The Case for Blended (Instead of Sequential) Drawdown for Early Retirees
Are you using the wrong retirement withdrawal strategy? Sequential drawdown—draining one account before touching the next—is the most common approach to early retirement, but it could be costing you tens of thousands in unnecessary taxes.
In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast, hosts Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench sit down with Enrolled Agent Mark to break down tax-efficient withdrawal strategies that maximize your retirement savings. Discover blended drawdown strategies and cyclical drawdown methods that optimize which accounts you tap first—Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, taxable brokerage, HSA—to minimize your lifetime tax burden.
This episode covers:
Sequential vs. blended vs. cyclical retirement drawdown strategies
How to optimize withdrawal order from retirement accounts (401k, IRA, Roth, taxable accounts)
Tax-efficient retirement planning for early retirees and FIRE followers
How to leverage today's historically low tax rates before they expire
Healthcare costs in early retirement (ACA subsidies, Medicare planning)
Asset protection and estate planning considerations
Roth conversion strategies during low-income years
How to avoid costly tax mistakes in the decumulation phase
Whether you're planning for financial independence, already retired early, or managing multiple retirement accounts, this tax optimization masterclass will help you keep more of your money and make your nest egg last longer.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
--------
1:10:54
--------
1:10:54
If We Started FIRE Over in 2025, Here's Exactly What We'd Do
What would you do differently if you could start your FIRE journey over today?
Back in 2013, Scott was fresh out of college house hacking his way to financial independence, while Mindy and her husband were deep into their FIRE journey documenting it all on their blog. Fast forward to 2025—both are financially independent, but if they were starting from scratch today, they'd make some serious changes.
Welcome to the BiggerPockets Money Podcast! In this episode, Scott and Mindy reveal what they'd do differently starting their FI journey in 2025. The fundamentals still work—frugality, saving, investing—but the tactical strategies? Those have evolved dramatically.
In this episode, we cover:
The real estate strategies Scott would prioritize in today's market
Stock investments and portfolio allocation for 2025
How AI and technology are reshaping the path to FI
The biggest regrets—including times they wish they'd spent MORE
What still works from 2013 vs. what's completely outdated
Lifestyle changes they'd make earlier in the journey
Updated timelines and expectations for achieving FIRE today
Whether you're just starting out or already on track to financial independence, this episode gives you a fresh roadmap for building wealth in today's world.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
--------
37:07
--------
37:07
Does Money Buy Happiness? What the FIRE Community Gets Wrong
What happens after you achieve financial independence? Former Facebook employee turned comedian Paul Ollinger discovered the answer wasn't what he expected—and it completely changed how he thinks about money, work, and happiness.
This Episode Covers:
Why financial autonomy beats wealth accumulation—and what that actually means for your daily life
The psychological challenges of early retirement nobody talks about (and why having a plan is non-negotiable)
How he navigated major financial decisions in high-cost cities like New York without sacrificing his goals
The truth about happiness and wealth—does more money actually make you happier?
How to prepare for life's unexpected curveballs that can derail even the best financial plans
And SO much more!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
--------
49:47
--------
49:47
Will 2026 Healthcare Costs Destroy Financial Independence for Millions?
Will 2026 healthcare costs destroy your FIRE plan? Enhanced ACA tax credits expire in 2026—meaning health insurance premiums could DOUBLE or TRIPLE overnight. This healthcare subsidy cliff threatens millions who depend on affordable marketplace coverage.
In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast, Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench interview Matt McGough from KFF to break down the 2026 healthcare crisis and what you can do NOW to protect your early retirement.
This Episode Covers:
Who gets hit hardest by 2026 healthcare premium increases
Exact cost projections for early retirement health insurance in 2026
Actionable strategies to prepare NOW for rising healthcare costs
Which FIRE strategies still work after ACA subsidy changes
Affordable health insurance alternatives for early retirees
History of ACA subsidies and why they're expiring
Steps to protect your financial independence from the healthcare affordability crisis
And SO much more!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
--------
53:22
--------
53:22
Proof You Don't Need a High Salary for FIRE (Teacher Retires at 50)
Think you need a six-figure salary to retire early? Think again. Middle school teacher Andrew Luman is achieving financial independence and retiring at 50—all on a teacher's salary. In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast, hosts Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench unpack Andrew's complete FIRE strategy, proving that early retirement isn't reserved for high earners.
In this episode, you'll learn:
How Andrew discovered the FIRE movement and started his financial independence journey
Building wealth on $35,000 a year: Andrew's early budgeting strategies
The power of a high savings rate and how to achieve it on a modest income
House hacking explained: How Andrew used a multi-unit property to eliminate housing costs
Real estate investing for teachers and average income earners
Portfolio breakdown: Andrew's asset allocation and investment strategy for early retirement
The four-day work week advantage and how it accelerated his path to FIRE
Choosing time over money: lifestyle decisions that make early retirement possible
Side hustles for FIRE: Which ones are worth it
Cash management strategies for approaching financial independence
Approaching your FIRE number: What the final stretch looks like
And SO much more!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Intermediate to advanced personal finance strategies for people serious about the FIRE (financial independence retire early) movement—not just dreaming about it.
Tune in on Tuesdays and Fridays for new BiggerPockets Money episodes with your hosts, Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench! Or visit BiggerPocketsMoney.com with additional resources.
USA