rich & REGULAR with Kiersten and Julien Saunders

We’re still revisiting fundamentals and this week we’re asking: Is your emergency fund actually an emergency fund, or just a well-intentioned savings account collecting dust (and maybe a tiny bit of interest)? In this episode, we unpack the truth about financial emergencies and reveal the flawed logic behind the old ‘3-months of expenses’ rule. Let’s be honest, climate change, unexpected job losses, and ridiculously high repair costs have made the classic “cash only” emergency fund advice obsolete. We talk about building a real safety net, one that's flexible, accessible, and addresses everything from the cost of repairs to those unexpected crises that inevitably spring up in lifeBuilding an emergency fund isn’t about striving for perfection; it’s about protecting what matters most. We’ll provide practical tips, address common anxieties, and leave you with a renewed sense of preparedness – all without losing your mind (or your savings).We discuss:The Illusion of the "Checked Box": Why the standard 3-6 month emergency fund is inadequate for the unpredictable realities of 21st-century life The importance of liquidity and accessibility: It's not enough to have the money, you need to be able to access it quickly and easily. We'll dissect the hidden fees and frustrating bureaucratic hurdles that can turn your carefully-saved emergency fund into a useless paperweightMore than just cash: We discuss the overlooked role of insurance, lines of credit, and community resources in weathering life’s storms. This isn't just about finances; it's about creating a comprehensive plan that addresses all dimensions of an emergencyThe Multi-Layered Approach: Why cash is still surprisingly relevant, even in a cashless society.Real-life examples that illustrate why diversifying your financial institutions is no longer a "luxury" but a necessityThe Rebuilding Phase: A practical plan for rebuilding your emergency fund in the wake of a crisis. Because let’s face it, emergency situations aren't one-and-doneLinks:Episode 156: Survive & Advance | The Ultimate Guide to Financial Resilience with Lynnette Khalfani Cox (YouTube Link) Episode 184: How to Automate your savings (and finally get ahead) (YouTube Link)  Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life. Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by ForbesIf you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

We took a mini-break (and you KNOW we needed it) but we're back, and today we're tackling the sacred cow of financial planning: BUY AND HOLD. Let's face it, investing isn't a spectator sport and the pandemic proved that even the most "set-it-and-forget-it" advice can get messy. Plus research shows investors are holding stocks for less time than ever before. So this week, we’re asking if the classic "buy and hold" strategy is still the cornerstone of financial wisdom, or has the rise of day trading, sports betting, and cryptocurrencies rendered it obsolete? Don't expect simple answers, because investor psychology isn’t that simple, but we promise some surprisingly insightful takeawaysWe explore:Why “buy and hold” is the American way and what that means in the era of instant notifications and market fluctuationsHow the emotional and psychological realities of modern life challenge even the most well-laid financial plansThe rise of “bro-conomy” investing, and why the appeal of day trading and sports betting is harder to resistHow to use robo-advisors to tame your inner FOMO without losing your shirt (or your retirement funds)The importance of financial literacy and diversification, beyond the simplistic "buy and hold" mantraA peek behind the curtain into our own HSA investment strategy and a warning about the illusion of easy winsLinks:The Three Pillars of the Bro-Economy via The Atlantic Episode 171: Why you need a brokerage account  Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life. Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by ForbesIf you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

This week, we’re unpacking the surprisingly trendy world of underconsumption. Is it a Gen Z TikTok trend? A millennial coping mechanism? A wise old soul's secret weapon? The answer is YES to all of the above.In this episode, we cover:How to avoid overspending this holiday season on food and gifts. We even share our hard-won lessons on dealing with impulsive buying, managing the expectations of our loved ones, and teaching our son to approach spending with intention (no, we didn't always get it right, but boy, have we learned!)YOLO vs. YONO: Say goodbye to "You Only Live Once" and hello to "You Only Need One." We explore the global shift towards intentional purchasing, and how it's impacting everything from fashion to finances. (And yes, we do discuss the implications of the impending tariffs on that Zara haul you've been eyeing…)The Price vs. The Cost: That cute little $25 item from TikTok Shop? It might cost you more in stress, maintenance, and anxiety than you think. We discuss the psychological (and very real!) costs of buying the "nice" stuff.Hedonic Adaptation: The science of why buying more doesn't always lead to more happiness. We are not our things and learning this will actually save you money and the planet.Key takeaways (because your time is valuable):Underconsumption is a lifestyle, not a trendRe-evaluate your values. Do the mathSoup is not just for sick people (or soup kitchens)Embrace the power of the "thoughtful no"Quality over quantity (even with those darn shoes that don't last!)Pouches are the future. Get you a pouch.Join us for a funny, insightful, and deeply satisfying conversation about changing your relationship with your stuff. It might just be the best self-care you do all year.Links: - The enshittification of everything - Self-gifting messaging is set to dominate Black Friday ads- The kitchen tech we use to make cooking at home so much easier   Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life. Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by ForbesIf you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

This week, we’re unpacking the raw emotions and anxieties that followed the recent election. We explore the stark reality of a country deeply divided, not just politically, but also in terms of our visions for the future. This election wasn't just about who won. It was about a country that, frankly, feels more like it's been severed in half than unified. It’s a deep, messy reality and we question the easy labels and simplistic narratives that often dominate the political conversation.We explore the real, human stories behind the red and the blue and ask some tough questions about how to move forward with a more nuanced understanding of our political landscape.Lastly, we talk about the pressures of a society driven by consumption, and how it can create a disconnect between those who have “too much” and those who don’t, which leaves many feeling left behind, overwhelmed, and unheard. If you’re ready for a conversation that goes beyond the surface, tap in for an honest, critical look at the state of our nation and how we can find a way to make meaningful progress together.  Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life. Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by ForbesIf you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

It’s 2024, and inflation is the number one concern for voters. Today we’re unpacking both candidates' distinct approaches to addressing it. We discuss Kamala Harris's and Donald Trump's plans for tackling the rising cost of living, taking a closer look at their proposals and the underlying political and economic philosophies that drive them. Prepare yourself for an interesting and honestly, maybe slightly frustrating, discussion of how the election could impact your wallet and your future.This isn't just a run-through of policy papers. We're talking about how these candidates are choosing to frame the fight against inflation, the cultural anxieties it reflects, and the real-world impact these choices will have on your everyday life.This election feels a lot like dating. Both candidates have got their "selling points", but it's up to you to decide what you're actually looking for in a long-term relationship and what kind of future you want to build together. Looking beyond inflation, this is a defining and consequential election. Your vote matters. Stay informed, stay engaged, and make your voice heard. Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life. Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by ForbesIf you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

In this special solo episode, Julien and Dr. Preston Cherry discuss the intersection of financial planning and personal well-being. Dr. Cherry brings a unique perspective and combines the rigor of financial expertise with the nuanced understanding of a therapist. He's here to tackle those awkward conversations with your partner about finances, the "financial harmony" that's more than just a feel-good buzzword, and how to find true satisfaction in a world obsessed with wealth.Dr. Cherry knows the struggle is real for the sandwich generation - those of us juggling the demands of raising kids while supporting aging parents. He offers some guidance for having complex financial conversations with grace and clarity, and strategies for finding balance and ensuring that your own financial needs are met alongside those of your family. This episode is also important for anyone preparing for parenthood - it's not just about diapers and baby formula. We're talking about investing in your future, valuing your own worth (beyond just your paycheck), and finding ways to make sure your children inherit more than just a pile of bills.Helpful Links: Diversity among financial planners improved in 2021 — but it still remains overwhelmingly white and male Follow Dr. Preston Cherry on his website, Instagram, and YouTubeGet his book: Wealth in the Key of Life Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life. Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by ForbesIf you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

This week, we're returning to our "Quick Dip" format, where we explore three timely topics, giving you the need-to-know without the fluff.First up, is cord-cutting still worth it? Julien shares his long history of cord-cutting, which began long before he met Kiersten, and she shares her own journey to embracing a cable-less lifestyle. We discuss the pros and cons of traditional cable versus streaming, and how the streaming wars have made cord-cutting more complex than ever. But, ultimately, we agree that cord cutting can still be a smart move, especially if you can resist the urge to buy into all the bells and whistles.Next, we discuss the recent 2.5% Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) and how it might not be enough for seniors to keep up with rising costs, especially in healthcare. It’s a reminder that Social Security is often overlooked as a critical part of personal finance and more of us should be having better conversations about money with loved ones who rely on it.Finally, we check in on the stock market. We break down the current state of the market, talk about the importance of diversification, having an exit strategy, and getting caught up in the hype. This episode is packed with actionable tips and insights that can help you handle your next financial decisions with confidence. Links: 2024 Medicare Quick Reference Guide (via Nuveen)Mark Cuban’s drug company: https://costplusdrugs.com/Episode 92: Medical TourismEpisode 105: Planning for your retirement  Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life. Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by ForbesIf you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

Discover the secrets to automating your savings and finally getting ahead financially. Learn why the mantra 'pay yourself first' is crucial and how to make it a habit rather than a chore. Explore practical automation methods to effortlessly save and invest. Find out how Roundup Apps can help you save by rounding up purchases, and uncover the benefits of making flexible payments on high-interest debt. Turn unexpected funds into opportunities for growth and take control of your financial future!

This discussion dives into the challenges of pay cuts, both forced and voluntary, shedding light on the power dynamics at play. It reveals how these salary changes often disguise deeper corporate strategies and the emergence of a so-called 'Great Salary Reset.' Listeners are offered practical advice on safeguarding their financial futures and the importance of building a backup plan. The conversation emphasizes adapting to the evolving job landscape by valuing personal branding, lifelong learning, and strategic career moves.

This week we're diving into the world of NIL, or Name, Image, and Likeness, and how this new, HUGE opportunity will impact youth sports. Think you're not impacted by NIL? Think again! This episode is for athletes, parents, coaches, and anyone who wants to understand how NIL is changing the game. And if you've got a kid with any sort of athletic talent, this is definitely a conversation you need to be having. The point is - this ain't your mama's college experience. This is about financial freedom, brand building, and how college athletes are finally getting a piece of the pie they've been baking for years. It's time to forget those old-fashioned ideas about college athletes just being "students," because the NCAA's amateur "student-athlete" model is DONE. It's a whole new game and we're here to help you play it.We're covering:NCAA got served: The landmark ruling that shook up college athletics and opened the door for athletes to cash in on their own name, image, and likeness.Why we're so intrigued by this: It all started with our son, and it's a real-life lesson in how to think differently about money, branding, and the future of sports.The BIG picture: This is about billion-dollar industries, the NCAA's outdated model, and evolving from a labor rights issue to a civil rights issue (spoiler alert: opinions don’t matter) The power shift: It's not just about the big names anymore. We're showing how even "average" athletes can leverage NIL to create a side hustle, a side gig, or even a full-blown business.Real-world examples: we share a story about what happened when we posted sports content featuring our son and give you practical tips on how to negotiate your own deals.The future of sports: We're forecasting the coming age of athlete-owned brands, semi-pro leagues, and even NIL scholarshipsLinks: The Money Game on Amazon Prime Ep 174 Quick Dip - Why are Olympians so Broke?   Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life. Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by ForbesIf you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow