Capital Adulting

Oftentimes, the financial conversation centers around the individuals who aren't responsible with their resources, but that overlooks another group: Those who are "over-savers", or folks who are worried about not having enough. They tend to be ultra-conservative financially and often shortchange the enjoyment they could have in life by being overly future focused. If that's you, today's episode is...

A recent WSJ survey indicated that Gen Z considers themselves the most hopeless generation in recorded American history. A significant portion of respondents answered no when asked if they thought their lives would be better than their parents. In a slightly different style episode, I delve further into the current mental state of young Americans, the reasons to feel hopeless, but more importantly...

There's a lot of doom and gloom on the news today: Despite strong economic signs, layoffs are happening, inflation is stabilizing higher, and folks feel generally discouraged. While life is extremely unpredictable, there are clear steps to start taking today to protect yourself from any downside risk. In today's episode, I dive into some general ideas/tips on ensuring you're well-positioned to wea...

Ever been overwhelmed with your financial situation? Unsure of where to start on a plan? In today's episode, we zero in on a framework for better understanding yourself and how to parlay that knowledge into devising the right financial strategy for you.

Ever made a bad decision in your life? What did that look like? If you look closer, was it really a bad decision, or just a bad outcome? In today's episode, I dig into the difference between good and bad process, how that impacts the outcome, and how we should psychologically approach our decision making and analysis.

From an economic perspective, President Biden's loan forgiveness policy is a complete failure. Yes, student debt has ballooned, but without solving the core issues that led to the crisis in the first place, this plan is simply an expensive band-aid. Instead, we should tackle: Government lending practices Rising costs of education Financial illiteracy of the 17-18 year old kids making six figure de...

There's a reason the path to an average life is well traveled, average is average for a reason after all. Do you want to look back on life with regrets, or be proud of what you were able to do? In today's episode, I lay out my personal perspective for understanding/defining your end goals, establishing a framework to achieve them, and a new mentality around embracing failure.

Inflation and interest rates, two things we're hearing about constantly. What do they mean and why are they important? How are these concepts affecting my everyday life? In today's episode, I give a basic rundown of inflation, the factors that play into it, and the action the Federal Reserve is taking to counter it. Let me know what you think!

I'm back! It's been awhile and a lot has changed in the world. In today's episode, I dive into the events that have upended 2022 and what this means moving forward. I give my insights into what I think may happen economically in the near term and how to best prepare yourself for what's to come. As always, let me know your thoughts!

For non-finance folks, it's hard to know how to start managing your personal finances. Questions like what do I do with my money, should I get a credit card, how do I invest commonly arise. Because of that, I wanted to revisit my starting tips for those looking for answers. Six starting points to ensure a strong financial future: Understand current obligations/expenses and short/long term financia...

The cost of attending college has increased over 1,200% in the last forty years. It's not uncommon to see students take out six figure debt for a bachelor's degree, which begs the question: Is it worth it? In today's episode, I mix practical steps to evaluate this type of decision with broader philosophical commentary to help guide you towards the best choice for you. Everyone's situation is diffe...

Covid brought a lot of market turmoil and a new wave of folks jumped into the investing world for the first time. They've employed a mix of strategies, some investing, some trading, some unsure what approach they're taking. In today's episode, I highlight the differences between investing and trading, the pros and cons of both, and a good starting point for those still on the fence about whether o...

We've been hearing a lot about inflation lately, so how dangerous is it? In today's episode, we'll walk through what inflation is, the risks it poses, and how to protect yourself. Inflation = Increased prices, the value of your money decreases Three signification risks: Time value of money, loss of purchasing power, and risk to key investments How to protect yourself: Control spending and avoid bi...

Finding a new job is tough, but it's even harder to get that elusive offer. Here's some advice on how to set yourself apart and be a no brainer hire for your dream job. Network - You always want a warm intro. Find someone in your network who's willing to discuss the job/company and meet with them. Research - Know the role/company/industry in-depth. Being able to demonstrate your detailed knowledge...

If you're looking for a job or are thinking about proposing a counteroffer, this episode is for you. Negotiating is both an art and a skill, and getting good at it will unlock a myriad of new opportunities for you. -Negotiating isn't a bad thing. It's intended to produce a win-win for all parties involved. -Confidence is key. Always demonstrate your value and what you'll bring to the team, but a l...

If the stock market purely operated on what a company is worth, it would be the easiest game ever. As usual though, the human element throws a massive wrench into the equation. When evaluating your investments, it's mission critical to recognize the role that emotions play and understand how to play those to your advantage. Key Issues That Arise -Everyone becomes fearful, which leads to irrational...

There are a myriad of investment opportunities out there, ranging from individual companies to funds will all kinds of strategies. That makes picking out the appropriate investments difficult. Here are some things to consider: How old are you? What are your financial goals? Do you have a specific strategy (high growth, income, diversification, etc?) Main Types of Funds Mutual Funds - Generally act...

Google "investment calculator," plug in a $1,000 investment at 8% growth for 40 years, and see the magic unfold before you. Getting rich isn't just for a select, lucky few, but for everyone who takes advantages of what's around them. It starts by changing your mindset, determining your end goals, and leveraging your time, opportunities, and access into financial freedom. Don't put limits on yourse...

We can always doing better. No matter where we're at in life, there's room for improvement, proactive steps we can take to ensure a better future for ourselves and those we care about. Which financial category do you fall into? Surviving: Trying to make ends meet, potentially overcome some poor financial choices Driving: Somewhat stabilized financially, looking to get the next leg up Thriving: Ach...

Each day we have a chance to achieve new things, take on new challenges, and learn new things. No matter where you're at in life, there's always an opportunity to seek out things you enjoy, establish a life framework to reach your end goals, and execute on your plans. Don't let the moment slip! $750 Instagram Giveaway!! Follow @capitaladulting on Instagram Comment on the first post and tag a frien...

No matter what stage in life you're in, it's important to have a rough outline of your goals and what you're hoping to accomplish. Now is as good a time as ever to sit down, evaluate your life situation, and lay out your vision for your future! Step 1: Know your thought process: Are you a planner or more laid back? What are the pros/cons of each type? Step 2: Understand the need for a plan: It pro...

Side hustles are a great way to supplement your income or pursue personal interests and passions outside of your day-to-day life. While there are some misconceptions out there about how life changing one can be, a side hustle provides numerous benefits: -Additional income -Diversified work experience -Opportunity to learn new things -Chance to succeed and fail, promoting personal growth in both ca...

Gamestop, AMC, Blackberry and other stocks skyrocketed in value without much change in the businesses themselves. What the heck happened? Host Grant Gardner reviews the events that transpired, breaks down what has been possibly the greatest short squeeze ever, and what's potentially next for the market.

Buying a home is a fantastic way to build your personal wealth over a lifetime. It allows you to put your money toward an appreciating asset (in general) rather than subsidizing someone else's property. Key Takeaways: Rent money is wasted. A mortgage payment adds to your net worth. Know what your housing needs are and your timeline to buy. With this in mind, manage your money so that it's availabl...

There are several different types of investments accounts that you can use to buy and sell stocks, bonds, and other securities. Each have different pros and cons so it's important to choose what makes the most sense for you. Listen to the end for some bonus ideas towards buying a home as well! Here's a brief breakdown: Brokerage: Maximum flexibility on pulling cash out and investment options, but...