender, and J paying off all his debt in two years. He discovered he liked owning assets. At the suggestion of his wife, they bought a house to flip and promptly made every single flipping mistake you can make. Hear how J turned mistakes into successes many times over—and how having a goal to work towards keeps him focused on moving forward. ... show more

October 15, 2018

BiggerPockets Money Podcast 42: How to Invest in Real Estate with Joshua Dorkin & Brandon Turner

Real estate is a hot topic right now, and who better to talk about the subject than BiggerPockets founder Joshua Dorkin and BiggerPockets Real Estate Investing Podcast Host Brandon Turner? No one, that’s who. So we went to these experts, and grabbed some excellent real estate advice. We get a brief history of their experiences with money and chat about their new book, How to Invest In Real Estate. Buy the book at www.biggerpockets.com/investinre This fun episode also includes tips for managing your money while you save for your first investment, Josh’s inverted funnel analogy and Brandon’s Harry Potter references. Thinking about adding real estate investing into your portfolio? This episode will educate and inspire. ... show more

October 13, 2018

BiggerPockets Money FinCon Bonus Episode: Debt Free in Three Years With Zina Kumok

Zina Kumok’s parents immigrated to the United States, with no money education and completely unprepared for the consumer society they found themselves in. They quickly got into credit card debt in order to have the lifestyle they “deserved.” An avid listener of Dave Ramsey, Zina quickly determined she did not want to ever be in debt. However, she graduated with $24,000 in student loan debt and made it her mission to pay that off as soon as she could. Every single extra dime she found, she threw at her debt until it was all gone. So once the debt is gone, Zina realized that she needed to ramp up her investing. Not one to just ‘show up and wing it,’ she set about learning how to invest properly. Zina’s story illustrates that you CAN pay off debt while making a lower salary, you CAN pursue financial independence while self-employed, and that your past does not define you. ... show more

October 8, 2018

BiggerPockets Money Podcast 41: How to Find the Best Possible Certified Financial Planner (CFP) for Your Needs with Kyle Mast

You’re on the path to financial independence—but you’re not sure what to do with your money. Index funds sound great, but your total financial situation doesn’t end with index funds. Today we sit down with Kyle Mast, a Certified Financial Planner. Kyle LOVES his job as a CFP, but there aren’t enough hours in the day for him to help every single person. He gives advice on how to find a GREAT CFP, shares exactly what a CFP is, how they get paid, and how they can help almost anyone make their money work even harder for them. This is an episode you’re going to have to listen to more than once, because the advice that Kyle gives will blow you away. This episode truly is for anyone who has money—and wants to have more. ... show more

October 1, 2018

BiggerPockets Money Podcast 40: Taking Command of Your Finances by Understanding (& Controlling) Money with Joe Saul-Sehy

Today we chat with Joe Saul-Sehy from Stacking Benjamins. Joe shares his money story, which starts off with him figuring out how to get into debt, then discovering he didn’t like being there. He learned that you can’t diagnose what’s wrong with you until you have it all in front of you, so he laid everything out and started a monthly money date with his wife to get everything sorted out and under control. Joe has three fantastic tips to help you stay on your chosen financial path. He also shares the four assumptions about the FIRE community that are wrong. This episode will help you take command of your finances and steer your life in the direction you truly want it to go. ... show more

September 24, 2018

BiggerPockets Money Podcast 39: From “Bad with Money” to Intentional Saving and Spending with Jamila Souffrant

Jamila Souffrant grew up watching her mom struggle to provide for her. She decided early on that she wanted to be a millionaire, her solution to not having enough was to simply make a lot of money. She saved like crazy, but didn’t have a plan for it. A good student, she attended college and got into an internship program that places minority students with Fortune 500 companies and pays them well. During college, she saved 80-90% of her salary - but was still considered herself “bad with money,” buying luxury items she doesn’t remember. Internship led to employment, and Jamila changed her focus from IT to the real estate department. But her finances stayed the same. She contributed to her 401(k), but not even enough to get the full company match in her 20s. The switch flipped in her 30s, after an exceptionally bad commute home. She discovered FI through podcasts and blogs, and finally understood this could be her reality, too. Jamila and her husband kicked their savings into high gear and started investing. Jamila went from “bad with money” to saving $169,000 in two years! This episode shows it’s not too late to start your Financial Freedom journey, too. ... show more

September 17, 2018

BiggerPockets Money Podcast 38: Getting Serious About Paying Off Debt with Phillip Taylor from PT Money

Phillip Taylor studied to be a CPA in college, just like his dad. He graduated with some debt and decided to add to it by buying a house. In order to afford his new house, he didn’t max out his 401k—he didn’t even contribute enough to get the full company match! By the time he got serious about paying down his debt, it totaled $95,000. PT decided to journal his experiences on a blog he called PTMoney.com. And something amazing happened. He found his tribe. PT soon discovered that there was a whole community of people with financial problems who were willing to talk about it online. PT wanted to meet these people in person, have live discussions about issues they were all facing, and share ideas. He started a conference that has blossomed into THE money conference to attend, FinCon. PT shares his story of going from a finance guy who made bad decisions to a guy who helps others make great decisions about their own finances. ... show more

September 10, 2018

BiggerPockets Money Podcast 37: Paying Off Student Loan Debt with a Median Income and Two Kids in Northern California with Kyle Renke

Kyle Renke graduated from college and hopped right on the American dream bandwagon. He started off with a starter house, added a couple of kids and moved onto a bigger, better house—one that he could barely afford. He then went back to grad school, tacking on another $40k in student loans. Kyle and his wife spent money left and right, never seeming to be able to get ahead. Finally, he got sick and tired of being sick and tired. Kyle read books and connected with friends in a better financial position. He sold the big house, threw everything at the student loans, and rented a smaller, MUCH less expensive place. Kyle’s story shows that you CAN make big financial mistakes, change your course, and work toward financial freedom—even with children. ... show more

September 3, 2018

BiggerPockets Money Podcast 36: From Childhood Poverty to Financial Freedom by Age 32 with Jillian Johnsrud

Jillian Johnsrud grew up lacking the privileges that many of us take for granted. Jillian Johnsrud grew up poor, with an abusive step father and a mother unable to leave due to lack of funds. She emancipated herself during her junior year of high school, living in a camper in high school, waiting tables after class. Still, she managed to save $8,000 by the time she graduated. She married young, and medical debt and student loan debt put her family in a tough starting position. From there, however, Jillian began building wealth. In adventures that span tons of different states and even a stint in Europe, Jillian was able to eliminate her debt and achieve financial freedom—all while never earning more than a median income. Hear Jillian’s story of investing when everyone thinks you’re crazy, adopting a group of siblings, and “creating a life that is such a perfect fit she never wants to retire from it.” ... show more

August 27, 2018

BiggerPockets Money Podcast 35: Hacking Your Life to Live for (Almost) Free with Craig Curelop

Graduating from college, Craig Curelop had amassed an impressive $25,000 savings account - AND $85,000 in student loan debt. Conventional advice is to pay off your student loans BEFORE investing. In this episode, we hear how Craig ignored this advice and started buying properties to House Hack in the hot Denver real estate market while making the minimum payment on his student loans. Fast forward a few years, and now Craig generates significant income through his primary residence and can concentrate on aggressively paying down his debt - all while living the life he chooses. Craig has found ways to optimize his life so he can move toward financial freedom. He also takes advantage of several “life hacks” that reduce his living expenses to almost nothing. Wondering how to get started? Craig’s story is a must-listen. ... show more

August 20, 2018

BiggerPockets Money Podcast 34: The Low-Stress, Surprisingly Simple Way to Pursue Financial Freedom with Andy Hill

On today's show we discuss the highest-probability way that a family can move toward financial independence—without stress and worry—while enjoying incremental freedoms along the way. We’ll also talk about all-cash real estate investing, where to park your money as you save up for a large real estate investment, and how families can find ways to cut back in spite of having expensive kids to care for. Andy Hill usually plays the role of interviewer, but today he's switched seats to share how he strengthens his family tree and lives financially free. Are you looking at financial freedom and wondering if it’s possible with a family? Then this is the episode for you! ... show more

August 13, 2018

BiggerPockets Money Podcast 33: From Debt to Financial Freedom While Active Duty Military with Stuart Grazier

Stuart Grazier joined the military and immediately went into debt. A chance encounter with Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University showed him how to manage his finances, and he returned from his stint overseas with his more than $40,000 in debt paid off! His wife had roommates while he was overseas, and they continued to have roommates when he returned, House-Hacking to cover his mortgage so he could stockpile his cash. Attending a local real estate meetup introduced him to someone looking for private loans, and his stockpile of cash provided him the ability to create private loans — earning 12 percent interest on his money. Stuart discusses his successes and failures in real estate investing, his transition to rental properties, and what he’s planning after he separates from the military. Feeling stuck at your job and looking to fix your financial future? This is the episode you need to listen to. ... show more

August 6, 2018

BiggerPockets Money Podcast 32: Financial Freedom Through Small Life Changes and a Modest Real Estate Portfolio

Today we sit down with Mr. and Mrs. Planting our Pennies, or Mr. and Mrs. PoP for short. Mr. PoP never wanted to be anchored to an inflexible job. Mrs. PoP never wanted to be financially insecure. A reward trip to Hawaii after a good sales year at his job led Mr. PoP to the internet where he found Early Retirement Extreme and Mr. Money Mustache. Mrs. PoP ran the numbers and discovered that their target number for a mini-retirement really wasn’t that hard to reach. A few more calculations showed her they could work slightly longer and quit working their traditional jobs forever. This episode truly showcases that anyone can achieve financial freedom. Small tweaks to your spending can yield huge rewards fairly quickly. Wondering if you can reach financial freedom? This episode will show you how. ... show more

July 30, 2018

BiggerPockets Money Podcast 31: How to Boost Your Income & Investments for a Faster Route to Financial Freedom

Continuing where we left off from last week’s episode, this show discusses increasing your income by recognizing existing opportunities and making your own opportunities through side hustles. The show progresses through investing basics, both traditional stock market investments as well as real estate investing. (This is BiggerPockets, after all.) Do you have your spending under control? This is the show that takes you to the next step in your journey—increasing your income to grow your wealth. ... show more

July 23, 2018

BiggerPockets Money Podcast 30: How to Cut Expenses for a Faster Route to Financial Freedom

We’ve interviewed more than 30 people for the BiggerPockets Money Podcast over the course of this year — and we’ve got a LOT more people to interview! We’ve heard from so many listeners: “I’d liketo get started on the path toward financial freedom, but I don’t know where to begin." Today, Scott and Mindy share EXACTLY how you get started with tracking your spending, and how to make SIGNIFICANT cuts in your budget to move you down the path faster. Looking to become financially free? THIS is the episode you need. ... show more

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Previous Episodes

BiggerPockets Money Podcast 44: DIY Your Way to FI with Tinian Crawford

BiggerPockets Money Podcast 43: Using the Power of Goal-Setting to Fundamentally Alter Your Financial Path with J Scott

BiggerPockets Money Podcast 42: How to Invest in Real Estate with Joshua Dorkin & Brandon Turner

BiggerPockets Money FinCon Bonus Episode: Debt Free in Three Years With Zina Kumok

BiggerPockets Money Podcast 41: How to Find the Best Possible Certified Financial Planner (CFP) for Your Needs with Kyle Mast

BiggerPockets Money Podcast 40: Taking Command of Your Finances by Understanding (& Controlling) Money with Joe Saul-Sehy

BiggerPockets Money Podcast 39: From “Bad with Money” to Intentional Saving and Spending with Jamila Souffrant

BiggerPockets Money Podcast 38: Getting Serious About Paying Off Debt with Phillip Taylor from PT Money

BiggerPockets Money Podcast 37: Paying Off Student Loan Debt with a Median Income and Two Kids in Northern California with Kyle Renke

BiggerPockets Money Podcast 36: From Childhood Poverty to Financial Freedom by Age 32 with Jillian Johnsrud

BiggerPockets Money Podcast 35: Hacking Your Life to Live for (Almost) Free with Craig Curelop

BiggerPockets Money Podcast 34: The Low-Stress, Surprisingly Simple Way to Pursue Financial Freedom with Andy Hill

BiggerPockets Money Podcast 33: From Debt to Financial Freedom While Active Duty Military with Stuart Grazier

BiggerPockets Money Podcast 32: Financial Freedom Through Small Life Changes and a Modest Real Estate Portfolio

BiggerPockets Money Podcast 31: How to Boost Your Income & Investments for a Faster Route to Financial Freedom

BiggerPockets Money Podcast 30: How to Cut Expenses for a Faster Route to Financial Freedom

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BiggerPockets Money

Previous Episodes

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