Inside Out Money

In a discussion about all things tax-related, we break down federal and state taxes and explain how tax brackets and income taxation work. We talk about the legal ways you can minimize your tax liability and share some of the ways you can reduce your taxable income. We also discuss the pros and cons of DIY tax filing versus hiring a professional. Get the full show notes, show references, and more...

We delve into the dark web, explaining what it is and why it should matter to you. Most importantly, we share what you can do proactively and at no cost to protect your identity and credit. You’ll learn what’s worth your time doing and what to avoid, reducing your risk of falling victim to scams and identity theft.   Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www....

We’ll help you navigate the maze of financial advice by highlighting which tips you should ignore, why, and what you should do instead. We discuss good and bad debt, strategic use of credit cards, renting versus owning, talking about money, investing early and often, financial planners, and much more. In this episode, we clear up common misconceptions and provide practical tips and strategies. Get...

Social media companies spend millions to convince us to buy stuff, much of it things we don’t need. This week, I am joined by a special teenager co-host, my 13-year-old daughter Kate, as we discuss the influence that social media has on our consumption habits. We also offer tactical tips for combatting social media ads and a broader discussion on what motivates kids to save and spend money. Kate j...

In this special annual episode, join all the co-hosts as we reveal our 2024 spending habits in our detailed expense breakdown. From the biggest splurges to unexpected savings, we dive deep into each co-host's spending for the year and share what we’re feeling good about and want to improve upon this year. Liz, Andrew, Erica, and Greg join this week’s podcast as we talk about our: - What we each sp...

We kick off this new year with a discussion on how to improve your financial wellness so you’re thriving versus surviving. We discuss actionable steps to improve your financial wellness and how to leverage James Clear’s Atomic Habits four laws of behavior change to build stronger habits.  Greg joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - January is financial wellness month - The psychological pow...

All of the co-hosts join this end-of-year episode, and we share our peaks and pits, favorite purchases, financial regrets, wins, and our intentions for 2025. Join us for our end-of-the-year podcast party!  Liz, Andrew, Erica, and Greg join this week’s podcast as we talk about our: - Peak and pits of the year - Some of our favorite podcast reviews - Favorite books and podcasts of the year - Favorit...

We debate whether gift cards are the best gift ever or an ongoing burden to the receiver. We also recommend creative and simple ways to make gift card gifting more personal and ensure you keep up with and use any gift cards you have received. Liz joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - Whether or not people like receiving gift cards  - The pros and cons of gifting and receiving gift cards -...

This week, Greg and I answer your money questions about relationships, difficult financial conversations, how we track our money, how we’re trying to raise our kids to spend intentionally, financial independence feeling unattainable at lower salaries and more! In this week’s podcast, we talk about: - Our number one purchase this year - How we approach using high-yield savings accounts and local ba...

We review two listener case studies, share their financial situations and backgrounds, and answer their questions about how to move forward with their finances.  Andrew joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - If you should renew a term life insurance policy in your 70s - The importance of accessing your 401K and other retirement accounts and understating what you’re invested in - Whether or...

Here are all the financial moves you should aim to finish before the end of the year to ensure you finish the year strong and set yourself up for success next year. We cover the basics you’ve already thought of but might not have done yet and some new ideas you may not have thought of.  Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/086-end-of-y...

Psychology plays a significant role in our financial decisions, and we can use it to our advantage to trick ourselves into spending less money and saving more. We share many tips and tricks for spending less and being more intentional.  Liz joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - The role psychology plays in influencing our spending decisions - How retailers are aggressively using psychology...

In case you missed it, Trump won the 2024 election. We’re talking about the impact of Trump in office on your finances and how to prepare yourself.  Greg joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - Trump winning the 2024 election and the impact we expect it to have on your finances - The expected impact of tax rates, tariffs, stocks, deregulation of cryptocurrency, interest rates, tech industry...

Some people are so focused and disciplined on reaching a FI or FIRE goal that they don’t enjoy the present. Others are so focused on living for today that they don’t plan or save for the future. Which is better? We discuss the extremes of both and how to appreciate the need for both and strive for balance.   Erica joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - The pros and cons of living for today...

We review two listener case studies, share their specific financial situation and background, and answer their questions about how to move forward with their finances.  Andrew joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - How to know when you have enough to retire - If investing in all index funds is too risky - How to estimate and plan for unexpected expenses  - How to get started when you’re stu...

This week, I’m answering your questions about 401Ks, Roth vs. regular 401Ks, how and where to save for future needs, where to park your money, early retirement, managing a budget, and more! In this week’s podcast, I talk about: - Maxing out 401K versus investing in the market - Life insurance and whether work benefits are enough - How you access your money for early retirement - Ways to progressiv...

We discuss everything you ever needed and wanted to know about life insurance. We share why life insurance is important even if you think you don’t need it, how much you need, how to shop around for it, the process of applying for it, and much more. We even share some next-level tips for getting the best rates. Liz joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - Why life insurance is important - Why...

We explore the concept of the American Dream and how it has evolved over time. What we initially considered success in life isn’t quite how we would define success today. Many people now choose to live beneath their means, save more, spend less, and sometimes even retire early. We share personal stories, practical tips, and insights to help you define your own American dream.  Greg joins this week...

The holidays have evolved into a time of the year overly focused on consumerism and spending money, but we encourage you all to take back the holidays and focus on what matters the most to you! We encourage you to reconsider how you’re spending the holidays and share tactical ideas to spend less on decor and gifts going into the holiday season.   In this week’s podcast, we talk about: - How to spe...

This week, I’m answering your questions about debt, emergency savings, sudden windfalls, deferred compensation, withdrawal strategies, Andrew going vegan, monarch money, savings on kid's stuff, when to track your net worth estate planning, and more! In this week’s podcast, we talk about: - How to stay motivated while getting out of debt - How to handle an unexpected large sum of money - Influencer...

Investing often seems more complicated than needed, so we’re explaining some key terms to help you better navigate the investing and financial world more confidently. We share which ones we think matter the most and what you should focus on as an investor.  Andrew joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - The difference between a stock and a bond and the historical performance of each - The di...

In the tradeoff between your time and your money, we discuss whether it’s worth it to pay for convenience, from pre-cut food at the grocery store to having your house professionally cleaned to food delivery apps. We explore whether these conveniences are worth the extra expense, and we explore the pros and cons, share personal stories, and offer tips for finding a balance between convenience and c...

Investing feels overwhelming and complicated to many people, but it doesn’t need to be. It can be simple and easy to get started. Join us for a discussion on investing that we hope will help you get started and feel better on your investing journey. Erica joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - Why investing is more simple than many make it out to be - Why investing in low-cost, simple index...

Groceries have been getting more expensive lately, but there are still plenty of simple, low-effort ways to save money on groceries. We share our best money-saving hacks for our family of five. Greg joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - What we typically spend on groceries - Why we do most of our shopping at Aldi, Lidl, and Sam’s Club - How we keep our food costs lower and the specific thi...

Everyone should keep their savings, emergency funds, and extra cash in a high-yield savings account (HYSA) to optimize their money. High-yield savings accounts are paying as high as 5.5% interest and have been for over a year. Make sure you’re taking advantage of this and maximizing your growth potential! Liz joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - What is a high-yield savings account and wh...