BiggerPockets Money Podcast

In this episode of the BiggerPocketsMoney podcast, Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench host Ryan Sterling, CEO of NerdWallet Wealth Partners, to discuss the nuances of different financial advisor compensation structures. Whether you're planning your financial future or evaluating advisors, understanding these models can help you make informed decisions that align with your goals.

This Episode Covers:

The core differences between flat fee and assets under management (AUM) fee models

How transparency and client mindset influence fee preferences

The conflicts of interest inherent in AUM and commission-based models

When AUM fees may be more appropriate for high-net-worth clients

Practical scenarios demonstrating long-term cost implications of each model

The evolving landscape of flat fee financial planning and industry fee compression

Ryan’s insights on selecting quality advisors and the importance of credentials like CFP

How fee structure impacts client behavior, trust, and long-term financial outcomes

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Connect with Ryan Sterling: 


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NerdWallet Wealth Partners

We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order!

NerdWallet Wealth Partners, LLC is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training and nothing contained herein should be construed as investment advice. NerdWallet Wealth Partners does not guarantee investment results and does not provide tax or legal advice.
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Trevor and his wife reached a $1 million net worth by age 32 and are on track to achieve financial independence well before 40. In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast, hosts Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench chat with Trevor about his unconventional journey involving strategic career moves, real estate investments, and leveraging corporate benefits. Learn how Trevor went from a $1,000 net worth after college to $1 million through smart financial decisions and opportunities. Trevor shares his experiences, challenges, and the importance of financial flexibility in achieving Coast Fire in his 30s.

To go beyond the podcast:

Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources

Subscribe on YouTube for even more content

Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners

We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order!
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The 4% rule has a major flaw: it doesn't account for healthcare costs. If you're planning to retire early, health insurance premiums will rise sharply as you age—from your 30s through your 60s before Medicare kicks in at 65. This isn't speculation; it's how the U.S. healthcare system works under the ACA.

On this episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast, Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench break down why early retirees need a bigger financial buffer than traditional FIRE calculations suggest. Learn the real cost of healthcare in early retirement, strategies to reduce expenses (geographical arbitrage, health shares, catastrophic coverage), why you can't rely on ACA subsidies long-term, and how to build a healthcare plan that won't derail your path to financial independence.

To go beyond the podcast:

Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources

Subscribe on YouTube for even more content

Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners

We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order!
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Are you on track to achieve financial independence? In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast, Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench outline the essential financial milestones for your 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s. Learn the net worth benchmarks and financial habits that will set you up for a successful journey to financial freedom in EVERY decade. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your strategy, this comprehensive guide will help you plan and achieve your financial goals. 

To go beyond the podcast:

Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources

Subscribe on YouTube for even more content

Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners

We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order!
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Should you retire the second you hit financial independence, or is there value in working just a little longer? Steven faced this exact decision at 40 and chose to work four more years. The result? He added $1 million to his net worth and entered retirement at 44 with $3.5 million and a bulletproof plan.

In this conversation, Steven shares his complete early retirement strategy, including why he delayed retirement past his FI number, how those extra years set him up for flexible spending of $120K-$180K annually, and the specific withdrawal tactics he uses to optimize taxes and health insurance subsidies.

This Episode Covers:

Steven's journey from engineer to early retirement at 44

Why he chose to work four more years after hitting his FI number

Career transitions and strategic income optimization

Investment strategy and asset allocation for early retirement

Planning the transition to early retirement

Flexible spending strategy: $120K-$180K annual range

Navigating the ACA subsidy cliff for health insurance

Strategic Roth conversions and tax optimization

Safe withdrawal rates and managing inflation

Starting new business ventures in early retirement

What daily life actually looks like in early retirement at 44

Steven's story proves that "one more year syndrome" isn't always fear-based procrastination—sometimes it's strategic planning that pays off big. Whether you're close to your FI number or just beginning your journey, his practical approach offers a roadmap for retiring early with confidence.

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