In case you missed it, Trump won the 2024 election. We’re talking about the impact of Trump in office on your finances and how to prepare yourself.  Greg joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - Trump winning the 2024 election and the impact we expect it to have on your finances - The expected impact of tax rates, tariffs, stocks, deregulation of cryptocurrency, interest rates, tech industry regulation, the ACA, and more. - The importance of focusing on what we can control versus...

Some people are so focused and disciplined on reaching a FI or FIRE goal that they don’t enjoy the present. Others are so focused on living for today that they don’t plan or save for the future. Which is better? We discuss the extremes of both and how to appreciate the need for both and strive for balance.   Erica joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - The pros and cons of living for today vs. saving for tomorrow - The magic middle and balance between the two - Extreme budgeting,...

We review two listener case studies, share their specific financial situation and background, and answer their questions about how to move forward with their finances.  Andrew joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - How to know when you have enough to retire - If investing in all index funds is too risky - How to estimate and plan for unexpected expenses  - How to get started when you’re stuck and overwhelmed  - What to do when you hit set backs in the getting started process -...

This week, I’m answering your questions about 401Ks, Roth vs. regular 401Ks, how and where to save for future needs, where to park your money, early retirement, managing a budget, and more! In this week’s podcast, I talk about: - Maxing out 401K versus investing in the market - Life insurance and whether work benefits are enough - How you access your money for early retirement - Ways to progressively increase your savings rate - 401Ks vs. roth401Ks - What is worth sacrificing to get to...

We discuss everything you ever needed and wanted to know about life insurance. We share why life insurance is important even if you think you don’t need it, how much you need, how to shop around for it, the process of applying for it, and much more. We even share some next-level tips for getting the best rates. Liz joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - Why life insurance is important - Why your job’s life insurance isn’t enough - The types of life insurance and which type you...

We explore the concept of the American Dream and how it has evolved over time. What we initially considered success in life isn’t quite how we would define success today. Many people now choose to live beneath their means, save more, spend less, and sometimes even retire early. We share personal stories, practical tips, and insights to help you define your own American dream.  Greg joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - What we thought the American Dream was, and we each had...

The holidays have evolved into a time of the year overly focused on consumerism and spending money, but we encourage you all to take back the holidays and focus on what matters the most to you! We encourage you to reconsider how you’re spending the holidays and share tactical ideas to spend less on decor and gifts going into the holiday season.   In this week’s podcast, we talk about: - How to spend less going into the holidays - How to take back the holidays to focus on what matters to...

This week, I’m answering your questions about debt, emergency savings, sudden windfalls, deferred compensation, withdrawal strategies, Andrew going vegan, monarch money, savings on kid's stuff, when to track your net worth estate planning, and more! In this week’s podcast, we talk about: - How to stay motivated while getting out of debt - How to handle an unexpected large sum of money - Influencer courses and if they’re worth your money and time - Finances in a blended family that is...

Investing often seems more complicated than needed, so we’re explaining some key terms to help you better navigate the investing and financial world more confidently. We share which ones we think matter the most and what you should focus on as an investor.  Andrew joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - The difference between a stock and a bond and the historical performance of each - The difference between ETFs, index funds, and mutual funds - Market vs. limit orders and which one...

In the tradeoff between your time and your money, we discuss whether it’s worth it to pay for convenience, from pre-cut food at the grocery store to having your house professionally cleaned to food delivery apps. We explore whether these conveniences are worth the extra expense, and we explore the pros and cons, share personal stories, and offer tips for finding a balance between convenience and cost. Liz joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - The tradeoff of our time versus our...

Investing feels overwhelming and complicated to many people, but it doesn’t need to be. It can be simple and easy to get started. Join us for a discussion on investing that we hope will help you get started and feel better on your investing journey. Erica joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - Why investing is more simple than many make it out to be - Why investing in low-cost, simple index funds is the answer - If ESGs are worth it - What to do when the market is down - Good...

Groceries have been getting more expensive lately, but there are still plenty of simple, low-effort ways to save money on groceries. We share our best money-saving hacks for our family of five. Greg joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - What we typically spend on groceries - Why we do most of our shopping at Aldi, Lidl, and Sam’s Club - How we keep our food costs lower and the specific things we do Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here:...

Everyone should keep their savings, emergency funds, and extra cash in a high-yield savings account (HYSA) to optimize their money. High-yield savings accounts are paying as high as 5.5% interest and have been for over a year. Make sure you’re taking advantage of this and maximizing your growth potential! Liz joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - What is a high-yield savings account and why you should have one - Why high-yield savings accounts are a safe place to keep your money -...

This week, I’m answering your questions about early retirement, investing, raising financially literate kids, making like-minded friends, and more!   In this week’s podcast, we talk about: - Sitting in the boring middle of achieving FI - Enjoying the journey versus the destination - How do you know when you have enough money to retire - How to make FI friends - Best FI meetup groups and conferences - Investment strategies - Thoughts on CFPs (Certified Financial Planners) - Bringing...

This one thing can save you money, help the environment, declutter your house, and improve your mental health; it’s using the things you already have! We share practical tips and strategies for reframing your mind to focus on everything you already own inside your home before you allow yourself to acquire new things.  Erica joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - The many benefits of using what we already have before we buy new things - Mindful approaches to consumption - Practical...

This one thing can save you money, help the environment, declutter your house, and improve your mental health; it’s using the things you already have! We share practical tips and strategies for reframing your mind to focus on everything you already own inside your home before you allow yourself to acquire new things.  Erica joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - The many benefits of using what we already have before we buy new things - Mindful approaches to consumption - Practical...

The key to growing long-term wealth is to spend less than you make and invest the difference, but there are also some money mistakes you should avoid. Make sure you listen and avoid these money mishaps to win long-term. Liz joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - Why whole life insurance is so bad - The pros and cons of 401k loans - Buying stuff you can’t afford and don’t need on credit cards - Get rich quick schemes - Trying to time the market - The importance of tracking your...

People often say you’ll spend less in retirement, but who are these people, and is this true? We break down some common beliefs about retirement spending and share our own personal experiences of being retired early for two years.  Greg joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - The retirement smile - How much we’ve spent over the last five years - People say retired life costs less - Is this true? - Where we’re spending more: Before retirement? Or since early retirement? - How our...

Understanding the CAPE (Cyclically Adjusted Price-to-Earnings) ratio and SORR (Sequence of Returns Risk) matters if you’re investing in the stock market and making future plans based on those investments. These metrics provide a stable benchmark for valuation and can help identify market bubbles or periods of undervaluation; they’re important to understand and can help inform your future plans.   Andrew joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - What CAPE ratio and SORR stand for and...

Three families share what we spent in the first half of 2024. Who’s spending is the highest and lowest? And is there really a winner or loser!? We’re big fans of intentional spending and not spending more than you earn. We share the nitty gritty details of our spending so far in 2024.   Liz, Andrew, and Greg join this week’s podcast as we talk about: - Why we track our expenses - How we track our expenses and why we’ve all shifted to using Monarch - How much are families spent for the...

Secondhand products can save you money, save the planet, help others earn money, build community, and so much more! We encourage everyone to think secondhand first anytime they want or need something. Liz joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - Benefits of shopping secondhand and thrifting - Best practices and tips for shopping secondhand - How to keep an eye out for scammers when buying used items on Facebook marketplace - Resources for where to shop secondhand - Some of our best...

Packing less and spending less while traveling abroad or domestically is possible and can make travel much more enjoyable! Travel a bit lighter and spend a bit less to splurge on the stuff that matters. Join us for a discussion on intentional travel spending. Greg joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - Why we pack light when traveling with our three kids - What we pack and how we make it work - How we spend light when traveling - What we spend less on versus where we splurge while...

It’s not about what you make, it’s about the difference between what you make and what you spend. If you know those two numbers you can calculate your savings rates, and if you know it you can improve upon it. Liz joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - The number one most important metric for achieving early retirement - How to calculate your savings rate - What our savings rates are and have been - How your savings rate equates to the number of years you need to work - How to...

Actionable advice to stop comparing yourself to others and start focusing on your own life. We all compare ourselves to others, but we also know comparison is the thief of joy and we will be happier when we learn to spend less time comparing and more time living.  Andew joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - The importance of tracking expenses - Our favorite savings hacks on home, grocery, shopping - Examples of how to negotiate realtor fees - Why renting a house can actually save...