Emotional Balance Sheet with Paul Fenner

Dr. Teryn Clarke – Preventing Alzheimer's: The Power of Cognitive Exercise What if you could prevent cognitive decline such as dementia or Alzheimer's?   Would you do it, even if it meant you had to make significant life changes? Dr. Teryn Clarke, our resident neurologist expert, discusses the significance of cognitive exercise for maintaining brain health and preventing cognitive decline, particu...

  Summary Where do you want to take your family on vacation?   What vacation would work best for you and your family? These are the questions I explored with Jill Benedict, our resident vacation planning expert.   Jill and I explore the various vacation options, including cruises and all-inclusive resorts, and provide insights on choosing the best vacation type based on family needs and preference...

Imagine trying to find your way in the dark without a light.   Even if you have a plan, do you have a light to help show you the way? Our purpose and values are the light that helps to guide us along our lives and weaves itself into our financial plans.   Our resident therapist expert, Dr. Jennifer Dragonette, helps us explore how deeply our emotions and core values influence financial decisions,...

Have you ever set a goal and wondered why is this really important to me?  Or did you set an objective and lose your motivation while trying to achieve it?   I welcome back to the show Professor Ayelet Fishbach, Eric J. Gleacher Distinguished Service Professor of Behavioral Science and Marketing at the University of Chicago .  Ayelet is a m otivation s cientist and author of Get it Done: Surprisin...

By the time this episode is released, I sure hope we have an answer to who won the 2024 presidential election. I wanted to take a few minutes to explain my strategy of how I have handled this current election cycle, highlighting what I have done and, more importantly what I have not done. While tuning out the noise of the election is hard, patience and long-term strategies must win out vs. over-re...

Dr. Teryn Clarke – Building Healthy Habits: Overcoming Fear and Anxiety Through Tiny Changes Do you ever wonder why fear takes over when trying to gain traction when it comes to your physical or financial health? Dr. Teryn Clake, our resident neurologist expert, is back to discuss why negative feedback loops are stronger than positive ones, making change difficult. Making changes is challenging du...

Every day, we are surrounded by our emotions.   But how can we use our emotions as information rather than be bullied by them? Our resident therapist expert, Dr. Jennifer Dragonette, joins us once again to discuss the concept of emotions as information and explore how our feelings significantly impact our financial decisions, careers, and overall life choices. Dr. Jen shares practical techniques t...

If you haven't heard, a presidential election is happening this year.   This often leads to a topic of conversation or a series of questions about what will happen to the stock market, depending on who wins. In this episode, I dive into why politics should stay out of your portfolio.   Why time invested in the market is better than trying to time the market.   And there is data that squarely prove...

Dr. Teryn Clarke is back with us to delve into a topic affecting our health in surprising ways: seed oils.   Have you ever wondered about the hidden impacts of common cooking oils on your brain and overall well-being?   Dr. Clarke explains what seed oils are, where they come from, and how they contribute to inflammation—a key factor in diseases like Alzheimer's. In this episode, you'll gain clarit...

I am often asked how families master planning for vacation from a financial and experience standpoint.  Jill Benedict, a seasoned travel agent who runs a unique travel agency, emphasizes that vacations aren't just about booking trips—they are about creating memorable experiences that align with personal and financial goals. Jill shares her insights on navigating family cruises, optimizing vacation...

You have more power and control than you realize, has become a powerful theme emerging from my recent planning sessions with families.  In this episode, we'll explore how taking control of your emotional and financial well-being can profoundly impact your life.   Drawing insights from my own experiences and the wisdom of expert guests like neurologist Dr. Taryn Clark and psychologist Dr. Jennifer...

How do you have money conversations with your spouse or partner?   And just as important, what are you trying to achieve by having them? Today, we're diving deep into the intricate dance of relationships, communication, and money with our resident therapist, Dr. Jennifer Dragonette.   We explore the importance of understanding each other's upbringing and values, particularly hot-button topics like...

Dr. Teryn Clarke – Unlocking Brain Health: The Power of Time-Restricted Eating I am excited to have Dr. Teryn Clarke join us once again.   Dr. Clarke also sheds light on the power of mindful and balanced eating over restrictive diets, sharing her insights from her research and personal experiences.   We'll discuss practical tips for implementing time-restricted eating, including Dr. Clarke's meal...

Can you find trust and comedy within the highly personal and emotional arena of financial planning? Tom McCarthy has built a successful 24-year career in the mortgage industry based on trust, doing what is in the best interests of his clients, and with a little comedy.   Tom shares his unique perspective on the current housing market, including the impact of fluctuating interest rates, while provi...

How do you find harmony between your personal and professional lives?   Do emotions such as fear hold you back from finding your unique purpose? Dr. Benjamin Ritter rejoins us as we discuss his new book, "Becoming Fearless, 65 Strategies to Journey from Self-Doubt to Self-Mastery." Ben and I dive deep into the importance of focusing not just on our financial well-being but also on our emotional we...

Are you frustrated with your current job but aren't taking the first step you know you need to make to implement a positive change? Carrie Schochet, executive recruiter and founder of Purple Squirrel Advisors, rejoins us as we navigate career challenges and changes.   We dive deep into the importance of networking and making meaningful connections, even in unexpected places.   A concept we explore...

Ep.153 – Two Pieces of Data Tells the World About You What if I told you that only two pieces of data would tell me everything I needed to know about you?   Could you guess what they would be? These two data points show where your money goes and how you prioritize your time.   I'll explore how understanding these elements can help align your spending and scheduling with your core values and life g...

Whether you're a parent looking for guidance on supporting your child through the college planning process or a high school student trying to figure out your own path, this episode is packed with relatable insights and practical advice from a student's perspective. 19-year-old Megan Brissette shares her journey from developing her college list to transitioning socially and academically into her fr...

When does a cost stop being an expense and start being an investment? The answer to this question is part of a broader search for helping people identify and develop their purpose and supporting objectives, not solely from a financial perspective but more from a personal and lifestyle perspective. Ultimately, the transition from expense to investment often involves a shift in mindset.   It require...

When you think of the word productivity, what is your first thought? Today, we're diving into a fascinating discussion on productivity, but not in the way you might expect. Recently, I had a conversation with one of my clients about what it means to raise productive children and the challenges parents face in this endeavor. Whether you have one child or several, the struggle to balance keeping the...

We are taking a break to spend time with friends and family this week as we celebrate the 4 th  of July holiday. Be sure to check out our 150 th  episode from last week, where I highlight some of my favorite conversations over the past four years of hosting the show.   You can access that show  here  to find an episode I am sure you will love. Connect with Paul Contact Paul  here  or schedule a ti...

Welcome to the 150th episode of the Emotional Balance Sheet podcast !  I can hardly believe it's been nearly four years since we launched our journey in October 2020 .  Through the ups and downs , your support has kept us going, and today, I want to celebrate this milestone by highlighting some of the most meaningful conversations we've had.   In this special episode, we revisit insightful discuss...

Inspired by a quote from psychologist Amos Tversky, I wanted to dive into the detrimental effects of over-scheduling and the importance of allowing ourselves time to wander and be creative. Cognitive scientist Scott Barry Kaufman's research finds that 72% of our best ideas often come to us in the shower.   Why is that?   And what other places could we generate that level of creativity and space to...

As we dive into the summer vacation season, a frequently asked question arises: should I buy a vacation home or rental property? I share personal insights and experiences from when my family purchased a vacation home in Traverse City, Michigan, diving into the various considerations and decisions involved in such a significant financial commitment. Here are some key takeaways to consider Understan...