Financially Free Era by SLP Wealth

What can reality TV teach us about money? Turns out… a lot. We're using Secret Lives of Mormon Wives as a jumping-off point to talk about how influencers get paid, why 1099 income is so unpredictable, and what it takes to manage money when your paychecks don't look the same every month. If you're a high-income professional with fluctuating bonuses, freelancing on the side, or just curious how people survive when their income is all over the place, we've got you covered. We're talking budgeting strategies, emergency funds, negotiating your worth, and even how money dynamics play out in relationships (spoiler: it gets messy). Tune in for the financial lessons hiding between the scandals and soda shops. Key moments: (07:34) The size of your emergency fund depends on the variability of your income (20:11) Why your "wildly fluctuating income" might not be as unpredictable as you think (24:32) Veterinarians are a hot commodity but often undervalue their worth (51:26) Revenge trading might be the quickest way to turn a bad decision into a financial disaster There's no one-size-fits-all for wealth. Get the plan that fits you. Try SLP Wealth risk-free! Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon Music Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts

Ever feel like money advice is either painfully boring or way too complicated? We get it. That's why we decided to have a little fun and roast some of the worst financial moves people keep falling for. If you've ever signed up for a gym membership you barely used, bought furniture on a "0% APR" deal, or took out a seven-year car loan that outlasted your actual love for the car — this one's for you. You'll laugh, you'll cringe, and most importantly, you'll walk away knowing how to dodge some of the biggest financial mistakes out there. Key moments: (03:59) Understanding whole life policies requires both a CPA and a Ouija Board (08:59) MLMs sell you the dream, then make you sell it to your friends (14:26) Leasing vs. buying a car, and when a seven-year car loan makes sense (25:01) A rapid-fire roast of money mistakes you'll laugh at (and hopefully avoid) There's no one-size-fits-all for wealth. Get the plan that fits you. Try SLP Wealth risk-free! Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon Music Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts

Explore how recent tax law changes can enhance your charitable giving and education planning. Discover the importance of properly documenting Goodwill donations for tax deductions. Learn about smart strategies like 'super funding' 529 plans and 'bunching' gifts to maximize benefits. Understand the implications of high earners in the new deduction landscape. This insightful discussion equips you with the tools to give generously while keeping more money in your pocket—perfect for year-end financial planning!

Most of us live in blissful denial about natural disasters — until the unthinkable happens. But here's what separates those who recover quickly from those who struggle for years: having a solid financial strategy in place before catastrophe strikes. Financial planner Scotty McDonald, CFP®, CSLP®, joins us to go beyond basic emergency funds to explore in-depth wealth protection strategies. We discuss the nuances of insurance coverage gaps that could leave you vulnerable and the importance of maintaining adequate liquidity during crisis situations. If you'd rather not get financially steamrolled by Mother Nature, this episode's packed with real, actionable advice that could save your bacon when things get ugly. Key moments: (11:24) Have cash on hand and enough savings to cover your insurance deductible (17:06) Your basic homeowner's policy won't cover wildfire, flood, or earthquake damage costs (21:56) Umbrella insurance adds extra liability protection when your main policy maxes out (30:25) Planning ahead for financial disasters removes stress when emergencies happen There's no one-size-fits-all for wealth. Get the plan that fits you. Try SLP Wealth risk-free! Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon Music Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts

Getting a letter from the IRS is enough to make anyone's stomach drop. But before you panic, take a breath. Chief tax officer Sim Terwilliger, CFP®, CSLP®, joins us to break down what those notices mean, why they're often less scary than they look, and the exact steps to take if one shows up in your mailbox. You'll learn the most common IRS notices (and the ones that actually need urgent attention), how to make sense of the dense tax jargon, and what to do if you've got unique situations like multiple 1099s or community property rules in states like California. If you're a business owner, newly married, or just someone with a messy tax year, consider this your playbook for handling IRS mail like a pro. Key moments: (05:10) California's tax notices can confuse married filing separately, even if you didn't do anything wrong (12:30) The viral TikTok tax myth you should ignore (17:02) The first thing to do when an IRS notice lands in your mailbox (23:46) How a mid-year tax projection can save you from penalties and stress There's no one-size-fits-all for wealth. Get the plan that fits you. Try SLP Wealth risk-free! Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon Music Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts

Ever feel like you're stuck between wanting to enjoy life now and knowing you should be saving for the future? It's a tug-of-war that doesn't magically disappear when you start making more money. Financial planner Jake Courtney, CFP®, CSLP®, joins us today to talk about how to find that sweet spot between spending today and saving for tomorrow, whether you earn $100k or $1M a year. You'll learn why your savings rate matters more than almost anything else when it comes to building wealth and how even a small increase in savings can shave years off your working life. If you've ever wondered, "Am I saving enough?" or felt guilty for enjoying your hard-earned cash, this episode is your permission slip (and your game plan). Key moments: (06:11) Auditing your spending once a year is an easy wealth-building habit (08:59) How bumping your savings rate just a little changes your timeline to "work optional" (16:29) Cost of living plays a huge role in your savings rate (20:54) The ideal target savings rate to build long-term flexibility and freedom There's no one-size-fits-all for wealth. Get the plan that fits you. Try SLP Wealth risk-free! Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon Music Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts

Explore the monumental 887-page legislation signed on July 4th, diving into how it impacts your finances, healthcare, and future. Discover the new tax cuts for high-earners and the intriguing 'Trump accounts' for newborns. Unpack the shifting responsibilities in SNAP management and the significant changes to student loan repayment plans. Learn why temporary tax laws complicate future financial planning and the crucial need for early college savings to capitalize on compounding benefits. It's a financial game-changer!

Inspired by a recent family trip and Meagan's mom's uncanny ability to have fun on a budget, we're talking about how to make the most of your time, money, and community resources without overspending. We explore creative ways to enjoy life on a budget, from free local experiences to smart use of rewards programs and everyday perks. You'll walk away with ideas for saving money, having fun, and finding value in the little things that often go overlooked. It's a reminder that a good time doesn't have to come with a big price tag. Key moments: (04:06) Many public libraries offer free museum passes - just ask or check their website (08:24) Try a self-guided tour app or find a free walking tour in your area (13:58) Take advantage of National Park free days or grab a state park annual pass (17:05) Use loyalty programs to stack rewards and save on everyday spending and travel There's no one-size-fits-all for wealth. Get the plan that fits you. Try SLP Wealth risk-free! Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon Music Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts

Discuss the wild world of meme coins like Fartcoin and their surprising role in mortgage eligibility. Explore how Elon Musk's political moves are influencing Tesla's stock and the risks of using 'Buy Now, Pay Later' services on your credit score. Uncover the end of penny production and its hidden costs. Plus, learn about the used car market's impending price spikes and the crackdown on financial influencers. Dive into the changes in airline policies impacting travelers and the importance of preparing for emergencies!

Wondering if AI can help you manage your money smarter? We're talking about how AI tools like ChatGPT can boost your financial life, and where they're likely to steer you wrong. Learn practical ways to use AI for tasks like budgeting, organizing your accounts, and saving time, while still knowing when you need a real human advisor to look out for your best interests. Plus, we've got some bonus insider intel from Sim's husband, who's worked in AI for years, for a behind-the-scenes look at what this technology can (and can't) do. If you've wondered whether AI can replace a financial planner — or how to use tech to boost your own money decisions — this one's for you. Key moments: (04:35) To be more likable, ChatGPT started flattering users with answers, even when they weren't true or helpful (10:52) You can't rely solely on AI since it'll answer confidently, even when it's wrong (13:48) Where AI shines in finance: calculations, summaries, and organizing complex information (22:16) AI can't hold you accountable or coach your financial habits like a human can (24:50) There's no accountability if AI gives you terrible financial advice (28:56) How we actually use AI tools in our financial planning work There's no one-size-fits-all for wealth. Get the plan that fits you. Try SLP Wealth risk-free! Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon Music Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts