How to Money

Anyone who has heard of the different warehouse clubs like Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s has also heard that they’re a great place to save you money. But are they? With the proliferation of discount grocery stores and the ability to easily find a great deal on pretty much any product online, some are questioning whether the annual membership fees are worth it. Have a listen as we break down a bunch of the benefits, but also some of the drawbacks associated with warehouse clubs.During this episode we both enjoyed a Buffalo Soldier by UTOG Brewing Co which you can find on Untappd. Another big thanks to Andy 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 - Having just started my career, how much should I have in my emergency fund? 2 - Should I still move forward with my credit freeze? 3 - My insurance agent is recommending an insurance policy with a cash value. Should I consider it? 4 - Should we get a variable or fixed rate mortgage for our first home purchase? 5 - How do I keep my car insurance rates down after getting in a wreck?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 Killer Grove by Talisman Brewing Co which you can find on Untappd. A big thanks to Andy 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.

How much are you paying to invest in your 401k or IRA? You might see fees as an unavoidable cost of investing, but even a 1% fee could easily cost you more than a half million dollars over your investing lifetime. Fees not only erode how much money you have to invest now, but they lessen the amount of money that is compounding in your account year after year- the impact is twofold! Listen as we discuss the different types of fees, how to look for them, and then where to go in order to avoid fees altogether.During this episode we both enjoyed a Bent De Garde by Braindead Brewing which you can find on Untappd. A big thanks to Jerrod and our friends out there in Dallas 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.

Pretty much everyone we know would love to have more hours in their day- more time to spend with friends and family, more time to read or exercise (or any time), or even some extra hours to work on that side hustle you’ve been thinking about. We are really excited to have time management expert Laura Vanderkam on the podcast as she helps people spend more time on what matters, and less on what doesn’t. We discuss her latest book, Juliet’s School of Possibilities where she says that “Expectations are infinite, time is finite, you are always choosing, choose well.” In this conversation we dive into ways to be more efficient at work, how we should be thinking about our time at home while we’re ‘off the clock’, and some tips on how we can better manage distractions.During this episode we both enjoyed an Infinity Bloom by Newgrass Brewing Co. which you can find on Untappd. A big thanks to Mano and Pop (Matt’s in-laws) 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.

How much are you spending on your car? Aside from housing, Americans spend more money on cars and transportation costs than any other category, accounting for 14% of the average budget. That’s $9,000 annually according to the US Consumer Expenditure Survey but it could be a lot less! Luckily, some cars cost WAY less than others to purchase and maintain, and in this episode we make some car recommendations for frugal folks.During this episode we enjoyed a Bitter by FORM Fermentery and Blendery which you can find on Untappd. Another big thanks to Adam 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 - Is it possible to create a side hustle using the different grocery or exercise apps that promise to pay? 2 - Should I diversify and have more than one Roth IRA account? 3 - As a highschool teacher preparing my students for the real world, what personal finance topics should I be sure to include? 4 - What are the best methods for accepting rent? 5 - What are some ways to cut the cost of cosmetics?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 Form to Table by FORM Fermentery and Blendery which you can find on Untappd. A big thanks to Adam 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.

Every month we waste a lot of money on utility bills that could be back in our pockets if we would only be more intentional about making our homes more energy efficient. Not only could we save more money now, but there is massive potential for what that money could grow into if we invested it every month - don’t forget the rule of 173! Regardless of whether you’re renting an apartment or living in your own house, listen as we discuss lots of different ways that you can cut your water, gas, and electric bills. Recurring monthly expenses have a huge impact on your ability to save for the future!During this episode we enjoyed a Challenge Series 11 by Bear Republic Brewing which you can find on Untappd. A big thanks to our friends at Bear Republic 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, 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.

Is it possible to pay down $200,000 of debt while living in a big city, and still find enjoyment in everyday life? Yes! In this episode we’re lucky enough to sit down with Kiersten and Julien Saunders who blog at RichAndRegular.com where they document their journey to financial independence. During this episode we hear from Kiersten and Julien about the unique struggles of African Americans in the corporate world, how they stayed motivated to pay down debt, their approach to effective budgeting, and how Julien’s background as a professional chef keeps their monthly expenses down. During this episode we all shared a beer- The Last Blockbuster by 10 Barrel Brewing which you can find on Untappd. A huge thanks to our friend Scott out in Bend, Or for donating this beer to the show! And it’s incredibly appropriate that he sent this one to us as he just finished up his documentary on financial independence titled Playing With Fire, be sure to check it out as the Saunders are featured! 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.

What is the best way to pay down debt? Americans are in tremendous amounts of debt (think over 400 billion on just credit cards alone)! Not only is this debt keeping folks from reaching their financial goals, but it’s also taking a toll on the mental health of borrowers. Knowing the best strategy to get out of this debt is a big deal and could be the difference between living paycheck to paycheck or achieving financial freedom. Listen as we cover both approaches so you can decide which is better for you: the debt snowball (popularized by Dave Ramsey) and the debt avalanche (also known as debt stacking).During this episode we enjoyed a Maple Vanilla Copra Kai by Southern Grist Brewing which you can find on Untappd. Another big thanks to Jamie and friends up there in Nashville 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, 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’s the difference between annuities and life insurance? 2 - Ways to improve my credit score after a chapter 7 bankruptcy? 3 - Robo advisors: are they too good to be true? 4 - Should I open a college savings account for my toddler? 5 - What kind of equipment do you use to record the podcast?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 Bio-Rhythm by Southern Grist Brewing which you can find on Untappd. A big thanks to Jamie and friends up there in Nashville 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, 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.

We think it’s a great decision for almost everyone to invest in a Roth IRA. Second only to an employer matched 401k, a Roth IRA is very often the best retirement savings vehicle due to tax advantages and flexibility within that account. Listen as we cover some of the reasons we’re huge fans of the Roth IRA.During this episode we enjoyed a Superior BarleyLime by tripelroot - a big thanks to Heather for donating this delicious 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.

It’s time to dispel the myth that you need to have a huge salary, or that you need to work and save for decades, in order to eventually retire. This week we’re excited to hear from Jillian Johnsrud as she shares with us how she became financially independent at the age of 32, despite her and her husband never making more than 60k a year. We cover how they paid cash for their first house, how they continue to save and invest with 5 kids at home, as well as the importance of their "quit list" as they seek to live an intentional and adventure filled life.During this episode we enjoyed an Official IPA by Bell’s Brewery- a big thanks to our friends at Bell’s 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, 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.

For most people car and home insurance policies are expected, necessary costs of owning those things. Because we automatically set up these policies, we tend to forget to continually shop them around- which may mean we’re significantly overpaying! Loyalty with a particular insurer doesn’t save you money over the years so continually shopping your provider is one of the best ways to get your rates down. Listen as we cover several other ways to save big on car and home insurance, plus we answer the question: When should I even use my insurance?!During this episode we both enjoyed a Uroboros Stout by Anthem Brewing which you can find on Untappd. A big thanks to Sy in Oklahoma City 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, 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 - Where should I keep money that I’m saving for a down payment for real estate? 2 - Should I be investing in my retirement while I still have student loan debt? 3 - When should I consider selling my clunker and buying a ‘new’ car? 4 - Is wrapping your car in ads a legit way to make money? 5 - What are some ways to save money while on the road touring with my band? And if you have a question for us, we’d love for you to submit your own via HowToMoney.com/AskDuring this episode we both enjoyed a Forgotten Lake Blueberry Ale by Lake of the Woods Brewing which you can find on Untappd. A big thanks to David in Keswick, Ontario 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, 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 are a host of reasons why renting a place instead of buying might be a great idea for you (we even dedicated an entire episode to the topic!). But when it comes to renting and entering into a lease agreement with a landlord, you want to make sure that you’re prepared and taking the proper steps to protect yourself. Listen as we cover everything from Wall Street landlords to negotiating leases to the low cost of renters insurance.During this episode we both enjoyed a Russell Kelly Pale Ale by Telluride Brewing which you can find on Untappd. A big thanks to Tiffany in Colorado 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, 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.

What kind of life do you really want to lead? Does consumption and stuff dictate your life more than you’d like? It is so important to examine your own life to discover the small changes you can make right now to give you more freedom to do the things that truly matter most to you. For this interview, we sat down with Chris and Cristi from Life Opted Out to talk about how and why they chose to leave a life they loved in NYC for a much simpler, more affordable life traveling the country in their van. They share that so many of the lessons they’ve learned are not specific to life on the road, and can be applied to anyone looking for more purpose and fulfillment.During this episode we both enjoyed a Nothing Left to Give by Orpheus Brewing which you can find on Untappd. A big thanks to Jimmy 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, 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.

US households owe a total of $420 billion in credit card debt so it’s no surprise that everyone is looking for an easy solution. Debt consolidation (and debt settlement) companies offer a quick fix but they often cost you a lot, wreck your credit score, and they may even completely scam you without performing any of the promised work. Rather than consolidation and settlement companies, consider the sure route- ‘manually’ consolidating your own debt and, if needed, utilizing loan companies like Lending Club or SoFi- just make sure to do your homework and read the fine print! In the end, make sure you have a plan to keep yourself from taking on new debt- you don’t want to end up back in the same situation!During this episode we enjoyed a Secret Lovers - the Sequel by Wilmington Brewing Company which you can find on Untappd. A big thanks to Naomi 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.

Do you feel comfortable with the expectations of your job and the number of hours you work? Or do you sense impending burnout with the constant demands and grueling schedule required of you? This week's $Pro, Tanja Hester, is here to talk about how to begin making your job a smaller part of your life. Her first step to achieve this is saving up just enough money to shift that power imbalance that you may feel with your boss, and give you confidence and bargaining power. We will also cover three routes to consider taking to make work optional for you and the different ways that retirement can look. Let's take the proper steps now to make work more optional!During this episode we each enjoyed a Quadrahopic by Land-Grant Brewing which you can find on Untappd. A big thanks to Kayla 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.

Even though the federal government published a report that determined the average cost of raising a child from birth to age 18 is $233,000- that doesn’t mean you HAVE to spend that much! When calculating how much YOU will spend on a child, start by asking yourself: what are my current expenses? Because really the best indicator of how much you’ll spend on your kids is how much money you are already spending on yourself. The cost of children will be an extension of your values and what you’re already spending money on. Listen as we cover how much kids cost, ranging from specifics like the cost of car seats to a broader, principled approach towards entertainment and spending in general.During this episode we each enjoyed a Heavy Hands DIPA by Spindletap Brewery which you can find on Untappd. Another huge thanks to Leo 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.

It's always encouraging to be reminded that the hard work you're putting in and the sacrifices you're making now can mean a much smoother ride in the future when it comes to your personal finances. Our $Pro this week, Doc G, is here to discuss the compounding effects of extra work, saving, and investing early on. Even if you're not so young, this episode is a call to get started now- not next month or next year- get your money in order today!During this episode we each enjoyed an Aggressive Additions IPA by Spindletap Brewery which you can find on Untappd. A huge thanks to Leo 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.

Nearly 80% of Americans wouldn’t be able to pay their bills if they missed a paycheck. When you’re used to living paycheck to paycheck, the idea of setting aside some extra money is almost laughable. How do you even consider setting financial goals when every dollar you make is already going somewhere necessary? In this episode we talk through how to choose to set goals regardless of your financial situation. The goal of an emergency fund for some breathing room and financial cushion is the very thing that will allow you to still pay your bills if you miss a paycheck! Even saving $1,000 can be enough to end the cycle and allow you to escape that paycheck to paycheck lifestyle.During this episode we each enjoyed a Roast Beast by Modern Methods which you can find on Untappd. A huge thanks to Krista 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.

Rampant consumerism and consumption is becoming the norm, and this is partly due to the fact that it is so easy to make purchases online. $Pro Katy Wolk-Stanley is challenging that notion by refusing to buy new stuff, and instead, she’s prioritizing her goals and values when it comes to consumption. Free piles of stuff on the sidewalk and your local Buy Nothing group can be great, but they’re not the only way to drastically cut back. Listen as we’re challenged by Katy and as we seek to save more of our money by spending less on junk we don’t need.During this episode we enjoyed an AZ Dreamsicle by Arizona Wilderness which you can find on Untappd. A huge thanks to Brandon 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.

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 which you can find on Untappd. 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, 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.

The cost of college is higher than ever. On average, students today are paying 213% more to go to college than their parents paid 30 years ago (and that includes adjustment for inflation!). $Pro Cody Berman is with us this week to discuss finding smart and creative ways to cut college costs, so that graduates can launch their professional careers unhampered by massive student loans. So whether you're in school, considering going back, or have kids - listen to hear some advice on ways to cut those college costs.During this episode we each enjoyed a PowerShark by BrainDead Brewing which you can find on Untappd. A special thanks to Jerrod at @braindeadbrew 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.

People don’t invest in the stock market because of a perceived ‘risk’- their minds immediately jump back to the Great Recession or even the Great Depression. And then from that position of fear, they decide their money is better left in a nice and familiar savings account- except this is an instance where slow and steady doesn’t win the race. It turns out that one of the biggests, actual risks to your money is not investing at all, in an attempt to avoid ‘risk’ from the stock market. Listen as we cover some popular perceived risks and then the real risks associated with investing in the stock market.During this episode we each enjoyed a Center of the Sun IPA by Civil Society Brewing which you can find on Untappd. A special thanks to our good buddy Pat with B10 union 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.

Do you have federal student loans? Are you wondering if you have any refinancing options? There is a lot to consider in a refinance beyond the advertised interest rate, and this week’s $Pro, Meagan Landress, will help us wade through it all. We also spend a large part of this episode answering specific student loan related questions from the How to Money Facebook group.During this episode we each enjoyed a Can Can (red wine barrel-aged) by Westbrook Brewing Co which you can learn all about on Untappd. A special thanks to Jeff at Peachtree Road Package Store 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.

The difference between scoring a home vs. missing out can be incredibly small- and a lot of it comes down to your offer. There are lots of little things that can help your offer stand out and make the buying process move along smoothly. However, since most of us only buy a home once or twice in our lifetime, not knowing or forgetting a step can cost us a place we really want or cause us to make unwise decisions. Listen as we cover some important steps in the home buying process and how you can get a leg up when you are actually buying a home.During this episode we each enjoyed a Space Camper Cosmic IPA by Boulevard Brewing which you can learn all about on Untappd. A special thanks to Hillary and all of our friends at Boulevard 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.

Over 45 million Americans are saddled with over 1.5 trillion in student loan debt- this is a nationwide epidemic! With such a massive burden, how do you even begin repaying your student loans? Our $Pro this week, student loan expert Meagan Landress, is here to shed some light on the many different student loan repayment programs and how to choose the plan that best fits your financial situation and goals. At the end of this episode we answer some specific student loan related questions from the How to Money Facebook community.During this episode we each enjoyed a Nostalgia IPA by Slow Pour Brewing which you can learn all about on Untappd. A special thanks to our $Pro Meagan for donating and sharing this beer with us! 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.

Buying a house will likely be the most expensive purchase you’ll ever make, so it’s no surprise that it can be an intimidating process. But this is the very same reason you should be a well informed buyer- so much money is on the line! Today we’re covering several steps everyone needs to take before purchasing to make sure that you’re getting the best deal possible on a house that you love.During this episode we enjoyed an Ink Imperial Stout by Rhinegeist Brewery which you can learn all about on Untappd. A special thanks to Natalie and all of our friends at Rhinegeist 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.

The fact is that everyone wants to travel, but nobody wants to pay more than they need to for airfare. Who doesn’t want a deal?! Our $Pro today is Scott of Scott’s Cheap Flights, and he’s going to explain how we’ve been going about booking our vacations all wrong. It’s time to turn the way we plan for trips completely upside down! Listen as we discuss ways to save money when booking airfare.During this episode we enjoyed a Penguin Blonde Stout by Rhinegeist Brewery which you can learn all about on Untappd. A special thanks to Natalie and all of our friends at Rhinegeist 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.

Weddings are expensive, but they don’t have to be! Spend your money on the things that truly matter to you and your fiancé and let the rest go. Cutting out elements that don’t mean much to you, however traditional or expected, will save you a ton. Once you’ve decided on your most important elements and it is time to spend some serious money, do it wisely! Listen as we cover a variety of ways to plan a beautiful and meaningful wedding, without going broke.During this episode we enjoyed a Juice Pack DDH Pale Ale by Tupps Brewery which you can find and learn all about on Untappd. A huge thanks to Jake in Texas 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.

Networking is one of those things you may not think is necessary- until it’s too late. Our $Pro this week, Jordan Harbinger, is here to explain how vital it is to network now, even if you’re an introvert or if you’ve felt smarmy about it in the past. What’s important is that you’re genuine and interested in helping others now, before you need help yourself! Listen as we hear from Jordan and then break it all down to provide some specific and actionable tips.During this episode we enjoyed a Blood and Honey American Ale by Revolver Brewing which you can find and learn all about on Untappd. A huge thanks to Jake in Texas 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.

Since personal finance is not taught in most public schools, the job falls squarely on parents and caretakers. Hopefully this means we are intentionally teaching our children through lessons and examples in order to shape their perceptions of money. Listen as we cover the foundational money principles that we feel will have the biggest impact on the way our kids view money.During this episode we enjoyed a Peanut Brother by Great Notion Brewing which you can find and learn all about on Untappd. A massive thanks to Alex in Oregon 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.

You don’t have to be a millionaire to be a successful real estate investor. Chad Carson, our $Pro this week, is here to explain how even a small, effective real estate portfolio can lead to reaching your financial goals in a short period of time. He illustrates this with an example of a couple reaching financial independence with only five properties, not hundreds! Having greater financial freedom and flexibility with your time will be the natural outcome of focusing on your goals, and carefully investing in real estate can take you there.During this episode we enjoyed a Primordial Noir by Cascade Brewing which you can find and learn all about on Untappd. A massive thanks for Alex in Oregon 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.

Last week we covered the pros and cons of whether you should renovate or move- and so this week we’re discussing specific pointers when it comes to renovating on a budget. We spend a good amount of time on general contractors as they likely have the largest impact on all aspects of your renovation- financial but also the quality of work and your overall experience. In addition we cover the high points of financing, architects, whether you should attempt any DIY, as well as some of the other finer points of renovating your home.During this episode we enjoyed an Apple Brandy Barrel Noir by Prairie Artisan Ales which you can find and learn all about on Untappd. A big thanks to Jeff and Val over at Monday Morning Pancakes - which is their blog they started to document their path to financial independence! And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review over in Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to 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.

Trading our time for money will only get us so far. So many of us are programmed to believe that we have to allocate a large percentage of our time to making money in order to ever consider retirement. Grant Sabatier, this week’s $Pro, is here to say otherwise. Grant wants to disrupt the linear model where time equals money by arguing that our time is actually much more valuable than money. Listen as Grant shares his thoughts on our inability to reclaim lost time, and as we discuss what steps we can take to change the belief: time is money.During this episode we enjoyed a Tritonia Gose with Pineapple & Lemon by Creature Comforts 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, 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.

For whatever reason, you might find yourself outgrowing your house and needing more space. Maybe you’re now self-employed and need a home office, or maybe you have a quickly growing family! With these changes come different needs and wants that we have for our homes and the most popular solutions are to either stay and renovate, or to sell your home and move. With home prices at all time highs, renovating might seem like a slam dunk if you’re running out of space, or maybe you’re the type who would rather just move. However, there are lots of things to consider when it comes to weighing your options and we’re here to help you think through them all.During this episode we enjoyed a Surf Wax by Burial Beer Co 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, 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.

Today our $Pro, Paula Pant, is going to reframe what it means to be an investor - does investing some money make you an actual investor? And what role should your emotions play when it comes to investing? Paula has broken the shackles of paycheck-dependence and has been sharing her expertise and experience with others on her wildly popular site AffordAnything.com, where she has given a TON of thought to how we should approach personal finance. In this episode, Paula specifically covers 3 pitfalls when it comes to how we think about investing our money: investing vs. being an investor, the natural human tendency of ‘resulting’, and sequence of returns risk. First we will hear from our $Pro and then we unpack her information together!During this episode we enjoyed a Freshly Picked Citra by Southern Swells Brewing Co which you can find and learn all about on Untappd. A big thanks to Kate from Southern Swells for donating this delicious beer! 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.

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. But 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 be recession proofing 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, 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.

***We are pumped to start releasing an additional episode every week that we’re calling our money pro episode, or $Pro for short! Every Monday we’ll hear from a $Pro as they discuss a topic that they’re passionate and knowledgeable about, and then we unpack it even further and discuss the impact that topic has on our financial lives.***Too often in life it’s like we’re sleepwalking- as if we’re drifting through life without any clear guiding principles. Due to that, our day-to-day is filled with different people, companies/advertising, and events having more sway over our lives and money than we do. Scott Rieckens is here to change that with his approach to creating a personal mission statement and to remind us to proactively take control and start directing our own future! This is a topic that is near and dear to his heart. After realizing that his growing family was in a state of overconsumption, he and his wife re-assessed their family’s priorities which then led them to cancel their boat club membership, sell their BMW, and move away from pricey Coronado, CA. They didn’t have to do any of this, but they chose to do all of this after creating a personal mission statement! Listen as we break it down and go through how you can create your own mission statement- plus we share our personal mission statements as well.During this episode we enjoyed a Cold Mountain by Highland Brewing which you can find and learn all about on Untappd. A big thanks to our friends Clark and Nanci in Asheville for donating this delicious beer! 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.

Should you itemize your deductions or take the new increased standard deduction this tax season? Answer carefully as thousands of dollars could be on the line! Most folks will opt for hitting the easy button and take the standard deduction- however if you own a house, had some big medical bills last year, and gave money to charity, you should consider itemizing! Listen as we cover it in more detail, plus we break down the best way to make the most of your deductions through bunching. We also touch on tax credits- how they’re different than deductions and some big ones that everyone should consider!During this episode we enjoyed a Dark Reckoning by Morgan Territory Brewing which you can find and learn all about on Untappd. A big thanks to Brent in California for sending us some delicious beers! 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.

The new tax law nearly doubles the standard deduction which means even fewer folks will be itemizing deductions on their tax returns this year- however, there is still an important way to massively cut our tax bills! Regardless of whether we take the standard deduction or if we itemize deductions- we can still reduce our tax bill by ‘above the line deductions’. These are technically not actual deductions but adjustments to arrive at our adjusted gross income which we typically want as low as possible in order to pay fewer taxes! Listen as we cover some of the best ways to cut our tax bills and why you’ll likely want to do the same.During this episode we enjoyed a Karate in the Garage by Southern Swells which you can find and learn all about on Untappd. A massive thanks to Kate from Southern Swells for sending us a bunch of their beers- we’re big fans of what they’re doing down at Jax beach! 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.

Happy New Year! As we’re all looking ahead and setting goals let’s not forget about money- we need a money roadmap! Now is the time to decide what we’re doing with our money this year. When we know exactly what it is that we’re saving for, we have a clear mission to keep us pumped and on track. Listen as we cover the practical tips that help guide us when it comes to creating our own money roadmaps for 2019!During this episode we shared a Thicc Coffee Porter by Urban Family Brewing Company which you can find and learn all about on Untappd. A special thanks to David in Seattle for sending this one to us! 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.

Every once in a while we like to step back and think about our work. Why do we do it? Are we doing a good thing? There are a lot of misconceptions of work floating around the internet and our workplaces today. There’s the generally more millennial-ish, romanticized view of work as a calling and a means of personal fulfillment, and on the flip side there’s the end goal of a stable career where your loyalty and daily grind results in a predictable paycheck but maybe not much else - many of us fall somewhere on this spectrum. Regardless of your current views toward work, we want you to know that work is a wonderful thing and yet work isn’t everything. Viewing work in a healthy way takes intentionality and balance! Join us as we cover a few key concepts central to developing a healthy philosophy toward work.During this episode we shared a Hawaiian Christmas Land by Little Cottage Brewery 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, 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.

How amazing is it that we live in a world where there are so many ‘free’ things all around us? And how unfortunate is it, that we 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 there are times when we're not taking advantage of this ‘free’ stuff and we're overspending because maybe we haven’t thought about it recently or there are some things you’re not even aware of yet. Putting these resources to use will make us smarter, save us money, and will overall lead to a healthier and more balanced life.During this episode we shared a Sticky Hands IPA by Block 15 Brewing Company which you can find and learn all about on Untappd. A special thanks to Dale in Portland for bringing down this IPA for us to have on the show (even after our Atlanta United gave his team a walloping at the MLS Cup)! 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 are secondary costs associated with almost all purchases that we make in our lives. It’s important to consider all of these additional costs that tag along when making purchases, and not just the initial sticker price. In this episode we explain how there are hard secondary costs and then how there are soft or lifestyle secondary costs which are similar to lifestyle creep. And then finally, we go over some helpful and specific tips to remember when making purchases or financial decisions. Keeping all this in mind will help us to manage our money better, specifically when it comes to our spending because everything really does cost more than you think.During this episode we enjoyed a Pretty Willie’s Imperial Stout by Against the Grain 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, 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.

Money oftentimes 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 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, Castbox, or wherever you get your podcasts!Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Buying new stuff makes us happy, right? Yeah for a minute, but you may have noticed how quickly you get used to all that new stuff! Hedonic adaptation, or the hedonic treadmill, helps us understand the effect of consumption. Coming to grips with that can help us end unhealthy cycles of mindless consumerism and set us on a path to a healthier way of thinking about money, spending, and saving for the future. Listen to the full episode to learn how hedonic adaptation can be terrible, how it can actually be a good thing, and then finally to learn how to hack it and truly control how happy you really are.During this episode we enjoyed a Mangifera Flux by Marz Community Brewing which you can find and learn all about on Untappd. A huge thanks to our buddy Andrew for bringing this beer all the way back from Chicago. 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!Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shopping and overspending dominates the holiday season, and we want to make sure you’re not rolling into the new year with that holiday shopping hangover. Honestly, how much more stuff do we really need?! Consumers are expected to spend over 1 trillion dollars during this Christmas shopping season. It’s unfortunate how much emphasis is placed on high ticket gifts to supposedly prove how much you care. Listen as we cover some overall strategies that will help you become a better gift giver, how communication with friends and family is so important, and then we dive into some specific tips that will help keep you from overspending this season.And during this episode we enjoyed a Narwhal Imperial Stout by Sierra Nevada which you can find and learn all about on Untappd. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and review us in Apple Podcasts, Castbox, or wherever you get your podcasts!Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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