InvestED: Financial news, simplified.

The final 90 days of 2026 are here—and there’s still plenty of time to make meaningful progress with your money. In this episode, we cover 7 practical financial moves to make before year-end , including reviewing retirement contributions, strengthening your emergency fund, paying down debt, checking tax withholding, preparing for holiday spending, and making a plan for any extra year-end income. Y...

Open enrollment is coming—and simply choosing the same benefits you had last year could be an expensive mistake. In this episode, we break down 7 money questions to answer before you pick next year’s benefits . We’ll look at health insurance premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket costs, HSAs, employer contributions, prescription coverage, optional benefits, and how changes in your life can affect...

There are still several paychecks left before the end of 2026—and that means there’s still time to make them work harder for you. In this episode, we’re giving your paycheck a quick September checkup. We’ll cover six practical money moves, including reviewing your tax withholding, increasing retirement contributions, automating savings, understanding paycheck deductions, paying down debt, and deci...

Is your money working as hard as it could be? In this episode, we’re doing a September savings checkup. We’ll look at why the interest rate on your savings matters, how much difference a better rate can make, and why your checking account, emergency fund, short-term savings, and long-term money shouldn’t necessarily all be treated the same way. A few minutes reviewing where your money is sitting c...

The Labor Day Money Reset: 7 Moves to Make Before Fall Gets Expensive covers simple, practical steps you can take now to prepare for holiday spending, strengthen your savings, reduce debt, review your budget, and head into the final months of 2026 with a better financial plan. Small changes today can make a big difference by the end of the year. OnlyMoney.org — Practical Money Advice That Works #O...

Discover five practical ways to reduce unnecessary spending, prepare for upcoming expenses, strengthen your savings, and finish the year in better financial shape. #Budgeting #Saving Money #Financial Planning #Emergency Fund #Household Budget #Money Tips

What happens when you borrow money to invest? In this episode/article from OnlyMoney.org , we break down how margin investing works, how leveraged ETFs and dividend strategies can amplify returns, and the serious risks investors need to understand before borrowing against their portfolio. Learn the difference between using leverage strategically and taking on dangerous levels of debt — including t...

Estate planning isn't just for the wealthy—it's for anyone who cares what happens after they're gone. Discover the five essential documents every adult needs, learn how beneficiary designations override your will, and understand the probate process that can tie up your estate for years. Plus, find out when you need to update your plan to reflect life changes.#EstatePlanning #WillsAndTr...

What if you could retire in your 30s or 40s instead of working until 65? The FIRE movement shows how extreme saving and smart investing create freedom decades early. Learn how to calculate your FIRE number, discover saving strategies that put 50-70% of income toward investments, and explore variations from Lean FIRE to Fat FIRE to find your perfect path to early retirement.#FIRE #FinancialIndepend...

Real estate has created more millionaires than any other investment vehicle. Discover how to analyze your first rental property using the 1% rule, understand the financing requirements for investment properties, and learn what it really takes to be a landlord. Whether you want hands-on rentals or passive REIT investing, this guide shows you every option.#RealEstateInvesting #RentalProperty #Passiv...

Insurance is your shield against financial catastrophe. Learn which policies are non-negotiable versus optional, discover why term life insurance beats whole life for most people, and understand the disability coverage that protects your most valuable asset—your ability to earn income. Plus, find out how umbrella insurance provides million-dollar protection for just $200 annually.#Insurance #Finan...

With college costs exceeding $100,000 for public schools and $300,000 for private universities, waiting isn't an option. Explore 529 plans with their triple tax advantages, compare alternative savings vehicles like Roth IRAs and custodial accounts, and calculate exactly how much you should save monthly to fund your child's education without sacrificing your own retirement.#CollegeSavings #...

Taxes can silently erode 30-40% of your investment returns over time. Learn the art of asset location—which investments belong in which account types—and discover tax-loss harvesting strategies that reduce your tax bill while maintaining market exposure. This episode reveals how smart investors keep more money working for them instead of sending it to the IRS.#TaxStrategy #Investing #TaxEfficient...

Your credit score impacts everything from mortgage rates to job applications. Discover the five factors that determine your score, learn quick wins that can boost your rating in weeks, and understand what behaviors damage your credit for years. Plus, get insider tips on monitoring your credit and protecting yourself from identity theft that could tank your score overnight.#CreditScore #CreditRepai...

Your side hustle earnings are a wealth-building superpower—if you use them strategically. Learn how to leverage tax advantages available to self-employed individuals, discover the 80/20 rule for side income allocation, and explore ways to scale your hustle without burning out. Transform your extra income from fun money into a fast track to financial freedom.#SideHustle #PassiveIncome #ExtraIncome...

HSAs offer triple tax benefits that even beat Roth IRAs, yet most people completely overlook them. Discover how these powerful accounts work, who qualifies, and the smart strategy of paying medical expenses out-of-pocket while letting your HSA grow into a six-figure healthcare retirement fund. Learn why HSAs might be the best-kept secret in retirement planning.#HSA #HealthSavingsAccount #TaxAdvant...

Forget the magic number of 65—your ideal retirement age depends on YOUR financial reality. Explore the critical factors that determine retirement readiness, from Social Security timing strategies to the Four Percent Rule. Learn how to calculate your real retirement number, plan for healthcare costs before Medicare kicks in, and test your retirement budget before taking the leap.#RetirementPlanning...

Tired of complicated budgets that feel like a part-time job? The 50/30/20 rule simplifies everything into three easy categories: needs, wants, and savings. Learn exactly how to divide your income, discover why traditional budgets fail, and get practical tips for adjusting this flexible framework to fit your unique situation—whether you're in an expensive city or working to eliminate debt.#Budg...

Drowning in debt? This episode breaks down the two most effective debt elimination strategies: the mathematical efficiency of the Debt Avalanche and the psychological power of the Debt Snowball. Discover which method matches your personality, learn how to find extra money to accelerate payoff, and get actionable tips to prevent falling back into debt once you're finally free.#DebtFree #DebtPay...

Stop leaving free money on the table! This guide reveals how to squeeze every dollar out of your 401(k), from claiming your full employer match to choosing between Traditional and Roth contributions. Learn the investment strategies that maximize growth, avoid costly mistakes that drain your retirement savings, and discover why never cashing out is critical to your financial future.#401k #Retiremen...

HSAs offer triple tax benefits that even beat Roth IRAs, yet most people completely overlook them. Discover how these powerful accounts work, who qualifies, and the smart strategy of paying medical expenses out-of-pocket while letting your HSA grow into a six-figure healthcare retirement fund. Learn why HSAs might be the best-kept secret in retirement planning.#HSA #HealthSavingsAccount #TaxAdvant...

Learn how to create a financial safety net that protects you from life's unexpected expenses. Discover how much you really need to save, where to keep your emergency fund for easy access, and the automation tricks that make saving effortless. Plus, find out when it's actually appropriate to tap into your fund versus when to find other solutions.#EmergencyFund #PersonalFinance #FinancialSaf...

67% of Americans avoid estate planning until it's too late—don't be one of them. This episode dives into the Money Guy's Ultimate Estate Planning Guide: why it's essential at every age (even in your 20s!), the must-have documents (will, financial/medical powers of attorney, healthcare directives, trusts when needed), how life insurance bypasses probate and saves taxes, common pitfa...

Tired of chasing bigger paychecks? Real financial stability comes from smart habits, not just more income. Discover practical strategies to build wealth quietly: create a spending plan that works, automate your savings, cut impulse buys and delivery fees, shop insurance smarter, cook at home, tap community resources, and grow your money in high-yield accounts. This episode shows how small, intenti...

Justin and Kelly break down the financial habits that quietly hold people back—from travel rewards that encourage overspending to “easy” payment plans that keep you stuck in debt. Learn how buying a home without a credit score is possible, the right order for retirement investing, and why protecting your income matters just as much as growing it. Financial news made simple #InvestED #FinancialFree...