Money Confidential

This week we meet a 38-year-old father based in Queens, New York, who has spent tens of thousands of dollars on home repairs and renovations over the past two years. Frustrated by all the time and money he's spent on a place that isn't his family's forever home, our listener asks: Should we sell and move elsewhere, even though we've only lived in our place for two years? Host Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez turns to full-time real estate investor, J Scott, for answers. For more info visit realsimple.com/moneyconfidentialpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Buying your first home is already a major money milestone—but having to do it on your own in an uncertain housing market can make it feel even more overwhelming. In this episode, host Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez interviews real estate expert and mortgage lender Nicole Rueth about how to navigate the home-buying process as a single person - including the options and alternatives available to single buyers who fear being priced out of this hot housing market. For more info visit realsimple.com/moneyconfidentialpodcast Money Confidential is produced by: Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez Mickey O'Connor - Senior Editorial Director, Real Simple Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer Jenny Snyder - Audio Producer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we're revisiting conversations we've had with four past expert guests about the most common things people overlook when purchasing a home, as well as all the hidden costs of homeownership – to help you prepare for one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make - buying a home. For more info visit realsimple.com/moneyconfidentialpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Real estate prices are extremely high, and now mortgage rates are also rising. Has first-time homeownership ever felt more out of reach? On this week's episode, host Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez talks to Dr. Daryl Fairweather, chief economist at real estate brokerage Redfin, about what today's housing market means for prospective buyers, plus whether it makes more sense to buy or rent right now. For more info visit realsimple.com/moneyconfidentialpodcast Money Confidential is produced by: Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez Mickey O'Connor - Senior Editorial Director, Real Simple Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer Jenny Snyder - Audio Producer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is it possible to take on major financial responsibilities such as buying a new home while you're still paying down debt? Is now even a good time to buy a home? This week's guest, a 39-year-old aspiring homeowner living in Iowa City, Iowa, is struggling with whether t homeownership is right for her because of these questions and more. For advice, host Stefanie O'Connell Rodrgiuez turns to author Mindy Jensen, who is also the host of The Bigger Pockets money podcast and a licensed real estate agent. For more info visit realsimple.com/moneyconfidentialpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is now really a good time to be investing? With prices going up and the stock market falling, how should you adjust your financial plans and investing strategy? Stefanie sits down with Katie Gatti Tassin, host of the Money with Katie podcast, to find out. For more info visit realsimple.com/moneyconfidentialpodcast Money Confidential is produced by: Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez Mickey O'Connor - Senior Editorial Director, Real Simple Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer Jenny Snyder - Audio Producer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Once you've paid off your debt, established an emergency fund, and started investing for retirement, you've got your financial fundamentals in place - but is it enough to afford the future you want for yourself? And if not, what should you do next? This week, Stefanie interviews Certified Financial Planner Douglas Boneparth about how to prioritize your savings and investments and what to consider after you've maxed out your retirement accounts. For more info visit realsimple.com/moneyconfidentialpodcast Money Confidential is produced by: Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez Mickey O'Connor - Senior Editorial Director, Real Simple Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer Jenny Snyder - Audio Producer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's frustrating when you're not getting what you want out of your career, whether it's money, meaning, or in the case of this week's listener, both. So what do you do next? Give up the security of a steady paycheck to pursue your passions? Or stick it out and hope that someday you'll make more money -- and if that's a possibility, what can you do to try to make it happen? On this episode, host Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez turns to Terri Trespicio, author of Unfollow Your Passion: How to Create a Life that Matters to You, for answers. For more info visit realsimple.com/moneyconfidentialpodcast Money Confidential is produced by: Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez - Host/Producer Mickey O'Connor - Senior Editorial Director, Real Simple Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer Jenny Snyder - Audio Engineer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The wealth gap between young married couples and their single counterparts has more than doubled since 2010. It's expensive being single, and inflation is making it even harder to manage rising costs on a single income. This week, Stefanie interviews writer Anne Helen Petersen about the rising costs of being single in America. Money Confidential is produced by: Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez Mickey O'Connor - Senior Editorial Director, Real Simple Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer Jenny Snyder - Audio Producer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More than half of American workers say they're behind on their retirement savings, and 46% expect to retire with debt. Stefanie interviews Joe Saul-Sehy, personal finance expert and author, about how we can prepare our finances and our lifestyles for this retirement reality. Money Confidential is produced by: Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez Mickey O'Connor - Senior Editorial Director, Real Simple Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer Jenny Snyder - Audio Producer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Stefanie talks to a listener who is the first in her family to live, work and build her wealth in the United States, and the impact that has on her relationship with both her money and her family. Personal finance author Berna Anat weighs in with how to manage the unique financial considerations for immigrants, first- and second-generation Americans.  Money Confidential is produced by: Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez Mickey O'Connor - Senior Editorial Director, Real Simple Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer Jenny Snyder - Audio Producer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As prices rise on everything from food to housing, your paycheck may not be going as far as it used to. So how can you or should you bring up inflation in your next salary negotiation? Stefanie turns to career coach and co-host of The Brown Ambition podcast Mandi Woodruff-Santos for answers. Money Confidential is produced by: Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez Mickey O'Connor - Senior Editorial Director, Real Simple Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer Jenny Snyder - Audio Producer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is now really a good time to be investing? With prices going up and the stock market falling, how should you adjust your financial plans and investing strategy? Stefanie sits down with Katie Gatti Tassin, host of the Money with Katie podcast, to find out. Money Confidential is produced by: Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez Mickey O'Connor - Senior Editorial Director, Real Simple Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer Jenny Snyder - Audio Producer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What's the real cost of having a baby? And how can you prepare for it? Host Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez interviews Reshma Saujani, founder and CEO of Girls Who Code and Marshall Plan for Moms, about the impact of parenthood on your personal finances, and what we can do to prepare our money and our careers for one of life's most expensive milestones. Money Confidential is produced by: Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez Mickey O'Connor - Senior Editorial Director, Real Simple Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer Jenny Snyder - Audio Producer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alicia, a 49-year-old school psychologist and mother of two children, is juggling multiple money goals following her recent divorce: furnishing her new home, paying off debt, helping her college-aged kids pay their tuition, and building up her savings. Host Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez and attorney and wealth expert Tasha Cochran lay out a step-by-step plan to help Alicia and others like her get their financial lives in order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's one thing to split expenses, but when you get married, what should you combine? What should you keep separate? And beyond the budget, what do your joint financial plans need to include? This week, host Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez gets answers from Erin Lowry, author of the Broke Millennial series, including Broke Millennial Talks Money: Scripts, Stories, and Advice to Navigate Awkward Financial Conversations. Money Confidential is produced by: Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez Mickey O'Connor - Senior Editorial Director, Real Simple Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer Jenny Snyder - Audio Producer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Once you've paid off your debt, established an emergency fund, and started investing for retirement, you've got your financial fundamentals in place - but is it enough to afford the future you want for yourself? And if not, what should you do next? This week, Stefanie interviews Certified Financial Planner Douglas Boneparth about how to prioritize your savings and investments and what to consider after you've maxed out your retirement accounts. If you have a money story or question to share, you can send us an email at money.confidential@realsimple.com. You can also leave us a voicemail at ‪(929) 352-4106‬. Money Confidential is produced by: Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez Mickey O'Connor - Senior Editorial Director, Real Simple Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer Jenny Snyder - Audio Producer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Buying your first home is already a major money milestone—but having to do it on your own in an uncertain housing market can make it feel even more overwhelming. In this episode, host Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez interviews real estate expert and mortgage lender Nicole Rueth about how to navigate the home-buying process as a single person - including the options and alternatives available to single buyers who fear being priced out of this hot housing market. If you have a money story or question to share, you can send us an email at money.confidential@realsimple.com. You can also leave us a voicemail at ‪(929) 352-4106‬. Money Confidential is produced by: Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez Mickey O'Connor - Senior Editorial Director, Real Simple Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer Jenny Snyder - Audio Producer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Julia's marriage ended she did not expect to lose half of her savings. Now that she's thinking about getting remarried, Julia wants to protect herself financially and is considering asking her partner for a prenuptial agreement. Host Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez sits down with Beatrice Leong, a divorce and family law attorney, to discuss what Julia, and all couples considering marriage, need to know about getting a prenup. If you have a money story or question to share, you can send us an email at money.confidential@realsimple.com. You can also leave us a voicemail at ‪(929) 352-4106‬. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Student loan debt can make you feel like you're never going to get ahead, especially when your total student loan balance is hundreds of thousands of dollars - as it is for this weeks' listener. In this episode host, Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez, interviews Melissa Jean-Baptiste, the founder of Millennial in Debt, about her journey of paying off $102,000 of debt, and her strategies for anyone else trying to do the same. Money Confidential is produced by: Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez Mickey O'Connor - Senior Editorial Director, Real Simple Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer Jenny Snyder - Audio Producer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fertility treatments like IVF and IUI are expensive, and for most Americans, not covered by insurance. Not to mention, there are no guarantees, making it difficult to know how much these treatments will ultimately cost. This week on Money Confidential, we talk about how to pay for the fertility treatments you need and navigating a financial plan in the midst of so many unknowns. Money Confidential is produced by: Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez Mickey O'Connor - Senior Editorial Director, Real Simple Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer Jenny Snyder - Audio Producer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Real estate prices are insanely high, and now mortgage rates are also rising. Has first-time homeownership ever felt more out of reach? On this week's episode, host Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez talks to Dr. Daryl Fairweather, chief economist at real estate brokerage Redfin, about what today's housing market means for prospective buyers, plus whether it makes more sense to buy or rent right now.   Money Confidential is produced by: Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez Mickey O'Connor - Senior Editorial Director, Real Simple Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer Jenny Snyder - Audio Producer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we are going to hear from three past expert guests who know what it's like to balance the needs of their children (like paying for college) with their own, sometimes competing, financial needs (like saving for retirement). Learn how these experts find balance while also educating their children about spending and saving money early on. If you have a money story or question to share, you can send us an email at money.confidential@realsimple.com. You can also leave us a voicemail at ‪(929) 352-4106‬. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode Summary: You want to travel, but you're not sure if you can afford to - at least not without guilt or fear of jeopardizing your other financial goals. In this episode, host Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez speaks with founder of Pennywise Traveler, Angel Trihn, about practical ways to save on travel. And how to build your travel spending into your financial plans alongside the rest of your money goals. Money Confidential is produced by: Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez- Host/Producer Mickey O'Connor - Senior Editorial Director, Real Simple Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer Jenny Snyder - Audio Producer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's frustrating when you're not getting what you want out of your career, whether it's money, meaning, or in the case of this week's listener, both. So what do you do next? Give up the security of a steady paycheck to pursue your passions? Or stick it out and hope that someday you'll make more money -- and if that's a possibility, what can you do to try to make it happen? On this episode, host Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez turns to Terri Trespicio, author of Unfollow Your Passion: How to Create a Life that Matters to You, for answers. Money Confidential is produced by: Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez - Host/Producer Mickey O'Connor - Senior Editorial Director, Real Simple Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer Jenny Snyder - Audio Engineer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Money Confidential from Real Simple is back with your real money stories, struggles, and secrets. When it comes to finances, we know it's not just about the money, it's about what the money means for you. Each week, host Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez talks to a listener about their money problems, and gets real answers from financial experts.⁠ Because we all have money secrets. We just need more space to talk about them. This is the place for real talk about money, and real solutions that actually work. New episodes drop every Monday, starting May 16th. Follow Money Confidential wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More than half of Americans say they are living paycheck to paycheck -- including this weeks' listener, a 39-year-old college professor who, despite having a high income, is struggling to stick to a budget. For help, Stefanie interviews Alison Baggerly, the founder of Inspired Budget, about the practical financial and emotional strategies our listener can use to break free of the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle for good. If you have a money story or question to share, you can send us an email at money.confidential@realsimple.com. You can also leave us a voicemail at ‪(929) 352-4106‬. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Budgeting isn't a fun concept--it fact, for many of us, it's incredibly off-putting. We tend to associate budgeting with denying ourselves of everything we enjoy. This week, however, you'll hear from three previous guests who offer a fresh perspective on budgeting as a way to afford what you really want, without feeling deprived at all. Tune in, and get ready to look at budgeting in a whole new way. If you have a money story or question to share, you can send us an email at money.confidential@realsimple.com. You can also leave us a voicemail at ‪(929) 352-4106‬. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Investing is an excellent way to grow your own personal wealth. But when it comes to filing your taxes when you have investments, there are certain things you need to know–so you don't end up with penalties like this week's listener, Lorraine, did back in 2019. For advice, host Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez turns to Kristin Myers, editor-in-chief of The Balance, and Caleb Silver, editor-in-chief of Investopedia. Dealing with debt? Buying a house? Getting married? Confused about investing? Planning for retirement? If you have a money story or question to share, you can send us an email at money.confidential@realsimple.com. You can also leave us a voicemail at ‪(929) 352-4106‬. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's episode, we meet Daria, a Brooklyn-based listener who's currently finalizing her divorce from her husband. Like every other major life event, divorce changes the way in which you should file your taxes. For advice on how to get your taxes right after a divorce, host Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez turns to Kristin Myers, editor-in-chief of The Balance, and Caleb Silver, editor-in-chief of Investopedia. They'll also delve into everything you need to know when filing your taxes after retirement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Milestone moments such as getting married, buying a home, or having children can change the way you file your taxes as much as they can change your life. But it's important to know all the implications of making a change so you don't run into trouble like this week's listener did. Gretchen thought she was making all the right decisions by filing separately from her husband–then was slapped with penalties from the government. For advice on filing taxes after several major life events, host Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez turns to Kristin Myers, editor-in-chief of The Balance, and Caleb Silver, editor-in-chief of Investopedia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tax laws change constantly, and your taxes only become more complicated the older you get. In fact, many times, people just don't realize what they don't know. This week's listener, for example, settled a debt–without understanding the tax implications–and lost most of her tax refund as a result. So when should you do your own taxes, and when should you consider calling a professional? For guidance, host Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez turns to personal finance experts, Kristin Myers, editor-in-chief of The Balance, and Caleb Silver, editor-in-chief of Investopedia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For many people, taxes are intimidating. After all, slip-ups can have serious consequences. Take this week's guest, a 40-year-old public service worker based in Washington, DC, who wound up with a massive bill from the IRS after adjusting her tax withholding to pay down debt quicker and not filing taxes for two years. To help you avoid tax mistakes and maximize benefits–and ensure you're up to date on all that changed for 2021–host Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez turns to Kristin Myers, Editor-in-Chief of The Balance, and Caleb Silver, Editor-in-Chief of Investopedia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Everyone pays taxes, yet it's a complicated process that many of us don't fully understand. As one Utah-based listener learned the hard way, one simple oversight is all it takes to get a big bill from the IRS, instead of your anticipated refund. In this episode, host Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez tackles all the essentials with Caleb Silver, editor-in-chief of Investopedia, and Kristin Myers, editor-in-chief of The Balance, including what each tax form means, how to claim deductions (and find out what you qualify for), how to handle charitable donations, when to expect your refund, how to avoid scams, and so much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Season 2 of Money Confidential is back with Taxes in Ten, a six-episode mini-season covering your top tax questions. Host and nationally recognized money expert, Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez is teaming up with personal finance experts, Kristin Myers, editor-in-chief of The Balance, and Caleb Silver, editor-in-chief of Investopedia, to talk about everything from doing your own taxes, to the specific tax considerations of different life stages. Taxes in Ten starts February 21. New episodes every Monday.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you talk about money in your relationship when the fact that you earn more than your partner is a constant source of underlying tension? Stefanie talks to a 26-year-old woman based in Chicago who out earns her boyfriend by $35,000 a year, as well as financial expert Farnoosh Torabi, who reveals how breadwinning women can maximize fulfillment at work, at home, and in their financial lives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we're revisiting conversations we've had with four past expert guests about the most common things people overlook when purchasing a home, as well as all the hidden costs of homeownership – to help you prepare for one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make - buying a home. If you have a money story or question to share, you can send us an email at money.confidential@realsimple.com. You can also leave us a voicemail at ‪(929) 352-4106‬.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Taking control of your finances is challenging for many people, but for this week's listener, a 40-year-old Virginia man, ADHD and bipolar diagnoses complicate the situation even more. Host Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez turns to licensed therapist Amber Hawley for strategies to effectively manage your money while also dealing with mental health challenges. If you have a money story or question to share, you can send us an email at money.confidential@realsimple.com. You can also leave us a voicemail at ‪(929) 352-4106‬. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we meet a 38-year-old father based in Queens, New York, who has spent tens of thousands of dollars on home repairs and renovations over the past two years. Frustrated by all the time and money he's spent on a place that isn't his family's forever home, our listener asks: Should we sell and move elsewhere, even though we've only lived in our place for two years? Host Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez turns to full-time real estate investor, J Scott, for answers.  If you have a money story or question to share, you can send us an email at money.confidential@realsimple.com. You can also leave us a voicemail at ‪(929) 352-4106‬. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Managing your own financial future can be a scary and overwhelming process. For many people, becoming a parent adds a new layer of complexity and anxiety to the process. Our guest, a 36-year-old first time father living in Austin, Texas, is struggling to find balance in his financial planning with the added expenses and time commitments of raising a baby with his wife. For help, host Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez speaks with Dasha Kennedy, founder of financial education platform, TheBrokeBlackGirl.com, about how she found her footing raising a child while managing her finances. If you have a money story or question to share, you can send us an email at money.confidential@realsimple.com. You can also leave us a voicemail at ‪(929) 352-4106‬. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you pay off expenses from your past while also making smart investments for your future? This week's guest, a 26-year-old living in New York City, is struggling with this dilemma right now. To help her, and others like her, host Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez interviews viral TikTok money coach Delyanne Barros about how to strike the right balance between your financial obligations and your goals for the future, as well as easy strategies for growing your money (no matter how much you have).  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you indulge in time out with friends while also paying off debt and saving for emergencies? That's the conundrum this week's guest, a 28-year-old Mississippi native living in New York City, is trying to solve. Host Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez interviews YouTube star, Aja Dang, about her experience of paying off $200,000 of debt in just two years--without sacrificing her monthly budget for facials. If you have a money story or question to share, you can send us an email at money.confidential@realsimple.com. You can also leave us a voicemail at ‪(929) 352-4106‬. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many of us would love to create generational wealth for our family, but that desire can leave us feeling overwhelmed. Our guest this week, a 39-year-old woman from the Bronx, recently purchased her first home in the Atlanta suburbs after struggling with the grief of losing loved ones during the pandemic. She now grapples with how to secure her own financial future, while also building an inheritance for her children.  For help, host Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez speaks with author and personal finance expert Kiersten Saunders about the difficulties of balancing personal financial needs with the dreams of leaving wealth to our family. If you have a money story or question to share, you can send us an email at money.confidential@realsimple.com. You can also leave us a voicemail at ‪(929) 352-4106‬. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Saving for major life events in the future is one thing, but how do you prepare financially when you have several milestones happening at the same time? Our guest this week, a 32-year-old woman based in Chicago, is currently planning her wedding, but also wants to buy a home and start a family in the near future. To help her prepare financially, host Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez talks to personal finance expert Sahirenys Pierce about how to prioritize financial goals and create systems that support those priorities. If you have a money story or question to share, you can send us an email at money.confidential@realsimple.com. You can also leave us a voicemail at ‪(929) 352-4106‬.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Christina, a 32-year-old healthcare worker in Reno, Nevada, is struggling to pay off her five-figure credit card debt while also supporting her children and helping her mother financially. To offer guidance to Christina and others like her, host Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez interviews financial coach Cindy Zuniga-Sanchez about how she balanced paying off $215,000 of debt while offering financial assistance to her own family. If you have a money story or question to share, you can send us an email at money.confidential@realsimple.com. You can also leave us a voicemail at ‪(929) 352-4106‬.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After owning (and selling) a home in Philadelphia, this week's guest is questioning whether she ever wants to own a home again. Her biggest dilemma: Will renting for the rest of her life help or hurt her financial wellness long-term? For advice, Stefanie turns to Shang of SaveMyCents.com.  If you have a money story or question to share, you can send us an email at money.confidential@realsimple.com. You can also leave us a voicemail at ‪(929) 352-4106‬.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when you or a loved one passes away without a will? This weeks' guest, a 26-year-old based in Texas, found out when his mother passed away a few years ago. So far, he's spent over $15,000 of his own money, depleting his savings, and borrowing against his 401(k), to settle the estate--and it looks like he'll have to spend tens of thousands more to complete the process. For advice, host Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez turned to Cameron Huddleston, author of Mom and Dad, We Need to Talk: How to Have Essential Conversations with Your Parents About Their Finances. If you have a money story or question to share, you can send us an email at money.confidential@realsimple.com. You can also leave us a voicemail at ‪(929) 352-4106. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we are going to hear from three past expert guests who know what it's like to balance the needs of their children (like paying for college) with their own, sometimes competing, financial needs (like saving for retirement). Learn how these experts find balance while also educating their children about spending and saving money early on. If you have a money story or question to share, you can send us an email at money.confidential@realsimple.com. You can also leave us a voicemail at ‪(929) 352-4106‬. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A 28-year old social media manager wants to quit her job and turn her growing side hustle into a full-time business, but to do it, she has to stop overspending. Host Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez and personal finance expert Bola Sokunbi share practical strategies for managing the root causes of overspending, including-the impulse buys and emotional spending that many of us are doing to cope with the pandemic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More than half of Americans say they are living paycheck to paycheck -- including this weeks' listener, a 39-year-old college professor who, despite having a high income, is struggling to stick to a budget. For help, Stefanie interviews Alison Baggerly, the founder of Inspired Budget, about the practical financial and emotional strategies our listener can use to break free of the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle for good. If you have a money story or question to share, you can send us an email at money.confidential@realsimple.com. You can also leave us a voicemail at ‪(929) 352-4106‬. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we meet Louise, a 64-year-old marketing manager from New Jersey who was laid off during the pandemic. Although she is nearing retirement age, Louise is worried that she hasn't saved enough money for the years ahead. . To help Louise prepare for that future, Stefanie talks to Jill Schlesinger, a Certified Financial Planner and CBS News Business Analyst. If you have a money story or question to share, you can send us an email at money.confidential@realsimple.com. You can also leave us a voicemail at ‪(929) 352-4106‬.