There are many ways to save and invest for retirement (or just to build wealth) and most are recommended by traditional financial advisers. But sometimes it's a good idea to explore some non-traditional ways to do it that might be better suited to your situation. That's why in this episode of the podcast I talk to Chris Miles, a self-described anti-financial advisor who walks that road less traveled with his clients to help them reach their own financial freedom. In this episode you will learn: ...
Mar 22, 2024•55 min•Ep. 197
The student loan crisis has made parents and students more cautious when it comes to taking out student loans. But even then, the average student debt is $30,000, which is a lot to owe fresh out of college with no job. But what if you could graduate debt free and into a job you love? To answer that question I talked with academic strategist Jeannie Burlowski on how it can be done! In this episode you will learn: - Strategies for when you're not in a position to save money - How to leverage more ...
Mar 08, 2024•52 min•Ep. 196
Achieving financial freedom means getting your personal finances in order, so that you are living within your means and have money at the end of the month. But to have true financial freedom long term, with long term goals like retirement, you have to have a financial plan. That's why in this episode of the podcast I talk with fellow personal finance podcaster Curtis May on attaining what he calls Practical Wealth. In this episode you will learn about: - Practical Wealth - Cash Flow Mapping - Ac...
Feb 23, 2024•51 min•Ep. 195
Stocks are a key part of any retirement savings portfolio. Their potential to grow over the course of your working life with a rate of return, despite ups and downs, that can't be beat by CDs or a savings account. But bonds are also important to a well balanced portfolio. To find out the particulars in this episode of the podcast, I bring back Certified Financial Planner Michael Karwic for a talk on bonds and how they can be key to a successful retirement. In this episode you will learn: - What ...
Feb 09, 2024•52 min•Ep. 194
As I've said in previous episodes, the earlier you start saving and investing for retirement, the better. As soon as you graduate with your degree and get a job, you should start on your path to long term financial freedom. But how do you get started? How do you put together a plan for retirement investment that will work long term? That's why in this episode of the podcast I talked with retirement expert Anne Lester to get answers to this question. In this episode you will learn about: What you...
Jan 26, 2024•53 min•Ep. 193
Financial freedom is a journey, not a destination. Even if you are in good shape now, it takes good habits and discipline to maintain it on into the future. Laws and financial circumstances can change, and you need to be adaptable. That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to report on some tips, tricks, and changes in the law that might help you have a financially free 2024. In this episode you will learn: - Good options for short term savings - About college fund to Roth IRA Rollovers...
Jan 12, 2024•25 min•Ep. 192
Achieving financial freedom is not always easy. Some people have the skills to do it on their own, while others need some expert help and guidance. That's never a bad thing. Having that guidance means hiring a financial advisor. But how do you pick one? How do you know if you have the right one for your needs? Getting you answers to those questions is why in this episode of the podcast I talk about the steps you need to take in choosing the right financial advisor for you. In this episode you wi...
Dec 22, 2023•23 min•Ep. 191
The cost of a college education is getting higher and higher. Students are graduating with crushing debt and are either unable to find a job or can't get one that will earn them enough money to pay the loans. Parents often get into debt by cosigning loans, or sacrifice their retirement. That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to talk to someone who could provide advice and strategies on approaching the cost of higher education and making sure that parents and students have a plan in p...
Dec 08, 2023•45 min•Ep. 190
As the holiday season approaches, we're all thinking about the celebrations, gift giving, and general joy that we experience during this time. But as the year comes to a close, we should also be thinking about our finances and the tax bill that may come in the new year. Thant's why in this episode of the podcast, although it isn't as exciting and uplifting as the holidays, I wanted to talk about some tax planning you can do now that may reduce that tax bill next April. In this episode you will l...
Nov 24, 2023•23 min•Ep. 189
No matter the size of a family business, the owner is an entrepreneur. This is an important realization, as having an entrepreneurial mindset is key to the success and growth of any business. That's why in this episode of the podcast I talk to Danielle Hayden of Kickstart Accounting about the entrepreneurial mindset, how to create a financial vision for your small business, and how to make sure that business weathers bad times. In this episode you will learn: - How to transform your money mindse...
Nov 10, 2023•45 min•Ep. 188
As people get older and closer to retirement, they start to worry about whether they are ready and whether they can afford to retire. Do they have enough money set aside? How much is enough? That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to talk about how many people think they're behind, how much they think they need to retire, how to tell whether you really ARE behind, and how to catch up if you are. In this episode you will learn: - How many people think they're behind - How much people t...
Oct 27, 2023•23 min•Ep. 187
If someone is having emotional, mental, or social problems, you might send them to therapy. But what if they are having financial problems? Is there any such thing as financial therapy? Well according to Wendy Wright, a therapist and money coach, there is! That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to talk to her about what financial therapy is and how it can help people change their thinking about money, communicate it better with their spouse, and get out of debt. In this episode you w...
Oct 13, 2023•47 min•Ep. 186
When it comes to retirement savings and investing, or any long term investing goal, there are many options for where to put your money. There are mutual funds, individual stocks, bonds, and the like. One option is something called Exchange-Traded Funds. These funds with the rather mysterious name can be a good option for investors. That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to talk about these funds, what they are, and whether you should consider them for your investment portfolio. In th...
Sep 21, 2023•25 min•Ep. 185
According to the authors of the book The Millionaire Next Door , self-employed people make up less than 20 percent of the workers in America but account for two-thirds of the millionaires. So for those who want financial freedom on the millionaire level, being their own boss is something that should at least be looked into. But starting a business isn't easy, and most of them fail within the first 3 years. This has some people thinking about owning a franchise instead. That's why in this episode...
Sep 08, 2023•42 min•Ep. 184
Treasury bonds can be a key part of your long term investment strategy. There's been a lot of talk about Series I bonds, which were created to protect you against inflation (something we've all been struggling with over the past couple of years). But are they still a smart choice in today's economy? In this episode of the podcast I wanted to talk about this classification of treasury bond, how it can help you in your portfolio, and whether now is a good time to buy them. In this episode you will...
Aug 25, 2023•23 min•Ep. 183
Although student loans continue to be a hot topic in personal finance news, there are many interesting articles and tips out there that can help you on your path to financial freedom. These include a new repayment plan for student loans, a better place to put your savings, tips on saving on wedding costs, and tips on making your children financially independent. Thant's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to talk about these various news items, many of which are cause for optimism in the...
Aug 11, 2023•20 min•Ep. 182
Your personal finances are never "set it and forget it." Even if you have set up a budget, have autopay on your bills, and a good retirement savings strategy, you still need to check in periodically to be sure that your financial ship is sailing in the right direction. That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to talk about how to do a mid-year checkup. You need to do this now (better yet every quarter) to make sure that your financial ship doesn't need a course correction. In this epis...
Jul 28, 2023•26 min•Ep. 181
With all that is going on in our economy, from inflation to worries about recession and the resumption of student loan payments, people are getting stressed out about their finances. Money woes and fears can really weigh on your mind. That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to talk about how that stress can affect your life, and what you can do to reduce it. You should also check out Episode 105 of the podcast where I talk about this with psychologist Dr. David Weiman. In this episode...
Jul 14, 2023•23 min•Ep. 180
Everyone who has federal student loans is waiting breathlessly for the Supreme Court to rule on President Biden's federal student loan forgiveness program later this month. But no matter what the decision, the moratorium on payments will be coming to an end, and you will have to start paying on them again. That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to discuss what you need to do before the music starts up again to be sure that you are ready with an affordable repayment plan. What you do ...
Jun 23, 2023•24 min•Ep. 179
Everyone looks forward to retirement, that time when they can relax and enjoy life, made possible by the fruits of their labor during their working lives. However, that retirement isn't going to last that long, or be that enjoyable, if you don't adjust your non-salaried income to your non-working expenses going forward. That's why in this episode of the podcast I talk about how to create a retirement budget to make sure that your golden years are solid, and not just plated. In this episode you w...
Jun 09, 2023•25 min•Ep. 178
May 26, 2023•43 min•Ep. 177
As we approach the summer months, many people start thinking about shopping for a home. The weather is warmer, and it gives potential buyers an opportunity to see the whole home, both inside and out. But is it a good idea to buy a home in this real estate market? Would it be better to rent instead? That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to discuss the ins and outs of the process, along with tips on how to find the home of your dreams. In this episode you will learn: - How to make the...
May 12, 2023•27 min•Ep. 176
Where you live can have a significant effect on your financial freedom, whether it's during your working life or in retirement. It can influence cost of living, opportunities in your careeer, or resale value when you are ready to downsize. That's why in this episode of the podcast I talk to Ryan Frederick about how he sees where you live and how location, location, location means so much more to your financial well-being. In this episode you will learn: - How being in the wrong place can be isol...
Apr 28, 2023•48 min•Ep. 175
The current economy has people stressed out with inflation and talk of an impending recession. As a result, the process of saving for retirement, already seen by many as a slog and a struggle, can seem even mre difficult and anxiety-inducing. That's why in this episode of the podcast I talk with Dawn Dahlby, who is not only a Certified Financial Planner, but also a behavioral financial advisor. From her we can learn how to find financial peace and happiness in troubling economic times. In this e...
Apr 14, 2023•45 min•Ep. 174
Saving and investing for retirement has always been challenging, but in the turbulent economic times we've been living in lately, it can be even tougher. Inflation and talks of a recession have made many people fearful of the future and whether they will be able to make their investment goals this year. That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to discuss some tips by the experts on what you can do to be sure you are staying the course and doing what you need to do to reach your ultimat...
Mar 24, 2023•25 min•Ep. 173
According to Divorce.com, the U.S. has the highest divorce rate in the world at 40-50%, although the Census Bureau report suggests that the rate dropped from 2009 to 2019. 60% of second marriages and 73% of third marriages end in divorce. Divorce is also expensive, both financially and emotionally. But beyond the lawyers fees, there are many hidden costs that can wreak havoc with your personal finances and which need to be considered. That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to discuss...
Mar 10, 2023•28 min•Ep. 172
There's a lot in the news these days on personal finance, including a possible new repayment plan for student loans, dealing with marital "financial incompatibility," and new laws pertaining to retirement savings. With all of this going on, it can be hard to keep track and get all of the key facts. Thant's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to talk about these various news items, many of which are cause for optimism in the new year. I hope they can help you avoid a tax audit, reduce fin...
Feb 24, 2023•24 min•Ep. 171
With tax season having officially started on January 23, the IRS is expecting taxpayers to file more than 168 million returns, most of them before the April 18 deadline. But depending on how involved your finances are, this can be a rather stressful time. That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to talk about the preparation process for your 2022 tax return in an effort to relieve at least some of that stress. Here's what you need to know about preparing it, filing it, and some deducti...
Feb 10, 2023•24 min•Ep. 170
Positioning yourself for financial freedom early on in life is the best way to do it, and creates a greater chance of success. However, this can be done at any age through discipline and planning. Certified Financial Planner Eric Brotman has written several books on the process and helped countless people to achieve their goals. That's why on this episode of the podcast I wanted to talk to Eric about his books, his experience, and the advice he gives to his clients to help them to build their pa...
Jan 27, 2023•46 min•Ep. 169
2022 was a rough year with inflation and recession rearing their ugly heads and causing us concern for our financial freedom (at least in the short term). But gas prices have dropped significantly, and recession has not been officially declared, so there's reason for hope in the new year. That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to talk about what the financial and economic experts are saying, whether you should listen to them, and what you should do to prepare your finances for the 12...
Jan 13, 2023•21 min•Ep. 168
