New Money New Problems Podcast

Schedule A SessionPAST EPISODES TO HELPWhat To Do When You Run Out Of Money (Literally)Preparing Your Finances For A Possible DoomsdayStill Living Paycheck to Paycheck on $250,000How To Recover From Financial MistakesFrom Severance To Security What To Do Right After You’ve Been Fired5 Ways to Restructure Your Debts5 Ways To Take Advantage Of Lower Interest Rates5 Signs You Need to Reassess Your Credit Card Debt + 2 Proven Strategies to Get OutDoes Loud Budgeting Work?Optimizing Debts As You Build Your Emergency FundSupport the show

EPISODE RESOURCESJoint Case UpdateEssential Updates on Federal Student Loan ForgivenessThis episode covers significant recent updates concerning the forgiveness of federal student loans. Key highlights include the impact of the lawsuit between the American Federation of Teachers and the Department of Education on loan forgiveness processes, the phasing out of certain Income Driven Repayment plans, and the importance of timely switching from plans like the SAVE plan to income-based Repayment plans to avoid tax implications. The Department of Education's agreement to process loan cancellations under original repayment plans and to remove partial financial hardship requirements for IBR plan eligibility is also discussed. The episode concludes with a critical overview of tax considerations and the timing of loan forgiveness procedures.01:33 Context and Background on Student Loan Forgiveness03:00 Legal Challenges and Department of Education's Response07:02 Joint Status Report and Its Implications10:24 Important Deadlines and Tax Implications15:17 Final Thoughts and Next StepsSupport the show

NASEEMA'S FAVORITE RESOURCESCheck out her platform!Journey To Launch Clever Girl FinanceChoose FIFrom Nursing to Financial Freedom: Naseema McElroy’s Inspiring JourneyIn this episode, we explore the remarkable journey of Naseema McElroy, a nurse who turned her income into a path toward becoming a multimillionaire and a financial literacy educator. Naseema shares her story of growing up in Oakland with financial responsibilities from a young age, transitioning from healthcare administration to nursing, and eventually leveraging her nursing income to achieve financial freedom. She discusses her pivotal moment in realizing the importance of financial education, her quest for knowledge through various podcasts, and books, and her diligent effort in paying off nearly a million dollars in debt. Naseema also delves into the development of her Instagram platform, initially created for friends, which grew to educate and inspire hundreds of thousands. The episode covers her strategies for budgeting, investing, and setting financial goals, emphasizing her commitment to sharing knowledge as a driving force for her platform’s success.01:46 Meeting Naseema: Oakland Beginnings02:02 Naseema's Early Life and Financial Lessons05:36 Transitioning to a Nursing Career09:09 Discovering Financial Independence12:17 The Million Dollar Debt Payoff18:14 Building a Financial Literacy Platform21:31 Reflecting on Financial Lessons and Success25:14 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsSupport the show

EPISODE RESOURCESMortgage Forbearance 101Credit Card Assistance#30MoneyMoves ChallengeUpworkNavigating Financial Hardships: Practical Tips When Emergency Reserves Run OutIn this episode, we discuss strategies for managing your finances when you've planned ahead but still find yourself running out of money. We share insights from a recent conference and highlights a common challenge faced by many: even those who have thoroughly prepared with substantial emergency reserves are finding their resources depleted after prolonged periods of unemployment or financial strain. The episode provides various actionable tips for alleviating financial pressure, such as communicating with lenders for debt forbearance, utilizing balance transfer credit cards, pausing automatic contributions to investment or retirement accounts, and evaluating subscription services for potential cuts. Additionally, options for income generation through freelancing platforms like Upwork and Fiverr are explored, as well as potential avenues for accessing Roth IRA contributions, 401k loans, and leveraging non-qualified investment accounts through securities-backed lines of credit. 00:00 Introduction: Facing Financial Challenges00:46 Personal Reflections and Industry Insights01:10 Understanding the White Collar Recession02:19 Emergency Financial Advice: Breaking the Glass02:36 Caveats and Considerations04:01 Debt Management Strategies04:39 Exploring Forbearance Options06:09 Credit Card Hardship Programs07:25 Student Loan Relief Options10:12 Balance Transfer Cards11:13 Pausing Contributions and Evaluating Subscriptions14:08 Leveraging Gig Economy Platforms17:26 Accessing Retirement Funds19:56 Non-Qualified Investments and Lines of Credit23:31 Conclusion: Extending Your Burn RateSupport the show

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