Most Americans wildly overestimate what the people around them earn, and that gap in perception can lead to some costly financial mistakes. Financial Advisors, Brian Preston and Bo Hanson, break down real median income data by age, debunk the $500K myth, and show you exactly how discipline and savings rate can matter more than income when it comes to building lasting wealth. Then it's your turn! We answer live questions on HSAs, term insurance, car loan limits, and more (while having some fun ou...
May 20, 2026•1 hr 6 min
Why go small when you can go massive? Financial Advisors, Brian Preston and Bo Hanson, react to the internet's biggest money mistakes, from Steve-O getting someone approved on a 120-month Dodge Charger to a man who cashed out his 401(k) to buy a boat in the Virgin Islands (and somehow met his wife doing it). We break down the solar panel loan trap, the job-hopping debate, and why personal finance is so personal that a 30-second clip telling you what you must do may be the biggest mistake of all....
May 18, 2026•19 min
Use code MONEYGUY at Monarch.com to get your first year half off at just $50: https://www.monarch.com/ How do you know if you're actually winning with money before you hit seven figures in 2026? Net worth milestones can take years to reach, but cash flow milestones happen fast because you can have direct control over them. From getting to net positive for the first time to saving $1,000 a month, Financial Advisors, Brian Preston and Bo Hanson, share seven cashflow milestones to celebrate on your...
May 15, 2026•29 min
While we believe time in the market beats timing the market, recent data shows the average equity investor has underperformed the overall market by roughly 5% per year. Financial Advisors, Brian Preston and Bo Hanson, break down the behavioral patterns behind that gap, from loss aversion to overconfidence, and share what a smarter investment strategy can look like in 2026. Then it's your turn! We answer your live questions covering FOO Step 7, the benefits of ABLE accounts, and rapid-fire questi...
May 13, 2026•1 hr 8 min
Luke (29) and Anna (30) have a $342K net worth, but they're stuck in the messy middle with three kids under seven and completely different money philosophies. Luke tracks every dollar across dozens of budget categories while Anna feels micromanaged and exhausted by the rigidity. Financial Advisors, Brian Preston and Bo Hanson, walk them through restructuring their budget, creating wins for both spouses, and building a plan that funds both today's happiness and their even more beautiful tomorrow....
May 11, 2026•1 hr 13 min
How should your financial plan evolve as you age? The Financial Order of Operations shows you what to do with your next dollar, but life insurance, estate planning, and tax strategy require a deeper framework. Financial Advisors, Brian Preston and Bo Hanson, walk through the six core areas of financial planning and reveal what to prioritize in your 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond to build lasting wealth in 2026. This episode covers estate planning, budgeting, tax planning, and risk management acr...
May 08, 2026•40 min
How many Americans are actually using Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services? And how much is it helping or hurting them financially? Financial Advisors, Brian Preston and Bo Hanson, break down recent data on BNPL usage, and discuss their concern with the rising trend. Then stick around, we talk about what's on your mind with a Q&A segment directly from YOU! This episode features questions on when it's ok to lease a car, when to hire a financial advisor, what to expect as an employee if you...
May 06, 2026•1 hr 7 min
What happens when you mix internet chaos, misguided financial advice, and sports betting? We react to wild financial advice online from buying a Ferrari instead of the S&P 500 to learning how to acquire a $600,000-profit business with just $50,000 and a tired owner. An episode packed with both comedy and real financial education. Discover why buy-and-hold index investing still builds more millionaires than any Ferrari scheme, why a FICO score can be a valuable asset, and why real estate isn'...
May 04, 2026•21 min
TikTok says it's impossible for Gen Z to get ahead, but what does the data actually show? In this episode, we analyze income levels, inflation rates, housing prices, spending patterns, and more across two generations to answer the question: Was it easier to build wealth then or now? From median household income that's actually higher today (inflation-adjusted) to housing prices that have skyrocketed 50% post-pandemic and college costs that have increased exponentially, we break down the math to ...
May 01, 2026•38 min
Our new and improved resource: How Much Should You Save shows how much you should save at your age for your target retirement goals. We walk you through the numbers and new insights that reveal the power of time and how investing today can turn into bigger wealth tomorrow. Then we answer your financial questions on everything from college tuition to HSA tracking to investing strategies. Plus a fun rapid fire segment that includes a final score that might shock you... ...
Apr 29, 2026•1 hr 4 min
Jason (54) and Candida (54) have seen a major transformation in their financial journey. In their 30s, their net worth was over negative $250,000. Now, their net worth is over $4,000,00. The major cause of their success (a 12-property portfolio) has now become the cause of their stress. We discuss a plan to simplify their wealth-building behaviors and give them their great, big, beautiful tomorrow even sooner than they thought. Jump s...
Apr 27, 2026•59 min
Have you ever wondered how much the average American has in their 401k? We've done the research and we've found the answers! Don't miss this breakdown into the data accompanied with the tips to help make sure you are ahead of the curve moving forward. Plus, we add in our Money Guy Markers to help you track your personal financial journey throughout every decade! Get 50% off your first year of Monarch with code MONEYGUY: https://www.monarch.com/ ...
Apr 24, 2026•38 min
Your emergency fund is so important it takes up TWO steps of The Financial Order of Operations. Far too many Americans, though, are not prioritizing their emergency funds. We've got fresh data from Bankrate that breaks down everything you need to know about the status of American emergency funds...and we aren't thrilled with the results. Then we answer your financial questions on everything from 401k match to sinking funds to CoastFI to a new box truck. Don't miss a fun new segment focused on re...
Apr 22, 2026•1 hr 2 min
We all like making money. So, why not react to the wildest money-making schemes? Brian Preston (CFP®, CPA) and Bo Hanson (CFA®, CFP®) are back reacting to the internet's wildest money-making schemes (from an "8-figure 12-year-old day trader" losing $11,000 before breakfast to Mr. Beast grocery scams). Building wealth isn't about outsmarting the system with a clever scheme, and we’re here to share why following tried and true strategies can help you build wealth that lasts. Learn more about your ...
Apr 20, 2026•16 min
What makes more sense in 2026? We consider all of the factors from the crazy housing market to current interest rates to annual rent increases. We run through a case study comparing Heather the Homeowner and Randy the Renter to see who comes out ahead. You might not be surprised to hear us say that both CAN work, but you might be surprised to hear all of the factors that you need to consider. Jump start your journey with our FREE financi...
Apr 17, 2026•42 min
The Wall Street Journal and Goldman Sachs just updated their recession predictions for 2026. What they aren't telling you? Recessions and market volatility hit differently depending on where you are in your financial journey. We're diving deep into Charles Schwab's recession tips while giving you our Money Guy twists so you can build a smarter path for all the ups and downs facing your great big beautiful tomorrow. Then, we answer your financial questions in our Live Q&A, and a new twist to ...
Apr 15, 2026•1 hr 4 min
Max (46) and Valerie (47) thought they were doing everything right. But while the market was soaring 8-10% for everyone else, they discovered their advisor lost his license, while they lost over $150,000, plus years of compound growth they'll never get back. We walk through the steps they can take to correct their situation and get back on track with the Financial Order of Operations. Jump start your journey with our FREE financial resour...
Apr 13, 2026•54 min
Think Money Guy rules are set in stone? Think again. Every financial guardrail we've built, from 20/3/8 car buying to 25% savings rates , has exceptions that could have the potential to help you build more wealth. We walk through all 12 Money Guy rules and reveal exactly when it's not just okay, but sometimes smarter to break them. Personal finance is personal, which means understanding when to break the rules matters just as much as knowing the rules themselves. ...
Apr 10, 2026•41 min
If you know us, you know we love a 401(k). New data from Vanguard, though, shows just how leaky these accounts can be. We walk you through the true cost of taking from your future-self, then give you the tools to keep your 401(k) as secure as possible. After that, we answer your financial questions on everything from car buying to new 401(k)s to using the 20/3/8 Rule for... windows?Plus, a fun rapid fire segment with a twist that is perfect for Brian and Bo. ...
Apr 08, 2026•1 hr 5 min
Death and taxes, everybody's favorite subjects, right? There's plenty of tax advice online. Some is brilliant, some is dangerous, and some is just hilarious. We react to the internet's best and worst tax advice, from W-4 withholding formulas to Monopoly kids crying about taxes and more. Discover which strategies actually work, which are too good to be true, and which could land you in serious trouble with the IRS. Remember the critical difference between tax avoidance (Okay!) and tax evasion (NO...
Apr 06, 2026•18 min
What's a better way to build wealth across every decade of your life? The answer comes down to three tax buckets and knowing which one to fill first. We walk through the tax-free, tax-deferred, and after-tax buckets and show you exactly how to use them at every age and stage. We follow Manny the Mutant from age 25 to retirement at 65, watching a $50,000 salary and a 25% savings rate grow into lasting wealth, with the majority sitting in a tax-free account. ...
Apr 03, 2026•38 min
We're kicking this week's livestream Q&A with a bang - and a mullet. That's right, Brian broke his ban on costumes for an April Fools' special! While we like to have fun, the wealth building strategies in this episode are still serious! Our opening segment focuses on how to do the right things with an average income. Then we answer your financial questions - including a rapid fire segment that brings the heat! Jump start your journey with...
Apr 01, 2026•1 hr 3 min
Nathan and Crissi aren't your average financial mutants. With separate finances, a new business launch, and newborn twins, this couple has a lot to navigate. We walk through all of their financial questions and help them build a plan for a more beautiful tomorrow together - if they decide to combine their finances or not. Jump start your journey with our FREE financial resources ...
Mar 30, 2026•1 hr 11 min
Doing all the right things with money, but it just feels... boring? You're probably in the Mundane Middle, and it might be the most important phase of your entire wealth-building journey. We walk you through four tips to stay motivated through steps six and seven of the Financial Order of Operations, including real milestones to aim for, a simple crossover point formula to calculate when your portfolio starts outworking you, and a happiness maximizer exercise so you can take control of your fina...
Mar 27, 2026•34 min
We're sharing 5 key insights from retirees with facts to support them. Based on the data, we then provide key takeaways and how you can prepare for your great, big, beautiful tomorrow right now. After that, we answer your financial questions covering a range of financial topics - including a rapid fire segment that really turns up the heat (and even includes a thrown pen)! Jump start your journey with our FREE financial resources...
Mar 25, 2026•1 hr 7 min
Is the Rolex worth the investment? We react to the internet's wildest financial advice, from "turn $60 into $1,000" to meme stock traders crediting algorithms for lucky GameStop exits. You'll learn why mistaking luck for skill leads to repeating bad decisions, why "debt saves you time" doesn't mean debt saves you money, and why knowing how much house you can afford helps you avoid fancy timeshares masquerading as solutions to empty second homes. ...
Mar 23, 2026•17 min
As financial advisors, we've learned from our hundreds of millionaire clients what it takes. We walk you through the behaviors we've seen lead to success across every age group. Then we show you the math to get there. Whether you're comparing what you have invested so far or planning to get there from $0, we'll show you the path. Don't miss the end, where we discuss what $1M really means for your financial future. Spoiler: it's not that important...and we've got the answer to what you really nee...
Mar 20, 2026•43 min
Car buying is a big financial decision...and new data from Edmunds reveals a troubling trend about how Americans are financing cars. Then we give our opinions on car brands (we're calling it Cruise or Snooze), followed by some expert opinions on the matter. Then we answer your financial questions covering everything from home buying to car buying to our superhero spinoffs. Jump start your journey with our FREE financial resources...
Mar 18, 2026•1 hr 3 min
Jonah (28) and Caroline (28) understand the power of their dollars, but a series of financial missteps keeps slowing their progress. From 401(k) loans to sports cars, they walk us through the money decisions they now regret. We dig into the money psychology behind those choices, uncover the patterns driving their setbacks, and help them build a clear financial plan to get their wealth-building journey back on track. Jump start your journey with o...
Mar 16, 2026•59 min
You might know the FOO (Financial Order of Operations ), but what does it look like in action? We walk through FOO-Following Freddie and his journey through each of the nine steps to building wealth. We know, though, that wealth-building isn't that easy. We then add some wrenches to the plan - from an accidental concert ticket purchase to buying a home to getting a raise. Jump start your journey with our FREE financial resources...
Mar 13, 2026•39 min
