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Hello, Hello, Hello, and welcome to the BiggerPockets Money Newsletter!!!

This week, we'll jump into:

📉 Market Meltdown = FIRE Opportunity: Discover how the savviest FIRE followers are turning this market drop into a wealth-building shortcut while everyone else panics—scroll down to learn their contrarian strategy!

⚖️ Trump plans to make changes to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans—what that means for you. 

🚀 From $0 to Millionaire: Tae Kim joins Carl and me to discuss achieving FI and what Tuesday looks like for Tae, today.

—Mindy Jensen, host of the BiggerPockets Money podcast

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TRENDING NEWS

The Stock Market is Responding: What To Do About It

We all know the market in the last week has been a rollercoaster. It began with a drop on Monday and Tuesday—a direct response to tariff announcements and the administration's refusal to dismiss recession possibilities. In two short days, 2025's gains evaporated into thin air.
Then came Wednesday's plot twist: inflation numbers emerged softer than expected, sending portions of the market surging upward in a collective sigh of relief. But the reprieve proved short-lived—Thursday brought another downward spiral, completing what can only be described as financial whiplash.

This isn't just another market fluctuation; it's the conversation dominating every financial headline, social media feed, and investment forum. For market veterans, it's an uncomfortable but familiar storm. For newcomers who've only experienced the recent bull market? It's their first glimpse of the market's true temperament—and potentially a defining moment for their portfolio.

The real danger isn't in the market's movements, but in how investors respond to them. As prices fall, human instinct screams to sell and seek safety—precisely the reaction that transforms temporary dips into permanent losses.

I've read a lot of takes on this, but I really like Sam Ro's take on the emotional side of investing. I particularly like this chart:

It can be tempting to sell when the market is down, to mitigate your losses. However, this chart clearly shows that would be a big mistake.
This isn't a commentary on Scott's recent decision to sell 40% of his Index Fund portfolio and put it into real estate. He had a plan based on research, and he executed it. I'm just saying, don't sell emotionally. Make a plan for your portfolio and the allocations within, during times of CALM. Then, stick to it.

REAL ESTATE BROADCAST

Things Might Be Changing With Government-Backed Mortgages 😳

What provides legal access for a landlocked real estate owner through a private road or driveway?

📰 In the news: 

Unlock the full potential of your real estate investing business with REsimpli—the all-in-one CRM software for investors. Simplify data, marketing, sales, and operations—all in one platform.

Trusted by 1000+ real estate investors, REsimpli helps simplify your processes, boost efficiency, and close more deals!

THIS WEEK ON MONEY

Investment Secrets of the Ultra-Wealthy

Beyond the surface of stock market headlines and financial noise, the top 1% play a completely different investment game. While average investors chase quarterly returns, the ultra-wealthy are building generational wealth through strategic, calculated moves that most people never see coming.

Their secret? Watch the full episode here.

LIFE AFTER FIRE

Getting Rich is Overrated—Become a “Quiet” Millionaire

The “death march to FI” isn’t for everyone. If you’re tired of climbing the corporate ladder or lacking a sense of purpose at your W-2 job, it’s not too late to escape the rat race and design the life you want—just like the “Financial Tortoise,” Tae Kim, did!

Watch the full episode here to find out how!

SCOTT'S THOUGHTS

Diversifying Your Portfolio for FIRE

Hey BiggerPockets Money listeners! Scott Trench here, CEO of BiggerPockets, with some actionable advice for those of you chasing early retirement through the FIRE movement.

If you’ve been riding the 100% stock allocation wave but are starting to feel uneasy—whether it’s market volatility or nearing your FI number—this one’s for you. Diversifying your portfolio doesn’t mean abandoning growth; it’s about balancing risk and reward as you transition toward financial independence. Try thinking of it as Locking in Your Wins, instead.

First, let’s talk resources. One of my recommendations is The Bogleheads’ Guide to Investing by Taylor Larimore, Mel Lindauer, and Michael LeBoeuf. This book is a gold mine for understanding portfolio allocation beyond stocks. It dives into the power of low-cost index funds, bonds, and even a sprinkle of cash to smooth out the ride.

The Bogleheads’ philosophy—rooted in simplicity and discipline—helps you build a resilient portfolio without overcomplicating things. Grab it, read it, and apply it.

Next, check out the free portfolio tools at PortfolioVisualizer.com. This site lets you back-test different asset allocations—say, 80% stocks and 20% bonds, or even throwing in some REITs (real estate investment trusts) for that BiggerPockets flavor. Plug in your numbers, tweak the mix, and see how it holds up against historical data. It’s a hands-on way to find your sweet spot between growth and stability.

FIRE is about freedom, not fear. But, it's really hard for most investors to not be afraid if 100% of their financial portfolios are exposed to stocks in a turbulent market.

Explore these resources, adjust your sails, and keep moving toward that early retirement goal. You’ve got this!

POCKET CHANGE

💸 A Radical Money Challenge

What if you could save thousands, reclaim your financial freedom, and break the endless cycle of consumerism—all while actually enjoying your life? A fellow BiggerPockets employee, Alex, is pulling back the curtain on her most personal financial experiment yet: a full year of intentional, strategic spending that's about to change everything.

Curious how a low-buy year could transform your wallet—and your life? Read her brutally honest journey here 🔍