
514 | The More I Tinker, The Worse it Gets | Jeremy Schneider
10/07/24 • 66 min
1 Listener
In this episode: simplifying your financial life, Jeremy’s journey, dividend versus reinvesting, and automation.
This week we are joined by Jeremy Schneider of Personal Finance Club and co-founder of Nectarine, where we will be discussing the beginnings of his personal investment journey and what that looks like now, striving for simplicity while adding value to your life, as well as discuss the ins and outs of his platform Nectarine. Part of the journey to FI is about finding hacks and ways to make your life a little easier in order to add value, sometimes by keeping it simple. Whether with your finances or in other areas of your life, it is the best option in order for you to thrive!
Jeremy Schneider:- Website: personalfinanceclub.com
- Instagram: @personalfinanceclub
- The pitfalls of overcomplicating personal finance and investment strategies
- The power of simplicity in financial management and investing
- Mistakes made in early investing: complex ETFs vs. simple index funds
- Jeremy’s journey from selling his company to managing a $2M windfall
- The surprising truth about target date funds and why simplicity often wins
- The concept of “the more I tinker, the worse it gets” in investment strategies
- Personal finance habits that persist from childhood and their impact on adult financial decisions
- Dividends vs. reinvesting: pros, cons, and psychological aspects
- Understanding the differences between fiduciary financial advisors and those incentivized to sell products
- Why financial simplicity and automation can lead to better outcomes
- 00:00 – Introduction to Jeremy Schneider
- 02:00 – Simplicity vs. Complexity in Financial Decisions
- 03:30 – Jeremy’s $2M Windfall and Early Investing Mistakes
- 06:00 – Complex ETFs vs. Target Date Funds
- 08:00 – How Tinkering Can Lead to Worse Financial Outcomes
- 12:00 – Personal Finance Habits from Childhood
- 14:00 – Dividend Reinvestment: To Reinvest or Not?
- 18:00 – Simplifying Financial Life: Automating Investments
- 22:00 – The Dangers of Chasing Dividends
- 26:00 – Real-Life Examples of Bad Financial Advice
- 33:00 – The World of Financial Advisors: Fiduciary vs. Salespeople
- 39:00 – The Importance of Finding Unbiased, Advice-Only Financial Guidance
- 46:00 – Jeremy’s Key Takeaways on Simplicity and Financial Independence
- Top 10 Recommended Travel Rewards Credit Cards
- Empower: Free Dashboard to Track Your Finances
- CIT Bank Platinum Savings Account
- M1 Finance: Commission-Free Investing, 1-click rebalancing
- CashFreely: Maximize Your Cash Back Rewards
- Travel Freely: Track all your rewards cards and points
- Emergency Binder: For Your Family’s Essential Info (code ‘CHOOSEFI’ for 20% off)
- Student Loan Planner: Custom Consult (with $100 Discount)
- Get a cheaper phone plan with Mint Mobile
In this episode: simplifying your financial life, Jeremy’s journey, dividend versus reinvesting, and automation.
This week we are joined by Jeremy Schneider of Personal Finance Club and co-founder of Nectarine, where we will be discussing the beginnings of his personal investment journey and what that looks like now, striving for simplicity while adding value to your life, as well as discuss the ins and outs of his platform Nectarine. Part of the journey to FI is about finding hacks and ways to make your life a little easier in order to add value, sometimes by keeping it simple. Whether with your finances or in other areas of your life, it is the best option in order for you to thrive!
Jeremy Schneider:- Website: personalfinanceclub.com
- Instagram: @personalfinanceclub
- The pitfalls of overcomplicating personal finance and investment strategies
- The power of simplicity in financial management and investing
- Mistakes made in early investing: complex ETFs vs. simple index funds
- Jeremy’s journey from selling his company to managing a $2M windfall
- The surprising truth about target date funds and why simplicity often wins
- The concept of “the more I tinker, the worse it gets” in investment strategies
- Personal finance habits that persist from childhood and their impact on adult financial decisions
- Dividends vs. reinvesting: pros, cons, and psychological aspects
- Understanding the differences between fiduciary financial advisors and those incentivized to sell products
- Why financial simplicity and automation can lead to better outcomes
- 00:00 – Introduction to Jeremy Schneider
- 02:00 – Simplicity vs. Complexity in Financial Decisions
- 03:30 – Jeremy’s $2M Windfall and Early Investing Mistakes
- 06:00 – Complex ETFs vs. Target Date Funds
- 08:00 – How Tinkering Can Lead to Worse Financial Outcomes
- 12:00 – Personal Finance Habits from Childhood
- 14:00 – Dividend Reinvestment: To Reinvest or Not?
- 18:00 – Simplifying Financial Life: Automating Investments
- 22:00 – The Dangers of Chasing Dividends
- 26:00 – Real-Life Examples of Bad Financial Advice
- 33:00 – The World of Financial Advisors: Fiduciary vs. Salespeople
- 39:00 – The Importance of Finding Unbiased, Advice-Only Financial Guidance
- 46:00 – Jeremy’s Key Takeaways on Simplicity and Financial Independence
- Top 10 Recommended Travel Rewards Credit Cards
- Empower: Free Dashboard to Track Your Finances
- CIT Bank Platinum Savings Account
- M1 Finance: Commission-Free Investing, 1-click rebalancing
- CashFreely: Maximize Your Cash Back Rewards
- Travel Freely: Track all your rewards cards and points
- Emergency Binder: For Your Family’s Essential Info (code ‘CHOOSEFI’ for 20% off)
- Student Loan Planner: Custom Consult (with $100 Discount)
- Get a cheaper phone plan with Mint Mobile
Previous Episode

513 | Make Your Own Dividend | Mailbag with Rachael
In this episode: getting started early with FI, the 4% rule, retirement accounts, real estate, and safe withdrawal rates.
This episode is packed with actionable information that can help with maximizing your financial future, from house hacking to Roth conversions, and strategies for living off your investments. Brad and Rachael dive into real-world listener questions to help you navigate your FI journey with confidence.
Rachael Camp offers advisory Services through Creative Financial Designs, Inc., a Registered Investment Adviser, and Securities are offered through cfd Investments, Inc., a Registered Broker/Dealer, Member FINRA & SIPC, 2704 S. Goyer Rd., Kokomo, IN 46902. 765-453-9600. Camp Wealth is not affiliated with the CFD companies.
🔑 Key Themes Discussed:- The benefits of getting started early with financial independence (FI)
- Evaluating the 4% rule and how to live off investments in retirement
- Understanding the difference between Roth vs. Traditional retirement accounts
- Tax strategies for early retirement and avoiding penalties
- House hacking as a way to reduce housing costs and boost savings
- Real estate as an investment: risks, rewards, and misconceptions
- Maximizing income while keeping expenses low for young professionals
- Safe withdrawal rates, dividends, and managing investments post-retirement
- The psychological aspects of early retirement and maintaining financial health
- 00:00 – Introduction to Mailbag with Rachael
- 01:00 – Starting Early with FI: Gabby’s Journey
- 03:00 – Roth vs. Traditional Retirement Accounts for Young Investors
- 06:00 – House Hacking and Real Estate Strategies
- 09:00 – How the 4% Rule Works for Early Retirement
- 12:00 – Income Maximization for Young Professionals
- 18:00 – Managing Dividends and Withdrawal Strategies in FI
- 24:00 – Safe Withdrawal Rates and Creating Your Own Dividend
- 31:00 – Listener Questions: Roth IRA Conversion Ladder
- 36:00 – Tax Strategies and Avoiding Penalties in Early Retirement
- 43:00 – Rethinking Real Estate and House Hacking Risks
- 51:00 – Wrap-Up and Final Thoughts on Financial Independence
- Mailbag: Getting Started with FI, Debt vs. Investing, Dividends, 4% Includes Taxes?, Roth 401k | Rachael Camp | ChooseFI Ep 505
- Mailbag: Roth vs. Trad, $35k Roth to 529, Combining Finances | Rachael Camp | ChooseFI Ep 496
- How to Access Your Retirement Accounts Before 59.5 | Sean Mullaney | ChooseFI Ep 475
- Drawdown Strategies: Karsten vs. Fritz | ChooseFI Ep 427
- House Hacking With Coach Carson | ChooseFI Ep 16
- Scott Trench | Set For Life | ChooseFI Ep 63
- Subscribe to The FI Weekly!
- Top 10 Recommended Travel Rewards Credit Cards
- Empower: Free Dashboard to Track Your Finances
- CIT Bank Platinum Savings Account
- M1 Finance: Commission-Free Investing, 1-click rebalancing
- CashFreely: Maximize Your Cash Back Rewards
- Travel Freely: Track all your rewards cards and points
- Emergency Binder: For Your Family’s Essential Info (code ‘CHOOSEFI’ for 20% off)
Next Episode

515 | Cyber Security Update: Social Engineering & Pig Butchering
In this episode: social engineering, pig butchering, cryptocurrency risks, scammer tactics, and avoiding being a victim.
This week Brad speaks with cyber security expert Tom who will be giving some updates on the landscape of cybersecurity, what targeted scams look like, as well as some actionable steps you can take to avoid these scams. Though it may seem that cybersecurity attacks are ever-evolving and may be harder and harder to avoid, there are ways to make yourself less vulnerable to attacks. Making sure you’re having open conversations about this topic with your friends, and especially your older family members is crucial and can make sure you avoid falling for these scams!
🔑 Key Themes Discussed:- The rise of social engineering scams and how they manipulate victims
- “Pig Butchering” scams: how scammers build trust, then steal your money
- How cryptocurrency is used in scams and the risks involved
- Recognizing investment scams and protecting yourself from fraud
- The emotional and psychological tactics scammers use to isolate victims
- The role of AI and fake profiles in advanced scams
- Actionable steps to avoid becoming a victim
- The importance of spreading awareness to protect your family and friends
- Reporting scams and what to do if you’ve been a victim
- 00:00 – Introduction and Overview of Cybersecurity Threats
- 02:00 – What is Pig Butchering and How it Works
- 04:00 – Investment Scams and Social Engineering Explained
- 06:00 – How Scammers Build Relationships and Gain Trust
- 08:00 – Examples of Scams: Dating Apps, Fake Profiles, and Social Media
- 12:00 – Cryptocurrency in Scams: What to Watch Out For
- 16:00 – The Role of AI and Deepfakes in Cyber Scams
- 18:00 – Personal Stories: Victims Who Lost Everything
- 22:00 – Action Steps: How to Protect Yourself and Loved Ones
- 27:00 – How to Report Scams and Recover Funds
- 29:00 – Recognizing Scams in Everyday Life: Red Flags and Signals
- 34:00 – Final Thoughts and Preventative Tips
- Top 10 Recommended Travel Rewards Credit Cards
- Empower: Free Dashboard to Track Your Finances
- CIT Bank Platinum Savings Account
- M1 Finance: Commission-Free Investing, 1-click rebalancing
- CashFreely: Maximize Your Cash Back Rewards
- Travel Freely: Track all your rewards cards and points
- Emergency Binder: For Your Family’s Essential Info (code ‘CHOOSEFI’ for 20% off)
- Student Loan Planner: Custom Consult (with $100 Discount)
- Get a cheaper phone plan with Mint Mobile
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