Talking Cents

We all have good and bad habits. When it comes to money, some habits can set you up for success, and others can derail your financial future! In this episode, we've got a list of healthy habits, unhealthy habits, and some practical tips to keep you on the road to true financial independence. 6 Keys to Financial Independence https://getreadyforthefuture.com/keys/

Millennials faced several challenges and setbacks early on. But new data suggests a surprising turn! Alec and Teresa are looking into how a generation has improved their financial health and how YOU can take some action steps toward a better financial future! 6 Keys to Financial Independence https://getreadyforthefuture.com/keys/

This is the last of a three-part series with Katie Caruthers (@badwitch1126 on TikTok), who built quite a following as she has shared her journey with loss and the things that come with losing a loved one. Katie and I both experienced losing a parent who didn't have an estate plan in place and we're hoping some of our experience can encourage you to get organized and/or help your parents get organ...

Dealing with loss is hard enough on its own. But then there are the tasks, the seemingly endless list of items that nobody tells you about! Katie Caruthers ( @badwitch1126 on TikTok ) is with me again to help make a checklist so that if this is something you have to go through, you can be better prepared than we were.

Losing a loved one can be hard. And it's so much harder if, amid grief, you're trying to take care of an estate that's in disarray! This is the first episode in a three-part series about dealing with loss and the complications that can come from a lack of planning. To help me out, I've got a special guest, Katie Caruthers, who's gained a following on TikTok ( @badwitch1126 ) sharing her raw experi...

Non-negotiables, uncompromising rules or habits people set for themselves or others, have gained popularity recently, from TV to TikTok. Alec's joining me in this episode as we look at how, in a world of overwhelming choices, some of us find comfort in these self-imposed mandates, especially in the world of finances. 6 Keys to Financial Independence  

Brian Helms is with me in this episode as we look at how to have the "money talk" between generations. We're taking a look at how to discuss financial matters with aging parents, like retirement and estate planning, as well as financial principles with kids, like saving money and part-time jobs. And it can be awkward at first! But it gets easier over time. 6 Keys to Financial Independence

Do it yourself or hire a professional? That's the question we're asking in this episode! If, like me, you don't know a lot about cars, there's no shame in taking it to a mechanic! The same goes for your finances. Alec's joining me as we look at which aspects of financial planning you can DIY and which ones you probably want to get some professional help with. 6 Keys to Financial Independence &nbsp...

We're not quite as exciting as what you might have seen in the show MythBusters, but the myths we're busting can keep you from reaching true financial independence! Brandon Barber is with me in this episode as we look at common myths surrounding credit cards, renting, and more. And how busting these myths in your own life can help you make better financial decisions! 6 Keys to Financial Independen...

In part two of our discussion on what to do if you're in a divorce, Brian Helms is joining me. We're taking a look at several items you'll want to address like beneficiaries, your estate plan, and changes to retirement and investment strategies. And we'd be remiss if we didn't also talk about taking some time to refocus and heal. 6 Keys to Financial Independence  

In this episode, we're wrapping up a three-part series on banking with Lori Melton from First Community Bank. Divorce is hard and navigating the financial challenges that can arise make it even harder. We'll be looking at some action steps you can take with your personal finances. 6 Keys to Financial Independence 

I've got special guest Lori Melton with First Community Bank back for part two of our series on banking. Just like financial advice isn't one size fits all, neither are banks! In this episode, we're taking a look at different aspects of banks - services, amenities, culture - so you can decide if you're in the bank that's right for you and give you some things to consider if you're looking to switc...

With credit and bank cards being so common, all of us are likely to experience fraud at some point. I'm kicking off a three-part series about banking with special guest Lori Melton of First Community Bank. And in this episode, she's bringing her years of experience in the banking world to help you protect yourself against fraud and what to do if you're the victim of fraudulent charges. 6 Keys to F...

If you're living life solo, this is the episode for you. Financial planning can be a bit different for singles! Brian Helms is with me in this episode to give you some tips for navigating your financial journey without a significant other. 6 Keys to Financial Independence  

You can't run from inflation! It's something we all have to deal with and, frankly, it can be scary. But there are ways you can be prepared for rising prices. I've got Brandon Barber with me as we look at understanding inflation and how investing is key to fighting rising costs. Plus, we're watching a video our team sent us where a financial advisor reacts to inflation in his own life! 6 Keys to F...

It's a question we hear a lot: am I saving enough for retirement? There's no one-size-fits-all answer to that! But Alec's joining me in this episode as we take a look at three things that can help you determine the answer: your goals, the resources you have/need, and how to get a realistic estimate if you're on track.

There can be a lot of financial considerations when starting a new job. Brian Helms is joining me as we take a look at some ways to slow down and make practical decisions that can have a BIG impact on your future!

Everyone loves an underdog story. But you don't want to BE the underdog. Alec Daril is joining me in this episode as we look at how to prepare, stick to the playbook, and run the play that will give you the highest chance of success on your road to financial independence.

In the last episode (159), Chad and I discussed getting started with credit. It's best if you can save and pay cash, but if you need to finance, you'll want good credit! Chad's back as we look at tips to build and maintain good credit. 6 Keys to Financial Independence  

Debt isn't ideal, but it's often necessary. And your rates depend on your credit score. Chad's with me in this episode as we look at how to get started in establishing and building credit responsibly. We're starting with the basics and in the next episode, we'll go into more detail! 6 Keys to Financial Independence  

Friends and clients sometimes ask about an investment idea and I'll ask, "Is it a speculative investment?" Most don't know what that means! Brandon's on board in this episode as we clarify what speculative investment means, and when they might be okay for you. 6 Keys to Financial Independence  

Have you ever heard an "old wives' tale" or urban legend and thought to yourself: I can't believe people actually think that's true! In the financial planning world, we've got some myths that Brian and I are going to dispel in this episode. And you won't have to worry about running into bigfoot on the path to true financial independence! 6 Keys to Financial Independence  

Vacations are meant to help you reset and recharge, taking a break from the day-to-day. So what about a financial vacation? Chad's joining me in this episode as we look at ways to take a step back in order to bring your financial independence into focus. 6 Keys to Financial Independence  

I don't know about you, but I'm super pale and if I'm not prepared, the sun will burn me to a crisp. And if you get burned bad enough, you're certainly hesitant to repeat the process. We frequently hear stories from people who have been burned financially. Fortunately, Brandon brought the sunscreen and beach umbrella this week as we learned that while we can't avoid risk in the market, there are w...

It's been a "hot minute" since I graduated college and entered the workforce, so that's why I've got Alec with me today! We're looking at ways you can set yourself up for financial independence even though you're just getting started. 6 Keys to Financial Independence