How to Money

“Solve a problem for people in an interesting way” and “There’s not one way to do business”... those are just a couple quotes from our conversation with Jason Zook. Our goal for this episode is for you to finish listening, and to be completely inspired to start your own small business. Unfortunately, there can be this aura around starting an “official business” that keeps creative individuals who have great ideas from pursuing something that is going to light them up and prove to be successful. Sure, getting an MBA might be the best path to take for a certain subset, but there are a lot of folks who might be better served by just going for it, and figuring it out along the way! And here to talk about that is Jason, an entrepreneur who takes a very unconventional approach to business formation. He and his wife currently run Wandering Aimfully, which is a platform that seeks to help creative entrepreneurs build successful, sustainable businesses that fit with their lifestyle, all while avoiding the burnout that tends to come with hustle culture. Listen as wee discuss everything from Jason auctioning his last name, creating ‘calm’ businesses, to living abroad in Portugal and more!   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.   During this episode we enjoyed a Na Chouffe by Brasserie Chouffe! 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!   Best friends out!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listeners dive into the debate of cashback versus travel points, exploring which rewards suit different lifestyles. They tackle whether to let investments grow in a brokerage account or pay down a mortgage. Homebuyers receive guidance on key factors like size and location for their first apartment. A discussion about the practicality of credit locks with major bureaus provides valuable financial insights. Plus, there’s a fun hack involving Costco and Instacart, ensuring listeners leave with more than just numbers!

This week, listeners learn about the pitfalls of 'brainless borrowing' and the potential of 'DOGE dividends.' The hosts share savvy travel tips for budget-friendly adventures and the perks of renting glamorous outfits. They dive into smart travel strategies, analyzing fare trends and credit card benefits for frequent flyers. Plus, there's a cautionary tale about modern debt traps like buy now, pay later schemes and navigating subscriptions. It's a practical mix of finance and fun, perfect for kickstarting your weekend!

Lisa Gill, an investigative journalist at Consumer Reports, shares her expertise on navigating the convoluted insurance landscape. She discusses the rising costs of insurance, highlighting factors that contribute to premium increases. Lisa offers insight into handling high medical bills and the impact of living in disaster-prone areas on homeowners insurance. Plus, she tackles the complexities of prescription drug pricing, urging consumers to be proactive in dealing with their coverage. Tune in for invaluable tips that can save you money and reduce stress!

This episode tackles listener dilemmas about family finances, focusing on the challenges of co-signing loans. The hosts share insights on whether to invest in a high-fee 401k or to opt for a brokerage account instead. They also explore the concept of direct indexing, weighing its tax advantages against management costs. Plus, there's practical advice on teaching kids about finances, including managing their spending with credit or debit options. Great tips await in navigating financial responsibilities within families!

Discover the quirks of renting roosters as an unconventional solution to rising egg prices. Explore the hardships of federal layoffs and gain tips for financial resilience. Dive into the cooling housing market, highlighting the impact of fewer buyers on home prices. Learn how smartphone contracts can escalate costs and uncover savvy investing strategies to combat inflation. Plus, find out how meal prep can help you ditch fast food while discussing the creative ways businesses are navigating tariffs and rising expenses.

Jessica Moorhouse, a financial counselor, speaker, and author of "Everything But Money," dives deep into the psychological barriers to financial freedom. She discusses how childhood trauma shapes our money behaviors and stresses the importance of personal stories in overcoming financial challenges. The conversation also touches on the intersection of mental health and finances, revealing how a healthy mindset can lead to better financial decisions. Parenting's role in shaping attitudes towards money is explored, along with the necessity of professional advice in achieving financial wellness.

Dive into useful financial tips from listener queries! Explore the 'baby now, pay later' concept and its surprising implications. Find out how to finance basement renovations wisely while considering home equity strategies. Learn about saving vs. paying off high-interest credit card debt and the importance of building an emergency fund first. Plus, hear insights on navigating pensions after relocating and uncover investment opportunities with guaranteed returns.

This week explores the fading relevance of pennies in our digital world and the humorous journey into making homemade biltong, a tasty, budget-friendly snack. There's an entertaining take on nostalgic TV shows and their influence on college life while addressing millennials' feelings of financial stagnation despite increasing net worth. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of strategic tax planning and mindful spending for a balanced financial future. Tune in for lighthearted insights coupled with practical money advice!

Economist Noah Smith, author of the Substack Noahpinion, joins to unpack the complexities of current economic policies and how they affect personal finances. He addresses pressing concerns like tariffs and their broader implications. The conversation dives into declining birth rates and the challenges they pose for Social Security. They also explore the rise of Dogecoin and key technologies shaping the economy. Additionally, Smith discusses the intersection of demographics and economic dynamics, emphasizing potential solutions like skilled immigration.