Business

Top 30 Interview Questions & Answers For Nursery Assistant

For the nursery assistant, it is imperative to be in prime physical condition. As such, this position requires a degree of fortitude and stamina that cannot be taken for granted.

To successfully land a position as a nursery assistant, you must be ready for a slew of inquiries that test your aptitude for handling babies with all types of ailments. Most assessments will prioritize care over cost-efficiency; therefore, any measures taken to ensure proper health are usually prioritized over spending money on medical procedures.

Table of Contents

1. What communication methods do you use to stay in contact with your nursery nurseries?

Nurseries can be an indispensable resource, providing valuable information about housing options, neighbourhoods and schools when it comes to new arrivals. Communication methods like phone calls, emails and even video conferences are typically utilized to ensure a reliable connection between staff and clients – ensuring that both sides remain on schedule with dealings.

If you’re uncertain regarding which communication tools are most effective for your nursery, consider the situation: may you need to keep in touch with staff members during project revisions? Or perhaps this is a frequent occurrence; in such cases it would be prudent to have certain systems such as Skype in place wherein employees can manage their jobs remotely while still being able to communicate effectively with one another over the use of video-conferencing services.

Ultimately, what works best for you depends on your business model.

2. Do you have a quiet time?

Nursery assistants must be vigilant about their sleep patterns, especially during the initial weeks of employment.

Temptation to waste time when working becomes irresistible, and it can be hard to avoid over-sleeping on busy days – even if you worked them all in! Incurring lateness or oversleeping can pose a serious issue for employers.

If you’re looking for an opportunity to solidify your credentials, don’t forget to include a clause about you having a ‘quiet time’ in your contract. This could be a good way to reassure both sides that things will run smoothly once hired!

3. How many children can you look after at one time?

How many children can you look after at one time? It all depends on how big their bedroom is and how much space they require.

If a nursery assistant has to give more than one baby a bottle or feed them, then this will not pose any problems for them. However, if there is only one room available for the children to sleep in – it is advisable to ensure that adequate lighting is put into place in order for such tasks as bathing and changing diapers be performed effectively.

4. Do you have any experience of children with special needs?

If you are seeking a nursery assistant position, it’s important to demonstrate an aptitude for working with children. An effective interview will highlight your knowledge of different disabilities and any experience with them.

Since most baby equipment has been developed with special needs in mind, it is possible to employ some difficult-to-assist children. Knowing how to handle this can be advantageous when handling infants with more complicated needs!

5. How many hours do you usually work per week?

Depending upon the time of year and workload, a nursery assistant can expect to put in anywhere from ten to twenty hours per week. However, those who have free time may be able to devote more hours than this.

Are you seeking an opportunity to find extra income? Look no further than these potential side gigs!

6. How flexible are you regarding your working hours?

Respondents should be able to quantify precisely what their working hours entail. From Monday through Saturday, early morning wake-up calls to late night finishing times; providing a comprehensive breakdown of each day is essential if you want to ensure that both parties can conform with them.

You could depict your flexibility by indicating that you are able to work a minimum four-hour shift alongside intermittent evening duties on occasion. If advanced notice is required for any one day’s schedule, it might be prudent to incorporate this within an answer (for example: “I’m typically available Monday – Thursday between the hours of 9:00am – 5:00pm”). Ultimately, it’s up to you how much detail you provide regarding your availability!

7. Do you have any special skills (such as dance, painting, music)?

Nursery assistants do not require any specific qualifications or specialised knowledge before they can apply for jobs.

However, the large variety of skills required in the sector means that applicants are usually tested on their ability to carry out tasks related to childcare such as giving medication or changing diapers. You may also be asked if you have any special abilities like dance or playing an instrument (such as a piano).

With this said, nursery workers are frequently assessed for their capability to interact with children and create a positive experience for all. Therefore, any personal talents won’t necessarily count towards your application—but it will certainly never hurt!

A painter is an essential part of any nursery, but it’s important that you know what sort of duties and responsibilities come along with the job. From ensuring surfaces are well-tended to performing minor adjustments on the layout of your establishment, there is certainly ample opportunity for advancement!

If you’re looking to break into this field, bear in mind that a highly skilled professional can command a respectable salary. Nursery assistants earn approximately $12–$16 per hour, while those at the higher end of the scale may have access to more generous packages; some facilities provide benefits such as paid vacation time!

Are you prepared to tackle a wide range of painting projects? Do you relish tackling them head-on? Are you a proficient craftsman? If so, then consider becoming a nursery worker.

Where did you obtain your formal education? Describe the level of education you’ve attained and how it helped you along in your career pursuits.

Are you currently enrolled as a student? If so, what level of education are you undertaking? What is your GPA?

You may be studying towards a bachelor’s degree; if so, what field of study would you like to focus on in the future? Are there specific post-graduate qualifications that interest you? Which one(s) do you covet the most?

Don’t forget that when answering this question, you have an opportunity to display enthusiasm for music! If your answer involves showcasing some of your favorite pieces or even giving out a few identifying details about the piece itself – all while remaining composed and professional – will surely add value to your overall impression!

8. How are you at handling crying babies?

This is an essential skill for a nursery assistant, ensuring that children feel safe and secure while still being able to express themselves through crying or playing.

To demonstrate proficiency in this area, applicants should be prepared with ideas on how to soothe restless babies without resorting to unnecessary methods such as feeding them or administering medications.

9. Can you work under pressure and still show initiative?

Are you capable of handling unexpected situations calmly? Nursery assistants are often put into dangerous or unstable situations, so their ability to maintain composure under pressure is crucial.

After all, nobody wants one more injury or death on their hands!

To demonstrate proficiency in the domain of stress management, an interviewee must be able to remain calm and composed during tense situations without losing control. Additionally, such individuals should also possess a solution when things do take a turn for the worse!

The ideal candidate should have been able to navigate through numerous crises with poise and command respect from his colleagues.

10. Are you organized or do chaos and mess appeal to you more?

Are you the type that thrives in a chaotic environment or do you prefer order and cleanliness? The latter seems to be easier for some people; however, it can be quite advantageous when applying for a job.

Unruly surroundings can sometimes lend themselves towards organization. This makes it more straightforward for one to find things when they’re required.

As an advantage, being able to discover objects swiftly under your bedstead is an asset that no one will ever have!

11. Do you enjoy the outdoors and if so how much time would you be able to dedicate to the nursery garden?

If the position calls for a great deal of involvement in both the outdoors and indoors, there are many opportunities that present themselves. Whether it’s tending to an array of greenery or overseeing a flourishing nursery garden – all forms of gardening could prove quite rewarding!

If you possess a keen eye for design and find captivating beauty in nature, you could also consider becoming a landscape designer. With an arsenal of plants at your disposal and knowledge of how they were cultivated; all aspects of design come together seamlessly!

12. How long have you been working as a nursery assistant / nanny / babysitter in general?

Nanny applicants should be up to speed on the current industry trends, and some even select their profession based upon what’s prevalent within that respective niche – thus providing them with a solid grounding. If you are unfamiliar with the field and have only just entered the workforce, then chances are you will be unable to provide a wholly accurate response to such queries.

If you decide to devote several years of your life to a career path, it may be prudent to formulate a brief summary about how many years you’ve been within this role – simply so that potential employers can gauge its feasibility based on logic concerning length of service expedited training requirements.

Further probing into an individual’s experience within childcare is beneficial when seeking out the ideal fit for any position. For instance: Who has employed or managed them? How long have they worked under someone else’s tutelage before managing their own affairs? Not all nursery assistants possess extensive knowledge of their occupation and need additional training – therefore one must ascertain if familiarity with said field is a prerequisite before choosing them as an employee.

To assess whether or not you qualify for a particular role, interviewers often focus on your past experiences. If they want to discover whether or not you’re capable of performing certain duties during an interview, they’ll typically ask probing questions pertaining to previous jobs and employment statuses.

13. What other courses/qualifications do/did you have that are relevant for this job?

In your search for nursery assistant jobs, you may have been confronted with a bewildering array of possibilities. Some certification programs and courses may pique your interest while others may not; it is essential to research further before making a decision!

If you are seeking employment as an operations manager or in a similar role, we highly recommend taking into account these considerations:

◉ Courses such as clinical management and human resources management might prove invaluable when advancing through the ranks of the industry or even when contending for a new position.

14. Do you speak any foreign languages fluently

To be a nursery assistant, you must have mastered the art of communication – not only with adults, but also children. This is why it’s essential to demonstrate proficiency in at least two languages; however, it is also beneficial if you can speak even more fluently than that!

If you’re bilingual, consider being proficient in English (as well as Russian, French and Spanish), for example. The more diverse your language skills are when compared to others’, the more useful they’ll be when interacting with various cultures.

Conduct thorough research on a variety of individuals or groups who speak different languages so you can converse with ease.

Nursey assistant interview questions and answers

Keep an open mind when interviewing for a nursery assistant role. This is a vocation that can be utilized in an array of settings, so it’s vital that you consider all possibilities before making a decision.

Nursery supervisor interviews may yield questions regarding key duties such as scheduling and delegating tasks; however, the majority are focused on assessing your knowledge of both nursery practices and regulations.

Sample interview questions for nursery assistants include:

Q: Describe your previous work experience?

This inquiry involves identifying what kind of past employment you have had, before delving into more specific answers regarding your previous stints. Try to be as forthcoming as possible when discussing what led you from one job to the next. Don’t forget to mention any relevant details – even those which might seem insignificant!

Q: Please explain the importance of this position?What are its responsibilities and how will they impact your success? Be sure to point out how whether or not these credentials would aid you in attaining gainful employment in the future. It is highly likely that an interviewer will want to assess your aptitude for understanding the tenets of their business’ operations and keeping abreast of changing policies over time – something greater than simple memorization is required!

15. If your employer is a private nursery is there extra compensation for that type of service provided (e.g free flowers)?Interview questions for a nursery assistant16. If needed how comfortable are you with your own right hand/fingers to press buttons use tools etc.?

Mastering the art of button pressing is a prerequisite for any nursery assistant. If you can’t muster up the skill to open a door or flip a switch, then progress in this position will be difficult!

Are you proficient at utilising your dexterous digits? If so, then it’s worth noting that each of your actions should be performed with precision.

17. What is your favourite kind of flower and why?

Nursery assistants generally wield power in the workplace. It’s critical that you demonstrate your proficiency and competence when dealing with delicate issues like raising children.

Yet, despite their inherent authority over caregivers, there are no rigid requirements declaring that nursery aides must possess a particular personality type in order to succeed as professionals.

The best approach to follow is to create your own unique profile that caters to your individual needs and preferences. In this way, you’ll be able to capitalize on any lessons learned later on!

Don’t forget about tools either! This could be an opportunity for you to showcase some of your handyman skills if applicable.

Consider what tools are needed for certain tasks and utilize them while remaining conscious of potential hazards. Also consider how to safely transport those tools – perhaps even affixing a label identifying each item as well!

18. What personality traits match yours the best (kind Patient,

Responsible, Hard-Working Talkative etc?

Are you comfortable talking with patients? Do you possess the ability to move among them easily? Are you adept at addressing their questions and concerns as well as providing relevant information about your service? If so, then this could be an ideal position for you!

Patients have a tendency to feel safe with those who are tasked with taking care of them. Nursery assistants are revered in society for their gentle touch – making them an ideal choice for healthcare professionals.

If you aspire to become a nursery assistant, then it is vital that you demonstrate an understanding of child development. To earn the title, you must demonstrate that you possess an advanced grasp of their developmental milestones and experience; there are specific requirements for work eligibility in this capacity.

Enthusiastic youngsters may present some challenges, but with patience and good humor they can be secured. Be sure to put your team-working skills to the test when dealing with any tantrums or tears.

Are you a diligent worker? If so, then nursery assistants may be the ideal match for you! These professionals are renowned for their attention to detail and ability to complete tasks with perfection.

Like all positions, there are efficiency aspects that must be taken into consideration when hiring a nursery assistant. Ensure you have sufficient space available for an array of equipment; it is vital not only for comfort but also so that expenses such as electricity can remain within budget.

When asked about their work ethic, most would profess that this is what makes them stand out from the rest!

Are you able to provide extra assistance during lulls in activity? Are you able to efficiently multitask? Are you adept at managing details and ensuring that everything runs smoothly? These facets of employment demand proficiency from all involved, which is why this is one area where candidates should demonstrate strong aptitude. To succeed in such demanding environments requires dedicated commitment!

19. Describe yourself in one word20. What would make this job even more enjoyable

Are you an introvert? Or perhaps a talkative individual with a penchant for sharing stories and anecdotes? Whatever the case may be, this is an essential question that employers routinely ask potential staff members in order to ascertain their ‘workplace personality’.

Answering this query can be a simple task if you possess the proper expertise. For instance if your occupation requires contact with clients, then make it clear that you have experience dealing with people from diverse backgrounds – like if you are adept at understanding them or facilitating successful communications!

If you require discretion but have no qualms about working alongside others, just be frank about this – don’t pretend to be aloof; rather state simply that you’re comfortable chatting with co-workers during breaks or even on weekends.

Conclusion

Be sure to peruse this compendium of nursery assistant interview questions, if you aspire to be employed at a childcare facility.

Intellectual Insider

+ posts

A blog which focuses on business, Networth, Technology, Entrepreneurship, Self Improvement, Celebrities, Top Lists, Travelling, Health, and lifestyle. A source that provides you with each and every top piece of information about the world. We cover various different topics.

Business

10 Surprising Expenses That Blindside Business Owners

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Most individuals and entrepreneurs start a business with the excitement of financial freedom and being their own boss to build something meaningful. Everyone knows the obvious business costs, such as rent, payroll and marketing.

However, there are hidden business costs that can erode profit margins, strain cash flow and catch even the most experienced founders off guard.

Table of Contents

1. Employee turnover and hiring costs

According to studies, replacing an employee can cost 50% to 200% of their annual salary. This factor is underestimated by many people who face further cost, workflow and productivity loss. Recruitment fees, training, lost productivity and cultural impact all add up.

The reasons why employee turnover is expensive:

This includes the fees to post a job on LinkedIn and Indeed
The commission of a recruitment agency (mostly 20-30% of a new hire’s salary)
Time spent on interviewing and onboarding
It reduces efficiency as new employees ramp up

To reduce these costs, businesses must invest in retention strategies. You must offer competitive salaries, create a strong company culture and make employees feel valued.

2. Office space and utility costs

Securing office space is a crucial decision for any business, but it’s essential to assess your needs before committing to a lease or purchase. Consider how much space you require now and how it may change as your business grows.

If you’re a startup with an uncertain future, opting for flexible office solutions like Regus, ShareDesk or LiquidSpace can be a cost-effective alternative to long-term leases. These shared workspaces provide scalability without the financial burden of a permanent office.

Beyond rent, there are additional expenses to factor in, including office furniture, equipment, utility bills, receptionist services and meeting spaces.

3. Equipment maintenance and upgrading

As an entrepreneur, you likely know the essential equipment required to provide a service or for item production. But mostly, smaller equipment is ignored. Basic office equipment includes computers, papers, desks, chairs, scanners and copiers.

From office furniture to computers, wear and tear is inevitable. Most companies neglect to replace or upgrade their office equipment, which is a bad idea. Typical maintenance costs include:

Upgrading outdated computers and software
Vehicle maintenance for delivery or service-based businesses
Repairing office equipment like printers, HVAC systems or kitchen appliances

Regular maintenance can extend the life of business assets and prevent costly breakdowns.

4. Software and subscription creep

Most businesses need software to automate communication, project management, accounting and marketing tasks. A few essential subscriptions can quickly spiral into hundreds or thousands of dollars in recurring costs.

Hidden costs include:

To save these unessential hidden costs, conduct regular audits of your software stack to eliminate redundant or unutilized subscriptions.

5. Payment processing fees

Whether you realize it or not, you are paying transaction fees if your business accepts credit card payments. Payment processors like Stripe, PayPal, and Square typically charge 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction, which can eat into profits, especially for high-volume businesses.

Other payment-related costs include:

To minimize fees, consider negotiating rates with processors. You can offer customers ACH, wire payments or pass fees when possible.

6. Regulatory compliance and legal fees

You need to stay compliant to do business in your community. Laws and regulations vary by industry. Mostly, businesses pay for:

Business licenses and permits
GDPR or CCPA compliance tools (to handle customer data)
Employee labor law compliance (HR policies, mandatory training)
Annual tax filing and bookkeeping

If you ignore compliance, this can result in hefty fines or lawsuits. It can be a cost that should never be overlooked. You must consult with legal experts and keep up with regulatory changes to prevent costly mistakes. Another way is to opt for strategies to reduce your legal liability.

7. Cybersecurity and data protection

You can’t hope that your systems are safe. Cyber threats can be expensive. A single cyber attack can cost a small business hundreds of thousands of dollars in recovery, legal fees and lost customer trust.

Hidden costs of cybersecurity come in the form of:

Installing a firewall and antivirus software, and doing security audits
Costs for employee training on phishing and scams
Ransomware recovery and lost business due to downtime
Legal liabilities if customer data is compromised

Small businesses are easy targets for cyber threats, so it’s non-negotiable to invest in cybersecurity.

8. Shrinkage and inventory loss

Retail and ecommerce businesses lose revenue due to theft, damaged goods and errors. Known as “shrinkage,” this hidden cost is overlooked but can account for up to 2% of total sales.

What causes shrinkage?

Shoplifting or employee theft
Damaged or expired inventory
Administrative errors in tracking and fulfillment

You can use a strong inventory management system software and opt for loss prevention strategies to mitigate these costs.

9. Marketing and customer acquisition costs (CAC)

To attract new customers, many businesses rely on paid ads, SEO, social media and influencer partnerships. However, the return on investment isn’t always immediate.

Hidden costs in marketing:

Rising costs of PPC (pay-per-click) ads due to competition
If the campaign is poorly targeted, it can waste the budget

To lower CAC, focus on organic growth strategies like content marketing, email marketing and referrals.

10. Time

Time is the most undervalued resource. Entrepreneurs spend countless hours on admin tasks, customer support and problem-solving instead of revenue-generating activities.

You can reclaim time by:

Automating repetitive tasks with software
Delegating or outsourcing an employee for non-core activities
Setting boundaries for yourself to prevent burnout

Your time is an investment; spend it wisely to maximize efficiency and profitability.

I recommend setting aside 20% of your revenue for unexpected expenses to prevent financial leaks before they become serious problems. Budget for the real costs, not just the obvious ones.

Intellectual Insider

+ posts

Business

Income And Net Worth Required To Afford A $10 Million Home

To celebrate the launch of my new book, Millionaire Milestones: Simple Steps To Seven Figures, on May 6, 2025, I thought it’d be fun to explore various millionaire topics leading up to the release.

For most millionaires, owning the nicest house they can afford is a top priority. Given that many of us are still spending more time at home post-pandemic, the intrinsic value of a home has gone up. And for millionaires with kids or a lot of furry friends, a spacious house on a large lot can feel like a necessity.

So in this post, let’s explore a fun question: How much income and net worth do you need to afford a $10 million home?

This topic is particularly interesting to me because I love real estate. When I purchased my current home in Q4 2023, I told myself I’d reached the top of my property ladder and didn’t want to climb higher. But there’s no harm in running the numbers just in case the economy roars back or I get lucky with an investment.

Table of Contents

Minimum Income Necessary To Afford a $10 Million Home

When it comes to buying property responsibly, I like to follow the 30/30/3 home buying rule:

Rule #1: Spend no more than 30% of your gross income on your monthly mortgage payment.

If you’re financing the home, make sure the monthly mortgage doesn’t exceed 30% of your gross income. If you’re paying all cash, you should easily fall below this threshold.

Rule #2: Have at least 30% of the home’s value in cash (20% for the down payment, 10% as a buffer).

For a $10 million house, that means:

$2 million for a 20% down payment
$1 million as a cash reserve or liquid investments

This buffer is your safety net in case of job loss, an unexpected expense, or a major home repair.

Rule #3: Spend no more than 3–5 times your gross annual income on the purchase price.

Ideally, you’d earn at least $3.33 million a year to buy a $10 million home responsibly. That’s the 3X rule in action. You might stretch it and buy the home on a $2 million income if you have strong income stability and growth potential,but that’s a calculated risk.

Stretching to 5X your income means you’ll likely feel financially tight for at least the first year. If you go this route, here’s how to survive the most dangerous period after buying a home.

Minimum Net Worth Required To Afford a $10 Million House

After owning multiple homes over the past 22 years, I’ve found the sweet spot for your primary residence as a share of your net worth is no more than 30%. Ideally, it’s closer to 20%.

If you’re shopping for a $10 million home, this likely isn’t your first rodeo. You probably already have significant wealth and other investments. In contrast, the average American has over 70% of their net worth tied up in their primary residence.

A $10 million buyer might be:

A successful entrepreneur
A senior executive at a financial institution
A partner at a top law firm
A celebrity or professional athlete
A well-connected or corrupt government official who can trade with insider information

If your house represents more than 30% of your net worth, you’re at greater risk of financial stress during downturns, just like what happened during the 2008 Global Financial Crisis.

If your primary residence represents less than 10% of your net worth, you may be under-living relative to your financial capacity. That could be a sign to spend a little more on yourself or consider giving more away.

Ideal Net Worth Range

To feel financially secure with a $10 million home purchase:

Minimum net worth: ~$33 million (30% allocation)
Ideal net worth: ~$50 million (20% allocation)

With a $50 million net worth, you could comfortably pay cash or take on a smaller mortgage. Even if you take on an $8 million mortgage at 6%, your monthly payment would be about $48,000—easily manageable at this level.

Combining Ideal Income and Net Worth

Here’s a quick reference guide to safely buying a $10 million home:

Category	Amount
Minimum Income	$2 million/year
Recommended Income	$3.33 million/year
Minimum Net Worth	$16.7 million (at 60%)
Recommended Net Worth	$33.4 million (at 30%)
Ideal Net Worth	$50 million (at 20%)

If you only meet the minimum income requirement, make sure you have at least the recommended net worth. Conversely, if your net worth is on the low end, you’ll want your income to be on the higher side. Here’s a more comprehensive chart that highlights more homes at different price points.

Recommended income and net worth required to buy a $10 million home and other home price points

Put Down More Than 20% If You Want To Buy A $10 Million House

If you’re planning to buy a $10 million home, it’s wise to put down more than just 20%. Most people I know buying homes in this price range are putting down 50%+, often paying all cash.

Why? Because many high earners making over $1 million a year don’t have high base salaries. Instead, their base is typically in the $250,000–$500,000 range, with the rest coming from stock grants and year-end bonuses. Banks may not fully recognize these forms of income when underwriting large mortgages given they are highly discretionary.

In today’s still-high interest rate environment, all-cash offers are also more attractive to sellers and more practical for buyers. Here’s what a mortgage would look like at 6%:

$8 million loan = ~$47,000/month
$7 million loan = ~$42,000/month
$6 million loan = ~$36,000/month
$5 million loan = ~$30,000/month

While these payments may be affordable if you’re making at least $2 million a year ($166,667/month), sticking to the rule of spending no more than 30% of your gross income on housing suggests a monthly cap of $50,000. That’s cutting it close with an $8 million loan.

The Ongoing Cost To Own A $10 Million Home

Owning a $10 million house doesn’t just mean a big upfront purchase, it means consistently large ongoing costs as well. Property taxes alone can range from $40,000 to over $300,000 a year, depending on your state. Hawaii offers the lowest property tax rates, while states like Illinois, New Jersey, and Texas are among the highest.

Beyond taxes, the cost to maintain a $10 million home adds up fast:

Higher heating and utility bills
More expensive homeowner’s insurance
Increased maintenance and repair costs
Costly landscaping and cleaning services
A larger mortgage payment (unless paid in cash)

And let’s not forget furnishing the place. It could cost well over $200,000. The bigger the house, the more expensive it is to make it feel like home. When something goes wrong—like a roof leak during a “Bomb Cyclone” as I experienced—it becomes much harder (and more expensive) to fix.

When evaluating a $10 million home, don’t just focus on the sticker price. Consider the cost of maintaining a $10 million house every year. Then factor in the opportunity cost of tying up so much capital in a primary residence that’s not generating income.

These ongoing costs are why you must follow my income and net worth guidelines by home price. If you don’t, your home could take you under.

$2.5 Million Income Family Budget Owning A $10 Million Home

Here’s a realistic breakdown of a family of four living in a high-cost area, earning $2.5 million a year:

Home: They put $3 million down on a $10 million dream home, taking out a $7 million mortgage at 6%, which costs them $504,000/year. Add ~$149,000/year for maintenance, taxes, insurance, and landscaping, and the total housing cost is around $653,000/year.
Kids: Their two children attend private grade school for $130,000/year, plus $5,000 in donations.
529 Contributions: They contribute $19,000/year for each child.
401(k) Savings: Each parent maxes out their 401(k) at $23,500/year (2025 limit), working toward millionaire status.

Despite the high expenses, they manage to save $373,140/year in their taxable brokerage accounts and have a $1M+ buffer in cash and liquid stocks for emergencies.

A household making $2.5 million a year and their annual budget owning a $10 million home

But here’s the risk: If one parent loses their job and household income drops by 50%, the family could be in serious trouble. Bear markets don’t just bring down investment portfolios—they also increase the risk of job loss.

Even a $5 million net worth, the absolute minimum I recommend to own a $10 million home, may not be enough. It all depends on how that net worth is structured. For instance, if $3 million is tied up in home equity and $1.8 million is in illiquid company stock that vests over three years, then having just $200,000 in cash won’t go far given their high burn rate.

Realistically, to own a $10 million home with minimal financial stress, a net worth closer to $33 million is more appropriate. At that level, you can weather market volatility, job loss, and unforeseen expenses. If you can’t sleep peacefully at night in your mansion, then what’s the point?

Should You Buy a $10 Million Home?

The best time to own the nicest house you can afford is when your kids are still living at home. So, I get why some of you might be browsing $10 million+ listings online. It’s fun to dream, and maybe you’re even serious about upgrading.

But even if you earn $2 million or more a year, I’m not convinced it’s worth buying such an expensive property. The upkeep alone can be a major downside, especially if the home wasn’t well built. I know a couple of people who bought $10+ million homes and ended up spending years trying to fix persistent leaks. What a nightmare.

Consistently making over $2 million a year is also no easy feat. You can ride a hot streak for a while, but the economy moves in boom-bust cycles. I saw this firsthand during my banking days, and I see it now as a small business owner. One year you’re up, the next you’re trying to stay afloat.

That’s why I believe you need a net worth of at least $33.3 million before buying a $10 million home. Your net worth is more reliable than your income, but even then, it’s not bulletproof. Just look at 2025, when tech stocks dropped more than 20%. If $30 million of your $33.3 million net worth was tied up in the Magnificent 7 companies, you’d be staring at a $6 million loss. Ouch.

Another factor: what are you upgrading from? If you’re jumping from a one-bedroom apartment to a 6,000-square-foot, six-bedroom mansion because your AI company IPO’d, that’s probably overkill. But if you’re trading up from a $5 million, 3,900-square-foot home with four bedrooms, the jump may be more reasonable. Further, you’ll have the experience to actually make use of the extra space.

For the sake of adaptability and long-term appreciation, a good rule of thumb is not to upgrade your primary residence by more than 100% in price. Beyond that, the risks and complexities start to outweigh the rewards.

A Better Way To Live In A $10 Million Home

While you’re working on building your income and saving up a down payment for that dream $10 million house, consider a smarter approach: invest in real estate to keep up with the market, without overextending yourself.

You might want to follow my BURL strategy, which stands for Buy Utility, Rent Luxury. The idea is simple: invest in properties that generate high rental income, and rent the luxury lifestyle instead of buying it.

If you follow this strategy, you could generate enough passive income to rent a $10 million home—and still have money left over.

For example, instead of buying a $10 million house at a 3% cap rate, which would generate just $300,000 a year in rental income, you could rent that same house for $300,000 a year. Then, invest the $10 million in higher-yielding multifamily properties at a 7% cap rate, and earn $700,000 a year in passive income.

After covering your rent, you’d still have $400,000 before taxes to spend or reinvest. Plus, your investment properties could appreciate over time, especially if they’re located in fast-growing, more affordable 18-hour cities.

By using the BURL strategy, you’re optimizing your capital and your lifestyle.

Order My New Book: Millionaire Milestones

If you’re ready to build more wealth than 93% of the population, grab a copy of my new book, Millionaire Milestones: Simple Steps to Seven Figures. With over 30 years of experience working in, studying, and writing about finance, I’ve distilled everything I know into this practical guide to help you achieve financial success.

The reality is, life gets better when you have a lot of money. Financial security gives you the freedom to live on your terms and the peace of mind that your children and loved ones are taken care of. You might even consider buying your $10 million water-view mansion on a large plot of land after reading my book.

Before you get to a $10 million net worth, you first have to reach the $1 million milestone. Millionaire Milestones is your roadmap to building the wealth you need to live the life you’ve always dreamed of. Order your copy today on Amazon and take the first step toward the financial future you deserve!

Millionaire Milestones book by Sam Dogen, Financial Samurai bestseller — Click the image to pick up a copy on Amazon today

Earn More Passive Real Estate Income

Check out Fundrise, one of the leading real estate crowdfunding platforms with over 380,000 investors and approximately $3 billion in assets under management. With the economy in turmoil and stock market volatility running high, there’s a growing flight to more stable assets like real estate to help weather the storm.

Since 2016, I’ve invested about $1 million across various private real estate funds and deals to diversify away from my costly San Francisco real estate holdings. My goal has been to generate more passive income and capitalize on long-term demographic shifts toward the Sunbelt, where Fundrise concentrates much of its portfolio.

Financial Samurai Fundrise Investment Dashboard real estate and venture

Fundrise is a long-time sponsor of Financial Samurai, and I’ve personally invested over $300,000 on the platform to date.

Intellectual Insider

+ posts

Business

How Businesses Can Actually Make an Environmental Impact

1745348215 create a greener future 0425 g1342327233

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

As Earth Day kicks off, it’s a great reminder for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to rethink how to approach their ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) practices when it comes to the tech they use. SMBs are the backbone of the global economy, making up approximately 90% of businesses worldwide and are responsible for 60-70% of global industrial emissions. That’s a huge environmental footprint, but it also means SMBs are uniquely positioned to drive real change.

With the global creation of e-waste projected to reach 82 million tonnes by 2030 and the demand for AI-powered computing on the rise, SMBs have a powerful opportunity — and responsibility — to lead in energy efficiency best practices, leveraging long-lasting, mindful materials and ethical sourcing. By making smarter, more energy-efficient decisions today, businesses of all sizes — especially SMBs — can help reduce e-waste, lessen their environmental impact and help build a more environmentally responsible, innovative digital future for generations to come.

Here’s how small businesses can start making a lasting impact — one smart decision at a time.

Cut energy costs with AI — without sacrificing performance

SMBs often face hurdles like limited resources and the high upfront costs associated with more sustainable technologies. However, innovations are now helping level the playing field.

The rise of AI-powered computing can support broader ESG and sustainability ambitions through smarter energy use. For example, AI-enabled laptops today feature intelligent power optimization algorithms that dynamically adjust energy consumption based on workload, helping systems run more efficiently without drawing unnecessary power. Many SMBs are also exploring into AI to streamline operations — 89% are already using AI tools to automate tasks. This isn’t just about saving time, it’s about reducing energy and resource waste across workflows.

Beyond end-user devices, AI is driving greater efficiency across infrastructure. AI-powered enterprise solutions can help data centers manage workloads more intelligently and reduce energy use. And with the edge computing market expected to grow nearly 37% annually through 2030, there’s a growing emphasis on localized processing that limits energy-intensive data transfers. Meanwhile, improvements in liquid cooling, airflow design and modularity are extending device lifespans and supporting more circular approaches to IT. We’re also seeing more tech manufacturers incorporate plastic-free packaging and energy-efficient designs, aligning innovation with evolving sustainability goals.

By integrating AI into energy and infrastructure management, businesses have more tools to drive efficiency and help reduce waste.

Advance circular economy practices

Sustainability isn’t just about how tech is used — it’s about how it’s made, used and reused. For SMBs, embracing circular economy practices can be one of the most impactful ways to improve resource efficiency, reduce both cost and environmental impact.

One of the most straightforward steps is investing in technology that incorporates recycled materials. Choosing laptops and desktops that include post-consumer content (PCC) plastics or recycled metals can help reduce reliance on virgin materials and supports more responsible sourcing practices. As of 2025, a growing number of Fortune 500 companies have made public commitments related to climate action. A World Economic Forum report cites that specifically, 78% of Fortune 500s have set climate-related targets, though only 12% have established objectives tied to biodiversity loss. This gap presents both a challenge and an opportunity for businesses — especially small and midsize ones — to lead by example. By choosing smarter technology solutions and services, SMBs can align with their broader sustainability goals while distinguishing themselves in a competitive market increasingly driven by conscious consumerism.

Beyond PCC plastics, some tech products now integrate ocean-bound plastics (OBP) — plastic waste collected from areas near coastlines and waterways where it is at risk of entering the ocean. By selecting devices and accessories that utilize OBP, SMBs can help address marine pollution while minimizing reliance on virgin plastic sources. Responsible sourcing and design choices like these are part of building more sustainable technology ecosystems.

Modular and repairable technology also plays a key role. Devices that are easier to upgrade or fix extend their usable life, helping reduce the need for early replacement. This is especially important because less than 12% of e-waste is currently recycled, while more than 85% is incinerated — often with environmental consequences. This waste stream makes durability and repairability more crucial than ever.

Finally, SMBs can also consider buy-back, refurbishment and device take-back programs to ensure tech stays in circulation longer. This approach not only can help reduce landfill waste but often unlock financial savings and potential incentives.

A greener future starts with smarter choices

SMBs have a unique opportunity and influential role in shaping a more sustainable future. By embracing energy-efficient technologies, integrating artificial intelligence to optimize operations and adopting circular economy practices, SMBs can make strides towards significantly reducing their environmental footprint while simultaneously enhancing operational efficiency. These strategic choices not only contribute to global sustainability goals but also position SMBs competitively in a market increasingly driven by environmental consciousness.

This Earth Month, let’s reaffirm our commitment to being smarter, greener and more responsible when it comes to choosing our technology solutions — because the future of computing must be both responsible and innovative.

The next step starts today. How will your business lead the way?