Marriage Kids and Money: Personal Finance for Families

If you feel like a rockstar at work but a failure at home, you’re not alone—and there is a better way forward. In this “Best of MKM” episode from 2020, I talk with entrepreneur and author Mark Timm about the powerful concept of work-life integration. After years of chasing “balance” and falling short, Mark had a breakthrough moment: instead of separating work and family, what if he integrated the...

Disagreements around money in marriage can trigger anxiety, conflict, and even long-term damage if left unspoken. So how can couples move from financial tension to emotional connection? In this “Best of MKM” episode from 2019, psychiatrist Dr. Laura Dabney shares her insights on why money arguments go deeper than dollars—and how to address the feelings behind the finances. Dr. Dabney explains why...

Do you ever feel like your phone gets more of your attention than your family? You’re not alone. In this Best of MKM episode, we explore how to reclaim our focus, strengthen our relationships, and find balance in a world full of digital distractions. Author and speaker Mark Ostach joins me to talk about digital wellness—what it means, why it matters, and how small shifts can make a huge difference...

In this episode, Andy Hill sits down with LendingTree’s Matt Schulz to break down the real price tag of parenting in 2024 (spoiler: nearly $300K!). They cover rising childcare costs, smart savings strategies, and how your budget can survive the baby years. Then, financial planner Madison Sharick shares how she and her husband hit Coast FIRE in their 30s — while raising two young kids! 💡 Whether y...

What does it take to quit your job and earn a full-time income on YouTube? 💻 Denis Trufin went from working in retail to building a YouTube business that now generates over $10,000/month — most of it passively. In this episode, Denis shares how he grew multiple YouTube channels, why evergreen content is his secret weapon, and what solopreneurship really looks like behind the scenes. ✅ You’ll Lea...

With so much market noise and doom-filled headlines, you might be wondering — is now actually a good time to invest? In today’s episode, we break down six compelling reasons why today could be the best day to start your investing journey. 📈 Also in this episode: A Net Worth Win from Vinny in New Zealand, who grew his family’s net worth to over $1 million NZD by age 55 "Good Word" segment with my...

Andy Hill sits down with Jessica Moorhouse—accredited financial counselor, award-winning content creator, and author of Everything But Money—to explore the impact of money trauma and how our financial behaviors are often shaped by past experiences. Jessica shares how both big T and little T traumas influence our financial decisions, the role of generational trauma in our money mindset, and how unh...

In this episode, we sit down with Grant Sabatier, the author of Inner Entrepreneur, to explore how entrepreneurship can be a powerful path to financial independence, time freedom, and personal joy. Grant shares his incredible journey from feeling stuck in corporate life to building multiple businesses, reaching financial independence by 30, and crafting a life centered around what he loves—includi...

What do the world’s greatest investors know that the rest of us don’t? In this episode, we sit down with William Green, author of Richer, Wiser, Happier, to uncover the timeless principles he's learned from interviewing legends like Charlie Munger, Howard Marks, and Bill Miller. Rather than chasing hot tips or quick wins, William reveals how traits like emotional control, simplicity, and avoiding...

In this two-part episode, we’re diving into strategies for building wealth as a modern parent. First, Kelly Palmer—a financial planner and founder of The Wealthy Parent—joins the show to break down how to choose a 529 plan. She shares the pros and cons of different education savings options, the impact of the new SECURE Act updates, and why she’s a proud 529 mom herself. If you’ve been feeling ove...

In this inspiring Solopreneur Life segment, Andy Hill sits down with Colin Graves—a former bank manager turned full-time freelance writer and editor. Colin shares how a toxic workplace pushed him to reevaluate his career and ultimately build a thriving solo business making over $150,000 per year. Listeners will learn how Colin transitioned from a 9-to-5 job into solopreneurship, the steps he took...

Coast FIRE is when you've saved enough for retirement that you no longer need to contribute—just cover your current expenses and coast. But how does it really compare to traditional retirement? We'll break down the pros and cons of both so you can decide which path fits your family's lifestyle and financial goals best. Next, we’re back with our Coast FIRE Family segment. This month, we’re featurin...

Andy Hill welcomes back JL Collins—often dubbed the “Godfather of FI”—to discuss the updated and expanded edition of his bestselling book, The Simple Path to Wealth. Together, they demystify investing, discuss the power of index funds, and share how building FU Money can unlock freedom and solopreneur dreams. JL shares lessons from 50 years of market data and why “set it and forget it” is still th...

Andy Hill sits down with bestselling author and digital entrepreneur Pat Flynn to discuss how "lean learning" can help overwhelmed parents and solopreneurs cut through the noise, focus on what really matters, and take meaningful action. Pat shares how absorbing less information — but more intentionally — can lead to quicker progress, stronger results, and more time for what truly matters: family,...

Samme from Chicago recently became debt free. She and her husband now have extra money. Should they pay off their mortgage, save or invest? Andy shares his thoughts. Andy also interviews Brittany Flammer, a financial coach, YouTuber, and mom of five, who has grown her family’s net worth to over $850,000 by age 39—despite a modest household income. 👩‍👧‍👦 Brittany shares: How she and her husband...

In this episode of the Marriage Kids and Money Podcast, Andy Hill is joined by Robert Farrington and Jordan Biesinger to explore two powerful financial topics: tackling student loan debt and achieving Coast FIRE. First, Robert Farrington, founder of The College Investor, shares urgent updates on the resumption of student loan default collections, what borrowers need to know right now, and smart st...

We all know time is a finite resource. Why do we keep overallocating our time? It all feels like too much of what we're supposed to do and not enough of what we want to do. In this Bread & Wine episode, Andy and Nicole discuss how their time has been swallowed up recently, how they are fighting back, and how you can own your time, too.  MKM RESOURCES **Sponsors + Partners + Deals: ⁠https://www.mar...

Feeling uneasy about your finances in today’s economy? Learn how to turn fear into your greatest investing motivator with Sam Dogen, founder of Financial Samurai. In this powerful episode, Sam shares how fear helped him build wealth, leave a high-stress Wall Street job, and create true financial independence. Whether you're just getting started or trying to level up your savings rate, this convers...

Coast FIRE is when you've front-loaded enough investments to simply coast to retirement without any further contributions. But with this stock market downturn as of late, is the idea of Coast FIRE dead? We'll share how our portfolio is holding up and discuss what to do to keep our Coast FIRE dreams alive. Second, we’re back with our Net Worth Win segment. This month, we’re featuring Michelle Onaka...

Paid parental leave can have lifelong benefits for families — but why is the U.S. so far behind? Isabelle Hau, author of Love to Learn and Executive Director at Stanford's Accelerator for Learning, joins the show to break down how paid leave improves the lives of parents, children, and workplaces. Also, Stacey Blackshear from Virginia shares how she and her husband achieved Coast Fire with $500k b...

A recession may be headed our way. How can we prepare? I'm walking through our family's 5 step financial plan to prepare for a recession. Second, we’re back with our Mortgage Free Family segment! This month we’re featuring Sandra Park from Texas. She’s going to share how she paid off her mortgage in his 40s and how it allowed her more cash flow and the ability to help her son pay for college. Last...

Andy Hill sits down with Dr. Daniel Crosby—renowned psychologist, behavioral finance expert, and author of Soul of Wealth—to explore the true meaning of wealth beyond money. Dr. Crosby breaks down why financial success alone won’t bring happiness and how our beliefs, relationships, and personal growth play a crucial role in our well-being. He shares fascinating insights on why some of the wealthie...

Can you really retire comfortably with a 5% withdrawal rate? Financial researcher and author Bill Bengen—the creator of the legendary 4% rule—joins us to share why his latest research shows that 5% is the new 4%. In this interview, Bill explains how his thinking has evolved, what today’s retirees should know, and how you can plan smarter for a fulfilling, financially free retirement. RESOURCES: Sp...

In this episode, we sit down with Simone Stolzoff, author of The Good Enough Job, to explore how modern work culture has taken over our identities—and how we can break free. This Best of MKM episode revisits one of our most powerful conversations about redefining success, setting boundaries, and reclaiming our time. If you're looking to escape the hustle mentality and build a more balanced life, t...

In this Best of MKM episode, Andy Hill shares inspiring conversations with Kathryn Hanna and Chris Luger, two individuals who found financial freedom after divorce. Kathryn achieved Coast FIRE in her late 30s, while Chris became a mortgage-free millionaire. They discuss navigating finances post-divorce, aligning money with personal values, and building a brighter financial future. Whether you're r...