Shu Matsuo Post, 38, has built a $2 million real estate portfolio over the course of seven years by living below his means and investing what he saved. This has allowed him to achieve financial independence, meaning he no longer needs to rely on a job, paycheck, or anyone else to sustain his lifestyle. Matsuo Post owns six rental properties in the U.S. and three in Japan, where he currently resides with his wife and two kids. He also runs an online educational content business about real estate investing and a consulting business helping foreigners purchase property in Japan.
Initially starting his career in industries such as journalism, retail, and technology, Matsuo Post eventually got into real estate after moving between the U.S., Hong Kong, and Japan. Together with his wife, they began investing primarily in index funds and ETFs before transitioning to real estate to take a more active approach in their investments. By saving all of Matsuo Post’s salary and living off of his wife’s teaching income, they managed to accumulate over $250,000 before purchasing their first property, a duplex in Minnesota. Subsequently, they acquired three more rental properties in Minnesota and New York within a year.
After being laid off in 2022, Matsuo Post decided to leave the corporate world for good and focus on spending more time with his family. He started a YouTube channel that has amassed over 100,000 subscribers and launched his real estate consulting business, Post FI, in 2023. Matsuo Post emphasized that while achieving financial independence is crucial, he realized that retirement and not having to work was not what he wanted. Instead, he sought engaged work that he did not need to retire from, with multiple forms of income supporting his desired lifestyle.
When asked about his guiding principles for achieving financial independence, Matsuo Post shared three tips. First, invest in yourself by reading books, attending seminars, and learning from others who have achieved similar goals. Second, focus on increasing your earning potential as saving alone will not make you rich, but it will provide the financial stability needed to take bigger risks with higher potential rewards. Finally, stay frugal and save over 50% of your income, as this will enable you to have multiple income sources to support your lifestyle. Matsuo Post also started an online course on CNBC to help others master their money, reduce debt, and grow their wealth.
In conclusion, Shu Matsuo Post’s journey to financial independence serves as a testament to the importance of living below your means, investing in yourself, and having multiple income sources. By following these principles and staying frugal, Matsuo Post was able to build a successful real estate portfolio, leave the corporate world, and focus on work that he finds engaging without the pressure of retirement. His story serves as an inspiration for others looking to achieve financial independence and create a lifestyle on their terms.
