How to Money

This week, there's a delightful mix of thrift shopping tips and last-minute tax advice. The hosts discuss the impact of tariffs on prices, alongside the challenges of wage deflation. They dive into the world of secondhand phones versus pricey new models, promoting smart spending choices. Plus, the conversation touches on innovative financial services and the effects of buy now, pay later schemes on credit. Wrapping it up, the hosts emphasize the importance of informed financial decisions in today's economy.

Join Jasmine DeLucci, a savvy tax attorney and CPA, as she unpacks the secrets of navigating the complex world of taxes. She reveals why most people mistakenly accept the standard tax rate and offers strategic advice on optimizing liabilities. Learn the importance of IRS transcripts, how to vet tax preparers, and explore deductions—especially for family business travel. Discover generational wealth-building strategies and why informed tax planning is essential for monetary success! The conversation is informative, engaging, and sprinkled with humor.

This week, the hosts tackle a variety of listener questions with humor and expertise. They discuss budgeting for housing upgrades, the ethics of gym membership trials, and how to use AI tools like ChatGPT to enhance savings. Further insights include managing mortgage finances, understanding pensions, and the balance between frugality and potential exploitation. With advice on navigating homeownership and financial planning, this episode is filled with practical tips to help listeners make informed money choices.

Catch up on the latest financial headlines this week, from the implications of a new executive order on education funding to the impact of Buy Now, Pay Later options on dining choices. Explore the ongoing challenge of declining test results and how it ties into broader consumer trends. Discover the rising costs for Tesla owners and political impacts on car purchases. Finally, engage in a lively discussion about how shared meals boost happiness compared to spending on material goods.

Madeline Mann, an HR and recruiting leader and author of "Reverse the Search," shares her expertise on job hunting. She challenges traditional methods, promoting a 'job shopping' mindset to secure high-paying positions. Mann discusses the value of networking and the importance of tailoring resumes and LinkedIn profiles to stand out. She also provides insights into mastering interviews, negotiating salaries, and maintaining a positive outlook in the face of rejection. Her strategies empower listeners to navigate the evolving job market with confidence.

Listeners get savvy advice on responding to rental application denials and the role of credit scores in securing housing. There’s a deep dive into whether state 529 plans, despite higher fees, are worth the tax breaks. The conversation also touches on purchasing land as a family investment, highlighting innovative uses for land and potential pitfalls. Plus, practical tips are shared on balancing 401k contributions with emergency funds, along with the surprising costs of cell phone bills and the benefits of affordable plans for saving money.

Discover the intriguing world of adjustable-rate mortgages and their risks versus fixed rates. Explore how consumer behavior changes with housing market trends and the impact of political developments. Dive into the balance between instant gratification and long-term investment, peppered with entertaining stories. Unpack the value of community over exclusive memberships, and learn strategies for reducing college costs while navigating essential expenses like cell phone bills. Plus, find out how to invest wisely in high-quality items!

Derrick Kinney, author of 'Good Money Revolution,' advocates for aligning wealth with personal values to create a positive impact. He shares insights on the moral implications of money and encourages conscious financial choices. The discussion highlights the transformative power of philanthropy and the importance of balancing generosity with financial responsibility. Listeners learn practical strategies for shifting their mindset from employee to entrepreneur, emphasizing that earning and giving can coexist harmoniously while fostering community ties.

Listeners dive into pressing financial queries! Discover steps to take after a job loss due to mass layoffs. Is holding onto that rental condo wise amidst declining income? Explore investing options for generating passive income, like REITs or ETFs. The hosts share insights on the worth of the Costco Visa and weigh the pros and cons of buying versus renting a home. Finally, enjoy some light-hearted banter on personal grooming, beer ratings, and the importance of professional financial guidance.

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: Uber vs Lyft, tariff tantrums, Southwest succumbs, there’s a coach for that, investing your emergency fund, tapping the 401k, Chase blocking Zelle, unpaid toll scams, the greatest grocers, senior discounts, and free energy audits.   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.