Finerate

Don't let your emotions and 'mental shortcuts' sabotage your financial future. This is the essential deep-dive into the  Invisible Costs of Cognitive Biases and the behavioral finance secrets that cost millennials thousands in lost savings and poor investing decisions. If you know the basics of personal finance but still struggle with execution, this episode is for you. We move beyond "Behavioral...

Artificial intelligence is evolving at lightning speed, but how do you separate innovation from the hype? And what does any of this mean for your daily life, your privacy, and your investment decisions? In this episode, we break down the biggest AI breakthroughs since our last update and explore how everyday people can use chatbots without feeling overwhelmed. We cover simple AI use cases, the str...

What if the biggest barrier to financial success isn't your income, but your mindset? In this episode, we sit down with John Longhill, a certified NeuroChange Solutions consultant who teaches Dr. Joe Dispenza's  Change Your Mind – Create New Results  program. John helps people understand the neuroscience behind their thoughts, how past experiences and subconscious patterns shape their financial be...

The U.S. national debt has surged to record highs, crossing $38 trillion and counting. What does that really mean for the U.S. economy and our financial future? In this episode, we revisit the topic of America's debt since our discussions in 2020 and 2023 and explore how we got here, what potential solutions exist, and most importantly, what you can do about it. You'll come away with a clear under...

Alternative investments (also known as "alts") are gaining traction with investors who want to go beyond the traditional 60/40 portfolio. But what exactly are they? And are they a good fit for your financial goals? In this episode, we break down everything you need to know about alternative investments. We'll explain what qualifies as an alt, how they differ from stocks and bonds, and why they've...

In this episode, we sit down with Jenny Groberg, founder and CEO of BookSmarts Accounting, to talk about what it really means to feel confident with your finances. Jenny brings both strategic know-how and real-life perspective as a CEO, financial educator, and mom of five. We discuss how personal and business finances differ (and why it matters), how AI is transforming bookkeeping and accounting,...

Are you still helping your adult children financially while also trying to plan for your own retirement? You're not alone. A recent AARP survey found that 75% of parents with adult children provide some financial support, often averaging more than $7,000 a year. In this episode, we explore how today's financial landscape is shifting parenthood later into life and what that means for your long-term...

Is America on the decline, and what does that mean for your financial future? In this thought-provoking episode, we unpack key ideas from billionaire investor Ray Dalio's Principles for Dealing with   The Changing World Order: Why Nations Succeed and Fail   and explore how rising global powers, growing debt, and historical cycles could reshape the economy in the years ahead. We break down the indi...

What's the  One Big Beautiful Bill Act  and why is it making U.S. headlines? In this episode, we break down this new major tax law and explore how it affects financial planning for individuals, families, business owners, and retirees. From changes to deductions and the SALT cap, to new opportunities for saving and investing, we'll discuss what's in the bill, why it matters, and the steps you might...

Can money actually buy happiness? In this episode, we explore the surprising science behind happier spending, based on insights from the book  Happy Money  by Elizabeth Dunn and Michael Norton. We dive into five key principles—like buying experiences instead of things, making indulgences rare, and investing in others—to help you make financial decisions that actually enhance your well-being. If yo...

In today's digital age, financial misinformation is everywhere, especially on social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. In this episode, we're diving into the growing problem of financial misinformation online and how it can seriously impact your financial future.  Join us as we discuss what financial misinformation is, how common it is for people to seek financial advice online,...

What if your biggest financial obstacle isn't your income or expenses, but your mindset? In this re-released episode, we're revisiting one of our most popular conversations. Originally recorded in 2020 as a follow-up to our discussion on having an abundance mentality, this episode explores how your thoughts, beliefs, and emotions around money can directly shape your financial future. Bill and Anas...

Ever thought about leaving your 9-to-5 and building a business of your own? In this episode, we sit down with co-host and seasoned entrepreneur Bill Taber to explore what it really takes to succeed as a small business owner. With over 25 years of experience running a successful Registered Investment Advisory (RIA) firm, Bill shares hard-earned lessons on shifting from employee to entrepreneur, the...

Confused about Roth accounts? You're not alone. In this episode, we're breaking down one of the most important—and misunderstood—topics in retirement planning in the U.S.  We'll walk through the key differences between Roth and Traditional accounts, income limits for Roth contributions, and how Roth 401(k)s compare to Roth IRAs. You'll also learn when it makes sense to contribute to a Roth, how th...

Welcome to our annual AI update! A lot has changed in just a year, and in 2025, artificial intelligence is advancing faster than ever—impacting how we work, live, and interact with the world around us. In this two-part series, we break down the biggest developments in AI, how it's becoming embedded in our everyday lives, and what you can do to stay ahead of the curve. In Part One, we focused on ho...

Welcome to our annual AI update! A lot has changed in just a year, and in 2025, artificial intelligence is advancing faster than ever—impacting how we work, live, and interact with the world around us. In this two-part series, we break down the biggest developments in AI, how it's becoming embedded in our everyday lives, and what you can do to stay ahead of the curve. In Part One, we focus on how...

In this episode, we talk about how to take control after a job loss and make smart decisions for your financial future and career. We discuss what to do in the immediate aftermath, including addressing the emotional impact of job loss and what key financial steps to take. You'll also hear practical advice on how to start planning your next move, especially if your industry is evolving or no longer...

In this insightful episode, we tackle one of life's most consequential decisions: "Should I Have Kids?" with the help of our special guest, Ann Davidman—a seasoned marriage and family therapist from the San Francisco Bay Area. Together, we delve into the process of choosing or not choosing parenthood, and the role of financial readiness. Whether you're on the fence about starting a family or simpl...

Welcome to a very special episode of our podcast! We're taking a break from our usual deep dives into personal finance to explore a fun, unconventional perspective—through the eyes of Anastasia's toddler daughter (and Bill's granddaughter). We'll skip over the advanced classes in baby finances and jump straight to Baby Finances 401, where we ask the hard and existential questions about money. For...

Welcome back to our March series on well-being, inspired by Yale's renowned  Science of Well-Being  course by Professor Laurie Santos. In our last episode, we debunked common myths about happiness and explored how our brains sometimes lead us astray in our pursuit of joy. In Part Two, we're making it practical by delving into research-backed strategies that can boost your happiness and well-being....

Welcome to our March series on well-being, inspired by Yale's renowned  Science of Well-Being  course by Professor Laurie Santos. In this first episode, we dive into the core misconceptions about happiness and explore how our minds can sometimes trick us into chasing the wrong goals—like believing that a promotion or more money will automatically bring joy. We break down the science behind what tr...

Welcome back to the podcast! In this re-released episode, we revisit one of our most popular discussions—"Regulating Emotions During Jumpy Markets"—with fresh context for 2025. With the U.S. stock market at all-time highs and investment returns in 2023 and 2024 rivaling those of the dot-com boom, our conversation on market volatility has never been more relevant. In this episode, Bill shared his p...

Thinking about getting married? Before saying "I do," it's crucial to have honest conversations about communication, finances, and long-term goals to build a strong foundation for your marriage. In this episode, Rev. Dr. Scott Paczkowski, senior pastor at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Des Moines, IA, joins us to share his insights from years of pre-marital counseling experience. We'll discuss...

Tariffs—what are they, and why do they matter to you? In this episode, we break down the basics of tariffs, explaining why governments use them and how they impact everything from the price of everyday goods to job opportunities. If you're wondering whether certain products will get more expensive or how global trade policies affect your financial future, we've got you covered. We'll also dive int...

Start your financial year off right! In this episode, we review how our budgets went in the last year, what we learned, and what we want to focus on in the next year. We'll also explore why focusing on small tweaks—not massive overhauls—is the key to long-term success, and reveal ten simple adjustments you can make to improve your budget and save more money. From tracking hidden expenses to optimi...