Explore every episode of the podcast Marriage Kids and Money: Personal Finance for Families

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

There’s a lot of noise in the investing world, but building wealth doesn’t have to become a second job. In this episode, I share how to invest simply, consistently, and with your family’s future in mind, without stress or constant decision-making. In today’s episode, I sit down with Blake Edwards from Georgia, who has built an $865,000 net worth by age 31. Blake breaks down how intentional income growth, living below their means, and staying aligned as a couple helped accelerate their wealth. He also shares a transparent look at his family’s assets, approach to generosity, and what generational wealth really means to him beyond the numbers. I wrap up with a Money Quiz, testing my son Calvin on Stranger Things revenue, compound interest, and the gap between race prizes and investment returns. If you want real-life inspiration and practical proof that calm, consistent investing works, even with a busy family and W-2 jobs, this episode will encourage you to stay the course and keep moving forward. Chapters 🎧 0:00 Intro 1:19 Hannah's Question: Getting Started with Investing 11:49 Meet Blake Edwards 12:32 Blake's Motivation for Building Wealth 14:03 Partnership and Shared Values 15:54 Career Trajectory and Income Growth 18:58 Asset Breakdown: Where the Money Is 20:28 Getting Started: The Roth IRA Journey 23:48 Liabilities: The Mortgage Decision 26:14 Generational Wealth and Values 28:31 Future Goals and Dreams 30:04 The Power of Giving 31:25 Advice: Intentionality and Education 33:57 Building Quiet Wealth with W2 Jobs 35:29 Money Quiz: Calvin's Financial Education Resources 📚 Own Your Time https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book Track Your Spending and Net Worth with Monarch Money https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/monarchmoney Coast FIRE Calculator https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/calculators/coast-fire/ HOW WE MAKE MONEY + DISCLAIMER ⚠️ This show may contain affiliate links or links from our sponsors where we earn a commission, direct payment, or products at no extra cost to you. Opinions are our own. Information shared on this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional financial advice. Always seek the guidance of a licensed financial professional for your specific situation. Marriage Kids and Money (https://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 linking to Amazon.com. Credits 🎙️ Podcast Artwork: Kayli Groves Johnson Editor: Johnny Sohl Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if there was a third option between grinding it out in corporate life and chasing extreme early retirement? What if you could work less, be more present with your family, and still feel confident about your financial future? In today’s episode, I join Paula Pant on her top-ranked podcast, Afford Anything, to talk about the middle ground between traditional employment and full FIRE. We dive into Coast FIRE, part-time work, and what it really takes to own your time while raising kids. I share how my wife and I structured our lives to both work part time, stay involved with our kids, and still build long term wealth without burning out. This conversation is part of our Best of MKM series and was originally recorded live at FinCon in Portland. Paula and I walk through my 10-step framework for owning your time, including how to reduce financial anxiety, eliminate debt, invest with intention, and design a three-day work week that supports your family and your health. We also talk candidly about parenting, identity, lifestyle tradeoffs, and how to model a life of freedom and generosity for your kids. If you are tired of living for the weekend and want a realistic path to more time freedom, this conversation will open your eyes to what is possible. CHAPTERS 🎧 0:00 Intro and Best of MKM setup 1:10 Meeting Paula Pant and Afford Anything 2:30 Why two working parents chose part time work 5:10 Designing a balanced family schedule 8:00 Being present during pivotal childhood years 12:05 Identity beyond work 15:10 The 10 steps to owning your time 18:00 Eliminating debt and financial anxiety 22:00 Reaching Coast FIRE 25:30 Why paying off the mortgage matters 30:00 FU money and career flexibility 35:00 Designing a three day work week 40:00 Health insurance outside corporate life 45:00 Avoiding lifestyle creep 50:00 Teaching kids generational wealth habits 1:00:30 Where to learn more about Andy and Own Your Time RESOURCES 📚 Own Your Timehttps://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book Track Your Spending and Net Worth with Monarch Moneyhttps://marriagekidsandmoney.com/monarchmoney Coast FIRE Calculatorhttps://marriagekidsandmoney.com/calculators/coast-fire/ Afford Anything Podcasthttps://affordanything.com HOW WE MAKE MONEY + DISCLAIMER ⚠️ This show may contain affiliate links or links from our sponsors where we earn a commission, direct payment, or products at no extra cost to you. Opinions are our own. Information shared on this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional financial advice. Always seek the guidance of a licensed financial professional for your specific situation. Marriage Kids and Money (https://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 linking to Amazon.com. CREDITS 🎙️ Podcast Artwork: Kayli Johnson Editor: Johnny Sohl Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if you could reach a point where your investments were doing the heavy lifting and you could finally slow down without falling behind? Would you keep pushing forward, or would you take the exit and design a life that fits right now? In today’s episode, Anders Skagerberg shares how he and his wife reached Coast FIRE in their early thirties and made the intentional decision to downshift. Instead of continuing to save aggressively, they chose to prioritize time, flexibility, and family while letting compound growth work in the background. Anders explains what Coast FIRE really looks like in real life and how it gave his family options instead of pressure. This episode is part of our Best of MKM series and was originally recorded in 2023. A short clip from this conversation took off on YouTube, so we decided to bring you the full story. Anders breaks down his Coast FIRE numbers, the accounts he uses, how he and his wife communicate about money, and why taking the Coast FIRE exit does not have to be permanent. If you are Coast FIRE curious or wondering whether you can have both freedom today and security tomorrow, this conversation will help you think differently about what is possible. CHAPTERS 🎧 0:00 Intro 0:41 Meet Anders Skagerberg 2:08 Coast FIRE Five 3:06 Retirement projections 4:41 Current household spending 5:43 What motivated Anders to start investing 6:46 Lessons from the Great Financial Crisis 9:02 How their investments are structured 10:43 Why tax diversification matters 11:50 How they communicate about money as a couple 13:03 Taking the Coast FIRE exit 15:12 Life after downshifting 16:30 One step to start your Coast FIRE journey 17:14 Where to find Anders online RESOURCES 📚 Own Your Timehttps://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book Track Your Spending and Net Worth with Monarch Moneyhttps://marriagekidsandmoney.com/monarchmoney Coast FIRE Calculatorhttps://marriagekidsandmoney.com/calculators/coast-fire/ HOW WE MAKE MONEY + DISCLAIMER ⚠️ This show may contain affiliate links or links from our sponsors where we earn a commission, direct payment, or products at no extra cost to you. Opinions are our own. Information shared on this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional financial advice. Always seek the guidance of a licensed financial professional for your specific situation. Marriage Kids and Money (https://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 linking to Amazon.com. CREDITS 🎙️ Podcast Artwork: Kayli Johnson Editor: Johnny Sohl Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it really mean to be “almost a millionaire”? And is that number as important as the freedom you gain along the way? In today’s episode, Joshua Weekley shares how he and his wife built a net worth of nearly $1 million by age 35 without extreme deprivation or risky bets. Instead of chasing shortcuts, Joshua focused on consistent habits, automation, and learning how to control his money so it could support the life he wanted with his family. This episode is part of our Best of MKM series and was originally released last year. It quickly became one of our most popular and highly viewed interviews because of its honesty, relatability, and practical approach to wealth building. Joshua opens up about growing up around money stress, learning from what his parents did and did not do with finances, and why net worth became a powerful motivator for reclaiming his time. He also breaks down exactly where his money is today, including home equity, retirement accounts, brokerage investments, and cash. Most importantly, he explains why wealth is built milestone by milestone, not overnight. If you are working toward your first $1,000 emergency fund or closing in on your first million, this conversation is a powerful reminder that every step forward matters. CHAPTERS 🎧 0:00 Intro 0:20 Why milestones matter more than a million 1:46 Joshua’s motivation for building wealth 2:58 Income journey from serving to engineering 3:50 Household income growth over time 4:06 Net worth breakdown at nearly $1 million 4:45 Investing vs saving early on 5:51 Avoiding analysis paralysis with automation 6:36 Current debts and mortgage balance 7:26 Tracking net worth after Mint 8:49 Generational wealth plans for his kids 10:07 Teaching money skills over inheritance 10:55 How wealth created more family experiences 12:19 Advice for getting started from zero 13:45 Why emergency funds are a major milestone 14:35 How to connect with Joshua RESOURCES 📚 Own Your Timehttps://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book Track Your Spending and Net Worth with Monarch Moneyhttps://marriagekidsandmoney.com/monarchmoney Mortgage Free Payoff Calculatorhttps://marriagekidsandmoney.com/calculators/mortgage-payoff/ HOW WE MAKE MONEY + DISCLAIMER ⚠️ This show may contain affiliate links or links from our sponsors where we earn a commission, direct payment, or products at no extra cost to you. Opinions are our own. Information shared on this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional financial advice. Always seek the guidance of a licensed financial professional for your specific situation. Marriage Kids and Money (https://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 linking to Amazon.com. CREDITS 🎙️ Podcast Artwork: Kayli Johnson Editor: Johnny Sohl Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What would your life look like if you woke up tomorrow and your home was completely paid off? How much freedom would that give your family? And how much more possibility would you feel if housing costs disappeared forever? In today’s episode, Ken and Mary Okoroafor from The Humble Penny share how they became mortgage free in one of the most expensive cities in the world: London. They paid off the equivalent of nearly $475,000 in just seven years, and the ripple effects changed everything. Ken and Mary open up about the peace of mind they gained, how their work and family life transformed, what mortgage freedom made possible for their children, and why this choice unlocked a new lifestyle filled with flexibility, purpose, and joy. This Best of MKM conversation is one of the most inspiring mortgage free stories we have ever featured. If you want to eliminate stress, design a more intentional family life, and build generational wealth with confidence, this episode will light a fire under you. CHAPTERS 🎧 0:00 Intro 0:34 Meet Ken and Mary Okoroafor 1:50 Mortgage Free Three 2:40 Why they became mortgage free 4:10 How cost of living shaped their decisions 5:43 How they paid off their mortgage in seven years 8:03 Living on one income and side hustles 9:41 Cutting costs and intentional lifestyle choices 10:51 Working together as a couple 12:39 Celebrating the mortgage free moment 15:26 How their work life changed 18:14 What life looks like today 20:11 Why this freedom would not be possible with a mortgage 21:58 Generational wealth and their children 24:20 Being present as parents 26:00 Their book Financial Joy 27:00 Where to find The Humble Penny RESOURCES 📚 Own Your Timehttps://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book Track Your Spending and Net Worth with Monarch Moneyhttps://marriagekidsandmoney.com/monarchmoney Mortgage Free Payoff Calculatorhttps://marriagekidsandmoney.com/calculators/mortgage-payoff/ The Humble Pennyhttps://thehumblepenny.com Financial Joy Bookhttps://amzn.to/48jWREN The Humble Penny YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/thehumblepenny HOW WE MAKE MONEY + DISCLAIMER ⚠️ This show may contain affiliate links or links from our sponsors where we earn a commission, direct payment, or products at no extra cost to you. Opinions are our own. Information shared on this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional financial advice. Always seek the guidance of a licensed financial professional for your specific situation. Marriage Kids and Money (https://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 linking to Amazon.com. CREDITS 🎙️ Podcast Artwork: Kayli Johnson Editor: Johnny Sohl Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever wondered what would change in your life if you finally reached the point where your investments could grow on autopilot even if you stopped contributing? What kind of freedom would that give your family? And what possibilities might open up if you did not have to hustle at 110 percent forever? In today’s episode, Marko Zlatic from Whiteboard Finance shares how he and his wife reached Coast FIRE in their mid-thirties with over $730,000 invested. Marco breaks down the exact moves that got them there, from early investing habits to their simple index fund strategy to building a life that blends ambition with balance. He also opens up about parenting, marriage, culture, and why he believes Coast Fire is the most realistic financial independence path for families. This Best of MKM episode earned more than 40,000 YouTube views when it first aired, and for good reason. It is transparent, motivating, and packed with actionable takeaways for anyone aiming to build wealth while still enjoying life today. CHAPTERS 🎧 0:00 Intro 0:35 Meet Marko Zlatic of Whiteboard Finance 2:09 Coast Fire Five 3:30 Retirement projections 3:58 Current expenses 4:15 How Marko started investing 5:11 When he shifted to index funds 6:20 Money dynamics in marriage 7:52 What is inside Marko’s portfolio 8:31 Pre tax, taxable and Roth strategy 9:42 529s and kids plans 11:35 His take on bonds 12:45 How Coast Fire changed his mindset 14:03 Why Coast Fire is perfect for parents 15:51 Balancing FIRE with living well 17:37 What excites Marko about the next 15 years 19:20 A life philosophy rooted in purpose 20:25 Where to find Marko online RESOURCES 📚 Own Your Timehttps://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book Track Your Net Worth with Empowerhttps://marriagekidsandmoney.com/empower Whiteboard Finance YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/whiteboardfinance Whiteboard Finance Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/whiteboardfinance HOW WE MAKE MONEY + DISCLAIMER ⚠️ This show may contain affiliate links or links from our sponsors where we earn a commission, direct payment, or products at no extra cost to you. Opinions are our own. Information shared on this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional financial advice. Always seek the guidance of a licensed financial professional for your specific situation. Marriage Kids and Money (https://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 linking to Amazon.com. CREDITS 🎙️ Podcast Artwork: Kayli Johnson Editor: Johnny Sohl Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever wondered what life would look like if you designed your days around freedom instead of work? What would change if you could travel for months at a time, pick projects you actually enjoy, and still watch your net worth climb into the millions? Today you’ll hear how Lauren and Stephen Keys, creators of Trip of a Lifestyle, built a million dollar net worth in their early thirties and used it to create a flexible, travel-filled life. They didn’t wait for traditional retirement at 65. They didn’t burn out on the way to FIRE. Instead, they created a lifestyle where they work less, live more, and let their money do the heavy lifting. This conversation originally aired last year and quickly became one of our most-watched interviews, so it felt like the perfect Best of MKM feature for this holiday week. Lauren and Stephen share how they avoided lifestyle creep, traveled the world cheaply, took mini retirements, paid off two homes, and built more confidence with each dollar saved. If you're dreaming of more time freedom, this story will show you what’s possible. CHAPTERS 🎧 0:00 Intro 0:26 Meet Lauren and Stephen Keys 2:00 The moment that changed everything 4:15 Early moves that accelerated their wealth 5:11 Avoiding lifestyle creep 6:50 How they travel constantly without overspending 9:03 Their first six month mini retirement in Hawaii 10:42 Visiting every national park 12:17 Leaving full-time work 13:38 Life at a million-dollar net worth 15:36 Why they still choose to work 16:38 Rethinking traditional retirement 18:05 Breaking down their million dollar portfolio 19:20 Paying off homes vs investing 21:39 Looking ahead to the next decade 22:57 One step couples can take today 23:20 Where to find Lauren and Stephen RESOURCES 📚 Own Your Timehttps://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book Track Your Net Worth with Empowerhttps://marriagekidsandmoney.com/empower Trip of a Lifestylehttps://www.tripofalifestyle.com Cram Better tutoringhttps://crambetter.com Trip of a Lifestyle Financial Roadmaphttps://www.tripofalifestyle.com/roadmap HOW WE MAKE MONEY + DISCLAIMER ⚠️ This show may contain affiliate links or links from our sponsors where we earn a commission, direct payment, or products at no extra cost to you. Opinions are our own. Information shared on this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional financial advice. Always seek the guidance of a licensed financial professional for your specific situation. Marriage Kids and Money (https://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 linking to Amazon.com. CREDITS 🎙️ Podcast Artwork: Kayli Johnson Editor: Johnny Sohl Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode, we explore the power of generosity and the traditions that can help our kids grow into grateful and giving adults. We walk through five simple and meaningful family giving ideas, including Big Tip Tuesday, the Big Give, glovebox giving, and volunteer habits that bring families closer. Then we sit down with Angela Rozmyn from Women’s Personal Finance to learn how she and her husband reached Coast Fire in their thirties and how intentional living shaped their journey. Angela shares transparent details about their investing, lifestyle choices, and the trade-offs that helped them create more time freedom as parents. We close with a heartwarming Good Word story featuring Calvin and a Today.com piece about a baker who delivers free birthday cakes to his neighbors experiencing homelessness. It is a powerful reminder that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference. If you want more margin to live generously, check out Own Your Time at https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/ownyourtimeamazon Chapters 0:00 Welcome to the show 0:24 Five family giving traditions 9:05 Coast Fire Couple interview with Angela Rozmyn 38:30 Where to find Angela online 39:02 The Good Word with Calvin 40:55 Today.com good news story 43:45 Final thoughts Resources and Links Women’s Personal Finance (Angela Rozmyn)https://womenspersonalfinance.org/ Baker delivers free birthday cakes to homeless peoplehttps://www.today.com/food/people/baker-delivers-free-birthday-cakes-to-homeless-people-rcna235965 Own Your Time - New book: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/ownyourtimeamazon Crew: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/crew Sponsors and additional resourceshttps://marriagekidsandmoney.com/sponsors Disclaimer This show is for entertainment purposes only. Be sure to seek out a professional for your specific financial situation. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Credits Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Artwork: Kayli Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Talking about money with your spouse can be hard, especially when emotions, expectations, and old habits get involved. In this episode, we explore how couples can discuss money without fighting and move toward fairness, trust, and teamwork. Our guests, Heather and Douglas Bonaparth, are a married couple who know both the financial and emotional sides of money. Heather is a lawyer turned writer, and Douglas is a nationally recognized financial advisor and founder of Bonafide Wealth. Together, they co-authored Money Together, a book that helps couples create equity in their relationships and communicate more effectively about finances. We discuss how to approach tough conversations about spending, why understanding your financial beginnings matters, and how to replace accusation with curiosity. Heather and Douglas also share practical advice on balancing contributions at home and work, maintaining fairness when one partner earns more, and building a marriage rooted in empathy and shared goals. PODCAST CHAPTERS 00:00 – Welcome and introduction 01:00 – Why money can be a sticky subject in marriage 02:00 – How our beginnings shape our money beliefs 03:30 – Common money conflicts in relationships 05:15 – The importance of curiosity and empathy 06:30 – Setting the right time and place for money talks 08:00 – Start with wins, not criticism 09:00 – Turning money conversations into teamwork 10:45 – Redefining contribution beyond income 13:00 – Creating fairness at home and in finances 15:30 – Building equity in your marriage 17:30 – Moving away from traditional gender roles 19:30 – Balancing breadwinning and identity 22:30 – Power dynamics and redefining success 25:00 – Learning from couples who do it right 27:00 – How to start small and lead with vulnerability 29:00 – The role of time, communication, and empathy 31:30 – About the book Money Together and where to learn more RESOURCES & NOTES 📚 Money Together by Heather and Douglas Bonaparth – Learn how to create fairness and become an unstoppable financial team: https://amzn.to/3JH4tHO 🌐 Heather and Douglas Bonaparth – DoMoneyTogether.com – Explore their resources, newsletter, and more insights for couples. 💰 Sponsors, Deals & Partners – See all current offers in one place: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/sponsors 📘 Own Your Time – Pre-order our first book: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book ▶️ YouTube – Subscribe to watch videos and interviews: https://www.youtube.com/marriagekidsandmoney HOW WE MAKE MONEY + DISCLAIMER This show may contain affiliate links or links from our sponsors where we earn a commission, direct payment, or products at no extra cost to you. Opinions are our own. Information shared on this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional financial advice. Always seek the guidance of a licensed financial professional for your specific situation. Marriage Kids and Money (https://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 linking to Amazon.com. CREDITS Podcast Artwork: Liz Theresa Editor: Johnny Sohl Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Solopreneur Life segment, Rebecca Richardson, also known as The Mortgage Mentor, shares how she built a thriving mortgage origination business earning up to $20,000 per month while maintaining the flexibility to be present for her four kids and family. With more than 20 years in the mortgage industry and a large social media following, Rebecca has leveraged her expertise to create multiple income streams, including coaching, consulting, and speaking, which bring in an additional $5,000–$7,500 per month. She joins us to discuss how solopreneurship has allowed her to build a balanced life, the lessons she’s learned from market ups and downs, and how others can design a career that fits their family goals. We also cover her favorite tools, the biggest mistake she’s made on her journey, and what retirement looks like now that she’s truly “work optional.” CHAPTERS 00:00 – Introduction 00:25 – Meet Rebecca Richardson, The Mortgage Mentor 01:15 – How she got started in the mortgage business 03:00 – Transitioning into a solopreneur-style career 04:30 – Balancing autonomy with company structure 05:55 – The freedom to design her own business and schedule 07:45 – Lessons from 2008 and adapting to market changes 09:25 – Staying nimble in uncertain housing markets 11:30 – How mortgage originators make money 12:50 – Building multiple income streams through content and coaching 13:45 – Earning $15K–$20K per month in mortgage income 14:25 – Adding $5K–$7.5K per month from consulting and speaking 15:30 – Running a lean, efficient business 16:45 – Learning to outsource and protect her time 18:00 – How long it takes to build income consistency as a loan officer 19:30 – Why this career path offers flexibility for parents 21:45 – Rebecca’s advice for aspiring mortgage originators 23:15 – Solopreneur High Five: tools, AI, mistakes, hobbies, and retirement 29:00 – Her best advice for aspiring solopreneurs 29:45 – Where to find Rebecca online RESOURCES & NOTES 🌐 Rebecca Richardson – The Mortgage Mentor: https://www.themortgagementor.co 💰 Sponsors, Deals & Partners – See all current offers in one place: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/sponsors 📘 Own Your Time – Pre-order our first book: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book 💼 Gusto – The payroll and benefits platform built for small business owners: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/gusto ▶️ YouTube – Subscribe to watch episodes and interviews: https://www.youtube.com/marriagekidsandmoney HOW WE MAKE MONEY + DISCLAIMER This show may contain affiliate links or links from our sponsors where we earn a commission, direct payment, or products at no extra cost to you. Opinions are our own. Information shared on this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional financial advice. Always seek the guidance of a licensed financial professional for your specific situation. Marriage Kids and Money (https://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 linking to Amazon.com. CREDITS Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Artwork: Kayli Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re Debt Free. Now What? After years of paying off debt, many families wonder what to do next. In this episode, we answer a question from Brian in Michigan, who just became debt-free with his wife and wants to know how to make the most of their extra $1,000 per month. We share five time freedom moves to help families use that money wisely, from building an emergency fund and reassessing insurance coverage to investing for Coast FIRE and starting a 529 plan for their new baby’s future. We also discuss how to avoid lifestyle inflation and use money to buy time, not things. Then, in our Be The Change segment, we talk with Keith Wargo, President and CEO of Autism Speaks, about financial planning for families with special needs children and how their organization supports parents navigating the system. Finally, we wrap up with a fun Money Quiz featuring Calvin Hill, testing his financial knowledge on debt, giving, and net worth. PODCAST CHAPTERS 00:00 – Use money to buy time, not things 00:22 – Welcome and episode overview 01:00 – Question of the month from Brian in Michigan 02:10 – Step 1: Build savings and your safety net 03:40 – Step 2: Reassess insurance coverage 05:00 – The power of protecting your family 06:20 – Step 3: Invest for Coast FIRE 07:30 – Our Coast FIRE journey and growth 09:00 – Step 4: Start a 529 plan for your child’s future 10:00 – Lump sum investing and early start benefits 11:00 – Step 5: Focus on time freedom, not lifestyle inflation 14:00 – Be The Change with Autism Speaks 15:00 – Financial planning for special needs families 16:45 – ABLE accounts and special needs trusts 23:00 – How to get started with financial planning 25:30 – How to support Autism Speaks 28:20 – Money Quiz with Calvin Hill 34:20 – Closing message: time, freedom, and family RESOURCES & NOTES 💰 Crew – Family-friendly banking with high-yield savings, kids’ debit cards, and shared budgeting for couples: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/crew 💙 Autism Speaks – Learn more or donate to support families: https://www.autismspeaks.org 📘 Own Your Time – Pre-order our first book: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book 💰 Sponsors, Deals & Partners – See all current offers in one place: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/sponsors ▶️ YouTube – Subscribe to watch videos and interviews: https://www.youtube.com/marriagekidsandmoney HOW WE MAKE MONEY + DISCLAIMER This show may contain affiliate links or links from our sponsors where we earn a commission, direct payment, or products at no extra cost to you. Opinions are our own. Information shared on this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional financial advice. Always seek the guidance of a licensed financial professional for your specific situation. Marriage Kids and Money (https://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 linking to Amazon.com. CREDITS Podcast Artwork: Liz Theresa Editor: Johnny Sohl Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Quick update for you! Marriage Kids and Money is moving to Wednesdays. This change is part of our experiment to live out the principles from my new book Own Your Time and build a flexible schedule that supports a semi-retired lifestyle. We’re testing a three-day work week and seeing how it fits our goals for more balance, family time, and freedom. See you tomorrow! Carpe Diem! Resources & Notes: Own Your Time (pre-order here): https://www.amazon.com/Own-Your-Time-Financial-Corporate/dp/1394342772/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How can we move from a mindset of scarcity to one of abundance? In today’s episode, Leisa Peterson, author of The Mindful Millionaire and The Money Catalyst, joins us to explore how our early money beliefs can hold us back and how to create a healthier, more abundant relationship with money. Leisa shares how she overcame her own scarcity mindset, the impact it had on her marriage, and practical steps you can take to enjoy your wealth and your life with more freedom and trust. Then, in our Net Worth Win segment, we meet Sushant Thakray from North Carolina. Sushant and his wife Amrita have built a $3 million net worth in their 40s and achieved financial independence after years of living below their means, investing steadily, and staying debt-free. He explains how they grew from $30,000 of student debt to full financial freedom, how they’re passing money lessons to their kids, and what life looks like now that he’s “retired from corporate life, but not from life.” RESOURCES 👉 Sponsors, Deals & Partners – See all current offers in one place: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/sponsors 📚 Leisa Peterson – The Mindful Millionaire & The Money Catalyst: https://amzn.to/4nvXGP9 📺 Sushant Thakray – Money with Swabi (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/@Moneywithswabi 📘 Own Your Time – Pre-order Andy’s new book: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book PODCAST CHAPTERS 00:00 – Leisa Peterson on overcoming scarcity thinking 00:28 – Today’s two segments overview 01:15 – Defining a scarcity mindset 02:10 – How early money beliefs shape our behavior 04:30 – Moving toward abundance and trust 06:30 – Recognizing scarcity triggers 07:10 – Leisa’s “candy bar” story and breaking old patterns 09:45 – Parenting and passing down money beliefs 10:50 – How to identify your money story and triggers 12:30 – Scarcity and marriage dynamics 15:30 – Navigating abundance vs. frugality in relationships 16:20 – The $4,000 New Zealand trip that changed everything 18:15 – First steps to embracing abundance 20:20 – Finding joy and celebrating life’s moments 21:30 – Leisa’s new book: The Money Catalyst 23:25 – Introducing Net Worth Win: Sushant Thakray 24:00 – From average student to millionaire mindset 25:00 – Motivation shifting from money to freedom 26:20 – Paying off $30,000 in student loans 27:45 – Living below their means and saving for freedom 29:45 – Retiring from corporate life, not from purpose 30:20 – Breaking down a $3 million net worth 32:10 – Teaching his kids about money and investing early 34:00 – Generational wealth through knowledge and mindset 36:00 – Redefining retirement and designing a free life 37:30 – Advice for new investors and wealth builders 38:40 – Connect with Sushant and his Money with Swabi channel 39:35 – Andy’s update on Own Your Time book pre-orders 39:50 – Quote of the Week: Eckhart Tolle on gratitude and abundance 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 professional advice. Marriage Kids and Money (https://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 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

Award-winning photographer Kristin Sweeting turned her love of creativity into a thriving solopreneur business that now earns between $300K and $400K per year, all while working about 20 hours a week and homeschooling her son. In this episode of Solopreneur Life, Kristin shares how she went from a $30K church salary to $30K months, what pushed her to finally raise her rates, and the mindset shifts that helped her design a business and a life on her own terms. You will learn how photographers can build profitable, flexible careers through clear vision, intentional pricing, and smart outsourcing. Kristin also opens up about single parenting, work life balance, and how she uses creativity and travel to inspire both her art and her business coaching. If you have ever dreamed of turning your artistic passion into a full time business, this episode will show you what is possible. ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro – Why more people are choosing solopreneurship 01:10 Kristin’s origin story: from youth director to photographer 04:20 Hitting a $30K month after being told she had hit her career cap 07:45 How photographers actually make money 10:20 Breaking down her income and salary today 14:10 Working 20 hours a week and homeschooling her son 17:20 Raising rates from $5K to $25K weddings 20:40 What new photographers can realistically earn 22:45 Why photography can be ideal for parents 24:40 Solopreneur High Five: tools, outsourcing, AI, and freedom 36:45 Her advice for new photographers – start before you are ready 38:40 Where to connect with Kristin Sweeting 💡 RESOURCES AND NOTES Connect with Kristin Sweeting 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinsweeting 🎧 Podcast: Dangerous Creatives – https://dangerschool.com/podcast Solopreneur Tools I Love 💼 Gusto – Payroll and benefits made easy: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/gusto 🏦 Live Oak Bank – Small business banking built for entrepreneurs: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/liveoakbank 🎙️ Riverside – Professional quality podcast and video recording: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/riverside 💰 Monarch Money – Best budgeting app for solopreneurs and families: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/monarchmoney Recommended Resources 📘 Own Your Time by Andy Hill – 10 Financial Steps to Put Your Family First and Escape the Corporate Grind: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book 🎧 More episodes on solopreneur success: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/epcats/create-a-solopreneur-life/ Credits 🎬 Editor: Johnny Sohl 🎨 Podcast Artwork: Kayli Johnson ⚠️ Disclaimer and Disclosure Information shared on this podcast may come from financial, business, or creative professionals, but it should not be considered professional advice specific to you or your situation. Always consult with your own professional before making decisions related to your finances or business. Some of the resources mentioned may contain affiliate links, which means if you choose to make a purchase through those links, Marriage Kids and Money, Andy Hill and Solopreneur Life may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. These partnerships help support the show and allow us to continue creating valuable content for solopreneurs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you and your spouse are tired of money stress, this episode will help you find teamwork and peace with your finances. First, we count down the Top 5 Best Budget Apps for Families and Couples to simplify your money life. From EveryDollar to Monarch Money, discover which tools make it easiest to budget together, track goals, and finally stay on the same page financially. Then, we talk with Blair Hickman and Mariah Hudler, a California couple who reached Coast FIRE with $2 million invested. They share how teamwork, consistency, and transparency helped them triple their net worth and transition into a semi-retired lifestyle focused on health, travel, and family time. Finally, Andy and his son Calvin Hill close the show with The Good Word, a heartwarming story about kindness from the Good News Movement and a reminder to appreciate the present moment. RESOURCES 👉 Sponsors, Deals & Partners – See all current offers in one place: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/sponsors 🎥 Good News Movement: Mia’s Story – Watch the uplifting video shared in The Good Word:https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPgoyaQjvpR/ TOP 5 BUDGET APPS FOR FAMILIES AND COUPLES(These are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you decide to sign up. There’s no extra cost to you and it helps support the show.) 💰 Monarch Money – Our top pick for couples and families. Try it free for 7 days and get 50% off your first year: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/monarchmoney 📊 YNAB (You Need A Budget) – Proactive budgeting system with a 34-day free trial: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/ynab 📱 Simplifi by Quicken – Clean, easy-to-use design for busy families. Includes a 30-day free trial: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/simplifi 🏦 Crew – Family banking and kids’ debit cards with high-yield checking. Free to use: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/crew 💳 EveryDollar – Simple zero-based budgeting from Ramsey Solutions. Premium plan includes a 14-day free trial: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/everydollar GUEST RESOURCES 🌐 Mariah Hudler – Coru Financial Therapy: https://www.korufinancialtherapy.com 🌐 My Financially Flexible Life: https://myfinanciallyflexiblelife.com PODCAST CHAPTERS 00:00 – Intro and welcome 00:18 – Today’s three segments overview 00:52 – Are you and your spouse tired of money stress? 01:25 – The Top 5 Best Budget Apps for Families and Couples 02:00 – #5 EveryDollar 03:20 – #4 Crew 05:05 – #3 Simplifi by Quicken 06:20 – #2 YNAB (You Need A Budget) 07:15 – #1 Monarch Money 08:52 – Coast FIRE Couple: Mariah Hudler and Blair Hickman 09:45 – Their $2M journey to Coast FIRE 12:00 – How they built trust and transparency around money 19:00 – Reaching semi-retirement and living on purpose 24:00 – Building wealth through pensions, 457Bs, and index funds 33:00 – Teaching their son Bo about saving and investing 36:00 – Planning a 7-month move to New Zealand 39:30 – Advice for those nervous to slow investing 41:00 – Becoming “Optionaires” 43:00 – How to connect with Mariah 44:20 – The Good Word with Calvin Hill 46:40 – Mia’s story and the power of empathy 49:40 – Closing quote from Seneca 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 professional advice. Marriage Kids and Money (https://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 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 if you didn’t have to wait until your 60s to experience the freedom of retirement? In this episode, we sit down with Jillian Johnsrud, author of Retire Often and host of the Retire Often Podcast, to explore the life-changing concept of “mini retirements.” Jillian shares how families can take extended breaks from work — to rest, travel, or explore new goals — without derailing their financial independence journey. We discuss the emotional and financial benefits of pausing your career, how to negotiate time off with your employer, and ways to plan mini retirements with kids. If you’re feeling burned out or stuck in the grind, this episode will inspire you to design more space, adventure, and joy into your family’s financial plan. RESOURCES⁠Sponsors, Deals, and Partners that Support the Show Sponsors, Deals & Partners – See all current offers in one place. MKM RESOURCES Own Your Time – Pre-order my first book today! MKM Coaching – Get 1-on-1 support with your family finance journey. Coast FIRE Calculator – Find out when you can slow down or stop investing for retirement. Mortgage Payoff Calculator – See how fast you can become mortgage free. YouTube – Subscribe for free to watch videos of episodes and interviews. RECOMMENDED RESOURCES (SPONSORS & AFFILIATES) Monarch Money – Best budget app for families & couples. Empower – Free portfolio tracker. Crew – HYSA banking built for families (Get an extra 0.5% APY with my partner link). Ethos – Affordable term life insurance. Trust & Will – Convenient estate planning made easy. GUEST RESOURCES Retire Often (Book) – Learn how to design a life filled with mini retirements. RetireOften.com – Explore Jillian’s podcast, blog, and mini retirement tools. Podcast Chapters 00:00 – Intro 01:00 – What is a mini retirement and why it’s trending 02:20 – Why burnout is pushing families toward mini retirements 03:00 – Is the traditional 40-year career model dead? 04:30 – Why employers may welcome your mini retirement 06:00 – How to negotiate a one-month break from work 08:10 – How to address employer concerns with solutions 09:30 – Budgeting for a mini retirement 10:05 – Real-life example: living abroad for the cost of childcare 11:10 – Emotional recovery and resetting after burnout 12:45 – Planning affordable breaks earlier in your financial journey 14:00 – Jillian’s personal mini retirement story 15:00 – Making the most of parental leave and family bonding time 16:30 – Negotiating flexible work or part-time transitions 18:00 – Exit negotiations: how to leave your job on your terms 20:20 – Creating part-time roles and consulting opportunities 22:20 – What is a family gap year and how to plan one 23:40 – Practicing travel and flexibility with kids 25:30 – The FI dilemma: does taking time off derail your goals? 27:00 – Why mini retirements can accelerate your financial growth 28:50 – Mini retirements as wealth-building opportunities 30:00 – About Jillian’s book Retire Often 31:00 – Final thoughts and where to learn more 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

Building a six-figure business as a solopreneur doesn’t happen overnight -- but with the right mindset and systems, it’s absolutely possible. In this episode, we talk with Jannese Torres, a nationally acclaimed Latina money expert, business coach, and host of the Yo Quiero Dinero podcast. Jannese shares how she turned her food blog, Delish D’Lites, into a $10,000-per-month business that allowed her to leave her corporate engineering career and design a life on her own terms. She also breaks down how new creators can find their niche, diversify income through ads and affiliates, and build long-term passive income online. If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your passion into a profitable business, this conversation will inspire you to take that first step. To learn more, check out her Jumpstart Your Blog Bootcamp. RESOURCES & NOTESSolopreneur tools, guest links, and favorite resources to help you build your solo business GUEST LINKS Yo Quiero Dinero Podcast – Learn from Jannese’s money and business insights. Delish D’Lites – Discover her viral Puerto Rican food blog. Jumpstart Your Blog Bootcamp – Jannese’s signature course for aspiring bloggers. SOLOPRENEUR TOOLS WE LOVE Monarch Money – The best app to manage your business and personal budget in one place. Gusto – Payroll and benefits made easy for solopreneurs hiring contractors or employees. Riverside – Record high-quality remote podcasts and videos. Belay – Virtual assistants and bookkeeping support for entrepreneurs. Live Oak Bank – High-yield business savings accounts. RECOMMENDED RESOURCES Visit our full list of partners and deals: Sponsors & Resources Podcast Chapters 00:00 – Stay curious: the mindset that fuels success 00:24 – Jannese Torres on finding freedom through solopreneurship 01:00 – From corporate engineer to creative entrepreneur 02:15 – How her food blog began as a hobby 03:30 – The turning point: making her first $10,000 05:00 – Balancing a full-time job while building her business 07:00 – Quitting her corporate career with confidence 09:40 – Financial prep before leaving a steady paycheck 11:40 – The biggest differences between solopreneurship and corporate life 13:00 – How food bloggers make money (ads, affiliates, sponsors) 15:40 – Diversifying income as a blogger 17:00 – Passive income that continues to pay 18:30 – Building flexibility and time freedom as a parent 20:30 – How to stand out in today’s AI-driven content world 23:40 – The Solopreneur High Five rapid-fire segment 25:30 – Favorite solopreneur tools and apps 27:00 – Lessons from her biggest mistakes 28:45 – Redefining retirement as “work optional” 30:15 – How to start your own food or lifestyle blog today 31:10 – Where to find Jannese and her online resources 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 Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Artwork: Kayli Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New parents often wonder where to start when it comes to investing for their child’s future. In this episode, we walk through a 5-step plan to invest for your newborn -- from protecting your family and setting up a 529 plan to teaching your kids how to build wealth on their own. We also feature Naseema McElroy, founder of Financially Intentional, who paid off $1 million of debt and built a $1 million net worth by age 44. She shares how she’s teaching her kids about ownership, investing early, and building generational wealth. Finally, we wrap up with a fun money quiz with Calvin, testing his knowledge about investing, scholarships, and how to grow wealth over time. RESOURCES⁠Sponsors, Deals, and Partners that Support the Show Sponsors, Deals & Partners – See all current offers in one place. MKM RESOURCES Own Your Time – Pre-order my first book today! MKM Coaching – Get 1-on-1 support with your family finance journey. Coast FIRE Calculator – Find out when you can slow down or stop investing for retirement. Mortgage Payoff Calculator – See how fast you can become mortgage free. YouTube – Subscribe for free to watch videos of episodes and interviews. RECOMMENDED RESOURCES (SPONSORS & AFFILIATES) Monarch Money – Best budget app for families & couples. Empower – Free portfolio tracker. Crew – HYSA banking built for families (Get an extra 0.5% APY with my partner link). Ethos – Affordable term life insurance. Trust & Will – Convenient estate planning made easy. Podcast Chapters 00:00 – Generational wealth and the true legacy worth investing in 00:21 – Welcome and episode overview 00:49 – Net Worth Win: Naseema McElroy of Financially Intentional 01:15 – Listener question: how to invest for a newborn 01:40 – Step 1: Secure your own finances first 02:45 – Step 2: Protect your family with life insurance, a will, and credit freezes 04:30 – Step 3: Open a 529 college savings plan 06:30 – Step 4: Consider a UTMA or UGMA custodial account 08:00 – Step 5: Add a custodial Roth IRA once your child has earned income 09:20 – Teaching kids the power of compounding 10:00 – Recap: five steps for investing for newborns 11:10 – Naseema McElroy on paying off $1M of debt 13:20 – Investing for herself and her children 15:20 – Building wealth through retirement accounts and home equity 18:00 – Teaching her kids to invest and own stocks 23:00 – Employing kids in your business for Roth IRA contributions 24:00 – Why starting early matters for generational wealth 25:20 – Naseema’s advice: start now, don’t wait 26:57 – Money Quiz with Calvin Hill 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

Setting up your 401 (k) can feel overwhelming, especially when you are faced with a long list of investment options. To make it easier, we welcome Zina Kumok, financial advisor and money expert, to explain how to choose wisely. Zina covers the importance of the employer match, diversification, and automation so your retirement savings can grow without stress. In the second half, we sit down with Jessica and Corey Fick of The Fioneers, who reached Coast FIRE in their early 30s. They share how they built a million-dollar portfolio, left corporate jobs that no longer fit their lives, and created a business that supports the lifestyle they truly want. If you are just starting out with your 401k or aiming for Coast FIRE, this episode will give you both the tactical steps and the long-term inspiration to succeed. RESOURCES⁠Sponsors, Deals, and Partners that Support the Show Sponsors, Deals & Partners – See all current offers in one place. MKM RESOURCES Own Your Time – Pre-order my first book today! MKM Coaching – Get 1-on-1 support with your family finance journey. Coast FIRE Calculator – Find out when you can slow down or stop investing for retirement. Mortgage Payoff Calculator – See how fast you can become mortgage free. YouTube – Subscribe for free to watch videos of episodes and interviews. RECOMMENDED RESOURCES (SPONSORS & AFFILIATES) Monarch Money – Best budget app for families & couples. Empower – Free portfolio tracker. Crew – HYSA banking built for families (Get an extra 0.5% APY with my partner link). Ethos – Affordable term life insurance. Trust & Will – Convenient estate planning made easy. Podcast Chapters 00:00 – Why your 401k match is part of your compensation 00:28 – Welcome and overview of today’s episode 01:00 – Introduction to Zina Kumok 02:15 – What a 401k is and why it matters 03:30 – Understanding employer matches 05:00 – Choosing investments in your 401k 06:30 – Risk tolerance and diversification explained 08:30 – Automating your 401k contributions 09:20 – Alternatives to a 401k (IRA, HSA, brokerage) 13:00 – The importance of capturing your employer match 14:30 – Where to connect with Zina Kumok 15:17 – Coast FIRE couple spotlight: Jessica and Corey Fick 16:20 – The Coast FIRE Five 18:00 – Their journey from early investing to Coast FIRE 22:30 – How burnout pushed them to redesign their lives 25:00 – Reaching Coast FIRE and slowing contributions 27:00 – What their portfolio looks like today 29:30 – Household income range over 15 years 31:30 – Growing investments without new contributions 33:30 – How they control expenses in New England 35:20 – Advice for others pursuing Coast FIRE 37:10 – Why Coast FIRE is more approachable than full FIRE 40:00 – Where to learn more from The Fioneers 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 happens when Google’s algorithm changes upend your online business? Corritta Lewis, founder of It’s a Family Thing, joins me to share how her family travel blog dropped from $7,000/month to $1,000/month due to recent shifts in Google AI—and how she pivoted into consulting to stay financially secure. We explore the rise and fall of her blogging income, how she balances digital nomad life with raising a child, and why she’s now aiming for early retirement at age 45. If you’ve considered travel blogging or you’ve been hit by the same algorithm changes, this conversation is packed with insight on how to adapt, pivot, and thrive as a solopreneur. ⏱️ Podcast Chapters 00:00 – Intro: Travel blogging hit hard by AI 00:35 – Meet Corritta Lewis: Digital nomad + travel blogger 02:00 – Laid off during the pandemic… then launched the blog 03:30 – From 13¢ to $7K/month: How Corritta scaled her income 05:00 – Juggling full-time work and travel content creation 06:30 – Consulting work and digital nomad flexibility 07:30 – Financial stability, travel insurance, and raising a kid on the road 08:45 – How affiliate links + ads powered her blog income 10:00 – The impact of Google AI: $7K/month drops to $1K/month 11:20 – Why she’s not sure blogging is worth it in 2025 12:30 – Corritta’s pivot into HR tech consulting 13:30 – “I didn’t know I liked writing…” 14:15 – Tools she uses to run her solopreneur life 15:00 – Mistakes: Delaying, lowballing, and not knowing her worth 16:30 – FIRE plans: 80% of the way there at age 36 17:30 – Real estate vs. stock market for financial freedom 18:40 – Raising a world-schooled son and dealing with “reverse culture shock” 20:00 – The future: Antarctica, early retirement, and living on their terms 21:30 – Where to connect with Corritta 🔗 Resources & Notes 👤 Guest Links – Corritta Lewis 🌍 It’s a Family Thing Blog – Follow Corritta’s travel adventures and family travel tips 📸 @itzafamilything on Instagram – See where Corritta and her family are heading next 🎥 It’s a Family Thing on YouTube – Travel content and global family living 🚀 Solopreneur Resources 🎯 Own Your Time – Pre-order my book and escape the corporate grind 📅 Solopreneur Coaching – 1-on-1 support for growing your business 📺 Solopreneur Life on YouTube – Subscribe for weekly interviews and tips 💼 Sponsors, Deals & Resources – See all offers that support this show 💼 Recommended Tools for Solopreneurs 📊 Monarch Money – Best budget app for solopreneurs and families 🏦 Live Oak Bank – Business savings accounts with strong APY 👥 Belay – Virtual assistants and staffing for growing solo businesses 📋 Gusto – Solo payroll and benefits made simple 🎙 Riverside – Record high-quality podcasts and interviews remotely 💼 More Sponsor Offers – Explore all partner discounts and recommendations 💰 How We Make Money + Disclaimer This show may contain affiliate links or links from our advertisers, where we earn a commission if you click and make a purchase. This comes at no extra cost to you and helps support our mission to empower solopreneurs with freedom and financial confidence. Thank you for supporting this small business! 👉 Full list of sponsors and deals Disclaimer: This show is for entertainment purposes only. Be sure to seek out a professional who knows your situation best before making any financial decisions. 🎧 Credits Editor: Johnny SohlPodcast Artwork: Kayli Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Family finances get a full refresh in this week’s episode of Marriage Kids and Money! First, we count down the Top 5 Best Budget Apps for Families and Couples, including ⁠Monarch Money⁠, our number one pick for building a shared budget that actually works. Discover how these apps make money tracking simple and family friendly, with features like shared dashboards, digital envelopes, and kids’ debit cards. Then, we talk with ⁠Blair Hickman⁠ and ⁠Mariah Hudler⁠ about how they hit Coast FIRE in California with $2 million invested, a pension, and a part-time lifestyle that lets them focus on family, health, and adventure. They explain how decades of consistency turned into financial freedom and how being “optionaires” gives them time to live fully today. Finally, we close with The Good Word, a heartwarming story about compassion and community that reminds us to be there for one another during difficult times. Sponsors, Deals, and Partners that Support the Show 👉 Sponsors, Deals & Partners – See all current offers in one place. 🎥 Good News Movement: Mia’s Story – Watch the uplifting video shared in The Good Word. (These are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you decide to sign up. There’s no extra cost to you and it helps support the show.) 💰 Monarch Money – Our top pick for couples and families. Try it free for 7 days and get 50% off your first year with this link. 📊 YNAB (You Need A Budget) – Proactive budgeting system with a 34-day free trial. 📱 Simplifi by Quicken – Clean, easy-to-use design for busy families. Includes a 30-day free trial. 🏦 Crew – Family banking and kids’ debit cards with high-yield checking. Free to use. 💳 EveryDollar – Simple zero-based budgeting from Ramsey Solutions. Premium plan includes a 14-day free trial. 📘 Own Your Time – Pre-order our first book today. 🎯 MKM Coaching – Get 1-on-1 support with your family finance journey. 🔥 Coast FIRE Calculator – Find out when you can slow down or stop investing for retirement. 🏠 Mortgage Payoff Calculator – See how fast you can become mortgage free. ▶️ YouTube – Subscribe for free to watch videos of episodes and interviews. 💰 Monarch Money – Best budget app for families and couples. 📊 Empower – Free portfolio tracker. 🏦 Crew – HYSA banking built for families (Get an extra 0.5% APY with our partner link). ❤️ Ethos – Affordable term life insurance. 📝 Trust & Will – Convenient estate planning made easy. 🌐 Mariah Hudler 🌐 My Financially Flexible Life 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 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 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

Working hard doesn’t always mean moving up the wealth ladder. Many families feel stuck — despite long hours and financial discipline — because their strategy isn’t aligned with their stage of wealth. To help us rethink our approach, Andy Hill sits down with Nick Maggiulli, COO of Ritholtz Wealth Management and bestselling author of The Wealth Ladder: Proven Strategies for Every Step of Your Financial Life (get it here). Nick explains his “wealth levels” framework, the six stages of net worth, and how your financial strategy should evolve at each step. Whether you’re just starting out or on your way to millionaire status, this conversation will help you identify pitfalls, focus on the right levers, and take practical steps to keep climbing. RESOURCES⁠Sponsors, Deals, and Partners that Support the Show Sponsors, Deals & Partners – See all current offers in one place. MKM RESOURCES Own Your Time – Pre-order my first book today! MKM Coaching – Get 1-on-1 support with your family finance journey. Coast FIRE Calculator – Find out when you can slow down or stop investing for retirement. Mortgage Payoff Calculator – See how fast you can become mortgage free. YouTube – Subscribe for free to watch videos of episodes and interviews. RECOMMENDED RESOURCES (SPONSORS & AFFILIATES) Monarch Money – Best budget app for families & couples. Empower – Free portfolio tracker. Crew – HYSA banking built for families (Get an extra 0.5% APY with my partner link). Ethos – Affordable term life insurance. Trust & Will – Convenient estate planning made easy. The Wealth Ladder (Book) – Learn Nick Maggiulli’s strategies for every wealth level. Podcast Chapters 00:00 – Why working harder isn’t always the answer 00:30 – Introduction to Nick Maggiulli & The Wealth Ladder 02:00 – Why effort alone doesn’t guarantee wealth 04:30 – Defining the “Wealth Ladder” framework 06:30 – The six levels of wealth in America 09:00 – Why income is the biggest driver of wealth 10:30 – Spending freedom at different wealth levels 13:00 – When investing starts to accelerate wealth building 15:00 – Level 3 realities: income vs. investments 18:00 – Homeownership as an asset vs. consumption good 20:30 – Pitfalls of ego-driven spending in Level 3 24:00 – What separates Level 3 from Level 4 wealth builders 26:00 – Nick’s personal journey to Level 4 28:00 – Mistakes and lessons learned along the way 30:20 – Solopreneurship and scaling outside your 9-to-5 32:00 – Advice for frustrated wealth builders 33:40 – Where to get The Wealth Ladder 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

Artificial intelligence is changing everything — from the way we work, to how we run businesses, to how we raise our kids. To help us prepare for this AI-driven future, Andy Hill sits down with Matt Britton, leading AI and consumer trend expert and author of Generation AI: Why Generation Alpha and AI Will Change Everything. In this conversation, Matt explains what AI really means for employees, solopreneurs, and parents. He shares how workers can future-proof their careers, why solopreneurs have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build businesses faster than ever, and how parents can prepare their children for a world where AI is everywhere. If you’re feeling both excited and overwhelmed by AI, this episode will give you clarity, perspective, and actionable steps for your family’s future. Grab Matt’s book Generation AI here → https://amzn.to/42jAXxR RESOURCES⁠Sponsors, Deals, and Partners that Support the Show Sponsors, Deals & Partners – See all current offers in one place. MKM RESOURCES Own Your Time – Pre-order my first book today! MKM Coaching – Get 1-on-1 support with your family finance journey. Coast FIRE Calculator – Find out when you can slow down or stop investing for retirement. Mortgage Payoff Calculator – See how fast you can become mortgage free. YouTube – Subscribe for free to watch videos of episodes and interviews. RECOMMENDED RESOURCES (SPONSORS & AFFILIATES) Monarch Money – Best budget app for families & couples. Empower – Free portfolio tracker. Crew – HYSA banking built for families (Get an extra 0.5% APY with my partner link). Ethos – Affordable term life insurance. Trust & Will – Convenient estate planning made easy. Generation AI (Book) – Learn more in Matt Britton’s latest book. Podcast Chapters 00:00 – The evolution of AI and jobs it replaces 01:00 – Introduction to Matt Britton & his new book Generation AI 02:00 – What AI really means today 04:00 – Is AI a fad or here to stay? 06:30 – How AI impacts employees: who should be concerned 08:30 – Future-proofing your career with AI 10:30 – AI as a personal life tool 12:00 – Opportunities for solopreneurs with AI 14:00 – Matt Britton’s journey with AI adoption 15:45 – Why now is the best time to dive in 16:00 – Preparing kids (Gen Alpha) for an AI future 18:20 – AI in schools: private vs. public adoption 20:30 – Is college still worth it in the age of AI? 22:00 – Jobs that may not exist by 2030 24:00 – Human skills that remain valuable 26:00 – One step to start embracing AI today 27:45 – About Generation AI and where to find it 28:17 – Closing thoughts and listener support 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

Getting your spouse on board with financial independence isn’t always easy ... especially when FIRE feels like a radical concept. In this episode, Andy Hill shares practical tips for inviting your partner into the journey without causing tension, from asking fun life questions to defining your own version of FIRE together. We also highlight Sunny and Sunmarie Burns from the FamVestor YouTube channel, who grew their net worth to over $3 million in their 30s while raising five kids. They reveal how frugal living, real estate investing, and shared family goals helped them achieve financial freedom. Finally, Andy brings his son Calvin on for a fun money quiz, testing his knowledge of financial independence and teaching lessons the whole family can enjoy. Podcast Chapters: 00:00 – Intro: Why relationships come first on the FIRE journey 01:00 – Listener question: How do I get my spouse on board with financial independence? 02:15 – Common mistakes Andy made early in his marriage 04:20 – Step 1: Ask your spouse fun life questions 06:50 – Step 2: Share your passions and desires too 09:30 – Step 3: Define FIRE together on your own terms 09:32 – Net Worth Win: Sunny & Sun Marie Burns (FamVestor) 13:00 – Saving $75k by living with family 15:00 – Their first house hack and rental property 20:45 – Building wealth through 12 rental units 25:40 – Breaking down their $3M+ net worth 27:40 – Generational wealth for their kids 31:40 – Life after leaving a corporate career 34:39 – Key advice for aspiring families 36:53 – Where to find Sunny & Sun Marie online 38:01 – Money Quiz with Calvin Hill 45:56 – Closing quote from Maya Angelou RESOURCES⁠Sponsors, Deals, and Partners that Support the Show Sponsors, Deals & Partners – See all current offers in one place. MKM RESOURCES Own Your Time – Pre-order my first book today! MKM Coaching – Get 1-on-1 support with your family finance journey. Coast FIRE Calculator – Find out when you can slow down or stop investing for retirement. Mortgage Payoff Calculator – See how fast you can become mortgage free. YouTube – Subscribe for free to watch videos of episodes and interviews. RECOMMENDED RESOURCES (SPONSORS & AFFILIATES) Monarch Money – Best budget app for families & couples. Empower – Free portfolio tracker. Crew – HYSA banking built for families (Get an extra 0.5% APY with my partner link). Ethos – Affordable term life insurance. Trust & Will – Convenient estate planning made easy. 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 would it mean to live a regret-free life, starting today? In this “Best of MKM” episode from 2022, I sit down with Jordan Grumet, a hospice doctor and author of Taking Stock, to explore how confronting death can help us live more intentionally. Jordan shares powerful stories from his hospice work, the deep regrets he’s heard at the end of life, and how we can avoid them by embracing purpose, identity, and connection now. We discuss the trap of chasing net worth and job titles, the tension between FIRE and YOLO, and practical frameworks to align your money with what truly matters. Whether you’re striving toward financial independence or simply seeking more meaning in your day-to-day, this episode will help you pause, reflect, and act with intention. If you’ve ever felt stuck on autopilot, this conversation with Jordan Grumet is a wake-up call to reassess your priorities and build a life with fewer regrets. Resources ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sponsors, Deals and Partners⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ MKM RESOURCES: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Own Your Time⁠⁠⁠⁠: Pre-order my first book today! ⁠⁠⁠⁠MKM Coaching⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Want 1-on-1 support with your family finance journey? Book a time with me today. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Coast FIRE Calculator⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: A free calculator to help you find out when you can slow down or stop investing for retirement. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mortgage Payoff Calculator⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: A free calculator to help you see how fast you can become mortgage free. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Subscribe for free to watch videos of these episodes and interviews. RECOMMENDED RESOURCES (SPONSORS AND AFFILIATES): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Monarch Money⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Best Budget App for Families & Couples ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Empower⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Free Portfolio Tracker ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Cr⁠ew⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - HYSA Banking Built for Families - Get an Extra 0.5% APY with my partner link ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ethos⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Affordable Term Life Insurance ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Trust & Will⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠- Convenient Estate Planning CHAPTERS 00:00 – Regret and mortality: a powerful lens 01:30 – Intro to Jordan Grumet and the regret free life 03:00 – Stories from hospice: what people really regret 06:00 – Purpose, people, and climbing your “Everest” 08:00 – The hedonic treadmill and false financial goals 10:30 – FIRE vs. YOLO: where’s the balance? 12:30 – How to decide when to spend vs. save 14:30 – Fear-based planning: what scares you most? 17:00 – Finding the middle ground: Slow FI, Coast FI, Barista FI 20:00 – Subtraction: designing your life through removal 23:00 – Building purpose in early careers 26:00 – Modeling fulfillment for your kids 28:00 – Two life-changing exercises to reduce regret 31:00 – Where to find Taking Stock and connect with Jordan 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

Want to raise money-smart kids? In this Best of MKM episode from 2020, Andy Hill sits down with Liz Frazier, Certified Financial Planner and author of Beyond Piggy Banks and Lemonade Stands. Liz shares practical strategies parents can use to teach their young kids the value of money—starting as early as age four. From understanding needs vs. wants to saving, giving, and making smart spending decisions, Liz outlines fun and effective ways to build lifelong financial habits in children. She also tackles common questions around allowances, chores, and how parents can be positive money role models, even if they don’t feel financially perfect themselves. If you’re ready to help your kids build confidence, generosity, and gratitude with money, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiration for families. Resources ⁠⁠⁠⁠Sponsors, Deals and Partners⁠⁠⁠⁠ MKM RESOURCES: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Own Your Time⁠⁠⁠: Pre-order my first book today! ⁠⁠⁠MKM Coaching⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Want 1-on-1 support with your family finance journey? Book a time with me today. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Coast FIRE Calculator⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: A free calculator to help you find out when you can slow down or stop investing for retirement. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mortgage Payoff Calculator⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: A free calculator to help you see how fast you can become mortgage free. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Subscribe for free to watch videos of these episodes and interviews. RECOMMENDED RESOURCES (SPONSORS AND AFFILIATES): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Monarch Money⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Best Budget App for Families & Couples ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Empower⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Free Portfolio Tracker ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Cr⁠ew⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - HYSA Banking Built for Families - Get an Extra 0.5% APY with my partner link ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ethos⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Affordable Term Life Insurance ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Trust & Will⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠- Convenient Estate Planning CHAPTERS 00:00 – Teaching kids the basics of money 02:00 – Why childhood shapes money habits 06:45 – When to start money lessons 08:30 – Needs vs. wants activity 09:45 – Teaching priorities and decision-making 10:45 – Allowance vs. chores debate 12:30 – Save, spend, share jars 13:45 – Making saving fun for kids 15:30 – Encouraging generosity and giving 18:15 – Teaching gratitude with money 20:00 – Helping kids appreciate wealth 21:00 – Parents teaching money (even if not perfect) 22:15 – Simple ways to start today 23:00 – Where to find Liz Frazier’s book 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

If you feel like a rockstar at work but a failure at home, you’re not alone—and there is a better way forward. In this “Best of MKM” episode from 2020, I talk with entrepreneur and author Mark Timm about the powerful concept of work-life integration. After years of chasing “balance” and falling short, Mark had a breakthrough moment: instead of separating work and family, what if he integrated the two? Mark shares how he legally incorporated his family, started holding intentional family meetings, and brought the same leadership skills he used in business into his home life. The result? A stronger marriage, deeper connections with his six kids, and a thriving family culture with a mission of its own. If you’re struggling to juggle your career and your personal life, this episode with Mark Timm will inspire you to lead at home like you do at work—and build something extraordinary with the people who matter most. Resources ⁠⁠⁠Sponsors, Deals and Partners⁠⁠⁠ MKM RESOURCES: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Own Your Time⁠⁠: Pre-order my first book today! ⁠⁠MKM Coaching⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Want 1-on-1 support with your family finance journey? Book a time with me today. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Coast FIRE Calculator⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: A free calculator to help you find out when you can slow down or stop investing for retirement. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mortgage Payoff Calculator⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: A free calculator to help you see how fast you can become mortgage free. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Subscribe for free to watch videos of these episodes and interviews. RECOMMENDED RESOURCES (SPONSORS AND AFFILIATES): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Monarch Money⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Best Budget App for Families & Couples ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Empower⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Free Portfolio Tracker ⁠⁠⁠⁠Cr⁠ew⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - HYSA Banking Built for Families - Get an Extra 0.5% APY with my partner link ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ethos⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Affordable Term Life Insurance ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Trust & Will⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠- Convenient Estate Planning CHAPTERS 00:00 – The courage to be vulnerable01:30 – Introduction to Mark Timm and the concept of work life integration03:00 – Why work-life balance is a myth05:00 – Mark’s “driveway moment” of realization07:00 – Incorporating his family as a business09:00 – How family meetings transformed communication12:00 – Creating a family mission: Love God, Live Right, Lead All Out14:30 – From discipline to leadership: Family court16:00 – Traveling with his kids to create deeper bonds19:00 – Involving the family in business and decision-making21:00 – How work life integration strengthened his marriage23:00 – The power of showing, not just telling25:00 – Why vulnerability is leadership27:00 – Creating unity in a blended family29:00 – First steps for families ready to integrate32:00 – How to connect with Mark Timm and get the book 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

Disagreements around money in marriage can trigger anxiety, conflict, and even long-term damage if left unspoken. So how can couples move from financial tension to emotional connection? In this “Best of MKM” episode from 2019, psychiatrist Dr. Laura Dabney shares her insights on why money arguments go deeper than dollars—and how to address the feelings behind the finances. Dr. Dabney explains why our childhood experiences shape our money mindset, how to express emotions without blame, and what to do when your spouse isn’t on the same page. Whether it’s a surprise boat purchase or hidden debt, she offers tools to help couples move beyond the surface and truly communicate. This conversation is full of “a-ha” moments and practical advice for parents and partners trying to build trust and teamwork. If disagreements around money in marriage are stressing you out, this episode with Dr. Laura Dabney is a must-listen. Resources ⁠⁠Sponsors, Deals and Partners⁠⁠ MKM RESOURCES: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Own Your Time⁠: Pre-order my first book today! ⁠MKM Coaching⁠⁠⁠⁠: Want 1-on-1 support with your family finance journey? Book a time with me today. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Coast FIRE Calculator⁠⁠⁠⁠: A free calculator to help you find out when you can slow down or stop investing for retirement. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Mortgage Payoff Calculator⁠⁠⁠⁠: A free calculator to help you see how fast you can become mortgage free. ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠: Subscribe for free to watch videos of these episodes and interviews. RECOMMENDED RESOURCES (SPONSORS AND AFFILIATES): ⁠⁠⁠⁠Monarch Money⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Best Budget App for Families & Couples ⁠⁠⁠⁠Empower⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Free Portfolio Tracker ⁠⁠⁠Cr⁠ew⁠⁠⁠⁠ - HYSA Banking Built for Families - Get an Extra 0.5% APY with my partner link ⁠⁠⁠⁠Ethos⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Affordable Term Life Insurance ⁠⁠⁠⁠Trust & Will⁠⁠⁠ ⁠- Convenient Estate Planning CHAPTERS 00:00 – How emotions—not dollars—spark financial fights 01:40 – Introduction to Dr. Laura Dabney 03:00 – Childhood roots of money conflict 04:30 – Learning to identify and express feelings 06:30 – How to talk about big purchases 09:00 – Communication strategy: “I feel X when you do Y” 11:30 – Making time for emotional check-ins as parents 13:45 – How tech affects emotional connection 15:30 – Red flags to watch in serious relationships 17:30 – Boundaries and when to seek therapy 20:00 – Counseling alone when your spouse won’t come 22:30 – Why money classes may miss the root issue 24:00 – Dr. Dabney’s book recommendations and resources 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

Do you ever feel like your phone gets more of your attention than your family? You’re not alone. In this Best of MKM episode, we explore how to reclaim our focus, strengthen our relationships, and find balance in a world full of digital distractions. Author and speaker Mark Ostach joins me to talk about digital wellness—what it means, why it matters, and how small shifts can make a huge difference in our marriages, parenting, and personal health. From setting boundaries with email to modeling good tech habits for our kids, Mark shares practical strategies to help us become more present at home and less consumed by screens. This conversation originally aired in 2022, but it’s just as powerful today. As part of our Best of MKM series, I’m excited to bring back this timeless chat with Mark, the author of Courage to Connect. Resources ⁠Sponsors, Deals and Partners⁠ Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 01:30 – What Digital Wellness Really Means 04:00 – The “Holy Trinity” of Checking & Digital Distraction 06:30 – Early Struggles That Sparked Mark’s Mission 07:50 – Impact of Screen Time on Marriage & Family Life 09:40 – Modeling Healthy Tech Habits for Kids 11:50 – Coping with Distraction & Digital Stress 13:30 – Small Steps Toward Digital Wellness 17:00 – Morning Routines & Phone Boundaries 18:00 – Healthy Ways to Use Social Media 20:00 – Managing Email & Avoiding Overwhelm 23:50 – When Should Kids Get Their First Devices? 25:00 – Parents as “Paparazzi” & Memory vs. Instagram 28:30 – Predictions for the Future of Digital Wellness 32:30 – One Simple Step You Can Take Today 34:00 – Where to Find Courage to Connect MKM RESOURCES: ⁠⁠⁠Own Your Time: Pre-order my first book today! MKM Coaching⁠⁠⁠: Want 1-on-1 support with your family finance journey? Book a time with me today. ⁠⁠⁠Coast FIRE Calculator⁠⁠⁠: A free calculator to help you find out when you can slow down or stop investing for retirement. ⁠⁠⁠Mortgage Payoff Calculator⁠⁠⁠: A free calculator to help you see how fast you can become mortgage free. ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠: Subscribe for free to watch videos of these episodes and interviews. RECOMMENDED RESOURCES (SPONSORS AND AFFILIATES): ⁠⁠⁠Monarch Money⁠⁠⁠ - Best Budget App for Families & Couples ⁠⁠⁠Empower⁠⁠⁠ - Free Portfolio Tracker ⁠⁠Cr⁠ew⁠⁠⁠ - HYSA Banking Built for Families - Get an Extra 0.5% APY with my partner link ⁠⁠⁠Ethos⁠⁠⁠ - Affordable Term Life Insurance ⁠⁠⁠Trust & Will⁠⁠⁠ - Convenient Estate Planning 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

In this episode, Andy Hill sits down with LendingTree’s Matt Schulz to break down the real price tag of parenting in 2024 (spoiler: nearly $300K!). They cover rising childcare costs, smart savings strategies, and how your budget can survive the baby years. Then, financial planner Madison Sharick shares how she and her husband hit Coast FIRE in their 30s — while raising two young kids! 💡 Whether you're a future parent or already knee-deep in diapers, this episode is packed with practical money moves to help your family thrive. EPISODE RESOURCES Sponsors, Deals and Partners Ask Questions, Save Money, Make More (Matt's book): https://amzn.to/4mg7mgb (affiliate) Matt Schulz: https://www.mattschulz.com/ Nectarine (Advice Only Financial Planners): ⁠⁠https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/nectarine⁠ (affiliate) Madi Minds Money: ⁠https://madimanagesmoney.com/ CHAPTERS 00:00 – Is the cost of raising a child worth it? 00:33 – Show introduction and episode preview 01:09 – Meet Matt Schulz, LendingTree financial expert 02:10 – How much does it cost to raise a child? 03:20 – Why these rising costs impact family planning 04:13 – How fast is the cost increasing? 05:30 – Most and least expensive states to raise a child 07:46 – Major cost drivers: daycare and housing 09:00 – Average percentage of income spent on child expenses 10:30 – Where to begin: budgeting basics for new parents 12:00 – Smart moves to save on childcare 13:50 – Debt management tips to free up cash 16:00 – Should high costs stop you from having kids? 18:00 – Coast FIRE segment 20:11 – Meet Madison: Coast FIRE at 35 with kids 21:33 – Retirement projections and 4% rule 22:45 – The motivation behind early investing 24:00 – How Madison and Jake built wealth 26:50 – Madison’s career path and income 28:15 – Combining income as a couple 29:45 – Career vs. parenting: striking a balance 33:15 – How Madison financially prepared to quit her job 35:09 – Pausing contributions and strategic Roth conversion 36:15 – Generational wealth planning 37:30 – College planning with 529s 38:45 – Financial literacy goals for her daughters 39:20 – Easy step to start Coast FIRE journey 40:20 – Where to find Madison and her financial advice 41:01 – Closing thoughts and inspirational quote MKM RESOURCES: ⁠⁠MKM Coaching⁠⁠: Want 1-on-1 support with your family finance journey? Book a time with me today. ⁠⁠Coast FIRE Calculator⁠⁠: A free calculator to help you find out when you can slow down or stop investing for retirement. ⁠⁠Mortgage Payoff Calculator⁠⁠: A free calculator to help you see how fast you can become mortgage free. ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠: Subscribe for free to watch videos of these episodes and interviews. RECOMMENDED RESOURCES (SPONSORS AND AFFILIATES): ⁠⁠Monarch Money⁠⁠ - Best Budget App for Families & Couples ⁠⁠Empower⁠⁠ - Free Portfolio Tracker ⁠Cr⁠ew⁠⁠ - HYSA Banking Built for Families - Get an Extra 0.5% APY with my partner link ⁠⁠Ethos⁠⁠ - Affordable Term Life Insurance ⁠⁠Trust & Will⁠⁠ - Convenient Estate Planning 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: Nev Maraj Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it take to quit your job and earn a full-time income on YouTube? 💻 Denis Trufin went from working in retail to building a YouTube business that now generates over $10,000/month — most of it passively. In this episode, Denis shares how he grew multiple YouTube channels, why evergreen content is his secret weapon, and what solopreneurship really looks like behind the scenes. ✅ You’ll Learn: How Denis got started (and what failed) When he realized YouTube could replace his day job 4 ways YouTubers actually make money What a typical week looks like as a solo creator His top advice for beginners (and what mistakes to avoid) Whether you're dreaming of leaving your 9–5 or growing your side hustle, Denis's journey is packed with tips, transparency, and inspiration. Resources: ⁠⁠⁠Sponsors + Partners + Deals⁠⁠⁠ TruFinancials (Denis's YouTube Channel): ⁠https://www.youtube.com/TruFinancials YouTube Passive Income Podcast (Denis's Podcast): https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/youtube-passive-income-by-ranking/id1735315505 Chapters 00:00 – Why Most People Quit Too Early 00:22 – Introduction to Denis Trufin and His YouTube Journey 01:00 – How a Lack of Time Control Sparked His Entrepreneurial Drive 01:56 – Early Attempts and Failures on YouTube 03:00 – Personal Finance Channel Launch and Initial Struggles 03:36 – Earning Ad Revenue After 7–8 Months 04:15 – Working in Retail Before YouTube 05:08 – The Moment Denis Decided to Quit His Job 07:06 – How His Immigrant Parents Inspired Him 07:40 – What Solopreneurship Means to Denis 08:41 – Using Content to Help Others With Finances 09:58 – Four Ways to Make Money on YouTube 11:31 – What Makes Up Denis’s YouTube Income 12:16 – Making $10K/Month Through Mostly Passive Income 14:03 – Why Evergreen Content Wins Over Trendy Topics 15:48 – Is $10K Enough for a Comfortable Life? 17:00 – Typical Work Week as a Full-Time YouTuber 18:50 – How Long It Takes to Succeed on YouTube 21:00 – Do You Need Passion to Start a Channel? 21:30 – The Power of Evergreen and Staying Niche 22:40 – Solopreneur High Five: Favorite Tools 23:55 – Outsourcing to Stay Focused 25:11 – Biggest Mistake: Not Niching Down Sooner 27:10 – Life Outside of YouTube and Supporting a Nonprofit 28:34 – What Retirement Means to a Solopreneur 29:44 – Final Advice: Stick With It 30:25 – Where to Find Denis Trufin Online MKM RESOURCES: ⁠⁠⁠MKM Coaching⁠⁠⁠: Want 1-on-1 support with your family finance journey? Book a time with me today. ⁠⁠⁠Coast FIRE Calculator⁠⁠⁠: A free calculator to help you find out when you can slow down or stop investing for retirement. ⁠⁠⁠Mortgage Payoff Calculator⁠⁠⁠: A free calculator to help you see how fast you can become mortgage free. ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠: Subscribe for free to watch videos of these episodes and interviews. RECOMMENDED RESOURCES (SPONSORS AND AFFILIATES): ⁠⁠⁠Monarch Money⁠⁠⁠ - Best Budget App for Families & Couples ⁠⁠⁠Empower⁠⁠⁠ - Free Portfolio Tracker ⁠⁠⁠Crew⁠⁠⁠ - HYSA Banking Built for Families - Get an Extra 0.5% APY with my partner link ⁠⁠⁠Ethos⁠⁠⁠ - Affordable Term Life Insurance ⁠⁠⁠Trust & Will⁠ ⁠⁠- Convenient Estate Planning 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: Kayli Johnson Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Support: Nev Maraj Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With so much market noise and doom-filled headlines, you might be wondering — is now actually a good time to invest? In today’s episode, we break down six compelling reasons why today could be the best day to start your investing journey. 📈 Also in this episode: A Net Worth Win from Vinny in New Zealand, who grew his family’s net worth to over $1 million NZD by age 55 "Good Word" segment with my son Calvin about the health benefits of running and why it can add 12 years to your life Whether you're just getting started with investing or need inspiration to stay on track, this episode will help you build wealth and strengthen your family tree! Resources: ⁠Sponsors + Partners + Deals⁠ Own Your Time (Pre-order on Amazon): https://amzn.to/3ICXFKq Own Your Time (Pre-order on Barnes & Noble): https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/own-your-time-andy-hill/1147563897 PensionBee (sponsor): https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/pensionbee Project Frugal (Vinnie Anglesey's YouTube Channel): https://www.youtube.com/ProjectFrugal Good Word Article (Runner's World): https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/news/a45685364/running-help-you-live-longer/ Podcast Chapters: 00:00 – Intro 01:00 – Why Now Is a Good Time to Invest 02:29 – Reason #1: Waiting Could Cost You More 04:50 – Real Example: VFIAX Price Drops and Recovery 06:10 – Reason #2: No One Can Predict the Market 07:00 – Reason #3: The Market Rises in the Long Run 07:50 – Reason #4: Investing Favors Those Who Start Early 09:00 – Reason #5: You Might Already Be Investing 11:00 – IRAs, Rollovers, and Consolidation 11:51 – Reason #6: Dollar Cost Averaging Works 13:00 – When NOT to Invest: No Emergency Fund or High Interest Debt 15:00 – Net Worth Win: Vinny & Denise from New Zealand 17:00 – From Debt to Financial Transformation 20:00 – Partnering on the Budget as a Couple 22:30 – Net Worth Breakdown and Lean FIRE Goals 25:46 – How to Reach Lean FIRE in Four Years 27:38 – Monthly Net Worth Tracking: Vinny’s #1 Tip 28:30 – Project Frugal YouTube Channel 29:58 – The Good Word with Calvin Hill 30:57 – Good News: Running Can Add 12 Years to Your Life 35:50 – Time Ownership and Andy’s New Book 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: Kayli Johnson Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Support: Nev Maraj Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andy Hill sits down with Jessica Moorhouse—accredited financial counselor, award-winning content creator, and author of Everything But Money—to explore the impact of money trauma and how our financial behaviors are often shaped by past experiences. Jessica shares how both big T and little T traumas influence our financial decisions, the role of generational trauma in our money mindset, and how unhealed emotional wounds can lead to cycles of overspending, fear, and financial stress. She also opens up about her own personal journey of self-discovery, the power of therapy in reshaping her financial mindset, and actionable steps you can take to break free from unhealthy money patterns. If you’ve ever felt anxiety, guilt, or shame around money, this conversation will help you unpack the past and move forward with financial confidence. Listen now to start healing your money story! RESOURCES: Sponsors + Partners + Deals Everything but Money (book): https://amzn.to/3Da02Cg (affiliate) CHAPTERS: 00:00 – Introduction to the Episode 01:00 – What is Money Trauma? 02:26 – The Difference Between Big T and Little T Trauma 04:52 – How Trauma Affects Our Financial Decisions 07:00 – Childhood Money Trauma and How It Shapes Us 09:35 – Generational Trauma and Its Lasting Impact 12:07 – Can Money Trauma Be Used as Motivation? 16:17 – The Power of Therapy: EMDR & Internal Family Systems (IFS) 18:26 – Jessica’s Personal Experience with Childhood Trauma 24:32 – Mindfulness, Meditation, and Daily Practices for Healing 27:05 – Overcoming Negative Self-Talk and Imposter Syndrome 29:20 – One Small Step to Start Healing Money Trauma 30:20 – How Parents Can Avoid Passing Money Trauma to Their Kids MKM RESOURCES: MKM Coaching: Want 1-on-1 support with your family finance journey? Book a time with me today. Make My Kid a Millionaire Course: Want to build generational wealth and happiness for your kid? Learn more about my course! Coast FIRE Calculator: A free calculator to help you find out when you can slow down or stop investing for retirement. Mortgage Payoff Calculator: A free calculator to help you see how fast you can become mortgage free. YouTube: Subscribe for free to watch videos of these episodes and interviews. RECOMMENDED RESOURCES (SPONSORS AND AFFILIATES): Monarch Money - Best Budget App for Families & Couples Empower - Free Portfolio Tracker Crew - HYSA Banking Built for Families - Get an Extra 0.5% APY with my partner link Ethos - Affordable Term Life Insurance Trust & Will - Convenient Estate Planning 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: Nev Maraj Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we sit down with Grant Sabatier, the author of Inner Entrepreneur, to explore how entrepreneurship can be a powerful path to financial independence, time freedom, and personal joy. Grant shares his incredible journey from feeling stuck in corporate life to building multiple businesses, reaching financial independence by 30, and crafting a life centered around what he loves—including owning a bookstore and spending meaningful time with his family. If you’re curious about starting a business, finding peace beyond just chasing money, or learning how to build an “empire” that truly fits your life, this is a must-listen conversation. Resources: ⁠⁠Sponsors + Partners + Deals⁠⁠ Inner Entrepreneur (book): https://amzn.to/4l7v6D9 (affiliate) Chapters 00:00 – Why People Get Stuck in Unfulfilling Careers 00:42 – Welcome to the Show & Introduction of Grant Sabatier 01:58 – Why Entrepreneurship is a Powerful Path to Financial Independence 04:08 – Is Now a Good Time to Start a Business? 07:40 – Using Entrepreneurship to Create Peace, Not Just Money 11:59 – Grant’s Journey: From Digital Marketing to Multi-Millionaire 14:24 – Selling Millennial Money and Building MMG Media Group 18:55 – Levels of Entrepreneurship: Solopreneur to Empire 23:17 – Avoiding Growth Traps & Building a Business That Fits Your Life 24:43 – A Typical Week in Grant’s Life as a Dad and Entrepreneur 29:40 – Parenting, Balance, and Being a Role Model for Your Kids 32:03 – Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Trust Yourself and Start Small 37:35 – Where to Find Grant’s Book “Inner Entrepreneur” MKM RESOURCES: ⁠⁠MKM Coaching⁠⁠: Want 1-on-1 support with your family finance journey? Book a time with me today. ⁠⁠Coast FIRE Calculator⁠⁠: A free calculator to help you find out when you can slow down or stop investing for retirement. ⁠⁠Mortgage Payoff Calculator⁠⁠: A free calculator to help you see how fast you can become mortgage free. ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠: Subscribe for free to watch videos of these episodes and interviews. RECOMMENDED RESOURCES (SPONSORS AND AFFILIATES): ⁠⁠Monarch Money⁠⁠ - Best Budget App for Families & Couples ⁠⁠Empower⁠⁠ - Free Portfolio Tracker ⁠⁠Crew⁠⁠ - HYSA Banking Built for Families - Get an Extra 0.5% APY with my partner link ⁠⁠Ethos⁠⁠ - Affordable Term Life Insurance ⁠⁠Trust & Will⁠ ⁠- Convenient Estate Planning 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: Kayli Johnson Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Support: Nev Maraj Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do the world’s greatest investors know that the rest of us don’t? In this episode, we sit down with William Green, author of Richer, Wiser, Happier, to uncover the timeless principles he's learned from interviewing legends like Charlie Munger, Howard Marks, and Bill Miller. Rather than chasing hot tips or quick wins, William reveals how traits like emotional control, simplicity, and avoiding big mistakes can help you build wealth—and a more meaningful life. We discuss the difference between gambling and investing, the wisdom of indexing for most families, and why subtracting noise can lead to clarity and success. Whether you're just starting out or well along your financial journey, this conversation offers valuable takeaways for life and money. If you want to become richer, wiser, happier, this episode with William Green is a must-listen. RESOURCES: ⁠⁠Sponsors + Partners + Deals⁠⁠ Richer, Wiser, Happier (book): https://amzn.to/4kkLq2e (affiliate) Chapters 00:00 – Timeless wisdom and survival in investing 01:00 – Introduction to William Green and his journey 03:30 – The surprising philosophical nature of top investors 06:00 – Learning from failure: The Bill Miller story 08:30 – The power of accepting impermanence (Mujo & Howard Marks) 11:30 – Gambling vs. investing: Lessons from a young William 14:30 – The Buffett playbook and indexing for most families 18:00 – The art of subtraction and simplifying your financial life 22:00 – Defining a rich life: Health, relationships, peace of mind 25:00 – Charlie Munger’s key principle: Invert, always invert 28:30 – How to survive financial storms: Diversify and avoid leverage 32:00 – Dogged incremental progress and being “number one-ish” 36:00 – William’s biggest takeaway from 25 years of interviews 38:00 – Where to find Richer, Wiser, Happier and his podcast MKM RESOURCES: ⁠⁠MKM Coaching⁠⁠: Want 1-on-1 support with your family finance journey? Book a time with me today. ⁠⁠Coast FIRE Calculator⁠⁠: A free calculator to help you find out when you can slow down or stop investing for retirement. ⁠⁠Mortgage Payoff Calculator⁠⁠: A free calculator to help you see how fast you can become mortgage free. ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠: Subscribe for free to watch videos of these episodes and interviews. RECOMMENDED RESOURCES (SPONSORS AND AFFILIATES): ⁠⁠Monarch Money⁠⁠ - Best Budget App for Families & Couples ⁠⁠Empower⁠⁠ - Free Portfolio Tracker ⁠⁠Crew⁠⁠ - HYSA Banking Built for Families - Get an Extra 0.5% APY with my partner link ⁠⁠Ethos⁠⁠ - Affordable Term Life Insurance ⁠⁠Trust & Will⁠ ⁠- Convenient Estate Planning 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: Kayli Johnson Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Support: Nev Maraj Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this two-part episode, we’re diving into strategies for building wealth as a modern parent. First, Kelly Palmer—a financial planner and founder of The Wealthy Parent—joins the show to break down how to choose a 529 plan. She shares the pros and cons of different education savings options, the impact of the new SECURE Act updates, and why she’s a proud 529 mom herself. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by college savings decisions, this segment is full of clear, practical guidance. Then, in our Net Worth Win segment, Shang Saavedra from Save My Cents reveals how she and her husband built a net worth north of $2 million by age 39. From a revenge-of-the-nerd money mindset to embracing FIRE, Shang’s story is packed with lessons on frugal living, dual-income saving strategies, and long-term thinking. Whether you're focused on education planning or financial independence, this episode delivers actionable tips and real-life inspiration. EPISODE RESOURCES Nectarine (Advice Only Financial Planners): ⁠https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/nectarine (affiliate) The Wealthy Parent: https://thewealthyparent.com  ⁠ Wealth is a Mindset (Book): https://amzn.to/3FQT0nh (affiliate) Save My Cents (Shang Saavedra's Website): https://savemycents.com/ CHAPTERS 00:00 – Introduction01:00 – How to Choose a 529 Plan05:20 – Tax Benefits and State-Specific Rules09:00 – SECURE Act Updates and New Roth IRA Rollovers13:45 – 529s vs UTMAs and Roth IRAs for Kids18:00 – Final Thoughts from Kelly Palmer20:30 – Net Worth Win: Shang Saavedra24:15 – The Mindset Shift Behind Wealth Building29:30 – Living on One Income and Saving the Other33:00 – Renting by Choice and Real Estate Insights36:00 – Teaching Generational Wealth Through Habits38:30 – Future Goals and Advice for Parents MKM RESOURCES: ⁠MKM Coaching⁠: Want 1-on-1 support with your family finance journey? Book a time with me today. ⁠Coast FIRE Calculator⁠: A free calculator to help you find out when you can slow down or stop investing for retirement. ⁠Mortgage Payoff Calculator⁠: A free calculator to help you see how fast you can become mortgage free. ⁠YouTube⁠: Subscribe for free to watch videos of these episodes and interviews. RECOMMENDED RESOURCES (SPONSORS AND AFFILIATES): ⁠Monarch Money⁠ - Best Budget App for Families & Couples ⁠Empower⁠ - Free Portfolio Tracker Cr⁠ew⁠ - HYSA Banking Built for Families - Get an Extra 0.5% APY with my partner link ⁠Ethos⁠ - Affordable Term Life Insurance ⁠Trust & Will⁠ - Convenient Estate Planning 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: Nev Maraj Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this inspiring Solopreneur Life segment, Andy Hill sits down with Colin Graves—a former bank manager turned full-time freelance writer and editor. Colin shares how a toxic workplace pushed him to reevaluate his career and ultimately build a thriving solo business making over $150,000 per year. Listeners will learn how Colin transitioned from a 9-to-5 job into solopreneurship, the steps he took to scale his business, and how he now enjoys a flexible lifestyle that prioritizes family, freedom, and fulfillment. If you're a parent looking to escape the corporate grind and design a business on your own terms, this episode is packed with insights and encouragement. EPISODE RESOURCES: ⁠Sponsors + Partners + Deals⁠ Colin Graves (website): https://colingraves.com MKM RESOURCES: ⁠MKM Coaching:⁠ Want 1-on-1 support with your family finance journey? Book a time with me today. ⁠Coast FIRE Calculator⁠: A free calculator to help you find out when you can slow down or stop investing for retirement. ⁠Mortgage Payoff Calculator⁠: A free calculator to help you see how fast you can become mortgage free. ⁠YouTube⁠: Subscribe for free to watch videos of these episodes and interviews. RECOMMENDED RESOURCES (SPONSORS AND AFFILIATES): ⁠Monarch Money⁠ - Best Budget App for Families & Couples ⁠Empower⁠ - Free Portfolio Tracker ⁠Crew ⁠- HYSA Banking Built for Families - Get an Extra 0.5% APY with my partner link ⁠Ethos⁠ - Affordable Term Life Insurance ⁠Trust & Will ⁠- Convenient Estate Planning CHAPTERS 00:00 – Life after corporate: Embracing flexibility 00:16 – Meet Colin Graves: From bank manager to solopreneur 01:40 – A toxic boss sparked the journey 03:22 – Starting with blogging and side hustles 05:20 – Defining a vision with his wife 06:30 – Turning freelance writing into a real business 08:45 – Putting in the hours and finding "comfortable torture" 10:18 – Landing multiple clients at FinCon 12:45 – Making the leap to full-time solopreneur 14:30 – Life after quitting the 9-to-5 16:30 – How freelance writers earn income 17:25 – Income breakdown: $150K/year as a solopreneur 18:20 – Time management and weekly hours 20:33 – Taking spontaneous family trips 22:00 – What new freelance writers can expect to earn 24:15 – Why $500/month from freelancing is powerful 26:07 – Favorite solopreneur tool: Wise 27:30 – Outsourcing help and using ChatGPT 30:27 – His biggest mistake: Getting too comfortable 32:50 – Life outside work: music, biking, and disc golf 34:23 – Rethinking retirement as a solopreneur 36:29 – How to connect with Colin and get coaching 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: Nev Maraj Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Coast FIRE is when you've saved enough for retirement that you no longer need to contribute—just cover your current expenses and coast. But how does it really compare to traditional retirement? We'll break down the pros and cons of both so you can decide which path fits your family's lifestyle and financial goals best. Next, we’re back with our Coast FIRE Family segment. This month, we’re featuring Jason Edwards from Rhode Island. Jason and his wife Amber reached Coast FIRE with $1.2 million invested. He shares how they did it, the role adoption played in their journey, and how they're now focusing on building generational wealth. Lastly, my son Calvin joins me for another “Good Word” segment. With school wrapping up, we're talking about generosity, favorite teachers, and celebrating the good in the world—because sometimes, you just need a little positivity. Resources Mentioned: Coast FIRE Calculator Crunch your numbers and find out how close you are to achieving Coast FIRE: 👉 marriagekidsandmoney.com/calculators/coast-fire Empower Track your net worth and financial progress for free: 👉 marriagekidsandmoney.com/empower Monarch Money Budget and plan your financial goals as a couple: 👉 marriagekidsandmoney.com/monarchmoney Nectarine Financial Get fee-only, fiduciary advice with no product pitches: 👉 marriagekidsandmoney.com/nectarine (or include affiliate link if available) Podcast Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction: What Retirement Means to You 01:00 – Segment 1: Coast FIRE vs. Traditional Retirement 09:00 – Planning Your Retirement: Tools and Tips 12:50 – Segment 2: Jason Edwards' Coast FIRE Journey 13:45 – Jason’s Investment Strategy & Net Worth Breakdown 20:25 – Work, Income, and Family Expenses 24:00 – Adoption and Raising a Child 25:50 – Experiences Over Excess: Jason’s Retirement Philosophy 27:30 – Generational Wealth and Legacy Goals 29:45 – Advice for Future Coast FIRE Achievers 30:59 – Segment 3: A Good Word with Calvin Hill 33:00 – A Story of Student Generosity and Apple’s Support 34:15 – Celebrating Great Teachers 35:45 – Final Thoughts and Quote of the Day 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: Kayli Johnson Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Support: Nev Maraj Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andy Hill welcomes back JL Collins—often dubbed the “Godfather of FI”—to discuss the updated and expanded edition of his bestselling book, The Simple Path to Wealth. Together, they demystify investing, discuss the power of index funds, and share how building FU Money can unlock freedom and solopreneur dreams. JL shares lessons from 50 years of market data and why “set it and forget it” is still the winning strategy. RESOURCES: ⁠Sponsors + Partners + Deals⁠ The Simple Path to Wealth (book): ⁠https://amzn.to/3ZBDGS2 (affiliate) Chapters 00:00 – The Simplest Investing Advice You’ll Ever Hear00:36 – Why So Few People Invest in the Stock Market01:53 – Why Investing Feels So Complicated (Thanks, Wall Street)03:06 – Index Funds 101: Why They Work04:57 – How Index Funds Are Self-Cleansing06:10 – Avoiding Analysis Paralysis: Stick to One Fund08:17 – Do You Need to Switch Brokerages for Better Funds?09:30 – Should You Add International Stocks? JL’s Take12:02 – Set It and Forget It: The Power of Automation15:42 – The “Tweaky Path” vs. The Simple Path16:16 – Filtering Out Financial Fear in the Media20:22 – Investing: A Psychological Game22:45 – 50 Years of Market Returns: What the Data Really Says27:48 – FU Money: Your Runway to Solopreneurship and Freedom29:42 – Buying Freedom vs. Buying Stuff31:47 – Is This Time Really Different? (Spoiler: It’s Not)33:46 – Planning for Black Swans? Or Betting on the 99%?35:25 – How to Get Started Today: One Simple Step36:48 – Where to Find the Updated Book and More Resources MKM RESOURCES: ⁠MKM Coaching⁠: Want 1-on-1 support with your family finance journey? Book a time with me today. ⁠Coast FIRE Calculator⁠: A free calculator to help you find out when you can slow down or stop investing for retirement. ⁠Mortgage Payoff Calculator⁠: A free calculator to help you see how fast you can become mortgage free. ⁠YouTube⁠: Subscribe for free to watch videos of these episodes and interviews. RECOMMENDED RESOURCES (SPONSORS AND AFFILIATES): ⁠Monarch Money⁠ - Best Budget App for Families & Couples ⁠Empower⁠ - Free Portfolio Tracker ⁠Crew⁠ - HYSA Banking Built for Families - Get an Extra 0.5% APY with my partner link ⁠Ethos⁠ - Affordable Term Life Insurance ⁠Trust & Will ⁠- Convenient Estate Planning 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: Kayli Johnson Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Support: Nev Maraj Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andy Hill sits down with bestselling author and digital entrepreneur Pat Flynn to discuss how "lean learning" can help overwhelmed parents and solopreneurs cut through the noise, focus on what really matters, and take meaningful action. Pat shares how absorbing less information — but more intentionally — can lead to quicker progress, stronger results, and more time for what truly matters: family, health, and creativity. Whether you're starting your first business, juggling multiple podcasts, or just looking to reclaim some peace of mind, Pat’s approach to learning less but achieving more might be just the antidote you need. Resources: ⁠Sponsors + Partners + Deals⁠ Lean Learning (book): ⁠https://amzn.to/3Hs6JkG (affiliate) Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Lean Learning and Overcoming Information Overload01:40 – Meet Pat Flynn: Entrepreneur, Author, Father, and Back to the Future Fan04:12 – How Information Obesity is Slowing Us Down06:25 – What is Lean Learning? A Golf Story That Explains It All08:26 – Public Speaking, Force Functions, and Learning One Skill at a Time10:42 – The Microsoft Word Ebook That Made $200K: Just-in-Time Learning in Action12:42 – The Double Meaning of “Lean” and the Power of Focus13:50 – What Should Solopreneurs Do With Their Newfound Time?14:55 – The “One-One-One” Strategy for Starting a Business17:09 – Solopreneur Pitfalls: Fear, Procrastination, and Why We Over-Plan19:10 – Fishing with One Jig: A Metaphor for Mastery21:17 – Alternatives to Information Overload While Driving or Exercising23:36 – Why Taking Action > Passive Learning25:37 – Where to Find Pat’s Book “Lean Learning”27:00 – Why Focusing on One Project at a Time Delivers Faster Results29:00 – Wrap-Up and Final Thoughts MKM RESOURCES: ⁠MKM Coaching⁠: Want 1-on-1 support with your family finance journey? Book a time with me today. ⁠Coast FIRE Calculator⁠: A free calculator to help you find out when you can slow down or stop investing for retirement. ⁠Mortgage Payoff Calculator⁠: A free calculator to help you see how fast you can become mortgage free. ⁠YouTube⁠: Subscribe for free to watch videos of these episodes and interviews. RECOMMENDED RESOURCES (SPONSORS AND AFFILIATES): ⁠Monarch Money⁠ - Best Budget App for Families & Couples ⁠Empower⁠ - Free Portfolio Tracker ⁠Crew⁠ - HYSA Banking Built for Families - Get an Extra 0.5% APY with my partner link ⁠Ethos⁠ - Affordable Term Life Insurance ⁠Trust & Will ⁠- Convenient Estate Planning 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: Kayli Johnson Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Support: Nev Maraj Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Samme from Chicago recently became debt free. She and her husband now have extra money. Should they pay off their mortgage, save or invest? Andy shares his thoughts. Andy also interviews Brittany Flammer, a financial coach, YouTuber, and mom of five, who has grown her family’s net worth to over $850,000 by age 39—despite a modest household income. 👩‍👧‍👦 Brittany shares: How she and her husband prioritized financial freedom over flashy spending The smart money habits that helped them grow their net worth on an average of $40K/year How they're raising financially capable kids without fully funding college Why giving, budgeting, and intentionality have been cornerstones of their success Their roadmap to becoming millionaires soon Last but not least, Andy's son Calvin Hill joins for a Money Quiz. They are covering school coming to a close, net worth topics and enjoying summer. EPISODE RESOURCES: Sponsors + Partners + Deals Brittany Flammer (website): https://brittanyflammer.com/ CHAPTERS 00:00 – Use Your Money According to Your Values00:25 – Welcome & Today’s Three-Part Show Outline01:00 – Listener Question: Mortgage vs. Saving vs. Investing02:24 – Sam’s Voicemail: Conflicted About Mortgage Strategy03:20 – Breaking Down the 3 Options: Save, Invest, or Pay Off Mortgage05:45 – How Much Emergency Savings is Enough?07:30 – Coast FIRE Explained & Retirement Account Strategy09:50 – When and Why to Pay Off Your Mortgage11:30 – Step-by-Step Financial Independence Roadmap12:38 – Net Worth Win Segment: Brittany Flammer Interview13:40 – Brittany’s Motivation: Security & Freedom15:00 – Building Wealth on a Modest Income16:45 – Saving, Budgeting, and Investing from the Start18:30 – Net Worth Breakdown: Cash, Investments, and Home Equity20:15 – Reaching $858K Net Worth and Nearing $1M21:00 – Generational Wealth: Teaching Kids About Money24:45 – Budgeting, Saving, and College Planning with 5 Kids27:00 – Teaching Generosity and the Habit of Giving29:45 – Advice for Others: Just Get Started30:59 – Where to Connect with Brittany Flammer31:40 – Money Quiz Segment with Calvin34:50 – Calvin's Money Lessons and Omnifix Cubes35:35 – What Is Net Worth? Calvin’s $11K at Age 1137:40 – How Many Days Are in Summer Vacation?38:20 – Final Quote & Show Wrap-Up MKM RESOURCES: MKM Coaching: Want 1-on-1 support with your family finance journey? Book a time with me today. Make My Kid a Millionaire Course: Want to build generational wealth and happiness for your kid? Learn more about my course! Coast FIRE Calculator: A free calculator to help you find out when you can slow down or stop investing for retirement. Mortgage Payoff Calculator: A free calculator to help you see how fast you can become mortgage free. YouTube: Subscribe for free to watch videos of these episodes and interviews. RECOMMENDED RESOURCES (SPONSORS AND AFFILIATES): Monarch Money - Best Budget App for Families & Couples Empower - Free Portfolio Tracker Crew - HYSA Banking Built for Families - Get an Extra 0.5% APY with my partner link Ethos - Affordable Term Life Insurance Trust & Will - Convenient Estate Planning 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: Nev Maraj Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Marriage Kids and Money Podcast, Andy Hill is joined by Robert Farrington and Jordan Biesinger to explore two powerful financial topics: tackling student loan debt and achieving Coast FIRE. First, Robert Farrington, founder of The College Investor, shares urgent updates on the resumption of student loan default collections, what borrowers need to know right now, and smart strategies for managing debt amid confusing government changes. Then, we switch gears with Jordan Biesinger, a Coast FIRE success story. Jordan and his wife hit Coast FIRE in their 20s and chose to move to China for a simpler, more financially free life. He shares exactly how they did it—and how you can too. EPISODE RESOURCES Robert Farrington (Website): https://thecollegeinvestor.com Jordan Biesinger (YouTube): https://youtube.com/@BiesingerFIREJourney CHAPTERS 00:00 - Intro01:30 - The Return of Student Loan Collections02:50 - What Happens If You Default on Student Loans04:20 - Forbearance vs. Default: Key Differences05:45 - Don’t Count on Future Forgiveness07:00 - The Trillion-Dollar Student Loan Problem08:00 - The SAVE Plan: Dead or Alive?09:40 - Using the Forbearance Window Wisely10:40 - Alternatives to the SAVE Plan12:00 - How to Find Out Who You Owe13:40 - Increasing Income and Cutting Big Expenses15:45 - Is College Still a Smart Investment?18:00 - The ROI Reality of a College Degree19:30 - Where to Find More Help from The College Investor21:00 - Coast Fire Family: Jordan’s Journey Begins21:45 - The Coast Fire 5 with Jordan23:00 - How Real Estate and Frugality Fueled Their FIRE25:30 - From Student Loans to Coast FIRE27:00 - Index Funds and Simple Investing28:30 - Income Growth Through Career and Side Hustles30:00 - Life and Work Abroad After Coast FIRE31:30 - Investing Beyond Retirement32:30 - Teaching Financial Literacy to the Next Generation33:45 - Why They Chose to Move to China35:30 - Coast FIRE as a Path to Flexibility and Healing36:30 - Life in China and Living Simply37:30 - Final Advice for Achieving Coast FIRE MKM RESOURCES: MKM Coaching: Want 1-on-1 support with your family finance journey? Book a time with me today. Coast FIRE Calculator: A free calculator to help you find out when you can slow down or stop investing for retirement. Mortgage Payoff Calculator: A free calculator to help you see how fast you can become mortgage free. YouTube: Subscribe for free to watch videos of these episodes and interviews. RECOMMENDED RESOURCES (SPONSORS AND AFFILIATES): Monarch Money - Best Budget App for Families & Couples Empower - Free Portfolio Tracker Crew - HYSA Banking Built for Families - Get an Extra 0.5% APY with my partner link Ethos - Affordable Term Life Insurance Trust & Will - Convenient Estate Planning 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: Nev Maraj Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We all know time is a finite resource. Why do we keep overallocating our time? It all feels like too much of what we're supposed to do and not enough of what we want to do. In this Bread & Wine episode, Andy and Nicole discuss how their time has been swallowed up recently, how they are fighting back, and how you can own your time, too.  MKM RESOURCES **Sponsors + Partners + Deals: ⁠https://www.marriagekidsandmoney.com/sponsors⁠ ⁠Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts⁠ ⁠Leave a Rating: Spotify⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠: Follow our IG channel OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE ⁠Die With Zero: When FIRE Meets YOLO⁠ ⁠Reflecting on Dave Ramsey's Baby Steps 10 Years Later⁠ ⁠Are We Morons for Paying Off Our Mortgage Early?⁠ 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: Kayli Johnson Creative Director / Show Director: Nicole Hill Editor: Andy Hill Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices