Financial Freedom Podcast

According to research done by the authors of the book *The Millionaire Next Door,* 70% of American millionaires are first generation. This means that in most instances wealth is not being effectively passed down to the next generation, as it is not being preserved. That generation doesn't know how to handle that much money (how many lottery winners are broke a year or two later?) So to talk about how to deal with inherited wealth, in this episode of the podcast I talk with Master Life Coach Chase Collins about how people who achieve significant financial independence can prepare their children for the receipt and handling of a significant financial legacy. In this episode you will learn: - The 3 biggest mistakes people make with inherited wealth - How to teach your children how to handle inherited wealth - How to deal with guilt associated with wealth - About avoiding the "Expectation Trap" - How to manage wealth and avoid losing it shortly after inheriting it

There are only so many hours in a day, and sometimes, even with a second job, it can be hard to make enough money to achieve financial freedom for yourself and your family.  One way to get past this problem is to disconnect time from money and start generating passive income. That's why in this episode of the podcast I talk with former practicing lawyer Tanisha Souza about what she calls an "Income Snowball" that can get you that extra income you need. In this episode you will learn: - What an Income Snowball Is - The Kinds of Investments That Are Used to Create One - How it Reduces Risk for Passive Income - How to Find the Money to Invest in One

No matter how hard they try, a majority of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, and even more don't feel secure with money. With no money left over after the bills are paid, it makes it nearly impossible to save for the future and reach long term financial independence. That's why in this episode of the podcast I talk with financial expert Bill Westrom on how folks can break the paycheck to paycheck cycle, save for the future, and gain financial freedom. In this episode you will learn: - The leading causes for people living paycheck to paycheck - How to get unstuck and and moving closer to financial freedom - How people can get better control of their money - About Credit Line Banking (what it is and how it can help you) - About tools to minimize expenses and achieve lasting financial independence

The sooner kids learn about financial literacy the better. They have a greater chance of maintaining financial freedom and independence in their adult lives. But this goes beyond budgeting, spending, and knowing how credit works; it includes saving for short and long term goals. So to find out more about what parents can do to educate their children on saving I talked with personal finance expert and podcaster Timothy Smith, who hosts "The Financial Dad" with his two daughters. He has some great ideas on how to start your kids out right with money.  In this episode you will learn: - How to educate your children on saving and investing - How to teach your children about taxes - About basic saving skills - How to choose a good long term investment - About red flags to look for in investment scams and get-rich-quick schemes

Tax time can be very stressful for folks, especially if they owe money. For those struggling with debt and trying to pay the bills, it is even worse. But it may not always have to be. Tax planning throughout the year is a good idea if you want to minimize your taxes (or maximize your refund) when you ultimately file your return. That's why in this episode of the podcast I talk with financial advisor Frank Buchholz about strategies you might be able to use to be in better shape when you file your next tax return. In this episode you will learn: - Strategic use of IRA contributions - How to spot the good tax tips among the bad - How not getting a refund helps with your taxes and retirement savings

President Trump's efforts to downsize the federal government through the Department of Government Efficiency has a lot of federal workers nervous. Many of them have built a career with the government and spent years in public service. The thought of transitioning to the private sector, should they receive a pink slip, can be very stressful. That's why in this episode of the podcast I bring back Certified Career Coach Bonnie Negron to talk about the best and most effective ways to find the right job in the private sector, as quickly as possible, to stay on track to financial freedom. In this episode you will learn: - How to determine the kinds of jobs to apply for - How to draft a private sector resume (they're different) to showcase yiour public sector skills for private sector employers - How long you should expect it to take to get that next job - What resources you can use to get that job

One of the first steps on the path to financial freedom is getting your spending under control and creating a budget that has you living within your means. But determining **why** you overspend is an important part of the process if you want to stick to that budget. That's why in this episode of the podcast I talk with certified financial coach Scott Yamamura on the psychology behind overspending and how you can use it to identify your motivations and keep your spending under control. In this episode you will learn: - The Psychological Components of Overspending - The Emotional Triggers and Mental Barriers that Lead to Impulsive Financial Decisions - How Tax Season Has an Effect on Buying Decisions - How to Overcome the Psychological Barriers

The ultimate goal of retirement savings is to have a source of income once you leave the workforce for good. One of the scariest things about retirement is that leap of faith that you will still have the money to pay the bills once there's no longer a paycheck. One way to address this is to plan for streams of income in advance, like annuities, which I discussed in Episode 218. But it's good to have options, which is why in this episode of the podcast I spoke with Tom Wall about how life insurance can create another income stream. In this episode you will learn: - How life insurance fits into your retirement savings plan - How life insurance can be a good investment - How life insurance gives you "permission to spend" - What your greatest concerns should be when you retire

One of many financial tools in the retirement savings toolkit is the annuity. Most people have heard about them, and that they provide a stream of income, but beyond that, not much is known. That's why in this episode of the podcast I bring back repeat guest Michael Karwic to talk about what annuities are, how many types they have, and how they can fit well into your retirement investment strategies.  In this episode you will learn: - What an annuity is - How many kinds there are - When they are a good idea for you - How to decide what kind to get

Young people starting out, and especially young families, need to have a good handle on their finances in order to reach and maintain financial freedom. They need to spend below their means and and save for short term and long term goals. To talk about the importance of doing this, and his new book that discusses **how** to do this, I talked to financial planner and previous guest Joe Okaly, to get the solutions you need to succeed. In this episode you will learn: - What a Financial Pinwheel Is - How it helps you plot your spending and your finances - How to use it to control "lifestyle creep"

Long term investing and saving is key to building wealth and financial independence. However, that wealth should also have meaning to you. Aligning your financial goals with a cause that resonates with you can transform your life, shifting your focus from mere accumulation to creating positive change. That's why in this episode of the podcast I talk to repeat guest Derrick Kinney about how you can get clarity on the purpose of the wealth you are building in order to achieve true fulfillment in life. In this episode you will learn: - Why connecting money to purpose makes us happier in life - The benefits of using your wealth for lasting impact - How to identify a cause that aligns with your values - Practical steps you can take to reframe your financial goals around a bigger mission

Lots of people dream of owning their own business. They have that entrepreneurial itch that needs to be scratched. But most start-up businesses fail because they are hard to get started and grow. But what if you were to buy an already thriving business? How would that work? To answer those questions I spoke with CFO and business advisor Karl Maier. He has some great tips and ideas on how to be successful in buying a business. - How to start discussions with a potential business seller - What a letter of intent is and how it works - What critical information you should get from the seller about the business - What terms you should negotiate - Ways to get the money for the purchase

Financial literacy is an important part of anyone's education and should start before the student graduates from high school. In Episode 151, I talked with Jake Cousineau on how he teaches it to high school students. But this is a topic that needs to be discussed more. That's why in this episode of the podcast I talk with Aaliyah Kissick about her efforts to promote financial literacy, especially among the Gen Z. In this episode you will learn: - About the Financial Literacy Diaries and how they can help - How storytelling is important in teaching financial literacy - How Gen Z workers can win at job search

Achieving financial freedom and meeting long term savings goals like retirement can seem beyond reach. This is often because the concepts of personal finance and investing can seem mystifying, or that myths out there have you thinking that these goals are beyond reach. Misty Lynch, a Certified Financial Planner, has been helping people demystify the process and bust the myths that may be holding them back. Once I heard about her, I knew I had to have her on the show. Here is our discussion. In this episode you will learn: - Why having debt may be a good thing - Why it doesn't take money to make money - Why renting is sometimes better than owning - Why estate plans are for everyone

We all hope to retire some day. The thought of being able to do what you want with your life without having to worry about having the money to pay the bills is the very essence of financial freedom. But figuring out the path to get there is often the hard part. Where (and how) do you start? When should you start (and what if you're starting later in life)? To answer these questions, I talk with certified financial planner Stephen Kates on how you should lay out your retirement plan. In this episode you will learn: - Where to start putting together your plan - The most common mistakes people make - How risk tolerance affects your plan - How to diversify your investments

Many people dream of starting their own business and being their own boss. It is something they built and can be their legacy. But most businesses fail at some point; it's only a matter of time. To increase your chances of success, you need the right money mindset, not only for your business, but yourself as well. That's why in this episode of the podcast I talk with Justin Buonomo of Journey to Financial Freedom about how to form those mindsets and be successful! In this episode you will learn: - How your money mindset impacts things other than your financial stability - Unconventional strategies for achieving financial independence - How to build a business that will support your lifestyle - How to align your lifestyle with your business goals

A big part of achieving financial freedom is having the right mindset about money. If you don't think about money in a way that aligns with your financial goals, you will find it difficult to succeed. That's why on this episode of the podcast I talk with financial advisor Amy Cook about what she calls your money narrative and how the right one can help you achieve your financial goals and, ultimately, financial freedom. In this episode you will learn: What a money narrative is How it influences your financial decisions The common money narratives that hold people back How early life experiences shape our approach to money How to reshape a negative money narrative

Social Security is still an important part of any retirement plan. It acts as a good supplement to a pension or other income from IRAs or 401Ks. But how it fits in to your particular plan and when is also important. That's why in this episode of the podcast I talk with financial planner and Social Security guru Devin Carroll about how to make the right choices when you are a few years out and when you are ready to walk out the door and go home for good. In this episode you will learn: How to decide when to claim benefits What you should know about benefits before retiring The biggest mistakes people make About survivor benefits About ex-spouse benefits

You may have heard about stock options in financial news articles, especially in the context of tech companies and startups. They act as a form of compensation or a benefit for employees.  But what are they? How do they work, and if your employer offers them, how can you use them to your best advantage in your financial plan? To answer these questions, I talk with Landon Loveall of KB Financial Advisors on how stock options can help you with your short and long term financial plans. In this episode you will learn: - What stock options are - The types of stock options and their tax ramifications - How you can leverage them to your benefit - How to minimize your tax liability

Most people wait until they reach age 65 or older to retire. One of the reasons is that you can maximize your social security benefit. This makes retirement something that is far into the future. But what if you don't want to wait that long? What if you want to have more time to enjoy it? That's why in this episode of the podcast I talk to engineer, real estate professional and CEO of Dirty Boots Capital Tony Lopes on how it can be done. In this episode you will learn: - How to solve the job experience to get a job conundrum - The importance of getting a Return on Life (ROL) - About building wealth with passive income - The importance of having more than one source of income

The word "wealthy" means different things to different people. It's more than the numbers in people's bank accounts or necessarily being a millionaire. It's more about financial independence and having a healthy relationship with money. That's why on this episode of the podcast I talk with Rob Souza about what wealth is, how you can reimagine it, and how you can achieve what he calls Uthentic Wealth. In this episode you will learn: - Why money mindfulness is foundational to financial freedom - Why a healthy relationship with money is important - How your finances are interconnected with other areas of your life - How you can reimagine wealth

Life insurance is an important part of any financial plan. Your death can bring about financial hardship to those you leave behind without it. Term life provides a nice benefit for a lower premium (although it goes up as you get older), while whole or universal life provides coverage for a higher premium, but it grows in cash value over time to provide an asset. But apparently that whole life policy is worth more than its cash surrender value! You can actually sell it! To tell you more about this, I talked with Rob Haynie about life settlements and how they work. In this episode you will learn: - What a life insurance settlement is - What some of the most compelling reasons are for considering one - How they can  aid in estate planning - How they can help you achieve financial freedom in retirement - How they can help you overcome debt and avoid foreclosure

Millennials are somewhat the "middle child" generation when it comes to saving for retirement. Although, on average, they began saving 10 years earlier than Baby Boomers, Gen Z started at the age of 19, which is 16 years earlier than the average baby boomer, and 6 years earlier than millennials. As such, they do have an edge over Boomers, they do have to play catch-up vis a vis the Gen Zers. That's why in this episode of the podcast I talk with retired attorney and investment guy Dan Solin on what millennials can do to get to the retirement finish line successfully. In this episode you will learn: - Whether Retirement Should Be Your Investing Goal - How Your Behavior Will Determine Whether You Reach Your Retirement Goals - What "Consumer Smoothing" Is - Whether Adjustable Rate Mortgages are Better Than Fixed Rate Ones - Should You Pay Off, or Keep, Your Mortgage

Although student loans continue to be a hot topic in personal finance news, there are many interesting articles and tips out there that can help you on your path to financial freedom.  These include Gen Z investment strategies that seem to be working, the cooling of the housing market competition, whether you should leverage the equity in your home, and how to maximize your vacation time. Thant's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to talk about these various news items, in hopes that they can give you some investing ideas, help you decide whether to buy or sell a home, whether to do something with your home equity, or get you the most time off from work. In this episode you will learn: - How Gen Z Investment Strategies Can Help You - About the Cooling of Housing Market Competition and What It Means for You - About If, When, and How You Should Tap Into Your Home Equity - How to Maximize Vacation Days  

One of the things that many couples and individuals think about, know they need, and fully intend to get one day, is an estate plan. But what is it? Is it just a will? What can happen if you put it off too long? That's why in this episode of the podcast I talk with estate planning attorney Adam Zuckerman to get a good idea of what an estate plan is, why you need one, and why you shouldn't wait to get one. In this episode you will learn: - What an Estate Plan Is - How It Differs from a Will - About the Downsides of Not Having One - What You Need to Think About in Making One - About Revocable Living Trusts

One of the more mystifying subjects in personal finance is cryptocurrency (what most people identify as Bitcoin). The concepts behind digital currency are not obvious and can lead to people being hesitant to get involved in it. That's why in this episode of the podcast I talk to former truck driver and cryptocurrency enthusiast Bitcoin Ben to tell us about what it is, how you can get some, and why you should consider doing so. In this episode you will learn: - What Cryptocurrency Is - About the Easiest Way to Get It - How to Store Cryptocurrency - Whether You Should Invest in It

For my 100th episode, I did a look back on 9 of those guests and highlighted some of the great information they had for listeners. Now that I have reached the milestone of 200 episodes I wanted to do that again with guests from Episodes 101 forward. I will leave links in the show notes to the full episodes if you haven't already listened to them and want to hear more. In addition, due to the length of this episode, I will also be leaving chapter markings (so you can skip ahead if you wish) and time codes in the show notes. In this episode you will learn: - How to Deal with Financial Stress - About Budgeting and Reducing Spending - Alternative Ways to Pay Down Debt - How to Look for a Better Job to Increase Income - About Getting Started in the Stock Market - About Forming a Millionaire Mindset - How to Define Retirement for Yourself - How to Talk to Your Kids About Money - Strategies for an Affordable College Education for Your Kids Chapter Markings 02:11   Dealing with Financial Stress (Dr. David Weiman) 08:32  Budgeting & Reducing Spending (Tightwad Todd) 14:29  Alternative Ways to Pay Down Debt (Jerry Fetta) 20:17   How to Look for a Better Job (Bonnie Negron) 28:58  Getting Started in the Stock Market (Markay Latimer) 36:11   Forming a Millionaire Mindset (Tony Bradshaw) 42:04  Defining Retirement for Yourself (Eric Brotman) 47:03  Talking to Your Kids About Money (Derrick Kinney) 55:02  Strategies for an Affordable College Education for Your Kids (Brad Baldridge)

Eliminating debt is one of the first steps on the path to financial freedom. Controlling your living expenses and spending within your means allows you to work towards short and longterm savings goals. But that's not always easy while raising a family. That's why in this episode of the podcast I talk with Brad Nelson, the Debt-Free Dad, to talk about how it can be done! In this episode you will learn: - Budgeting Tips for Beginners - How to Improve Your Financial Habits - How to Reduce Impulsive & Wasteful Spending - How to Talk About Money in a Relationship - The Best Method to Pay Off Debt

As a bankruptcy attorney, I help lots of people to save their homes from foreclosure by filing a chapter 13 bankruptcy to make catch-up payments on their mortgage. But there are other ways to do it. That's why in this episode of the podcast I talk to DJ Olojo about how he helps people to save their homes without filing bankruptcy. In this episode you will learn: - Telling Foreclosure Myth from Fact - About the Mortgage Bank's Foreclosure Playbook - Foreclosure Prevention Tactics - The 12 Step Program to Save Your Home

There are many ways to save and invest for retirement (or just to build wealth) and most are recommended by traditional financial advisers. But sometimes it's a good idea to explore some non-traditional ways to do it that might be better suited to your situation. That's why in this episode of the podcast I talk to Chris Miles, a self-described anti-financial advisor who walks that road less traveled with his clients to help them reach their own financial freedom. In this episode you will learn: - What an Anti-Financial Advisor Is - Why You Need to "Get Your Money Out of Prison" - How Passive Income Can Help Build Wealth - How to Come Up with Money to Invest

The student loan crisis has made parents and students more cautious when it comes to taking out student loans. But even then, the average student debt is $30,000, which is a lot to owe fresh out of college with no job. But what if you could graduate debt free and into a job you love? To answer that question I talked with academic strategist Jeannie Burlowski on how it can be done! In this episode you will learn: - Strategies for when you're not in a position to save money - How to leverage more need-based aid from schools - How private schools can be a better deal than state ones - Talking to teens about career goals before they apply

Achieving financial freedom means getting your personal finances in order, so that you are living within your means and have money at the end of the month. But to have true financial freedom long term, with long term goals like retirement, you have to have a financial plan. That's why in this episode of the podcast I talk with fellow personal finance podcaster Curtis May on attaining what he calls Practical Wealth. In this episode you will learn about: - Practical Wealth - Cash Flow Mapping - Accumulation Theory - Velocity of Money Strategy - Privatized Banking

Stocks are a key part of any retirement savings portfolio. Their potential to grow over the course of your working life with a rate of return, despite ups and downs, that can't be beat by CDs or a savings account. But bonds are also important to a well balanced portfolio. To find out the particulars in this episode of the podcast, I bring back Certified Financial Planner Michael Karwic for a talk on bonds and how they can be key to a successful retirement.  In this episode you will learn: - What Kinds of Bonds There Are - How Bonds Balance Risk Tolerance - About the Tax Advantages of Certain Bonds - How Interest Rates Can Vary on Bonds

As I've said in previous episodes, the earlier you start saving and investing for retirement, the better. As soon as you graduate with your degree and get a job, you should start on your path to long term financial freedom. But how do you get started? How do you put together a plan for retirement investment that will work long term? That's why in this episode of the podcast I talked with retirement expert Anne Lester to get answers to this question. In this episode you will learn about: What your "money type" is Creating a retirement plan in your 20s & 30s How to find money to invest Retirement planning for the self-employed

Financial freedom is a journey, not a destination. Even if you are in good shape now, it takes good habits and discipline to maintain it on into the future. Laws and financial circumstances can change, and you need to be adaptable. That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to report on some tips, tricks, and changes in the law that might help you have a financially free 2024.  In this episode you will learn: - Good options for short term savings - About college fund to Roth IRA Rollovers - How a "Dry January" can save you money - About the 12 month student loan "on-ramp" - Job Search Tips for 2024 - How to decide when to claim Social Security benefits

Achieving financial freedom is not always easy. Some people have the skills to do it on their own, while others need some expert help and guidance. That's never a bad thing. Having that guidance means hiring a financial advisor. But how do you pick one? How do you know if you have the right one for your needs? Getting you answers to those questions is why in this episode of the podcast I talk about the steps you need to take in choosing the right financial advisor for you. In this episode you will learn about: - The Steps to Choosing an Advisor - The Types of Advisors - The Kinds of Services They Provide - Common Mistakes People Make in Choosing an Advisor

The cost of a college education is getting higher and higher. Students are graduating with crushing debt and are either unable to find a job or can't get one that will earn them enough money to pay the loans. Parents often get into debt by cosigning loans, or sacrifice their retirement. That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to talk to someone who could provide advice and strategies on approaching the cost of higher education and making sure that parents and students have a plan in place way before they decide on a school. In this episode you will learn: - Where (and when) to begin the planning process - How to find out the true cost of a school before picking it - How parents can help their children without sacrificing their retirement - Can private schools be as affordable as public ones? - Is there a different strategy for graduate school?

As the holiday season approaches, we're all thinking about the celebrations, gift giving, and general joy that we experience during this time. But as the year comes to a close, we should also be thinking about our finances and the tax bill that may come in the new year. Thant's why in this episode of the podcast, although it isn't as exciting and uplifting as the holidays, I wanted to talk about some tax planning you can do now that may reduce that tax bill next April. In this episode you will learn: - How to maximize retirement contributions for tax benefits. - About contributing to HSAs and FSAs for healthcare tax deductions. - Why you should regularly review and update your tax withholdings. - Why you should explore family and education tax credits. - About reviewing your investment portfolio for tax-efficient strategies.

No matter the size of a family business, the owner is an entrepreneur. This is an important realization, as having an entrepreneurial mindset is key to the success and growth of any business. That's why in this episode of the podcast I talk to Danielle Hayden of Kickstart Accounting about the entrepreneurial mindset, how to create a financial vision for your small business, and how to make sure that business weathers bad times. In this episode you will learn: - How to transform your money mindset - About creating a financial vision for your business - About achieving financial fluency so you can interpret your financial data - How to recession-proof your business

As people get older and closer to retirement, they start to worry about whether they are ready and whether they can afford to retire. Do they have enough money set aside? How much is enough? That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to talk about how many people think they're behind, how much they think they need to retire, how to tell whether you really ARE behind, and how to catch up if you are. In this episode you will learn: - How many people think they're behind - How much people think they need to retire - How to find out if you are behind - Jow to get caught up if you are

If someone is having emotional, mental, or social problems, you might send them to therapy. But what if they are having financial problems? Is there any such thing as financial therapy? Well according to Wendy Wright, a therapist and money coach, there is! That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to talk to her about what financial therapy is and how it can help people change their thinking about money, communicate it better with their spouse, and get out of debt. In this episode you will learn: - What financial therapy is - How it can improve your relationship with money - How to talk to you loved ones/partner about money - How financial therapy can help you stop the debt cycle - How to deal with sudden wealth

When it comes to retirement savings and investing, or any long term investing goal, there are many options for where to put your money. There are mutual funds, individual stocks, bonds, and the like. One option is something called Exchange-Traded Funds. These funds with the rather mysterious name can be a good option for investors. That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to talk about these funds, what they are, and whether you should consider them for your investment portfolio. In this episode you will learn about: - What ETFs Are - The different kinds of ETFs - How to buy them - Tax Implications - Factors to consider in choosing ETFs

According to the authors of the book The Millionaire Next Door, self-employed people make up less than 20 percent of the workers in America but account for two-thirds of the millionaires. So for those who want financial freedom on the millionaire level, being their own boss is something that should at least be looked into. But starting a business isn't easy, and most of them fail within the first 3 years. This has some people thinking about owning a franchise instead. That's why in this episode of the podcast I talk to Giuseppe Grammatico about the franchise model, and whether it's right for you. In this episode you will learn about: - The freedoms that come with business ownership - The secrets to starting (and scaling up) a lucrative side hustle - Why you should consider the franchise model for your business - The risks of owning a franchise

Treasury bonds can be a key part of your long term investment strategy. There's been a lot of talk about Series I bonds, which were created to protect you against inflation (something we've all been struggling with over the past couple of years). But are they still a smart choice in today's economy? In this episode of the podcast I wanted to talk about this classification of treasury bond, how it can help you in your portfolio, and whether now is a good time to buy them. In this episode you will learn: - What Series I Bonds Are - Whether They're a Good Investment - How to Buy I Bonds - Whether You Should Buy I Bonds - What the Risk Factors Are

Although student loans continue to be a hot topic in personal finance news, there are many interesting articles and tips out there that can help you on your path to financial freedom.  These include a new repayment plan for student loans, a better place to put your savings, tips on saving on wedding costs, and tips on making your children financially independent. Thant's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to talk about these various news items, many of which are cause for optimism in the latter half of this year. I hope they can help you build your emergency fund, pay down your student loans, and make your child financially independent. In this episode you will learn: - Whether to Move Your Savings to a Money Market Account - Tips on Cutting Wedding Costs - How paying with cash helps you to forget "guilty pleasures" - Information on President Biden's new student loan plans - How to help yor child become financially independent

Your personal finances are never "set it and forget it." Even if you have set up a budget, have autopay on your bills, and a good retirement savings strategy, you still need to check in periodically to be sure that your financial ship is sailing in the right direction. That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to talk about how to do a mid-year checkup. You need to do this now (better yet every quarter) to make sure that your financial ship doesn't need a course correction. In this episode you will learn: - Why a Mid-Year Checkup is Important - The Importance of Tax Planning Now - How Reviewing Your Budget at the Halfway Point Helps - About Reviewing Your Net Worth

With all that is going on in our economy, from inflation to worries about recession and the resumption of student loan payments, people are getting stressed out about their finances. Money woes and fears can really weigh on your mind. That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to talk about how that stress can affect your life, and what you can do to reduce it. You should also check out Episode 105 of the podcast where I talk about this with psychologist Dr. David Weiman. In this episode you will learn about: - The Effects of Financial Stress on Your Life - How to Identify the Cause of the Stress - How Getting Control of Your Finances Can Reduce Stress - Saving on Gas For Your Summer Road Trip

Everyone who has federal student loans is waiting breathlessly for the Supreme Court to rule on President Biden's federal student loan forgiveness program later this month. But no matter what the decision, the moratorium on payments will be coming to an end, and you will have to start paying on them again. That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to discuss what you need to do before the music starts up again to be sure that you are ready with an affordable repayment plan. What you do now will be critical to your financial freedom going forward. In this episode you will learn: A Way to Accelerate Your Repayment Period A Simple Way to Get Out of Default Options to Create Affordable Repayment Plans

Everyone looks forward to retirement, that time when they can relax and enjoy life, made possible by the fruits of their labor during their working lives. However, that retirement isn't going to last that long, or be that enjoyable, if you don't adjust your non-salaried income to your non-working expenses going forward. That's why in this episode of the podcast I talk about how to create a retirement budget to make sure that your golden years are solid, and not just plated. In this episode you will learn: - The Four Steps to Retirement Budgeting - The Things to Consider in Creating One - How to Align Adjustments with Your Personal Retirement Goals - Managing Your Spending

As we approach the summer months, many people start thinking about shopping for a home. The weather is warmer, and it gives potential buyers an opportunity to see the whole home, both inside and out. But is it a good idea to buy a home in this real estate market? Would it be better to rent instead? That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to discuss the ins and outs of the process, along with tips on how to find the home of your dreams. In this episode you will learn: - How to make the decision to rent or buy - 9 Realtor's tips to homebuyers - 8 tips to homebuyers from a mortgage professional