60% of Americans have some form of a variable income. Whether it’s an hourly wage, commission, or some other form of unpredictability, most Americans live with the reality of income volatility. Let’s be honest: that can be hard to deal with! In today’s episode, host Travis Shelton shares a few ideas to gain control of something that’s seemingly uncontrollable. This can be a huge game-changer for many families, as evidenced by countless families who have introduced these concepts into their finan...
Sep 09, 2024•14 min•Ep. 363
Today’s episode is different, for a reason. Meaning Over Money co-founder and podcast producer Cole Netten joins host Travis Shelton to discuss life. It’s an inside look at the types of conversations and considerations millions of families are having at this very moment. Through social media and the typical masks we wear, we’re led to believe that everyone else is always doing better than us. In today’s episode, we attempt to lift the lid on that lie. We hope a few of these nuggets resonate with...
Sep 04, 2024•39 min•Ep. 362
Did you know that the stock market recently got crushed? Of course you did!!! That’s all people talked about for a solid few weeks. Did you also know that the stock market immediately bounced back and is again sitting near and all-time high? Probably not. In today’s episode, host Travis Shelton discusses the importance of getting full context in a world of half-truths. Doing so is imperative for our financial success…..and sanity. If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of...
Sep 02, 2024•13 min•Ep. 361
If you’re human, there’s a high likelihood that you’ve experienced pain and suffering in your life. Debbie Downer intro, but it’s true! While we can’t undo the pain each of us has experienced, what if we could harness that pain and use it for good? That’s the call (and opportunity) we each have. In today’s episode, host Travis Shelton shares examples of Tyler Joseph (Twenty One Pilots) and Joni Eareckson, and how our biggest area of potential impact is probably directly through our pain. When we...
Aug 28, 2024•11 min•Ep. 360
There’s a problem with “normal”: It only exists in our imagination. Inevitably, reality will play out much differently than whatever scenario we plan in our head. However, we often structure our finances as if everything will be normal. The end result is a gap between our plan and the life that’s hitting us in the face. In today’s episode, host Travis Shelton discusses the importance of planning for an anything-but-normal reality. When we do, we create margin and the ability to absorb the unexpe...
Aug 26, 2024•12 min•Ep. 359
Have you ever considered the fact none of us ever have a truly original idea? It’s true. Everything we do and every idea we have is born from another idea. In today’s episode, host Travis Shelton takes a moment to process this idea that everything can be attributed to someone or something else. When we learn and grow, we get better and produce better ideas. Those ideas, in turn, will help other people grow and develop their own ideas. It’s the sharing of ideas that allows each of us to grow and ...
Aug 21, 2024•11 min•Ep. 358
Can we all agree that we’re entering (or already in) weird times? Unemployment is going up, inflated prices continue to rock families, interest rates are up, and political unrest is escalating. Bad news: we can’t control any of that. Good news: there is something we can control! In today’s episode, host Travis Shelton makes the argument that we need to make building cash a near-term priority. Whether you have an emergency fund or not (and we hope you do!!!!!), this might be the season you should...
Aug 19, 2024•12 min•Ep. 357
In the second episode recorded at the end of a dock, host Travis Shelton talks generosity. More specifically, the kind of generosity that happens when we quit dwelling on what we don’t have, and instead focus on what we do have. Generosity comes in many forms, and many times, the non-monetary forms are the sweetest and most impactful. We hope today’s episode inspires your generosity in new and amazing ways! If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's whe...
Aug 13, 2024•10 min•Ep. 356
Sinking funds are awesome, but none are more enjoyable than the travel sinking fund. During a recent family vacation, host Travis Shelton spent some time on the mobile mic to discuss how families can simply and effectively execute the travel sinking fund to add a ton of value to their lives. It’s not rocket science, but it is a game-changer. 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...
Aug 12, 2024•12 min•Ep. 355
We love small businesses. In fact, we own and run a few small businesses of our own. We believe small businesses are the lifeblood our our economy. With that context, we ask that you listen to today’s episode with an open mind. Host Travis Shelton explains how small business owners are inadvertently sabotaging themselves when they advocate for “support small” and “support local.” There is a better way, though. After listening to this episode, we hope you find it insightful and encouraging, and p...
Aug 08, 2024•19 min•Ep. 354
Yes, we need to be financially responsible. Yes, we need to make wise decisions. However, not everything needs to be about money. When we boil everything down to a financial decision, we sell ourselves short. In today’s episode, host Travis Shelton goes on a rant about this topic, pulling in various stories from his coaching. This one hits hard, and we hope it fires you up like it did for us! If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where you can find...
Aug 05, 2024•13 min•Ep. 353
There’s nothing more enjoyable than listening to the various finance experts in our lives spouting off about hot stock tips, market timing theories, and the most recent get-rich-quick ideas. In contrast, investing done well is shockingly boring. In today’s episode, host Travis Shelton shares the story of a client who endured the mocking words of all the finance bros in her life, only to crush her own investments the right way. Broadly. Cheaply. Boringly. Consistently. Patiently. Disciplined. The...
Jul 31, 2024•9 min•Ep. 352
One of the biggest questions we receive from listeners is how to teach kids how to handle money. Not teach them how to simply hoard money and make them feel guilty for spending, but to build healthy and balanced perspectives/habits that will enable them to grow into healthy and balanced adults. In today’s episode, host Travis Shelton shares the basic principles, and shares how to walk alongside your kids during all three stages of their financial development lives. If you have questions or would...
Jul 29, 2024•19 min•Ep. 351
Nobody’s life changes as quickly and as extreme as young adults. People in their 20s will experience a lifetime worth of major life changes in less than a decade. At the same time, they are being encouraged, guilted, and pressured into making significant financial decisions. Buy a house. Get a new car. Go deeply into debt. In today’s episode, host Travis Shelton explains why this advice (and the decisions that come from it) does a major disservice to young adults. Instead, we encourage young adu...
Jul 24, 2024•14 min•Ep. 350
“If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.” We hate that quote! It corrupts the idea of meaningful work and cons us into believing that our work shouldn’t actually feel like work. Truth is, even meaningful work feels like work. Rewarding, fulfilling, life-giving work…..but still work. In today’s episode, host Travis Shelton hashes through this idea to portray a different picture of what meaningful work should look and feel like. If you have questions or would like to connect...
Jul 22, 2024•12 min•Ep. 349
In the finance world, everyone talks about the principle of compounding. You know, the concept where your money grows this year, then a bit more next year, and even more the year after that. Whenever we talk about compounding, it seems like this far-off-in-the-distance idea. Our reality doesn’t ever seem to reflect this pie-in-the-sky aspiration…..it seems so slow! In today’s episode, host Travis Shelton discusses these ideas and shares some real-life examples of what this actually looks like in...
Jul 17, 2024•14 min•Ep. 348
There’s one universal truth that becomes more apparent as life goes on: there’s more in us. Whatever we think we can do, there’s more. Whatever we think our ceiling is, it’s higher. There’s more in us, and there’s more in you. In today’s episode, host Travis Shelton shares some recent and relevant stories portraying this idea. Once we understand this concept (and actually believe it’s true), that’s the gateway to opening up so many new doors and possibilities. If you have questions or would like...
Jul 15, 2024•17 min•Ep. 347
One of our American pastimes is trying to determine when the “right time to buy” is. We’re obsessed with this idea that once a stock market crash occurs, it will be the perfect time to invest. In today’s episode, host Travis Shelton attempts to dispel this myth (yes, myth). History, statistics, and behavioral science continually prove that we’re almost always better off if we just invest money when we have money. Hope you enjoy this one! If you have questions or would like to connect with us out...
Jul 10, 2024•13 min•Ep. 346
Have you ever pursued a goal, but got derailed because you hit an unexpected roadblock? We thought so! It’s so easy to let circumstances and hurdles trip us up. In today’s episode, host Travis Shelton discusses the importance of staying consistent…..even when obstacles continually try to knock us off course. There’s something powerful that happens when we stick to our plan, month after month. If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where you can find...
Jul 08, 2024•14 min•Ep. 345
If you’re married, this episode is exactly what the doctor ordered! While it’s important for couples to navigate and manage finances jointly and with unity, it’s also important for each spouse to get some autonomy with a small portion of the finances. In today’s episode, host Travis Shelton shares his insights on personal spending in marriage. Specifically, the power CashApp has in helping couples execute this strategy well. In his many years of coaching, this is one of the top “game changers” f...
Jul 03, 2024•14 min•Ep. 344
Have you ever tried to budget, completely bombed, and then quickly gave up? If so, you aren’t alone. That’s the #1 reason why most people stop trying. It’s not a positive experience, they don’t see good from it, and ultimately throw in the towel. In today’s episode, host Travis Shelton explains how failure is not only ok, but expected. It’s the price we must pay to get good at something. However, if we’re willing to commit to budgeting for three months, there’s a high likelihood it actually star...
Jul 01, 2024•14 min•Ep. 343
Do you ever feel like you make good enough money and handle it well, but your finances still feel tight? You aren’t alone. Millions of families are dealing with this dynamic, and many are suffering in silence. It’s embarrassing to tell friends or family that you make xyz income, yet feel like you’re living month-to-month. In today’s episode, host Travis Shelton shares some simple but effective steps that can help give you back some margin in your finances. Brighter days are ahead, but this is a ...
Jun 26, 2024•16 min•Ep. 342
If you’re listening to this (and are human), you probably get jealous on occasion. In today’s episode, host Travis Shelton discusses a recent incident where he got bit by the jealousy bug. It’s easy to let jealousy sweep us away, but there’s a simple and effective hack to combat it. 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: ...
Jun 24, 2024•14 min•Ep. 341
The stock market just hit a new all-time high. Well, 31 new all-time highs just this year alone! It’s the million-dollar question we keep hearing. “Should I sell?” In today’s episode, host Travis Shelton answers this question as clearly, concisely, and emphatically as possible. If you take this advice, we strongly believe you’ll thank yourself later! If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where you can find us: Podcast website: ht...
Jun 19, 2024•13 min•Ep. 340
We call it keeping up with the Joneses. The constant pursuit to materialistically keep up with our friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers. In today’s episode, host Travis Shelton discusses this topic and why he calls it The Arms Race of Materialism. A lot of people are about to get burned, but we each get to make our own choices. While we can’t stop the cultural pull toward more, we can lay our own weapons down and choose a different path. If you have questions or would like to connect with ...
Jun 17, 2024•16 min•Ep. 339
Do you ever feel like you have more financial obligations than you do income? Whew, glad we aren’t the only ones! In today’s episode, host Travis Shelton shares some insights on how we can navigate these types of situations without losing our heads (or our control). It’s not easy, but there is a way to step through a process to ensure your priorities are honored and your goals are achieved. If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where you can find u...
Jun 12, 2024•13 min•Ep. 358
Life is wild. We can live years, or even decades, before discovering a new passion or skill. Sometimes, these newfound skills and passions can change everything! We call them unearthed gems. In today’s episode, host Travis Shelton discusses this concept through the lens of one of his sons. In the pursuit of a meaningful life, these little unearthed gems can be ever so valuable. If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where you can find us: Podcast we...
Jun 11, 2024•12 min•Ep. 337
Do you drive a used car and sometimes feel like all you’re doing is pouring in money to fix it? In today’s episode, host Travis Shelton addresses the narrative that it’s better to buy newer and more reliable cars in order to save money on maintenance costs. In that argument is a gross oversight of the bigger picture. Through a specific example, Travis explains why although used cars may cost more to maintain, they will typically save you a TON of money in the long run. If you have questions or w...
Jun 05, 2024•14 min•Ep. 336
We humans have a habit of making bad decisions in the name of making good decisions. In our defense, though, these decisions actually seem good…..in a vacuum. However, we don’t live in a vacuum. Often, if we were to take a step back and think about the bigger picture, we would likely make different decisions. In today’s episode, host Travis Shelton discusses the importance of taking a broader perspective than just focusing on the cost of something. If you have questions or would like to connect ...
Jun 03, 2024•12 min•Ep. 335
Does life ever get overwhelming and your finances fall behind as a result. Whew, we’re glad we aren’t the only ones. In today’s episode, host Travis Shelton walks through a simple but effective way to get caught up if/when we get behind in tracking our finances. We can either let it overcome us and quit, or we can take the one-at-a-time approach and step through the mess. 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 29, 2024•10 min•Ep. 334
