We're 23.5 years into this insane 21st century. So far, we've had Y2K, the worst terrorist attack in US history, multiple wars, the second-worst recession in US history, a housing market collapse, a global pandemic, rampant inflation, and four stock market crashes (46%, 54%, 32%, and 25%). In today's episode, host Travis Shelton explores how the stock market has performed through this crazy period of time. Spoiler alert: it's probably not what you think. Note: all data shared in this episode is ...
Jul 17, 2023•12 min•Ep. 243
We're trying something new. This is the first in an ongoing "on the road" series where Travis will remotely record episodes while on his various trips. In today's episode, recorded while on a family camping trip in the Black Hills of South Dakota, Travis discusses the common belief that we need money to create memories.....therefore proving that money = happiness. Our argument is that while yes, some memories cost money, all memories are created equal and money is not a prerequisite to making me...
Jul 12, 2023•12 min•Ep. 242
Getting a new job or a promotion can be a life-changing experience. More money, more perks, more status, and more responsibilities. These can be amazing developments in our careers. However, they can also be negative life-changing experiences. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton explores the idea that not all promotions are good for us. Sometimes, we're selling our ideal life for a few extra dollars. We view all increases as good increases, but hopefully after listening to this episode, it m...
Jul 10, 2023•16 min•Ep. 241
We've talked about various aspects of budgeting for the last few years, but today we break it wide open. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton and co-founder/producer Cole Netten take a deep dive into each of their respective budgets. We get into the what, why, and how of how we do our monthly budgets, and hopefully it provides you with some valuable perspective you can use in your own journey. Enjoy! If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where y...
Jul 05, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 240
We recently experienced two monumental updates in the Federal student loan saga. 1) The $10,000/$20,000 forgiveness program was just deemed unconstitutional, and 2) Congress solidified that monthly payments WILL begin on 10/1/2023. That means people have three months to prepare. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton walks through how this could/should go down and how you can prepare your life to reintroduce student loan payments. If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside o...
Jul 03, 2023•14 min•Ep. 239
Have you ever been hit with a chaotic season of life? Are you in one now? As you've probably experienced, finances are one of the first areas of our life to get neglected when we're experiencing chaos. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton shares his six steps to keeping our finances afloat during a chaotic season. You got this! If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where you can find us: Podcast website: https://www.travisshe...
Jun 29, 2023•16 min•Ep. 238
Does your life ever feel chaotic? Yeah, ours too! In today's episode (which kicks off with a special announcement), host Travis Shelton discusses the idea of chaos in our lives. Instead of it being a bad thing, we believe it's the admission price to making an impact. The key is to approach it in the right way, have intentionality, and live up to our promises. Have a great, chaotic day, everyone! If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where you can f...
Jun 26, 2023•14 min•Ep. 237
The recent data regarding auto loans is staggering. As monthly payments continue to rise, so too are the number of delinquencies. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton discusses this recent trend and offers some advice on how to assess your own situation. We think you deserve better than to let these loans impair your life, work, money, and meaning. Link to referenced article: https://shorturl.at/kJT25 If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where ...
Jun 21, 2023•15 min•Ep. 236
Have you or your partner ever screwed up with money? Yeah, we thought so. Often, when a mistake is made, the person at fault will attempt to carry the weight of the mistake.....and the other partner will happily oblige. We believe there's a better way with much better long-term implications. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton explains why it's so important that couples lose together. If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where you can find us:...
Jun 19, 2023•14 min•Ep. 235
We often get caught up in HOW we are going to do something, all the while losing sight of WHAT we are trying to do and WHY we are doing it. That often leads us down a road we never intended to go. Instead, if we focus on the what and why, the how avails itself to us. When we do that, we're more easily able to shift and take a different path to where we need to go. This perspective shift can change everything! If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's w...
Jun 14, 2023•12 min•Ep. 234
Do you ever put things off in the pursuit of perfection? Oh good, we're glad we're not alone. When it comes to work and money (and the rest of life, for that matter), we often sabotage ourselves by not simply calling something "done" and moving on to the next thing. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton explores this idea and uses some common and practical examples on how it can hinder our progress. If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where you...
Jun 12, 2023•14 min•Ep. 233
We've talked about it before, but we're going to get even more focused today. Sinking funds can be a game-changer in the pursuit of getting clarity, simplicity, and effectiveness in our finances. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton digs into the particulars of why, what, how, and where to bring this idea to life. If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where you can find us: Podcast website: https://www.travisshelton.com/podca...
Jun 07, 2023•15 min•Ep. 232
Cost is only half the equation. It doesn’t matter if something has an amazing cost if it doesn’t add at least that much value to YOUR life. Let’s explore. If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where you can find us: Podcast website: https://www.travisshelton.com/podcast Daily Blog: https://travisshelton.com/blog Subscrib...
Jun 05, 2023•13 min•Ep. 231
There are so many things working against us in life, work, and money. It feels like every time we get momentum, something jumps in the way to sidetrack or derail us. We won't deny these things happen, but we also don't want to let them become excuses. As we like to say, we can have excuses or impact, but we can't have both. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton discusses this idea through the lens of the Meaning Over Money podcast studio, which just received a significant downgrade. This idea ...
May 31, 2023•13 min•Ep. 230
The debt ceiling debate is all the rage these days.....again. Someone recently asked us to explain the situation, but through a different lens. in today's episode, using the same ratios and same arguments, host Travis Shelton discusses what this situation would look like and sound like if it were happening in a normal American family. In short, it would sound like pure insanity. If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where you can find us: Podcast w...
May 29, 2023•12 min•Ep. 229
If you're married, have you ever noticed you're more likely to argue about the little financial things than the big things? You're not alone! It's a common phenomenon we often see in our coaching. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton introduces the idea of personal spending and explains why/how it can be such a game changer in our financial lives and marriages. If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where you can find us: Podcast website: ...
May 24, 2023•16 min•Ep. 228
Have you ever messed up, pushed aside, or neglected your finances? Join the club When that happens, it can be hard to get back into the swing of things. It's easier just to continue pushing it aside and not address the issue head-on. Then, the longer we wait, the less we want to reengage. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton gives some practical steps to getting back in the game after messing up. He experiences this in his coaching often, and these steps are proven ways to move forward in a h...
May 22, 2023•15 min•Ep. 227
Do you ever compare where you are to a certain place you could be? A job, relationship, decision, neighborhood, or ______ (insert your thing here). There's no doubt that the other side offers some lush, green patches. However, we often turn a blind eye to the other aspects of the other side that aren't so green. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton explores the idea of half-truth comparisons. How it happens, why it happens, and the devastating consequences if we fall into the trap. If you hav...
May 17, 2023•15 min•Ep. 226
The term "1099 Economy", or "Gig Economy", has been heating up in recent years. More people than ever have entered the 1099 economy, but the entire concept continues to get demeaned and disrespected by our culture at large. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton explains the key differences between traditional W-2 employment and 1099 contract work, and some of the perceived risks/pitfalls of 1099 employment (and how to mitigate it). He also highlights some of the potential upsides and benefits ...
May 15, 2023•17 min•Ep. 225
Having children is beautiful.....and expensive. For people who have created intentionality in their financial journey and are working towards some very clear goals, it's natural to wonder how having children will alter their financial progress. First, it will. Second, it's worth it. Third, there are ways to navigate it simply and effectively. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton discusses some of the nuances involved with having children while still maintaining financial momentum. If you have...
May 10, 2023•14 min•Ep. 224
Change is hard. With it comes uncertainty, fear, and the very real risk of failure. Host Travis Shelton experienced this in a major way when he left his prior career to start his business. Then, a trusted friend threw a truth bomb into the mix, "You can always go back." Just like that, the paradigm shifted. Nothing is forever and we always have the right to shift again. This perspective, if taken seriously, has the power to transform the way we approach our work and our life. If you have questio...
May 08, 2023•15 min•Ep. 223
Have you ever invested in something (time, energy, money, etc.), only to have it not work out as well as you had originally hoped? Our human instinct is to stick with it, as we don't want to "throw away" that investment. Therefore, we take something bad and make it worse. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton discusses the idea of sunk costs. When we can view sunk costs with a healthy perspective, we will make significantly better decisions and carry much less guilt. If you have questions or w...
May 03, 2023•17 min•Ep. 222
Bad news: it's tax season. Good news: it eventually gets done and maybe there's a refund on the other side waiting for you. No, it's not free money. It's your money that you're getting back. But for most people, it sure beats getting a negative surprise and finding out you need to write a check to the government. What now? In today's episode, host Travis Shelton walks through practical advice he gives to his coaching clients whenever they receive a tax refund. We hope this helps you think throug...
May 01, 2023•14 min•Ep. 221
There are a lot of cool things we can do with money. Feed our family, buy shiny things, pay for experiences, travel the world, eat amazing food.....the list goes on and on. However, one thing rises above all others: generosity. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton shares a conversation he had with his friend, Austin. In this discussion, Austin so eloquently communicated the genuine beauty that is sincere generosity. There's truly nothing better we can do with money than give it to someone who...
Apr 26, 2023•13 min•Ep. 220
Do you ever find yourself comparing yourself to someone else? Chances are you look upward when comparing.....not downward. The title of today's episode is a quote from Jon Acuff. Host Travis Shelton heard Jon say this many years ago, and it made a big impact on his life. Whether it's money, skills, career, fitness, or any other number of areas in our life, we need to take a step back from the comparison trap. We also need to recognize our comparisons are often unfair. We can't expect to be where...
Apr 24, 2023•13 min•Ep. 219
It seemed like just yesterday, every person on social media portrayed themselves as investing "experts." Buy this stock, make this move, and get that crypto. Funny how it got real quiet, real fast. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton discusses this phenomenon and what it means going forward. In short, there's no easy path. Things feel easy when times are good.....but that's just half the story. If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where you ca...
Apr 19, 2023•14 min•Ep. 218
Medical Emergencies happen. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton shares the recent tale of his son breaking an arm. Topics include the U.S. healthcare system, how to handle medical emergencies, sinking funds, and health insurance basics. These types of situations will never be ideal, but if we approach them well, we can lessen the stress and the financial impact on our lives. If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where you can find us: Podcast w...
Apr 17, 2023•16 min•Ep. 217
When it comes to money, many of us carry some deep, dark, heavy, ugly money secrets. All the while, we think we're the only ones hiding something like this. Truth is, many people are hiding a lot of junk. In order to show how you aren't alone, we recently solicited our listeners to anonymously share some of their money secrets with us. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton discusses four of the secrets shared with us. You won't want to miss this one! If you have questions or would like to conn...
Apr 12, 2023•17 min•Ep. 216
All work matters, but not all work matters to you or to me. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton discusses work from the perspective of meaning. If 70% of Americans dislike or hate their jobs, there has to be a better solution. Instead of viewing some work as inherently good (pay, status, etc.), we need to ask if that particular work is good for us. When we better understand what work best fits each of us, we can begin to pursue work that truly matters. If you have questions or would like to ...
Apr 10, 2023•14 min•Ep. 215
Never judge a book by its cover, right? Easy to say, hard to follow. When we look at other people's lives, we like to use external signals (clothes, houses, cars, trips) as a way to perceive their level of wealth, success, or status. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton explains why he thinks these external signals are often misleading. In fact, we believe there can oftentimes be an inverse correlation between external signals and actual success. Why? Because the cost of the signals can be th...
Apr 05, 2023•15 min•Ep. 214
