Should you take a $30,000 raise right before you retire? It’s the kind of question that forces you to ask what you’re really optimizing for—money, or something else entirely.
In this Q&A episode, Joe and I answer three questions: Melanie is four years from FI but a high-stress job with a big raise just opened up, should she take it when the money won’t change her timeline?
Ami wants to learn about investing but can’t tell legitimate courses from scams. And Ben follows up from Episode 243—he’s gone from 4 units to 16 units and wants to know his next move.
Listen Here
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Youtube
Listener Questions in This Episode
Melanie asks: I’m 4 years from FI and a job opened up offering a $30,000 raise—but with more stress. The money doesn’t really move the needle on my timeline. Should I take it?
Ami asks: How do I tell legitimate investing courses from scams? Can you recommend trusted instructors or courses?
Ben asks (follow-up from Episode 243): I’ve grown from 4 units to 16 units. Should I sell everything to buy a 40-unit building or keep growing gradually? Also, how do I get institutional financing when hard money lenders are charging 12% and 4 points?
Key Takeaways:
- Prioritize Mastery over Money: When you are close to your “FI number,” a raise is often less important than Autonomy, Mastery, and Purpose. If a promotion takes away your freedom, the extra $30k may not be worth it.
- The “Little P” Purpose: Retirement shouldn’t be a permanent vacation. To stay mentally healthy, you need a “Little P” purpose—a reason to get out of bed and a daily routine that provides structure.
- The Subway Pole Routine: Successful transitions often involve keeping a “routine for the sake of routine,” even if your schedule is entirely up to you.
- Interrogating the “Guru”: When evaluating a course, look for transparency, peer-reviewed data (if applicable), and a focus on long-term sustainability rather than “get rich quick” promises.
Resources
Episode #652: Interview with Rose Han
Jeanne_Retired on Tiktok
Episode #243: Ben’s original question
Chapters
Note: Timestamps are approximate and may vary across listening platforms due to dynamically inserted ads.
(0:00) Introduction
(1:44) Melanie’s Question: Take a raise before retirement?
(4:22) Mastery, autonomy, and purpose in work
(10:00) Considering how a new role might change your priorities
(20:00) How Black Swan events can shift your values
(27:12) Ami’s Question: How to avoid scam courses
(30:00) Learn from books and primary sources, not courses
(39:02) Ben’s Follow-up: From 4 units to 16 units
(45:00) Hard money loans and side hustle distractions
(50:00) Transitioning to institutional financing with a strong track record
Thanks to our sponsors!
Policy Genius
Secure your family’s future with Policygenius. Head to policygenius.com to compare life insurance quotes from top companies and see how much you could save
Mint Mobile
Quit overspending on wireless with 50% off Unlimited premium wireless. Plans start at $15/month at mintmobile.com/paula
Gusto
Try Gusto today at gusto.com/paula, and get three months free when you run your first payroll
HelloFresh
Go to hellofresh.com/paula10fm to Get 10 free meals + a FREE Zwilling Knife on your third box. (Offer valid while supplies last)
Monarch
Set yourself up for financial success in 2026 with Monarch. Use code AFFORD at monarch.com for half off your first year
Realtor.com
Find your next dream home, start searching now. Download the Realtor.com app today
