Investing can feel overwhelming with all the strategies, opinions, and noise out there. That's why in this episode, I break down eight simple, time-tested rules of thumb that will help you cut through the confusion and make smarter decisions with your money. These aren't rigid formulas—they're practical guidelines to keep you on track whether you're just getting started or fine-tuning your portfolio.

From understanding how long it takes your money to double, to calculating your "freedom number," to knowing whether to prioritize retirement or college savings, these rules will help you create clarity and confidence in your financial journey.

Episode Timeline & Highlights

[0:00] – Introduction [0:54] – Rule #1: The Rule of 72—how long it takes for your money to double [2:00] – Rule #2: Why you'll only need about 70% of your income in retirement [2:46] – Rule #3: How to calculate your "freedom number" with the 4% rule [3:11] – Rule #4: Safe withdrawal rates in retirement (why I lean conservative) [3:52] – Rule #5: Net worth benchmarks by age and income [4:33] – Rule #6: Asset allocation by age—and why risk tolerance matters more [5:52] – Rule #7: Always take the 401(k) match—it's free money [6:32] – Rule #8: Child's education vs. retirement (and why retirement comes first)

Key Takeaways

1. Money Compounds Faster Than You Think – Use the Rule of 72 to visualize long-term growth.

2. Retirement Needs Less Than You Earn Now – Strategic withdrawals and fewer expenses change the math.

3. Put Yourself First – You can borrow for college, but you can't borrow for retirement.

Quotables

"You can get scholarships for school—but you can't get scholarships for retirement." "Aim to have your investments double every ten years at a bare minimum." "Please don't listen to anyone who says you can pull 12% from your portfolio. That's a disaster waiting to happen."

Links & Resources

• Learn more about BudgetDog Academy: https://budgetdog.com

• My book, The Roadmap to Financial Freedom: https://budgetdog.com/book

• Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/budgetdog

If this episode helped simplify investing for you, share it with a friend who needs these rules of thumb. And don't forget to rate, follow, and review the podcast—it helps more people build wealth with confidence and clarity.