If the stock market is down, does that mean the bond market is up?

How do bonds work in my portfolio? Do I even want bonds?

Today, Jared and Russell discuss Part XII of JL Collins' Stock Series all about bonds. Whether you want to add bonds to your portfolio or not, it's important to at least know what they are and how they work.

Stay tuned to learn more!

And as always, if you'd like to ask us a question on the show, email us at [email protected].

Resources:

JL Collins' Stock Series - Part XII Bonds

When you're lying on the edge of a lake in the Forbidden Forrest next to your godfather getting the life sucked out of you by Dementors, who is going to come save you?

The same person who is responsible for putting your finances in order and funding your retirement.

And I'll give you a hint: It's not Social Security.

Chris asks, "Should I upgrade my Chase Sapphire Preferred to a Reserve?"

Jacob says, "I have some big purchases coming up and I want to earn some Chase Ultimate Rewards points. What card(s) should I open next?"

And Jared hits some obstacles trying to upgrade his Freedom card to a Sapphire Reserve, but learns some valuable information for future reference...

If you want to ask us a question for the giant mailbag, email us at [email protected]. Can't wait to hear from you!

Russell is saving $1,051 on his hotel in Waikiki for his honeymoon! Instead of paying $1,250 for 5 nights at the Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach, Russell is only paying $199.

Tune in to find out what credit card bonus Russell is earning and how he's spending those points!

Jared also talks about how booking some Hilton Curio Collection hotels in Greece with points is akin to lighting your money on fire.

If you have a question about Financial Independence, travel hacking, or credit card rewards, or you'd just like to say hi, send us an email at [email protected].

Russell is getting married! Time to plan the honeymoon to Hawaii. Their flights are covered thanks to earning the Southwest Companion Pass, but Russell isn't sure where to start looking for hotels. 

What loyalty program should he use? What credit cards should he open? 

Stay tuned to learn about the pros and cons of Hyatt, Hilton, and Marriott bookings in Hawaii, as well as some things to keep in mind when deciding.

To learn how Russell earned the Southwest Companion Pass, and an overview of the Chase Ultimate Rewards program, checkout episodes 004, 005, and 006

If you'd like to get in touch with us, or ask us a question for a future episode, email us at [email protected]

What happens to your money if Vanguard blew up tomorrow? 

What's the difference between investing in "The Vanguard Group" and a Vanguard Index Fund like VTSAX?

Are you as diversified as you think you are if you invest in International Funds?

Should you invest in International Funds? If so, which ones? And how much?

Join us as we discuss these topics from JL Collins' Stock Series Parts X - XI and more on today's episode!

If you'd like to ask us a question, email us at [email protected] and we might just discuss it on the show!

Today's Resources:

https://jlcollinsnh.com/stock-series/

The most famous financial independence blog post in the 21st century explained this enormous finding:

Your time to reach retirement depends on only one factor -- your savings rate.

If you save 0% of your take home pay, you can never retire.

If you save 100% of your take home pay, you can retire right now.

Tune in and find out how soon you can retire.

If you'd like to ask us a question, email us at [email protected] and we might just discuss your question on the show!

Resources:

https://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2012/01/13/the-shockingly-simple-math-behind-early-retirement/

What do you know about willpower? How much of it do you have? Can you get more of it? Do you even need it?

Today, we talk about the role of willpower in our habits, routines, and money. Stay tuned to figure out how to win financially with or without any willpower at all.

If you'd like to ask us a question, email us at [email protected] and we might just discuss your question on the show!

References Mentioned:

The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg

Everything you need to consider when buying a used car!

Joshua Sheets from Radical Personal Finance lays out 5 steps to buying a used car in his 5-part podcast series. Today, Russell and Jared talk about these 5 steps in depth!

Stay tuned for the BONUS discussion on Electric Cars to find out just how much it costs per year to drive an EV compared to a gas car.

If you'd like to ask us a question, email us at [email protected] and we might just discuss your question on the show!

Resources:

Top EVs

https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/rankings/electric-vehicles

https://www.motortrend.com/style/electric/

Electric Prices around the US

https://www.bls.gov/regions/midwest/data/averageenergyprices_selectedareas_table.htm

Tax Credits

https://electrek.co/2023/01/03/which-electric-vehicles-still-qualify-for-us-federal-tax-credit/

Simple is good. Simple is easier. Simple is more profitable.

Find out why Morningstar says the best investors are dead.

If you'd like to ask us a question, email us at [email protected] and we might just discuss your question on the show!

Resources:

https://www.morningstar.com/articles/964493/from-the-archives-in-praise-of-the-dead-investors

https://jlcollinsnh.com/stock-series/