Episodit
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Hello Grown-ups! We’re taking a quick summer break before our season two finale, but while we’re gone we wanted to reshare one of our favorite episodes from Season 1 of “Grown-Up Stuff: How to Adult.” It’s a great companion episode to our previous episode about budgeting.
So sit back, grill up some hot dogs, watch the fireworks and revisit planning and saving for retirement with our guest, CPA and Asset and Wealth Management Assurance Senior Manager, Jonah Batista from Episode 1 of Season 1 of the podcast.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Money can be such a stressful topic, and many of us can feel like we’re always playing catch-up when it comes to our personal finances. Your income never feels substantial enough to get ahead, and budgeting feels intimidating and intense.
With the help of special guests Jannese Torres (“Yo Quiero Dinero” podcast and author of “Financially Lit!”) and Austin Hankwitz (“Rich Habits” podcast and “Rate of Return” Newsletter), Matt and Molly try to make money a little less scary and lean into the importance of financial awareness and tracking.
Learn tips for building a budget and discover which accounts will help you grow your money. Now if only Molly could stop sweating when she looks at a spreadsheet.
Do you have a topic or question you want to learn about on the podcast? Send us a note or voice memo to [email protected] and we may feature your message on an upcoming episode.
Cited Sources:
“Survey: The average American feels they’d need over $200K a year to be financially comfortable” - Bankrate “Income in the United States: 2022” - US Census Bureau “Bankrate’s 2024 annual emergency savings report” - Bankrate “Lifestyle Creep: How To Avoid the Trap and Save More” - MarketWatch “82% of Americans don’t use this kind of savings account that earns over 5% a year — here’s how much money you may be missing out on” - CNBC Select “American Savings By Generation: How Balances And Goals Vary By Age” - Forbes AdvisorSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Plants are truly incredible. House plants in particular provide so many benefits. They clean the air, increase humidity, and boost moods. They also make our homes look super grown-up. And some of us can use all the help we can get to elevate our apartment decor. But We have to remember that plants are living things that require TLC, but not too much.
In this episode of Grown-Up Stuff: How to Adult, Molly and Matt are learning about the many benefits of indoor plants and how to keep them alive and thriving. Instagram’s Plant Kween, Christopher Griffin shares their knowledge on all things plant parenthood, from finding the best plant for your home to propagation and everything in between. With Christopher’s help, Molly might just stand a chance at keeping a snake plant alive!
Do you have a topic or question you want to learn about on the podcast? Send us a note or voice memo to [email protected] and we may feature your message on an upcoming episode.
Cited Sources:
“Effects of Indoor Plants on Human Functions: A Systematic Review of Meta-Analyses” - International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health “Interior Landscape Plants for Indoor Air Pollution Abatement” - NASA “Interaction with Indoor Plants May Reduce Psychological and Physiological Stress by Suppressing Autonomic Nervous System Activity in Young Adults: a Randomized Crossover Study” - Journal of Physiological Anthropology “Real Foliage Plants as Visual Stimuli to Improve Concentration and Attention in Elementary Students” - International Journal of Environmental Research and Public HealthSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Laundry is one of those core adulting skills we should all know how to do. And perhaps, you may be thinking “I’m good, I know how to do laundry.” Trust us; this episode of “Grown-Up Stuff: How to Adult” is still going to shock and surprise you when it comes to laundry.
Molly and Matt are learning all about common laundry mistakes and helpful hacks from guest experts Kyshawn Lane (The Weekly Home Check on Instagram) and Patric Richardson A.K.A “The Laundry Evangelist” (Host of the TV show “The Laundry Guy,” and author of “Laundry Love”).
Kyshawn and Patric share insights on the importance of properly maintaining washing machines and dryers, using the right amount of detergent, avoiding fabric softeners and dryer sheets, and staying present and not panicking about stains.
Do you have a topic or question you want to learn about on the podcast? Send us a note or voice memo to [email protected] and we may feature your message on an upcoming episode.
Cited Sources:
“Loads of Fun? Survey Finds Laundry Tops List of America’s Favorite Cleaning Tasks” - The American Cleaning Institute “SWASH: Laundry Time” - OnePoll “CDC —Phthalates Factsheet - b1” HHS and CDC “Phthalates Fact Sheet” - Biomonitoring California “This Chemical Can Impair Fertility, but It’s Hard to Avoid” - The New York Times “How Often You Really Need to Wash Clothes to Keep Them Clean” - Real SimpleSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Are you ready to take on all the grown-up responsibilities of dog ownership? One of the best things about being an adult is you get to make all the decisions for yourself, like eating ice cream for dinner, staying up late to watch a scary movie and finally getting a puppy. But each of these decisions comes with responsibilities and consequences; the biggest of which is becoming a puppy parent. They’re cute and fluffy, loving and loyal, but they require your time, energy, attention and money.
Matt and Molly are joined by certified professional dog trainer and dog behavior consultant Irith Bloom. Figure out just how much of your time, money, and home you should set aside for your new furry best friend. And learn some of the most important lessons to teach your dog.
Cited Sources:
“Industry Trends and Stats” - American Pet Products Association “About Half of U.S. Owers Say Their Pets Are as Much a part of Their Family as a Human Member” - Pew Research Center “The Cost of Dog Parenthood in 2024” - The Dog People Powered by Rover.com “Cost of Dog Ownership Statistics 2024” - USA Today “81% of Pet Owners with Pet Insurance Report It’s Worth It” - Marketwatch “Setting Schedules and Developing a Routine for Your New Puppy” - American Kennel Club “Puppy Socialization: Why, When, and How to Do it Right” - American Kennel Club “Visual Communication: How Different Breeds Seek Eye Contact” - American Kennel ClubDo you have grown-up stuff that you want to figure out and learn more about? Send us an email or voice memo with your ideas and questions to [email protected] You may hear your question on an upcoming episode!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Tipping, it’s complicated. With so many more tip jars and digital tipping options available, it can often be confusing to figure out what goods or services you should always be tipping on and how much. Well, turns out tipping culture is pretty complex and spoiler alert, there isn’t always one set of straightforward rules to follow.
With the help of special guest Stacey Vanek Smith (Bloomberg Audio, NPR’s “Planet Money” and “The Indicator,” APM’s “Marketplace,” and author of the book “Machiavelli for Women: Defend Your Worth, Grow Your Ambition, and Win the Workplace”), Matt and Molly explore the nuances of tipping and some of the signs to look for and consider when that screen turns in their direction. Plus, learn about what a subminimum wage is, the origins of tipping, and how to embrace the custom tip option.
Cited Sources:
“Tipping Culture in America: Public Sees a Changed Landscape” - Pew Research Center “Do You Tip More or Less Often Than the Average American?” - Pew Research Center “Minimum Wages for Tipped Employees” - U.S. Department of Labor “Did COVID-19 Pandemic Dampen Americans’ Tipping for Food Services? Insights from Two Studies” - Compensation & Benefits Review “Technology May Turn You Into A Bigger Tipper” - NPR’s “Morning Edition”Do you have grown-up stuff that you want to figure out and learn more about? Send us an email or voice memo with your ideas and questions to [email protected] You may hear your question on an upcoming episode!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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So your friends are getting married, and they’ve asked you to stand up at their wedding. . . in some ways, this can be a rite of passage for many grown-ups. It can feel like an honor. But it can also be a lot to take on, too. What are the actual expectations of a wedding attendant (i.e. bridesmaid, groomsman, MOH, or best man)?
Lizzie Post from the Emily Post Institute returns to the podcast to teach Molly and Matt about the roles and responsibilities of a wedding party: Who’s included, what to budget for, and which events you actually need to attend.
Cited Sources:
“21 Surprising Historical Duties of the Wedding Party” - Mental Floss “Couples Spend an Average of $33,391 on Weddings, Incorporating Cultural, Religious and Personalized Elements, According to The Knot 2017 Real Weddings Study” The Knot World WideDo you have grown-up stuff that you want to figure out and learn more about? Send us an email or voice memo with your ideas and questions to [email protected] You may hear your question on an upcoming episode!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Your epidermis is showing! So give it a good wash with a gentle cleanser, moisturize and slather on the sunscreen cause Matt and Molly are back for Season 2 and learning all about skincare. No matter what your gender, age or location, listen up because your skin needs attention, love and protection. Jennifer Sullivan, beauty columnist for The Cut at New York Magazine and co-host of the podcast “Fat Mascara” talks pimples, exfoliants, oils and skin checks. Plus, find out how often you should be changing the washcloth you wash your face with and why you might want to think twice about washing your face in the shower.
Cited Sources:
“10 Surprising Things About Your Skin” - Skin Cancer Foundation Skin Conditions - Acne - Yale Medicine “Moisturizers: The Slippery Road” - Indian Journal of Dermatology “The Beauty Market in 20203: A Special State of Fashion Report” - McKinsey & Company “Skincare Products Market is Expected to Reach US$ 213,363.09 million by 2028” - The Insight PartnersDo you have grown-up stuff that you want to figure out and learn more about? Send us an email or voice memo with your ideas and questions to [email protected] You may hear your question on an upcoming episode!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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The work of a grown-up is never done. There’s always something we’ve got to figure out, navigate, or just straight-up accomplish. And thankfully, your favorite podcast about how to win adulthood is back. “Grown-Up Stuff: How To Adult” returns for Season Two on March 26th with even more life lessons! Join Matt and Molly as they learn about everything from the importance a good skincare routine to understanding rules around tipping. Come for the information, but stay for the glow-up.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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It’s our Season One Finale and we’re going out with a budget-friendly banger! We’re going to figure out how to grocery shop like heroes, and we’re not talking about the sandwich.
With the help of consumer and food trends expert and “Supermarket Guru” Phil Lempert, Molly and Matt learn how to reign in impulse buying, find the best deals and discounts, and change their shopping habits to avoid food waste.
Also, learn why you should buy frozen fish in the freezer section instead of the “fresh” stuff at the seafood counter and re-examine those water misters in the produce section.
Sources Cited:
The Food Industry Association (FMI) - “The Food Retailing Industry Speaks 2023” “The Paradox of Choice - Barry Schwartz US Food and Drug Administration - “Are You Storing Your Food Safely?” Real Simple - “The Ultimate Guide to Storing Every Type of Food in the Refridgerator for Long-Lasting Freshness” The Environmental Working Group - “EWG’s 2023 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce™” Mayo Clinic - “Organic Foods: Are they Safer? More Nutritious? Consumer Reports - “Cage-Free vs. Free Range –and Other Egg Carton Labels–Explained”Additional References:
NPR - “California Becomes the First State to Ban 4 Food Additives Linked to Disease” Yuka App How Good AppSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Do you know how often you should rotate the tires on your car? What about when it comes to checking your oil? And do you know what it means when your “check engine” light appears? Not only does it feel grown-up to know how to maintain your car, but with winter coming (and winter IS coming), car maintenance is a very real necessity when it comes to keeping it running smoothly.
In this episode of “Grown-Up Stuff: How to Adult,” Matt and Molly are joined once again by CarTalk’s Jamie Page Deaton as they discuss the dos and dont’s of car maintenance. Learn how and how often you should wash your car in the winter, what type of gas your car actually needs, and the one thing about electric vehicle maintenance that dealerships don’t want you to know.
Sources Cited:
2021 US Census Data U.S. Department of Transportation: Bureau of Transportation Statistics "Automobile Profile," “How Much Routine Car Mainten ance Costs” - Nerd Wallet “Can You Wash Your Car in Winter?” - AAA “Here’s How Much the Average Car Repair Costs Now” - Kelly Blue Book National Average Gas Prices - AAASee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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The holiday season is officially here! 'Tis the season for joy, cheer, and, well… managing the chaos that is family gatherings.
Looking for ways to survive the next couple of months while navigating these complicated dynamics? We’ve got your back. In this episode of “Grown-Up Stuff: How to Adult,” Molly and Matt chat with Dr. George James (LMFT), founder of George Talks and host of the podcast LEAPcast, about how to actually enjoy the holidays with our families.
Learn how to successfully navigate the holidays with family as an adult (especially when transitioning from being seen as a kid to asserting yourself as a grown-up). Arm yourself with tips on how to step away from potentially harmful discussions. Set yourself up with a support system, set healthy boundaries, and more!
Sources Cited:
“Season of Joy? Actually, Season of Stress for 88 Percent of Americans” - Perrigo Company via PR Newswire “9 Causes of Holiday Stress (and How to Manage Them)” - Lyra Health “The Importance of Setting Boundaries: Ten Benefits for You and Your Relationships” - BetterHelp “6 Ways to Stop Comparing Around the Holidays” - TalkSpace “Mental Health and the Holiday Blues” - National Alliance of Mental IllnessThe Bear Television Series, Season 2, Episode 6 “Fishes” FX/Hulu
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Happy Halloween! Did you know that Halloween is one of the biggest drinking holidays of the year? For those of us who are of legal age to imbibe liquid spirits and pumpkin ales, there’s a lot to learn about drinking alcohol.
From wine to beer and everything in between, Matt and Molly talk about how to train and refine our palates with Certified Cicerone® and wine and spirits expert Ethan Fixell, who has written about the bar and beverage industry for major publications like Food & Wine, Wine Enthusiast and Travel + Leisure.
If you want to graduate from chugging cheap beer to impressing your boss with your knowledge of craft beers at your next work happy hour, listen and learn as we find out how we can drink like adults. Plus, we’ll also take a look at how to elevate your drink choices if you’re abstaining from alcohol.
Sources Cited:
“What Percentage of Americans Drink Alcohol" - Gallup Merriam-Webster “Rose, Musty Basement, and Oak? How to Train Your Palate to Taste Wine Like a Pro - VOGUE “How Smell and Taste Change as You Age” - NIH: National Institute on Aging “Innate and learned preferences for sweet taste during childhood” - Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care “Dietary Nutrient Intake, Alcohol Metabolism, and Hangover Severity” - Journal of Clinical Medicine “The No-Alcohol Drinks Market Surpassed $11 Billion in 2022” - ForbesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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It’s one of the scariest times of the year. . . . it’s open enrollment time for health insurance. Every year, we’re all overwhelmed by the options and terminology of our policies, but this year Molly and Matt have full hearts and can’t lose. This year, they are determined to understand their coverage options and whether they should choose a high-deductible plan or one with a high premium. But first, they’re going to figure out what those terms mean in this episode. With the help of KFF Health News’ Julie Rovner, learn about the difference between an FSA and an HSA and what your plan is legally required to cover.
Sources Cited:
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health - Primary Care Visits Available to Most Uninsured But at a High Price Forbes - How Much Does Health Insurance Cost In 2023? US Department of Healtth and Human Services - About the Affordable Care ActSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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That new-car-smell is closer than you think! In this episode, Matt and Molly welcome Car Talk’s Editor-in-Chief Jamie Page Deaton back to the show to weigh in on the differences between leasing, financing, or outright buying new and used cars. Learn how to enter a dealership with confidence, uncover the tools you need to score the best deal, and determine whether or not you need that extended warranty or service plan!
Sources Cited:
Experian: State of the Automotive Market Cox AutomotiveSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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There’s something incredibly appealing about having the freedom to move seamlessly throughout the world in your very own car. Nowadays, there are a lot of car options to choose from and all at very different price points.
With the help of CarTalk Editor-in-Chief Jamie Page Deaton, Matt and Molly figure out how to choose the right car based on needs and cost. Discover the best ways to calculate a budget for acquiring a car, the different types of fuel-efficient and electric vehicle options on the road, and the latest safety features in cars and how to use them.
Plus learn about how you can avoid becoming upside down on your car loan.
Sources Cited:
The Zebra - Car Ownership Statistics Pew Research Center - “Car, bike or motorcycle? Depends on where you live" AA Newsroom - Annual Cost of New Car Ownership Crosses $10K Mark U.S. Department of Transportation - NHTSA Announces Final Rule Requiring Rear Visibility Technology J.D. Power - Electric Vehicle Trends for 2023See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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In our previous episode, we learned all about how to pay and save for college with a 529 savings plan. But a bachelor’s degree program isn’t the only path to take when it comes to higher education.
In this special episode of “Grown-Up Stuff: How to Adult,” sponsored by EdVest of Wisconsin and the Michigan Education Savings Program, Molly and Matt will explore all of the options people have after graduating high school – and beyond a bachelor’s degree.
With the help of return guests Robin Lott and Jackie James, we’re discussing the value of all types of degrees and certificates with the goal of helping you determine your own personal path. The best part? You can use a 529 savings account to pay for any of them!
Sources Cited:
National Center for Education Statistics US Department of Labor and Bureau of Labor StatisticsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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This just in: college is freaking expensive! But pursuing any kind of education after high school – whether a bachelor’s degree, associate’s, or trade certification – can make a huge difference in your career. In this special episode of “Grown-Up Stuff: How to Adult,” sponsored by EdVest of Wisconsin and the Michigan Education Savings Program, Matt and Molly speak with college savings experts Robin Lott and Jackie James about the best ways to save and pay for higher education as a parent or student. (Spoiler alert: start saving now.) If you have children – or plan on it down the road – it’s never too early or too late to start saving for college.
Learn about the best student loan options, how often you can reapply for financial aid, and the many benefits to opening a 529 college savings plan.
Sources Cited:
National Center for Education Statistics “A Look at College Tuition Growth Over 20 Years” - US News & World Report Federal Student Aid Data for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) formsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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With all the intense heat experienced globally this summer, utility bills have been rising right along with the temperatures. So how can we better understand things like our energy and water usage to keep our utility bills as low as possible? In this episode of “Grown-Up Stuff: How to Adult,” Molly and Matt talk with Lucas Hall, founder of Landlordology, about all things Utilities.
Find out what’s considered an essential utility, which utilities you’re responsible for as a renter, and how we can keep our bills down during the peak of summer and the dead of winter.
Sources Cited:
Scientific America - “July 2023 Is the Hottest Month Ever Recorded on Earth” EPA - Climate Change Indicators: Heat Waves National Energy Assistance Directors Association - Families Spend More on Summer CoolingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Last episode we learned all about how to find and lease an apartment, but in this episode, we’re leveling up with how to buy and finance a home. We’re talking about mortgages, escrow, and HOAs with Vanessa Aragon, a licensed real estate agent in Scottsdale, Arizona. Did you know you could put down less than six percent to buy a home?? (Thanks, Vanessa.)
Discover if you’re ready for home-buying – and if your budget is, too. Plus, find out why you really don’t want to skip a home inspection during the buying process.
Sources Cited:
Housing Market Predictions for 2023 from Banke Rate NAR Research Group’s Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends Report 2022 National Association of Realtors Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers Best Lenders for FHA Loans in July 2023 from Nerd WalletSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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