rich & REGULAR with Kiersten and Julien Saunders

This week marks a significant milestone: our 200th episode of the rich & REGULAR podcast! In this episode, we’re taking a moment to reflect, not just on what we've built, but on the path we took to get here.  Here’s what we cover as we peel back the curtain on the podcasting process: Our most memorable/favorite episodes  It's more than just talking; it's an investment. From the...

This week we’re talking about "late bloomers" — the "over 40, mid-life-ish, but don't-say-that-to-us" gang who are just now getting their financial life together. This was a requested episode so we're skipping the generic "just do it" advice and getting into the nitty-gritty of what it actually takes to build wealth when you're not starting in your 20s....

This week’s episode is all about shopping bans and the no-spend trend. This month our social media feeds have been flooded with one thing: people swearing off shopping. Like, really swearing it off.  We see everything from no-spend months, to shopping bans, and even boycotts. And we get it. After the consumerist frenzy of the holidays, that pull towards simplicity or a “less is more” approach almo...

This week, we’re dissecting the art of the modern scam. We've all experienced the subtle unease of a pitch that just doesn’t feel right, but in an era where the line between marketing and deceit is dangerously thin, it’s important to stay aware so you don’t get hoodwinked and bamboozled.  We Discuss: Why we need to stop confusing charm with legitimacy How corporations are now using MLM tactic...

This week, we're joined by entrepreneur, speaker, and author, Anthony O'Neal. You may know him from his incredibly popular YouTube channel or, maybe, from his previous book, "Debt-Free Degree." But Anthony's back with a new book called "Take Your Seat at the Table," which is all about taking control of your life, money, and future. If you’re unfamiliar with his w...

This week, we’re breaking down the top stories and trends that will shape how we all earn, spend, and invest our money in 2025. And we’re not just looking at the year ahead, we're confronting the messy reality of now. If you're feeling like the financial ground is shifting beneath your feet and like the old rules don't apply anymore, then this episode is for you. If you're tire...

Is your "purpose" making you anxious? Do you feel like everyone online is "living their best life" except for you? Then you've come to the right place.  It's January and you're probably knee-deep in resolutions that may or may not last past the first week. But forget the trendy diets and the overly ambitious gym routines. This year, we're going deeper and ta...

This week we’re diving headfirst into the one word that can save your budget and your sanity: No Julien kicks things off with some personal stories about recent awkward moments when "friends" ask for money, which sets the stage for a much-needed conversation. For some of us, saying "no" can feel just plain wrong, especially during the season of giving. This isn't your typi...

The latest inflation report shows that grocery prices are back up, making something as basic as eating feel like a financial tightrope walk. So this week, we're rethinking how we define "good" food and making a case that the best meals can be both cheap and delicious by sharing 3 of our favorite cheap meals.  Hopefully you walk away from this episode feeling slightly less guilty abo...

We’re still revisiting fundamentals and this week we’re asking: Is your emergency fund actually an emergency fund, or just a well-intentioned savings account collecting dust (and maybe a tiny bit of interest)?  In this episode, we unpack the truth about financial emergencies and reveal the flawed logic behind the old ‘3-months of expenses’ rule. Let’s be honest, climate change, unexpected job loss...

We took a mini-break (and you KNOW we needed it) but we're back, and today we're tackling the sacred cow of financial planning: BUY AND HOLD.  Let's face it, investing isn't a spectator sport and the pandemic proved that even the most "set-it-and-forget-it" advice can get messy. Plus research shows investors are holding stocks for less time than ever before. So this w...

This week, we’re unpacking the surprisingly trendy world of underconsumption. Is it a Gen Z TikTok trend? A millennial coping mechanism? A wise old soul's secret weapon? The answer is YES to all of the above. In this episode, we cover: How to avoid overspending this holiday season on food and gifts. We even share our hard-won lessons on dealing with impulsive buying, managing the expectations...

This week, we’re unpacking the raw emotions and anxieties that followed the recent election. We explore the stark reality of a country deeply divided, not just politically, but also in terms of our visions for the future.  This election wasn't just about who won. It was about a country that, frankly, feels more like it's been severed in half than unified.  It’s a deep, messy reality and...

It’s 2024, and inflation is the number one concern for voters. Today we’re unpacking both candidates' distinct approaches to addressing it.  We discuss Kamala Harris's and Donald Trump's plans for tackling the rising cost of living, taking a closer look at their proposals and the underlying political and economic philosophies that drive them. Prepare yourself for an interesting and...

In this special solo episode, Julien and Dr. Preston Cherry discuss the intersection of financial planning and personal well-being. Dr. Cherry brings a unique perspective and combines the rigor of financial expertise with the nuanced understanding of a therapist. He's here to tackle those awkward conversations with your partner about finances, the "financial harmony" that's mor...

This week, we're returning to our "Quick Dip" format, where we explore three timely topics, giving you the need-to-know without the fluff. First up, is cord-cutting still worth it? Julien shares his long history of cord-cutting, which began long before he met Kiersten, and she shares her own journey to embracing a cable-less lifestyle. We discuss the pros and cons of traditional cab...

This episode is for anyone who's ever said, "I wish I could just save more money" because we're spilling the tea on how it’s done (and more specifically, how to automate it)   PAY YOURSELF FIRST. Yes, it sounds simple, but it's the kind of simple that's surprisingly difficult to pull off when you're battling bills, student loans, and a dozen ads featuring the lat...

This week, we're unpacking the murky waters of pay cuts and those awkward conversations where your boss wants you to do the same work for less. It's an increasingly common brutal reality, but you don't have to just roll over and take it. We explore the different types of pay cuts: those forced upon you (like when you're forced back into the office) and those you choose (like a...

This week we're diving into the world of NIL, or Name, Image, and Likeness, and how this new, HUGE opportunity will impact youth sports.  Think you're not impacted by NIL? Think again! This episode is for athletes, parents, coaches, and anyone who wants to understand how NIL is changing the game. And if you've got a kid with any sort of athletic talent, this is definitely a conversa...

We’re all familiar with the pressure to make extra cash, but what if your side hustle wasn't just extra work, but an opportunity to tap into your existing skills? This week we’re discussing long-term side hustles with one of Kiersten’s best friends, Lauren.  Lauren's side hustle (teaching fitness classes) evolved into a passion project that fuels her spirit and keeps her bank account hea...

Do you ever wonder why you buy things you don't need? This episode explores the fascinating (and sometimes alarming) ways culture shapes our budgets. We’re talking to Dr. Marcus Collins, who is a scholar of the hidden messages of consumption, a marketing professor at University of Michigan's Ross School of Business, and the author of For The Culture .  He takes us on a journey into the h...

This week, Jackie Cummings Koski, author of " F.I.R.E. For Dummies ," sits down with us to share her personal experience and offer some wisdom for anyone, no matter how late they are in the game, to begin building their financial future.  This episode isn't your typical FIRE fantasy. As a Black, divorced, single mom who retired with $1.3 million at age 49, Jackie's got the rece...

Are you dreaming of owning your own business? Maybe you picture yourself running a bustling coffee shop or a sleek fitness studio in the perfect area of your town. Franchising often seems like the shortcut to that dream – a pre-packaged path to success, where the brand and the system are already in place. But, as with most things in life, the reality is a little less glamorous than the Instagram-f...

You've heard of the Snowball and Avalanche methods, but which one is right for you? In this episode, we discuss the nuances of these popular debt payoff strategies, exploring the psychology behind each and how they might affect your financial journey. We're not here to shame you about debt. Let’s be real, in this economy, it's practically a badge of honor to have survived the last f...

Is it better to focus on building wealth (net worth) or making sure you have enough money coming in to cover your bills (cash flow)? This question represents a classic financial tug-of-war, and the answer, as you might have guessed, is both.  So this week, we’re tackling both sides of the argument and reminding you why you don’t have to choose. Cash-producing assets like rental properties, dividen...