Financial Freedom Podcast

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where you live can have a significant effect on your financial freedom, whether it's during your working life or in retirement. It can influence cost of living, opportunities in your careeer, or resale value when you are ready to downsize. That's why in this episode of the podcast I talk to Ryan Frederick about how he sees where you live and how location, location, location means so much more to your financial well-being. In this episode you will learn: - How being in the wrong place can be isolating - How climate change could affect where you relocate to - How your location could increase or decrease cost of living and financial freedom

The current economy has people stressed out with inflation and talk of an impending recession. As a result, the process of saving for retirement, already seen by many as a slog and a struggle, can seem even mre difficult and anxiety-inducing. That's why in this episode of the podcast I talk with Dawn Dahlby, who is not only a Certified Financial Planner, but also a behavioral financial advisor. From her we can learn how to find financial peace and happiness in troubling economic times. In this episode you will learn: - How to relieve the anxiety of uncertain financial times - Why saving for retirement doesn't have to be a struggle - How "spending freedom" can change your financial outlook - How to cultivate a positive financial mindset

Saving and investing for retirement has always been challenging, but in the turbulent economic times we've been living in lately, it can be even tougher. Inflation and talks of a recession have made many people fearful of the future and whether they will be able to make their investment goals this year. That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to discuss some tips by the experts on what you can do to be sure you are staying the course and doing what you need to do to reach your ultimate goal: a comfortable retirement! In this episode you will learn: - How Moving in Retirement Can Help - How Much Savings Will You Need - How to Recover From 2022 Losses - Retirement Investment Tips for Women - Spousal IRAs

According to Divorce.com, the U.S. has the highest divorce rate in the world at 40-50%, although the Census Bureau report suggests that the rate dropped from 2009 to 2019. 60% of second marriages and 73% of third marriages end in divorce. Divorce is also expensive, both financially and emotionally. But beyond the lawyers fees, there are many hidden costs that can wreak havoc with your personal finances and which need to be considered. That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to discuss those, so that if you are getting divorced or considering it, you can take them into consideration and maybe minimize them. In this episode you will learn: - How to Prepare for the Hidden Costs - "The Worst Offenders" of Hidden Costs - The Impact on Financial Planning

There's a lot in the news these days on personal finance, including a possible new repayment plan for student loans, dealing with marital "financial incompatibility," and new laws pertaining to retirement savings. With all of this going on, it can be hard to keep track and get all of the key facts. Thant's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to talk about these various news items, many of which are cause for optimism in the new year. I hope they can help you avoid a tax audit, reduce financial conflict with your spouse, and make for a better retirement savings plan. In this episode you will learn: - About a New Student Loan Repayment Plan - How Much Your Refund Could Be - About Resolving "Financial Incompatibility" with Couples - Status of the Federal $10,000 Deduction Limit for State & Local Taxes - Four Reasons the IRS May Flag Your Return for Audit - About a New Retirement Law That Increases Tax-Free Savings Options

With tax season having officially started on January 23, the IRS is expecting taxpayers to file more than 168 million returns, most of them before the April 18 deadline. But depending on how involved your finances are, this can be a rather stressful time. That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to talk about the preparation process for your 2022 tax return in an effort to relieve at least some of that stress. Here's what you need to know about preparing it, filing it, and some deductions you might have missed. In this episode you will learn: - What You Need to Know When Filing Your Tax Return - Tips for Making the Filing of Your Return Easier - Important Things to Need to Know - About Tax Deductions You May Be Missing

Positioning yourself for financial freedom early on in life is the best way to do it, and creates a greater chance of success. However, this can be done at any age through discipline and planning. Certified Financial Planner Eric Brotman has written several books on the process and helped countless people to achieve their goals. That's why on this episode of the podcast I wanted to talk to Eric about his books, his experience, and the advice he gives to his clients to help them to build their path to financial freedom. In this episode you will learn: - How to Pay Yourself First and Ensure Retirment Savings - How Saving for Retirement in Your 20s is Easier Thank You Think - About the Importance of Tax Planning in Your Retirement Portfolio - How to Leverage Your 401k If You Have Student Loans - How to Pay Down Debt Through Financial Triage

2022 was a rough year with inflation and recession rearing their ugly heads and causing us concern for our financial freedom (at least in the short term). But gas prices have dropped significantly, and recession has not been officially declared, so there's reason for hope in the new year. That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to talk about what the financial and economic experts are saying, whether you should listen to them, and what you should do to prepare your finances for the 12 months ahead. In this episode you will learn: - What the Experts Are Saying - Whether You Should Listen to Them - How to Prepare for the Year Ahead

In Episode 128 I talked about the divorce of Bill & Melinda Gates, the fact that they didn't have a pre-nuptual agreement, and when these agreements might be a good idea. Although they are of particular importance in community property states, here in New Jersey and other equitable distribution states, it still might be a good idea. But what if you got married without a prenup? What happens then? Is it too late to agree on certain issues, such as the division of property, alimony, and child custody? Maybe not. Which is why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to talk about something called a post-nuptual agreement, what it is, what it does, and whether you should think about having one. In this episode you will learn: - What a Post-Nuptual Agreement Is - How it Differs from a Pre-Nuptual Agreement - Who Should Have One - Circumstances That Could Trigger the Need for One - The Pros and Cons

The Christmas of 2021 presented its own challenges. Shipping delays and supply chain bottlenecks made it difficult for stores to keep items on their shelves, which led to less than stellar deals and long delivery times. I talked about all of this in Episode 141. But this Christmas is different and requires a different strategy. You, as the consumer, are more in the driver's seat when it comes to getting deals and getting your gifts in time for the holiday. That's why in this episode of the podcast, I wanted to talk about shopping tips for the current situation to help you have the best holiday ever! In this episode you will learn: - Money Saving Shopping Tips - How to Make a Holiday Shopping Budgett - How to Do Your Whole List for $500 - Holiday Shopping for Busy People

Becoming permanently disabled can be devastating to your personal finances and seriously challenge your financial freedom and independence. In Episode 28 I covered how to deal with this if it's a result of a job-related injury. But what if it's for some other reason, like an auto accident or a debilitating disease? That's why in this episode of the podcast I bring back attorney Sam Gaylord to talk about how to get disability benefits, where you can get them, how you qualify for them, and how they can help you maintain your financial freedom. In this episode you will learn: - What disability benefits are available from Social Security - What the requirements are to get those benefits - How you apply for them - How do pension disability benefits work - What pensions offer them - How these disability benefits interact with each other

Financial freedom and independence can be achieved by diligently implementing proven strategies and tactics that will get you there. But if you don't have the right beliefs about money, it will be difficult, if not impossible to be successful. I discussed money mindsets in Episodes 34 through 36, but thought it was time to discuss it again. That's why in this episode of the podcast I talk with personal finance coach Derrick Kinney who has some great ideas, thoughts, and stories about having good money beliefs and how to get past the bad ones. In this episode you will learn: - How to keep fear of making an investment mistake from holding you back - How to let go of money fears and mindsets from your childhood - That you can still start investing for retirement in your 20s

With issues like inflation, recession, and student loans being hot issues this Fall, there are lots of items in the news discussing them. People are concerned with the rising cost of living, salaries at their jobs that might not be tracking with it, and student loan debt that they are struggling to pay, if they can afford to pay them at all. That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to do a roundup of some of the stories in the news that discuss these issues in hopes that the information they provide will help you navigate the current financial landscape. In this episode you will learn: - How to Know Your Worth in the Job Market - What to Look for in Your Credit Report to Help Increase Your Score - How to Save on Groceries as Food Prices Soar - How to Prepare for a Recession - What To Do If Your Student Loan Forgiveness Application is Audited

With the pandemic essentially over with no more lockdowns of large gatherings, more and more people are setting dates and planning weddings. In Episode 96, I talked about getting your finances ready for marriage. But what about getting Ready for the Big Event itself? Weddings cost, on average, $20,000 at least, even before you pay for the guests at the reception ($70 per guest, average, so 100 guests would be another $7,000). This is a big expense before starting a life together. That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to talk about how to have a great wedding without mortgaging your future together! In this episode you will learn: - The Right Mindset for Wedding Planning - How to Set a Budget for the Wedding - Tips for Negotiating with Vendors - Tips on Saving Money from the Flowers to the Reception

Now is an exciting and hopeful time for student loan borrowers. President Biden has announced a forgiveness program that will help many people struggling with payments. But there's more at work here than that. There are programs already in place that could also allow you to pay off your remaining balances sooner or get out of default (and repair your credit) while getting an affordable monthly payment. That's why in this episode of the podcast I go into detail about these programs, which one will benefit you most, and when you need to take action. In this episode you will learn: - The details of the Biden loan forgiveness program - How you might be able to repay your unforgiven balance much sooner - How to get out of default after January 1, 2023 - The important deadlines for taking action

In the last episode, and in Episode 149, I talked about the credit myths that may be holding you beck from building good credit and FICO scores that reflect it. Good credit scores are key to financial freedom and a bright financial future. But what can you expect when you get there? What does good credit look like and what are the advantages? Knowing the answers to these questions and what you are working towards, will help keep you motivated towards your goal, which is why I discuss these answers in this episode of the podcast. In this episode you will learn: - What constitutes a high credit score - How better credit can help you get a job - How to get better perks on your credit card - How it will prepare you better for the future

Achieving and maintaining a good credit score is essential to maintaining your financial freedom. It allows you to get credit more easily and at more favorable rates. But many people are thwarted from doing this by all the myths and misconceptions that are out there about credit scores. I talked about this in Episode 149, but in my research I found a dozen more that are out there spreading "fake news" about what can help or harm your score. So let's dispel them right now. In this episode you will learn: - 12 Credit Card Myths to Disbelieve - The Truth Behind the Myths - How to Spot a Credit Repair Scammer - the Importance of Setting Short Term Financial goals

The news media has been talking a lot lately about inflation and the growing possibility of a recession. This has people worried about their short term financial plans, in dealing with inflation, and what a recession could do to their long term financial plans. That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to talk about not only inflation (which I've addressed in previous episodes), but recession as well, and offer a few tips for preparing your finances. In this way I hope to reduce your stress by knowing that you are ready for whatever comes. In this episode you will learn: - How to Prepare for Possible Layoffs - How to Take Advantage of Higher Interest Rates - What Financial Advisors Are Telling People They Should Do - Ways You Can Prepare for Recession Now

With inflation driving up prices and straining our budgets, we're all looking for ways to save money. That includes increasing our take home pay by reducing the bite taken out of our paychecks by the government. That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to talk about ways in which you can increase your tax deductions and decrease your taxable income. Also, because people are often afraid to do this because they fear an audit, I will also talk about audit red flags and how to avoid them. In this episode you will learn: - How your college education can help pay your taxes - How to leverage state sales tax to lower taxes - How personal mortgage insurance can help - How unreported income and mistakes can lead to an audit - How the home office deduction can get you in trouble

Although unemployment is low these days, there are many that are warning that we are headed into a recession, and that not only will the hot job market cool, but that layoffs may be headed our way. In addition, many companies that have made offers have since withdrawn them, often with people who accepted those offers having given notice at their previous job. That's why in this episode of the podcast, I wanted to talk about what you should do if you should lose your job, or how to prepare for it if you think it will be happening in the near future. In this episode you will learn about: How to negotiate your exit How to maximize your benefits before they end Networking and building job skills How to conduct an effective job search

At its Worldwide Developers Conference earlier this month, Apple announced that it would be offering a Buy Now, Pay Later program as a part of its financial services to customers. This alternative form of payment for goods and services has had a resurgence during the pandemic, and Apple's announcement has put it in the news. But what is Buy Now, Pay Later, and should you be making use of it as part of your household finances and budget? In this episode, I will dive deep into this service and advise as to whether it is a good idea for you. In this episode you will learn: What Buy Now, Pay Later Is Its Pros and Cons How it Affects Your Credit Whether You Should Use It

Back in Episode 80 I talked about Health Savings Accounts in conjunction with some high deductible health insurance plans through the Affordable Care Act. An HSA is a great idea if you have one of these plans. However, since I have been talking about retirement planning and saving lately, I wanted to revisit this great savings option, as these accounts can serve two purposes: protect you from medial costs in a high deductible health plan and help you save for retirement at the same time. Find out how in this episode! In this episode you will learn: What an HSA is The pros and cons of having one Who can set one up Who can contribute to one (and how much) How an HSA helps with retirement planning Is one right for you? But to learn the most, talk to the HR person with your employer and/or a financial professional to get the right advice for you.

In the past two episodes, I have talked about financial education for our children and instilling them with a basic working knowledge and literacy when it comes to money. I also discussed in Episode 136 about how you should start saving for retirement in your 20s and how it can be done. But what if you started earlier than that? What if our kids started saving for retirement even before they graduated from high school? In this episode of the podcast, I will talk about how parents can help their children start saving for their retirement and get the earliest start doing it. In this episode you will learn: Why starting your child in saving for retirmenet is a good idea Why a Roth IRA is a better choice How to set up the IRA How to fund the IRA

In the last episode I talked with Jake Cousineau, a California educator who teaches financial literacy to high school students. But looking into this further I discovered that attitudes about money (called Financial Personalities) form way before a child reaches high school. Thus, teaching children from an early age (as I discussed in Episode 130) becomes very important. That's why in this episode of the podcast I talk with Vince Shorb, a financial wellness advocate and educator, who has developed curricula to shape financial personalities early in a child's life. In this episode you will learn: What a Financial Personality Is When They Are Formed How Parents and Teachers Can Guide How They Are Formed Why People Make Financial Decisions That Don't Align With Their Goals About the Behavioral Aspects of Money

When I was growing up, the boys took shop, and the girls took home ec. The latter, as we would say today, stressed gender roles, and consisted of cooking, sewing, and the like. But real home economics should deal with household finances, budgeting, credit, and the like. It should help to prepare high school students for the real world. That's why in this episode of the podcast, I wanted to talk about how that should change, and has been changing in some schools around the country. To that end, I invited teacher and author Jake Cousineau onto the show to discuss how he is accomplishing just that! In this episode you will learn: About how personal finance is taught in a high school in California About the importance of learning personal finance at an early age Why high schools should teach personal finance to seniors

There are many challenges that face people on the road to financial freedom, including credit card debt, student loans, and a loss of employment or reduction in income. Overcoming them can be a real struggle, but necessary in reaching financial independence. But women, particularly widowed or divorced women, face particular challenges that need to be addressed in order for them to get back onto their financial feet. That's why, in this episode of the podcast, I talk with Certified Financial Planner Maryann Keith on how she helps women with these issues. In this episode you will learn about: Why Designating a Deceased Spouse's IRA as Inherited is Important Dealing with Mortgages in the Deceased Spouse's Name Accessing the Pension of a Spouse that Dies Before Retirement Financial Planning for When the Alimony Runs Out Educational Planning for the Children After Divorce