Ask HTM - Student Loans vs Investing, Best Cell Service While Abroad, & the Role of Faith in Our Finances #976
Apr 28, 2025
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Listener questions bring lively discussions on balancing student loans and investments. The hosts explore how faith influences financial choices, recommending stewardship over ownership. They also tackle the impact of loaning money to friends and its role in credit building. Tips for choosing the best cell service while traveling internationally are shared, alongside advice on strategic mortgage payments versus investing. With humor and personal anecdotes, it’s a vibrant mix of finance and everyday life.
Balancing student loan repayment with investment requires careful evaluation of individual circumstances and understanding the implications of both approaches.
Travelers should consider alternative cell service providers like Google Fi or eSIM technology to avoid high costs and ensure connectivity abroad.
Faith-based perspectives can offer valuable insights into financial management, promoting generosity and stewardship regardless of one's specific belief system.
Deep dives
Impact of Asking the Right Questions
Asking the right financial questions is paramount for shaping one's financial future. Questions about debt management, investment strategies, or savings can significantly affect long-term financial health. The podcast emphasizes that relying on certified financial planner professionals, who commit to acting in your best interest, can ensure that these questions lead to informed and beneficial decisions. Their expertise can guide listeners toward improving their financial situations and achieving their goals.
Navigating Student Loan Strategies
A key discussion revolves around the complexities of student loan repayment strategies, especially for those with both federal and private loans. Listeners learn about the benefits and risks associated with federal student loan forgiveness programs, which can help alleviate long-term debt burdens. The podcast highlights the importance of understanding variable interest rates and repayment options, suggesting that not all debt should be treated equally. This nuanced approach encourages listeners to carefully evaluate their financial situations before committing to a repayment strategy.
Importance of Budget Planning
The podcast underscores the significance of foresight in budgeting, particularly in anticipating expenses not previously accounted for. Unexpected expenses, like medical bills or home repairs, can derail financial stability if not prepared for in advance. Listeners are urged to create dedicated savings buckets for such expenses to maintain their budget and avoid falling into credit card debt. This preventative approach empowers individuals to manage their finances more effectively and reduce financial stress.
Exploring International Cell Coverage
A listener's question about the best options for cell coverage while traveling abroad leads to a thorough exploration of international phone plans. The podcast discusses various carrier options, including the high costs associated with traditional providers, and suggests alternatives like Google Fi or eSIM technology. Listeners are encouraged to assess their usage habits and needs, considering factors like convenience and cost when choosing a plan. This insight helps travelers make informed decisions that enhance their connectivity without breaking the bank.
Faith and Finances Connection
The nuanced conversation about the intersection of faith and finances highlights how personal beliefs can shape financial perspectives and practices. The podcast reveals that foundational teachings from faith traditions often provide practical wisdom regarding money management, generosity, and stewardship. By discussing their own experiences with faith, the hosts emphasize that listeners can find valuable insights regardless of their belief systems. This perspective fosters a more inclusive dialogue about financial literacy that resonates with a broad audience.
Let’s kick off the week with some fresh listener questions we have lined up for you! And don't just stand on the sidelines- if you have a question you’d like us to answer, toss your voice memo our way. It only takes about 90 seconds to record and you can find a step by step guide over at HowToMoney.com/ask . Regardless of how random or bizarre you might think it is, we want to hear it!
1 - How should I strike the balance between paying off my student loans versus investing?
2 - Since I loan money to friends, can I report their on-time payments to help them build their credit?
3 - What is the role of faith in your lives and how does it pertain to handling your personal finances?
4 - Should I use my company stock vests to pay extra towards my mortgage?
5 - I’m planning to travel internationally so what cell phone provider should I go with?
Want more How To Money in your life? Here are some additional ways to get ahead with your personal finances:
Knowing your ‘money gear’ is a crucial part of your personal finance journey. Start here.
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Find the best credit card for you with our new credit card tool!
Massively reduce your cell phone bill each month by switching to a discount provider like Mint Mobile.
During this episode we enjoyed a Birdie Putt by Six Bridges Brewing! And please help us to spread the word by letting friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular listener, and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Help us to change the conversation around personal finance and get more people doing smart things with their money!
