In this episode KT discusses: · What travel might look like in 2020 · Staycations could be coming back · Gas prices are hitting once-in-a-decade lows Key Takeaways: · Consider a road trip · The market always rebounds · Now might be the time to buy and enjoy the recovery Quote: “Everybody always says, every single time, ‘this time it’s different.’ After almost 30 years as an investor, what I’ll say to you is ‘no its not.’ Someday people will start eating out again and they’ll stop hoarding toilet...
Apr 08, 2020•12 min
In this episode KT discusses: · Your financial “to do” list while stuck inside · How to take advantage of the tax delay · Details on the student loan deferment (if you qualify) Key Takeaways: · Understand if you are getting a credit or a refund for unused goods and services during the crisis · Things to take advantage of during this time (like cheap gas) · Hot COVID-19 and other scams making the rounds Quote: “Be smart. Be careful. Don’t get screwed. ” – KT Click here to reach KT See KT’s interv...
Apr 01, 2020•20 min•Season 1Ep. 130
In this episode KT discusses: · How Fear is driving everything from the market to the grocery store · Strategies for those close to retirement or far away · Why you shouldn’t let fear rule Key Takeaways: · Advice for investors · Advice for homebuyers · Advice for car buyers Quote: “Fear is a funny thing. It causes people to do things that don’t make sense, just so they can feel like they control something. ” – KT Click here to reach KT See KT’s interview on C-Suite Network’s Best Seller TV Conne...
Mar 25, 2020•19 min•Season 1Ep. 129
In this episode KT discusses: · How to interpret the market · FOMO: Fear of Missing Out · FOE: Fear of Everything Key Takeaways: · Strategies for all types of investors · The market always rebounds · Now might be the time to buy and enjoy the recovery Quote: “Everybody always says, every single time, ‘this time it’s different.’ After almost 30 years as an investor, what I’ll say to you is ‘no its not.’ Someday people will start eating out again and they’ll stop hoarding toilet paper. ” – KT If y...
Mar 19, 2020•14 min•Ep. 128
In this episode KT discusses: · How to turn your home into a vacation rental · Pros and cons of short-term rentals · The rental site learning curve Key Takeaways: · The hidden costs of renting · Know the tax laws in your area · The truth behind the reviews Quote: “(Guests) don’t expect (your rental) to be a hotel. They expect you to be immaculate and operational. If you’re not willing to do that, work harder at your day job. ” – KT If you are a successfully renting your home contact KT at kathle...
Mar 04, 2020•25 min•Season 1Ep. 130
In this episode KT discusses: · Booking a home vs. a hotel for your vacation · Pros and cons of services like Airbnb, Vrbo, FlipKey, etc. · KT’s vacation home rental horror story Key Takeaways: · One company owns two of the largest vacation rental companies · Do your research before renting · Last-minute rentals might get a deal, if you ask for it. Quote: “Booking houses is (these companies) gig. Customer service, not so much.” - KT Click here to reach KT See KT’s interview on C-Suite Network’s ...
Feb 26, 2020•24 min•Season 1Ep. 129
KT 125: Tiny Houses and Downsizing Air Date: 02/19/20 In this episode KT discusses: · How the McMansion trend turned into the tiny home trend · If tiny houses are better than trailers · Baby Boomers: the high cost of downsizing Key Takeaways: · The pros and cons of tiny house ownership · The rule you should use when considering buying a home of any size · Downsizing could be jumbo-sizing your Quote: “Consider rightsizing your housing to meet your income, not the other way around.” – KT Do you ha...
Feb 19, 2020•27 min•Season 1Ep. 125
In this episode KT discusses: · Changes in the Tax Laws · Why you could be paying too much for tax preparation · Taking the Standard Deduction vs. Itemizing Key Takeaways: · Free tax prep options · The hidden cost of a fast refund · Why your CPA may not be working as hard as before Quote: “This is your money. You worked hard all last year for it. If you’re due a tax return this is money you’ve overpaid the government, that they got to borrow for free all year. Don’t let anybody else take any mor...
Feb 12, 2020•26 min•Season 1Ep. 124
In this episode KT discusses: · What is a Stretch IRA · The Secure Act of 2019 · How this new law could effect you Key Takeaways: · How The Secure Act hurts savers · The retirement planning changes you need to make · Think about how your retirement could impact your children Quote: “What this really means is (the government) created a disadvantage for working and saving Americans over wealthy Americans who get to pass nearly the bulk of their entire estate tax free. ” – KT Click here to reach KT...
Feb 05, 2020•21 min•Season 1Ep. 123
If you want to hear the first discussion of “unicorn” companies, click here. In this episode KT discusses: · How unicorn companies are “the rookies” of Corporate America · The real risk of these IPOs · WeWork’s downfall as a cautionary tale Key Takeaways: · Only one of 2019's Unicorns is making money · What industries need to turn a profit in 2020 · The latest Unicorn buzz has parallels to the .com bubble of the late 1990s Quote: “Investors are getting a little bit more careful about understandi...
Jan 29, 2020•16 min•Season 1Ep. 122
In this episode KT discusses: · The “overconfidence” problem · The exchange-traded fund (ETF) advantage · Two types of investors: those with risk tolerance and those without Key Takeaways: · Most U.S. markets saw double-digit gains in 2019 · Don’t be nudged by somebody else’s investment ideas · The benefits of a “blended fund” Read the article that inspired this episode: https://www.barrons.com/articles/richard-thaler-stop-sabotaging-your-portfolio-51577993136 Quote: “You can’t pick (the market)...
Jan 22, 2020•22 min•Season 1Ep. 121
In this episode KT discusses: · Thinking about retirement in your 50s · Retirement pre-planning · The “retirement paycheck” Key Takeaways: · The ups and downs of downsizing · The pros and cons of working longer · Consider debt in retirement Quote: “I see it all of the time. People thinking they’re going to retire and then they get closer. They can’t figure out what they’re going to do when they (retire) and they don’t like the idea of spending money so they stay (working). ” – KT Click here to r...
Jan 15, 2020•20 min•Season 1Ep. 120
In this episode KT discusses: · Realtors vs. For Sale By Owner · The actual cost of a realtor · What you can do with the money you saved Key Takeaways: · 5 steps to selling a home by yourself · 25% of home sales are by owner · Pre, during and post-sale steps Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 08, 2020•30 min•Season 1Ep. 119
In this episode KT discusses: · The top New Year’s resolutions · People tend to have a haphazard approach to money · KT’s personal story of semi-retirement Key Takeaways: · Educate yourself, there are a lot of resources out there · The credit score myth · Savings and bill paying strategies Click here to reach KT See KT’s interview on C-Suite Network’s Best Seller TV Connect with KT Thomas: http://ktsmoneymatters.com/ Purchase KT’s book- The Hardworking Woman’s Guide to Money Learn more about you...
Jan 01, 2020•30 min•Ep. 118
In this episode KT discusses: · Recurring income during retirement · The reality of people living longer · KT’s personal story of semi-retirement Key Takeaways: · 11,000 Americans retire every day · 30% of Americans spend retirement income on debt · 19% of retirees work, money isn’t the only reason why Click here to reach KT See KT’s interview on C-Suite Network’s Best Seller TV Connect with KT Thomas: http://ktsmoneymatters.com/ Purchase KT’s book- The Hardworking Woman’s Guide to Money Learn m...
Dec 25, 2019•26 min•Ep. 117
In this episode KT discusses: · The market’s so-called Santa Claus Rally · What could contribute to end of the year gains · Why the rally may not matter Key Takeaways: · Most big investors take December off · There might be tax reasons for the rally · End of year rallies are random Click here to reach KT See KT’s interview on C-Suite Network’s Best Seller TV Connect with KT Thomas: http://ktsmoneymatters.com/ Purchase KT’s book- The Hardworking Woman’s Guide to Money Learn more about your ad cho...
Dec 18, 2019•18 min•Ep. 116
In this episode KT discusses: · Consumer characteristics · How to be more mindful of your spending habits · KT’s 4 steps to being a conscious consumer Key Takeaways: · Practice the 24 hour rule · Don’t buy the wrong size, color, style just because its on sale · Abandon your online “cart” daily. Quotes: “You used to go to the malls once a week, but now you shop every day. We’re not going the right way.” – KT Click here to reach KT See KT’s interview on C-Suite Network’s Best Seller TV Connect wit...
Dec 11, 2019•19 min•Season 1Ep. 115
We head back to the archives to learn why you need to have a plan for your estate. In this episode, KT discusses: Why a will is important Legal ramifications if you don't have a will Engaging an attorney Key Takeaways: In most States, if you don't have a will your finances will get split between your spouse and your children The number one reason why people don't do estate planning is getting over the fact that they might need it Make sure you understand an attorney's pricing before you meet wit...
Dec 04, 2019•10 min•Season 1Ep. 115
In this episode we travel back in the archives to talk about the difference between men's and women's products. Often times, products packaged in pink are more expensive and contain less of the actual product when compared to men's productsIf you're the type of person that doesn't like scented things, buying the non-scented "guy" version of the product can save you money "A little bit of spending can go a long way." - KT Thomas Connect with KT Thomas: https://ktsmoneymatters.com/ Purchase KT's b...
Nov 27, 2019•6 min•Season 1Ep. 115
In this episode Andy Graning joins KT to discuss: · What it means to cut the (cable) cord · What does a Roku or a Fire TV Stick do · KT’s 4 steps to lowering your cable bill Key Takeaways: · Don’t quit cable cold turkey · Figure out what shows and channels you need · The power of an antenna Quotes: “I think cable cutting is great. I will preach it to anyone that will listen, but for you it might not be the best option.” – Andy Graning “I personally think everybody could save a little bit of mone...
Nov 20, 2019•35 min•Season 1Ep. 114
In this episode KT discusses: · Americans spent $1.3 Billion on “Free Trials” · “Free Trial” complaints rising with Better Business Bureau · Electronic delivery makes it easy to miss the recurring charges Key Takeaways: · Watch your credit/debit card statements for charges · Mark your calendar the free trial end date · Complaints with the Better Business Bureau do work Quote: “Looking for bills you don’t know and figuring out how to get them away is a real job in America today.” - KT Click here ...
Nov 13, 2019•17 min•Season 1Ep. 113
In this episode KT discusses: · Bottled water is a $31Billion/year business · Bottled water is American’s #1 favorite beverage · Why it’s so important to retailer’s bottom line Key Takeaways: · Beverage companies convinced us bottled water is “safer” than tap water · Many bottled water brands are just filtered tap water · The environmental impact of all those empty bottles Click here to reach KT See KT’s interview on C-Suite Network’s Best Seller TV Connect with KT Thomas: http://ktsmoneymatters...
Nov 06, 2019•17 min•Ep. 112
In this episode KT discusses: · Black Friday · The origins of this Shopping Holiday · Why it’s so important to retailer’s bottom line Key Takeaways: · Holiday spending could top $700B this year · Black Friday Shopping is down 4% year to year · You might find some of the best deals BEFORE Thanksgiving Quote: “(Black Friday) is really the single most expensive day off Americans ever had.” - KT Click here to reach KT See KT’s interview on C-Suite Network’s Best Seller TV Connect with KT Thomas: htt...
Oct 31, 2019•19 min•Season 1Ep. 111
In this episode KT discusses: · Dealing with debt · How money shaming is like fat shaming · The difference between net worth and self-worth Key Takeaways: · 10% of Americans have negative net worth · Don’t measure yourself against the “rich & famous” · Reconsider your online shopping and car buying habits Quote: “The problem with money shaming, like fat shaming, it leads to growing the problem, not shrinking it.” - KT Click here to reach KT See KT’s interview on C-Suite Network’s Best Seller...
Oct 23, 2019•17 min
In this episode KT is joined by Ashley McLaughlin, a schoolteacher from Virginia. Ashley graduated in 2008 and went to work at a school that qualified for student loan forgiveness under a federal program. She ended up receiving less aid than she first thought. KT and Ashley talk about Ashley’s journey through the program and what people need to know before they sign up. Key Takeaways: · What you need to know before you participate · Few understand how the program is supposed to work · Consider y...
Oct 16, 2019•20 min
In this episode KT discusses: · What is AARP?· What AARP offers· The “real cost” of your membership Key Takeaways:· AARP doesn’t only target retirees· AARP values your data· Make sure a membership makes sense for you. Quote: “If (AARP is) really a non-profit, they got to be making some money doing this. What are they actually doing with their money?” - KT Click here to reach KT See KT’s interview on C-Suite Network’s Best Seller TV Connect with KT Thomas: http://ktsmoneymatters.com/ Purchase KT’...
Oct 09, 2019•15 min•Season 1Ep. 108
In this episode KT discusses: · Our national debt· How the debt ceiling works · Why our national debt is so high Key Takeaways:· The US Government’s debt is $22 Trillion and growing· Tax breaks help contribute to the debt· Social Security benefits make up a small chunk of the debt Quote: “You can’t raise spending and cut taxes at the same time and expect that (large deficits) won’t happen. That’s exactly what happened in America.” - KT Click here to reach KT See KT’s interview on C-Suite Network...
Oct 02, 2019•12 min•Season 1Ep. 69
In this episode KT discusses: · The grocery game· The truth behind expiration dates· The power of the grocery list Key Takeaways:· Americans throw away $1,400 in groceries a year· Be realistic in your meal planning· When at the grocery store, ask yourself “Is there a meal here”? Quote: “Think about the amount of food every year in America that we are literally throwing away. Then look at your own personal finances and say, ‘what portion of that could I keep?’” - KT Click here to reach KT See KT’...
Sep 25, 2019•20 min•Season 1Ep. 107
In this episode KT discusses: · Defines the Consumer Confidence Index.· How your confirmation bias could taint how you view the economy.· The value of data used. Key Takeaways: · Three indicators you need to look for in to gage your confidence. · Consumer confidence is at 2007 levels, and we know what happened a year later.· How to watch the markets and the economy for confidence. Click here to reach KT See KT’s interview on C-Suite Network’s Best Seller TVConnect with KT Thomas: http://ktsmoney...
Sep 18, 2019•17 min
In this episode KT discusses: · NFL team revenue streams. · What the average team makes.· The Economics of NFL Team Ownershipby Kevin Murphy & Robert Topel Key Takeaways: · Game Day is just one way your favorite team makes money.· TV contracts are huge for NFL owners bottom line.· When is enough profit enough? Quote: “There’s a lot of money in football for the owners. In fact, they’re making record profits.” – KT If you have any topics you’d like to see covered in future KT Money Matters cli...
Sep 11, 2019•11 min
