JL Collins: The “Simple” Path to Wealth, FIRE, and Stress-Free Investing | Bigger Pockets Podcast

The Simple Path to Wealth is arguably the most influential book in the FIRE movement. JL Collins, its author, is revered among early retirees as one of the trailblazers for FIRE, showing that anyone, with the right investing consistency, can reach financial independence WITHOUT complicated investing strategies, risky alternative assets, or individual stock picking. This is THE simplest way to wealth, but does it still work in 2025?

To see, we had to ask the man himself. So, back again, is JL Collins! Today, we’re answering the big questions many FIRE chasers still ask. What’s the right portfolio balance when growing wealth vs. retiring, does JL hold bonds or 100% index funds, should we be worried about all-time-high price-to-earnings ratios, and do you EVER need to rebalance your portfolio? JL answers them all, plus gives Scott his honest take on what a market crash would mean for his portfolio.

But what about real estate, cryptocurrency, and other alternative assets? Is there any space in your portfolio for those, or should you only invest in index funds and bonds? JL has some advice you might not expect, but it could help you if you’re itching to diversify. 

Want to learn more about The Simple Path to Wealth? Pre-order the updated version, The Simple Path to Wealth (Revised & Expanded 2025 Edition), today! 

In This Episode We Cover

The “simple” path to wealth, FIRE, and early retirement explained 

JL’s exact stock/bond ratio while in retirement (and where yours should be)

Are Scott’s concerns about price-to-earnings ratios valid? JL shares his view

When to rebalance your portfolio and why “set it and forget it” investing WON’T work

REITs, real estate, and crypto: does JL invest in ANY of these alternative assets (and should you)? 

And So Much More!

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The Simple Path to Wealth (Revised & Expanded 2025 Edition)

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The Simple Path to Wealth—Index Funds Explained with JL Collins

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