How to Money

Wanna sell your house for a lot of money? Then it would behoove you to listen to this interview! Our guest today, Mindy Jensen, is a licensed real estate agent in Colorado and has been buying and selling homes for about 20 years. And not only does she buy and sell them for her clients, but she’s an investor herself and specializes in live-in flips. Mindy works for BiggerPockets.com where she helps investors learn the proper ways to invest in real estate and she also co-hosts the podcast BiggerPockets Money. In this episode we talk through how you can sell your home for the most money possible.We’re also going to give away 10 copies of Mindy’s book, “How to Sell Your Home: The Essential Guide to a Fast, Stress-Free, and Profitable Sale”. To be entered to win, just make sure you’ve left us a solid review over in Apple podcasts or Stitcher, and then shoot us an email at [email protected] with your screen name. That’s it!During this episode we enjoyed a Slammin at the Club by Casa Agria Specialty Ales- thanks to our buddy Josh for donating this one! 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.

We live increasingly busy and complex lives and the same is true of our money. Repeatedly making smart money moves is hard. It’s easy for us to forget or just get plain lazy when it comes to doing the right thing with our funds. Between our different bank accounts, multiple credit cards, and debt obligations, it can be difficult for us to take action on a consistent basis that will have a long-lasting effect on our personal finances. That’s where automation comes in- it helps us to engineer money success ahead of time, instead of trusting ourselves in the moment to continually muster the willpower to make it happen. But like many of the financial tools at our disposal, it’s not all puppies and rainbows. So, in addition to the clear benefits, be sure to listen and learn why you should also be careful when it comes to employing automation in your personal finance life.During this episode we enjoyed a Dayglow IPA by Elysian Brewing Company - a big thanks to Joe in Minnesota 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.

This week on the podcast we’re answering your questions! Our family has outgrown our current car so our multiple road trips every year are getting cramped. Should we purchase a new (used) car, or rent a larger vehicle as needed? Does the 5 year holding period apply to my contributions of my Roth IRA? Should I purchase pet insurance? I’d like to save up a down payment for a home but I’m also currently paying down debts using the debt snowball method. What should I do? I have student loans and I also qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness- how can I reduce the minimum amount that I owe every month? And if you have a question for us, we’d love for you to submit your own via HowToMoney.com/ask/During this episode we enjoyed a King Sue by Toppling Goliath Brewing - a big thanks to Joe in Minnesota for donating this beer to the show! And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. 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.

Personal levels of indebtedness are at all time highs in our country. Consumer spending is growing, student loans are ever-present, and car loans are becoming even more of an issue as consumers take out 72 and 84 month loans. The reality and feeling of drowning in debt is compounded when folks don’t know how to get out from underneath this crushing weight. Where do you even begin?! What we need is a plan to help us get out of debt and get our feet set in the right direction this year. Now is the time to get your personal finances in order and creating a debt payoff plan is vital to achieving your financial goals.During this episode we enjoyed a Barrel Aged Yeti Imperial Stout- thanks to our friends there at the brewery for donating this one! 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’re thinking about starting your own side hustle, then this episode is a #MustListen! Vincent Pugliese is a husband, dad, and a professional photographer who started out at making $15 an hour working for the local newspaper, to paying off $140,000 in debt in 4 years. Through his journey to become debt free, he discovered the power of being self-employed, and the impact it can have towards not only achieving financial freedom, but time freedom and life freedom as well. During this process, Vincent wrote the book Freelance to Freedom which has inspired many who want to quit their day jobs and start their own businesses in order to take control of their lives.During this episode we enjoyed a S’Mores Yeti by Great Divide- thanks to our friends there at the brewery for donating this one! 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.

We can only go so far with being frugal, before we venture into the realm of cheap. Now don’t get us wrong- frugality is a great tool in your personal finance swiss army knife. We’re frugal fellas ourselves, and we love seeing what money saving steps our friends and listeners are implementing into their lives, but frugality alone doesn’t cut it. There are times when you need to make larger cuts and prioritize the other tools in your personal finance swiss army knife to help you achieve your money goals. Today we’re going to discuss the role frugality should play in our financial lives and how to use the other tools at your disposal when adding more frugal hacks to your life just won’t do the trick.During this episode we enjoyed a Hibernation Ale by Great Divide- thanks to our friends there at the brewery for donating this one! 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 - I was overpaid by my employer, what should I do now? 2 - Should I convert my 401k into an IRA? What considerations should I keep in mind? 3 - I have some IRS debt. Should I prioritize my debt snowball or get after that tax debt owed to the IRS? 4 - What’s the deal with my savings account interest rate dropping? 5 - I have an ESPP that is offered at work. Should I participate, and if so, how should I go about taking advantage of my employee stock purchase plan?And if you have a question for us, we’d love for you to submit your own via HowToMoney.com/ask/During this episode we enjoyed a Mexican Chocolate Yeti by Great Divide - a big thanks to our friends there at the brewery! 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.

For most normal people, personal finance is boring! There are many reasons why Americans have a really difficult time getting their money act together, but today we’re addressing the fact that we’d rather spend our time doing almost anything else. This is a problem as it takes intentional action for the rubber to meet the road and for our hopes and dreams to be turned into a debt slaying, wealth building reality. Gamifying our personal finances can help us to actually achieve some of those goals when it would otherwise be something we wouldn’t do at all. When we can figure out what it is about a particular game that we love, then we can bridge that gap and take some of the elements from the games we love and apply them to our personal finances. We really believe that gamification will level up your money game.During this episode we enjoyed a Astral Prism by Modern Times Beer- another big thanks to our friend Craig there at the brewery for donating this one! 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.

It’s probably going to be hard, but waking up earlier this year can help you to get your personal finances in order! We’re excited to talk with our friend 5am Joel about how he got started waking up early and how this has impacted him personally. We both met Joel at a personal finance conference and immediately bonded over a mutual love of craft beer as well as talking about nerdy money things like investing in real estate and financial independence. He’s been waking up early for years now and we’re curious to hear how he does it so that we can begin implementing some of his tips into our daily routine as well.During this episode we enjoyed a Black House by Modern Times Beer- another big thanks to our friend Craig there at the brewery for donating this one! 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.

When 80% of folks report that they’re living paycheck to paycheck, it’s clear that this lack of margin in our lives is a major contributing factor to why we have some much stress in our lives. It’s true of our money and it’s true of our time as well. And with it being the new year, it’s easier to believe that a new and better narrative is possible- and it is! We have the power to change our previous negative money associations and to start handling our personal finances better this year. In this episode we’ll cover why margin is so important, some of the different things that keep us from having more of it, as well as some practical steps that we can take in order to create more margin in our lives.During this episode we enjoyed a Visible World by Modern Times Beer - a big thanks to our friend Craig there at the brewery! 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 consider renting out a furnished spare room, and do I go about to vet possible roommates? 2 - How diversified are index funds? 3 - Can I use funds from a car loan to pay off some high interest credit card debt? 4 - When should I transition my side hustle to a legit small business and how do I start deducting my expenses come tax season? 5 - Should I invest in my 403b with pre-tax or post-tax dollars?And if you have a question for us, we’d love for you to submit your own via HowToMoney.com/ask/During this episode we enjoyed a Farmhouse Pale Ale by Oxbow Brewing Co - a big thanks to our friends there at the brewery! 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.

Merry Christmas and happy holidays! In the midst of all the festivities, now is a good time to ask ourselves: “Buying new stuff makes us happy, right?” Well if you have a need that is now being met, there is certainly some value that item is now providing. But value isn’t the same as happiness. 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- 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 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 is Keith Schroeder who began working in the backwoods of Wisconsin on a family farm fixing silo unloaders- not the kind of job most of us had growing up! But his passionate distaste for that work led him to file tax returns on the side and that hustle led to Keith being able to retire at age 22 however he didn’t stay retired for long. His tax preparation business exploded into a full on accounting firm where at his busiest, he was serving over 2,000 clients. He started his own blog in 2016 called The Wealthy Accountant to inspire people to “live life well” and also help them not screw up their taxes. In this episode we’ll cover Keith’s thoughts on the best tax advantaged retirement accounts, whether your side business should really be a hobby, and some important considerations as you begin to get your 2019 tax forms together!During this episode we enjoyed an Alpha Abstraction Vol. 9 by Wild Leap which you can learn all about on Untappd! And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Help us to spread the word to get more people doing smart things with their money!Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How we pay for things has a LOT of implications. Chances are whether you use “cash, debit, or credit” is more a result of habit than a thoughtful approach to your spending. “I use my check card because that’s just what I do- and it’s easy!”. But it’s important to note that some payment methods are more secure than others, while others provide better rewards, peace of mind, or might even cause you to spend less of your money. So how do you know whether you should be pulling out your debit or credit card? Or should you stick to using cash? We’ll discuss the pros and cons and why how you pay is so important.During this episode we enjoyed an Oro Negro by Jackie O's Brewery- a big thanks to Art, Mackenzie, and all of our friends there at the brewery! 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 we go with a cash out mortgage refinance in order to pay off student loans? 2 - Can I contribute to a self employed retirement account while also contributing to my employer sponsored plan? 3 - What does it take to be a HUD landlord and how do I balance community renovation with gentrification? 4 - We have a lot of available credit through our credit cards, but we never use it. Should we keep those cards open or close those accounts? 5 - Considering the stock market is hot and a correction is imminent, is dollar cost averaging or lump sum investing a better approach for me?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 Ogee by Jackie O's Brewery - a big thanks to Art, Mackenzie, and all of our friends there at the brewery! 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.

Fees are a major pain and they’ve worked their way into so many different industries! We recently talked about travel lodging and discussed the annoyance of the countless fees that might get tacked on: resort fees are some of the most confusing, but parking and WiFi fees abound too! With fees becoming so prevalent across our financial lives, we need to be aware of how and when we encounter them so we can be vigilant and intentional to avoid them whenever possible. While we understand and will readily admit that certain services and products have a cost, we really don’t like it when those fees are hidden until the last minute or when companies go about adding them in an underhanded way.During this episode we enjoyed a Bourbon Barrel Dark Apparition by Jackie O's Brewery- a big thanks to Art, Mackenzie, and all of our friends there at the brewery! 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.

On average, we lose 3 hours of productivity every single day due to distractions! There are countless ways that we’re distracted in our lives today, and these distractions are keeping us from doing the things we truly need to do. MAYBE YOU’RE CURRENTLY DISTRACTED RIGHT NOW. It is very easy to allow ourselves to be constantly barraged by notifications, social media, or by email and these distractions are keeping us from being good friends and family members at home, and they’re keeping us from being productive and engaged at work. This is why we’re stoked to be talking with distraction expert Curt Steinhorst today. Curt wrote the book Can I Have Your Attention? Inspiring Better Work Habits, Focusing Your Team, and Getting Stuff Done in the Constantly Connected Workplace. We often talk about ways to save money but today’s conversation will focus on how we can do a better job earning money by focusing our attention on what matters most.During this episode we enjoyed a Quatrefoil by Jackie O's Brewery- a big thanks to Art, Mackenzie, and all of our friends there at the brewery! 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.

When 99% of American companies are small businesses, it’s no exaggeration to say that these businesses are the backbone of our country. These startups have been responsible for almost all new job creation over the past 3 decades! And not only are small businesses important to our economy but they’re important to us on a personal level as well. These are the storefronts and people who make up our communities and neighborhoods- they’re a part of our identity! However as technology marches on, small businesses also need to adapt and utilize this innovation to continue to reach their customers where and how they want to be reached. We’re going to cover some of our favorite ways that small businesses are able to use technology to stand out in really cool ways and contribute to their local community.During this episode we enjoyed a Double Purple Chroma by Other Half Brewing. Since we recorded this episode live in NYC, we were excited to enjoy a local craft beer from the borough of Brooklyn. 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 close a credit card that has a $40 annual fee? 2 - As a minor with my first job, where should I save and invest my money? 3 - How do I get my spouse on board using one of the budgeting apps? And with those apps are there any security concerns? 4 - I have a chunk of money that I plan to live off of in the coming years- where should I put it? 5 - Should I consider financing a car in order to keep my credit score high?And if you have a question for us, we’d love for you to submit your own via HowToMoney.com/ask/During this episode we enjoyed a Chance IPA by Wild Leap Brew Co which you can learn all about on Untappd! And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Help us to spread the word to get more people doing smart things with their money!Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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