Have you made any mistakes or poor financial decisions in the past? Whew, glad we aren’t the only ones! We all have junk our our past: regret, frustrations, and lingering consequences. In today’s episode, host Travis Shelton explains how we only have two options on how to approach it. We can either dwell on the past and sit in our regret, or we can put 100% of our energies and focus on the present and future. Since we can’t go back, our encouragement is to let the past live in the rear-view mirr...
Feb 12, 2024•12 min•Ep. 303
Study after study shows that the average American is grossly underperforming the overall stock market. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton explains the primary drivers for this phenomenon. The bad news is these factors are crushing people. The good news is they are extremely simple fixes. 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 Dai...
Feb 08, 2024•14 min•Ep. 302
The cultural narrative is that people simply don't "support" small businesses, which is why they end up closing down. In today's episode, we want to flip the script and look at this idea from the opposite perspective. Instead of us needing to support them, it's their job to earn our patronage, and then re-earn the right for us to come back again. When done well, it's amazing how much these businesses thrive. If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's wh...
Feb 05, 2024•15 min•Ep. 301
Instead of education and context, many financial professionals simply pander to people's irrational fear. Nobody wants to take undue risk, but what is risk? In today's episode, host Travis Shelton attempts to bring rationality into a significantly irrational topic: stock market risk. Without realizing it, millions of Americans are inadvertently costing themselves hundreds of thousands (or millions) of dollars by misunderstanding a few misworded questions. If you have questions or would like to c...
Jan 31, 2024•15 min•Ep. 300
Conventional personal finance advice includes "have an emergency fund." It's simple advice, and it's good advice. But behind the general concept are many questions. How much? When do you need it? Where do you keep it? In today's episode, host Travis Shelton discusses the emergency fund through the lens of a 3-bucket concept. It's a simple idea, but we're finding this idea is a novel concept to most. Therefore, we decided to share it with you. Hope you enjoy! If you have questions or would like t...
Jan 29, 2024•12 min•Ep. 299
In today's episode, we shine a light on one particular family's investing situation. This family is living a similar reality that millions of Americans are unknowingly living. It's time to shine a light on it. Stick to the end to learn how this family transformed their entire financial future with just a 10-minute investment of their time. 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.t...
Jan 24, 2024•15 min•Ep. 298
Do you ever get worked up about all the things you can't control? You aren't alone! There are two categories of things in life: those we can control, and those we can't. And unfortunately, most are in the "can't" camp. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton discusses the importance of focusing our energy on the things we can actually control. When we do, it's amazing how we can indirectly influence the things we can't actually control. Whether it's money, work, or any number of components in ou...
Jan 22, 2024•15 min•Ep. 297
How did your investments do in 2023? Lots of people are celebrating their 12%, 16%, and even 18% performance. Considering the stock market is supposed to get "8%-10% per year," they crushed it.....or did they? Context matters. Unfortunately, these people lost big time. Why? Because the U.S. stock market returned 26% on the year (including dividends). So if your portfolio came in well under that number, you were done a disservice. Let's talk about it. If you have questions or would like to connec...
Jan 17, 2024•14 min•Ep. 296
Do you enjoy using your credit card points for travel? We all do! However, all may not be as it seems. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton discusses the trap many of us face. In our pursuit to acquire and use these reward points, we often unknowingly sabotage our finances in the process. We also share a recent experiment that can highlight the hidden psychological impacts of credit cards. We believe most families would actually have more money for travel IF they turned their back on credit c...
Jan 15, 2024•16 min•Ep. 295
Tax deductions are a business’s best friend…..and possible worst enemy. In today’s episode, host Travis Shelton discusses how many business owners, in a pursuit to reduce taxes, are actually impairing their profits and cashflow. Yes, tax deductions can be a good thing! But we shouldn’t throw away a dollar just to save a quarter on taxes. 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.tr...
Jan 10, 2024•12 min•Ep. 294
Death. It’s not a fun topic to talk about, but it’s an important one. Someday (hopefully far into the future), one spouse will pass away. When that day comes, will the surviving spouse be prepared to pick up the financial pieces? That season of life will be tremendously difficult, but finances don’t have to make it worse. In today’s episode, host Travis Shelton walks through a simple but effective list of tasks couples can execute to prepare themselves. If you have questions or would like to con...
Jan 08, 2024•12 min•Ep. 293
Do you ever make the seemingly right decision, only to have a bad feeling in the pit of your stomach about it? In today's raw, unedited episode, host Travis Shelton talks about gut checks and why listening to them is so important in our decision-making process. Yes, we need the mental part of decisions. Yes, we need the emotional part of decisions. But that third factor, the gut check, is critically important as well. If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast,...
Jan 03, 2024•14 min•Ep. 292
In today's episode, we look back at the year that was. Wow, so much good stuff to be grateful for. We covered a lot of different topics and encountered many unexpected obstacles/opportunities. We also discuss the top 10 most downloaded episodes of the year. We're thankful for you and your continued desire to invest your time in this podcast. It means so much to us. Cheers to 2024! Top 10 episodes of 2023: #10 --> 200 - How to Handle Financial Windfalls #9 --> 190 - The New Student Loan (Fo...
Jan 01, 2024•47 min•Ep. 291
Everyone on social media these days has a sure-fire way to make quick money. Life-changing money......right now! In today's episode, host Travis Shelton discusses the toxicity and risk of these types of mentalities. In a time when finances are feeling tight, these get-rich-quick ideas are spreading like wildfire, bringing a lot of people down along the way. You deserve better. If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where you can find us: Podcast web...
Dec 27, 2023•13 min•Ep. 290
We often put pressure on ourselves to constantly make progress on all our goals. In some seasons, however, that's not feasible. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton talks about the importance of giving yourself grace. When we do, it's easier to push pause on some goals so we can focus our efforts on others. It's not a forever decision, but a right-now decision. If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where you can find us: Podcast website: ...
Dec 26, 2023•11 min•Ep. 289
Have you noticed how people have wildly differing opinions on the severity and significance of inflation? If you take two similar people, one may say inflation is killing them, and the other may say inflation is being blown out of proportion. Why? No, it's not because one person is being irresponsible. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton uses an illustration to showcase why we have such vast opinions on the topic. In short, context matters. Video referenced in the episode: https://www.tiktok...
Dec 20, 2023•14 min•Ep. 360
Anyone else getting frustrated that dining out is getting significantly more expensive? This category is crushing many people's finances, but we have two choices: 1) be a victim, or 2) gain control. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton discusses the recent trend of people allowing restaurants to overcome their finances, and provides some insights on how to regain control. If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where you can find us: Podcast websi...
Dec 19, 2023•13 min
Have you ever noticed how we often covet, protect, and respect the expensive things in our lives, while the priceless (but not necessarily expensive) things get left in the dust? This is a common phenomenon. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton discusses this dynamic and invites listeners (and himself) to intentionally shift the focus. 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.t...
Dec 13, 2023•12 min•Ep. 286
Our culture is full of narratives that are misleading at best, and destructive at worst. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton shines a light on one of them: investing in the US stock market. We hope this provides a fuller context on this issue, but also highlights a broader need to cut through the cultural narratives of half-truths that often lead us down the path of poor decisions. If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where you can find us: Po...
Dec 11, 2023•11 min•Ep. 285
What should we do with the money we have sitting around? In today's episode, host Travis Shelton answers one of the most common questions he receives. As with many topics, context matters. We'll explore the different questions you should ask yourself to make the best decision for YOU. Enjoy! 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 Dail...
Dec 06, 2023•12 min•Ep. 284
Money and happiness is a lot like the KFC logo. Once you see it, you can't unsee it (IYKYK). In today's episode, host Travis Shelton explores the often misunderstood dynamic between money and happiness, and what it means for our life. It's hard to see through the lens of our modern-day culture, but once we see it, we can't unsee it. This episode gets to the heart of the Meaning Over Money message. If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where you can...
Dec 04, 2023•18 min•Ep. 283
We all love to see positive results. A higher paycheck. More profit. A growing number of customers. The numbers matter. However, we think they matter for a different reason. In most cases, the numbers in and of themselves aren't the answer. They are the tell. They are an indicator we're doing the right things. Instead of dwelling on hitting the desired numbers, we should dwell on the positive behaviors that will ultimately result in the numbers. If you have questions or would like to connect wit...
Nov 29, 2023•13 min•Ep. 282
What do Cole, ESPN, and Taylor Swift have in common? You're about to find out. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton discusses why even when we achieve monumental things in our journey, the best is still to come. It may be a peak, but it's never THE peak. 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: ...
Nov 27, 2023•19 min•Ep. 280
Studies show that 70% of Americans dislike or hate their job. It's an epidemic. Worse, it's an epidemic we're unknowingly passing on to our kids. Host Travis Shelton recently had the opportunity to share some insight and encouragement on this topic with 1,000 eighth and ninth graders. In today's episode, we're speaking to parents. As parents ourselves, we believe our kids deserve better than to wake up each morning for the next 40+ years with dread or indifference. We believe they can (and shoul...
Nov 22, 2023•23 min•Ep. 280
I often hear the question, "What would you do if you knew you were going to die tomorrow?" That question raises lots of emotions and triggers instant gratification impulses. Let's change the script. What if you knew you only had ten years left to live? If true, what changes would you make in your life? The answer(s) to that question may actually be a tell about who you are and what you really want in life. It's a question worth pondering! If you have questions or would like to connect with us ou...
Nov 20, 2023•15 min•Ep. 279
We often talk about the science of money and happiness, and the reality that money ultimately does not drive happiness. People on the other side of this aisle often use this as a reason why we should just completely disregard money altogether. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton explains why this isn't the answer. In fact, these types of behaviors can sabotage our efforts and lead us to a place where we end up dwelling on money (or rather money issues). If you have questions or would like to...
Nov 15, 2023•14 min•Ep. 278
We live in a culture obsessed with instant gratification. We want to put in the work, quickly get rewarded, then repeat. However, this isn't the way most of life works. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton explains how this instant gratification mindset is sabotaging our ability to achieve our goals. Instead, if we take a longer-term approach, we have the potential to accelerate to where we're trying to go. If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's ...
Nov 13, 2023•12 min•Ep. 277
Let's face it, some jobs suck. We've all been there. You may be there right now. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton explains why even the worst work can have purpose and meaning. It may not be the work you want forever, but it just might be the ticket to help propel yourself to the better next thing. 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...
Nov 08, 2023•12 min•Ep. 276
There are a lot of opinions about how best to achieve financial goals. Everyone thinks they are right, and technically they are.....sometimes for some people. The key, however, is to find the right approach for you. It's not a one-size-fits-all approach. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton explains a few different approaches and how you might integrate them into your life. You got this! If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where you can find u...
Nov 06, 2023•18 min•Ep. 275
Many financial decisions are destructive. However, we can't make every decision in life through the lens of money. If we do that, we're nothing more than a mathematical robot. Instead, we need to let finances be one of the factors while making decisions through the lens of a meaningful life. Sometimes, that involves making a decision that may be considered "bad." If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where you can find us: Podcast website: ...
Nov 01, 2023•12 min•Ep. 274
