Real Life Planning Podcast

In Episode 91 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Vekevia Tillman-Jones, CFP®, MBA, discusses the first-home-to-rental strategy, a practical approach that allows you to buy a primary residence today while keeping the option open to turn it into a rental later. This strategy is designed for people who want to build wealth without feeling stuck or overcommitted. From financing advantages to long-term...

In Episode 92 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Cynthia Meyer, CFA®, CFP®, ChFC®,  is joined by Dr. Kim Bridges, CFP®, CDFA®, CPWA®,  RMA®,  founder of Bright Women Financial, for a powerful conversation about financial clarity, career decisions, and long-term consequences that often go unexamined. From stepping out of the workforce to the hidden risks women face later in life, Kim shares both he...

In Episode 90 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Cynthia Meyer, CFP®, CFA®, ChFC® shares a practical framework for having important conversations with aging parents before an emergency forces them. Drawing from personal experience and years of financial planning work with families, she walks through twelve essential questions that can help adult children understand their parents’ wishes, financial...

In this episode, Vekevia Tillman-Jones breaks down the real guidelines behind owner-occupied loans so you can build wealth without accidentally crossing a line. From the one-year occupancy rule to the differences between FHA and conventional loans, she explains what lenders actually mean when they say you must “live in the property.” If you want to house hack the smart way and avoid costly mistake...

In Episode 88 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Cynthia Meyer, CFA®, CFP®, ChFC®,  sits down with author, speaker, and coach Erin Bradley, to discuss what it really takes to grow a real estate sales or mortgage business in a challenging real estate market. Erin shares how she went from financial rock bottom to scaling a thriving mortgage business and coaching community. This conversation is about...

In Episode 86 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Cynthia Meyer, CFP®, CFA®, ChFC®  speaks about one of the biggest early parenting financial decisions: front-loading a 529 plan or using that same lump sum as a down payment on a rental property. Drawing from her own experience as both a rental property owner and a parent who funded 529 plans at birth, Cynthia walks through the math, tax rules, FAFS...

In Episode 87 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Vekevia Tillman-Jones, CFP®, MBA, tackles a question many house hackers ask quietly: Does it even make sense to pay for management if I’m on-site? With no judgment and no fluff, Vekevia explores when it’s smart, when it’s unnecessary, and how boundaries, energy, and lifestyle all factor into the decision. "  A property manager is not just for a...

In Episode 85 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Vekevia Tillman-Jones, CFP®, MBA, gets real about a costly mistake too many future homeowners and house hackers make—leaving their down payment in a basic savings account earning next to nothing. She breaks down exactly how to earn more on your money without investing it, using smart, safe options like high-yield savings accounts. "  Good habit...

In Episode 84 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Cynthia Meyer, CFA®, CFP®, ChFC®, talks with Kathleen Boyd, CFP®, Certified Student Loan Professional (CSLP), and founder of Student Loan Savvy , who breaks down the new legislation that’s overhauling graduate and parent PLUS loans, income-driven repayment plans, and forgiveness programs. They talk through what students, parents, and advisors need t...

In Episode 83 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Vekevia Tillman-Jones, CFP®, MBA, discusses the real math lenders use to qualify homebuyers — and what that means for your income, debt, and loan type. With relatable examples, honest talk, and no fluff, Vekevia walks through realistic income thresholds, mortgage scenarios, and tips to make homeownership more achievable—even with today’s prices. &qu...

In Episode 80 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Cynthia Meyer, CFP®, CFA®, ChFC®  reviews the creative strategy of "subject to" financing, where an investor takes over payments on a seller’s existing mortgage without assuming the loan. Cynthia breaks down how it works, who it's for (hint: definitely not beginners), and the legal and financial risks every real estate investor must u...

In Episode 82 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Cynthia Meyer, CFP®, CFA®, ChFC®  shares eight key behaviors she’s observed across her clients who are financially successful couples. From avoiding lifestyle creep to tracking net worth and building multiple income streams, these practical habits are a roadmap for partners who want to become work-optional—together. "  The earlier in your relat...

In Episode 81 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Vekevia Tillman-Jones, CFP®, MBA,talks about how house hacking helped her become a homeowner, landlord, and wealth builder straight out of college — even with student loans. She shares five smart and practical ways to house hack, what makes a property ideal, and how to use this strategy to build equity while keeping life affordable. "House hack...

In Episode 79 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Vekevia Tillman-Jones, CFP®, MBA, breaks down the live-in-then-rent strategy — a powerful method for first-time buyers to build equity, reduce housing costs, and launch a real estate portfolio without a massive down payment. Whether you're curious about house hacking or long-term rentals, this episode offers a clear and actionable blueprint to...

In Episode 78 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Cynthia Meyer, CFA®, CFP®, ChFC®,  sits down with Melanie Curtis — world-record pro skydiver, keynote speaker, and peak performance coach — to talk about the mindset and emotional resilience it takes to leap into the unknown. Whether you're building a real estate portfolio, launching a business, or simply trying to show up fully in your life, t...

In Episode 77 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Vekevia Tillman-Jones, CFP®, MBA, breaks down how you can become a real estate investor without needing the traditional 20% down payment. She walks through FHA vs. conventional loans, key differences in mortgage insurance, and how your credit score and debt-to-income ratio affect your options. Whether you're considering house hacking or investi...

In Episode 76 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Cynthia Meyer, CFA®, CFP®, ChFC®, talks with attorney and real estate investor Jen Sperling about the ins and outs of turning a former primary residence into a rental property. Jen shares her experience of doing this not once — but twice — and offers hard-earned lessons and practical advice for anyone considering the same. From choosing a rental str...

In Episode 75 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Vekevia Tillman-Jones, CFP®, MBA, shares how your real estate investing strategy directly affects your personal budget. Whether you're evaluating property class, location, or long-term cash flow goals, this episode walks you through how to align your budget with the right rental property strategy—so your investment enhances your financial life...

In Episode 74 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Cynthia Meyer, CFA®, CFP®, ChFC®, talks with Prudence Zhu, CPA, CFP®, RLP®, about the emotional and cultural layers of building financial harmony in a partnership. Prudence shares insights from her personal journey as a first-generation immigrant and from her new book A Couple’s Guide to Money , offering practical ways couples can create shared fina...

In Episode 70 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Vekevia Tillman-Jones, CFP®, MBA, breaks down what to expect when hiring a property manager—specifically, what fees landlords are responsible for. From onboarding to lease renewal to emergency maintenance, this episode offers a thorough, practical guide to owner-paid property management fees. This week on Real Life Planning Podcast: 💡 What are the...

In Episode 71 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Cynthia Meyer, CFA®, CFP®, ChFC®, welcomes back  job exit strategist Tania P. Brown for a powerful conversation on what it really takes to leave a corporate job and transition into self-employment. From the emotional challenges to income shifts and lifestyle redesign, Tania shares the three “I’s” she uses to guide women toward work that fits their l...

In Episode 72 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Cynthia Meyer, CFA®, CFP®, ChFC®, and Vekevia Tillman-Jones, CFP®, MBA, discuss one of the biggest questions for real estate investors: Is rental real estate really a good return on your time? With their signature banter and deep experience, they unpack how real estate can create time freedom—and what it really takes to get there. " … the task...

In Episode 73 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Cynthia Meyer, CFA®, CFP®, ChFC®, sits down with Meredith Royall, owner of Lime Painting of Westchester, to explore affordable and stylish ways to update your property. Whether you're preparing to freshen up a rental, sell your home, or just want a new look, Meredith shares insider tips on cost-effective updates, current design trends, and how...

In Episode 58 of the Real Life Planning Podcast , Vekevia Tillman-Jones, CFP®, MBA, tackles one of the most important—but often overlooked—questions in personal finance: Where is my money really going? Drawing from her work with high-earning professionals and aspiring real estate investors, Vekevia breaks down how lifestyle inflation, subscriptions, and unclear cash flow can hold you back from rea...

In Episode 59 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Cynthia Meyer, CFA®, CFP®, ChFC®, shares 10 essential questions every real estate investor should ask their financial advisor. Whether you’re a new investor or a seasoned pro, these questions will help you assess whether your advisor truly understands how real estate fits into your financial plan—and how they can support your investing goals. This w...