Your Money Guide on the Side

And in case you missed it, check out last week's episode of Your Money Guide on the Side where we answered the question, How do I talk to Others About Money? This might be the most common money question I get, and maybe even the most important: Should I hire a financial advisor? And right behind it: If so, how do I find a good one?In today’s episode, I’m not giving you a yes or no answer (sorry, not sorry). Instead, I’m walking you through a three-part framework to decide if you need an advisor—skill, will, and time—and then I’m sharing seven real-world filters for choosing the right one if you do.Because the truth is: Working with a financial advisor might be one of the smartest moves you’ll ever make. Or it might be an expensive, unnecessary distraction. The difference lies in what you need and who you choose.We’ll talk about: The difference between CFP®, CFA®, CPA, and the rest of the alphabet soup What being a “fiduciary” really means (and doesn’t mean) The myth of market-beating promises (run from those) Fee models that make sense—and those that don’t Why credentials are clues, but not the whole story How investing is often more about behavior than brilliance The one question you must ask every advisor: “How do you invest your own money?” And yes, I even compare hiring a financial advisor to dating—because, honestly, it is. This episode won’t give you a rubber-stamped answer, but it will give you something far more valuable: a lens to look through so you can make the call yourself.🎧 Whether you’re DIY-ing your financial life or just trying to figure out if the grass really is greener with professional help—this one’s for you.If you enjoy the show, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who’s wondering if they should “talk to someone” about their money.📩 And as always, you can sign up for the free newsletter at tylergardner.com for more clear, action-oriented financial education. 

Dan Brigham, known as Dan the Budget Man, is a candid financial educator who transformed his life by paying off $100K in debt. He discusses the power of vulnerability over traditional financial 'expertise' and tackles societal defensiveness around money. The chat dives into the vibrant content creation scene in Austin and why community matters. Dan shares insights on financial habits, the challenge of public opinion, and highlights pivotal books that shaped his philosophy, proving that real financial literacy comes from authenticity and relatable experiences.

Debt isn’t just a burden; it can be a powerful tool for wealth creation. Learn to identify when to pay off debt versus invest, using a practical Debt Emergency Scale. Discover the psychological aspects of debt, from the stress it causes to how some thrive with it. Explore strategies like the avalanche and snowball methods tailored to your personality. Finally, understand how successful entrepreneurs leverage debt as part of their growth strategy, reshaping your view on financial responsibilities.

Andy Schneider, a career educator and current CFO at an independent school, shares his insightful journey from teacher to financial leader. He discusses the misconceptions about money in education and stresses the need for financial literacy. Andy reveals the driving factors behind soaring college costs and advocates for a hands-on approach to learning. He challenges the myth of the 'money expert' and highlights the importance of mentorship. Plus, he shares why 'The Psychology of Money' could be a game-changer for anyone navigating finances.

Feeling lost with money? Discover a three-step framework to tackle your financial issues by naming, prioritizing, and solving the right problems. Learn how vague advice can mislead you and why the origin of the word 'priority' might surprise you. Dive into Warren Buffett’s 25-5 Rule, and understand why financial clarity is crucial. With personal stories and practical tips, this guide aims to empower you to break free from the overwhelming noise and make real progress with your finances.

And in case you missed it, check out last week's episode of Your Money Guide on the Side where we answered the question, What is Risk and How do I optimize it? What do you get when you combine a financial planner with the heart of a teacher and the boldness of a creator? You get Victoria Ferguson—today’s guest and a true money guide for the modern world.Victoria is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® who left a traditional finance career to create educational content full-time. Why? Because she knew more people needed clear, honest money guidance—and that trust is built through storytelling, not spreadsheets.In this episode, we talk about: Why budgets are like diets—and why most don’t work What really makes someone a financial “expert” The emotional side of money most advisors ignore How to interview a financial advisor (with the questions that matter) Why money shame exists at every income level And how to define your own goals before chasing anyone else’s tactics Victoria shares her best insights from years of working with high-net-worth clients, her decision to walk away from a stable paycheck, and what it really means to feel secure with money—regardless of your bank balance.Whether you’re looking for a financial planner, trying to navigate online money advice, or just curious what it means to live in alignment with your values… this episode is for you.🎧 Listen now to learn: ✅ How to find a CFP® who’s a true fit for you ✅ Why understanding your values changes your money game ✅ The exact framework to use when you're overwhelmed by financial adviceConnect with Victoria @financiallyvictoria | TikTok & Instagram Mentioned in the show: Fee-only fiduciaries (what that really means) Why where do you summer? is the wildest financial flex And why first principles matter for financial planning —🧠 Want more episodes like this? Subscribe to Your Money Guide on the Side wherever you get your podcasts and join Tyler’s weekly newsletter at tylergardner.com

Discover how the wealthy thrive by focusing on opportunities rather than fearing losses. Tyler Gardner explores the concept of asymmetric opportunities, illustrating how one significant win can far outweigh numerous failures. Delve into Disney's purchase of Pixar and Jeff Bezos' regret minimization strategy. Learn about effective decision-making frameworks and the investment barbell approach that balances risk and reward. Rewire your mindset to embrace uncertainty and make choices that lead to substantial gains in life and finances.

Jessica Inskip, the first female on Fidelity’s active trader desk and a respected voice in financial education, shares her inspiring journey from aspiring engineer to finance expert. She discusses her bold decision to leave behind traditional licensing to reach young investors on platforms like TikTok. Jessica highlights the urgent need to combat financial misinformation, particularly in light of tragic cases like Alex Kearns. She emphasizes the importance of authentic education over viral trends and shares insights on balancing active and passive investment strategies.

The podcast challenges the long-held belief that bonds are a safe investment. It highlights hidden risks like interest rate and inflation threats, revealing how bonds may actually erode purchasing power. Listeners are urged to reconsider the 60/40 portfolio mantra and explore alternative investments with better growth potential, such as stocks and real estate. The discussion emphasizes that true financial security comes from diversifying and seeking growth rather than solely preserving wealth with bonds.

And in case you missed it, check out last week's episode of Your Money Guide on the Side where we answered the question, Does the market care who our President is? Back in 2003, I met Mike Taormina at the London School of Economics, never expecting we'd stay in touch—let alone spend decades debating finance and traveling together. Fast forward, and Mike has become a powerhouse in fintech, co-founding Vault, CommonBond, and Alluvial, with a Wharton MBA and a CFA to back it up.But credentials aside, what sets Mike apart is his ability to break down complex crypto and finance topics into something actually useful. In this episode, we dive into decentralized finance, separating the noise from real opportunities, and why blockchain tech is transforming financial transparency.We also discuss personal investing, risk tolerance, debt, and why even a seasoned finance pro like Mike trusts a robo-advisor over DIY trading. Whether you're deep into crypto or just trying to make smarter financial moves, this conversation is packed with insights.