This week tackles rising electric vehicle charging costs and their impact on consumers. Discover the sad reality of aging coffee crops and the rising prices of streaming services. Explore alarming credit card debt statistics among retirees and the implications of monopolistic practices in the concert industry. Delve into innovative solutions for repurposing retail spaces and the exciting new 401(k) benefit for student loan repayments. It's all about smart financial choices, community support, and staying informed!

Jen Smith and Jill Sirianni, co-hosts of the Frugal Friends podcast, reveal how frugality can enhance your life rather than limit it. They discuss the importance of values-based spending and share strategies for mindful purchasing. A relatable 90-day transaction inventory encourages self-reflection, helping listeners understand their financial motivations. The duo also tackles holiday budgeting, emphasizing intentional spending over consumerism, and offer creative solutions to thrive amidst inflation. Join them for practical tips that blend joy with financial awareness!

Dive into listener financial queries covering everything from how to manage a UTMA account to the legitimacy of student loan repayment calls. Explore potential scams and the disappointing returns of robo-advisors. The hosts tackle whether social unrest should influence gold investments, and share engaging savings challenges to kickstart your financial goals. With humor and insightful anecdotes, they emphasize balanced, informed approaches to personal finance in a fluctuating market.

Explore financial pitfalls like predatory loan deferment and the importance of cash budgeting to avoid holiday overspending. Discover DAISY, an AI program that engages scammers while reflecting on tech's role in finance. Learn about navigating airline fees and the potential impact of tariffs on car prices. Dive into how internships can launch careers, emphasizing hands-on experience for future success. Plus, tips on combating package theft and DIY car repairs to save money.

In a thought-provoking conversation, Dana Miranda, a Certified Educator in Personal Finance and author of "You Don't Need A Budget," challenges the traditional budgeting mindset. She advocates for flexible financial strategies that prioritize empowerment over restriction, suggesting alternatives like the 'money map.' The discussion tackles the relationship between work, fulfillment, and finance, critiques systemic inequalities, and explores personal financial agency. Dana reimagines the way we think about spending, debt, and emotional well-being in personal finance.

Listener questions spark engaging discussions on financing a car versus paying cash, and how 529 college savings plans can impact financial aid eligibility. The hosts explore the balance between the emotional and practical sides of financial decisions and delve into the evolving world of home security. They provide insights on comparing retirement plans and navigating sensitive family finance conversations, all while keeping it light-hearted and relatable!

Time for a Friday Flight- our little sampling of the week’s financial news and what it means for your personal finances. There are a lot of headlines out there, but we boil them down to specific takeaways that will allow you to kick off the weekend informed and help you to get ahead with your money. In this episode we explain some relevant and helpful stories like: Joel’s price match win, egregious store card rates, brick & mortar shopping, physical catalog resurgence, generous happy people, Robinhood x Daffy, thermostat tug of war, too many toys, toilet scrubbing over bank account peeking, student loan servicer mess, Amazon Music audiobooks, & unassuming entrepreneurship hubs.   Want more How To Money in your life? Here are some additional ways to get ahead with your personal finances: Knowing your ‘money gear’ is a crucial part of your personal finance journey. Start here.  Sign up for the weekly HTM newsletter. It’s fun, free, & practical. Join a thriving community of fellow money in the HTM Facebook group. Find the best credit card for you with our new credit card tool! Massively reduce your cell phone bill each month by switching to a discount provider like Mint Mobile.   And please help us to spread the word by letting friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular listener, and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Help us to change the conversation around personal finance and get more people doing smart things with their money. Have an awesome weekend!   Best friends out!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dan Egan, Director of Behavioral Finance at Betterment, shares key insights on the psychology behind financial decisions. He explains why despite simple wealth-building principles, many still struggle to become millionaires. Egan emphasizes the dual role of behavioral science in managing temptations and setting achievable financial goals. The conversation also touches on the impact of technology in personal finance and the balance between rational investment strategies and emotional insights. A refreshing discussion on ‘Coast Fire’ and practical budgeting tips rounds out the chat.

Listener questions kick off lively discussions, diving into retirement payment choices between lump sums and monthly pensions. The hosts offer personal investing insights and explore smart strategies for home down payments. Investing in the S&P 500 is examined, alongside the tax implications of pension options. They emphasize the importance of making intentional financial decisions while enjoying a unique breakfast beer. The episode blends practical advice with engaging stories, making complex financial matters more accessible.

Dive into car stereo hacks and the benefits of auto-IRAs for retirement savings. Discover the fluctuating world of travel discounts, including 'Travel Tuesday' deals and the controversy surrounding Spirit Airlines and skip lagging. Navigate the potential pitfalls of sports betting on personal finance, and learn about shrinkflation’s impact on shopping habits. Explore the rise of secondhand gifting and the joys of thoughtful presents that resonate with individual tastes. Get ready for practical insights to enhance your financial journey!