Episodes
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Not happy with the service you’re getting from your bank? It may be time to switch. Learn how credit unions work and see if they’re a better banking option for you!
Move Your Money to a Better Banking OptionWhere you bank matters. For most families, their checking and savings accounts are the foundation of their financial system. When it's not working, it just makes everything harder.
We know because we’ve had some really bad experiences with a few of the big banks.
Whether it was poor customer service, needless fees, and minimum balances requirements (even though the interest rates they were offering were abysmal), we just felt like it was a headache and chore dealing with them.
Years ago we decided to move our money to where we could get great service and get perks like better rates with savings. One of the places we picked was a credit union, specifically Coastal Credit Union. We’ve been happy with switching over, but the focus today is not on us, but on you.
It doesn’t matter to me whether you choose a community bank, credit union, online, or yes, one of the big players. I just want you to be happy where you bank. Seriously.
Which is why I’m happy to have Emily Nails, VP of Cooperative Strategies and Executive Director of the Coastal Credit Union Foundation on the show today.
Not only are they a sponsor of this podcast, but they’ve also been our credit union for over ten years.
In this episode, we’ll get into:
how credit unions work the benefits that credit union members can enjoy how credit unions benefits their communitiesLet’s get started!
Resources to Easily Manage Your MoneyYour money should be working as hard as you, but managing it should be easy. Here are some of my favorite tools and resources to stay on top of your finances!
Best Budget and Money Apps: Empower, Tiller, Mint Grab Your Copy of My Book: Jumpstart Your Marriage and Your Money Coastal Federal Credit Union -
Open enrollment season is here and I want you to be prepared. Learn what you need to know so that you can choose an affordable healthcare insurance plan that covers your family's needs!
Finding Affordable Health InsuranceHow would you like to help set up your finances for this next year so that it runs smoother and that you are gonna be hitting your money goals faster?
That might very well be the case if you take time to carefully to go over your options with Open Enrollment.
I know it might not seem like the most exciting thing when you get that packet, but you can have a huge and significant win with your finances if you take the time to really research your options and make sure that you're maximizing your benefits.
With open enrollment, there are going to be so many Health insurance is typically the biggest decision families worry about, and understandably so.
Health insurance can be expensive.
A recent health employer benefits survey found that the average premium for family coverage is $22,463 per year. That includes what your employer pays. However, most only a percentage. On average, employees are paying $6,106 year for premiums for their family plans. Now you add in copays and your deductible and it can be pricey, well you can see how important it is to find the right health insurance plan for you.
You might feel like we did – trying to strike a balance.
On one hand, handing over that much money month after month when we basically use it for annual well visits seemed like such a waste.
But we didn’t want to be under covered either. Have you’ve seen those bills from the doctor’s office or hospitals?
If you’re fortunate, your HR department will have prepared a side by side analysis, comparing the major components of your different options.
Still, depending on your family’s particular needs such as dealing with a chronic health issue, you may have dig through that digital or paper packet to find answers about whether or not a specific things is covered.
So how do you sort through things? Today we’re dive into some of essential things you need to know so you can work together as a family and find the best option for you.
In this episode we discuss:
exactly how copays, coinsurance, deductibles, and more work so you know what coming out of your pocket and what's covered compare how typical base plans work versus high deductible health plans the ins and outs of health savings accountsWe have a lot to cover so let’s get started!
Resources to Build Better Family BudgetsIf you’re looking to start or revamp your budget so you can reach your family and financial goals faster, check out some of these resources below!
Best Budget and Money Apps: Empower, Tiller, Mint Grab Your Copy of My Book: Jumpstart Your Marriage and Your Money Are High Deductible Health Plans and Health Savings Accounts an Affordable Option for You? How to Maximize Your Work Benefits During Open Enrollment Send in your family and financial questions here!
If you’d like to chat more your money system, please join us in our private and free Facebook group – Thriving Families.We’re families looking to support and help one another out.
Hope to see you there!
Thank You to Our Sponsor Coastal!Support for this podcast comes from Coastal Credit Union! If you’re living in the Raleigh Durham area and looking to bank better, come check out Coastal today.
We’ve been Coastal members for a few years have been happy with their services.
Did you know that Coastal offers a Health Savings Account? If you have a high deductible health plan, you need to take advantage of an HSA.
Find out more about what Coastal offers here!
Support the Podcast!
Thank you so much for listening to the podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and found it helpful, here are some ways to support it.
Spread the word! If you enjoyed this episode and think it can help a buddy get on the path to dumping debt and become financially free, please share. Leave a review. Honest feedback and reviews make a big difference and gets the word out about the podcast. Leave your review on Apple or Stitcher. Grab a copy of Jumpstart Your Marriage and Your Money. My book is designed for a busy couple to set up their finances in 4 weeks. Get tips and tools that have worked for other couples on their journey of building their marriage and wealth together! -
Episodes manquant?
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Teaching kids about money doesn't have to be boring! Discover how to make learning about finances fun and engaging for your children!
Teaching Kids Smart Money HabitsAs parents we want to prepare out kids so when they decide to go off on their own, they’re equipped with not just the essential life skills, but also have wisdom on knowing when and how to use those skills.
Believe it or not, part of showing them the ropes is teaching them about money.
Because if we don’t, they’ll have a much harder time pursuing their goals because they’ll be weighed down by the consequences of bad money habits such as carrying a massive amount of debt.
Sadly carrying debts seems to the case for many Americans as I was reviewing some numbers from The Motley Fool about average debts.
Average credit card debt $5,733 Average personal loan debt $11,281 Average monthly new car payment $736 Average monthly used car payment $523 That’s a lot of baggage to carryHere’s the thing, though – how do you start those lessons?
It really is a family project. We have a big role as parents, but others in our circle can also be a wonderful help with getting our kids smarter with their money.
Paul Vasey is on the show to talk about how. He’s financial educator and the creator of Cash Crunch Games which is all about helping families have a fun time learning about finances through games. He also recently published a book – Raising Money-Smart Grandkids.
As you can guess from the title is focused on the grandparents, but most of those topics apply to parents as well.
In this episode we get into:
the power of conversations and games in shaping your child's financial mindset how to navigate discussions about budgeting, saving, and making choices within a limited budget creative ways to engage your kids in hands-on experiences that make learning about money fun and relevant to their livesWe have a lot to cover, so let’s get started!
Resources to Build Better Family BudgetsIf you’re looking to start or revamp your budget so you can reach your family and financial goals faster, check out some of these resources below!
Best Budget and Money Apps: Empower, Tiller, Mint Grab Your Copy of My Book: Jumpstart Your Marriage and Your Money Cash Crunch Games Raising Money-Smart Grandkids Nuts and Bolts of Creating a Budget That Works Cashing Out: Creating a Flexible Financial Plan That Fits Your Family How to (Actually) Make Managing Your Money Fun FamZoo Kids and Money: How to Teach Them About Bank and Investing Accounts Financial Wellness: Tracking More Than Just the Numbers Send in your family and financial questions here!
If you’d like to chat more your money system, please join us in our private and free Facebook group – Thriving Families.We’re families looking to support and help one another out.
Hope to see you there!
Thank You to Our Sponsor Coastal!Support for this podcast comes from Coastal Credit Union! Come check out Coastal today if you’re living in the Raleigh Durham area and looking to bank better.
As a credit union, Coastal serves its members first and foremost including an annual loyalty bonus.
Support the Podcast!Thank you so much for listening to the podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and found it helpful, here are some ways to support it.
Spread the word! If you enjoyed this episode and think it can help a buddy get on the path to dumping debt and become financially free, please share. Join our coffee group ☕: Get access to exclusive behind the scenes videos, chats, and more! Leave a review. Honest feedback and reviews make a big difference and gets the word out about the podcast. Leave your review on Apple or Stitcher. Grab a copy of Jumpstart Your Marriage and Your Money. My book is designed for a busy couple to set up their finances in four weeks. Get tips and tools that have worked for other couples on their journey of building their marriage and wealth together! -
Are you a parent trying to juggle your family's budget while still enjoying life? We’re going to walk you through how to find a balance with raising your kids, managing your money, and have fun!
Parenting on a Budget: Strategies for Juggling Kids, Money, and HappinessWhen you’re a parent, it can sometimes feel like there are so many demands on your finances and times. As we raise our kids, we may have to deal with daycare, school trips, extra curricular activities, family vacations, saving for college or trade, the list goes on and on.
Oh wait, you’re also expected to save for your own retirement.
It feels like a lot, right?
The pressure we feel from others or that we put on ourselves can make it seem like the price of parenthood is too much.
While we do have more responsibilities as we raise our kids, there are some real joys with it. The trick is find a way to identify your family’s particular priorities and manage your money in a way that balanced and fits the particular season of life you’re in.
Which is why I’m so glad Melissa McCollough from Coastal Credit Union is here to join us.
Not only is she the Digital Marketing Manager behind Coastal’s blog, but she’s also a mom who knows firsthand the juggling act of parenthood.
I love someone in the trenches chatting with me about making this work well.
In this episode we get into:
common challenges parents and families face when it comes to budgeting, and how to get through them effective strategies for saving money on kid-related expenses without sacrificing quality or experiences tools and resources, both online and in your community, that can make it easier to stay on top of your money so you have more time with your kidsSo, whether you're a parent looking to navigate the complexities of family finances or simply curious about the art of budgeting, this podcast episode is a must-listen.
We have a lot to cover, so let’s dive in!
Resources to Build Better BudgetsIf you’re looking to start or revamp your budget so you can reach your family and financial goals faster, check out some of these resources below!
Best Budget and Money Apps: Empower, Tiller, Mint Grab Your Copy of My Book: Jumpstart Your Marriage and Your Money Finding the Best Paying Side Hustles for You Why and How You Need to Diversify Your Income 18 Money-Saving Challenges To Save More Money! Send in your family and financial questions here!If you’d like to chat more your money system, please join us in our private and free Facebook group – Thriving Families.
We’re families looking to support and help one another out.
Hope to see you there!
Thank You to Our Sponsor Coastal!Support for this podcast comes from Coastal Credit Union! Come check out Coastal today if you’re living in the Raleigh Durham area and looking to bank better.
As a credit union, Coastal serves its members first and foremost including an annual loyalty bonus.
We've been members for years and love their service and competitive rates on checking and savings accounts!
Support the Podcast!Thank you so much for listening to the podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and found it helpful, here are some ways to support it.
Spread the word! If you enjoyed this episode and think it can help a buddy get on the path to dumping debt and become financially free, please share. Join our coffee group ☕: Get access to exclusive behind the scenes videos, chats, and more! Leave a review. Honest feedback and reviews make a big difference and gets the word out about the podcast. Leave your review on Apple or Stitcher. Grab a copy of Jumpstart Your Marriage and Your Money. My book is designed for a busy couple to set up their finances in four weeks. Get tips and tools that have worked for other couples on their journey of building their marriage and wealth together! -
Are you looking to have some fun while saving up for your goals? We'll explore ten monthly money challenges that you and your family can try out!
Taking On Monthly Money ChallengesAs I mentioned last week, there's a wonderful opportunity for you to reset things with your finances and have a big win with your family and financial goals. There's three full months or 15 weeks, depending on how you want to look at it left in the year.
You can knock out some really big goals in that time. One thing that can help you out with that is monthly money challenges.
We got a variety of challenges that we're going to cover today that can help you develop new habits and routines. You can use that money to put towards whatever goal you're working on.
There are some great challenges you can do throughout the year like the 52-Week Savings Challenge and the 365-Day Nickel-Saving Challenge, which I’ll include in the show notes. There are also wonderful weekly challenges you can take on too.
However for this episode, I want to focus on monthly goals. I feel like that's a big enough chunk of time where you can effectively knock out something. And it gives you enough flexibility that if you're having a bad week, you can still finish up on a high note.
In this episode, I’m going to cover:
the psychology monthly money challenges go over the different types of money challenges you can take on highlight ten money challengesWe have a lot to cover, so let’s get started!
Resources to Build Better BudgetsIf you’re looking to start or revamp your budget so you can reach your family and financial goals faster, check out some of these resources below!
Best Budget and Money Apps: Empower, Tiller, Mint Grab Your Copy of My Book: Jumpstart Your Marriage and Your Money Where Can I Find the Money to Build Emergency Savings? Send in your family and financial questions here!If you’d like to chat more your money system, please join us in our private and free Facebook group – Thriving Families. It’s a group Andy, Andrew from Family Money Plan, and myself run as a team.
We’re families looking to support and help one another out.
Hope to see you there!
Thank You to Our Sponsor Coastal!Support for this podcast comes from Coastal Credit Union! Come check out Coastal today if you’re living in the Raleigh Durham area and looking to bank better.
As a credit union, Coastal serves its members first and foremost including an annual loyalty bonus.
We've been members for years and love their service and competitive rates on checking and savings accounts!
Support the Podcast!
Thank you so much for listening to the podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and found it helpful, here are some ways to support it.
Spread the word! If you enjoyed this episode and think it can help a buddy get on the path to dumping debt and become financially free, please share. Join our coffee group ☕: Get access to exclusive behind the scenes videos, chats, and more! Leave a review. Honest feedback and reviews make a big difference and gets the word out about the podcast. Leave your review on Apple or Stitcher. Grab a copy of Jumpstart Your Marriage and Your Money. My book is designed for a busy couple to set up their finances in four weeks. Get tips and tools that have worked for other couples on their journey of building their marriage and wealth together!Photo Credits: Othmar Vigl
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Today we’ll go over five steps on how to reset and achieve your big family money goals for before the year wraps up!
How to Reset and Reach Your Family and Financial GoalsIt’s the first full week of September. How are things going of you this year so far?
Looking back at 2023 so far, it’s honestly been a year of ups and downs for us.
Summer break for example had us taking two family trips around North Carolina which we certainly needed. Unfortunately my mom was in the hospital in the first part of July so our focus was on her for a few weeks. Thankfully she’s doing better now.
Honestly, though, I cut back on projects and some work I had planned here on the site and podcast. I also feel a bit weird saying this on the podcast, but yeah, I wasn’t as diligent as I usually am with finances.
Here’s the thing though – for the most part we’re still on track for our goals.
How?
As we have tackled our family and financial goals like saving down debt, saving for emergencies, and investing, we’ve developed habits and a financial system that has made it easier to stay on our goals. Cause I really do believe that there are times you need to give your family attention. If you have your financial system up, you can feel less stressed and better able to handle life’s curveballs.
I’d like to show you some ways you can manage your goals if you ‘re in a similar situation, where your focus hasn’t been on your finance because of family obligations.
The good news? You still have sixteen full weeks before this year is over. There is still plenty of time for you to make progress on your family and financial goals!
Resources to Build Better BudgetsIf you’re looking to start or revamp your budget so you can reach your family and financial goals faster, check out some of these resources below!
Best Budget and Money Apps: Empower, Tiller, Mint Grab Your Copy of My Book: Jumpstart Your Marriage and Your Money Where Can I Find the Money to Build Emergency Savings? Send in your family and financial questions here!If you’d like to chat more your money system, please join us in our private and free Facebook group – Thriving Families. It’s a group Andy, Andrew from Family Money Plan, and myself run as a team.
We’re families looking to support and help one another out.
Hope to see you there!
Thank You to Our Sponsor Coastal!Support for this podcast comes from Coastal Credit Union! Come check out Coastal today if you’re living in the Raleigh Durham area and looking to bank better.
As a credit union, Coastal serves its members first and foremost including an annual loyalty bonus.
We've been members for years and love their service and competitive rates on checking and savings accounts!
Support the Podcast!Thank you so much for listening to the podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and found it helpful, here are some ways to support it.
Spread the word! If you enjoyed this episode and think it can help a buddy get on the path to dumping debt and become financially free, please share. Join our coffee group ☕: Get access to exclusive behind the scenes videos, chats, and more! Leave a review. Honest feedback and reviews make a big difference and gets the word out about the podcast. Leave your review on Apple or Stitcher. Grab a copy of Jumpstart Your Marriage and Your Money. My book is designed for a busy couple to set up their finances in four weeks. Get tips and tools that have worked for other couples on their journey of building their marriage and wealth together!Photo Credits: George Milton, Taryn Elliott, and Max Andrey
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Are you curious about real estate investing? Today, we're going to hear from two people who have made that leap and started building up their income streams through real estate!
Getting Started in Real EstateInvesting in real estate can be profitable and exciting, but it can also seem daunting, especially if you haven't got started yet.
One of the favorite things I like to do, here on the podcast is to share stories from people in real life. What was it like to achieve their financial goals?
Real estate investing is no different. I've had already done some interviews through the years.
Even this year, I've shared stories from Alan, Crystal and Rachel about their own financial journeys into real estate and they each had different avenues that they took that were successful for them.
Today I want to add two more stories to that list. Toni from debt-free divas and Aja from principles of increase are going to be discussing each of their journeys into real estate.
In this episode, we're going to get into:
how they acquired their first properties the mistakes they made with real estate investing and the wins that they've had with their properties their advice they would give now for those looking to jump into it.We have a lot to cover so let's get started!
Resources on Real EstateIf you’re looking to buy, here are some resources to help you find an affordable place you love!
Best Budget and Money Apps: Empower, Tiller, Mint Grab Your Copy: Jumpstart Your Marriage and Your Money Debt Free Divas The Great Debt Dump: Running Toward Financial Freedom with the Power of Community Principles of Increase How to Talk Money With Our Daughters Roofstock -
Today we’re going over essential house hunting tips so you can find your dream house!
The Dos and Don'ts of House Hunting: Expert Advice from a Real Estate AgentWelcome back! These past few weeks, we’ve been focused on our home buying series. We started off with preparing finances to handle becoming a homeowner and building your credit.
Next, we got the inside scoop on what lenders are looking for to make it easier to get a great deal on your mortgage.
Now we’re talking about the last key step – house hunting. For many this both the fun part of the process, but also the most stressful, especially if you’re buying in a market. One concern families have is trying to find that hidden gem of place and avoid getting with a money pit.
Which is why I’m happy to have Real Estate Agent/Broker Liz Mary Caban from Daymark Realty on. She’s sharing her expertise to make the process easier.
In this episode we get into:
how to navigate with your house hunting and find your dream home how to be prepared to move quickly while still staying objective and within your budget what red flags to watch out for when you’re checking out homesWe have a lot to cover, so let’s get started!
Resources on Buying a HouseIf you’re looking to buy, here are some resources to help you find an affordable place you love!
Best Budget and Money Apps: Empower, Tiller, Mint Grab My Book: Jumpstart Your Marriage and Your Money Daymark Realty | Work with LizMary Caban Buying a Home -
Are you thinking of buying a home soon? Get the inside scoop on what lenders are looking for so you can get a great deal on a mortgage!
How to Find the Best Rates for Your MortgageIt's home buying season and depending on where you live, it could be a hot market. It’s certainly that here in Raleigh, NC.
As a buyer that can be additional pressure on finding the right place for you, but if you’re prepared and you snag a great deal on your mortgage, you’ll have a leg up.
This is why to have Wendy Dawson on the show today. She’s the Vice President of Mortgage Lending over at Coastal Credit Union. She’ll be sharing her expert insights on how to shop around and snag a great deal on your mortgage.
In this episode we’ll get into:
What lenders look for when assessing a potential borrower's financial position potential down payment assistance programs for first-time homebuyers how to stay level-headed during your house hunt your new place is a blessing and not a burdenWe have a lot to cover, so let’s get started!
Resources on Buying a HouseIf you’re looking to buy, here are some resources to help you find an affordable place you love!
Best Budget and Money Apps: Empower, Tiller, Mint Grab My Book: Jumpstart Your Marriage and Your Money Buying a Home -
Buying a house can be overwhelming. Learn how to get your finances ready for homeownership so your new home is a blessing and not a burden!
Preparing Your Finances to Buy a HouseBuying a house is a huge personal and financial milestone for many families, but it can also be a stressful and complicated process.
One part of the stress is buying a house that’s affordable. You want to be financially prepared
There’s plenty of advice on buying a house and not all of it is good. Have you heard ‘buy as much house as you afford’? I mean sounds good on paper, but the reality is if someone is telling you that you’re probably pushing your house budget in a direction that could be a huge problem once you sign those papers.
Or how about the suggestion of building your credit by getting a credit card?
I don’t want you to fall into a trap where your finances are so tight that the house you buy makes your miserable.
Today we’re going over some key areas of where you needed to pay attention and prepare your finances so that when you a buy a house, it’s a blessing and not a burden.
Which is why I’m happy to have Steve Stewart on the show today.
In this episode we’re going to look at:
preparing your finances so you can comfortably buy a house the role credit scores play and how to raise it building credit without accumulating debt with alternative ways to report credit history to lendersWe have a lot to cover, so let’s get started!
Resources on Buying a HouseIf you’re looking to buy, here are some resources to help you find an affordable place you love!
Best Budget and Money Apps: Empower, Tiller, Mint Grab My Book: Jumpstart Your Marriage and Your Money Buying a Home -
Are you looking to have a true vacation where you can relax and enjoy, but are afraid it’s going to break your budget? Learn how to score amazing deals and travel hack on your next trip!
Finding the Best Family Vacation DealsDuring the last two episodes, we talk about building a better budget. We wanted to see how you can create a budget that allows you to pay the bills, but balances your future financial goals with some fun here and now.
We’ve found that you’re more likely to stick to your budget if you include room for things and experiences you enjoy.
For many families, travel falls into that category. It does for us. Actually we recently took a trip to Florida and had an incredible time relaxing and catching up with some loved ones in the area.
I know some families though are worried about the rising costs of trips. I just saw recently that rental cars have skyrocketed over 20%! Then you factor in service industry staff issues, it also almost seems like you’re getting less, but paying more.
However, with some planning you can take a wonderful vacation affordably.
I’d like to share a few of the highlights so you can see how you can snag some travel deals for your next vacation.
I’m also happy to have Zac Hood of our partner Travel Freely on the show. He’s going to share how travel hacking works and how to approach searching for the right rewards card for you.
We have a lot to cover so let’s get started!
Resources to Optimize Your Travel Rewards and MoreLooking for ways to save on your next family getaway? Here are some fantastic resources to check out:
Best Budget and Money Apps: Empower, Tiller, Mint Grab Your Copy of My Book: Jumpstart Your Marriage and Your Money Travel Freely Simple Family Travel Tips and Tricks How We Do Low-Key Travel with Kids 17 Essential Tips for Finding the Perfect AirbnbIf you’d like to chat more your money system, please join us in our private and free Facebook group – Thriving Families. We’re families looking to support and help one another out.
Hope to see you there!
Thank You to Our Sponsor Coastal!Support for this podcast comes from Coastal Credit Union! If you’re living in the Raleigh Durham area and looking to bank better, come check out Coastal today.
As a credit union, Coastal serves its members first including an annual loyalty bonus. We've been members for years and love their service and competitive rates on checking and savings accounts!
Support the Podcast!Thank you so much for listening to the podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and found it helpful, here are some ways to support it.
Spread the word! If you enjoyed this episode and think it can help a buddy get on the path to dumping debt and become financially free, please share. Join our coffee group ☕: Get access to exclusive behind the scenes videos, chats, and more! Leave a review. Honest feedback and reviews make a big difference and gets the word out about the podcast. Leave your review on Apple or Stitcher. Grab a copy of Jumpstart Your Marriage and Your Money. My book is designed for a busy couple to set up their finances in four weeks. Get tips and tools that have worked for other couples on their journey of building their marriage and wealth together!Photo by Pixabay and Julia Kuzenkov
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Are you ready to start building a budget that works and you actually love? Learn the nuts and bolts on how to quickly and easily make a flexible family budget!
Creating a Budget That Actually Works for YouLast week I mentioned that one report found 73% of millennials are living paycheck to paycheck. When you’re in that situation you can be an added weight on shoulders because if one thing goes wrong – and it will- it can make a mess of your finances.
For this week, I want to go from the big picture view we took on the potentials with budgets and get into the nuts and bolts. How do you build a budget?
Which is why I’m happy to have Warren Murray on the show today. Warren works Financial Well Being Manager over at Coastal Credit Union where he and his team help members live better by managing their money more efficiently.
In this episode we’ll get into:
why having a financial snapshot your finances is important and how to do it how building your budget around financial wellness is more efficient and sustainable creative ways to include fun into your budget while still working towards your financial goalsWe have a lot to cover, so let’s get started!
Resources to Build Better BudgetsIf you’re looking to start or revamp your budget so you can reach your family and financial goals faster, check out some of these resources below!
Best Budget and Money Apps: Empower, Tiller, Mint Grab Your Copy of My Book: Jumpstart Your Marriage and Your Money Where Can I Find the Money to Build Emergency Savings?If you’d like to chat more your money system, please join us in our private and free Facebook group – Thriving Families. It’s a group Andy, Andrew from Family Money Plan, and myself run as a team.
We’re families looking to support and help one another out.
Hope to see you there!
Thank You to Our Sponsor Coastal!Support for this podcast comes from Coastal Credit Union! Come check out Coastal today if you’re living in the Raleigh Durham area and looking to bank better.
As a credit union, Coastal serves its members first and foremost including an annual loyalty bonus.
We've been members for years and love their service and competitive rates on checking and savings accounts!
Support the Podcast!Thank you so much for listening to the podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and found it helpful, here are some ways to support it.
Spread the word! If you enjoyed this episode and think it can help a buddy get on the path to dumping debt and become financially free, please share. Join our coffee group ☕: Get access to exclusive behind the scenes videos, chats, and more! Leave a review. Honest feedback and reviews make a big difference and gets the word out about the podcast. Leave your review on Apple or Stitcher. Grab a copy of Jumpstart Your Marriage and Your Money. My book is designed for a busy couple to set up their finances in four weeks. Get tips and tools that have worked for other couples on their journey of building their marriage and wealth together!Photo by Karolina Grabowska
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Budgets don't have to feel like deprivation. Learn how to create a flexible family budget that fits in what you love while hitting your financial goals! Why Your Family Needs a Flexible Budget
Raise your hand if the first time you made your budget it was exactly what you needed and was a perfect for your situation.
Yeah, I don’t personally know anyone who got their budget right the first try and there’s a few reasons for that.
Chances are what you put down on paper doesn’t match real life. Either you have a money leak you’re not aware of or like what you just heard in the teaser, you get thrown for a loop.
It’s enough to make you just want to trash the ideas of budgeting, but that would be a mistake.
Right now more families are living paycheck to paycheck.
I was reading a recent report from Lending Tree which highlighted overall 60% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck. Millennials, though, seem to be in worse shape as that number jumps to 73%.
That can be pretty scary. One hiccup or an emergency can totally throw off your finances.
If you ready to break the cycle then please listen in. Personal finance author and podcaster Allison Baggerly from Inspired Budget is not just sharing her story, but some fantastic tips on how to create a flexible budget that works for your family's unique needs and circumstances.
In this episode we’ll get into:
how shifting her mindset about budgets transformed her finances and life why having a flexible budget is key to long-term success and financial stability practical tips on how to get started if you hate budgetsWe have a lot to cover, so let’s get started!
Resources to Build Better BudgetsIf you’re looking to start or revamp your budget so you can reach your family and financial goals faster, check out some of these resources below!
Best Budget and Money Apps: Empower, Tiller, Mint Grab Your Copy of My Book: Jumpstart Your Marriage and Your Money Inspired Budget Allison’s Book: Money Made Easy Getting Good with Money and Dumping DebtIf you’d like to chat more your money system, please join us in our private and free Facebook group – Thriving Families. It’s a group Andy, Andrew from Family Money Plan, and myself run as a team.
We’re families looking to support and help one another out.
Hope to see you there!
Thank You to Our Sponsor Coastal!Support for this podcast comes from Coastal Credit Union! Come check out Coastal today if you’re living in the Raleigh Durham area and looking to bank better.
As a credit union, Coastal serves its members first and foremost including an annual loyalty bonus.
We've been members for years and love their service and competitive rates on checking and savings accounts!
Support the Podcast!Thank you so much for listening to the podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and found it helpful, here are some ways to support it.
Spread the word! If you enjoyed this episode and think it can help a buddy get on the path to dumping debt and become financially free, please share. Join our coffee group ☕: Get access to exclusive behind the scenes videos, chats, and more! Leave a review. Honest feedback and reviews make a big difference and gets the word out about the podcast. Leave your review on Apple or Stitcher. Grab a copy of Jumpstart Your Marriage and Your Money. My book is designed for a busy couple to set up their finances in four weeks. Get tips and tools that have worked for other couples on their journey of building their marriage and wealth together! -
We’ve brought back the listener's mailbag. Today we’re answering your family and finance questions about keep your grocery bills manageable, deciding on how to travel with kids, and getting started with real estate!
Listener Mailbag: Spring 2023One of my favorite parts of creating Simplify and Enjoy is the community.
While I’m happy to share our journey as a family, it’s fun when you chime in with your wins, stories, and questions.
Today we’re going to be diving into your family and finance questions.
First, we’ll look at how to save money on your grocery bill.
Next, we’ll talk about how to adjust or if needed, revamp your budget. There’s still plenty of time to have some big wins with your family and financial goals.
Finally, we’re following up from last week’s episode about different options in real estate. There are so many different paths.
Which is why I’m so glad to share a fun and informative conversation I had with Stacking Deeds Podcast Hosts Crystal Hammond and Alan Corey. We get into their own journeys and they have advice on what to consider if you’d like to get started with real estate investing.
We have plenty to cover, so let’s get started!
Resources to Stay on Top of Your MoneyIf you’re ready to jump into the year and knock out some of your health and wealth goals, here are a few of my favorite resources and includes what we covered in the podcast.
Best Budget and Money Apps: Empower, Tiller, Mint Grab Your Copy: Jumpstart Your Marriage and Your Money Stacking Deeds Podcast Connect with Crystal: Twitter Connect with Alan: Twitter Alan's Books: A Million Bucks by 30 |House FIRE [Financial Independence, Retire Early]If you’d like to chat more your money system, please join us in our private and free Facebook group – Thriving Families.
We’re families looking to support and help one another out.
Hope to see you there!
Thank You to Our Sponsor Coastal!Support for this podcast comes from Coastal Credit Union! Come check out Coastal today if you’re living in the Raleigh Durham area and looking to bank better.
As a credit union, Coastal serves its members first and foremost including an annual loyalty bonus.
We've been members for years and love their service and competitive rates on checking and savings accounts!
Support the Podcast!Thank you so much for listening to the podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and found it helpful, here are some ways to support it.
Spread the word! If you enjoyed this episode and think it can help a buddy get on the path to dumping debt and become financially free, please share. Join our coffee group ☕: Get access to exclusive behind the scenes videos, chats, and more! Leave a review. Honest feedback and reviews make a big difference and gets the word out about the podcast. Leave your review on Apple or Stitcher. Grab a copy of Jumpstart Your Marriage and Your Money. My book is designed for a busy couple to set up their finances in four weeks. Get tips and tools that have worked for other couples on their journey of building their marriage and wealth together! -
Are you interested in getting started in real estate investing but don't know where to begin? We’ll uncover some opportunities and niches out there that could be a good fit for you!
Adventures in Real Estate InvestingIn our community we have families at different points in their financial journeys.
This year we have some who are focused on knocking out debts that have been weighing them down.
We also have families who building up their financial cushion or saving up for a huge goal including starting a family, maybe starting a business, or buying a house.
Then some, including us are in the CoastFI phase of things. That foundation is in place and we’re considering options that can give us more flexibility with our schedule while still producing income.
Real estate investing can be a great way to be a solid path towards that and financial freedom. By investing in a property, you can generate passive income through rent.
However there’s more to it than what you see on HGTV, Magnolia, or those real estate flip channels on YouTube.
Buying property takes money and finding good tenants and contractors takes time. You may also worry about being trapped with a money pit.
Which is why I’m happy to have Rachel Hernandez on the show. Rachel is an award-winning mobile home investor with over ten years of experience and author of several books about real estate including Adventures in Mobile Homes.
In this episode we’ll get into:
her journey into real estate investing and what made her choose to hone in with investing in mobile home different options out there besides flipping and buying holding property an honest look at the good and the bad with real estate so you have a clearer idea of what to expectHope you enjoy!
ResourcesIf you’re ready to achieve your family and financial goals and want to explore real estate, here are a few of my favorite resources, including what we covered in the podcast.
Best Budget and Money Apps: Empower, Tiller, Mint Grab Your Copy: Jumpstart Your Marriage and Your Money Mobile Home Gurl Connect with Rachel : Twitter | Instagram Adventures in Mobile Homes and Rachel's other books on real estate investingIf you’d like to chat more your money system, please join us in our private and free Facebook group – Thriving Families.
We’re families looking to support and help one another out.
Hope to see you there!
Support the Podcast!Thank you so much for listening to the podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and found it helpful, here are some ways to support it.
Spread the word! If you enjoyed this episode and think it can help a buddy get on the path to dumping debt and become financially free, please share. Join our coffee group ☕: Get access to exclusive behind the scenes videos, chats, and more! Leave a review. Honest feedback and reviews make a big difference and gets the word out about the podcast. Leave your review on Apple or Stitcher. Grab a copy of Jumpstart Your Marriage and Your Money. My book is designed for a busy couple to set up their finances in four weeks. Get tips and tools that have worked for other couples on their journey of building their marriage and wealth together!Photo by Mikhail Nilov
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Do you want to start a garden this year, but are you worried that you can't keep the plants alive? I'm going to share how you can create an easy to maintain garden that's fun!
Learning to Grow a GardenBefore we get into gardening, I want to be upfront about something- I used to be the person who kept cacti around because it was the only plant I could keep alive.
It's true.
I am not someone who naturally has a green thumb. This is something that I had to build up from and learn.
Good news, though, is now I'm hunting through seed catalogs each season, picking out what we're going to grow. I enjoy seeing how much of our own food we can grow from the garden.
Obviously, this was not an overnight process, but surprisingly, it wasn't as hard as I thought.
A key part of me enjoying gardening is by starting off small and going with easy to grow plants. With some small, but powerful wins I was motivated to dive into this new hobby that I love.
The good news is if I can do it, you can do it.
If you are thinking of starting a garden, but you're worried about your skills or if it's gonna be a lot of work, I want to help you out.
I want you to have an incredible and awesome year of gardening without a ton of hassle. So in this episode, we're gonna get into how to design your garden so that it's productive. Yet easy to How to decide which plants to grow.
And some of my favorite garden tips to get you started on the right foot. We have a lot to cover. So let's get started!
In this episode, we’ll get into:
how to design your garden so that it’s productive yet easy to maintain how to decide what to grow some of my favorite garden tips to get you started on the right footHope you enjoy!
Resources to Easily Jumpstart Your GardenIf you’re ready to start growing your garden, here are a few of my favorite resources and includes what we covered in the podcast.
Best Budget and Money Apps: Personal Capital, Tiller, Mint Grab Your Copy: Jumpstart Your Marriage and Your Money 20 Easy Plants to Grow in Your Food Garden Frugal Foodie: How to Level Up with Homebrewing and Gardening 4 Keys to Maximizing Your Food Forest or Permaculture Garden’s Productivity Permaculture Gardening: How Companion Planting Helps How to Start a Garden in 2023 Organic Gardening 101: Building Up Your Soil with Wood Chips Stunning TINY Permaculture Backyard Kitchen Garden (With 30 Fruit Trees!) Simplify Gardening: How to Start a Compost Pile Send In Your Family and Finance Questions for the Listener Mailbag episodes HERE!If you’d like to chat more your family and financial goals, please join us in our private and free Facebook group – Thriving Families.
We’re families looking to support and help one another out.
Hope to see you there!
Thank You to Our Sponsor Coastal!Support for this podcast comes from Coastal Credit Union! Come check out Coastal today if you’re living in the Raleigh Durham area and looking to bank better.
As a credit union, Coastal serves its members first and foremost including an annual loyalty bonus.
We've been members for years and love their service and competitive rates on checking and savings accounts!
Support the Podcast!Thank you so much for listening to the podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and found it helpful, here are some ways to support it.
Spread the word! If you enjoyed this episode and think it can help a buddy get on the path to dumping debt and become financially free, please share. Join our coffee group ☕: Get access to exclusive behind the scenes videos, chats, and more! Leave a review. Honest feedback and reviews make a big difference and gets the word out about the podcast. Leave your review on Apple or Stitcher. Grab a copy of Jumpstart Your Marriage and Your Money. My book is designed for a busy couple to set up their finances in four weeks. Get tips and tools that have worked for other couples on their journey of building their marriage and wealth together!Photos by Huy Phan and cottonbro studio
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Want to have more work-life balance in your life? Today we’ll explore how the principles of FI can help you make the transition to part-time work!
Finding Work-Life Balance as ParentsWork- life balance can be a struggle for parents, especially if your kids are young.
You wand to have this time with them, but you also have to take care of the essentials like bills. Or maybe you have a job you really enjoy, but it’s very demanding of your time. You want some flexibility so you can work, but still be there with your little ones.
What if you want to work, but just not the traditional full-time?
Our culture and the way office work is structure makes that difficult. Family first employers can be hard to find. It’s an all or nothing approach.
Part-time work is regulated to lower paying work, which may not be viable for families.
It’s almost easier to just have one stay home while the other works full-time.
If you want something different, in most cases, you have to carve out your own path.
We had to do that and so have other families.
Which is why I’m thrilled to have Marriage, Kids, and Money creator and my buddy Andy Hill on the show. Andy and his wife Nicole have carved out that path of family and work that’s flexible and allows them to work part-time and hang out with their kids.
In this episode we get into:
conversations you two need to have create a plan you’re both happy with how to use principles from FI to build flexibility so you can switch to part-time work key financial milestones to help prepare you for the transitionHope you enjoy!
Resources to Pivot Your CareerIf you’re ready to jump into the year and knock out some of your health and wealth goals, here are a few of my favorite resources and includes what we covered in the podcast.
Best Budget and Money Apps: Personal Capital, Tiller, Mint Grab Your Copy: Jumpstart Your Marriage and Your Money Marriage, Kids, and Money: Andy’s fantastic podcast and site dedicated to building family wealth and happiness. Part-Time Work at 40 (Our Mortgage Free, Worry Free Plan) Living On One Income: How Families Can Make the Switch Send In Your Family and Finance Questions for the Listener Mailbag episodes HERE!If you’d like to chat more your money system, please join us in our private and free Facebook group – Thriving Families. It’s a group Andy, Andrew from Family Money Plan, and myself run as a team.
We’re families looking to support and help one another out.
Hope to see you there!
Thank You to Our Sponsor Coastal!Support for this podcast comes from Coastal Credit Union! Come check out Coastal today if you’re living in the Raleigh Durham area and looking to bank better.
As a credit union, Coastal serves its members first and foremost including an annual loyalty bonus.
We've been members for years and love their service and competitive rates on checking and savings accounts!
Support the Podcast!Thank you so much for listening to the podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and found it helpful, here are some ways to support it.
Spread the word! If you enjoyed this episode and think it can help a buddy get on the path to dumping debt and become financially free, please share. Join our coffee group ☕: Get access to exclusive behind the scenes videos, chats, and more! Leave a review. Honest feedback and reviews make a big difference and gets the word out about the podcast. Leave your review on Apple or Stitcher. Grab a copy of Jumpstart Your Marriage and Your Money. My book is designed for a busy couple to set up their finances in four weeks. Get tips and tools that have worked for other couples on their journey of building their marriage and wealth together! -
Learn how you can get back into the swing of things and effectively network!
Effective Networking Tips for Busy ParentsFor better and worse the pandemic has shifted how we work. For some families, working from home has now become an option. That’s blessing for sure.
Some companies have shifted how they communicate, with in-person meeting being replaced with chats, emails, and video conferencing.
However, there’s benefits for in-person events like conferences and team strategy sessions for a big project or to connect with coworkers.
With in-person events opening back up, you may feel a bit rusty with essential skills like networking.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, remote worker, or back full time in the office, it’s vital that you
That’s why I’m thrilled to have Michelle Jackson on the show today. She’s an author and content creator and the founder of The Brand Building Lab where she helps entrepreneurs dial in and design a profitable and authentic business that positively impacts their community.
I’ve known her for probably 10 years now and I can tell you she has a gift for connecting with people and networking.
In this episode, we’ll get into:
why the old model of networking doesn’t work where and how you can organically connect with people how to develop a strategy that’s a effective and funHope you enjoy!
ResourcesIf you’re ready to jump into building your career and finances, here are a few of my favorite resources that we covered in the episode plus more.
Best Budget and Money Apps: Personal Capital, Tiller, Mint Grab Your Copy: Jumpstart Your Marriage and Your Money The Brand Building Lab Connect with Michelle: Twitter Small Business Finance for the Busy Entrepreneur: Blueprint for Building a Solid, Profitable Business Finding the Best Paying Side Hustles for You How to Master Your Small Business Finances Career Advice from Conan O’BrienIf you want to chat more about creating better money habits, questions, or share your own tips, please join us at Thriving Families on Facebook. We’d love to see you there!
Thank You to Our Sponsor Coastal!Support for this podcast comes from Coastal Credit Union! Come check out Coastal today if you’re living in the Raleigh Durham area and looking to bank better.
As a credit union, Coastal serves its members first and foremost including an annual loyalty bonus.
We've been members for years and love their service and competitive rates on checking and savings accounts!
Support the Podcast!Thank you so much for listening to the podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and found it helpful, here are some ways to support it.
Spread the word! If you enjoyed this episode and think it can help a buddy get on the path to dumping debt and become financially free, please share. Join our coffee group ☕: Get access to exclusive behind the scenes videos, chats, and more! Leave a review. Honest feedback and reviews make a big difference and gets the word out about the podcast. Leave your review on Apple or Stitcher. Grab a copy of Jumpstart Your Marriage and Your Money. My book is designed for a busy couple to set up their finances in four weeks. Get tips and tools that have worked for other couples on their journey of building their marriage and wealth together! -
Want more flexibility with your budget and life? Learn how master your cash flow brings you closer to financial freedom!
How to Have More Options with Cashflow FIIt can be a challenge to break out of the paycheck to paycheck cycle. One recent survey found that 64% of Americans are in that cycle; that's nine and half million more than 2021.
You might be thinking that it is because of income and for sure that’s a major issue, but your income is only part of the equation.
Fortune reported that over half of Americans earning $100,000 or more are living paycheck to paycheck.
Again there are various reason why people are struggling even with a healthy income and we’ll cover a few of them here in future episodes, but one big factor is they haven’t taken the time to prioritize their spending.
Whether you’re looking to pursue financial independence or something in the more traditional time frame, you have to master your cash flow.
When you have a gap between what you’re spending and earning while still enjoying life, you’re giving yourself more options and flexibility with your budget and schedule.
It’s not automatic though, it’s skill you have to learn.
That’s why I’m happy to have Cody Berman on today’s show.
He's the co-founder of the Financial Independence Show and the co-founder of Gold City Ventures.
In this episode, we’ll cover:
why financial independence is more than just leaving the rat race diversifying your income in a way where you’re not trading your time for money why Cody is focused on cash flow FI vs waiting to hit a more traditional FI numberWe have a lot to go over, so let’s get started!
Resources to Hit Your FI Number FasterReady to knock out your debt? Check out these tools and resources to easily manage your family’s finances!
Best Budget and Money Apps: Personal Capital, Tiller, Mint Grab a copy of my book: Jumpstart Your Marriage and Your Money Reach Your Money Goals with my FREE course: 5 Days to $5K Cody’s Podcast: The FI Show Gold City Ventures Four Hour Work Week by Tim Ferris Mr. Money Mustache Root of Good: Another fantastic FI blog FrugalwoodsIf you want to chat more about creating better money habits, questions, or share your own tips, please join us at Thriving Families on Facebook. We’d love to see you there!
Thank You to Our Sponsor Coastal!Support for this podcast comes from Coastal Credit Union! Come check out Coastal today if you’re living in the Raleigh Durham area and looking to bank better.
As a credit union, Coastal serves its members first and foremost including an annual loyalty bonus.
We've been members for years and love their service and competitive rates on checking and savings accounts!
Support the Podcast!Thank you so much for listening to the podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and found it helpful, here are some ways to support it.
Spread the word! If you enjoyed this episode and think it can help a buddy get on the path to dumping debt and become financially free, please share. Join our coffee group ☕: Get access to exclusive behind the scenes videos, chats, and more! Leave a review. Honest feedback and reviews make a big difference and gets the word out about the podcast. Leave your review on Apple or Stitcher. Grab a copy of Jumpstart Your Marriage and Your Money. My book is designed for a busy couple to set up their finances in four weeks. Get tips and tools that have worked for other couples on their journey of building their marriage and wealth together! -
Do you have a huge financial goal you’re chasing, but you’re not sure how to fit it in with everything you have going on right now?
Learn how you can be happy with your money and your life!
Finding a Healthy Balance with Your Money and Your LifeI find one of the biggest challenges when you’re working on family and financial goals is finding that balance.
It can be easy to go from one extreme to the other without even realizing it.
Before we started knocking out our debts, I wouldn’t say I gave much attention to finances.
However there’s this other extreme where you’re completely focused on your financial goals. It can get to the point where you say, ‘We’re going to do this when we pay this debt off, or have this much invested, or XYZ‘, you get the idea.
This approach can rob you of joy of the journey and can add undue stress to your family.
Taking care of your family and financial goals can be enjoyable and fun. It can also be more holistic, where you also improving different areas of your life including being more social, mental health, and more.
That’s why I’m thrilled Jason Vitug is on the show today. He’s the author of You Only Live Once, and his new one one, Happy Money Happy Life.
In this episode we’ll:
look at finances through a holistic lens share how you can make sure that you're enjoying the journey how to take care of yourself and your familyWe have a lot of cover, so let’s get started!
Resources to Find More Balance with Your Health and WealthIf you’re ready to jump into the year and knock out some of your health and wealth goals, here are a few of my favorite.
Best Budget and Money Apps: Personal Capital, Tiller, Mint Grab Your Copy: Jumpstart Your Marriage and Your Money Jason's Books: Happy Money Happy Life and You Only Live Once Connect with Jason: Twitter and Instagram Start with Your Why Noom Weight: Unlike other programs, Zoom’s psychological focus uses small goals to help users create lasting habits and lose weight for good. You'll get fitness tips, recipes, a coach, and more to stay motivated. What’s the #1 habit Peter would suggest every person add to their daily regimen?If you’d like to chat more your money system, please join us in our private and free Facebook group – Thriving Families.
We’re families looking to support and help one another out.
Hope to see you there!
Thank You to Our Sponsor Coastal!Support for this podcast comes from Coastal Credit Union! Come check out Coastal today if you’re living in the Raleigh Durham area and looking to bank better.
As a credit union, Coastal serves its members first and foremost including an annual loyalty bonus.
We've been members for years and love their service and competitive rates on checking and savings accounts!
Support the Podcast!Thank you so much for listening to the podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and found it helpful, here are some ways to support it.
Spread the word! If you enjoyed this episode and think it can help a buddy get on the path to dumping debt and become financially free, please share. Join our coffee group ☕: Get access to exclusive behind the scenes videos, chats, and more! Leave a review. Honest feedback and reviews make a big difference and gets the word out about the podcast. Leave your review on Apple or Stitcher. Grab a copy of Jumpstart Your Marriage and Your Money. My book is designed for a busy couple to set up their finances in four weeks. Get tips and tools that have worked for other couples on their journey of building their marriage and wealth together!Photos by Daniel Torobekov and Tatiana Syrikova:
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