Financial Freedom Podcast

As we approach the summer months, many people start thinking about shopping for a home. The weather is warmer, and it gives potential buyers an opportunity to see the whole home, both inside and out. But is it a good idea to buy a home in this real estate market? Would it be better to rent instead? That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to discuss the ins and outs of the process, along...

Where you live can have a significant effect on your financial freedom, whether it's during your working life or in retirement. It can influence cost of living, opportunities in your careeer, or resale value when you are ready to downsize. That's why in this episode of the podcast I talk to Ryan Frederick about how he sees where you live and how location, location, location means so much more to y...

The current economy has people stressed out with inflation and talk of an impending recession. As a result, the process of saving for retirement, already seen by many as a slog and a struggle, can seem even mre difficult and anxiety-inducing. That's why in this episode of the podcast I talk with Dawn Dahlby, who is not only a Certified Financial Planner, but also a behavioral financial advisor. Fr...

Saving and investing for retirement has always been challenging, but in the turbulent economic times we've been living in lately, it can be even tougher. Inflation and talks of a recession have made many people fearful of the future and whether they will be able to make their investment goals this year. That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to discuss some tips by the experts on what...

According to Divorce.com, the U.S. has the highest divorce rate in the world at 40-50%, although the Census Bureau report suggests that the rate dropped from 2009 to 2019. 60% of second marriages and 73% of third marriages end in divorce. Divorce is also expensive, both financially and emotionally. But beyond the lawyers fees, there are many hidden costs that can wreak havoc with your personal fin...

There's a lot in the news these days on personal finance, including a possible new repayment plan for student loans, dealing with marital "financial incompatibility," and new laws pertaining to retirement savings. With all of this going on, it can be hard to keep track and get all of the key facts. Thant's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to talk about these various news items, many of...

With tax season having officially started on January 23, the IRS is expecting taxpayers to file more than 168 million returns, most of them before the April 18 deadline. But depending on how involved your finances are, this can be a rather stressful time. That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to talk about the preparation process for your 2022 tax return in an effort to relieve at lea...

Positioning yourself for financial freedom early on in life is the best way to do it, and creates a greater chance of success. However, this can be done at any age through discipline and planning. Certified Financial Planner Eric Brotman has written several books on the process and helped countless people to achieve their goals. That's why on this episode of the podcast I wanted to talk to Eric ab...

2022 was a rough year with inflation and recession rearing their ugly heads and causing us concern for our financial freedom (at least in the short term). But gas prices have dropped significantly, and recession has not been officially declared, so there's reason for hope in the new year. That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to talk about what the financial and economic experts are s...

In Episode 128 I talked about the divorce of Bill & Melinda Gates, the fact that they didn't have a pre-nuptual agreement, and when these agreements might be a good idea. Although they are of particular importance in community property states, here in New Jersey and other equitable distribution states, it still might be a good idea. But what if you got married without a prenup? What happens then?...

The Christmas of 2021 presented its own challenges. Shipping delays and supply chain bottlenecks made it difficult for stores to keep items on their shelves, which led to less than stellar deals and long delivery times. I talked about all of this in Episode 141. But this Christmas is different and requires a different strategy. You, as the consumer, are more in the driver's seat when it comes to g...

Becoming permanently disabled can be devastating to your personal finances and seriously challenge your financial freedom and independence. In Episode 28 I covered how to deal with this if it's a result of a job-related injury. But what if it's for some other reason, like an auto accident or a debilitating disease? That's why in this episode of the podcast I bring back attorney Sam Gaylord to talk...

Financial freedom and independence can be achieved by diligently implementing proven strategies and tactics that will get you there. But if you don't have the right beliefs about money, it will be difficult, if not impossible to be successful. I discussed money mindsets in Episodes 34 through 36, but thought it was time to discuss it again. That's why in this episode of the podcast I talk with per...

With issues like inflation, recession, and student loans being hot issues this Fall, there are lots of items in the news discussing them. People are concerned with the rising cost of living, salaries at their jobs that might not be tracking with it, and student loan debt that they are struggling to pay, if they can afford to pay them at all. That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to do...

With the pandemic essentially over with no more lockdowns of large gatherings, more and more people are setting dates and planning weddings. In Episode 96, I talked about getting your finances ready for marriage. But what about getting Ready for the Big Event itself? Weddings cost, on average, $20,000 at least, even before you pay for the guests at the reception ($70 per guest, average, so 100 gue...

Now is an exciting and hopeful time for student loan borrowers. President Biden has announced a forgiveness program that will help many people struggling with payments. But there's more at work here than that. There are programs already in place that could also allow you to pay off your remaining balances sooner or get out of default (and repair your credit) while getting an affordable monthly pay...

In the last episode, and in Episode 149, I talked about the credit myths that may be holding you beck from building good credit and FICO scores that reflect it. Good credit scores are key to financial freedom and a bright financial future. But what can you expect when you get there? What does good credit look like and what are the advantages? Knowing the answers to these questions and what you are...

Achieving and maintaining a good credit score is essential to maintaining your financial freedom. It allows you to get credit more easily and at more favorable rates. But many people are thwarted from doing this by all the myths and misconceptions that are out there about credit scores. I talked about this in Episode 149, but in my research I found a dozen more that are out there spreading "fake n...

The news media has been talking a lot lately about inflation and the growing possibility of a recession. This has people worried about their short term financial plans, in dealing with inflation, and what a recession could do to their long term financial plans. That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to talk about not only inflation (which I've addressed in previous episodes), but reces...

With inflation driving up prices and straining our budgets, we're all looking for ways to save money. That includes increasing our take home pay by reducing the bite taken out of our paychecks by the government. That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to talk about ways in which you can increase your tax deductions and decrease your taxable income. Also, because people are often afraid...

Although unemployment is low these days, there are many that are warning that we are headed into a recession, and that not only will the hot job market cool, but that layoffs may be headed our way. In addition, many companies that have made offers have since withdrawn them, often with people who accepted those offers having given notice at their previous job. That's why in this episode of the podc...

At its Worldwide Developers Conference earlier this month, Apple announced that it would be offering a Buy Now, Pay Later program as a part of its financial services to customers. This alternative form of payment for goods and services has had a resurgence during the pandemic, and Apple's announcement has put it in the news. But what is Buy Now, Pay Later, and should you be making use of it as par...

Back in Episode 80 I talked about Health Savings Accounts in conjunction with some high deductible health insurance plans through the Affordable Care Act. An HSA is a great idea if you have one of these plans. However, since I have been talking about retirement planning and saving lately, I wanted to revisit this great savings option, as these accounts can serve two purposes: protect you from medi...

In the past two episodes, I have talked about financial education for our children and instilling them with a basic working knowledge and literacy when it comes to money. I also discussed in Episode 136 about how you should start saving for retirement in your 20s and how it can be done. But what if you started earlier than that? What if our kids started saving for retirement even before they gradu...