How To Money

We’re kicking off the week by answering your questions! And if you have a question for us, we’d love for you to submit your own via HowToMoney.com/ask/1 - What steps can be taken in order to prepare to become a single income household?2 - In addition to maxing out my Roth IRA, what else should I do if I want to save and invest more?3 - What are your thoughts on long-term care insurance?4 - As a newly married couple, how do we budget on a variable income?5 - What changes should I expect to see in my expenses as I’m moving from a very small town to a very large city?During this episode we enjoyed a Green by Treehouse Brewing- thanks to Bryan and Caitlin for donating this one to the show! And as we ramp up the podcast with an additional Friday episode every week, we could really use your help to spread the word- let friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular, and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Help us to

Friday episodes are all about the coronavirus and your money. There’s a lot of news and information out there, but we are distilling that down to specific takeaways that will allow you to weather this surreal health and financial crisis. In today’s timely episode we cover a lot of good news, including more details on the CARES Act, aka the stimulus bill. Specifically we dive into unemployment, as well as the benefits that many small businesses are eligible for like Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) as well as the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). And then we round the episode out by answering some questions pertaining to investing in a down market as well as paying back federal student loans.And as we ramp up the podcast with an additional Friday episode every week, we could really use your help to spread the word- let friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular, and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

It is essential for us to learn how to thrive while working from home. Our modern workforce has been heading towards working remotely for years, but of course the coronavirus has all but eliminated the ability for non-essential offices to continue to function as they had previously. The problem is that most of us don’t have home offices, or if we do, there are still countless distractions in our home that we’re not used to. And additionally, many of us have kids at home as well- while they are wonderful, they are likely distracting us from the other myriad tasks at hand! How do we work from home and do it well? We can’t continue with a system that hampers our ability to actually get work done, so we’re going to speak to how we as individuals can work from home without going crazy.During this episode we enjoyed a Same As It Ever Was by Monday Night Brewing, makers of some of Atlanta’s best craft beer. And as we ramp up the podcast with an additional Friday episode every week, we could really use your help to s

Since we’re all spending a lot more time indoors, getting to know our kitchens a little better and not going to restaurants, we’re particularly happy to have Beth Moncel joining us today. Before Beth was a food blogger, she was a microbiologist after earning a degree in nutritional science. Now, she has a massively popular site called Budget Bytes where you can find simple, delicious recipes that are designed for folks with small budgets. Beth has published a cookbook and she has developed a really cool mobile app as she continues to help others discover the joy of cooking while saving money. After housing and transportation, for most of us food is our next biggest expense every month so we’re excited to talk with an expert who sits at the intersection of food and money.During this episode we enjoyed a Whimsical Nature by Phase Three Brewing - thanks to Doug for sending this one our way! And as we ramp up the podcast with an additional Friday episode every week, we could really use your help to spread the wor

Friday episodes are all about the coronavirus and your money. There’s a lot of news and information out there, and our goal is to distill that down to specific takeaways that will allow you to weather this surreal health and financial crisis. In today’s optimistic episode we cover a lot of good news coming down the pike, including the stimulus bill- how it looks like we’re all getting stimulus checks, unemployment benefits are being extended, and small business loans are getting amped up. Listen to learn how this bill will affect you.And as we ramp up the podcast with an additional Friday episode every week, we could really use your help to spread the word- let friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular, and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Help us to spread the word to get more people doing smart things with their money in these difficult times!Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at htt

It doesn’t matter if the market is flying high, or if it’s dropping faster than we’ve seen in history, each one of us is capable of making the occasional dumb decision, and it’s simply because we’re human! There are certain tendencies ingrained in us that can cause us to approach the world and our personal finances in an irrational way. Some of the hardest money mistakes to correct are ones that we make habitually because we don’t recognize the patterns that may have led us there. In order to break those bad money habits, sometimes it means taking a step back and figuring out what those behavioral tendencies are! The better we are at identifying these behavioral tendencies, the more likely we are to be able to make better decisions that will have a positive impact on how we view and handle our money.During this episode we enjoyed an IDKFA by Ellipsis Brewing - thanks to Joel for picking this one up while he was down in Orlando. And as we ramp up the podcast with an additional Friday episode every week, we cou

We’re kicking off the week by answering your questions! And if you have a question for us, we’d love for you to submit your own via HowToMoney.com/ask/1 - Should I utilize a VA loan to purchase a home?2 - As a graduate student, what do I need to keep in mind as I’m applying for my first credit card?3 - I’m repaying my student loans as part of the PSLF Program - should I make contributions to my Roth IRA?4 - What are your thoughts on day trading and the expensive courses teaching you how to ‘hack the stock market’?5 - Is there a danger in having too many credit cards?During this episode we enjoyed an I’m Already Pulled Over by Ellipsis Brewing - thanks to Joel for picking this one up while he was down in Orlando. And as we ramp up the podcast with an additional Friday episode every week, we could really use your help to spread the word- let friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular, and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you ge

The economy and its effect on our personal finances continues to change due to the coronavirus, so our shorter Friday episodes are here to stay! Our goal is to provide you with timely and relevant information you need to be aware of so you can be in control of your money. In this episode we cover how to manage decreased or non-existent income along with bills that need to be paid, whether now is a good time to invest in stocks, and what you need to know about unemployment benefits.And as we ramp up the podcast with this additional Friday episode, we could really use your help to spread the word- let friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular, and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. While you may not catch up with friends and family in person these days, it would really help out the show if you could share the podcast with others. Help us to spread the word to get more people doing smart things with their m

Maybe the reason you haven’t been able to stick with a budget is because you’re trying to use the wrong kind of budget! There are different approaches, apps, and methods out there, and finding the right one for you could be the difference between a failure to launch, and you becoming a budgeting pro. We’re here to remind you of the many benefits of having a budget- it’s not only about saving more money (but really, who needs more of a reason than that?!). We’ll share some universal tips that will help you get started as well as show how budgeting can look different based on your personality type.During this episode we enjoyed a Bourbon County Wheatwine Ale by Goose Island - a big thanks to Alex for donating the beers to the show this week! And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Help us to spread the word to get more people doing smart things with their money!Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at htt

If you feel overwhelmed at the thought of investing in the stock market, especially amid these turbulent times, then look no further. We are fortunate enough to be speaking with the one and only JL Collins. JL is an expert in the arena of investing and is the author of the book “The Simple Path to Wealth”. In his book and on his site, JL writes about how truly straightforward and simple it is to invest your money in order to achieve financial independence. Not surprisingly, he’s also considered by many to be the godfather of the financial independence movement. We’re pumped to discuss all things related to investing in the market as well as topics like buying a new car and raising financially savvy kids.During this episode we enjoyed a Bourbon County Stout by Goose Island - a big thanks to Alex for donating this beer to the show! And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Help us to spread the word to get more people do

This is a special edition of How to Money to address the financial effects of the coronavirus and what we should be doing with our money during these volatile times. With the spread of Covid-19, there are many changes impacting our lives we do not have control over. However, we do have control over what we do with our money- especially our investments. Take a quick listen as we answer several listener questions and address some additional areas of our lives that might be affected by the coronavirus.If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Help us to spread the word to get more people doing smart things with their money!Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feeling overworked?! Between trying to get ahead at your 9-5 and pursuing side hustles, chances are really high that you feel like your work-life balance is out of whack. We find ourselves chronically fatigued and exhausted because we give too much to our work, leaving little left for ourselves and those around us who we love. For instance, as a result most Americans don’t take all their vacation time- and when they do, they find it impossible to actually stop working! This ongoing cycle of never-ending work is leading more folks than ever to despise the work they once loved while other important areas in their lives like relationships, health, and hobbies continue to suffer. This is an important topic for us to cover as we seek to implement some practices to restore that work-life balance and then create boundaries to maintain that balance.During this episode we enjoyed an I Learned It by Watching You by Burial Beer Co and Other Half Brewing - a big thanks to our friends Waffles on Wednesday for donating thi

This week on the podcast we’re answering your questions! And if you have a question for us, we’d love for you to submit your own via HowToMoney.com/ask/1 - What is a cash management account and should I have one?2 - Should I pay $9500 to exit a work contract early?3 - Aside from a 529 plan, how else can I invest on behalf of my young son?4 - Rule of 173, single family vs multi-family properties, and is my money safe with a brokerage like M1 and Vanguard?5 - Not a question- but a great house hacking tip for a steady pipeline of qualified tenants.During this episode we enjoyed a Hazelnut Mocha Latte stout by True Respite - a big thanks to our friends Waffles on Wednesday for donating this beer to the show. And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Help us to spread the word to get more people doing smart things with their money!Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee

With the proliferation of electric vehicles, you might be wondering if you should look into an EV for your next car purchase. The advancements in battery technology means that range issues aren’t nearly as much of a concern. And with more and more automakers releasing their own lines of EVs, it’s clear that the electric vehicle is here to stay. There are countless benefits that accompany an electric vehicle but that doesn’t mean that EVs are for everyone. In this episode we talk about the good and the bad, as well as the questions to ask yourself in order to help you decide whether or not you should be considering one for your next car.During this episode we enjoyed an Art is Hard by North Park Beer Co - another big thanks to John for donating beers to the show this week! And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Help us to spread the word to get more people doing smart things with their money!Best friends out! Learn

Delaying your college application a few months could cost you $20,000! This is just one of the many things we learned during our conversation with Certified College Counselor, Elisia Howard. She has been in education for fifteen years and worked in college admissions for five years before starting College Insights in 2015. At College Insights, Elisia helps students navigate college decisions through academic advising, resume building, and applying to the right schools. She is passionate about students avoiding the crippling financial burdens that tend to accompany student loans, so this is a really valuable conversation for anyone considering college, for students who are currently in school, and even for graduates who already have student loans as we cover that as well.During this episode we enjoyed a Hop-Fu! by North Park Beer Co - a big thanks to John for donating this beer to the show! And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get yo

Working hard for money isn't a foreign concept, but working hard to receive good customer service often is- we so rarely advocate for ourselves! The first step when you're looking for great customer service is to be sure to do business with a reputable company. After that, there are plenty of additional elements to consider to not only save you money, but allow you to walk away from a transaction completely satisfied and raving about how great of an experience you had when you needed assistance. Listen as we help you to make the best use of your time when advocating for great customer service.During this episode we each enjoyed an Atrial Rubicite by Jester King. A huge thanks to Jerrod at BrainDead Brewing for donating this beer to the show! And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Help us to spread the word to get more people doing smart things with their money!Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at h

This week on the podcast we’re answering your questions! And if you have a question for us, we’d love for you to submit your own via HowToMoney.com/ask/1 - Should I pay off my credit card debt that has a 0% interest rate?2 - How much money should I have in my emergency fund since we’re house hacking with a duplex?3 - What do I do with money that I’ve inherited as a 401k?4 - Does whole life insurance make sense for me?5 - What does it mean if I don’t have a credit score?During this episode we enjoyed a Blair’s Breakfast Stout by Wilmington Brewing Company - a big thanks to Matt’s uncle in-law John for donating this beer to the show. And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Help us to spread the word to get more people doing smart things with their money!Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You won’t be surprised to hear that we’re critical of the consumeristic society we live in. Our culture wants us to believe that buying things will lead to greater levels of happiness. And maybe we’ve been convinced because 70% of the overall economy is driven by consumer spending. Here’s an alternate take though: our generation seems to value experiences more than stuff, but are experiences a better use of our money? Will we be able to find more happiness through greater spending on a cool trip or nicer clothes? Regardless, we definitely want to put our money towards the things we actually value because it turns out that the far reaching effects of mindless spending can leave you broke and wanting more from your experiences and stuff.During this episode we enjoyed a Divided Sky Rye IPA by 4 Hands Brewing - a big thanks to Justin for donating this beer to the show! And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Help us to s

Our guest today, Doug Nordman starts every morning by checking the surf forecast to see how he’s going to spend the day. He and his wife are financially independent and live on the island of Oahu, which is a surfer’s paradise! Doug was able to achieve this amazing life by taking advantage of the financial benefits offered to him by the military, as well as through standard practices like budgeting and investing extra money towards retirement. He was enlisted in the Navy where he had a career as a submariner, and now he writes about money over at The-Military-Guide.com. And while most all of us have a chance to become financially independent, Doug believes members of the military are even better positioned for financial success. We’ve never had a member of the armed forces on the show before so we’re excited to hear some of the unique money challenges and advantages that members of the military experience.During this episode we enjoyed a Bodhizafa by Georgetown Brewing Company - a big thanks to Richard for don

There will be declines in the stock market, and you’ll likely see the amount of money you have invested begin to drop. This is normal during a bear market- stay calm! It’s also OK to feel a little nervous. We are emotional creatures after all, and while it’s fine to feel a little anxious if you’re hemorrhaging money in your investments, it is NOT fine to react to these declines by selling and getting out of the market. It doesn’t help that the 24-hour news cycle and media outlets are fueling any uncertainty you might have by proclaiming doom and gloom. So in this episode we’re going to discuss what actions we should take, before and during a market crash, and how to harden ourselves to weather the financial storms that accompany a major market decline.During this episode we enjoyed a Bretta Weisse by Firestone Walker - a big thanks to our friend Josh for donating this beer to the show! And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your p