Marriage Kids and Money: Personal Finance for Families

Andy Hill
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Sep 30, 2025 • 44min

How to Pick Investments in your 401k

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
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Sep 25, 2025 • 25min

This Travel Blogger's Revenue Dropped from $7K to $1K After Google AI Update (SOLOPRENEUR LIFE)

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
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Sep 23, 2025 • 52min

The 5% Rule: Why Retirees Can Safely Spend More Than The 4% Rule Allows

Retirement planning just got a lot more flexible. In this episode, Andy Hill breaks down the new 5% rule, based on his interview with Bill Bengen, the creator of the original 4% rule. Learn how this updated strategy can help you withdraw more from your portfolio, reach Coast FIRE faster, and enjoy life while you are still healthy. We also hear the inspiring net worth journey of John and David Auten-Schneider, hosts of the Queer Money Podcast, who grew their wealth from $51,000 of credit card debt to $1.6 million in their early 50s. Finally, Andy and his son Calvin dive into “The Good Word,” where they celebrate positive financial news and explore how investing can 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 – Bill Bengen on enjoying life while spending safely 00:18 – Welcome and today’s 3 segments 01:00 – The 4% rule explained 02:20 – How Bill Bengen created the 4% rule 04:10 – Why diversification allows for a higher withdrawal rate 05:30 – Introducing the 5% rule 06:05 – Retirement math examples ($1M and $2M portfolios) 06:45 – FIRE and Coast FIRE implications (20x vs. 25x expenses) 07:50 – Conservative vs. aggressive expert takes (Orman, Ramsey, Vanguard) 09:00 – Why flexibility matters in retirement withdrawals 10:00 – Andy’s personal perspective on the 5% rule 10:15 – Net Worth Win: John and David Auten-Schneider (Queer Money Podcast) 13:00 – Their early struggles with $51,000 of credit card debt 15:30 – From debt payoff to Coast FIRE 18:00 – Breaking down their $1.6M net worth 21:00 – Navigating income dips and financial resilience 26:00 – Considering Roth conversions and tapping retirement accounts 32:00 – Future plans: Moving to Mexico and geo-liberation 37:30 – Their advice for others starting the wealth-building journey 39:00 – The power of house hacking and frugal car choices 40:20 – Where to find John and David online 40:23 – The Good Word with Calvin Hill 42:49 – Stock market hits all-time high and Calvin’s investing progress 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
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Sep 16, 2025 • 37min

Climbing the Wealth Ladder to $1,000,000 and Beyond | Nick Maggiulli

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
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Sep 11, 2025 • 31min

AI and the Future of Families and Work | Matt Britton

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
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Sep 9, 2025 • 49min

How to Get Your Spouse on Board With Financial Independence

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
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Sep 2, 2025 • 36min

Living a Regret-Free Life | Jordan Grumet (BEST OF MKM)

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
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Aug 26, 2025 • 27min

How Parents Can Teach Kids the Value of Money - Liz Frazier (BEST OF MKM)

In this insightful discussion, Liz Frazier, a Certified Financial Planner and author of Beyond Piggy Banks and Lemonade Stands, shares expert advice for parents on instilling financial literacy in their children. She emphasizes teaching kids about saving, generosity, and understanding needs versus wants from a young age. Liz suggests practical tools like savings jars and creative activities to make learning about money fun. Additionally, she tackles common parenting dilemmas about allowances and the importance of being a positive money role model.
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Aug 19, 2025 • 38min

Work / Life Balance Feel Impossible? Try Work-Life Integration | Mark Timm (BEST OF MKM)

Mark Timm, entrepreneur and CEO of his family, shares his transformative journey toward work-life integration. He emphasizes integrating family and work instead of striving for balance, leading to deeper connections with his six children. Mark discusses the power of family meetings and creating a family mission statement, applying business leadership skills to enhance personal relationships. He highlights vulnerability and open communication as crucial for strengthening family bonds, offering strategies to blend professional insights with family life.
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Aug 12, 2025 • 30min

Managing Disagreements About Money in Marriage | Dr. Laura Dabney (BEST OF MKM)

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

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