Well, folks, after 16 years of diligently writing three free posts a week, I’ve finally decided to erect a paywall. Originally, starting in 2009, my goal was to provide free financial insights for 10 years to help people achieve financial independence sooner. Success! I’ve always believed that if you’re lucky enough to learn something valuable, you should share it and help as many people as possible.
But as a father of two young children in expensive San Francisco, I need to optimize my time better. I can’t keep spending ~20 hours a week writing for Financial Samurai without worthwhile compensation. I’m six years past my original 10-year commitment, and punishing college tuition looms large on the horizon.
Meanwhile, future inflation expectations are at their highest levels since 2022, thanks in part to renewed trade wars. Everything—food, clothing, cars, medical services—is getting more expensive. At the same time, the expected 10-year return for stocks is in the low single digits largely due to high valuations.
I’ve crunched the numbers, and the free model is no longer sustainable as the ads on this site barely cover my growing operating costs. I either need to charge for my content or dramatically cut back my writing and get a job.
For those of you who’ve enjoyed my work all these years, I apologize. But as a father, my priority now is providing for my family.
Before you angrily click away in disgust at the idea of a writer earning money from their work, stick around until the end. You might just find an unexpected surprise.
Inspired By The Big Media Players
While debating this paywall move for over a year, I realized something ironic. Mom-and-pop publishers like me keep our content free, while major media outlets put up paywalls left and right. I can’t count the number of times I’ve wanted to read an article, only to be blocked unless I forked over $9.99 a month.
Eventually, I caved. I now pay Apple News+ just to read the same publications that used to be free! And yet here I am, giving away my content—based on firsthand experience and deep financial knowledge—for nothing.
Not only have my articles helped people build wealth, but they’ve also given readers the confidence to change their lives for the better. I even take the time to respond to reader comments. And yet, somehow, I’m the one working for free while billion-dollar corporations charge for access. That seems unbalanced.
A Paywall = Protection From AI Theft
Another reason for this shift? Artificial intelligence has been scraping freely available content for years without proper attribution. AI chatbots regurgitate my insights without linking back to Financial Samurai, and Google is prioritizing AI-generated summaries over original sources.
By putting my content behind a paywall, AI crawlers won’t be able to steal my work. I need to do what I can to safeguard my future and my children's future from AI.
Remember, OpenAI began as a nonprofit with the mission of helping humanity. But after raising billions and generating even more in revenue, it shifted to a for-profit model. Employees remain silent about the bait-and-switch, afraid of losing their shares—and with them, generational wealth.
As a result, independent publishers are in a full-blown battle for survival. Fortunately, I’ve invested in private AI companies like OpenAI through an open-ended venture fund to benefit from their growth. Otherwise, I’d be even more outraged at AI companies profiting off writers and creators for free.
Invest In AI As A Hedge
We can either complain about AI or learn how to leverage its tools to become more productive. Since I know I can’t beat AI, I'll continue to invest in AI as a hedge.
If you’re also concerned about AI taking away jobs from your children in the future, consider hedging by investing in AI itself. Fundrise’s venture capital product offers exposure to companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, Anduril, Databricks, Canva, and more.
If AI does make most humans obsolete in 10 years, as Bill Gates predicts, your investments could benefit. And if AI turns out to be overhyped, at least your children will still have opportunities to secure well-paying jobs. Either way, you’ll be prepared.
I've personally invested $153,000 in Fundrise venture so far, with plans to get my exposure to $250,000 by the end of the year. Fundrise is a long-time sponsor of Financial Samurai as our investment philosophies are aligned. Thanks for helping by me keep the lights on!
College Tuition Won’t Pay Itself
No parent should assume their kids will earn scholarships or grants. Instead, we should all prepare to pay full tuition or take out loans at the most expensive private universities.
By 2040, four years at a top 50 private university could cost $750,000–$1,000,000. Can the average middle-class family afford that? Probably not—unless they take on massive debt or work for decades longer than planned.
Yes, elite schools like Harvard and MIT offer generous financial aid. But with acceptance rates under 5%, your kid probably isn’t getting in. Be realistic about your child’s college prospects and finances. Assume the worst, plan accordingly, and hope for the best.
Personally, I’m hoping my kids will have the practicality to attend community college for two years before transferring to a public university. But given that their frontal cortex won’t fully develop until around age 25, I can’t count on them making practical decisions.
The Paywall Plan: How Much Will It Cost?
Even though I spend 2–4 hours writing and editing each post, I understand that people prefer free content. Ironically, those same people wouldn’t work for free themselves. Can someone explain how why their belief doesn't match up with their behavior?
I know most readers will leave once a paywall is up—that’s reality. The challenge is setting a price low enough to retain as many readers as possible while providing way more value. My best guess? A subscription between $1.99 to $4.99 per month. It would include access to my weekly newsletter, which includes real-time insights on investing.
Let’s say Financial Samurai gets 500,000 readers a month, and 98% refuse to pay. That leaves 10,000 loyal readers left. If they pay an average of $3.99 per month, that’s $39,900 in monthly revenue.
At that level, combined with my passive income, I’d finally be able to breathe easier as a father. No more worrying about college tuition, property tax payments, car maintenance, or food costs. Even at just $2 per subscriber a month, that’s still $20,000 a month—plenty to keep this site running and pay for some basic living expenses.
Thank You For Letting Me Help All These Years!
I do feel a sense of sadness at the thought of no longer providing free content. Having come to America at 14, I’m deeply grateful for the opportunities I’ve had. One of my greatest joys has been helping people get their finances on track by sharing real stories and practical solutions.
But all good things must come to an end. As an independent publisher, I need to stand up against AI’s exploitation and do what’s necessary to protect and provide for my family.
Since our second child was born in December 2019, it hasn’t been easy financially for my wife and me to both remain stay-at-home parents. To keep FS free for readers, I even took on a part-time job at a startup, but that only lasted four months as I couldn't stand all the meetings and directives.
At this point, I have no choice but to try to earn a living from my writing. Millions of people get paid for their work—so why shouldn’t I?
The economy isn’t looking great anymore, the stock market is faltering, and stagflation could be coming soon. Adaptation is key. So please enjoy this last free month of Financial Samurai—a subscription menu will be rolling out soon!
Reader Questions
Readers, what have been some of your favorite articles on Financial Samurai? Which ones have helped you the most in improving your finances?
Are there any other personal finance sites that regularly publish in-depth articles from experienced writers for free that we should check out?
Why do those who demand free content refuse to work for free themselves? Why not be consistent in their beliefs and actions? Do I deserve to earn a living from my writing?
Liberation Day Is Here!
Phew! Thanks for letting me get my thoughts out on this tough dilemma. Times are clearly challenging.
That said—Happy April Fool’s Day! I originally planned to publish this on April 1, Tuesday, but since I had just posted on Monday, I wanted to space things out.
I made a promise over a decade ago to keep Financial Samurai free, and I intend to keep that promise. To the kid at the library surfing the net because you don’t have internet at home—I see you.
The challenges I face—AI disruptions, search algorithms sidelining independent sites, raising a family in an expensive city—are all real. But they’re mine to bear, not anyone else’s.
Writing has never been an easy way to make money, and it’s even tougher today. There’s a reason terms like “starving writer” or “starving artist” exist. But I love the craft, and the rewarding feedback from readers like you keeps me going.
How To Support Financial Samurai
If my work since 2009 has brought you value—made you laugh, eased your worries, given you the courage to change your life, or helped you build more wealth than you thought possible—please up a copy of Millionaire Milestones: Simple Steps To Seven Figures.
For far less than the cost of a typical yearly subscription, you’ll get one of the best guides to building wealth and achieving financial freedom. You can purchase a copy on Amazon or anywhere you like to buy books.
Thanks for your support! And if not, I appreciate you anyway. Remember, if the direction is correct, sooner or later you will get there.
To Your Financial Freedom,
Sam
Financial Samurai is one of the leading independently-owned personal finance site, founded in 2009. It attracts around 1 million organic pageviews per month, with every article based on firsthand experience—because money is too important to fake. You can also support my work by sharing my articles, subscribing to my free weekly newsletter and podcast on Apple or Spotify. Learn more on my About page.
Hey Sam – As a loyal follower for several years, I’d be happy to pay for your content at some level. There are lots of models to consider. I’ve purchased both of of your books (still waiting on the latest release!). Paid content could be a gradual introduction. Perhaps a compelling guest podcast interview is available to subscribers only, or some content is available only to subscribers. I’d be game for that. Especially if there’s a legacy rate for long time fans… lol
P.S. And by the way, I get that this was an April Fools joke, but free content is awesome, and subscriber content is OK too.
I appreciate it Todd! All good ideas and things to think about.
I am both happy and sad you are not putting up a paywall LOL I do wonder if AI theft of content would be deterred by a paywall.
I’ve been enjoying your content for years Sam and I’ve gotten much wealthier as a result. Definately willing to pay for content, just purchased your new book through Amazon!
Yep, I was totally fooled. Great post. Thank you for all the helpful articles and the well-researched content. You rock, Sam! I’ve learned so much from Financial Samurai over the years.
Good one! You had me fooled!
Best April’s fool joke in a long while! Why? It made me reflect on what I’m getting from your blogs and weekly newsletters. To see the positives and, yes, also the negatives. It’s funny how we start valuing things only when we are about to lose them! This might have been your best post in that respect, making me contemplate on what I value and what’s my willingness to pay! Bravo!
Strong work. During the article I was contemplating what amount I’d be willing to cough up for your content, which I regularly ingest with zeal. Then I ended with a good smile on the April Fools.
One of my other favorite finance blogs used to have excellent 4/1 posts like this, but the backlash from people who either don’t read the whole article, or who can’t take a joke, bullied them into really diluting the humor and being quite overly obvious, and that detracts a bit from the fun “fools” part of the experience.
Anyway, thank you for what you do. Looking forward to reading your book
You’ll have to share what that other finance blog it that got bullied into changing their personality and voice! A big part of the fun of being a blogger who owns their own platform is to say whatever they want.
I’d like to support it. I’m always a fan of people who stay true to themselves and share something unique.
You got me there Sam! Thank you for all your work and contribution throughout the years. I have learned a lot from your advice and financial ideas. Keep it up!
Thanks for the laugh. Always enjoy your articles. I have noticed a difference in style since your dad is no longer serving as editor- his impact was meaningful and he offered a comforting touch, but that’s just my opinion.
I read your columns for a friendly check in more than for advice, because thanks to you and a few other educators, I feel like I’ve already graduated.
Party on!
If the test was to see how many people would read your full article obviously quite a few failed. But hopefully you’ll see an uptick in in book sales.
Maybe it’s the former grad student in me but when I start to read a short form piece I always finish. Too funny how many commenters! didn’t.
The funnier thing is, an article used to be considered short form! Books were the traditional long form or short stories like Reader’s Digest.
Not kidding, Sam. If you put a link for your Ko-fi (or similar service) here, I’d be happy to contribute from time to time.
The Guardian (a newspaper from the UK) is paywall free but asks for contributions. Even a few dollars help!
Thanks Melly! Never heard of Ko-Fi. Will check it out. The best way to support is to pick up a hard copy of Millionaire Milestones. Thanks!
There are several Ko-Fi alternatives: Buy me a coffee, Patreon, Gumroad. I am not a creator myself, but have tipped some creators using one of those platforms. This way the people can continue to support you after they buy the book! Hope this helps!
Sam, why are you always playing the victim online? It is very much contradictory to the persona you’ve created online.
As a fellow blogger, I know that Financial Samurai operates in a high-value niche: personal finance.
I also know from online tools that you’re website has not been affected by any of Google’s recent algo updates so, if you’re readership has dropped, it’s not due to the same factors that have punished so many other authentic content creators. Let’s say you have 200K/visits per month (although, I would believe it is more). You are likely pulling in at least $120K/year from ads alone. Factor in your affiliate and, conservatively, your site makes $250K/year. And I think that’s quite understated.
And you cite operating costs? Domain: $15/year. Hosting: say you have high-end managed WP hosting so $1500/year. Miscellaneous other expenses: $10K/year. I imagine your “salary” as a “writer” for the website is the largest operating expense by far.
You also have significant rental income, investments, etc.
There are so many people struggling in America. It’s tone-deaf for a multimillionaire in San Francisco to be complaining. And I know, I also live in California and am a multimillionaire so I understand it’s expensive and you have a family to take care of, but seriously, your networth is likely about $20M+. And that excludes the value of FS in a sale.
Seriously, I stopped reading the blog regularly because of posts like this.
I’m sorry to have offended you with this post. I understand nobody really cares about my struggles. But it did feel good to share and also come up with a solution.
Those figures you state are all wrong though. It costs around $1,500/month to run this site all in, for example.
What is the site you publish? I’d love to check it out, learn from you, and support it. Thanks
I doubt you’ll get a response, or a revelation of what their site is. People who just complain and criticize are just projecting their insecurities, frustration and problems. They can’t take criticism of themselves.
People who play victim just complain and don’t do anything about their situation. Putting up a paywall, even if just an April Fool’s Day joke is the obvious solution if the free model isn’t working.
And for “Fellow Publisher” to be so critical and serious on an April Fool’s post is nuts! That guy has issues. Lighten up there!
I understand SAM, it’s sad to heard this! But I’m right too with you, because there is a lot of people more unhappy or even miserable. SAM haven’t knew the miserable and that see. But it’s the life we are all differents, I respect your opinion and the his opinion too.
Do you think investing in college will even be worth it – or needed in the future? Considering the advances in AI and the potential threats to millions of jobs over the next decade, becoming an AI guru would seem to be the best route. You can do that with virtually no outlay of tuition.
Not for the retail price it will cost in the future, no way.
I wish to express my gratitude to you, Sam, for sharing your experience and knowledge. I’m a single mom and my daughter has Type 1 diabetes, one of the most expensive chronic disease. You responded once to an email I sent you and I regularly read your newsletters. Even though I am far from financial independence, you have given me hope and inspiration to continue educating myself about managing money. Truly, thank you. – Sally
Hi Sally! Thanks for your comment. Bless you and your daughter. Your daughter is lucky to have such a wonderful mother who cares for her. And I’m sure you feel equally blessed to have your daughter. Let’s enjoy the time we have with our children to the fullest!
Please never hesitate to reach out if you have a question or need some help.
Oh, and please forgive me if I am off-kilter or write something silly from time to time. I don’t mean to offend. I just like to make light of interesting situations.
Best to you two!
Sam
I recently lost a portion of Art of Manliness, one of my favorites, to a paywall. It’s not that I don’t appreciate the content—I do—it’s simply that subscriptions have taken over our lives. I don’t mind paying for YouTube Premium and getting access to millions of channels without ads. But to pay $2.99 per month for access to a single channel would feel excessive.
I appreciate you keeping the site free, and I’ve already purchased both of your books as a small token of my support. The blogging world is taking a hit these days with folks opting for 30 second TikToks for financial advice. But I appreciate your perspective and I hope you continue writing for as long as you love doing it.
Thanks Mike. Yes, the world has changed and many of us have started to consume information in bite sized form and video. Unfortunately, I’m failing to adapt to the change because I’m older and set in my ways.
But maybe in 5 years or so, my kids can take the mantle and guide FS in the new modern direction! I’ll keep grinding away in the meantime.
Related: https://www.financialsamurai.com/helping-others-and-making-millions-on-youtube-and-tiktok/
Cheers
I have read your site for years and would have paid $5 a month easily to continue reading your articles! I appreciate your point of view on finances and it has really helped me understand markets better. Keep up the solid work! I bought your first book and pre ordered your second book. I look forward to reading it!
Thank you Kalyanii! Your support is much appreciated. I love your name btw. Reminds me of Hawaii.
Goodbye, Sam.
My grandkids need to go to college, too.
Bummer Eric, sorry to see you go. But it’s great that you’re paying for your grandkids college and helping your kids in the process! Decumulating wealth while living to help our kids, even as adults, is making more and more sense the older I get. Leaving a bunch of money after we die and when our kids our old doesn’t make nearly as much sense.
So long!
Hello SAM, personally I understand your decision, so If you must do it for than your website survive, done it !
Thanks you for your explains.
I’ve been a reader of yours for some time now because I like the way you irreverently challenge status quo thinking on financial issues – I think it’s key to financial success when so many companies are out there to schmooze you and sell you products that are good for their bottom line and not yours. I have a suggestion for you… I find the ads that have recently been popping up and moving all over the screen make it difficult to actually read your articles and I sometimes give up on them when that’s happening. Perhaps you could offer two options; free with all the ads on it or for a small fee being able to read the articles ad free. Just a thought.
It’s a good idea! Ad-free and ad-supported. As of now, all my new articles are ad free for the first 24 hours they are published, and then ads will populate the fields. I found this helps loyal readers and supporters.
Thanks and don’t forget to read to the end of the post.
You made me worried… Thank god you’re still accessible to the poors like myself. We appreciate you!!!!
As real as it gets and your articles are timely and relevant! As someone who also lives large on passive income, your validations and insights are truly helpful. Fortunately or unfortunately we just a new house in No Cal so passive has transitioned to paying for all costs associated with making a house a home. It also goes back to your “diversification” of the portfolio instead of being too heavy in equities. And we were…thank you Sam.
I have enjoyed your articles over the years and I have often commented. However, I will not be a subscriber. You mentioned that others will read for free but not work for free. I actually do give advice and guidance for free on regular basis. I used to be a consular officer and I am often asked visa and immigration questions. I flat out refuse to accept compensation and I have had people suggest I start a consultancy.
I do understand your point of view – it simply conflicts with mine.
No worries Alan. I have modeled out that 95%-98% of readers will not subscribe to come to this conclusion.
That’s great you are working for free. Keeping going!
It’s been one of the best feelings to consistently help people get their finances right and change their lives for the better over the past 16 years.
May you have a great April.
Hi Sam. I completely understand and support you moving to a paywall. I would subscribe if I could but I’m still trying to reach my FIRE and the cost and currency depreciation are the obstacles. I wish you and your family all the best and every success!
Thank you for reading this far. I wish you the best of journey on your road to financial independence.
Whatever sacrifices you are making now are worth it, I promise you. And when you reach your financial goals, there is no better feeling than giving back to others.
Love it! To answer your question honestly:
“ Why do those who demand free content refuse to work for free themselves? Why not be consistent in their beliefs and actions?”
Because people are greedy and hypocritical. You see this type of inconsistent action with thought all around you.
* Billionaire saying we should all pay more taxes, but not paying more themselves.
* Rich politicians, virtual signaling about the merits of public schools while sending their kids to private schools.
* White women ranting on and on about diversity and inclusion while having no friends who are minorities.
* Centimillionaires and billionaires talking about the importance of protecting the environment and the dangers of climate change while flying in a private jet everywhere.
But the reality is that giving is so much better than receiving. Helping people feel so much better than taking. I have shared so many of your posts and have purchased all your books. I appreciate what you do! Especially when you also point out the inconsistencies and head scratchers in life.
Thanks for your support and sharing your thoughts!
It is much harder to give if you don’t have a lot. That is totally logical and understandable.
However, I’ve also noticed that some of the most giving people are some of the poorest based on my time working minimum wage service jobs, growing up in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in the early 1990s, and hanging out with friends without as much financial means.
One of the most memorable moments happened to me in 2015 when I was driving for Uber and I picked up a woman to send her to the airport. I think the net fare to me was about $25 and she gave me a five dollar cash tip. I was blown away!
At that time, there wasn’t a tipping function built in. I just felt so grateful that a stranger was kind enough to leave me some extra cash when she didn’t need to. She gave me the motivation to keep hustling and not take anything for granted.
Holy cow!!! Glad I made it to the last paragraph. I was freaking out – phew!!! Thank you for everything Sam. I love this community.