Financial Sobriety

Can blaming debt for your financial struggles actually make things worse? This episode challenges Dave Ramsey's anti-debt stance, arguing that it might be causing parents to miss key opportunities for investing in their children's futures. Instead of fostering self-loathing and avoiding accountability, your hosts, Matthew Grishman and Jim Gebhardt advocate for a mindset rooted in self-love and personal responsibility. They believe this shift in thinking could alleviate numerous societal problems and pave the way for more intentional financial decisions. Dive into the "Five to Thrive" principles, where you'll learn the critical role of effort, preparedness, and accountability. Through personal experiences, like Matthew's support of his son Lucas's unconventional career choice as a gondola operator, they'll highlight the importance of unconditional love and encouraging our children to follow their passions. There's a common belief that teaching these core values can equip our children to excel in any field they choose, all while finding true happiness and fulfillment. Finally, the parenting journey takes on a new perspective as Matthew and Jim discuss evolving from protective "cops" to supportive "coaches" and, ultimately, "consultants" as their children grow. They'll underscore the importance of letting children experience failure to build resilience, sharing personal anecdotes that illustrate this challenging yet rewarding transition. This episode also explores how sharing our own mistakes can provide a realistic view of life, fostering open communication and trust. They reflect on their path towards holistic wealth and financial sobriety, contemplating what the future holds for our endeavors. Join them on this engaging exploration of personal growth, family dynamics, and the pursuit of holistic wealth. Call to learn more about Financial Sobriety: 877-283-9150 or email: Jim@yourfinanciasobriety.com Matthew@yourfinancialsobrieyt.com Or visit the website at www.yourfiinancialsobriety.com Episode Highlight Timestamps(07:14 - 08:13) Lessons in Raising Four Children (12:21 - 13:32) Parenting and Acts of Kindness (17:19 - 18:07) Phases of Parenting (24:13 - 24:50) Parenting Transition From Cop to Coach (29:02 - 30:55) Parenting Transition (32:34 - 33:54) Consulting With Adult Sons on Life (36:19 - 37:21) Learning From Financial Mistakes Chapter Summaries(00:00) Debt, Investing, Accountability, and Message Financial philosophies impact parenting and personal responsibility, with a critique of Dave Ramsey's anti-debt message and emphasis on self-love and accountability. (03:55) Principles for Success in Life Five to Thrive principles shape a successful life, emphasizing effort and accountability, and supporting children's happiness and hard work. (17:46) Parenting Phases Parenting involves being a cop, then a coach, as children gain independence and learn from small failures. (24:54) Parenting Consultant Phase and Resilience Parenting journey through stages, allowing failure and independence, changing advice perception, modeling behavior for trust and communication. (37:21) Teaching Children About Mistakes and Success Sharing successes and failures with kids teaches them about growth, vulnerability, and relationships, while our summer curriculum focuses on money, people, and self. (42:53) The Whole Wealth Journey Our financial sobriety journey has led to healthier relationships with ourselves, loved ones, and money, setting the stage for holistic wealth.

When co-host Matthew Grishman faced serious health issues, it became clear that healing needed to start from within before he could tackle anything else, be it financial or personal challenges. In this episode, we unpack the intricate connection between self-healing and overcoming life's hurdles. Drawing from Matthew's own experiences, we explore how toxic relationships, whether with people or money, often mirror our broken relationship with ourselves. We'll share practical tips on how to move forward by focusing on the well-being of others. Patience, grace, and time are critical elements of this journey, and we offer actionable advice to help you get unstuck and grow. We also dive into the therapeutic benefits of journaling, a simple yet powerful tool to manage anxiety and achieve mental clarity. Inspired by mentors like Tim Adams and Dr. Joan Rosenberg, we discuss how allowing emotions to surface and transferring them to paper can significantly improve your emotional well-being and sleep quality. For parents, we offer valuable insights on making the most of the summer with your children while instilling the principles of financial sobriety. Whether your kids are young or fully grown, maintaining a growth mindset and engaging meaningfully with them can make this season a time of tremendous growth and connection for the entire family. Call to learn more: 877-283-9150 or email: Jim@yourfinanciasobriety.com Matthew@yourfinancialsobrieyt.com Or visit the website at www.yourfiinancialsobriety.com (00:00) The Power of Self-Healing and Support Relationship with oneself is key to healing financial and personal challenges, with a focus on growth mindset and helping others. (06:30) Journaling for Mental Health Holding space, deeply listening, and journaling can alleviate anxiety and improve sleep, as advised by mentors Tim Adams and Dr. Joan Rosenberg. (10:14) Parenting Tips for Summer Success Graduation season is a time to reflect and engage with our children, maintain a growth mindset, and discuss financial sobriety.

Join us, your hosts, Matthew Grishman and Jim Gebhardt, for an insightful journey through the various facets of life's milestones and personal growth in this episode. Reflecting on the graduation season, we explore the idea that graduation is not just an end but a midpoint in life's journey, emphasizing the importance of taking time to reflect on accomplishments and future directions. We then shift our focus to the financial side of things, where Jim recounts an interesting lunch with fellow advisors. This discussion highlights our evolving mindset from competition to collaboration, striving to be the best versions of ourselves. By measuring success through self-improvement and overcoming a fixed mindset, we share practical steps and personal anecdotes to illustrate the broader theme of gradual, consistent growth. We emphasize the significance of small actions and the importance of fostering a growth mindset to better serve our community. Finally, we close with a realization of the truest sense of graduation in a personal revelation. Call to learn more about Financial Sobriety: 877-283-9150 or email: Jim@yourfinanciasobriety.com Matthew@yourfinancialsobrieyt.com Or visit the website at www.yourfiinancialsobriety.com Chapter Summaries (00:00) Reflections on Graduation Season Gratitude, family time, graduation season, reflection on accomplishments and future directions. (10:45) Evolving Beyond Competition and Comparison Collaborative mindset shift from competition to growth, measuring success by past selves, overcoming fixed mindset, gradual self-improvement. (19:04) Progress Over Perfection Nature's "awareness principle" and using tools like the "say no more" list to reduce unhealthy habits and embrace imperfections. (28:23) The Power of Perspective Transformative power of growth mindset, personal health crisis, self-sufficiency, financial sobriety journey, patience, and personal development.

Unlock the secrets to financial stability and emotional fulfillment in this latest episode, where your hosts Jim Gebhardt and Matthew Grishman promise to provide you with actionable insights to master your finances and enrich your life experiences. We start on a high note, celebrating personal victories such as finally perfecting that elusive golf swing with a little help from friends. There's also an uplifting story about Jim's daughter's adventurous cross-country road trip as she embarks on her graduate school journey, bringing a mix of excitement and anticipation into the discussion. Transitioning to financial planning, get introduced to the innovative "money barrels" framework. Discover how segmenting your retirement funds into different timeframes—now, soon, later, and never—can optimize your portfolio and enhance your financial security. The guys delve into the nitty-gritty details of managing cash flow and assets, emphasizing how the "now" and "never" barrels can contribute to peace of mind and long-term stability, especially for those nearing retirement. Lastly, see how your hosts tackle the ever-important topic of risk management within investment portfolios. Using cutting-edge tools like Nitrogen software, they'll help you understand your risk tolerance and make informed decisions about your investments. Our goal is to guide you to protecting the wealth you've worked so hard to build. Call to learn more about Financial Sobriety: 877-283-9150 or email: Jim@yourfinanciasobriety.com Matthew@yourfinancialsobrieyt.com Or visit the website at www.yourfiinancialsobriety.com HIGHLIGHT TIMESTAMPS (03:28 - 04:21) Investment Strategy Recap and Implementation (07:36 - 08:36) Unlocking Awareness Around Portfolio Design (16:59 - 18:09) Wealth Preservation and Family Planning (22:09 - 24:16) Wealth Planning and Financial Security (33:04 - 34:15) Long-Term Barrel Investment Strategy (36:58 - 38:59) Financial Planning and the 4% Rule (45:59 - 47:20) Risk Management With Emotional Measurement (49:29 - 51:03) Managing Risk Through Financial Allocation CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS (00:00) Focus on Gratitude and Excitement (03:28) Money Barrels Framework for Investments (11:36) Financial Planning and Wealth Management (20:29) Financial Planning (33:44) Constructing the Future Financial Portfolio (45:14) Understanding and Managing Investment Risk (50:40) Building Wealth With Financial Sobriety SHORT CHAPTER SUMMARIES(00:00) Focus on Gratitude and Excitement Gratitude for sports achievements, excitement for family member's return and cross-country road trip adventures at national parks. (03:28) Money Barrels Framework for Investments Retirement funds can be optimized by segmenting investments into different "money barrels" based on timeframe. (11:36) Financial Planning and Wealth Management Managing cash flow and assets for financial stability, including liquid reserves and preserving certain assets for long-term security. (20:29) Financial Planning Maximize financial resources throughout life, use money intentionally for experiences and loved ones, identify needs for security and fulfillment. (33:44) Constructing the Future Financial Portfolio Nature's "barrels" of investment, risk tolerance, time frames, and retirement planning with the 4% rule. (45:14) Understanding and Managing Investment Risk Nitrogen's software helps clients understand risk tolerance and adjust 401k allocation, considering market conditions and buffered ETFs. (50:40) Building Wealth With Financial Sobriety Approach wealth management from a position of strength, be aware of risks, protect your financial future.

Ever wondered how a simple gesture like remembering someone's name can transform a relationship? Join your hosts, Matthew Grishman and Jim Gebhardt as they chat with David Woods Bartley, who shares how name recall can have a profound impact on human connections. Through heartwarming stories, David illustrates the mutual uplift that comes from acts as simple as remembering a pet's name or holding a door open, emphasizing the deep benefits of empathy and thoughtful engagement. Davis also takes you inside a psychiatric health facility, where the kindness and humanity of medical professionals and loved ones are put on full display. He shares his journey through the facility, highlighting the life-saving power of support networks and how financial stability plays a crucial role in empowering us to serve others better. His personal anecdotes and analogies, like the importance of slowing down to make meaningful connections, provide a fresh perspective on mental health recovery and the role patience and empathy play in it. Finally, the conversation touches on the mental health crisis and the necessity of self-care, spotlighting the bravery of public figures like Simone Biles and Michael Phelps who prioritize their mental well-being. By setting daily intentions to connect with others, David shows how we can break the isolation that sadness often brings. From handwritten notes to simple texts, we explore the small acts of kindness that foster hope, purpose, and community, setting the stage for future discussions on the intersection of mental health and financial decisions that can be impacted by it. To connect with David Woods Bartley: Ph: 916-247-6389 email: david@davidwoodsbartley.com Website: www.davidwoodsbartley.com Call to learn more about Financial Sobriety: 877-283-9150 or email: Jim@yourfinanciasobriety.com Matthew@yourfinancialsobrieyt.com Or visit the website at www.yourfiinancialsobriety.com

This is an encore episode from David Woods Bartley on his personal journey in dealing with depression, attempted suicide and mental health issues. With May being Mental Health Awareness month, it seemed appropriate for your hosts, Matthew Grishman and Jim Gebhardt to pull one of the great episodes from the archives on mental health as it continues to get significant interest. You'll hear poignant personal stories into the crucial role mental health plays across various age groups. They'll touch on the troubling rise in teen depression and anxiety, and discuss the loneliness epidemic that transcends age, exacerbated by our digital lives. This conversation is a tribute to the progress we've made in openly discussing mental health and a reminder of the power of dialogue, as demonstrated by the inspiring journey of our guest, mental health advocate David Woods Bartley. David joins us to shed light on the intricate web connecting our financial, interpersonal, and self-relationships. Our narratives reveal the pressing issue of suicide within the military and the transformative potential of empathy and connection. This dialogue is a celebration of the profound impact that being present for others can have, both for their survival and our own well-being. Call to learn more: 877-283-9150 or email: Jim@yourfinanciasobriety.com Matthew@yourfinancialsobrieyt.com Or visit the website at www.yourfiinancialsobriety.com

In this episode, Matthew & Jim attempt to unlock the secrets of savvy investing with a deeper-dive into the heart of a company's financial health. They'll work to make sense of the overwhelming digital information landscape, guiding you through the process of vetting a company's leadership, culture, and values with the latest AI and online tools. This episode isn't just about numbers; it's about aligning your investments with your principles, prioritizing the human element in business for a more impactful and conscientious portfolio. You'll emerge with a sharper eye for the essentials—revenue growth, debt management, and profitability—in an era where financial data is more accessible than ever. Strategic stock selection takes center stage as the guys share personal narratives and expert insights on navigating the market's ups and downs. The discussion goes beyond basic investment advice, tapping into the psychology of investor behaviors and debunking 'Gebhardt's law.' You'll learn why diversification is more than a buzzword, as evidenced by a tale of teaching the next generation about investing through familiar brands. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting out, this episode equips you with the knowledge to make informed decisions, sidestep common pitfalls, and confidently manage your portfolio through volatile times. In the complex dance of buying low and selling high, discipline is your most reliable partner. There's an art to letting go of stocks, revealing key signals for when it's time to sell and the importance of a rules-based strategy to eliminate emotional bias. And there's more in the discussion on buffered ETFs demystifying their structure and potential in your investment mix, offering an analytical look at their performance through recent market swings. From missed opportunities to strategic victories, hear candid experiences that illustrate the nuances of these investment vehicles, helping you craft a strategy grounded in firsthand knowledge and astute market observation.

Matthew enjoys a little baseball nostalgia this episode as the discussion of stocks gets underway. This episode, your hosts begin to unpack the complexities of the stock market from a variety of different perspectives starting with the types of players in the market and closing the episode with a better understanding of just what a stock is and how to begin to lear a little bit more about that stock before you actually take ownership. You're going to get a little deeper into the investment playbook as the guys analyze the various players in the stock market game, from high-stakes gamblers to the meticulous professional investors and portfolio jugglers. With personal stories, sprinkled with the lessons of industry titans like Warren Buffett, this episode is an education in cultivating the right mindset for managing investments. Capturing the comprehension of the ways stocks can be bought and bundled, learn the evolution of retirement investment options, the consequent rise of mutual funds and a description of and value created by ETFs. (Electronic Funds Transfer. ) Discussing the challenges and innovations in retirement planning, this episode demystifies the selection process for your investment portfolio with personal anecdotes and a spotlight on financial literacy. Closing out the discussion with a critical eye on the business and analyzing how a profit-over-people mentality, exemplified by owners like baseball's John Fisher of the Athletics, can strike out with customers often resulting in a losing business proposition. Call to learn more: 877-283-9150 or email: Jim@yourfinanciasobriety.com Matthew@yourfinancialsobrieyt.com Or visit the website at www.yourfiinancialsobriety.com

Unlock the secrets of financial mastery and legacy building that have stood the test of time as your hosts, Matthew and Jim, explore the intricate dance of control within our economic lives. Embark on a journey through personal anecdotes and historical insights that reveal how to navigate the realms both within and beyond our grasp—from the rise and fall of dynasties to the daily temptations of impulsive purchases. They'll discuss how adjusting investment risks, understanding tax implications, and timing financial moves can shape our fiscal destiny, with an engaging look back at the contrasting fates of the Vanderbilts and the Rothschilds. This episode also displays the transformative 10-10-10 principle that keeps wallets in check. Whether wrestling the allure of shiny new gadgets or a luxurious set of golf clubs, you'll learn how to triumph over instant gratification. This candid conversation about financial discipline serves as a reminder of the power in pausing to ponder the lasting impact of our spending choices, ensuring our money aligns with our life's true priorities. Finally, the guys traverse the landscape of wealth and legacy planning, spotlighting the critical issue of 'longevity risk' and the need for financial strategies robust enough to support a life well-lived. Digging into the wisdom of the world's most affluent families, a dissection of the Rothschild's enduring methods for wealth preservation and the importance of instilling values for stewardship across generations is discussed and compared to the Vanderbilt's very different formula. Reflection on the necessity of discretion and private family matters, seals our exploration with a discussion on the profound significance of preparing heirs to not just inherit wealth, but to wield it with purpose and responsibility. For more information about Financial Sobriety, or to purchase the book, visit www.yourfinancialsobriety.com

Could shifting interest rates be the key to unlocking your portfolio's potential? Your hosts, Jim Gebhardt and Matthew Grishman explore the complex recipes of bond investments, analyzing how a changing rate environment might just be ingredients for an incredible outcome. With a focus on taxable bonds, treasuries, and the call of municipal bonds, they discuss investment possibilities, from the safe harbors of treasuries to the more adventurous high-yield corporate bonds. To be certain, underscored is the value of personalized financial guidance to chart a course through these opportunities, especially with the looming prospect of Federal Reserve rate cuts. As the Federal Reserve maneuvers from bond-buying to selling, learn of the ripples affecting bond prices and the global shift in US Treasuries' standing. Together with expert input, they uncover the inverse relationship between bond prices and interest rates, and delve into the concept of total return, where income and price appreciation are two sides of the same coin. Finally, the conversation turns to a favorite topic with the tax-exempt allure of municipal bonds. As your hosts differentiate between taxable and tax-exempt bonds, they'll illustrate how municipal bonds can offer a tax haven, depending on where best suited for you. As with any complex investment, you are encouraged to seek the expertise of financial advisors to capture the opportunities in these times of maximum uncertainty. Call to learn more: 877-283-9150 or email: Jim@yourfinanciasobriety.com Matthew@yourfinancialsobrieyt.com Or visit the website at www.yourfiinancialsobriety.com

Join your hosts, Jim Gebhardt and Matthew Grishman as they explore the resurgence of bonds as an investment option with a semblance stability and fixed returns. This episode illuminates the allure of bonds in an era where traditional real estate investments encounter the challenges of the former zero-interest rate environment. The guys unpack the quest for value that transcends monetary gains, and sets the tone for rediscovering the enduring appeal of bonds. As the conversation dissects the pulse of the real estate market, you'll gain an understanding of how managing property portfolios amidst an ever-shifting economic landscape may give way to consideration of selling in a presumed lower tax situation. With the money market well covered in the conversation, it tees up the logical next step and that is to scrutinize the bond market's ebbs and flows and why the bond market may be a good option for repositioning assets. There is a psychology behind investment trends and the art of timing one's exit from money markets before diminishing returns set in is often done too late. For more information about Financial Sobriety, or to purchase the book, visit www.yourfinancialsobriety.com

The small things in life hold immense joy. Join your hosts, Matthew Grishman and Jim Gebhardt as they cover steps 2 & 3 in preparation for stress reduction in 2024. You'll find selective consumption has the ability to weigh heavily or lessen the burden on our mental space.Through stories and thoughtful discussion, learn how nurturing confidence can actually fuel our ability to give back more generously, improve our communities and ease that anxiety world news and information can create.By examining the power of narrowing our focus could it lead to helping enrich our perspective? Which, by the way, is step 3 in the stress relief journey. By 'shrinking our universe,' we prioritize meaningful connections and activities that truly resonate with us, fostering a healthier, more purpose-driven existence. From there, a more reflective discussion continues as the narrative shifts to perspective and in incredible story of history through the early 1900's to the late 1980's. Only through history, can we measure progress and only through history can we gain perspective on today. This puts a bow on the three steps to minimizing stress and anxiety that could cause you to make poor financial decisions in the year and years ahead. For more information about Financial Sobriety, or to purchase the book, visit www.yourfinancialsobriety.com

Ever found yourself battling the morning blues and desperately searching for a silver lining? Your hosts, Jim Gebhardt and Matthew Grishman start with an uplifting reminder that gratitude isn't just an emotion, but a practice that can pivot your entire day from dismal to delightful. As the guys peel back the layers of this transformative mindset, you'll discover that even the peskiest tech glitches and tight schedules can lead to positivity and even unexpected growth. As you've heard on previous episodes, tracking milestones might just be the secret sauce to celebrating life's little victories... and BIG ones. We're not just talking numbers here, but the profound sense of achievement that comes from acknowledging our progress. Whether it's a fitness milestone or a newfound discipline in financial planning, you'll hear the beauty of progress tracking. By removing judgment and embracing each step as valuable data, we're equipped to make choices that steer our lives forward. From lifting heavier weights to nurturing professional growth, the conversation aims to inspire you to embrace your own journey of self-improvement with the power of personal accountability. As the guys navigate the unpredictable currents of financial stress and economic uncertainty, they'll also explore the broader impact on the American psyche and how leadership through example can inspire profound change within our communities. Actions speak louder than words, a lesson that resonates through personal health to societal influence. Amp up your motivation to lead a purpose-driven life that ignites change, as they share stories that celebrate the joy of contributing to something greater than ourselves. When we lead by example, the change we seek becomes a reality. For more information about Financial Sobriety, or to purchase the book, visit www.yourfinancialsobriety.com

Ever find yourself awash with the New Year fervor, scribbling resolutions you swear you'll stick to? That's where your hosts, Jim Gebhardt and Matthew Grishman found themselves —eager to translate the energy of January into lasting momentum. This episode is a meeting of minds over the essence of starting strong. They'll share thier own health triumphs, Matthew's cardiac rehab and Jim's muscle mastery, and how these personal feats are woven into the grander plans of focus and growth. Hear the impact of mentors who light the path along the way, much like the ones who guided Jim during his fledgling days at Merrill Lynch. Disnmiss the myth of perfection and champion the small wins, like a consistent gym routine, which can be just as rewarding as the major milestones. It's all about what you feed your focus, and how it can blossom or blight your well-being. The guys riff on the parallels between a balanced life and a strong mind-body connection, leaning into Jim Rohn's wisdom that to achieve more, you need to become more. It's a chapter for those looking to edge closer to their goals with every small yet significant step, without losing sight of the importance of self-care and balance. For those successful business owner, successful entrepreneurs looking to get more from their money than just more money, the time away from the studio lent itself to better serving the needs of those clients and future clients of Gebhardt Group. The purpose of the program going forward will be stories and include guests who address this mission. For more information about Financial Sobriety visit www.yourfinancialsobriety.com

The dance between health, wealth, and personal connections often leads us through unexpected rhythms. As your hosts, Matthew Grishman and Jim Gebhardt settle back into the studio, you'll learn where they've been and how they've emerged to return. The conversation is extremely personal as Matthew recounts his chilling health scare during yoga class. This episode rides waves of self-discovery and gratitude as we learn more of the cause of Matthew's absence while he shares his journey after an encounter with mortality that led to the diagnosis of aortic valve regurgitation and the subsequent surgery and recovery. He shares his relationship with pain, death, and growth, unearthing a resilient gratitude for life. As we unpack these revelations, they'll encourage a deeper dive into the well of emotional and financial mindfulness. Finally, the guys touch on the delicate scales weighing health against wealth—a balance as old as time yet still a prevailing tale in our modern lives. There's a search for meaning in the darkest corners of post-surgery recovery, and the indomitable strength found in faith and community. Through open dialogue, there's hope and a testament to the power of positive thought and collective healing and a wonderful lead in to a new year with a very new and different perspective. For more information on Financial Sobriety, visit www.yourfinancialsobriety.com If you're experiencing depression or thoughts of self-harm, call 988 and seek profession medical care.

Your hosts Jim and Matthew share a little holiday gratitude this episode before taking you back to where it all began with Matthew's story that got the whole ball rolling for Financial Sobriety. Always a great reminder to take a little time for reflection at the end of the year to give yourself the opportunity to look ahead with clarity and intentionality. May you, your family and friends enjoy the blessings of the holiday season and here's to a happy, healthy and prosperous new year! Thanks for giving us a little time of your day every other week. We appreciate you. For more information about Financial Sobriety, visit www.yourfinancialsobriety.com

Spending a little crazed around the holidays? Worried about self-control and how to reign in the wallet? This encore episode was long enough ago you may have forgotten the 10-10-10 rule of self-discipline on the spend. Matthew describes how he's found a method to minimize compulsive purchases that should work just as well for anyone and the bonus on the episode, is that it's timely in helping look at the new year to build a foundation for familial wealth built in a healthy way. Nice way to start the holiday season and begin thinking about the year ahead as well! Why not a gift of Financial Sobriety? You can find the book and more at www.yourfinancialsobriety.com

It's the beginning of the holiday season, the season of giving and what better way to demonstrate financial sobriety than to share a story of need and success as it relates to some of our most misunderstood families and children... those in the Foster Care System. Today, Jim and Matthew speak with Heidi White, Educator and Church Relations Director for The Alliance: defending the causes of kids and families. You'll hear the true stories of what happens to children in the Foster Care System once emancipated and the challenges they face against great odds. It's not an uplifting outcome, unless or until we make it so. But there is hope. There are many opportunities for support and it's not all just financial. You'll most certainly agree after hearing this episode. With timing "in the season" of giving it's our hope you're moved to do something for someone in need as we exemplify our gratitude for others around us this thanksgiving holiday. For more information about The Alliance visit www.defendingthecause.org. To reach Heidi directly, email her at heidi@defendingthecause.org. To learn more about Financial Sobriety visit www.yourfinancialsobriety.com

As the year draws to a close, it's time to get very intentional about your spending. Hear your hosts Jim and Matthew break down the value of the Clarity Compass and how it can help you sift through the fluff to identify what truly matters to you and your family. They'll share their own experiences of thrifty holiday seasons that focused more on connection than consumption. Get ready to challenge the "way you've always done it" and learn to do something differently, something better for your finances this holiday season. For more information about Financial Sobriety visit www.yourfinancialsobriety.com

Did you know that as a married couple who've both worked, you could be sitting on a lifetime benefit of over $2 million from Social Security? It's not common knowledge, but this retirement asset can even generate a guaranteed 8% return from the Social Security Administration which your hosts, Jim and Beth Gebhardt, examine in detail. This could be the world's largest annuity. Understanding the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), and how it impacts your Social Security benefits, is vital for your retirement strategy. The conversation swings into married and single options plus how today's software can help project not only but asset value in time to prepare for succession. DO NOT rush into Social Security, there's a lot to gain from waiting. If you're a single retiree, or divorced and pondering remarriage before the age of 60, we've got some crucial information that could affect your benefits. For all the teachers in California and those who have worked in government jobs, you'll learn how the process affect you when it comes time to retire. Government pension offsets could have serious implications on your survivor benefits and you'll get an enlightening on them. It's not all doom and gloom, though. By considering your life expectancy, health factors, and financial needs, you can still make the right decisions about when to take Social Security. For more information visit www.yourfinancialsobriety.com Contact Jim Gebhardt at work: jim@gebhardtgroupinc.com For Social Security reach out to www.ssa.gov

Your host Jim Gebhardt is joined by none other than his wife and Medicare expert for the firm where you'll get some guidance and direction to answer the top three questions people ask about Medicare: how does it work, how much does it cost, and what are the choices. Finding your footing in the complex world of Medicare is challenging. This episode will simplify this intricate healthcare structure, untangling the web of plans and solicitations so you can make informed decisions that align with your unique needs. Navigate the maze of Medicare with confidence once you know the key elements like Part A, Part B, and the tax implications depending on your employment status. Learn how your income can influence Medicare costs. Understanding Medicare Part D, Supplement Plans, and the crucial aspects of Medicare enrollment and timing are all discussed including formularies, copays, and the importance of the annual enrollment period. For more information on Medicare visit the website: www.medicare.gov You can find more information about Financial Sobriety as well as other resources and tools to help you in retirement support by visiting www.yourfinancialsobriety.com

As you're aware, this is part II of the episode, "Regaining Your Financial Confidence" and it is the detail to the theory. Your hosts, Matthew and Jim get very specific and detailed about what you can do to not only salvage a weak retirement strategy to date, but actually build it to thrive with just a little discipline. The more time you have, the more likely you can not only reach but exceed your expectations. If you're looking for motivation, support and the next steps, this is the episode you'll want to pay close attention to. For more information on the steps discussed in this episode, visit www.yourfinancialsobriety.com

Your hosts, Jim Gebhardt and Matthew Grishman take you back a bit to help you move forward. We've all marveled at the intricate dance of financial decisions and human emotions. How this twisted tango impacts our self-worth, relationships, and ultimately, our sense of freedom is addressed in some of the refresher steps necessary to continue to build on those principals. Thoughtful exploration takes us through the movement of investing in oneself - an invaluable pundit of self-growth, and the importance of second opinions before making emotionally charged decisions. Tools such as the Concentric Circles exercise prove to be game-changers, creating emotionally safe platforms for introspection and discussion. You'll also hear how services like BetterHelp act as catalysts, bridging gaps between individuals and professional therapists in their locale. The journey doesn't stop there - they'll delve into strategies for effective decision making, managing expenses, and future savings. The '10-10-10' strategy and the Clarity Compass worksheet are outstanding steps in guiding you to align your financial resources with your core values, and to manage impulse spending. Underscoring the importance of categorizing expenses and building a collective 'us bucket' for shared experiences is a novel thought. We wrap up with the importance of financial freedom and how the concept of the 'pain of discipline' versus the 'pain of regret' can be used to make wiser financial decisions. To find the worksheets talked about in the program, visit www.yourfinancialsobriety.com

Have you ever caught yourself wondering why society keeps urging you to upgrade your lifestyle, even when it's draining your bank account? It's a dilemma your hosts, Matthew Grishman and Jim Gebhardt, felt compelled to discuss as it can start as simply as getting the kids ready for back to school. It's a blend of anxiety and gratitude and... credit card spending. The amount of credit card debt is astounding as you'll hear in the episode. The changing dynamics of consumer behavior in the era of online shopping, as well as, the surprising resilience of physical malls, are part of the ease into more debt. And that's not to mention our thoughts on the growing dependence on services like DoorDash and Uber Eats. And all on credit cards. This all leads into your preparation for retirement as debt will destroy the best laid plans. Will traditional retirement become a luxury? For many, sadly, yes. However, there is hope and a solution you'll hear on the value of financial sacrifice and discipline. What a fitting episode to take us from the summer back into the reality of the last few months of the year. For more information and to order the book "Financial Sobriety" visit www.yourfinancialsobriety.com

Hard to believe another summer is behind us and the fourth quarter of the year is just around the corner. Your hosts, Jim Gebhardt and Matthew Grishman, reflect on the second summer presenting the "Teach Your Children" series and the significance of preparing your children for their relationship with money, self and others. From that vantage point, they take a slight look ahead to set the tone for the remainder of the year and a glimpse of what to expect as you work the process of becoming financially sober. For more information, visit www.yourfinancialsobriety.com

As our "Teach Your Children" series winds down for the summer, one of the critical "Pay thyself first" comprehensions has to be not only the "why" but the "how". In this episode, Matthew and Jim share both their own personal stories with their children as well as the direction you can take to help your children understand the value of the discipline to make an investment in themselves and do it in a proper manner. For more information on Financial Sobriety visit www.yourfinancialsobriety.com

So you're following along with your hosts Matthew Grishman and Jim Gebhardt and your children are making progress, all excited about that first job and that first paycheck, right? But what happens next is the crux of this episode. The money isn't right! Who took my money? How do you explain to your children how and why what they get paid hourly isn't what they're going to take home from their efforts at work? That's what you'll learn in today's episode. For more information on Financial Sobriety or to order the book, visit www.yourfinancialsobriety.com.

We're getting toward the end of summer and your hosts Matthew Grishman and Jim Gebhardt have been holding class on teaching your children about many of the attributes of building wealth and money as they relate to somebody just getting started in their earning career. Now comes the moment of truth when an income stream is recognized. Wealth building is a marathon, not a sprint but only if one is diligent in doing so. Today's episode get's one started on the process of being certain that the right person is getting paid first. YOU! (Or your child in this case.) 401K's and savings mechanisms are discussed as they relate to long term wealth accumulation and ultimately, a successful retirement. For more information on how to better teach your children the basics of money, visit www.yourfinancialsobriety.com

If you're thinking it seems like you just heard an episode last week, you're correct. This whole teach your children concept provides so much value, the intent is to get as much of it completed while the kids are out of school and still at home. In this episode, your hosts, Matthew Grishman and Jim Gebhardt dig just a little deeper into the education of our children on what's important to them. Getting clarity through the "Clarity Compass" applied to your children can really open up their eyes to the concept of money. Similar to the earlier chapter in the book or episode on the podcast, the difference in this episode is the anecdotal stories and the specific application for the kids. And yes, there is a homework assignment. What would you expect from an episode that starts out with "Class is in session???" For more information about Financial Sobriety, visit the website www.yourfinancialsobriety.com

When the original episode was recorded, the "Child Tax Credits" were being distributed without the apparently requisite instruction manual on how to make the most of the money being received. That conversation made for an evergreen discussion on financial literacy for children and teens and even college students as they all need it desperately. This is a conversation that should be had even more than as en "encore" but frequently in communities, in schools, at home. Often. If you've missed this episode the first time around, or even the second, be sure to get yourself caught up. We all need to push for financial literacy for our children wherever or however it's going to happen.

Summertime has become the opportunity to brush up, refresh, reset and, well, relaunch the most popular "series" of episodes of Financial Sobriety, The "Teach Your Children" series on helping parents help their children learn about money and how it's so much more than just a buck to burn. By far, the most shared and played episodes in the library, they warrant the re-acquaintance. They're becoming classic, Matthew and Jim in providing you valuable information to support your efforts to help your children become more intentional with their money. (Once they learn what that really means, of course!) Continuing the theme of teaching your children financial literacy, this episode digs into respecting the value of money from an early age with some tutorial elements to help you with your children in the process of learning about the value of a dollar. The concepts may be simple in theory but the actual practice is invaluable. For more information on Financial Sobriety or to reach Matthew Grishman, visit www.yourfinancialsobriety.com

Yes, you may have heard this very first and extremely popular summer edition of the Teach Your Children series before. As a matter of fact, these are some of the most popular episodes in the library. And for good reason. Isn't parenting one of the greatest responsibilities we could take on? And helping parents along is this first in the TYC series, The Three C's. The twist this season is the fresh new content to lead you into the series as Jim and Matthew have a discussion of where they currently are with their, now mostly grown children and it's testimony to what has been put into raising them. Both the good and the not so good. If you've heard the series before and still have children you're raising, repetition can't hurt and if you're already familiar and don't feel the need to repeat the episode, simply listen for the fresh content and enjoy. For more information about Financial Sobriety visit www.yourfinancialsobriety.com

It's that time of year when summer means vacations and holidays and time away from... learning? Maybe not. While the kids may be out of school, what a great opportunity to share and teach the value of learning. And not just any learning but the education of learning about the value of the three C's. The value of money, the value of struggle and so much more. Join you hosts Jim Gebhardt and Matthew Grishman as they share their enthusiasm for getting the "Teach Your Children" series launched for it's third season. For more information about Financial Sobriety visit: www.yourfinancialsobriety.com

Part two of a riveting discussion with David Woods Bartley takes us to the conversation of his darkness with depression and what led to his standing on the ledge of the Foresthill bridge about to release his grip on the cool steel post that was all that separated him from life and death. It's the story of human connection and hope that reveal the reason to live and the subsequent life that has been built around helping others to recognize and find hope for their survival. Both Jim and Matthew also share stories of simple actions that could change a day in the life of someone who is suffering from depression as well as giving you a feeling of connection as well. This episode celebrates Mental Health Awareness Month and should be shared with anyone you feel may benefit from it. David was also kind enough to share his personal phone number as part of his effort to serve and support those in need. If you or anyone you know is suffering from depression, please support them and seek professional help or call 9-8-8. For more information about David Woods Bartley, he can be reached at 916-247-6389 or on line at David@Davidwoodsbartley.com. The website is www.davidwoodsbartley.com For more information about Financial Sobriety visit www.yourfinancialsobriety.com

May is Mental Health Awareness month and with so many things to be concerned about from the economy, global crisis with the environment and war, to Covid and our very own personal situations with whatever else it is we're all dealing with, it seemed a fitting time to address how good mental health is actually a solid path to Financial Sobriety. Today's guest, David Woods Bartley was talked off the edge of a bridge after years of mental health struggles. His story is a well told compilation of events that will take you from the root of his developments toward mental hellness to anecdotal applications to mental wellness. This is part one of a two part series that will hopefully resonate with many on the way to making an impact on anyone who struggles with depression and thoughts of suicide. If you or anyone you know has ever considered harming themselves, please reach out to someone and seek professional help or call 9-8-8. For more information about David Woods Bartley, he can be reached at 916-247-6389 or on line at David@Davidwoodsbartley.com. The website is www.davidwoodsbartley.com For more information about Financial Sobriety visit www.yourfinancialsobriety.com

Well, it's been a while since a new episode has dropped and there's good reason for that as well. In today's discussion, you'll get a little clarity on what Jim Gebhardt and Matthew Grishman have been up to as well as when you can expect your favorite program on personal financial well-being to resume in earnest. For more information about Financial Sobriety, please visit: www.yourfinancialsobriety.com

It's no secret that losing money causes trauma. The Silicon Valley Bank failure surely did some damage to many investors portfolios and likely left a significant mark on the psyche, ego and confidence of many. So what was it that happened? What is a run on the bank? How could something like this have happened in todays rapid communications world? Even more so, how could it have happened so quickly? Matthew and Jim give a layman's explanation of the collapse and take the outcome of SVB and other bank's failures back to the personal level and how that scenario may impact or affect many of us as a potentially traumatic event. Are there ways to address it? You'll be surprised at some of the solutions and suggestions. For more information about Financial Sobriety visit www.yourfinanacialsobriety.com

In the last episode the stage was set for dealing with the effects of the Covid Hangover. In this episode, Dr. Joyce Mikal-Flynn walks us through the power of her program, Metahab, to learn how to heal from the effects of Covid. This is a practical discussion that addresses how we ourselves can learn to heal from trauma and even takes a look back to us as children and how we were "taught" to learn ourselves. Looking ahead, there's even a conversation about today's child rearing and how one might best consider certain circumstances for a better outcome in helping today's children deal with adversity and trauma. For more information on Dr. Joyce Mikal-Flynn's program, visit www.metahab.com For more information on Financial Sobriety and to find the link to her event taking place at Sacramento State University, you can visit www.yourfinancialsobriety.com

Let's face it. Even though the market had a good year in 2022, 2023 has been no picnic. Part of the issue, at least in the opinion of your hosts, Matthew Grishman and Jim Gebhardt, we're now experiencing the Covid hangover. Experiencing trauma is one thing, working through it is another and few would argue, the entire Covid era wreaked havoc on everything. Just because we had a good year for the stock market doesn't mean we're all good. Possibly even the opposite, we're not good at all. (Remember our episodes on masking up and wearing the armor to face the day...) So Dr. Joyce Mikal-Flynn has been invited back to help address the process of getting from traumatic to Post Traumatic Growth in the face of the Covid hangover. You'll recall her program from Episodes 68 and 69 where she introduced Metahabilitation, or Metahab, to the Financial Sobriety tribe. In this episode, you'll hear the discussion of the hangover's effects on us as well as a ramp up to ways to minimize the long haul challenges this could produce on our thought process and ultimately, our actions. For more information on Dr. Joyce Mikal-Flynn, visit www. metahab.com To learn more about Financial Sobriety, visit www.yourfinancialsobriety.com

Ready for 2023? Want to get yourself started in the right direction? Then you've come to the right place. Your hosts, Matthew Grishman and Jim Gebhardt, complete the prior episode's discussion on bias but take it to a practical application to address its influence on risk. And risk at the wrong time could be devastating. Learn how best to be aware of how bias enters into your risk approach and let that awareness help you better decide on ways to be more intentional with your money. AND... don't forget you can now get your own risk assessment when you visit the website and click on the "DOES MY PORTFOLIO FIT ME?" label. You can find out more information and gather resources by visiting the website, www.yourfinancialsobriety.com.

You're not biased on how you spend your money are you? Yes. You most certainly are and in the next two episodes you're going to get a very specific and detailed outline of exactly what those biases look like and how they affect what you buy, what you invest in and how you look at what you do with your money. This is an oh so enlightening next two episodes you may even want to take some notes be certain to share with family and friends. Yeah, you're biased. You'll understand and learn how to deal with those biases as your hosts, Matthew Grishman and Jim Gebhardt walk you through then help you address, the biases in your financial well being. For more information about Financial Sobriety, please visit www.yourfinancialsobriety.com

Welcome to 2023! While Jim and Matthew are hard at work building out the new year of episodes and content for the program, we thought it would be fun to assemble episodes from the last three January's into one great collection of content. From the second show of Financial Sobriety to last January, if you're a subscriber, you're going to appreciate the refresher. If you're new to the program, wow, you're going to get a blast from a firehose of what the program is all about. What's even more interesting is how each year, while addressing the January financial elements we all face, stacks on top of each year and comes to the same conclusion three years later as it did in the first year of production. I hope you enjoy listening as much as we did assembling. For more information about Financial Sobriety, visit www.yourfinancialsobriety.com.

Did you miss any of the "inflation" episodes in the latter part of the year? Did you want to share with somebody that you thought might benefit but just didn't have the time to load up and share 4 episodes? Did you just lose a little bit in the translation of so much information over the 4 episodes? Guess what? This is your episode then! This is a compilation, a distillation if you will, of those episodes without all the anecdotal storytelling and just the meat of the conversations. Inflation information in a tutorial setting as only Matthew and Jim can present it. As you prep for the new year ahead, brace for continued inflation and the possibility of a recession, remember the basic tenets of Financial Sobriety and know that you can be in control if you do so. Here's to a happy, healthy and prosperous new year full of Financial Sobriety for you and your family. For more information on Financial Sobriety, to buy the book or communicate with Matthew or Jim, visit www.yourfinancialsobriety.com

As a listener to the program you've heard your hosts Jim Gebhardt and Matthew Grishman stress the virtues of slowing down to go faster, the 10-10-10 rule, say "no" more. Well now, you're going to hear turn around and look behind to help you look ahead or go back to go forward. In this episode, a 3 year 3 season and 87 episodes later review is assembled into a neat little package. Impressive, yes, but more importantly impactful. If you've missed episodes or multi-episode themes, you're going to love this conversation. And of course, it's peppered with the wit and wisdom that could only come from your hosts, Jim and Matthew. And be sure to take them up on the request to give them some direction on topics of importance to you. Serving your needs is of utmost importance. You can share your thoughts by visiting the website www.yourfinancialsobriety.com. You're appreciated for your support.

We all carry bias in our lives but did you know you have financial biases too? Probably more than you thought. As Matthew works toward earning his Certified Financial Planner certification, he was exposed to the myriad of biases people can have with regard to their finances. Some obvious, others not so much. Confirmation Bias, Endowment Bias, Self Control Bias; Hear the perspective from your hosts Jim Gebhardt and Matthew Grishman as they discuss the "why's" of a Certified Financial Planner and the influence financial bias has on so many investment, saving and spending characteristics. You'll be surprised. For more information about Financial Sobriety, visit www.yourfinancialsobriety.com

The Thanksgiving holiday is over. Most of us celebrated with family and friends and had a day full of gratitude. But why let it end with just one big day a year? What if gratitude happened every day? Multiple times a day? What could that look like? How could that benefit everyone? How would it make you feel? Your hosts, Jim Gebhardt and Matthew Grishman explain their take on gratitude in a very simple episode with a huge takeaway. For more information about Financial Sobriety visit www.yourfinancialsobriety.com

The Clarity Compass is a great tool to understand what it is you are going to do to improve your relationship with money and consequently with yourself and others. What does that look like as we approach the holidays? How do you prevent the Visa Hangover that comes post holiday when you've violated the very principles you just assembled with the Clarity Compass tool? What better way to insulate the money than with a Financial Sobriety blanket! Jim and Matthew take you on a little journey with a happy ending that applies to all of us. For more information about Financial Sobriety, visit www.yourfinancialsobriety.com.

You've heard the descriptions of both Jeff (aka "Ace") and Theresa as they worked their way through the process of the identification of their core four values. Now hear the completion of the Clarity Compass exercise and learn what it did for them to help crystallize what's most important to them and how knowing this gives them guidance on how they'll use their money to best serve those values. You can find the Value Cards on Amazon by clicking this link: www.amazon.com/Values-Cards-John…69286412242&psc=1 To get the Clarity Compass worksheets, visit www.yourfinancialsobriety.com/resources.

In Part 1 of the Clarity Compass you went thru the exercise as it was performed with the program's producer, Ace. (aka Jeff). Now, Matthew and Jim take Jeff's wife, Theresa or "T" through the same process with what might be surprising results; In a good way. For couples and families, understanding each other and identifying those four things that are most important to you can really change the dynamics of why you do what you do with your financial resources. You'll see that in play as the Clarity Compass process continues. For more information about Financial Sobriety, visit www.yourfinancialsobriety.com

The Clarity Compass is a part of the foundation of Financial Sobriety and is referenced throughout many of the episodes. Without it, you have no direction. With it, you have, well, clarity! Easier for some than others, the Clarity Compass exercise is a pre-requisite to further understanding of Financial Sobriety. In this episode, you'll hear the Clarity Compass applied as the show's producer, AKA Ace, and his wife Theresa go thru the process of the Value Cards to identify what is really important to them. This first in a two part series will both explore and reveal the Clarity Compass process and it's outcome for this particular couple. You can find the Value Cards on Amazon by clicking this link: https://www.amazon.com/Values-Cards-John-Veeken/dp/0980517532/ref=asc_df_0980517532/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312134205520&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=18145752119503041119&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9061153&hvtargid=pla-569286412242&psc=1 For more information about Financial Sobriety, visit www.yourfinancialsobriety.com

Not unlike flying a plane, you're going to hear Matthew and Jim discuss the need to have checks and balances on your investment "flight" plan. Too often, one tends to want to manually attempt to "fly" their investment strategy over the long haul. Not unlike a flight plan, however, if you're off just a bit in the early years, you could be way, way off in the later years. A few miles off on the plane's flight path early in the trip equals hundreds of miles off course or more the longer the flight. Make sense? Enter auto-pilot or course correction. The same is true of your investment strategy. Do you have the tools to adequately plan your trip and ensure that auto-pilot is giving you the most accurate and direct route to where you want to end up? You'll get some great training today on what you can do to be sure you get to your destination with the most direct route and in the manner you anticipated. For more information about Financial Sobriety, visit www.yourfinancialsobriety.com