Net Net

Lizzy and Lissa break down the hidden costs – financial and otherwise – of souvenirs. In this episode, we’re talking about why we buy them, what they symbolize, and whether they’re actually worth the money or just clutter. Join us as we reflect on nostalgia, impulse purchases, and the surprising psychology behind keepsakes.   Main Topics 00:00 Introduction 01:04 Running The Numbers Segment 02:16 P...

Lizzy and Lissa break down the hidden costs – financial and otherwise – of branding yourself. Personal branding might sound like a career hack, but it comes with its own baggage. We talk about what it really costs to show up online, curate a professional persona, and “market yourself” as a product. Is branding yourself is worth the payoff? Let’s talk about it.   Main Topics 00:00 Introduction 01:2...

Lizzy and Lissa break down the hidden costs – financial and otherwise – of hired help. From housekeepers to virtual assistants to TaskRabbit sidekicks, outsourcing parts of your life can be a game-changer, but or a guilt trip. We unpack when hiring help is an investment in your peace of mind, and when it starts to mess with your values, your budget, or your sense of self. Is convenience worth the...

Lizzy and Lissa break down the hidden costs – financial and otherwise – of domestic partnerships. From legal protections to emotional considerations, they explore how domestic partnerships compare to marriage and why some couples choose this path instead. Joined by attorney Raymond Hekmat, the conversation covers benefits, limitations, and what you might not know could affect your rights. Whether...

Lizzy and Lissa break down the hidden costs – financial and otherwise – of personality tests. From free quizzes to pricy corporate assessments, they unpack why we’re so obsessed with labeling ourselves and whether it’s actually helping. Are these tools guiding self-growth, or just giving us something to blame?    Main Topics 00:00 Introduction to Personality Types 01:18 Running The Numbers Segment...

Lizzy and Lissa break down the hidden costs – financial and otherwise – of buying in bulk. From big savings to big waste, they unpack when it’s worth it, and when it’s just more clutter. They also explore who gets left out of bulk benefits and why convenience isn't always cheap.   Main Topics 00:00 Introduction 01:32 Running The Numbers Segment 02:03 The Privilege and Pitfalls of Bulk Buying 07:32...

Lizzy and Lissa break down the hidden costs – financial and otherwise – of budgeting. They talk about why budgets often fail, how different methods work for different people, and the emotional baggage that comes with managing money. Budgeting can be a source of empowerment or anxiety, depending on how it’s approached. This episode explores how to find a balance that actually works for real life.  ...

Lizzy and Lissa break down the hidden costs – financial and otherwise – of prenups. While some people see prenups as a sign of distrust or associate them with divorce and greed, others view them as a practical necessity before getting married. In this episode, Lizzy and Lissa talk with Raymond Hekmat, a California-based family attorney. Together, they unpack common myths and misconceptions about p...

Lizzy and Lissa break down the hidden costs – financial and otherwise – of minimalism. Is owning less truly freeing, or can it become restrictive and performative? They explore when minimalism adds clarity and when it just adds pressure, especially across different incomes and cultures. Main Topics 00:00 Introduction 01:02 Running The Numbers Segment 02:27 Minimalism in Design 03:42 Minimalism in...

Lizzy and Lissa break down the hidden costs – financial and otherwise – of digital detoxes. They dive into screen-time guilt, generational shifts, and the rise of tech-free wellness trends. While some people unplug for peace of mind, others find disconnection brings a different kind of stress. This episode explores how logging off can help – or sometimes complicate – modern life.   Main Topics 00:...

Lizzy and Lissa break down the hidden costs – financial and otherwise – of "buy now, pay later". They unpack how these offers can seem harmless or even helpful in the moment, but often lead to overspending, budgeting confusion, and a cycle of debt that’s harder to spot than with traditional credit cards. Plus, they explore the emotional toll of feeling behind on payments and why it’s so easy to un...

Lizzy and Lissa break down the hidden costs – financial and otherwise – of postgraduate degrees. From student loan debt to delayed income, mental health strain, and the opportunity cost of time, they explore what you really give up when you go back to school — and how to decide if it’s truly worth it.   Main Topics 00:00 What are Postgraduate Degrees? 01:30 Running The Numbers Segment 03:00 Person...

Lizzy and Lissa break down the hidden costs – financial and otherwise – of first class. Is it worth it or a waste? In this episode, Lizzy and Lissa talk about pricing, privilege, upgrades, and what it says about how you view money.   Main Topics 00:00 First Class Perks 01:17 Running The Numbers Segment 02:38 Personal Experiences with First Class 04:43 The Lounge Experience 22:10 The High Cost of F...

Lizzy and Lissa break down the hidden costs – financial and otherwise – of sabbaticals. While they can be a source of self-discovery, recovery, or a positive lifestyle change, they can also potentially impact your career and finances. This episode covers the ins and outs of what a sabbatical could look like, and whether they’re worth taking. Main Topics 00:00 Introduction to Sabbaticals 01:36 Runn...

Lizzy and Lissa break down the hidden costs – financial and otherwise – of permanent makeup. More and more people are opting for permanent and semi-permanent makeup for their eyebrows, lips, and more. From pricing and upkeep to the risks and rewards, this episode breaks down what you need to know before committing. They discuss whether the convenience outweighs the long-term costs and if it’s trul...

Lizzy and Lissa break down the hidden costs – financial and otherwise – of opposite sex friends. From navigating boundaries and societal expectations to the impact on relationships and personal well-being, they explore what these friendships really cost. Are they truly platonic, or can underlying tensions add complexity? They share their experiences and thoughts on the subject.   Main Topics 00:00...

Lizzy and Lissa break down the hidden costs – financial and otherwise – of being the breadwinner. From emotional labor to financial pressure to relationship dynamics, they explore whether taking the lead on income is empowering, exhausting, or both.   Main Topics 00:00 Introduction 01:26 Running The Numbers Segment 02:52 Mental Health Impacts of Being the Breadwinner 05:54 Power Dynamics In Relati...

Lizzy and Lissa break down the hidden costs – financial and otherwise – of gym memberships. From sneaky fees to the mental cost of unused memberships, they uncover what you’re really paying for. Plus, they share smarter ways to stay active without overspending.   Main Topics 00:00 Introduction  01:08 Running The Numbers Segment 02:42 Personal Experiences with Gym Memberships 06:32 Home Gym vs. Gym...

Lizzy and Lissa break down the hidden costs – financial and otherwise – of overachieving. More people are feeling the pressure to overachieve in their careers, finances, and even personal lives. This episode unpacks the hidden costs of always striving for more—stress, burnout, and never feeling like it’s enough. Lizzy and Lissa explore where this mindset comes from, how it impacts your well-being,...

Lizzy and Lissa break down the hidden costs – financial and otherwise – of tattoos. From hidden fees and touch-ups to the unexpected social and career implications, they break down what you’re really signing up for when you get inked. Whether you're planning your first tattoo or adding to your collection, this episode will help you avoid regrets and make sure your next piece is worth every penny....

Lizzy and Lissa break down the hidden costs – financial and otherwise – of changing your name. From surprise fees and bureaucratic headaches to the unexpected social and professional ripple effects, they uncover what really goes into making the switch. Whether you’re thinking about a name change for marriage, divorce, or just for fun, this episode will help you navigate the process with fewer surp...

Lizzy and Lissa break down the hidden costs – financial and otherwise – of networking. Schmoozing is known as a means to drive connections and potentially lead to business opportunities. While career breakthroughs and financial benefits are a possibility, they also aren’t guaranteed. Lizzy and Lissa go beyond the surface of a “coffee chat” to dig into whether or not networking is worth the effort....

Lizzy and Lissa break down the hidden costs – financial and otherwise – of concerts. From skyrocketing ticket prices to hidden costs like fees and merch, they weigh the value of these unforgettable experiences against their various costs.    Main Topics 00:00 Introduction: The Rising Cost of Concerts 01:18 Running The Numbers Segment 03:04 The Cost of Attending Concerts 06:16 The Emotional and Log...

Lizzy and Lissa break down the hidden costs – financial and otherwise – of Valentine's Day. They unwrap the real cost of Valentine’s Day—financially, emotionally, and socially. Is it worth the hype, or just a commercial trap dressed in pink and red?   Main Topics 00:00 Valentine's Day and Credit Card Debt 01:08 Running The Numbers Segment 04:12 Historical Origins of Valentine's Day 05:49 Personal...

Lizzy and Lissa break down the hidden costs – financial and otherwise – of changing careers. Many people grow tired of their jobs and want something new. Others base their career choices primarily on financial opportunities. Regardless of your motivation to change careers, is taking the leap worth it? Lizzy and Lissa discuss when to pivot, how to weigh the costs (and benefits), and why some career...