

Marriage Kids and Money: Personal Finance for Families
Andy Hill
The Marriage Kids and Money Podcast will strengthen your family tree and help you live financially free. We work to help you build the life of your dreams! Each week, award-winning Family Finance Coach Andy Hill shares wealth-building tips that help parents and couples to design their ideal lifestyle. Learn how to get on track with your finances, work toward financial freedom, and even build generational wealth. Knowing community makes for a happier future, Andy interviews millionaire parents, couples who have reached financial independence, or other money pros so listeners get a well-rounded perspective. With over 400 episodes and counting, you are sure to find an episode to help you. Show topics include strategies on becoming debt free, how to invest simply, setting your kids up for success, and living more generously. Don’t just take our word for it! Marriage Kids and Money has been hailed as a top podcast by US News and World Report. Join the family wealth-building conversation by listening to our top-rated personal finance podcast today!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 23, 2025 • 38min
From $50 Shoots to $30K Months with Photographer Kristin Sweeting (SOLOPRENEUR LIFE)
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

Oct 21, 2025 • 53min
Best Budget Apps for Families and Couples
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

Oct 14, 2025 • 34min
Mini-Retirements for Families: How to Retire Often When You Have Kids | Jillian Johnsrud
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

Oct 9, 2025 • 34min
How Jannese Torres Turned Her Food Blog into a $10K/Month Business (SOLOPRENEUR LIFE)
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

Oct 7, 2025 • 35min
Investments for Newborns: Your Step-by-Step Plan for Your Baby’s Future
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

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

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

Sep 23, 2025 • 52min
The 5% Rule: Why Retirees Can Safely Spend More Than The 4% Rule Allows
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

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

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


