Perhaps working hard to make money and get ahead is overrated. With the decline in merit-based compensation and rewards, it may be strategically better to kick back and relax more. It's a risky proposition to do so, but it might work out for the best. In case you are a hardworker who is getting discriminated against based on your identity, here are 7 strategies to survive and thrive if merit no longer matters in the future. Mentioned posts: How To Survive The War On Merit Grades No Longer Matter, Hooray!  Don't Let Honor And Pride Leave You On Hard Mode Forever Recommendations If you'd like to support my ad-free podcast, pick up a hardcopy of Buy This, Not That, my instant Wall Street Journal bestseller. The book helps you make more optimal investing decisions to build more wealth and live better lives. BTNT is on sale at Amazon today!  For more nuanced personal finance content, join 55,000+ others and sign up for the free Financial Samurai newsletter and posts via e-mail. Financial Samurai is one of the largest independently-owned personal finance sites that started in 2009.  As always, thanks for all the positive book reviews and podcast reviews. They help keep me going. 

Why Working Hard Might No Longer Be Necessary To Get Ahead Due To A De-emphasis In Merit

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In this episode, I catch up with Ben Miller, Co-founder and CEO of Fundrise about artificial intelligence and the latest investments by the  Innovation Fund. We discuss how company valuations are calculated in the fund, a defense AI investment, and so much more.  The Innovation Fund is an open-ended venture capital fund with only a $10 minimum. You can see what the fund is investing in before you decide to invest and how much. Unlike traditional closed-end venture capital funds, you can gain liquidity if you want in one quarter. Check out the Innovation Fund here. Financial Samurai is an investor in Fundrise and Fundrise is a long-time sponsor of Financial Samurai.  Personally, I'm bullish on artificial intelligence and will be building $500,000 worth of exposure to AI companies and funds that invest in artificial intelligence over the next five years. In 20 years, I don't want my children asking me why I didn't invest in AI near the beginning.  Related post: Artificial Intelligence: How To Protect Yourself And Benefit Financially  Subscribe To Financial Samurai To achieve financial independence sooner, Join 60,000+ others and subscribe to the free Financial Samurai newsletter. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, rate, and review. Every review means a lot as each episode takes hours to produce. 

Investing In Artificial Intelligence With The Fundrise Innovation Fund And Ben Miller

I speak with Colleen Kong-Savage about becoming a children's book illustrator and author, as well as a freelance graphic designer while living in expensive New York City. Colleen has a new book out entitled Piano Wants To Play. It is a wonderful book for children and adults of all ages who appreciate music. It is also a touching story about rekindling the joy we had as children. Colleen has been a long-time illustrator for Financial Samurai, creating all of the custom Samurai-themed graphics, including the logo and the Financial Samurai mask. As you may know, it can be challenging to make a living as a creative professional. Therefore, I'm proud to support Colleen's endeavors. If you're looking to support artists, the best way to do so is to purchase their work and hiring them. Please consider purchasing a copy of Piano Wants To Play and visiting Colleen's website at ckongsavage.com. If you want to learn more about being a children's author and illustrator, you can check out the resources at www.highlightsfoundation.org and www.scbwi.org. If you enjoyed this episode, I'd appreciate a review and a share! To Your Financial Freedom, Sam

Becoming A Children's Book Illustrator And Author With Colleen Kong-Savage

Every residential real estate investor and homeowner is richer after the National Association Of Realtors settled its price fixing lawsuit. I know many real estate agents, realtors, and brokerages are upset with the ruling. However, the decision was decided quickly by a jury of our peers. The money that would have went into the real estate industry's pockets are now going back into the homeowners' and investors' pockets.  See: Why Every Residential Real Estate Investor And Homeowner Is Richer  Busting The Real Estate Cartel With Attorney Mike Ketchmark Recommendations Check out Fundrise, my favorite private real estate platform with over $3.3 billion under management for 500,000+ investors. With mortgage rates coming down and the stock market strong, the demand for real estate is building.  Fundrise predominantly invests in residential and industrial real estate in the Sunbelt region, where valuations are lower and yields are higher. I believe there is a multi-decade demographic shift towards lower-cost areas of the country thanks to technology.  Financial Samurai is an investor in Fundrise funds and Fundrise is a long-time sponsor of Financial Samurai.  Subscribe To Financial Samurai To achieve financial freedom sooner, join 60,000+ others and subscribe to the free Financial Samurai newsletter. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, rate, and review. Every review means a lot as each episode takes hours to produce. 

Real Estate Commissions Are Already Coming Down Fast

The most expensive cities in America include cities like New York City, San Francisco, and San Jose. However, these expensive cities could actually be the cheapest due to all the income and investment opportunities. Let's explore the reasons why. Related post:  Income Required To Afford A Typical Home In The Top 50 Cities Recommendations 1) Check out Fundrise, my favorite private real estate platform with over $3.3 billion under management for 500,000+ investors. With mortgage rates coming down and the stock market strong, the demand for real estate is building.  2) To invest in artificial intelligence and other private growth companies, check out the open-ended Innovation Fund. You can see what the fund invests in before you invest and how much. The investment minimum is only $10.  Financial Samurai is an investor in Fundrise funds and Fundrise is a long-time sponsor of Financial Samurai.  Subscribe To Financial Samurai To achieve financial freedom sooner, join 60,000+ others and subscribe to the free Financial Samurai newsletter. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, rate, and review. Every review means a lot as each episode takes hours to produce. 

The Most Expensive Cities In America To Own A Home Could Actually Be The Cheapest

In this episode, I talk to my wife about what it's nice to own the nicest home we can afford five months after moving in. Although I am no happier, I do feel more satisfied.  Related post:  Climbed To The Top Of The Property Ladder  Recommendations 1) Check out Fundrise, my favorite private real estate platform with over $3.3 billion under management for 500,000+ investors. With mortgage rates coming down and the stock market strong, the demand for real estate is building.  2) To invest in artificial intelligence and other private growth companies, check out the open-ended Innovation Fund. You can see what the fund invests in before you invest and how much. The investment minimum is only $10.  Subscribe To Financial Samurai Join 60,000+ others and subscribe to the free Financial Samurai newsletter. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, rate, and review. Every review means a lot as each episode takes hours to produce. 

Why Working Hard Might No Longer Be Necessary To Get Ahead Due To A De-emphasis In Merit

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