This week, we’re unpacking the surprisingly trendy world of underconsumption. Is it a Gen Z TikTok trend? A millennial coping mechanism? A wise old soul's secret weapon? The answer is YES to all of the above.In this episode, we cover:How to avoid overspending this holiday season on food and gifts. We even share our hard-won lessons on dealing with impulsive buying, managing the expectations of our loved ones, and teaching our son to approach spending with intention (no, we didn't always get i...

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 conversatio...

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 futur...

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 ...

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, w...

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 savin...

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-base...

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 fin...

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 ...

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 spen...

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 comp...

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 initi...

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...

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 bui...

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.Marke...

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 c...

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 findi...

"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 follow...

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 con...

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 fina...

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...

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...

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 a...

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 ...