How to Money

This week, the hosts tackle intriguing listener queries about using retirement funds for a down payment and the best strategies for claiming Social Security. They discuss the nuances of financing study abroad programs while emphasizing the importance of creative budgeting. The conversation also contrasts frugality and cheapness, especially in the context of buying books versus audiobooks. Finally, they touch on managing credit scores, shedding light on whether to cancel old credit cards for optimal financial health.

Dive into the latest financial news with insights on political investing and the pitfalls of overconfidence. Discover the shocking truth about large TV prices and the shift in smartphone usage. Learn about new airline refund policies and the importance of savvy financial tools. Explore the risks of social media financial advice, with a staggering 75% potentially misleading. Plus, get a glimpse into the changing landscape of early retirement and the pursuit of personal fulfillment versus traditional career paths.

Here on the podcast we don’t shy away from the fact that we’re big fans of having kids- Joel has three, Matt has four. But that is not typical here in the United States where the average is 1.6 births per woman… but why? We think the costly nature of having kids is one of the reasons. Depending on which study you’re looking at and the cost of living cited, we’ve seen upwards of $400,000 per kid! But even still, should it be all about the numbers? Should that data drive all of our decisions? Luckily we’re joined by someone who is a parent and knows all about the data- Emily Oster. Emily is a professor of economics at Brown University, the author of books like Expecting Better, Cribsheet, and Family Firm, and now host of the new podcast Raising Parents. And while you might know her as the lady who says it’s ok to have wine and coffee in moderation while pregnant, or as the health economist who shared unpopular opinions on Covid policies during the pandemic, we’re excited to share our conversation that’s all about our money and kids: making career breaks and staying home with the kids, why we need to approach family decisions the way a business would, Emily’s take on allowances, 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. Don’t be cheap and forego getting a life insurance policy. Compare rates with Policygenius.   During this episode we enjoyed an Ayinger Oktober Fest-Marzen! 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.

Let’s dive into the week with some fresh listener questions we have lined up for you! And don't just stand on the sidelines- if you have a question you’d like us to answer, toss your voice memo our way. It only takes about 90 seconds to record and you can find a step by step guide over at HowToMoney.com/ask . Regardless of how random or bizarre you might think it is, we want to hear it!   1 - What can I do about my sky high car insurance premiums without getting penalized for shopping around? 2 - Is it possible to be in good financial shape, without owning my own home? 3 - How much time should I spend shopping around for the absolute cheapest utilities? 4 - Should I open an IRA for my new baby if I’m wanting to help them out financially off in the future?   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 Stranger Danger by Monday Night Brewing! 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.

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: Costco/Halloween, paltry market predictions, generational investing, political odds markets, working for wealth, home equity temptations, hottest items on wedding registries, underpowered homeowner policies, $20k family auto insurance, Black Friday unfurled, and Amazon vs Walmart.   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.

When it makes sense to buy points, sites that make redeeming your points a breeze, how he thinks about points deflation… these are just a few of the topics we cover with our friend Chris Hutchins. If you’re wondering, like we were, whether or not travel hacking is still worth the hassle then this is the episode for you. And Chris covers a range of topics on his podcast, All The Hacks, like ways to gain confidence, practical steps to strengthen relationships, and anti-aging with his diverse guests. Chris was a co-founder of Milk which was acquired by Google, then he was the founder and CEO of Grove which was subsequently acquired by Wealthfront- he’s quite the renaissance man, he loves technology and optimizing virtually everything, and we get into a variety of topics today!   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. Don’t be cheap and forego getting a life insurance policy. Compare rates with Policygenius.   During this episode we enjoyed a Flash Cat by Creature Comforts! 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 necessity of high-yield checking accounts and explore creative ways to finance vet school without incurring capital gains tax. The conversation tackles managing retirement after failed 401k testing and the value of disability insurance. There's a quirky debate about frugal versus cheap spending habits, along with amusing anecdotes about self-checkout machines. Ultimately, the hosts encourage proactive financial engagement while sharing tips on improving personal finance strategies.

This week, the hosts dive into fitness inflation and how it affects your wallet, along with clever tips for dining out without breaking the bank. They discuss the importance of life insurance laddering and why it’s a smart financial move. Discover the quirky world of budget airlines, especially Spirit Airlines, and hear a cautionary tale about the risks of high-risk trading. Plus, there's insight on the rise of small businesses and the importance of cybersecurity in protecting your identity. Tune in for a blend of humor and practical financial advice!

Join Dr. Brad Klontz, a financial psychologist and co-author of "Start Thinking Rich," alongside Adrian Brambila, a former professional dancer turned finance guru. They dive deep into the harsh truths about money, revealing how mindset shapes financial success. Discover why it's essential to eliminate toxic influences, embrace accountability, and take charge of your financial journey. With anecdotes ranging from their unique backgrounds to insights on achieving financial freedom, their candid discussion is a wake-up call for anyone looking to transform their finances.

Explore how to help a friend struggling with finances while maintaining healthy boundaries. Discover if it's time to upgrade your car after costly repairs, balancing costs and benefits. Delve into the complexities of purchasing long-term care insurance, especially for early retirees. Learn useful tips for managing banking choices and discuss the importance of empathy in financial decision-making. Plus, enjoy a unique beverage tasting that adds a fun twist to the conversation!