How to Money

Money just feels like a topic that is off-limits when it comes to discussions you have with your friends. Is it because it’s too personal? Maybe you feel it’s none of your business? A big part of why we started How to Money is because we feel that money conversations need to happen more often. Talking about money shines a light on it and brings about awareness, which can ultimately lead to improvement as we all have room to grow. Listen as we discuss some of the major ways you’re likely missing out if you’re not talking about money. And then we wrap it up with some practical tips that can help you when it comes to striking up a money conversation with your friends and family.During this episode we enjoyed a Zoose Joose by Westbrook and Angry Chair. And as we have ramped up the podcast with an additional Friday episode every week, we could really use your help to spread the word- let friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular, 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 in these difficult times!Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’ve all made some financial mistakes, but hopefully through reading, listening to podcasts, and learning from our previous mistakes, we can move forward and make smarter moves with our money. That’s what we’re covering during this interview. Our guest today is Jill Schlesinger who is an on-air CBS News Business Analyst who covers the economy as she guides people through their personal financial decisions. Jill is a Certified Financial Planner and also the author of the book "The Dumb Things Smart People do with Their Money". In this interview we spend some time talking about a lot of those dumb things, and we also dive into how Jill got her start in all things money.During this interview we enjoyed a Wedge Salad by Green Bench Brewing that we picked up on a recent ‘work’ bike ride! And as we have ramped up the podcast with an additional Friday episode every week, we could really use your help to spread the word- let friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular, 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 in these difficult times!Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

*While we typically try and record our Friday episode just days before being published, we recorded 207 and 210 weeks ago in order for us to be able to take some time off with our families. This means the death of George Floyd and the protests around the country hadn’t occurred yet and we were not able to comment. However, we believe that Black Lives Matter and we encourage our listeners to all work toward making our world a more loving place.*Friday episodes are all about the week’s news and the effects of Covid-19 on your personal finances. There are a lot of headlines out there, but we are distilling it down to specific takeaways that will allow you to not just weather this health and financial crisis, but to thrive. In this episode we cover a lot of interesting topics like the uptick in scams, falling interest rates and their effect on student loans and savings rates, and pay cuts at work. Then we also talk with our friend and real estate investor Chad Carson to get his thoughts if investing in real estate is still a good idea.And as we’ve ramped up the podcast with an additional Friday episode every week, we could really use your help to spread the word- let friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular, 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 in these difficult times!Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is everything in life negotiable? It depends on who you ask. We all enjoy paying less than we have to and getting a deal, but there are certain instances where it makes more sense than others. Just because you can negotiate a bill to get a few bucks off doesn’t mean it’s a good use of your time, when there might be a different bill that you should focus on instead. There are several areas in our personal finances that we often overlook to the detriment of our bank accounts. And then one of the other problems is knowing how to go about the process of negotiating- what strategies to use and what steps to take in order to make the biggest impact. And so we’re going to address, not only how to negotiate, but also who to negotiate with, in order to make it worth our time.During this episode we enjoyed a Tampa Timeshare Grapefruit-Basil Gose by Wrecking Bar Brewpub- one of our favorite local breweries. And as we’ve ramped up the podcast with an additional Friday episode every week, we could really use your help to spread the word- let friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular, 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 in these difficult times!Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re kicking off the week by answering your questions! And if you have a question for us, we’d love for you to submit your own via HowToMoney.com/ask/1 - How big should my emergency fund be and should I count my Roth contributions towards that cash cushion?2 - Should I open up a high interest custodial savings account or a 529 Plan for my baby with some gift money?3 - Is it OK to snag a store discount by signing up for a store credit card, even though my credit is frozen?4 - As a recent graduate, should I pay down my student loans or begin investing instead?5 - How do I go about buying a used car without a brick and mortar bank?During this episode we enjoyed an Inexplicable Unease, by Bhramari Brewing. And as we’ve ramped up the podcast with an additional Friday episode every week, we could really use your help to spread the word- let friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular, 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 in these difficult times!Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday episodes are all about the week’s news and the effects of Covid-19 on your personal finances. There are a lot of headlines out there, but we are distilling it down to specific takeaways that will allow you to not just weather this health and financial crisis, but to thrive. In this episode we cover a lot of interesting topics like Netflix cancelling subscriptions, the high price folks pay for delivery apps, and AI and customer service. We also spend some time on the most affordable used cars today and where you can buy them, as well as whether or not the work office is dead now that so many of us are working from home.And as we’ve ramped up the podcast with an additional Friday episode every week, we could really use your help to spread the word- let friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular, 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 in these difficult times!Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are professionals who can help us in almost every aspect of our lives. In some cases it’s a slam dunk easy decision, but there are other times when we can, and should, handle it ourselves. The problem is knowing when to DIY it and when to call in the big guns, the professionals, in this case- the financial advisor. There are a lot of aspects of our personal finances that don’t require professional help. You don’t need a financial advisor to tell you that you need to start paying down your debt and get that employer match in your 401k. But there are some more complicated issues that might arise when it would make sense to hire a pro. Listen to this episode and see if you should be considering hiring a financial advisor or going it alone.During this episode we enjoyed a Catharsis by Treehouse Brewing- thanks to Bryan and Caitlin for donating this one to the show! And as we ramp up the podcast with an additional Friday episode every week, we could really use your help to spread the word- let friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular, 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 in these difficult times!Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode we have the honor of speaking with Richard Cordray, who served for six years as the first Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, or CFPB. Since his time at the CFPB, he has written a book, WATCHDOG: How Protecting Consumers Can Save Our Families, Our Economy, and Our Democracy. In his book, Richard shares stories of individual consumers in order to show how the Bureau quickly became a powerful force for good. WATCHDOG tells a hopeful story of how our system can be reformed by putting government back on the side of the people. And we don’t just stop at government help, we also dive into how we as individual consumers can take steps to remain vigilant, especially during this modern pandemic.During this episode we enjoyed a Von Pilsner by Crooked Stave- thanks to our friends at the brewery for donating this one to the show! And as we have ramped up the podcast with an additional Friday episode every week, we could really use your help to spread the word- let friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular, 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 in these difficult times!Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday episodes are all about the week’s news and the effects of Covid-19 on your personal finances. There are a lot of headlines out there, but we are distilling it down to specific takeaways that will allow you to not just weather this health and financial crisis, but to thrive. In this episode we cover a lot of good news we’ve come across in the past week. We also address how you might have the option to make changes to your health care coverage, how your credit score might drop due to the deferment of federal student loans, appealing for more student aid, and some benefits of graduating during a pandemic.And as we’ve ramped up the podcast with an additional Friday episode every week, we could really use your help to spread the word- let friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular, 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 in these difficult times!Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Change can be a little frightening, but it’s the only constant. Our entire economy has seen a massive change- industries that were in slow decline are now quickly accelerating towards obsolescence, and we’re seeing other industries that were fairly new and unproven showing explosive growth. There is a good chance you have experienced some changes at work, and so whether you like it or not a career pivot might be on the horizon for you. In this episode, we’ll talk about what these pivots could look like, as well as how you can make these changes successfully.During this episode we enjoyed a Twisted Galaxy by Toppling Goliath Brewing- thanks to Joe for donating this one to the show! And as we’ve ramped up the podcast with an additional Friday episode every week, we could really use your help to spread the word- let friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular, 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 in these difficult times!Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re kicking off the week by answering your questions! And if you have a question for us, we’d love for you to submit your own via HowToMoney.com/ask/1 - Is now a good time to make a Roth IRA conversion?2 - I’m in my mid-30s, should I focus on paying down debt or investing more towards retirement?3 - Should I sell some stocks that I’ve purchased via my employer’s ESPP?4 - How much should I be budgeting for housing repairs and rental vacancy?5 - Coming off a gap year, what financial tips do you guys have for me as I begin medical school?During this episode we enjoyed a Dankbot by Insight Brewing- thanks to Joe for donating this one to the show! And as we’ve ramped up the podcast with an additional Friday episode every week, we could really use your help to spread the word- let friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular, 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 in these difficult times!Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday episodes are all about the effects of Covid-19 on your personal finances. There’s a lot of news and information out there, but we are distilling it down to specific takeaways that will allow you to weather this surreal health and financial crisis. In today’s timely episode we cover a lot of good news we’ve come across in the past week. We also address how spending is up home improvement, whether there is more stimulus money heading our way, and where to look for new jobs.And as we’ve ramped up the podcast with an additional Friday episode every week, we could really use your help to spread the word- let friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular, 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 in these difficult times!Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why is it that when a consumer item like a new phone is on sale, we pounce, but when the stock market is on sale, we run? Buying and holding are both far more difficult to do in a volatile market for most investors. And when we see terms like ‘bear market’ and ‘recession’ in the headlines, it makes it even harder for many of us to continue to invest. But what is important to remember is that buying into this market volatility is the source of future returns. The overall American stock market has returned roughly 9.7% over the past 90 years. And those 90 years have included difficult events like wars, depressions, deflation, and various politicians. So while it might feel a lot safer to not invest at all, know that American capitalism has continued to produce results for decades on end despite real challenges. Investing in an economic tailspin, although it feels a bit counterintuitive, is the best thing you could be doing over the long-term.During this episode we enjoyed an Athena Paradiso by Creature Comforts! And as we’ve ramped up the podcast with an additional Friday episode every week, we could really use your help to spread the word- let friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular, 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 in these difficult times!Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In his early 20s, Thomas Nitzche found himself in loads of debt. Like so many folks, he didn’t learn how credit cards really worked, and so the charges began to add up, and before he knew it he had an overwhelming balance that he could barely make minimum payments on. Couple that consumer spending with student loans, a car payment, a mortgage, and the final kicker- getting laid off and losing his income. Thomas found himself in a really stressful spot, but he was able to move from a place of desperation to using his experiences to help others. He now works for Money Management International, which is the largest provider of nonprofit financial counseling and education in the United States. He’s all about conversations around money and destigmatizing debt, and so that’s what we’ve tackled in this episode.During this episode we enjoyed an Experimental IPA Vol 13, by Easy Chair Brewing Garage- thanks to our friend Jess for brewing this one up and donating it to the show! And as we ramp up the podcast with an additional Friday episode every week, we could really use your help to spread the word- let friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular, 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 in these difficult times!Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday episodes are all about the effects of Covid-19 on your personal finances. There’s a lot of news and information out there, but we are distilling it down to specific takeaways that will allow you to weather this surreal health and financial crisis. In today’s timely episode we cover a lot of good news we’ve come across in the past week. We also address the surge in bicycle riding as well as the likelihood of all of us to become more frugal, due to the coronavirus.And as we ramp up the podcast with an additional Friday episode every week, we could really use your help to spread the word- let friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular, 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 in these difficult times!Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Money anxiety is something we have all experienced in one way or another. Whether it’s student loans, trying to save up enough for a car, or even having enough money to make it to the end of the month- this stress is a very real thing. Covid-19 and its effects on our economy and our jobs have only exacerbated the issue. According to a recent Qualtrics report, 67% of people say they have higher levels of stress since the beginning of the health crisis. And money anxiety doesn’t just plague low-income earners. More personal stories and accounts have been shared in recent years of “rich” people willing to admit their own money anxieties: individuals making $100k or more are just as susceptible to living paycheck to paycheck. So in this episode we dive into some of the symptoms of money anxiety and then we recommend some practical steps we could all implement into our lives to reduce the amount of stress surrounding our personal finances.During this episode we enjoyed a Sour Opal by Firestone Walker- thanks to our friend Josh for donating it to the show! And as we ramp up the podcast with an additional Friday episode every week, we could really use your help to spread the word- let friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular, 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 in these difficult times!Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re kicking off the week by answering your questions! And if you have a question for us, we’d love for you to submit your own via HowToMoney.com/ask/1 - I really like investing via Fundrise, but should I be maxing out my Roth IRA first?2 - Bad news: I’ve recently lost my job. Good news: I just sold my house and got married! What should I do with the money from the sale of my home?3 - Should I take advantage of super low interest rates and refinance my student loans?4 - I have a high-paying, but soul-sucking job. Should I pursue a position that pays much less but will yield many other intangible benefits?5 - Is there a middle ground investment vehicle? I’m looking for something that isn’t too conservative, but something that is also not too risky.During this episode we enjoyed a Fog of War by Easy Chair Brewing Garage- thanks to our friend Jess for donating this one to the show! And as we ramp up the podcast with an additional Friday episode every week, we could really use your help to spread the word- let friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular, 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 in these difficult times!Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday episodes are all about the effects of Covid-19 on your personal finances. There’s a lot of news and information out there, but we are distilling it down to specific takeaways that will allow you to weather this surreal health and financial crisis. In today’s timely episode we cover a lot of good news we’ve come across in the past week. We also address some of the impending changes to credit card limits as well as mortgage forbearance.And as we ramp up the podcast with an additional Friday episode every week, we could really use your help to spread the word- let friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular, 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 in these difficult times!Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the Great Lockdown continuing to take its toll on the economy, mortgage rates are at near all-time lows so 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 funneled 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 what 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.

Our guest on this episode is personal finance expert Farnoosh Torabi who has transformed what most would consider setbacks, into the very things that drive her forward. She found herself living in NYC at the age of 22 with over $30k in debt, but it was through the process of climbing out of debt that Farnoosh realized her desire to help others with their money. She has done it all, from reporting for Money Magazine, to hosting her own podcast, to writing multiple books including ‘Psych Yourself Rich’ & her latest bestseller ‘When She Makes More’. We’re excited to talk with Farnoosh about couples and all things related to money, but in particular how personal finance is so much more than just understanding the nuts and bolts.During this episode we enjoyed Petite Sour Raspberry by Crooked Stave- thanks to our friends there at the brewery! And as we ramp up the podcast with an additional Friday episode every week, we could really use your help to spread the word- let friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular, 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 in these difficult times!Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday episodes are all about the Great Lockdown, Covid-19, and your money. There’s a lot of news and information out there, but we are distilling that down to specific takeaways that will allow you to weather this surreal health and financial crisis. In today’s timely episode we cover a lot of good news we’ve come across in the past week. We also share our thoughts on some states reopening for business, getting refunds, and privacy concerns of working from home.And as we ramp up the podcast with an additional Friday episode every week, we could really use your help to spread the word- let friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular, 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 in these difficult times!Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many of us have been stuck at home with extra time on our hands due to the quarantine. Even if your state or local government hasn’t made it an official order, it’s likely you’ve found yourself trying to figure out what to do with these free nights and weekends! And while we wouldn’t suggest that you must use all that additional time to work on your personal finances, it would helpful to use at least some of it to work on some money matters that typically get swept under the rug. So in this episode we’re talking about the chorelike, everyday money disciplines that are often skipped over. These are the kinds of money moves you may not be paying attention to, but they still have a big impact on your personal finances.During this episode we enjoyed an Adambier by Crooked Stave- thanks to our friends at the brewery for donating this one to the show! And as we ramp up the podcast with an additional Friday episode every week, we could really use your help to spread the word- let friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular, 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 in these difficult times!Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re kicking off the week by answering your questions! And if you have a question for us, we’d love for you to submit your own via HowToMoney.com/ask/1 - I have a lot of bonds in my portfolio- is now a good time to sell them and buy more stocks instead?2 - How are new student loans being affect by the health crisis?3 - I’ve recently started doing business with an insurance broker, saving me time and money! What’s the catch?4 - Are savings bonds a good product for my young daughter?5 - I’m considering law school but I also enjoy working with my hands- help me decide!During this episode we enjoyed a Nightmare on Brett by Crooked Stave- thanks to our friends at the brewery for donating this one to the show! And as we ramp up the podcast with an additional Friday episode every week, we could really use your help to spread the word- let friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular, 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 in these difficult times!Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday episodes are all about the Great Lockdown and your money. There’s a lot of news and information out there, but we are distilling that down to specific takeaways that will allow you to weather this surreal health and financial crisis. In today’s timely episode we cover a lot of good news we’ve come across in the past week. We also take a look at the changes we’ve seen to consumer spending, energy use as an indicator of what’s going on with the economy, and our thoughts on the housing market.And as we ramp up the podcast with an additional Friday episode every week, we could really use your help to spread the word- let friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular, 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 in these difficult times!Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A stimulus check, tax refund, or any large windfall doesn’t happen all that often, so it’s no surprise that we’re not all that great at doing something smart with that money. Most of us think of it as a bonus that we should spend! And for people who diligently prioritize saving and investing every single month of the year, that might be ok. But for most people, a more thoughtful approach is in order. Much of it depends on your specific situation, and so we have some thoughts as to what you should be doing with that money when it shows up in your account. We can approach it with the numbers in mind, or values front and center- where you do you land?During this episode we enjoyed a Space Lettuce by Monday Night Brewing! And as we ramp up the podcast with an additional Friday episode every week, we could really use your help to spread the word- let friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular, 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 in these difficult times!Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’ve all heard about the minimalist lifestyle- maybe you’re picturing a bearded hipster drinking coffee in his perfectly white dining room or an Instagram worthy, perfectly styled modern kitchen. It turns out that’s not what minimalism is all about- it’s about priorities. Also, we’ve all been spending more time in our homes than we’d probably like to be, and all that clutter might be getting to you. Here to talk with us today about minimalist living is Joshua Becker. While beginning the process of removing possessions from his life, Joshua started the site Becoming Minimalist and has written several fantastic books over the years including The More of Less and The Minimalist Home. Not only can a minimalist approach to life allow us to spend less & save/invest more, but it can have a positive impact in lots of areas of our life.During this episode we enjoyed an I Feel It All by Monday Night Brewing! And as we ramp up the podcast with an additional Friday episode every week, we could really use your help to spread the word- let friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular, 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 in these difficult times!Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday episodes are all about the coronavirus and your money. There’s a lot of news and information out there, but we are distilling that down to specific takeaways that will allow you to weather this surreal health and financial crisis. In today’s timely episode we cover a lot of good news we’ve come across in the past week. We also dive into some changes to retirement accounts due to the CARES Act as well as a topic on a lot of minds- stimulus checks. Who’s getting one, how much, and when are they showing up? And then we round out this episode by answering a question about taking out a loan to invest in a down market, as well as the likelihood of losing all of your money invested for retirement.And as we ramp up the podcast with an additional Friday episode every week, we could really use your help to spread the word- let friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular, 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 in these difficult times!Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

67 million people are anticipating having trouble paying their bills due to the fallout from Coronavirus. A lot of us have seen our income drastically cut, or maybe you don’t have ANY income at the moment. It’s important to prioritize our money now and conserve our cash, because in a tough economic cycle we might have more need for it. So the time has come for many of us to tighten our belts and cut some expenses so that our finances can survive the economic hardship that many of us are facing. There are changes that need to happen, but what expenses do we need to look to in order to make a dent in our monthly or annual expenses?During this episode we enjoyed a Mr. Blue 2019 Edition by TO ØL Beer- thanks to Jeremy in NC for donating this one to the show! And as we ramp up the podcast with an additional Friday episode every week, we could really use your help to spread the word- let friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular, 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 in these difficult times!Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re kicking off the week by answering your questions! And if you have a question for us, we’d love for you to submit your own via HowToMoney.com/ask/1 - What steps can be taken in order to prepare to become a single income household?2 - In addition to maxing out my Roth IRA, what else should I do if I want to save and invest more?3 - What are your thoughts on long-term care insurance?4 - As a newly married couple, how do we budget on a variable income?5 - What changes should I expect to see in my expenses as I’m moving from a very small town to a very large city?During this episode we enjoyed a Green by Treehouse Brewing- thanks to Bryan and Caitlin for donating this one to the show! And as we ramp up the podcast with an additional Friday episode every week, we could really use your help to spread the word- let friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular, 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 in these difficult times!Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday episodes are all about the coronavirus and your money. There’s a lot of news and information out there, but we are distilling that down to specific takeaways that will allow you to weather this surreal health and financial crisis. In today’s timely episode we cover a lot of good news, including more details on the CARES Act, aka the stimulus bill. Specifically we dive into unemployment, as well as the benefits that many small businesses are eligible for like Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) as well as the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). And then we round the episode out by answering some questions pertaining to investing in a down market as well as paying back federal student loans.And as we ramp up the podcast with an additional Friday episode every week, we could really use your help to spread the word- let friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular, 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 in these difficult times!Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It is essential for us to learn how to thrive while working from home. Our modern workforce has been heading towards working remotely for years, but of course the coronavirus has all but eliminated the ability for non-essential offices to continue to function as they had previously. The problem is that most of us don’t have home offices, or if we do, there are still countless distractions in our home that we’re not used to. And additionally, many of us have kids at home as well- while they are wonderful, they are likely distracting us from the other myriad tasks at hand! How do we work from home and do it well? We can’t continue with a system that hampers our ability to actually get work done, so we’re going to speak to how we as individuals can work from home without going crazy.During this episode we enjoyed a Same As It Ever Was by Monday Night Brewing, makers of some of Atlanta’s best craft beer. And as we ramp up the podcast with an additional Friday episode every week, we could really use your help to spread the word- let friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular, 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 in these difficult times!Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since we’re all spending a lot more time indoors, getting to know our kitchens a little better and not going to restaurants, we’re particularly happy to have Beth Moncel joining us today. Before Beth was a food blogger, she was a microbiologist after earning a degree in nutritional science. Now, she has a massively popular site called Budget Bytes where you can find simple, delicious recipes that are designed for folks with small budgets. Beth has published a cookbook and she has developed a really cool mobile app as she continues to help others discover the joy of cooking while saving money. After housing and transportation, for most of us food is our next biggest expense every month so we’re excited to talk with an expert who sits at the intersection of food and money.During this episode we enjoyed a Whimsical Nature by Phase Three Brewing - thanks to Doug for sending this one our way! And as we ramp up the podcast with an additional Friday episode every week, we could really use your help to spread the word- let friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular, 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 in these difficult times!Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday episodes are all about the coronavirus and your money. There’s a lot of news and information out there, and our goal is to distill that down to specific takeaways that will allow you to weather this surreal health and financial crisis. In today’s optimistic episode we cover a lot of good news coming down the pike, including the stimulus bill- how it looks like we’re all getting stimulus checks, unemployment benefits are being extended, and small business loans are getting amped up. Listen to learn how this bill will affect you.And as we ramp up the podcast with an additional Friday episode every week, we could really use your help to spread the word- let friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular, 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 in these difficult times!Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It doesn’t matter if the market is flying high, or if it’s dropping faster than we’ve seen in history, each one of us is capable of making the occasional dumb decision, and it’s simply because we’re human! There are certain tendencies ingrained in us that can cause us to approach the world and our personal finances in an irrational way. Some of the hardest money mistakes to correct are ones that we make habitually because we don’t recognize the patterns that may have led us there. In order to break those bad money habits, sometimes it means taking a step back and figuring out what those behavioral tendencies are! The better we are at identifying these behavioral tendencies, the more likely we are to be able to make better decisions that will have a positive impact on how we view and handle our money.During this episode we enjoyed an IDKFA by Ellipsis Brewing - thanks to Joel for picking this one up while he was down in Orlando. And as we ramp up the podcast with an additional Friday episode every week, we could really use your help to spread the word- let friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular, 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 in these difficult times!Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re kicking off the week by answering your questions! And if you have a question for us, we’d love for you to submit your own via HowToMoney.com/ask/1 - Should I utilize a VA loan to purchase a home?2 - As a graduate student, what do I need to keep in mind as I’m applying for my first credit card?3 - I’m repaying my student loans as part of the PSLF Program - should I make contributions to my Roth IRA?4 - What are your thoughts on day trading and the expensive courses teaching you how to ‘hack the stock market’?5 - Is there a danger in having too many credit cards?During this episode we enjoyed an I’m Already Pulled Over by Ellipsis Brewing - thanks to Joel for picking this one up while he was down in Orlando. And as we ramp up the podcast with an additional Friday episode every week, we could really use your help to spread the word- let friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular, and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. While you may not catch up with friends and family in person these days, it would really help out the show if you could share the podcast with others. Help us to spread the word to get more people doing smart things with their money in these difficult times!Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The economy and its effect on our personal finances continues to change due to the coronavirus, so our shorter Friday episodes are here to stay! Our goal is to provide you with timely and relevant information you need to be aware of so you can be in control of your money. In this episode we cover how to manage decreased or non-existent income along with bills that need to be paid, whether now is a good time to invest in stocks, and what you need to know about unemployment benefits.And as we ramp up the podcast with this additional Friday episode, we could really use your help to spread the word- let friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular, and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. While you may not catch up with friends and family in person these days, it would really help out the show if you could share the podcast with others. Help us to spread the word to get more people doing smart things with their money in these difficult times!Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maybe the reason you haven’t been able to stick with a budget is because you’re trying to use the wrong kind of budget! There are different approaches, apps, and methods out there, and finding the right one for you could be the difference between a failure to launch, and you becoming a budgeting pro. We’re here to remind you of the many benefits of having a budget- it’s not only about saving more money (but really, who needs more of a reason than that?!). We’ll share some universal tips that will help you get started as well as show how budgeting can look different based on your personality type.During this episode we enjoyed a Bourbon County Wheatwine Ale by Goose Island - a big thanks to Alex 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.

If you feel overwhelmed at the thought of investing in the stock market, especially amid these turbulent times, then look no further. We are fortunate enough to be speaking with the one and only JL Collins. JL is an expert in the arena of investing and is the author of the book “The Simple Path to Wealth”. In his book and on his site, JL writes about how truly straightforward and simple it is to invest your money in order to achieve financial independence. Not surprisingly, he’s also considered by many to be the godfather of the financial independence movement. We’re pumped to discuss all things related to investing in the market as well as topics like buying a new car and raising financially savvy kids.During this episode we enjoyed a Bourbon County Stout by Goose Island - a big thanks to Alex 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 is a special edition of How to Money to address the financial effects of the coronavirus and what we should be doing with our money during these volatile times. With the spread of Covid-19, there are many changes impacting our lives we do not have control over. However, we do have control over what we do with our money- especially our investments. Take a quick listen as we answer several listener questions and address some additional areas of our lives that might be affected by the coronavirus.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.

Feeling overworked?! Between trying to get ahead at your 9-5 and pursuing side hustles, chances are really high that you feel like your work-life balance is out of whack. We find ourselves chronically fatigued and exhausted because we give too much to our work, leaving little left for ourselves and those around us who we love. For instance, as a result most Americans don’t take all their vacation time- and when they do, they find it impossible to actually stop working! This ongoing cycle of never-ending work is leading more folks than ever to despise the work they once loved while other important areas in their lives like relationships, health, and hobbies continue to suffer. This is an important topic for us to cover as we seek to implement some practices to restore that work-life balance and then create boundaries to maintain that balance.During this episode we enjoyed an I Learned It by Watching You by Burial Beer Co and Other Half Brewing - a big thanks to our friends Waffles on Wednesday for donating this collaboration 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! And if you have a question for us, we’d love for you to submit your own via HowToMoney.com/ask/1 - What is a cash management account and should I have one?2 - Should I pay $9500 to exit a work contract early?3 - Aside from a 529 plan, how else can I invest on behalf of my young son?4 - Rule of 173, single family vs multi-family properties, and is my money safe with a brokerage like M1 and Vanguard?5 - Not a question- but a great house hacking tip for a steady pipeline of qualified tenants.During this episode we enjoyed a Hazelnut Mocha Latte stout by True Respite - a big thanks to our friends Waffles on Wednesday 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.

With the proliferation of electric vehicles, you might be wondering if you should look into an EV for your next car purchase. The advancements in battery technology means that range issues aren’t nearly as much of a concern. And with more and more automakers releasing their own lines of EVs, it’s clear that the electric vehicle is here to stay. There are countless benefits that accompany an electric vehicle but that doesn’t mean that EVs are for everyone. In this episode we talk about the good and the bad, as well as the questions to ask yourself in order to help you decide whether or not you should be considering one for your next car.During this episode we enjoyed an Art is Hard by North Park Beer Co - another big thanks to John for donating 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.

Delaying your college application a few months could cost you $20,000! This is just one of the many things we learned during our conversation with Certified College Counselor, Elisia Howard. She has been in education for fifteen years and worked in college admissions for five years before starting College Insights in 2015. At College Insights, Elisia helps students navigate college decisions through academic advising, resume building, and applying to the right schools. She is passionate about students avoiding the crippling financial burdens that tend to accompany student loans, so this is a really valuable conversation for anyone considering college, for students who are currently in school, and even for graduates who already have student loans as we cover that as well.During this episode we enjoyed a Hop-Fu! by North Park Beer Co - a big thanks to John 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.

Working hard for money isn't a foreign concept, but working hard to receive good customer service often is- we so rarely advocate for ourselves! The first step when you're looking for great customer service is to be sure to do business with a reputable company. After that, there are plenty of additional elements to consider to not only save you money, but allow you to walk away from a transaction completely satisfied and raving about how great of an experience you had when you needed assistance. Listen as we help you to make the best use of your time when advocating for great customer service.During this episode we each enjoyed an Atrial Rubicite by Jester King. A huge thanks to Jerrod at BrainDead Brewing 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! And if you have a question for us, we’d love for you to submit your own via HowToMoney.com/ask/1 - Should I pay off my credit card debt that has a 0% interest rate?2 - How much money should I have in my emergency fund since we’re house hacking with a duplex?3 - What do I do with money that I’ve inherited as a 401k?4 - Does whole life insurance make sense for me?5 - What does it mean if I don’t have a credit score?During this episode we enjoyed a Blair’s Breakfast Stout by Wilmington Brewing Company - a big thanks to Matt’s uncle in-law John 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.

You won’t be surprised to hear that we’re critical of the consumeristic society we live in. Our culture wants us to believe that buying things will lead to greater levels of happiness. And maybe we’ve been convinced because 70% of the overall economy is driven by consumer spending. Here’s an alternate take though: our generation seems to value experiences more than stuff, but are experiences a better use of our money? Will we be able to find more happiness through greater spending on a cool trip or nicer clothes? Regardless, we definitely want to put our money towards the things we actually value because it turns out that the far reaching effects of mindless spending can leave you broke and wanting more from your experiences and stuff.During this episode we enjoyed a Divided Sky Rye IPA by 4 Hands Brewing - a big thanks to Justin 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.

Our guest today, Doug Nordman starts every morning by checking the surf forecast to see how he’s going to spend the day. He and his wife are financially independent and live on the island of Oahu, which is a surfer’s paradise! Doug was able to achieve this amazing life by taking advantage of the financial benefits offered to him by the military, as well as through standard practices like budgeting and investing extra money towards retirement. He was enlisted in the Navy where he had a career as a submariner, and now he writes about money over at The-Military-Guide.com. And while most all of us have a chance to become financially independent, Doug believes members of the military are even better positioned for financial success. We’ve never had a member of the armed forces on the show before so we’re excited to hear some of the unique money challenges and advantages that members of the military experience.During this episode we enjoyed a Bodhizafa by Georgetown Brewing Company - a big thanks to Richard 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.

There will be declines in the stock market, and you’ll likely see the amount of money you have invested begin to drop. This is normal during a bear market- stay calm! It’s also OK to feel a little nervous. We are emotional creatures after all, and while it’s fine to feel a little anxious if you’re hemorrhaging money in your investments, it is NOT fine to react to these declines by selling and getting out of the market. It doesn’t help that the 24-hour news cycle and media outlets are fueling any uncertainty you might have by proclaiming doom and gloom. So in this episode we’re going to discuss what actions we should take, before and during a market crash, and how to harden ourselves to weather the financial storms that accompany a major market decline.During this episode we enjoyed a Bretta Weisse by Firestone Walker - a big thanks to our friend Josh 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 continue to balance my checkbook every month, or is it a waste of time?2 - I have 2 daughters who rarely drive- how can I reduce how much I spend on their car insurance?3 - Should I purchase a primary residence or a couple investment properties instead?4 - Is identity theft insurance worth the money?5 - As a small business owner, should I consider offering a SIMPLE IRA or a 401k?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 an Agrestic by Firestone Walker - a big thanks to our friend Josh for donating this beer to the show, and as a friend of the show you’ve earned enough points and have officially reached ‘red status’! 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.

Are you saving your money when instead you should be investing it? Or maybe you’ve been investing, but alternatively you should be saving! Folks get confused as those terms are often used interchangeably, but they are very different. For example, we call it “saving for retirement” when we are actually “investing for retirement.” Saving and investing are both important and have their place, and so the trick is knowing when you should be doing either. During this episode, we’ll cover some of the different indicators and considerations that will help you to determine whether you should be saving or investing. And it depends on your goals, but there’s a good chance you’ll need to do both!During this episode we enjoyed a Kong Double Hazy IPA by BarrelHouse Brewing Co - a big thanks to our friend Josh 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.