Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
When I started Financial Samurai in 2009, my main goal was to make sense of the Global Financial Crisis. That was a scary time period that created massive uncertainty for our careers and our investments. As things got better, I’ve tried to tackle interesting topics to enable us to live more meaningful lives.
Given the bull market has created so much wealth for investors since 2009, one of the challenges I’ve faced is maintaining the motivation to continue writing 3X a week. When things are going well, why not slack off a bit right?
The main reason why I didn’t write less this year is because I spent more time at home. If the pandemic was going to restrict some of my freedom, I would make the most of it by writing more. During uncertain times, I also want to be more helpful.
Further, I still enjoy writing and exploring new topics. There are an endless number of things to write about when you address real-life situations versus just writing articles to generate revenue. During the process, I often have these ah-ha moments that always feel satisfying.
Let’s go over the best of Financial Samurai 2021. These posts are either the most read, the most commented, or the most interesting in my opinion.
The Best Of Financial Samurai 2021
Here are the best articles by category.
Best Real Estate Investing Articles For 2021
I’m obsessed with real estate. It is my favorite asset class to build wealth. Rental income accounts for roughly half of my overall passive investment income.
At the same time, real estate is also the asset class that gives me the most stress in a relatively low-stress life. Therefore, I’m gradually investing in more real estate online as I get older. The goal is to earn more passive income and spend less time dealing with maintenance and tenant issues.
Foreign Real Estate Investors Are Coming To Buy Up American Homes
If The U.S. Housing Market Gets As Hot As The Canadian Housing Market
Why The Housing Market Won’t Crash Any Time Soon
Why Real Estate Is Less Risky Than Stocks And The Irony That Follows
Best Homeownership Articles For 2021
Given we all are spending way more time at home, I spent more time writing about our personal residence.
Income And Net Worth Requirements To Buy A Home At Every Price Point
The Best Time To Own The Nicest House You Can Afford
Remodel With Permits Or Without Permits? A Cost-Benefit Analysis
Primary Residence Value As A Percentage Of Net Worth Guide
Enjoy Your Forever Home For Now; It Will Likely Change
A 15-Year Mortgage Is Probably Best, But It Has One Big Disadvantage
Best Tax Articles For 2021
There weren’t many big tax changes in 2021, only a lot of proposals. But to prepare for the inevitable, I wrote some articles to help us better allocate our time and assets.
2022 Income Tax Brackets And The New Ideal Income For Maximum Happiness
Why The Stepped-Up Basis Must Be Preserved For Our Children
A Capital Gains Tax Hike Should Alter Your Income And Selling Strategy
Surviving Off A $400K Income Biden Deems Rich Enough For Higher Taxes
Best Wealth Management Articles For 2021
Planning for the future is key to a wealthier future. There are so many tools at our disposal. Here are some of them.
The Problem With Target Date Funds: 529 Plan Case Study
A Roth IRA Conversion Is Probably A Waste Of Time And Money For Most
Your Umbrella Policy Needs To Be Updated Thanks To A Bull Market
Use A 529 Plan For Generational Wealth Transfer Purposes
Best Retirement Planning Articles For 2021
I think interest rates are going to stay low for the rest of our lifetimes. As a result, it will take more capital to generate the same amount of risk-adjusted returns. In other words, retiring and staying retired may be harder.
As someone who left corporate America in 2012, retired for about a year and then got back to work online, please know that retirement is far more than just crunching the numbers. There is a huge meaning-of-life component that can only truly be experienced until after you leave a steady paycheck.
Two Retirement Philosophies Will Determine Your Safe Withdrawal Rate
10 Million Dollars: The Ideal Net Worth Amount For Retirement?
The Best Time To Retire May Be Under A Democratic President
Investment Returns Versus Active Income: When Work No Longer Matters
Preparing For A 50-Year Retirement With Vanguard’s New Return Assumptions
FIRE Confessionals Part II: A Bull Market Phenomenon
A Pre-Retirement Checklist For Post-Pandemic Life
Best Investing Articles For 2021
What another fantastic year for most risk assets. The greater our investment returns, the easier our lives get because we don’t have to work as hard for our money.
The Best Asset Class Performers From 2001 – 2020
The Ultimate Source Of Financial Security: Your Strong Mind
Unsure About An Investment Decision? Go Halfsies
DIY Investing: An Easy Guide To Investing Your Own Money
How I’d Invest $100,000 Today For Reasonable Returns And Some Joy
Day Trading Is A Waste Of Time And Money, Don’t Do It!
Best Financial Status Articles For 2021
Everything is relative in finance. Therefore, it’s a good idea to know where you stand. At the same time, comparing yourself too much to others will ultimately make you unhappy. Therefore, try to only compare your own progress to your previous self.
Are You A HENRY? High Earners, Not Rich Yet
When Do You Finally Feel Rich? It’s Not Always About The Money
Why The Smartest Countries Are Not The Happiest
The Number Of Millionaires In The World Is Exploding
How To Convince People You Are Middle Class When You’re Actually Rich
How To Become A Millionaire By 20 The Old-Fashioned Way
Best Education Articles For 2021
Education will set us free. At the same time, it is absurd tuition is rising so much when practically everything can now be learned online for free. Some parents can’t help themselves when it comes to spending money on their children.
Why More Public Schools Will Eventually Rank Higher Than Private Schools
The Differences Between Public School And Private School People
How To Get Into A Great Preschool Or Private Grade School
Best Health Care Articles For 2021
If you’ve got a day job with health benefits, be grateful! These two articles chronicle the battle my family undertook not to get price-gauged.
The Cost Of Calling An Ambulance And The Nightmare That Ensued
A Broken Emergency Medical System (EMS) Means Lots Of Surprise Bills
Best Meaning Of Life Articles For 2021
Money is a tool to live a better life. Please don’t make money the end goal.
If You Want To Naturally Be Nicer, Get Richer: A Surprise Apology Letter
Overcoming The Downer Of No Longer Making Maximum Money
You Will Never Truly Be Free Unless Your Loved Ones Are Also Free
The YOLO Economy Is Here To Stay: How To Live Your Best Life
Revenge Spend Time! Spending Money To Get Back At Life
Best Work And Career Articles For 2021
The pandemic has been positive for workers who’ve been able to work from home. I’m actually kind of envious due to more work flexibility, health and retirement benefits, and rising pay.
The Best Time To Work May Be During Or After A Pandemic
Don’t Make Over $400,000 A Year: Look At How Goldman Analysts Suffer
The Best Money-Making Solution After Being Rejected By A Company
In Search Of The 2-Hour Work Day
Ask People What They Do, They Might Surprise You
Best Automobile Articles For 2021
I used to be a car junkie in my 20s and early 30s. But now, not so much. All I really want is a reliable and safe vehicle to transport my family.
How To Avoid Buyer’s Remorse When Purchasing An Expensive Vehicle
The Ideal Length Of Time To Own A Car Is Not Forever
Best Family Planning Articles For 2021
I could probably spend 70% of my time writing about family planning and fatherhood. I am endlessly fascinated by child development, parenting, and what the future holds for our children.
Marrying Your Equal Is Better Than Marrying Rich
The Best Age To Get Life Insurance Based On Logic And Reasoning
The Bank Of Mom And Dad Strategy To Buying A Home And Having A Family
The Cost Of Raising Many Children Isn’t Just About The Money
The Average Amount Of Time Parents Spend With Their Kids A Day Is So Low
When Is The Right Time To Travel Or Live Abroad With Kids
Best Entrepreneurship Articles For 2021
Once the pandemic began in 1Q2020, I decided to become more entrepreneurial. I figured, if I had to shelter in place, I might as well try to make more money online. It was my way of giving the pandemic the middle finger.
Reflections On Making Money Online Since 2009
