Well, guys, after 16 years of hard work on three free posts a week, I finally decided to build a paywall. Initially, starting in 2009, my goal was to provide 10 years of free financial insights to help people achieve financial independence soon. success! I have always believed that if you are lucky enough to learn something valuable, you should share and help as many people as possible.
But as an expensive San Francisco father of two, I need to optimize my time better. Without compensation, I can’t spend about 20 hours a week on financial samurai writing. I’ve been six years from my initial 10 years of commitment and punished college tuition on the horizon.
Meanwhile, future inflation expectations are at their highest level since 2022, thanks in part to the trade war. Everything – food, clothes, cars, medical services – is becoming more and more expensive. Meanwhile, the expected 10-year return for stocks is low due to high valuations.
I’ve dealt with the numbers and the free model is no longer sustainable because the ads on this site are barely paying for my growing operating costs. I either need to charge for content or cut my writing significantly and get a job.
I apologize for those who have loved my work for years. But as a father, my top priority is being provided to my family.
I realized some irony when debating this paid Wall move. Mom publishers like me can provide our content for free, while the main media outlets are left and right for you to use the paywall. I can’t count the number of times I want to read an article and can only be blocked unless I fork more than $9.99 per month.
Finally, I surrendered. I’m paying Apple News+ now just to read the previously free publications! However, I am here, giving away my content – based on first-hand experience and deep financial knowledge – nothing.
My articles not only help people build wealth, but also provide readers with confidence to change their lives. I even took the time to answer the readers’ comments. However, somehow, I am a person who works for free and a billion-dollar company charges access fees. This seems to be unbalanced.
Paywall = Protect from AI theft
Another reason for this transformation? For years, AI has been scratching free content without proper attribution. AI Chatbots reflect on my insights without linking to Financial Samurai, and even Google prioritizes AI-generated digests over the original resources.
By placing my content behind a paywall, AI Crawlers won’t be able to steal my work. I need to do everything I can to protect my future and my children’s future from AI.
Remember, Openai was originally Nonprofit organizations to help humanity’s mission. But after raising billions and generating more revenue, it turned to a for-profit model. Employees remain silent about baits and switches, fearing losing their shares and agreeing with them.
As a result, independent publishers are fighting for survival. Fortunately, I invested in private AI companies like OpenAI through open venture capital to benefit from their growth. Otherwise, I would be even more angry at the AI company of free writers and creators.
Invest in AI as a hedge
We can complain about AI, or learn how to use its tools to improve productivity. Since I know I can’t beat AI, I will continue to invest in AI as a hedge.
If you are also worried about future AI taking jobs from your kids, consider hedging by investing in AI itself. Fundraising venture capital products Provide contact to companies such as Openai, Anthropic, Anduril, Databricks, Canva, and more.
As Bill Gates predicted, if AI does make most humans obsolete, then your investment will benefit. And, if AI is exaggerated, at least your child still has a chance to get a high-paying job. Either way, you will be ready.
So far, I have personally invested in over $155,000 in fundraising companies, with plans to get my price to $250,000. Fundraising is a long-term sponsor of Financial Samurai because our investment philosophy is consistent.
College tuition will not be paid
No parent should assume that their child will receive a scholarship or grant. Instead, we should all be prepared to pay full tuition or get a loan at the most expensive private universities.
By 2040, four years in the top 50 private universities may cost $750,000-$1,000,000. Can an average middle-class family afford it? Unless they take on huge debts or work longer than planned, it may not be.
Yes, elite schools like Harvard and MIT offer generous financial aid. However, your child may not have come in due to the acceptance rate below 5%. Stay realistic about your child’s college prospects and financial situation. Assume the worst, plan accordingly, and hope for the best.
Personally, I hope my kids can be practical for two years before moving to a public university. However, given that their frontal cortex does not fully develop until around the age of 25, I cannot expect them to make the most responsible decisions.
Paywall Plan: How much does it cost?
Even though I spent 2-3 hours writing and editing every post, I know people prefer free content. Ironically, these people don’t work freely. Can someone explain why their beliefs do not match their behavior?
I know that once the paywall rises, most readers will leave – it’s reality. The challenge is to set a low enough price to keep as many readers as possible while providing more value. My best guess? Subscriptions between $1.99 and $4.99 per month. It will include access My Weekly Newsletterwhich includes real-time information about investment.
Suppose the Financial Samurai receives 500,000 readers per month, and 98% refuse to pay. That left behind 10,000 loyal readers. If they pay an average of $3.99 per month, they earn $39,900 per month.
At this level, combined with my passive income, I was finally able to breathe more easily as a father. No longer worry about college tuition, property tax payments or food costs. Even at a price of just $2 per month for subscribers, it’s still $20,000 per month to keep the site running and pay for some basic living expenses.
Thank you for helping me over the years!
I do feel sad about the idea that it will no longer be offered free content. After coming to the United States at the age of 14, I am very grateful for the opportunity. One of my greatest joys is helping people achieve their financial situation by sharing real stories and practical solutions.
But all the good things have to end. As an independent publisher, I need to oppose the exploitation of AI and do my best to protect and provide my family with the necessary things.
Since our second child was born in December 2019, it has not been an easy task for my wife and I to do financially. To get readers free FS, I even worked part-time at a startup, but it only lasted for four months because I couldn’t stand all the meetings and instructions.
At this point, I have no choice but to try to make a living from my writing. Millions of people pay their jobs – so why not?
The economy is not looking good anymore, the stock market is stagnating and stagnation may soon appear. Adaptation is key. So please enjoy this The Last Month of Financial Warrior– The subscription menu is coming soon!
Reader’s Questions
Reader, what is your favorite article about the Financial Warrior? Who can best help you improve your financial situation?
Are there other personal finance sites that regularly publish in-depth articles by experienced writers that we should check out?
Why do people who need free content to refuse to work freely? Why are their beliefs and actions inconsistent? Shouldn’t I make a living from writing?
Liberation Day is here!
ph! Thank you for giving me the idea of this difficult dilemma. Time is obviously challenging.
That said, I’m very happy April Fools’ Day! I originally planned to post this on Tuesday April 1st, but since I just posted it on Monday, I wanted to get things out. Also, I want to make things less obvious.
Ten years ago, I made a promise to keep the financial warrior free, and I intend to deliver on that promise. The challenges I face – the destruction encountered, the search algorithms occupying independent sites, raising a family in expensive cities – are all real. But they are the burden I have to bear, not the burden of others.
Writing has never been an easy way to make money, and today it is even more difficult. There are reasons for terms like “hungry writer” or “hungry artist.” But I love the craft, and the meaningful feedback from readers like you, keep me moving forward.
If my job has brought value since 2009 – you smiled, relaxed your worries, given that you have the courage to change your life, or help you build more wealth than you think – please consider picking up a copy Millionaire Milestone: Simple Steps to Seven Numbers. Far above the typical annual subscription cost, you will get one of the best guides to build wealth and achieve financial freedom.
Thank you for your support! If not, thank you for being you anyway!
For your financial freedom,
Sam
Financial Samurai is a leading independent personal finance website established in 2009. It attracts about 1 million organic views per month, each based on first-hand experience, because money is too important for fakes. Learn more on my page.
