This week, we’re unpacking the raw emotions and anxieties that followed the recent election. We explore the stark reality of a country deeply divided, not just politically, but also in terms of our visions for the future. This election wasn't just about who won. It was about a country that, frankly, feels more like it's been severed in half than unified. It’s a deep, messy reality and we question the easy labels and simplistic narratives that often dominate the political conversation.We explore ...
Nov 11, 2024•45 min•Ep. 188
It’s 2024, and inflation is the number one concern for voters. Today we’re unpacking both candidates' distinct approaches to addressing it. We discuss Kamala Harris's and Donald Trump's plans for tackling the rising cost of living, taking a closer look at their proposals and the underlying political and economic philosophies that drive them. Prepare yourself for an interesting and honestly, maybe slightly frustrating, discussion of how the election could impact your wallet and your future. This ...
Nov 04, 2024•45 min•Ep. 187
In this special solo episode, Julien and Dr. Preston Cherry discuss the intersection of financial planning and personal well-being. Dr. Cherry brings a unique perspective and combines the rigor of financial expertise with the nuanced understanding of a therapist. He's here to tackle those awkward conversations with your partner about finances, the "financial harmony" that's more than just a feel-good buzzword, and how to find true satisfaction in a world obsessed with wealth. Dr. Cherry knows th...
Oct 28, 2024•54 min•Ep. 186
This week, we're returning to our "Quick Dip" format, where we explore three timely topics, giving you the need-to-know without the fluff. First up, is cord-cutting still worth it? Julien shares his long history of cord-cutting, which began long before he met Kiersten, and she shares her own journey to embracing a cable-less lifestyle. We discuss the pros and cons of traditional cable versus streaming, and how the streaming wars have made cord-cutting more complex than ever. But, ultimately, we ...
Oct 21, 2024•37 min•Ep. 185
This episode is for anyone who's ever said, "I wish I could just save more money" because we're spilling the tea on how it’s done (and more specifically, how to automate it) PAY YOURSELF FIRST. Yes, it sounds simple, but it's the kind of simple that's surprisingly difficult to pull off when you're battling bills, student loans, and a dozen ads featuring the latest shiny thing every time you look up. That's where automation comes in. We're talking about setting up systems that make saving money a...
Oct 14, 2024•37 min•Ep. 184
This week, we're unpacking the murky waters of pay cuts and those awkward conversations where your boss wants you to do the same work for less. It's an increasingly common brutal reality, but you don't have to just roll over and take it. We explore the different types of pay cuts: those forced upon you (like when you're forced back into the office) and those you choose (like a lateral move for experience). We'll also get real about the sneaky ways pay cuts happen – from slow-burning merit-based ...
Oct 07, 2024•42 min•Ep. 183
This week we're diving into the world of NIL, or Name, Image, and Likeness, and how this new, HUGE opportunity will impact youth sports. Think you're not impacted by NIL? Think again! This episode is for athletes, parents, coaches, and anyone who wants to understand how NIL is changing the game. And if you've got a kid with any sort of athletic talent, this is definitely a conversation you need to be having. The point is - this ain't your mama's college experience. This is about financial freedo...
Sep 30, 2024•52 min•Ep. 182
We’re all familiar with the pressure to make extra cash, but what if your side hustle wasn't just extra work, but an opportunity to tap into your existing skills? This week we’re discussing long-term side hustles with one of Kiersten’s best friends, Lauren. Lauren's side hustle (teaching fitness classes) evolved into a passion project that fuels her spirit and keeps her bank account healthy. In fact, after 12 years, it’s been the longest "job" she's ever had, and it's helped her weather some maj...
Sep 23, 2024•43 min•Ep. 181
Do you ever wonder why you buy things you don't need? This episode explores the fascinating (and sometimes alarming) ways culture shapes our budgets. We’re talking to Dr. Marcus Collins, who is a scholar of the hidden messages of consumption, a marketing professor at University of Michigan's Ross School of Business, and the author of For The Culture . He takes us on a journey into the heart of consumerism, explaining how brands create religions, how the people we admire influence our spending, a...
Sep 16, 2024•50 min•Ep. 180
This week, Jackie Cummings Koski, author of " F.I.R.E. For Dummies ," sits down with us to share her personal experience and offer some wisdom for anyone, no matter how late they are in the game, to begin building their financial future. This episode isn't your typical FIRE fantasy. As a Black, divorced, single mom who retired with $1.3 million at age 49, Jackie's got the receipts and the real talk about what it looks like to navigate personal finances when your story is a little more complicate...
Sep 09, 2024•52 min•Ep. 179
Are you dreaming of owning your own business? Maybe you picture yourself running a bustling coffee shop or a sleek fitness studio in the perfect area of your town. Franchising often seems like the shortcut to that dream – a pre-packaged path to success, where the brand and the system are already in place. But, as with most things in life, the reality is a little less glamorous than the Instagram-filtered facade. In this episode, we take a deep dive into the world of franchising. From the initial...
Sep 03, 2024•53 min•Ep. 178
You've heard of the Snowball and Avalanche methods, but which one is right for you? In this episode, we discuss the nuances of these popular debt payoff strategies, exploring the psychology behind each and how they might affect your financial journey. We're not here to shame you about debt. Let’s be real, in this economy, it's practically a badge of honor to have survived the last few years without getting buried in debt. But, when you're ready to take charge, knowing the right approach can be t...
Aug 26, 2024•32 min
Is it better to focus on building wealth (net worth) or making sure you have enough money coming in to cover your bills (cash flow)? This question represents a classic financial tug-of-war, and the answer, as you might have guessed, is both. So this week, we’re tackling both sides of the argument and reminding you why you don’t have to choose. Cash-producing assets like rental properties, dividend stocks, and business ownership allow you to generate cash in the short term while still building we...
Aug 19, 2024•43 min
This week we’re talking about the stock market's latest tantrum and what it means for YOU. (Spoiler: maybe not as much as you think!) 🤫 In this episode we’re breaking down the psychology of fear and hype, and talking about how to avoid getting caught up in the noise while building a long-term strategy that makes you more confident and less stressed. Takeaways: An overvalued stock is one where the price is higher than its actual worth based on its current performance and future expectations. Mar...
Aug 12, 2024•38 min•Ep. 175
This week we're ditching the usual deep dives and trying a new format. The Quick Dip is where we embrace shallow takes, and in this episode we’re talking about everything from the Olympics and bankruptcy to the creepy world of personalized pricing. First we tackle the Olympic exploitation issue, questioning the disparity in pay and prize money for athletes across the globe. Then we discuss the rising bankruptcy trend, wondering if we're becoming numb to the stigma or if it’s truly just changing....
Aug 05, 2024•48 min
This week we’re talking about the emotionally charged world of affordable housing, as we share the story of our journey to find suitable housing for Julien’s mother. This episode is a must-listen for anyone grappling with the complexities of aging parents and their life after retirement, financial instability, and the often-overlooked reality of the affordable housing system. In telling our story, we explore: The emotional toll of the search: We highlight the emotional labor and stress of findin...
Jul 29, 2024•58 min•Ep. 173
"I was so sad that this might be the case, that I might have ADHD." This week we're peeling back the layers of Kiersten’s late diagnosis of ADHD. This episode is unlike any other as we get personal about Kiersten's diagnosis, the societal pressures that shaped her understanding of it, and the impact it has on her relationship with Julien and with money. Join us as we explore the complexities of ADHD and how it can manifest in a partner. You'll hear about the emotional roller coaster that followe...
Jul 22, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 172
Many of us know we should be investing for our retirement through accounts like a 401K, but how many of us also have a brokerage account? Think of a brokerage account as a Swiss Army knife for your financial life. It can help you save for retirement, invest for the short-term, and even handle unexpected financial challenges. In this episode, we uncover the hidden potential of brokerage accounts, discussing their versatility, accessibility, and why they're the ultimate tool for taking control of ...
Jul 15, 2024•41 min•Ep. 171
Money is a hot topic, and it's easy for disagreements to turn into full-blown fights. In this episode, we dive into the common reasons why we fight about money with our partners, family members, and even friends. We explore how our past experiences, cultural influences, and even the nature of our brains can lead to conflict and how to navigate these situations with grace and understanding. Key Takeaways: We're not taught how to argue about money: Most of us don't have the skills to discuss finan...
Jul 08, 2024•43 min
There's a lot of buzz around stock splits these days. Nvidia, Walmart, Chipotle - everyone's talking about it! But, as we explained on the podcast, this isn't the financial revolution you might think it is. A stock split is a simple concept: it's like taking a whole pie and cutting it into more slices. You don't end up with more pie; you just have more pieces. The same is true with a stock split. You don't actually increase the value of your investment; you simply have more shares, each with a l...
Jul 01, 2024•29 min
We're excited to be back with a new season of our award-winning original video series, Money on the Table. This episode dives into the origins and inspiration behind Season 3 and why we decided to return to our humble home kitchen for these conversations. We’re unpacking why those authentic, no-holds-barred conversations about money are dang important, how food can be a powerful medium for breaking down walls to explore complex topics, and the trials and triumphs of DIY content creation. We’re g...
Jun 24, 2024•40 min
Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads! In this special solo episode, Julien offers a heartfelt and inspiring look into the actual experience of fatherhood. He gives a refreshing perspective on fatherhood and opens up about his own journey, sharing a powerful message of presence, growth, and the role of a dad. Julien takes us on a personal exploration, revealing he wasn't always the father he is today. He describes a past "oblivious" phase where fatherhood wasn't even on his radar, and gets real abo...
Jun 17, 2024•25 min•Ep. 167
It’s time for your 2024 midyear money check-in and in this episode, we discuss the importance of celebrating the overlooked smaller financial wins and milestones. We know the feeling – it's easy to get caught up in big goals, like buying a house or retiring early. But what about the smaller victories along the way? Julien reflects on the feeling of hitting "zero-naire" status after paying off debts, and how his mindset has shifted from constantly chasing a bigger number to finding contentment in...
Jun 10, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 166
This episode is a special one, inspired by a listener suggestion based on a recent event Kiersten spoke at with Ally and UnitedMasters called SelectCon! We're diving into the concept of the "soft life" and how it relates to money, financial goals, and entrepreneurship. Here's what we cover: SelectCon: We start by discussing our experience at SelectCon, a unique event hosted by UnitedMasters, an alternative to traditional record labels that empowers artists to retain ownership of their work. We t...
Jun 03, 2024•43 min•Ep. 165
It's graduation season and the Class of 2024 faces a unique set of challenges: crushing student loan debt, a competitive job market, and the constant pressure to "hustle." In this episode, we're cutting through the noise and giving real, actionable advice for the new world of work. In this episode, we talk about: The truth about student loan debt: How it influences career choices and the need for financial security Side hustle as a strategic move: Why this generation is turning to side gigs and ...
May 27, 2024•43 min
Is summer break a vacation, a project, or a chaotic mess? In this episode, we're diving into the reality of childcare during the summer months, exploring why even high-income families rely on relatives, and why traditional camps and daycare might not be the answer. Join us as we unpack the reality of summer childcare and discover creative solutions to make the break a time for growth, connection, and even some fun! Links: Most Parents Don't Have Any Formal Child Care Arrangements via US Census B...
May 20, 2024•34 min•Ep. 163
The job market is more competitive than ever. Even with the perfect resume and impressive credentials, landing your dream job (or even a decent one) feels impossible. What's the missing piece? This episode dives into the unspoken truth: you need to learn how to sell yourself . We're tackling the tough questions: Why is self-promotion so important in today's world? We explore how the digital age has changed the game, requiring you to be "twice as findable" as you are qualified. Isn't bragging "ic...
May 13, 2024•40 min•Ep. 162
This week we're discussing the inspiring journey of Kim Lewis, CEO of CurlMix, as she shares her experiences and insights on building a successful business and challenging societal norms. The conversation highlights the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, her experience with Shark Tank, fundraising insights and how her relationship with money has changed throughout her entrepreneurial journey. It’s a must-listen for anyone looking to challenge the status quo and build a life of purpose and impact...
May 06, 2024•52 min•Ep. 161
This week we’re chatting with Jannese Torres, the proud Latina behind the new book "Financially Lit!" and the Yo Quiero Dinero community. We talked about her incredible journey to financial independence, breaking free from traditional paths and the importance of redefining success and wealth. Jannese opened up about her experience being laid off from her corporate job and realizing she needed to be her own safety net. We discussed the importance of representation and seeing ourselves reflected i...
Apr 29, 2024•45 min
In this conversation, Yvette Sadler Butler, CEO and founder of Hive Wealth, discusses her journey in the financial services industry and how it influenced the creation of Hive Wealth. In it, she shares her vision of making finance more inclusive and accessible to everyone through financial planning powered by AI. The conversation explores the rise of Black investors in the stock market, the importance of financial planning, the need for budgeting tools and how AI (artificial intelligence) is inc...
Apr 22, 2024•47 min
