Business Casual

Not all paychecks are created equal. In this episode, we break down the real differences between salary, commission, and hybrid compensation models, and why understanding how you earn money may matter more than how much you make. You’ll hear firsthand perspectives from: - A salaried employee - A hybrid compensation professional - A business owner with unlimited upside and no guaranteed floor Wheth...

Sports gambling has exploded in recent years, and it’s changing the way households think about money, risk, and entertainment. With betting apps available at the tap of a screen, thousands of dollars per household are now being gambled each year, often at the expense of savings, debt payoff, and other financial priorities. Nearly 40% of frequent bettors admit gambling has directly impacted their f...

How do you stay sane when work, school, finances, relationships, and personal goals all collide at once? In this episode, the conversation dives into how people actually prioritize their lives and money during busy seasons, especially heading into a new year. From juggling school and career demands to navigating spending habits, sales pressure, and nonstop advertising, this discussion breaks down...

As the year wraps up, many people start thinking about New Year’s resolutions, and for most Americans, money and fitness sit at the top of the list. In this episode, we break down why New Year’s resolutions fail so often and what actually works when it comes to saving money, improving health, and building long-term habits that stick. Using data from Statista, we explore what Americans say they wan...

The holidays do not have to be expensive to be meaningful. In this episode, we talk about realistic and affordable ways families and friends are navigating holiday traditions without overspending. From Secret Santa and White Elephant exchanges to handmade gifts, community events, and volunteering, this conversation focuses on what actually matters during the holidays: time, memories, and giving ba...

Credit card debt is one of the fastest ways to lose control of your cash flow, and most people do not realize how expensive it is until they are already stuck. In this episode, we break down how people end up in credit card debt, why “minimum payments” keep you trapped, and how interest rates (sometimes 20% to 30%) can quietly erase your ability to save. We also compare credit card debt vs student...

Holiday deals feel exciting in the moment, but what happens when the credit card bill shows up in January? In this episode, we break down how much people really spend during the holidays, why Cyber Monday is such a trap, and how marketing and one click checkout quietly push your budget over the edge. Kelsey and Mike talk about the shift from in store to online shopping, how credit cards changed ou...

Is your phone quietly draining your bank account? In this episode, the team unpacks how everyday habits like coffee runs, clothing hauls and online shopping turn into serious lifestyle creep. They dig into the rise of buy now pay later apps, the psychology of impulse spending and why convenience fees on delivery and travel can quietly erode your savings. You will also hear a fun but honest look at...

Recent grads are juggling student loans, caffeine habits, and the pressure to land the perfect first job, all at the same time. Kelsey and Mike break down how much that daily coffee run really costs, what to prioritize when your grace period ends, and how interest rates quietly shape your long term choices. They unpack the trade offs between big city salaries and higher living costs, plus what to...

Kelsey and Mike break down what really happens to your paycheck and why your net pay never matches the number you were hired at. They walk through the basics of taxes, Social Security, Medicare and voluntary benefits so young adults can finally understand where their money is going. They explain the difference between liquid and illiquid assets, why multiple buckets of money matter and how to deci...

Kelsey sits down with Mike to demystify the basics of financial planning for young adults. They cover how to choose an advisor, what “fiduciary” really means, and why your first priorities are protection and an emergency fund before you chase returns. They dig into 401k plans, how much to save, and the simple two-bucket approach to balance near term goals with long term investing. Tell us what you...

Candy, costumes, travel, and traditions — the holiday spending spree starts here. We swap stories from our own Halloween plans and break down what smarter spending really looks like this time of year. Discover how to enjoy the season, protect your wallet, and make financial decisions that actually feel good later. Tell us what you want next. Comment with a topic, drop a question, or share. We read...

Meet the new Business Casual. In this kickoff conversation, host Mike sits down with the folks behind the scenes, Troy and Kelsey, to share the vision for our upgraded studio and the direction of the show. We get real about what younger professionals actually want to learn about money, from student loans and first investments to buying a home and avoiding lifestyle creep. You will hear how we plan...

Chelsea and Mike go from AOL away messages to modern messaging to unpack how tech shaped their lives and careers. Chelsea shares the high school screen name she cannot forget, early wins in tax, what remote work did to her routine, and why a move to Alliance Financial Group reset her path. Mike spotlights how self-awareness, coaching, and being open to opportunity turn nostalgia into momentum. Tel...

Sudden wealth is exciting and overwhelming. Mike Longo and Chelsea Davis break down what to do when a big check hits your life, whether it’s a lottery win, a business sale, or a year-end bonus. They compare lump sum, installments, and present value options, explain how tax withholding can hit up to 24 percent, and map out a simple plan that balances near-term needs with long-term security. They al...

Business Casual is here. Mike Longo and Chelsea Davis talk through how the show is evolving and why mixing current events, business, and real life actually makes advisors better for their clients. They get practical about routines, boundaries, and accountability, from 5 a.m. workouts to shutting the phone off at dinner. They compare early-career hustle to sustainable schedules, dig into client com...