New Money New Problems Podcast

EPISODE RESOURCESEligible FSA ExpensesMaximizing Your Flex Spending Account: Overcome Hesitations and Save MoneyIn this episode, we address common fears and hesitations around signing up for Flex Spending Accounts (FSAs) during open enrollment season. The episode starts by explaining open enrollment and emphasizes the benefits of FSAs, which are often underutilized compared to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Dependent Care FSAs. We dive into the practical uses of FSAs, including eligible health expenses and over-the-counter items. Additionally, we cover how to plan your contributions, manage reimbursements, and navigate plan rules to maximize your tax savings. By the end of the episode, you'll have actionable tips to seamlessly integrate FSA use into your financial planning.00:00 Introduction to Flex Spending Accounts00:52 Understanding Open Enrollment01:27 Focus on Flex Spending Accounts02:12 Benefits of Health and Dependent FSAs02:46 Common Concerns About FSAs03:40 Maximizing Your FSA Benefits04:36 Eligible FSA Expenses05:45 Planning Your FSA Contributions06:53 Using FSA for Regular Purchases08:23 Employer Rules and ReimbursementsSupport the show

EPISODE RESOURCESHow To Donate Appreciated StockDonor Advised Funds 101Maximize Your Charitable Contributions: Tax Benefits and StrategiesIn this episode, we focus on unique ways to align charitable contributions with tax and investment strategies. Topics discussed include 'bunching' charitable contributions, donating appreciated assets like stocks to avoid capital gains tax, and using donor-advised funds to maximize charitable donations while benefiting from tax deductions. 00:00 Introduction and Feedback from Last Week01:25 Charitable Giving and Tax Benefits02:26 Bunching Charitable Contributions05:04 Donating Appreciated Property10:18 Rebalancing Strategy and Charitable Contributions12:18 Understanding Donor-Advised Funds14:47 Conclusion and Upcoming EpisodesSupport the show

EPISODE RESOURCESNerdWallet Article on Charitable GivingEPISODE SUMMARYIn this episode, we explore how to set a budget for charitable giving and discuss upcoming updates in 2026 that will make charitable contributions more beneficial for your tax returns. Brenton shares personal experiences from recent financial literacy events and an interview with NerdWallet, focusing on how much to give to charities, especially when religious observances are involved. Listeners are given tips on planning their charitable contributions, considering both religious and non-religious motivations, and aligning them with their overall financial plans. The episode also delves into potential tax implications and benefits, explaining new rules from the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' that will impact itemized deductions and above-the-line tax deductions for charitable giving starting in 2026.00:00 Introduction to Charitable Giving and Tax Benefits00:49 Personal Insights and Financial Literacy Events01:22 Determining How Much to Give02:24 Religious Contributions and Financial Impact05:21 Creating a Giving Plan07:18 Tax Components of Charitable Giving09:54 Changes in Charitable Giving for 2026 and Beyond14:34 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsSupport the show

Evaluating the Quality of Financial InformationThe Pyramid Of InvestmentsIn this episode, we shares insights on evaluating the quality of financial information you consume. The episode covers the importance of scrutinizing the intent behind financial advice, the credentials of the creators, transparency in promotions, and aligning advice with your financial stage. Real-world examples and interviews with certified financial planners further underline the significance of practical and transparent financial education. Resources and key takeaways are provided to help listeners make more informed financial decisions.00:45 Personal Updates and Recent Travels01:44 Insights from Financial Conferences03:14 Evaluating Financial Content Creators04:19 Understanding Financial Products and Services06:55 The Importance of Financial Foundations09:18 Transparency in Financial Advice11:35 Experience vs. Real-World Advice14:23 Interviews with Financial AdvisorsSome of Brenton's FavoritesJourney To LaunchThomas KopelmanTate EsquireFinancially IntentionalJeff LevineSo MoneyBrown AmbitionThe BudgetnistaRich & RegularThe Money GuysJames AltucherThe $100 MBA ShowBuilding BreadTrade and TravelTela HolcombThe Happy Investor MethodInvesting UncomplicatedSupport the show

RSVP for the Financial Literacy SymposiumFederal Student Loan UpdatesIn this episode of New Money, New Problems, the discussion focuses on why late summer and early fall are the optimal times to review your finances. The host, fresh from professional commitments and heading to various financial events, highlights the benefits of reviewing financial matters during September and October. Key reasons specific to this year include the impending federal student loan consolidation deadlines and potential changes in interest rates driven by economic indicators like jobs reports. General reasons span tax planning, end-of-year employer benefits decisions, and holiday budgeting strategies. The episode emphasizes the importance of preemptive financial reviews and offers practical tips to optimize financial health before year-end.01:41 Why September and October are Crucial for Financial Reviews02:29 Federal Student Loans: Urgent Deadlines and Actions03:55 Economic Indicators and Their Impact on Your Finances07:18 Tax Planning: Strategies for the End of the Year13:59 Maximizing Employee Benefits and Open Enrollment15:36 Holiday Season: Budgeting and Financial TipsSupport the show

In this special 150th episode of the New Money, New Problems podcast, we reflect on the journey so far and the lessons learned from both the audience and personal experiences. In the first half, we focus on the feedback from listeners, the common issue of financial stress regardless of income level and the critical need for effective communication about finances among partners and family members. We also highlight the importance of understanding financial options over rigid rules and provides insights into the process behind financial journalism. In the second half, Brenton shares personal lessons from creating the podcast, stressing the value of consistency, starting without perfection, and being open to constructive criticism to facilitate growth and improvement. The episode aims to provide valuable takeaways for listeners to apply to their financial and personal lives.01:43 Listener Insights on Financial Stress03:20 Communication and Financial Harmony06:22 The Value of Personalized Financial Advice08:28 Behind the Scenes of Financial Publications10:43 Foundational Financial Topics13:26 Personal Lessons from Podcasting16:31 Commitment to Improvement and Future PlansPOPULAR EPISODES FROM THE FIRST 150Why Holidays Aren't Great for Family Money TalksSTILL Living Paycheck to Paycheck on $250,000Why New Money Leads To New ProblemsWhat Does It Mean When You're Behind In Retirement Planning?Support the show

In this episode, we revisit the inspiring story of Courtney Hale, a man who has transformed trials into triumphant journeys. This episode highlights Courtney and his daughter Ever's resilience as they navigate life's challenges, including the loss of Courtney's wife, Tia, and Ever's ongoing battle with sickle cell. Courtney, known for his work as the Chief Hope Dealer at Super Money Kids, shares the evolution of his career, the hardships he faced, and the joy that's fueled his journey forward. The episode also delves into insights about family, love, and making meaningful financial choices. As a tribute to Courtney and Ever, the host encourages listeners to send their love and support before Ever's bone marrow transplant, for which Courtney is the donor. You can find more about their journey in the show notes.Ever's AnnouncementFollow Courtney's Work00:28 Courtney Background and Personal Story02:43 Courtney's Professional Journey and Financial Literacy Work07:12 Challenges and Triumphs in Personal Life23:11 Reflections on Life, Work, and Financial HabitsSupport the show

In this week's episode, we delve into strategies for preparing your finances against potential job loss, economic downturn, or financial emergencies. The episode emphasizes the importance of establishing emergency reserves, describing optimal savings amounts based on different household scenarios and employment stability. It also explores tools and tactics for repositioning debts, utilizing flexible employee benefits, and diversifying investments, especially for those with company stock or equity compensation. Practical advice includes adjusting retirement contributions and withholdings to better balance financial preparedness. The episode also references an article featuring the host's insights on the significance of emergency savings for retirement planning. Check out the MarketWatch article where Brenton was interviewed!02:37 Understanding Emergency Reserves05:22 Layering Your Savings09:13 Repositioning Debts for Stability13:50 Managing Equity Compensation15:28 Optimizing Employee Benefits16:57 Retirement Accounts and Emergency PlanningSupport the show

In this episode, Brenton Harrison reflects on a past podcast episode from 2022 that discussed the challenge of living paycheck to paycheck even with a high income. Revisiting the topic, he shares additional insights he's gained over the past three years. This episode covers reasons why high-income earners may still struggle financially, strategies to establish a financial foundation, and personal experiences and lessons learned. Key actionable steps include stopping retirement contributions temporarily, halting extra debt payments, evaluating subscription services, and reducing lifestyle expenses. He also emphasizes the importance of staying marketable, prioritizing small financial goals, and avoiding comparisons with others to maintain financial health.00:45 Revisiting a 2022 Episode02:19 High Income, Paycheck to Paycheck05:04 Understanding Financial Struggles09:45 Immediate Steps to Build Savings16:27 Additional Insights from 202516:54 Personal Experiences and Advice21:58 Staying Marketable and Setting Goals24:11 Looking AheadSupport the show

In this episode, we discuss how to identify and recover from financial mistakes.The episode also delves into personal biases and behaviors that contribute to financial mistakes and offers steps to correct them. EPISODE RESOURCESNerdWallet articleMy 5 Biggest Financial Mistakes Check out Ted Klontz's book! 01:41 Evaluating Financial Mistakes02:11 Investment Time Horizons03:32 Permanent Life Insurance Policies06:22 Benchmarking Investments11:36 Correcting Financial Mistakes13:52 Understanding Financial Biases15:51 Learning from Past Mistakes18:09 Moving ForwardSupport the show