How to Money

This week, financial gurus tackle a variety of listener questions! Discover how to avoid credit card interest with smart autopay strategies. Learn when to secure a HELOC, especially before a potential income drop. They dive into whether investing in solar panels can help you retire earlier, weighing the costs and benefits. Plus, gain insights on how to persuade your parents against a risky loan for HVAC upgrades. Finally, explore affordable cellular options for kids’ smartwatches. An engaging mix of finance and practicality awaits!

This week's highlights dive into the implications of the government shutdown and the critical role of emergency funds. The hosts tackle rising streaming prices and caution against subscription overload. They warn about the risks of trading in underwater car loans and share insights on durable vehicles. Freelancing opportunities are explored, with a nod to the increasing prevalence of side-hustle scams. Finally, they discuss employer-funded savings initiatives and the debate around pharmaceutical advertising in today's market.

In this discussion, Professor Kristen Carioti, a personal finance expert and author, shares her mission to elevate financial literacy among students. She emphasizes how making personal finance a graduation requirement at Mount Mary University meets students’ eagerness to learn. Topics include the importance of budgeting as a 'plan', teaching investment strategies for young adults, and the need to unlearn harmful financial habits. Kristen also warns against predatory financial products and promotes lifelong money learning through practical tools.

Listeners dive into a world of financial dilemmas! They explore if switching banks can really pay off and tackle the best retirement accounts, debating between 457b and 403b options. Social Security strategies also come under scrutiny – should you draw early or delay? The conversation then shifts to building an ADU: is it smarter to use a HELOC or save cash? Plus, innovative ways to afford healthcare alternatives are discussed, shedding light on health sharing ministries. A fun beer review caps off the session, adding a tasty twist!

Discover the impact of recent coffee tariffs and how they affect your morning brew. Learn about 'just-in-case' financial planning and why it's crucial in uncertain times. The hosts debunk claims of a consumer caste system, emphasizing choice over barriers. They explore surge pricing in Las Vegas and how it can feel unfair. Additionally, find out why credit scores are declining and how alternative data might offer a new approach for assessing creditworthiness.

Justin and Haley Brown-Woods, financial counselors and co-hosts of the Price of Avocado Toast podcast, share their inspiring journey of paying off six-figure debt on teacher salaries. They discuss the emotional toll of financial shame and the importance of behavioral change in debt management. Listeners learn why tracking expenses is crucial for financial clarity, and how lifestyle inflation can lead to overwhelming debt. The couple also reveals how transformative experiences can strengthen relationships, proving that managing money involves both strategy and emotional insight.

Listeners dive into intriguing personal finance questions! They explore strategies for managing a hefty cash windfall from a home sale. The discussion also covers the best grocery credit cards and the pros and cons of annual fees. High earners learn about the backdoor Roth process. Additionally, the risks of opting for ultra-cheap car rentals are analyzed, alongside tips for effectively paying off credit card debt. It's a treasure trove of financial insights and practical advice!

This week's financial roundup features topics that blend fun with practicality. Discover the rise of pricey porch pumpkins and the implications of recent rate cuts on mortgages. The discussion touches on trends like job-hugging and the tax-free tip exclusion. There's a cautionary take on Gen Z raiding their 401(k)s for debt relief and the strategic decisions couples face to keep low mortgage rates. Plus, the podcast delves into the pros and cons of relying on AI for investment advice, ensuring you kick off your weekend financially informed!

Cody Garrett, an advice-only CFP at Measure Twice Financial and author of *Tax Planning To and Through Early Retirement*, shares invaluable insights on tax strategies that can ease the path to early retirement. He discusses the importance of proactive tax planning, emphasizing how small savings adjustments can lead to significant benefits. The conversation also highlights the evolving mindset towards financial independence, effective withdrawal strategies, and the role of Social Security in retirement planning. Get ready to rethink your financial future!

The hosts dive into listener questions about affordable protein sources, emphasizing the balance between health and financial wellness. They explore the versatility of 529 accounts for education, including tax benefits and gifting strategies. Rising insurance rates spark a discussion on whether it's time to shop around or stay loyal to providers. Additionally, they share insights on navigating home loans and the emotional weight of financial planning for kids' futures, all while keeping the conversation light and engaging.