How to Money

Before you’re tempted to rush out and pounce on those Black Friday deals: How amazing is it that we live in a world where there are so many ‘free’ things all around us? And how unfortunate it is, that we often don’t even see these ‘free’ resources because we’re so used to purchasing and consumption- we don’t even think to make use of them. Our technology and culture steers us in the direction to spend. Chances are you’re not taking advantage of this ‘free’ stuff and you’re overspending because maybe you haven’t thought about it or there are some things you’re not even aware of yet. Putting these resources to use will make you smarter, save you money, and will overall lead to a healthier and more balanced life.During this episode we enjoyed a Sticky Hands IPA by Block 15 Brewing Company- a big thanks to Dale for donating this beer to the show! And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Help us to spread the word to get more people doing smart things with their money!Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kristin Wong is passionate about helping people understand money in an accessible way. She started Lifehacker’s personal finance blog called Two Cents and she also authored the book “Get Money” last year - which is a great beginner’s guide to personal finance. She has also been featured in other major publications like Refinery29 and Glamour Magazine and you can currently find her writing in Smarter Living and the NYT. Even though Kristin is not a fan of Costco, we still had a great time talking about how we can gamify our personal finances, tips for being a digital nomad, and salary transparency in the workplace.During this episode we enjoyed a Lundi IPA by Monday Night Brewing- which you can learn all about on Untappd! And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Help us to spread the word to get more people doing smart things with their money!Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are times in our lives as consumers, that we’re faced with a decision: even though I can’t afford it, do I buy this thing that I really want? “Ohhh, that new iPhone looks really awesome” or “It would be a ton of fun to take a trip to the mountains next month!”. We often already know that the answer to these questions should be “No, I don’t have the money” because we know it’s not worth going into debt for these types of expenses. But sometimes the answer isn’t always as cut and dried as we’d like it to be. What if, as someone looking to invest in yourself, you’re thinking about taking out some student loans? Or what if you’re considering purchasing a home and you don’t have hundreds of thousands of dollars set aside? Occasionally, we find ourselves in these situations where debt might make sense. Listen as we talk through some of those scenarios as well as what else to keep in mind when you’re considering taking on debt.During this episode we enjoyed a Czech Pilsner by yEAST Atlanta Brewers- a big thanks to our beer brewing friend John Francis for donating this beer to the show! And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Help us to spread the word to get more people doing smart things with their money!Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the podcast we’re answering your questions! 1 - Should I make additional principal payments on my mortgage? 2 - I want to open a flexible account for my daughters- what should it be? 3 - Would you recommend a foreclosure or pre-foreclosure for us as first-time homebuyers? 4 - What do y’all think about investing in gold and other precious metals? 5 - While shopping for a house, should we take into account the potential rent from house hacking with our friend, as we consider what we can afford? And how about some specific tips for renting to a friend?And if you have a question for us, we’d love for you to submit your own via HowToMoney.com/ask/During this episode we enjoyed a 6A, which is a New England style saison pale ale by yEAST Atlanta Brewers- a big thanks to our beer brewing friend John Francis for donating this beer to the show! And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Help us to spread the word to get more people doing smart things with their money!Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The price of college has gotten so incredibly expensive that we’re wondering if college is even worth it anymore. With the current total outstanding student loan debt totaling over $1.6 trillion, the return on your investment isn’t as obvious as it was decades ago. Now is the time to ask: Is getting a degree from a traditional academic institution the best course going forward? The answer isn’t going to be the same for everyone, but we’ll touch on the important things to consider before you decide to go back to school or as you have that conversation with your high schooler as they weigh college options.During this episode we enjoyed a Mexican Lager by St. Archer- a big thanks to our friends at St. Archer for donating the beers to the show this week! And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Help us to spread the word to get more people doing smart things with their money!Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our guest on this episode is personal finance writer J.D. Roth who started his blog, Get Rich Slowly in the early days of the internet- back in 2006! It’s grown to be one of the most well-respected personal finance sites around thanks to his honesty, superb writing, and desire to serve his readers. We hear all about J.D.’s history with money, whether politics belong in personal finance, the different stages of financial freedom, as well as the intersection of depression and money. And let’s not forget- we snuck in some conversation about Taylor Swift and J.D.’s lifelong devotion to his hometown soccer team!During this episode we enjoyed a Gold by St. Archer Brewing Co- thanks to our friends at St. Archer for donating these beers to the show! And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Help us to spread the word to get more people doing smart things with their money!Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most folks we know are big fans of Airbnb- they’ve either had a great experience while traveling or they’re considering it for their next trip. There’s a good chance this is also true for you, but have you ever considered hosting on Airbnb? There are countless ways that we can make extra money on the side, but we’ve found that most of them aren’t nearly as rewarding as welcoming travelers into your home! Matt’s Airbnb apartment has been up and running for a few months now so in this episode we dive into the benefits and drawbacks for him and his family. We also cover what you should consider when trying to decide if hosting is a good idea for you as well as some tips for getting your Airbnb off the ground.During this episode we enjoyed a Neighborhood Nomads by Casa Agria Specialty Ales- a big thanks to our friend Josh out in California for donating this beer to the show! And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts- we’d love to hear from you.Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the pod we’re answering your questions! 1 - How do I justify going on vacation while I still have student loans? 2 - Should I pay for an addition with a home equity loan or by draining my emergency fund? 3 - Is the rental car insurance provided by my credit card a good option? 4 - How can I drop PMI early? 5 - What should I do with my Roth IRA that is currently with a high cost brokerage?And if you have a question for us, we’d love for you to submit your own via HowToMoney.com/askDuring this episode we enjoyed a Liquid Stardust by Surly Brewing- a big thanks to our friends at Surly for donating this beer to the show! And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Help us to spread the word to get more people doing smart things with their money!Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Imagine that you have a well paying job but otherwise it sucks and you wish you could leave. And now imagine that an amazing opportunity comes along for you to start your dream business- that thing you’ve always wanted to do, but the problem is that you know you won’t be able to pay yourself for a solid year. What you need is peace out money to keep you afloat! Or maybe some family or health issues have come up and you want to be able to spend time with family, or maybe you just want to take some time off and road trip it for 6 months. Either way, the answer is peace out money! We’re defining this as having enough money on hand to leave situations or jobs where you could technically stay, but you’re choosing not to because you’d rather do something else. You have that peace out money to bridge you to the next job or opportunity that you really want to pursue. Listen to the full episode to hear the additional benefits of peace out money, how it's different than reaching financial independence, and then finally the steps you can take to make sure you have your own peace out money set and ready for when you need it.And during this episode we enjoyed a 2014 Oud Bruin by yEast Atlanta Brewers which you can find and learn all about on Untappd. A big thanks to our friend John for brewing, aging, and donating this beer! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and review us in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts!For specific links and additional information about this episode, head over to our site: HowToMoney.com . Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Liz Thames, better known as Mrs. Frugalwoods, is the creator of the award-winning personal finance blog, Frugalwoods.com and she’s the author of the book, Meet The Frugalwoods: Achieving Financial Independence Through Simple Living. At age 32, she reached financial independence and left a successful career in Boston to create a more meaningful, purpose-driven life on a 66-acre homestead in the woods of Vermont with her husband and their two young daughters. Liz has been featured on The Today Show, PBS, NPR, in the New York Times and more. We’re excited to hear about the frugal steps she took in order to achieve financial independence, the side benefits of frugality, as well as what her life looks like there on the homestead.During this episode we enjoyed a Boss Tweed by Old Nation Brewing- which you can find and learn all about on Untappd! And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts- we’d love to hear from you.Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In order to travel affordably, we have to keep our lodging costs in check! The money we spend on a comfortable place to sleep at night can be a huge expense, sometimes keeping us from traveling at all. Luckily there are some incredible ways to save more thanks to the internet and different apps created specifically to improve price transparency and to help you find the best deal online. We also have some great suggestions with some specific strategies to allow you to save big money on travel lodging.During this episode we enjoyed a Darkness by Surly Brewing- a big thanks to our friends at Surly for donating this beer to the show! And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts- we’d love to hear from you.Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the pod we’re answering your questions! 1 - Should I negotiate my salary for an entry level position? 2 - As we begin to consolidate our debt, what effect will closing some credit cards have on the type of loan we’re able to get? 3 - Should I keep my HSA with my employer or take it somewhere else? 4 - Is a salvage title a deal breaker? 5 - How to save and invest effectively on a wildly varying paycheck?And if you have a question for us, we’d love for you to submit your own via HowToMoney.com/askDuring this episode we enjoyed a If It's The Peaches by Cherry Street Brewing- which you can find and learn all about on Untappd! And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts- we’d love to hear from you.Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Countless Americans don’t have a plan for how much they will spend or who they will be buying for this holiday season. What results is we end up with that all too familiar spending hangover with folks paying off those “unforeseen” expenses well into the New Year. Instead, we can avoid that debt by beginning to think and save now (even starting to save now for next year!), and creating a spending plan that includes things like gift budgeting, making cuts to your list of who to include, and tracking your spending. And while you’re making these changes, it’s really important to communicate the reasons why you might be cutting back- you don’t want your friends thinking you hate them! Talking about it with those you care about is an important step and we dive into how to do that effectively.During this episode we enjoyed a Timely Surrender by Archetype Brewing- another big thanks to Brad and Corina up at Archetype for donating the beers to the show this week! And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts- we’d love to hear from you.Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For this episode, we’re excited to hear from David Greene who is a nationally recognized authority on real estate investing. David has been on CNN, Forbes, and HGTV several times and he’s also a former police officer and current co-host of the BiggerPockets real estate podcast. He is the author of best selling books like “Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat: The BRRRR Rental Property Investment Strategy Made Simple” and “Long Distance Real Estate Investing”. We not only hear his tips on what to look for when purchasing a solid investment property, but we also go back to his fortuitous beginnings in real estate and the type of mindset that is required in order to be a successful real estate investor.During this episode we enjoyed a The Explorer by Archetype Brewing- a big thanks to Brad and Corina up at Archetype for donating this beer to the show this week! And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts- we’d love to hear from you.Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s vitally important to discuss financial optimism because a LOT of folks have negative money scripts floating around their heads. Their pessimism hurts their current view of their money and their future financial wellbeing. How can we combat that? Financial optimism. We need to understand the good that currently exists in our lives and cultivate a hopeful attitude towards our finances. When we’re pessimistic about the current state of our financial health, it leads to inaction and that creates a cycle that secures that pessimism for the long term. It’s time to flip the script, change how we view our finances, and start doing awesome things with our money!During this episode we enjoyed a Caramel Macchiato Stout by Old Bust Head- a big thanks to Matt’s in-laws for donating this beer to the show this week! And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts- we’d love to hear from you.Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the pod we’re answering your questions! 1 - What are some strategies to keep my healthcare affordable before Medicare kicks in? 2 - Financially speaking, should I be preparing to take care of my aging mom who is bad with her money? 3 - What kind of receipts should I be keeping up with as I manage my financial affairs? 4 - Are car subscription services, like Care by Volvo, a good way to pay for a car? 5 - Timeshares seem so cheap these days, are they a good deal?And if you have a question for us, we’d love for you to submit your own via HowToMoney.com/askDuring this episode we enjoyed a Melange #14 by The Bruery- which you can find and learn all about on Untappd! And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts- we’d love to hear from you.Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With mortgage rates near all-time lows, now is a great time to consider refinancing. Pouncing on these lower rates can lower our monthly mortgage payment, allowing us to free up some money that was being funelled towards housing. But what else should we consider? Are you a good candidate for a refinance? And then on top of that there are also costs involved in refinancing that can make it prohibitive. In this episode we discuss the factors you need to consider, some great reasons to refi, and how to make sure you are refinancing effectively.During this episode we enjoyed an Old Tuffy by New Belgium- a big thanks to Maggy for donating this beer to the show this week! And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts- we’d love to hear from you.Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we’re excited to have our friend Brad Barrett join us on the podcast. Brad is co-host of the podcast ChooseFI, but before that he was a CPA who left his job thanks to his pursuit of financial independence so he obviously knows a thing or two about personal finance. However, Brad’s favorite topic is leveraging credit card rewards to save more money, and take trips you never would have dreamed possible! Listen as we kick things off by discussing financial independence, but then we dive into credit card rewards and the best ways to score those free flights and free nights.During this episode we enjoyed a sCAMPer IPA by UpCountry Brewing Co- a big thanks to our good friend Stacey for donating this beer to the show! And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts- we’d love to hear from you.Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We have some really exciting news to share before introducing this Wednesday episode (and ironically enough, we discussed the cost of diapers at the beginning of this one)!Are we ready for a recession!? The economy has been roaring for close to a decade and corrections are inevitable. We’re not saying to pay uber close attention to the news cycle and the different predictions of the market tanking, but it is good to be prepared. And even if an actual recession never occurs, getting our personal finances in shape will allow us to be prepared for short-term bumps in the road- whether they’re market related, or purely personal. Give this episode a listen to hear our top tips on how you should recession proof your finances.During this episode we both enjoyed a Resilience IPA by Sierra Nevada which you can find and learn all about on Untappd. A big thanks to Felipe in Chico CA for donating this delicious beer! And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts- we’d love to hear from you.Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the pod we’re answering your questions! 1 - Condos: are they a good investment? Should I consider one instead of a house? 2 - What are all the different types of auto insurance that are offered? 3 - I have whole life insurance. Should I cancel immediately or let it sit around to allow the cash value to grow? 4 - Unfortunately I’ve already signed up with a debt settlement company, but should I stick with them if they’re settling and negotiating my debts? 5 - Frugal or Cheap? I’m going out of my way for a free charge for my electric car.And if you have a question for us, we’d love for you to submit your own via HowToMoney.com/askDuring this episode we enjoyed a Second Fiddle by Fiddlehead Brewing Co- another big thanks to Cameron here in Atlanta for donating this beer to the show! And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts- we’d love to hear from you.Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the course of our lives, our habits become ingrained and the small things we do day after day shape who we become. This is especially true of our money as simple routines can be life-changing, but don’t forget the door swings both ways. While positive financial habits can lead to massive wins for us down the road, negative habits can lead to some pretty grim consequences. In this episode we discuss the ‘what’ and the ‘how’- what are some great financial behaviors to begin practicing, and how to stick with it and transform those behaviors into long lasting habits.During this episode we enjoyed a Heady Topper by the The Alchemist- a big thanks to Cameron here in Atlanta for donating this beer to the show this week! And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts- we’d love to hear from you.Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tiffany Aliche is also known as the Budgetnista and her mission is to make life-changing financial education accessible to women worldwide. She’s been featured on MSNBC, The Today Show, Forbes- and earlier this year she was instrumental in a new law that passed in New Jersey that will have a massive impact on financial education. We also dive into her history with money and how even though she was raised in a household that prioritized money discussions, she still made some costly mistakes that left her broke before climbing out of that debt. Now, she has already helped over 800,000 women worldwide collectively save more than $100 million, and pay off over $75 million in debt, purchase homes, and transform the way they think about their finances.During this episode we enjoyed a Mountain Beer Kolsch by Telluride Brewing Co- a big thanks to Alex there are the brewery for donating this beer to the show! And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts- we’d love to hear from you.Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Housing costs are a significant expense, gobbling up around 37% of most American’s take home pay- other categories don’t even come close! Spending less on housing will have an inordinate impact on the amount of money you’re able to save and invest, and house hacking is one of the best ways to achieve this goal. House hacking is a tactic that everyone should consider- whether you pay rent or have a mortgage, you’re a candidate for transforming a monthly expense into a source of revenue. Listen as we demystify some different approaches to house hacking as well as our personal experience with this valuable practice.During this episode we enjoyed Mosaic Coyote by Yellowhammer Brewing- a big thanks to Matt’s dad, Tim, for donating these beers to the show this week! And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts- we’d love to hear from you.Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the pod we’re answering your questions! 1 - What should I do with my old employer sponsored retirement plan? 2 - Where should I invest being fresh out school and in my 20s? 3 - Solar- finance and take the tax credit now or wait and save to pay cash? 4 - I’m receiving 8k from the Peace Corps once I complete my service- what should I do with that money? 5 - Should I extend a line of credit to pad my emergency fund?And if you have a question for us, we’d love for you to submit your own via HowToMoney.com/askDuring this episode we enjoyed a Nazionale by Birra Baladin- a big thanks to our buddy Andrew for donating this beer to the show! And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts- we’d love to hear from you.Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We talk a lot about investing- whether that be in the stock market, in real estate, or in bitcoin (JK don’t ever do that)! But it’s not often that we discuss investing in ourselves- our personal capital is one of the greatest assets we have! The power to grow our income based on our unique skills is crucial as we develop personally and professionally. While many folks stop growing their knowledge and experience once they receive that diploma, challenging ourselves to grow in these areas can have a massive payoff down the road.During this episode we enjoyed a Whiskey Peach Cider by Western Cider Co- another big thanks to Rae in Missoula for donating to the show this week! And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts- we’d love to hear from you.Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kristy Shen has an amazing story- from growing up in China on $0.44 a day to becoming financially independent at age 31 and traveling non-stop around the world. Kristy writes about money on her site Millennial-Revolution and shares her story in the new book she wrote with her husband called “Quit Like a Millionaire.” In this interview we cover a number of topics that range from her remarkable childhood and the surprising benefits of a scarcity mindset, all the way to analyzing what degree to pursue and her experience with geographic arbitrage.During this episode we enjoyed a Blood Orange Gose by Draught Works- a big thanks to Rae in Missoula for donating this beer to the show! And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts- we’d love to hear from you.Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s a lot of crappy financial advice out there. Some sayings you might hear all the time and you’re not even sure where they even originated- maybe they’re more of a proverbial phrase. There are also bits of wisdom that might have been good at some point, but are now just outdated- it’s time to retire those old ways of thinking! And other phrases might just be broad blanket statements, but our financial landscape today requires a bit more nuance. We’re going to tackle some of these sayings and determine what we should and shouldn’t be doing with our money.During this episode we enjoyed a Golden Sabbath by Big Island Brewhaus- another big thanks to Cody in Hawaii for donating these beers to the show this week! And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts- we’d love to hear from you.Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the pod we’re answering your questions! 1 - I’m moving to the beach, should I keep my current house as a rental or sell it? 2 - When applying for credit cards, what do I put as my income if I have irregular or unearned income? 3 - What should you keep in mind if considering bankruptcy? 4 - Instead of having an escrow account with my mortgage company, should I save the money myself? 5 - My sister is in college- where can she start investing money in a Roth account?And if you have a question for us, we’d love for you to submit your own via HowToMoney.com/askDuring this episode we enjoyed a Moku Imperial IPA by Lanikai Brewing Co- a big thanks to Cody in Hawaii for donating this beer to the show! And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts- we’d love to hear from you.Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Loyalty to certain brands, stores, or service providers could be costing you a ton of money. The same might be true when it comes to your devotion to an employer - your loyalty might be keeping you from earning more. There are times when loyalty is appropriate and justifiable, and we’ll discuss those instances, but just be mindful of where your allegiances lie. Sure, dedication can be great in your personal life with friends and loved ones, but we want you to question your loyalty, especially when it comes to faceless corporations where there isn’t any personal connection.During this episode we enjoyed a Fairy Nectar London by Kros Strain Brewing Co- another big thanks to Joey in Omaha for donating both beers to the show this week! And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts- we’d love to hear from you.Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Talking with your parents about their finances might prove to be a very difficult conversation- discussing religion and politics may even seem like a walk in the park compared to breaching the topics of retirement, long term care, and wills. Which is why we’re so thankful to have Cameron Huddleston join us to explain how we can go about having these essential conversations with our parents. She has recently published her book “Mom and Dad, We Need to Talk” and she is here to walk us through initiating and leading these conversations with our parents about their finances. Thank you, Cameron, for breaking this down for us and encouraging us to get started!During this episode we enjoyed a Fairy Nectar by Kros Strain Brewing Co- a big thanks to Joey in Omaha for donating this beer to the show! And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts- we’d love to hear from you.Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Much of our financial life often revolves around one number- our credit score. It’s really important that your score is in a healthy range as it impacts loan terms, insurance rates, and even job offers. Luckily we all have free access to our credit scores, credit reports, and the steps we need to take to ensure that our credit score is in great shape. We’re sharing that information with you in this episode. Depending on your history, it could be a long road of rebuilding your credit, but boosting your score can help in more ways than you may even realize!During this episode we each enjoyed a Whitewall Wheat by Crank Arm Brewing- a big thanks to Cody in NC for donating this one to the show! And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts- we’d love to hear from you.Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the pod we’re answering your questions! 1 - Should I continue investing with an impending market correction? 2 - What should I do with the money I’m setting aside for new baby expenses? 3 - After some hail damage, should I fix my car or keep the insurance money? 4 - How does compounding work for investments like stocks? 5 - Do I have to pay quarterly estimates or should I invest that money instead?And if you have a question for us, we’d love for you to submit your own via HowToMoney.com/askDuring this episode we enjoyed a Fancy Dance by Skydance Brewing Co- a big thanks to Patrick in Oklahoma for donating this beer to the show! And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts- we’d love to hear from you.Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do you do for fun? This might seem like a trivial question, but discovering your hobbies can have some pretty large impacts on your financial health and overall well-being. Of course we want to ensure that we’re pursuing frugal hobbies and that we’re being intentional by curating our interests. The mindless pursuit of expensive hobbies is never a good thing- but reaching the end of our working career and finding ourselves bored and restless sounds like a nightmare scenario! We live in a work driven culture, and so we need to cultivate these hobbies and interests now so that we have something to look forward to in retirement other than just ‘not working’. We talk long-term about our money all the time, so this week we’re talking long-term about our hobbies.During this episode we each enjoyed a Bourbon Barrel Peach Cider by Tieton Cider Works- a big thanks to Jenna there at the cidery for donating this one to the show! And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts- we’d love to hear from you.Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is chock full of personal finance gold. Sure, we spend a good amount of time talking about negotiating, but we also cover intentional spending, the psychology behind being smart with your money, and rethinking the money ‘truths’ we’ve grown up with. We are stoked to have Ramit Sethi join us as we cover all those topics and more, which can also be found in his book ‘I Will Teach You to be Rich’ (and stick around to the end as we’re giving away a few copies as well)! Ramit has written about personal finance for the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times and is a veteran in the personal finance community. Living a rich life is different for everyone and we’re glad to have Ramit Sethi on this episode to remind us to dream big.During this episode we each enjoyed a cold brewed coffee since we recorded this episode in the morning (back with craft beer next week)! And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts- we’d love to hear from you.Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you have a difficult time setting aside money for the future and saving towards retirement, then identifying why it is that you’re saving might be what you’re missing. Studies have even shown that we will save more money for retirement when we’re able to see an older version of ourselves- so maybe trying out FaceApp is a good thing after all! Even though we all might have different motivators, it’s healthy to remind ourselves of why it is so important to save and invest. And actually realizing and understanding that we’re going to be old one day is crucial when it comes to maintaining a high savings rate in our 401k, IRA, and other investment vehicles.During this episode we enjoyed a Christmas Bomb by Prairie- a big thanks to Jeff for donating this beer to the show! And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts- we’d love to hear from you.Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the pod we’re answering your questions! 1 - Is it OK to buy a new car if I’m going to keep it for 15 years? 2 - What receipts should I keep for tax purposes on the portion of my duplex I’m renting? 3 - What were y’all taught and what should I be teaching my kid about money? 4 - As a higher earner, is there any tax benefit to contributing to my IRA when I’m already covered by a retirement plan at work? 5 - Where should I consider opening a small business account for my new business?And if you have a question for us, we’d love for you to submit your own via HowToMoney.com/askDuring this episode we enjoyed an Okie by Prairie Artisan Ales- a big thanks to our friend Abe here in Atlanta for donating this beer to the show! And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts- we’d love to hear from you.Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We should all probably watch a little less TV than we do, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be getting a deal in the process! The television bundle is the priciest way to watch and you should consider a free or streaming option because there are now so many choices. And you don’t have to sacrifice and give up a particular show or live sports if that’s your thing- there’s a really good chance you can find a video service, providing the content you’re looking for, that will be substantially more affordable than your local cable or satellite provider.During this episode we enjoyed a Saison Du Ble by Side Project- a big thanks to our buddy David here in Atlanta for donating this beer to the show! And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts- we’d love to hear from you.Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The leading cause of bankruptcy in America is the inability to pay medical bills- an estimated half a million people file for this reason every year! Almost no one is immune to the rising cost of healthcare, and fellow podcaster Dan Weissmann is here to commiserate. Dan’s podcast, An Arm and a Leg, is part journalism part personal narrative as he dives into real life experiences of Americans with their health coverage. Healthcare is definitely confusing, and based on the fact that our country spends almost 20% of our GDP on medical spending- it is also clear that costs are out of control. During this episode we each enjoyed an SKB IPA by Sun King Brewery- a big thanks to James for donating this beer to the show! And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts, Castbox, or wherever you get your podcasts- we’d love to hear from you.Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Health Savings Accounts aren’t just for paying your medical bills- when used properly, they are pure retirement gold! If you have a qualifying healthcare plan and aren’t taking advantage of an HSA, you’re missing out on massive amounts of money that you could be socking away. This is because an HSA is the most tax advantaged retirement account that exists, maybe even dethroning the Roth IRA as our favorite retirement account! Have a listen as to why we think you should seriously consider opening a Health Savings Account.If you want to learn more, head over to Lively as they have lots of helpful information and answers to your eligibility questions. It's completely free for individuals and families and they make it easy to open your HSA to start investing today.During this episode we enjoyed a Mirror Universe by Fair State Brewing Cooperative- another big thanks to Riley in Minnesota for donating this beer to the show! And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts- we’d love to hear from you.Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the pod we’re answering your questions! 1 - Should I keep my car payment around in order to boost my credit score? 2 - When does it make sense to replace old light bulbs with new LEDs? 3 - Is it worth disputing my property tax bill? 4 - How can I negotiate a lower APR on my credit cards? 5 - I’m considering joining Lending Club as an alternative way to invest my money- is this a good idea?And if you have a question for us, we’d love for you to submit your own via HowToMoney.com/askDuring this episode we enjoyed A Visit to My Crazy Aunt by Insight Brewing- a big thanks to Riley in Minnesota for donating this beer to the show! And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts- we’d love to hear from you.Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whether you’re planning to score a deal on Amazon Prime day or not, chances are you do a good bit of purchasing online. Obviously we love getting a great deal and the convenience of online shopping is unmatched, but what other considerations should be taken into account? Just because we’re getting a deal now, does that mean we’re spending less money in the long run? During this episode we cover when shopping at a local brick and mortar is better, some serious downsides of shopping online, and then we wrap things up by covering our favorite ways to get deals buying online using deal sites, techniques, and our favorite Chrome extension.During this episode we enjoyed a Fort by Dogfish Head- another big thanks to our friend Tyler here in Atlanta for donating this rare (to us!) beer to the show! And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts, Castbox, or wherever you get your podcasts- we’d love to hear from you.Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Getting your significant other on-board when it comes to personal finance goals may be no small task- which is just one of the reasons we’re excited to have Andy Hill join us for this episode. Andy and his wife started their life together 50k in debt. They put in the hard work of confronting their individual unhealthy financial patterns, set some serious goals, and in just 4 years were completely debt free (including a 195k mortgage!) and now 8 years later have grown their net worth to over 750k! Andy’s podcast is called Marriage, Kids, & Money, and today we’re excited to talk with him about a variety of topics including clever ways he’s been able to diversify his income, as well as some tips for avoiding money fights with your partner and communicating well with regard to money and goals.During this episode we each enjoyed a Cream Weaver by Three Taverns Brewery - a big thanks to our friend Tyler here in Atlanta for donating this tasty beer to the show! And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts, Castbox, or wherever you get your podcasts- we’d love to hear from you.Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many of us have our own personalized, specific goals when it comes to our money, so it’s no surprise that we also have many different views of what financial independence means to each of us. Since tomorrow is the 4th of July, we wanted to take a moment and reflect on how our views of financial independence have changed over the years. We also posted this question in the How To Money Facebook group, and we look forward to digging into and sharing your wisdom regarding what financial freedom means to you! Just like we often discuss regarding knowing the ‘why’ behind our money, when we’re able to identify why it is we’re seeking after financial freedom, we can endure almost any ‘how.’ Happy 4th!During this episode we each enjoyed an Order of Magnitude by Edmund’s Oast which you can find on Untappd. A big thanks to Andrew in South Carolina for donating this amazing beer to the show! And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts, Castbox, or wherever you get your podcasts- we’d love to hear from you.Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the pod we’re answering your questions! 1 - What does it mean to put index funds in my Roth IRA? 2 - Should I invest in Fundrise and REITs in order to learn more about real estate investing? 3 - Should we consider getting a home warranty? 4 - How will my credit score be impacted if I pay off a debt in collections? 5 - Am I crazy to consider buying a new $65,000 electric truck?And if you have a question for us, we’d love for you to submit your own via HowToMoney.com/askDuring this episode we enjoyed a Ninja vs Unicorn Double IPA by Pipeworks Brewing Co which you can find on Untappd. Another big thanks to Russ for donating this beer to the show! And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts, Castbox, or wherever you get your podcasts- we’d love to hear from you.Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Understanding what our time is worth allows us to make more informed decisions regarding our time and money. Your hourly rate informs your decision to DIY a project at home, determine whether you’re spending too much time searching for a deal, or whether its time to negotiate a raise or other benefits at work. Your personal hourly rate shouldn’t be the only consideration but understanding the relationship between our time and money will allow us to live more meaningful and optimized lives.During this episode we enjoyed a Seismic Positivity by Pipeworks Brewing Co which you can find on Untappd. A big thanks to Russ here in Atlanta for donating this beer to the show! And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts, Castbox, or wherever you get your podcasts- we’d love to hear from you.Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So many of us grew up without any sort of formal or informal education about personal finance. Few states offer a personal finance course in their public schools and even fewer participate in any sort of standardized testing for the courses they do offer. That’s why we’re really excited to have Dan LaSalle join us for this episode. Dan saw a need for this type of education in the high school where he was teaching and four years ago he took it upon himself to create a personal finance program that not only teaches students the importance of budgeting, saving, and investing, but also gives them the opportunity to earn up to $5,000 a year, and put that money into a bank account of their own. We truly believe that this kind of approach could be the future of financial education!During this episode we enjoyed a Happy Trees by ANXO which you can find on Untappd. A big thanks to good buddy Andrew for donating another tasty beer cider to the show! And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts, Castbox, or wherever you get your podcasts- we’d love to hear from you.Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More and more investors want their money to be going to companies who are doing good in the world, or at least to companies who are being responsible when it comes to the environment, social issues, and governance. Companies who are leading in this front may also be better positioned for future challenges and experience fewer instances of bribery, corruption, and fraud (bonus: giving you better returns on your investment)! Unfortunately, with socially responsible investing being fairly new on the scene, definitions can be unclear and terms are often used interchangeably. Listen as we dive into this topic, giving you the knowledge to help you decide what socially responsible investing means to you.During this episode we both enjoyed a Toffee Stout by Carolina Brewery which you can find on Untappd. Another big thanks to Emma in NC for donating this beer to the show! And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts, Castbox, or wherever you get your podcasts- we’d love to hear from you.Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the pod we’re answering your questions! 1 - Should I get umbrella insurance or put each investment property in it’s own LLC? 2 - Should I change my tax withholdings to pay off debt? 3 - How should my partner and I split bills and pursue financial independence when we have very different incomes? 4 - When should I consider switching to a bank that pays a higher interest rate? 5 - How should I structure a group of friends to discuss talking about money?And if you have a question for us, we’d love for you to submit your own via HowToMoney.com/askDuring this episode we enjoyed a Pink Robots by Birdsong Brewing which you can find on Untappd. A big thanks to Emma for donating this beer to the show! And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts, Castbox, or wherever you get your podcasts- we’d love to hear from you.Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here on How to Money, we often debate the merits of a purchase, not because we hate spending money and try to avoid doing so at all costs, but because we are constantly checking ourselves to avoid the MINDLESS spending of our money. It is a challenge to make every financial decision with the same level of intentionality but we find we are often more wasteful when we are feeling too tired or lazy to be intentional. But just being aware of some of the triggers and circumstances that lead us to spend in ways that don't align with our financial goals can help us see it and own it when it happens, and lead us to effectively change our habits for good. Being excited to spend our money mindfully on a purchase that aligns with our financial goals is a good, healthy feeling- whereas impulse spending can leave a spending hangover, often accompanied by debt. Listen as we run through several rules that help us be mindful spenders.During this episode we enjoyed a National Cherry Blossom FestivAle by Old Ox Brewery which you can find on Untappd. A big thanks to our good buddy Andrew for donating this beer to the show! And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts, Castbox, or wherever you get your podcasts- we’d love to hear from you.Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is so much more to handling your finances and investing well, than just knowing the correct information. Oftentimes we’re blind to the factors all around us, including our own tendencies and biases which can have a much bigger impact on how well we money. Willpower is limited and context matters way more than we might think. That’s why we're pumped to sit down with Dr. Daniel Crosby- he is a psychologist and behavioral finance expert who helps folks understand the intersection of their minds and their money. Daniel is a NYT bestselling author on behavioral finance, and his latest book The Behavioral Investor, looks at the psychology, physiology, and sociology of financial decision making. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a better understanding of what steps you need to take in order to be a successful investor.During this episode we both enjoyed a Hoplanta by Atlanta Brewing Co which you can find on Untappd. A big thanks to Daniel himself, for not only showing up talking with us in person, but for donating these beers to the show! And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review over in Apple Podcasts - that's how you can enter to win a copy of Daniel's latest book The Behavioral Investor. Once you leave that review, just shoot us an email at [email protected] with your screen or user name and you'll be set!Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.