Marriage Kids and Money: Personal Finance for Families

Should you have a third child? And how can you help your kids graduate college debt-free? In this episode, we explore one of life’s most personal decisions: whether to grow your family. We walk through a thoughtful 7-step framework to help you and your partner decide if a third child is right for you—covering emotional readiness, relationship strength, finances, and the value of time. Then, we’re joined by educator and author Shelley Branine to talk about how families can avoid student loan debt. We dive into why college costs have skyrocketed and how strategies like dual enrollment can help students earn college credits in high school—often at little to no cost. If you’re thinking about expanding your family or planning for your child’s education, this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and practical next steps. Resources and Links 📚 📖My new book, "Own Your Time" https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/ownyourtimeamazon 📞Voicemail for Questions: Leave a voicemail at ⁠marriagekidsmoney.com/voicemail⁠ to have your question answered on the show! 💻 Sponsors and Additional Resources ⁠⁠https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/resources⁠⁠ 👉Connect with me on social media: LinkedIn: ⁠AndyHillMKM⁠ Instagram: ⁠MarriageKidsAndMoney⁠ CREDITS Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Support: Michelle Ahmed Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Buying your first home can feel overwhelming, especially in today’s market with rising prices and higher interest rates. In this episode, we sit down with real estate expert Scott Harris to break down how first-time buyers can move forward with confidence. Scott, founder of Magnetic Real Estate and author of The Pursuit of Home, shares why so many buyers feel stuck and how to overcome that fear with the right preparation and mindset. We discuss how to save for a down payment, get pre-approved, choose the right real estate agent, and navigate the emotional side of buying a home as a couple. If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines wondering when to buy or how to start, this episode will help you take your next step toward homeownership with clarity and confidence. RESOURCES Andy Hill's book Own Your Time The Pursuit of Home (Book) – Scott Harris’ guide to navigating the home buying journey. HOW WE MAKE MONEY + DISCLAIMER This show may contain affiliate links or links from our advertisers where we earn a commission, direct payment or products. Opinions are the creators alone. Information shared on this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Marriage Kids and Money (www.marriagekidsandmoney.com) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. CREDITS Podcast Artwork: Liz Theresa Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Support: Andy Hill Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it mean to reach Coast FIRE in your late 30s and how does it change your life? In this episode, we sit down with certified financial educator Suzy May to discuss how she and her husband reached Coast FIRE with $900,000 invested before age 40. We talk about how starting early, maintaining a strong savings rate, and investing consistently allowed their portfolio to grow to a point where they no longer need to aggressively contribute to retirement. Suzy shares how Coast FIRE has given their family the freedom to slow down, work less, and design a life filled with travel, flexibility, and meaningful time with their kids. We also discuss the emotional shift that happens when you move from wealth building to wealth enjoying and how families can define success beyond the numbers. If you’ve ever wondered what happens after you build a strong investment foundation, this conversation will give you a real-life look at how Coast FIRE can create more options for your family. Carpe Diem! Resources & Links Own Your Time (Andy’s book): https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book Suzy May Website: https://suzymaywander.com Wander World School Podcast: www.wanderworldschool.com Monarch Money: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/monarchmoney Credits Host: Andy Hill Editor: Johnny Sohl Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kristy Shen and Bryce Leung have grown their family’s net worth to $2.9 million by age 43 without owning a home and while traveling the world for years. In this episode, we break down how they built wealth starting with a modest income, avoided lifestyle inflation, and reached financial independence in their 30s. Kristy and Bryce share how their $1 million portfolio doubled while they were retired, how geographic arbitrage helped them control spending, and why investing early matters more than earning a six figure salary. We also talk about becoming parents after reaching FI, the real cost of raising a child, and how marketing pressures families into overspending. If you have ever worried that kids will derail your financial goals, this conversation will challenge that narrative. Most importantly, Kristy and Bryce explain how financial independence gave them the ultimate gift, time, especially during one of the most difficult seasons of their lives. Want to build wealth and design a life around what matters most? Grab my book Own Your Time: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book In This Episode You’ll Learn: How they reached $1 million in their 30s and grew it to $2.9 million Why avoiding lifestyle inflation accelerates wealth building The difference between investable assets and home equity How travel helped lower their annual expenses The real cost of raising a child Why financial independence is about buying back your time Resources Mentioned: Parent Like a Millionaire Without Being One: https://amzn.to/4rbbKPM Millennial Revolution Blog: https://www.millennial-revolution.com Free Investment Workshop: https://www.millennial-revolution.com/investworkshop Monarch Money to track your net worth: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/monarchmoney Leave a voicemail for the show: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/voicemail Podcast Credits: Host: Andy Hill Editor: Johnny Sohl Carpe Diem! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nicole is back for our annual Bread & Wine episode and this one gets real. After finally reading my new book Own Your Time, she shares her honest and emotional reaction including the chapter that made her cry. We talk about the embarrassment of discussing money, the tension we felt during our debt payoff journey, and what it really takes to pursue financial independence as a married couple. Nicole opens up about growing up with money insecurity, why sharing our financial story felt vulnerable, and how we found a healthier middle ground on our path to time freedom. We also discuss why money should not be taboo, how to avoid pushing your spouse too far in the pursuit of financial independence, and what wealth truly feels like today. If you are in the messy middle of career, kids, and financial stress, this conversation is for you. Resources Mentioned Own Your Time by Andy Hillhttps://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book Leave us a voicemail for a future episodehttps://marriagekidsandmoney.com/voicemail Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When work becomes optional, a new question appears: who do you want to be now? Brad Barrett retired in 2015 at age 35 after a 13 year career as an accountant. Since then, he’s spent the last decade experimenting with early retirement, building ChooseFI into one of the largest personal finance podcasts in the world, and refining what a meaningful life actually looks like after financial independence. In this episode, Brad shares what pushed him toward financial independence, the key financial decisions that accelerated his path, and the surprising lessons he’s learned after 10+ years of optional work. We also talk about balance, identity, intentional living, and why some people stay one more year longer than they need to. If you’re pursuing financial independence or wondering what life really looks like on the other side, this conversation will challenge you to think deeper about time, money, and what truly matters. Want to build wealth and design a life around what matters most? Grab my book Own Your Time: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book In This Episode You’ll Learn: Why Brad started pursuing financial independence in his 20s The financial decisions that helped him retire at 35 How to think differently about spending and intentionality What early retirement is really like after the honeymoon phase Why “one more year” can cost more than you think Resources Mentioned: ChooseFI Podcast: https://choosefi.com ChooseFI Local Groups: https://choosefi.com/local Monarch Money (track your net worth): https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/monarchmoney Leave a voicemail for the show: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/voicemail Podcast Credits: Host: Andy Hill Editor: Johnny Sohl Carpe Diem. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Justin Taylor reached a $2.8 million net worth by age 35 and retired in his early 30s. In this episode, he breaks down exactly how he built wealth, transitioned from the Air Force to corporate America, and walked away from full-time work to design a life focused on freedom, health, and travel. Justin shares how growing up with a scarcity mindset shaped his financial habits, why tracking your net worth changes everything, and the simple total stock market index fund strategy that fueled his growth. If you’ve ever felt behind financially or wondered whether financial independence is possible for you, this conversation will give you both tactical steps and mindset shifts. Want to build wealth and design a life around what matters most? Check out my book Own Your Time: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book In This Episode You’ll Learn: How Justin built a $2.8 million net worth by 35 His simple index fund investing approach The income journey from military to corporate What early retirement actually looks like How to overcome a scarcity mindset Resources Mentioned: The Financial Independence Show: https://thefishow.com/ Saving Sherpa: https://saving-sherpa.com/ Monarch Money (track your net worth): https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/monarchmoney Leave a voicemail for the show: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/voicemail Podcast Credits: Host: Andy Hill Editor: Johnny Sohl Artwork: Kayli Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we talk with Jesse Cramer about his journey to reaching Coast FIRE, a milestone where existing investments can grow to fund retirement without additional contributions. We unpack how starting early and letting compound interest work over time can create long-term freedom. We also discuss the tension between saving and enjoying life today, especially while managing the realities of family expenses. Along the way, we highlight the importance of financial education and staying flexible as plans evolve. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re starting too late, unsure how to balance today’s needs with tomorrow’s goals, or questioning what financial independence really looks like, then this episode is for you. 00:00 The Importance of Saving and Compound Interest 02:58 Achieving Coast Fire: Jesse's Journey 06:02 Understanding Investments and Financial Education 09:01 Income Growth and Financial Decisions 11:57 Balancing Spending and Budgeting 14:57 Managing Family Expenses and Lifestyle Inflation 18:03 The Flexibility of Financial Planning 20:54 Generational Wealth and Parenting Perspectives 24:04 Future Goals and Family Focus 27:11 Key Takeaways for Financial Success Resources and Links 📚 📖My new book, "Own Your Time" https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book 🎙️ Jesse Cramer's podcast: Personal Finance for Long Term Investors 💻 Jesse Cramer's blog: ⁠Best Interest Blog⁠ 💻 Sponsors and Additional Resources https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/resources 📞Voicemail for Questions: Leave a voicemail at marriagekidsmoney.com/voicemail to have your question answered on the show! 👉Connect with me on social media: LinkedIn: Andy Hill, MKM Instagram and Facebook: MarriageKidsAndMoney Credits Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Artwork: Kayli Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How can we help our kids become resilient and independent without pushing too hard or protecting too much? This week, we sit down with Lee Benson, author of Value Creation Kid, to talk about turning everyday responsibilities into growth opportunities. Lee shares how chores, family meetings, and shared decision making can create a culture of leadership, accountability, and value creation at home. We wrap things up with practical steps families can take today, including involving kids in financial decisions and setting clear expectations that foster independence. Whether you are raising preschoolers or teens, this episode will help you shift from protecting to preparing your kids for life. Visit dinnertable.com to learn more about building a value driven family culture. CHAPTERS 🎧 0:00 - Introduction and Guest Welcome1:33 - Why Parents Avoid Struggle3:18 - Healthy vs. Unhealthy Struggles5:04 - Lee Benson's Personal Story9:04 - Connecting with Kids on Values10:34 - Family Meetings and Leadership13:30 - The Role of Family Dinners16:09 - Running the Household as a Team19:51 - Chores, Allowances, and Money Mindset24:32 - Conclusion and Call to Action Resources and Links 📚 📖My new book, "Own Your Time" https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/ownyourtimeamazon 💻 Sponsors and Additional Resources https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/resources 📞Voicemail for Questions: Leave a voicemail at marriagekidsmoney.com/voicemail to have your question answered on the show! 👉Connect with me on social media: LinkedIn: AndyHillMKM Instagram and Facebook: MarriageKidsAndMoney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you decide between Roth and traditional investing when you want flexibility in the future? We kick off the show by answering a listener question from Liz about how much to invest in Roth versus traditional accounts. We walk through tax diversification, the three bucket strategy, and how to think about today’s income versus retirement so your family can build wealth with options. Next, we sit down with Anthony Rojas from Georgia for our Net Worth Win segment. Anthony shares how his family built an $868,000 net worth by age 39, the financial lessons shaped by his upbringing, and how he and his wife are using money to create stability, generosity, and meaningful experiences for their growing family. We wrap things up with a Money Quiz featuring Calvin. Together, we test his knowledge on net worth, investing, and YouTube monetization so kids and parents can learn and play along together. Chapters 🎧 0:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 1:29 Listener Question from Liz 2:51 Tax Buckets Explained 11:52 Anthony Rojas's Net Worth Journey 21:38 Building Generational Wealth 31:03 Money Quiz with Calvin Hill Resources and Links 📚 📖My new book, "Own Your Time" https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/ownyourtimeamazon 📞Voicemail for Questions: Leave a voicemail at marriagekidsmoney.com/voicemail to have your question answered on the show! 🎙️Anthony Rojas's Podcast: Listen to Anthony's podcast, Unknown Variables 🍑Nectarine Financial Advisors: Recommended for advice-only financial planning. Visit marriagekidsmoney.com/Nectarine for more information. 💻 Sponsors and Additional Resources ⁠https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/resources⁠ 👉Connect with me on social media: LinkedIn: AndyHillMKM Instagram and Facebook: MarriageKidsAndMoney Credits Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Artwork: Kayli Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I talk with Cody Berman and Sean Mullaney about what it really takes to reach early financial independence. Cody shares how he built a $4.8 million net worth by 29 through frugal living, intentional spending, and creating multiple income streams, while Sean breaks down the smartest tax strategies early retirees use to access money sooner and keep more of what they earn. We cover how to effectively use 401(k)s, Roth IRAs, HSAs, and taxable accounts together, plus key tactics like the Rule of 55, Roth conversions, and tax arbitrage that can dramatically lower your lifetime tax rate. Sean makes complex tax planning simple and actionable for anyone pursuing FIRE. Whether you’re just starting your wealth-building journey or planning an early retirement, this episode delivers practical strategies to grow wealth faster and design a flexible, purpose-driven financial future. CHAPTERS 🎧 00:00 – Welcome & Episode Overview 01:10 – Best Accounts for Early Retirement 02:45 – Why Traditional 401(k)s Still Matter 04:55 – Accessing Retirement Money Before 59½ 07:10 – Roth IRAs for Early Retirement Flexibility 11:45 – Using Taxable Accounts to Retire Early 14:10 – Tax Rate Arbitrage & Keeping Taxes Low 18:45 – HSAs, ACA Planning, and Early Retirement 23:10 – Financial Independence with Purpose 26:00 – Net Worth Win: $4.8M by Age 29 27:45 – Cody Berman’s FIRE Origin Story 32:00 – Quitting Corporate & Scaling Income Fast 37:00 – Building Multiple Income Streams 41:45 – Net Worth & Asset Breakdown 46:25 – Debt, Risk, and Long-Term Wealth Strategy 50:55 – Spending, Lifestyle, and Life After FI 52:55 – Advice for Your 20s & Getting Started 55:00 – Final Thoughts & Where to Connect Resources and Links 📚 My new book, "Own Your Time" - https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book Sponsors and Additional Resources https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/resources FI Tax Guy (Sean’s blog & tax planning resources): https://fitaxguy.com/ Cody Berman’s official site (passive income guides & resources): https://codydberman.com/ The Financial Independence Show (podcast by Cody Berman & Justin Taylor): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-financial-independence-show/id1434155196 Gold City Ventures (Cody’s company focused on passive income and online business): https://goldcityventures.com/ Gold City Ventures on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/goldcityventures Credits Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Artwork: Kayli Johnson NOTE: The discussion is intended to be for general educational purposes and is not tax, legal, or investment advice for any individual. Andy and Marriage Kids and Money do not endorse Sean Mullaney, Mullaney Financial & Tax, Inc. and their services. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Marriage Kids and Money podcast, we break down Coast FIRE, a financial approach that lets you “coast” to retirement once your investments can grow on their own, without needing to keep pouring money in. We're joined by Mike English, who shares his real-life path to reaching Coast FIRE in his 30s and what that decision changed about his life and priorities. Plus, Calvin joins Andy and hops on the mic for a fun and meaningful conversation about why investing early actually matters. They talk investment strategies, financial independence, and how to think long-term about building wealth that lasts. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re saving enough, questioned the pressure to grind forever, or thought about what kind of money story you want your kids to grow up with, this episode might shift how you think about the road to financial freedom. Chapters 🎧 00:00 Introduction to Coast Fire 01:15 Understanding Coast Fire by Age 30, 40, and 50 12:08 Interview with Mike English: Achieving Coast Fire 34:04 Good Word with Calvin: Celebrating Financial Literacy Resources and Links 📚 My new book, "Own Your Time" - https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/ownyourtimeamazon Try our FREE Coast FIRE Calculator 📱 https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/calculators/coast-fire/ Sponsors and Additional Resources https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/resources Credits Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Artwork: Kayli Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re one day away from launch, and I wanted to share a quick update and ask for your support. As of today, Own Your Time is at 354 pre-orders, with a goal of 500 by launch day. If Marriage Kids and Money has helped you think differently about your family’s financial independence journey, this is a meaningful way to support the work and the message behind the show. The easiest way to help is to pre-order on Amazon. Search “Own Your Time by Andy Hill” or use the link below. Pre-orders close soon, and ordering today truly makes a difference. If you’re new here, this book is the playbook. It’s the entire philosophy of this podcast in one place for $28. Pre-order on Amazon:https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/ownyourtimeamazon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we sit down with Larry Hagner, founder of The Dad Edge and author of The Pursuit of Legendary Fatherhood. We talk about a powerful idea Larry calls “the drift”—how men can slowly lose focus in their roles as husbands and fathers without even realizing it. Larry shares how to interrupt that drift and become more intentional at home, strengthen your marriage, and build deeper connections with your kids. We also dive into practical habits, mindset shifts, and simple actions dads can take right now to create a more fulfilling family life. If you’re a husband or father who wants to show up better for the people who matter most, this conversation is for you. Resources and Links 📚 The Dad Edge: https://thedadedge.com/ Larry's New Book : The Pursuit of Legendary Fatherhood https://amzn.to/3Zgszx2 My new book, "Own Your Time" - https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/ownyourtimeamazon Sponsors and Additional Resources https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/resources Credits Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Artwork: Kayli Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices