Fiscal Firehouse

Jon Beattie & Louie Barela

Come join a groundbreaking new podcast that promises to change the way you think, the way you live, and the way you manage your future. Grab a cup of coffee, a 6mg Zyn, some noise-canceling headphones, and get lost in the world of the Fiscal Firehouse. With your co-host Jon Beattie and Louie Barela, the Fiscal Firehouse is your guide to financial freedom. Tailored to union firefighters, we will discuss problems, solutions, and benefits that are unique to our profession. Change your finances, change your life at the Fiscal Firehouse. Brought to you by Local 1309.

Last refreshed: August 18th, 2025 at 10:50 PM ⓘ

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Episodes

The Debt Episode

Welcome to the Fiscal Firehouse. In today's episode, we're breaking down good debt versus bad debt, the emotional tool debt can take, and the real risks hiding behind those shiny new truck loans. We'll also cover how credit scores work, why they matter, and what you can do to improve your credit worthiness - so grab your coffee and a 6mg ZYN and get ready to start your journey to becoming debt free.

Aug 14, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 11

Special Guest: Fire Chief Don Lombardi

Welcome to the Fiscal Firehouse. A podcast dedicated to professional firefighters. On todays episode, Jon & Louie interview the Fire Chief of West Metro Fire Rescue, Don Lombardi. Chief Lombardi shares his knowledge and experience acquired over 33 years in the fire service. Chief Lombardi discusses the importance of labor/management relationships, the importance of financial literacy, and also the influence that firefighter culture has on personal finance.

May 14, 2025•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 10

Is now the time to panic?

Welcome to the Fiscal Firehouse. A podcast dedicated to professional firefighters. On todays episode, Jon & Louie will discuss the most recent volatility in the stock market. They will discuss if this stock market decline is different from all the others. Jon & Louie will offer 5 strategies to help investors keep and remain invested. These strategies will help investors remain resilient in tough economic times.

Apr 19, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 9

Pension Episode (Part 2)

Welcome to the Fiscal Firehouse. A podcast dedicated to professional firefighters. On todays episode, Jon & Louie will discuss the defined benefit pension plan administered through the Fire and Police Pension Association of Colorado (FPPA). Part two of today’s episode will cover different options within the defined benefit plan. Jon & Louie will discuss deferred retirement, the DROP plan, survivorship options and purchasing service credit. https://www.fppaco.org/PDF/pubs-handouts/SRP-DB-...

Mar 21, 2025•58 min•Ep. 8

Pension Episode (Part 1)

Welcome to the Fiscal Firehouse. A podcast dedicated to professional firefighters. On todays episode, Jon & Louie will discuss the defined benefit pension plan administered through the Fire and Police Pension Association of Colorado (FPPA). Part one of today’s episode will cover how the pension plan is funded (contributions) and how to determine your defined benefit. Jon & Louie will also discuss the different retirement options with the defined benefit plan. https://fppaco.org/PDF/pubs-...

Mar 01, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 7

Am I going to get social security?

Welcome to the Fiscal Firehouse. A podcast dedicated to professional firefighters. On todays episode, Jon & Louie will talk about social security. They will discuss how to become eligible for social security, claiming options, and spousal benefits. Lastly, Jon & Louie will discuss the signing of the Social Security Fairness Act and what this means for firefighters.

Feb 04, 2025•50 min•Ep. 6

Holiday Traditions, Listener Questions, Update on Social Security Fairness Act

Welcome to the Fiscal Firehouse. A podcast dedicated to professional firefighters. On todays episode, Jon & Louie will talk about their families holiday traditions. Jon & Louie will answer several listener questions including; Should I buy pension years? Should I file my own taxes? Health insurance analysis, and should I contribute to a Roth or Traditional 457? Lastly, we will give an update on the Social Security Fairness Act the one of the most significant retirement legislation that a...

Dec 14, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 5

457 - Your golden ticket to financial freedom

Welcome to the Fiscal Firehouse. A podcast dedicated to professional firefighters. On todays episode, Jon & Louie will talk about their favorite supplemental retirement vehicle: the 457. In this episode you will learn about the power of the 457 and how it can be your ticket to financial freedom. Jon & Louie will discuss contribution limits, distribution strategies, and answer the age old question "should I contribute to a traditional or roth 457?"

Nov 12, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 4

FSA + HSA Explained

Welcome to the Fiscal Firehouse. A podcast dedicated to professional firefighters. On todays episode Jon & Louie will do a deep dive on FSA's (flexible spending accounts) & HSA's (health savings accounts).

Oct 10, 2024•58 min•Ep. 3

The why behind financial independence

The Fiscal Firehouse welcomes their first guest, Reed Norwood, L1309 Secretary Treasurer. Reed will give a report on the 57th IAFF Convention along with explaining how your union dues are being allocated. The second half of the episode, Jon and Louie will discuss the three pillars of financial independence and why it is so critical to setting you up for future financial success.

Sep 14, 2024•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 2

Get to know your co-host Jon & Louie

Welcome to the Fiscal Firehouse. A podcast dedicated to our brothers and sister of L1309. In todays podcast Jon & Louie will open-up about their goals and objectives with the Fiscal Firehouse. Your co-hosts will also discuss their passion surrounding personal finance and what are members can expect in future episodes.

Aug 21, 2024•40 min

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