We delve into the dark web, explaining what it is and why it should matter to you. Most importantly, we share what you can do proactively and at no cost to protect your identity and credit. You’ll learn what’s worth your time doing and what to avoid, reducing your risk of falling victim to scams and identity theft. Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/095-wtf-is-the-dark-web-and-how-do-i-protect-my-identity-and-credit/...
Feb 03, 2025•39 min•Ep. 95
We’ll help you navigate the maze of financial advice by highlighting which tips you should ignore, why, and what you should do instead. We discuss good and bad debt, strategic use of credit cards, renting versus owning, talking about money, investing early and often, financial planners, and much more. In this episode, we clear up common misconceptions and provide practical tips and strategies. Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/94-...
Jan 27, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 94
Social media companies spend millions to convince us to buy stuff, much of it things we don’t need. This week, I am joined by a special teenager co-host, my 13-year-old daughter Kate, as we discuss the influence that social media has on our consumption habits. We also offer tactical tips for combatting social media ads and a broader discussion on what motivates kids to save and spend money. Kate joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - The prolific rise of social media ad spending - Tactics...
Jan 20, 2025•36 min•Ep. 92
In this special annual episode, join all the co-hosts as we reveal our 2024 spending habits in our detailed expense breakdown. From the biggest splurges to unexpected savings, we dive deep into each co-host's spending for the year and share what we’re feeling good about and want to improve upon this year. Liz, Andrew, Erica, and Greg join this week’s podcast as we talk about our: - What we each spent in 2024 - Top spend categories and what went into the higher spend categories - Top spend by ven...
Jan 13, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 92
We kick off this new year with a discussion on how to improve your financial wellness so you’re thriving versus surviving. We discuss actionable steps to improve your financial wellness and how to leverage James Clear’s Atomic Habits four laws of behavior change to build stronger habits. Greg joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - January is financial wellness month - The psychological power of a new year on making changes - James Clear’s four laws of behavior change from his book Atomic ...
Jan 06, 2025•39 min•Ep. 91
All of the co-hosts join this end-of-year episode, and we share our peaks and pits, favorite purchases, financial regrets, wins, and our intentions for 2025. Join us for our end-of-the-year podcast party! Liz, Andrew, Erica, and Greg join this week’s podcast as we talk about our: - Peak and pits of the year - Some of our favorite podcast reviews - Favorite books and podcasts of the year - Favorite purchases of the year - Worst purchased and/or financial regrets this year - Financial wins this ye...
Dec 30, 2024•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 90
We debate whether gift cards are the best gift ever or an ongoing burden to the receiver. We also recommend creative and simple ways to make gift card gifting more personal and ensure you keep up with and use any gift cards you have received. Liz joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - Whether or not people like receiving gift cards - The pros and cons of gifting and receiving gift cards - Simple and creative ways to make gift card giving more personal - Ideas for keeping up with all of yo...
Dec 23, 2024•44 min•Ep. 89
This week, Greg and I answer your money questions about relationships, difficult financial conversations, how we track our money, how we’re trying to raise our kids to spend intentionally, financial independence feeling unattainable at lower salaries and more! In this week’s podcast, we talk about: - Our number one purchase this year - How we approach using high-yield savings accounts and local banks like Bank of America - How financial independence can be unattainable at lower salaries and what...
Dec 16, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 88
We review two listener case studies, share their financial situations and backgrounds, and answer their questions about how to move forward with their finances. Andrew joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - If you should renew a term life insurance policy in your 70s - The importance of accessing your 401K and other retirement accounts and understating what you’re invested in - Whether or not you should pay for your house - What to do if you feel behind on your finances - Running a retire...
Dec 09, 2024•47 min•Ep. 87
Here are all the financial moves you should aim to finish before the end of the year to ensure you finish the year strong and set yourself up for success next year. We cover the basics you’ve already thought of but might not have done yet and some new ideas you may not have thought of. Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/086-end-of-year-money-moves-to-finish-the-year-strong/...
Dec 02, 2024•40 min•Ep. 86
Psychology plays a significant role in our financial decisions, and we can use it to our advantage to trick ourselves into spending less money and saving more. We share many tips and tricks for spending less and being more intentional. Liz joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - The role psychology plays in influencing our spending decisions - How retailers are aggressively using psychology to influence us to buy more - Tactical ways to trick yourself into spending less money - The value o...
Nov 25, 2024•53 min•Ep. 85
In case you missed it, Trump won the 2024 election. We’re talking about the impact of Trump in office on your finances and how to prepare yourself. Greg joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - Trump winning the 2024 election and the impact we expect it to have on your finances - The expected impact of tax rates, tariffs, stocks, deregulation of cryptocurrency, interest rates, tech industry regulation, the ACA, and more. - The importance of focusing on what we can control versus what we can...
Nov 18, 2024•40 min•Ep. 84
Some people are so focused and disciplined on reaching a FI or FIRE goal that they don’t enjoy the present. Others are so focused on living for today that they don’t plan or save for the future. Which is better? We discuss the extremes of both and how to appreciate the need for both and strive for balance. Erica joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - The pros and cons of living for today vs. saving for tomorrow - The magic middle and balance between the two - Extreme budgeting, deprivatio...
Nov 11, 2024•39 min•Ep. 83
We review two listener case studies, share their specific financial situation and background, and answer their questions about how to move forward with their finances. Andrew joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - How to know when you have enough to retire - If investing in all index funds is too risky - How to estimate and plan for unexpected expenses - How to get started when you’re stuck and overwhelmed - What to do when you hit set backs in the getting started process - Where to go fo...
Nov 04, 2024•44 min•Ep. 82
This week, I’m answering your questions about 401Ks, Roth vs. regular 401Ks, how and where to save for future needs, where to park your money, early retirement, managing a budget, and more! In this week’s podcast, I talk about: - Maxing out 401K versus investing in the market - Life insurance and whether work benefits are enough - How you access your money for early retirement - Ways to progressively increase your savings rate - 401Ks vs. roth401Ks - What is worth sacrificing to get to FIRE - Bi...
Oct 27, 2024•46 min•Ep. 81
We discuss everything you ever needed and wanted to know about life insurance. We share why life insurance is important even if you think you don’t need it, how much you need, how to shop around for it, the process of applying for it, and much more. We even share some next-level tips for getting the best rates. Liz joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - Why life insurance is important - Why your job’s life insurance isn’t enough - The types of life insurance and which type you need - How ...
Oct 21, 2024•50 min•Ep. 80
We explore the concept of the American Dream and how it has evolved over time. What we initially considered success in life isn’t quite how we would define success today. Many people now choose to live beneath their means, save more, spend less, and sometimes even retire early. We share personal stories, practical tips, and insights to help you define your own American dream. Greg joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - What we thought the American Dream was, and we each had different POVs...
Oct 13, 2024•39 min•Ep. 79
The holidays have evolved into a time of the year overly focused on consumerism and spending money, but we encourage you all to take back the holidays and focus on what matters the most to you! We encourage you to reconsider how you’re spending the holidays and share tactical ideas to spend less on decor and gifts going into the holiday season. In this week’s podcast, we talk about: - How to spend less going into the holidays - How to take back the holidays to focus on what matters to you - DIY ...
Oct 06, 2024•45 min•Ep. 78
This week, I’m answering your questions about debt, emergency savings, sudden windfalls, deferred compensation, withdrawal strategies, Andrew going vegan, monarch money, savings on kid's stuff, when to track your net worth estate planning, and more! In this week’s podcast, we talk about: - How to stay motivated while getting out of debt - How to handle an unexpected large sum of money - Influencer courses and if they’re worth your money and time - Finances in a blended family that is early retir...
Sep 30, 2024•41 min•Ep. 77
Investing often seems more complicated than needed, so we’re explaining some key terms to help you better navigate the investing and financial world more confidently. We share which ones we think matter the most and what you should focus on as an investor. Andrew joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - The difference between a stock and a bond and the historical performance of each - The difference between ETFs, index funds, and mutual funds - Market vs. limit orders and which one you shou...
Sep 22, 2024•46 min•Ep. 75
In the tradeoff between your time and your money, we discuss whether it’s worth it to pay for convenience, from pre-cut food at the grocery store to having your house professionally cleaned to food delivery apps. We explore whether these conveniences are worth the extra expense, and we explore the pros and cons, share personal stories, and offer tips for finding a balance between convenience and cost. Liz joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - The tradeoff of our time versus our money - H...
Sep 16, 2024•59 min•Ep. 79
Investing feels overwhelming and complicated to many people, but it doesn’t need to be. It can be simple and easy to get started. Join us for a discussion on investing that we hope will help you get started and feel better on your investing journey. Erica joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - Why investing is more simple than many make it out to be - Why investing in low-cost, simple index funds is the answer - If ESGs are worth it - What to do when the market is down - Good books to rea...
Sep 09, 2024•50 min•Ep. 74
Groceries have been getting more expensive lately, but there are still plenty of simple, low-effort ways to save money on groceries. We share our best money-saving hacks for our family of five. Greg joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - What we typically spend on groceries - Why we do most of our shopping at Aldi, Lidl, and Sam’s Club - How we keep our food costs lower and the specific things we do Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideout...
Sep 01, 2024•29 min•Ep. 73
Everyone should keep their savings, emergency funds, and extra cash in a high-yield savings account (HYSA) to optimize their money. High-yield savings accounts are paying as high as 5.5% interest and have been for over a year. Make sure you’re taking advantage of this and maximizing your growth potential! Liz joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - What is a high-yield savings account and why you should have one - Why high-yield savings accounts are a safe place to keep your money - FDIC I...
Aug 26, 2024•47 min•Ep. 72
This week, I’m answering your questions about early retirement, investing, raising financially literate kids, making like-minded friends, and more! In this week’s podcast, we talk about: - Sitting in the boring middle of achieving FI - Enjoying the journey versus the destination - How do you know when you have enough money to retire - How to make FI friends - Best FI meetup groups and conferences - Investment strategies - Thoughts on CFPs (Certified Financial Planners) - Bringing up finances wit...
Aug 19, 2024•36 min•Ep. 71
This one thing can save you money, help the environment, declutter your house, and improve your mental health; it’s using the things you already have! We share practical tips and strategies for reframing your mind to focus on everything you already own inside your home before you allow yourself to acquire new things. Erica joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - The many benefits of using what we already have before we buy new things - Mindful approaches to consumption - Practical tips and...
Aug 12, 2024•44 min•Ep. 70
The key to growing long-term wealth is to spend less than you make and invest the difference, but there are also some money mistakes you should avoid. Make sure you listen and avoid these money mishaps to win long-term. Liz joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - Why whole life insurance is so bad - The pros and cons of 401k loans - Buying stuff you can’t afford and don’t need on credit cards - Get rich quick schemes - Trying to time the market - The importance of tracking your expenses an...
Aug 05, 2024•49 min•Ep. 69
People often say you’ll spend less in retirement, but who are these people, and is this true? We break down some common beliefs about retirement spending and share our own personal experiences of being retired early for two years. Greg joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - The retirement smile - How much we’ve spent over the last five years - People say retired life costs less - Is this true? - Where we’re spending more: Before retirement? Or since early retirement? - How our life stage ...
Jul 28, 2024•33 min•Ep. 68
Understanding the CAPE (Cyclically Adjusted Price-to-Earnings) ratio and SORR (Sequence of Returns Risk) matters if you’re investing in the stock market and making future plans based on those investments. These metrics provide a stable benchmark for valuation and can help identify market bubbles or periods of undervaluation; they’re important to understand and can help inform your future plans. Andrew joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - What CAPE ratio and SORR stand for and how to cal...
Jul 22, 2024•40 min•Ep. 67
Three families share what we spent in the first half of 2024. Who’s spending is the highest and lowest? And is there really a winner or loser!? We’re big fans of intentional spending and not spending more than you earn. We share the nitty gritty details of our spending so far in 2024. Liz, Andrew, and Greg join this week’s podcast as we talk about: - Why we track our expenses - How we track our expenses and why we’ve all shifted to using Monarch - How much are families spent for the first six mo...
Jul 15, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 66
