The Money School

Is renting really throwing money away? That is just one of the hot real estate topics Nicole gets into today with Paul Mark Morris— real estate expert and host of the podcast ⁠Radical Wealth Plan⁠. Nicole and Paul talk about whether now is a good time to buy, Paul's three rules of real estate and whether 1031 exchanges are as cool as they seem on TikTok. Plus, Paul also gives a masterclass in the...

Today, Nicole cracks the code to the million-dollar question. Literally. How much do you need to invest—and when—to retire with $1 million in the bank?

What happens if you contribute more to a Roth IRA than you’re allowed??? Asking for a friend. Today, Nicole spares a listener from fees galore.

Some retirement options (like 401ks) can only be funded with contributions from income. So where does that leave full-time parents and homemakers? Luckily, there is a solution. Nicole breaks down the retirement option every spouse not earning income needs to know, and even how to include it in a prenup.

That's right: Lorilyn Wilson is our new favorite CPA who makes taxes *actually* kinda fun. Nicole holds nothing back and asks all the burning tax questions people are normally too scared to ask: How can I get the most back on my tax refund? Are there any new tax credits this year I can benefit from? If I'm a business owner, can I deduct my clothes? If I mess up my tax return... will I go to jail?...

In 2023. 66% of Americans say that they plan on making a financial New Year's Resolution. But way too often, our resolutions set us up to fail. Here are five New Year's Resolutions that actually work.

Money Rehabber Mary reached out to Nicole with some questions on how her son, Sean, should use his savings to buy a car. Then, Ida hit, Sean was evacuated, and had to use his entire emergency fund. Nicole invited Mary and Sean on the show to talk about what to do next.

'Tis the holiday season and it’s… expensive. There are gifts to buy, family to see, and parties to attend. If you’re lucky, it’s an embarrassment of riches… that can also leave you totally broke. Today, Nicole gives you some fresh tips for saving money during the holidays.

Happy Open Enrollment, Money Schoolers! When you pick your health insurance plan, you're likely going to encounter FSAs or HSAs. Today, Nicole explains the difference between the two— and how to get the most out of both of them.

In today's Change Maker episode, Nicole sits down with Elaine Welteroth— award-winning journalist, a TV host, the former editor in chief of Teen Vogue, the author of the New York Times bestseller "More Than Enough," and overall wonderful gem of a human. This conversation is jam-packed with stories we can all learn from: how Elaine's stoop wedding helped her and her hubs snag their dream house, how...

For decades, the private equity world has been a velvet-roped party — only open to billionaires, pensions, and endowments. But that might be changing. This month, a new executive order made it easier for private equity (and other high-growth, high-risk assets) to land in your 401(k). On the surface, it looks like access. But Nicole breaks down what’s really going on behind the scenes… and why priv...

Nicole covers exactly how much should go toward your essential spending, what the heck you have to put toward retirement, and how much you get to spend on the fun stuff: vacations and bottomless-mimosa brunches.

Does talking about money stress you out? You’re not alone. Today’s Money Rehabber feels like his financial health would benefit from open communication about money with his friends and family… but [s/he] just can’t start the conversation. Today, Nicole helps him practice those conversations so that the real deal is easier.

Stocks get all the attention, but bonds? They deserve some love too. If the latest market swings have you feeling a little queasy, bonds can help balance your portfolio and create a steady stream of passive income. In today’s episode, Nicole sits down with a Money Rehabber who wants to start investing in bonds but isn’t sure where to begin. Nicole breaks down bond basics, key terms, and how to bui...

You may have seen the news last week that the consumer confidence index fell by 7 points this month, marking the largest drop since August 2021. Translation? People are getting nervous about a recession. But here’s the thing—you don’t have to panic just because the economy is. Even if you’re skeptical about the marco-economy, you can create confidence in your own micro-economy by taking the reins...

 How to Use Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) Like a Pro More than half of Americans feel behind on retirement savings, but the good news is, it’s never too late to level up your strategy. Today, Nicole walks you through Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs): what they are, how they work, and how they can help you build real wealth for retirement. She unpacks the key differences between Tradit...

Today’s episode is one of the most powerful we’ve ever done on Money Rehab. Nicole sits down with a listener named Erin, who reached out after being diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. Her message was simple, yet profound: “I need to get my finances in order to make sure my loved ones are taken care of.” What follows is a raw, courageous conversation about life, money, and legacy. Erin shares he...

PE is obsessed with this one sector right now: boring businesses. We're talking plumbing, pest control, cleaning companies— you know the ones. But this isn't just a move for PE investors; you can do it too. Nicole explains.

If your money is just sitting around in a savings account, chances are it could be working harder for you somewhere else. This is the exact situation facing the Money Rehabber Nicole talks to today. When they go a level deeper, Nicole discovers how anxiety around investing is also at play. If you’re feeling skittish around investing or just feel like your money could be doing more, this is for you...

With margin borrowing, you can give your investments a boost— but if you're not careful, you could also lose more than you gain. Nicole explains the concept, and whether it's a money move you should make.

Today, Nicole unpacks private equity (PE) by sharing how it works, who the big players are, and gives you the scoop on the deals that went really right and really wrong.

You could be invested in crypto, and not even know it. Nicole explains how this could happen, and what to do if you're secretly invested in this volatile asset.

Picture this: you have a job at a company with 401(k) benefits and then... you quit (or the job quits you). The good news is that money is still yours. But the retirement fairy won't just come and leave your 401(k) under your pillow. Nicole outlines the steps you need to take after leaving a job to make sure that your 401(k) is still working for you.

An estimated 160 million Americans are planning to travel for the holidays. If you're one of them, here are five ways you can save on one of the busiest— and most expensive— travel times of the year. 

Money can’t buy you love… but it sure can cost you a relationship, because financial conflict is a huge source of tension for many couples. Today, Nicole is joined by entrepreneur and author Jason Tartick about how to not let money ruin a relationship. Plus, Jason talks about his experience being scammed, which companies he’s bullish and bearish on, and what Elon Musk is like at a party. Find Jaso...