This week’s episode is about decision-making and how to know what’s actually worth it when you work for yourself.

We recorded this right after speaking at a conference in Jamaica where we walked through some of our own real-life crossroads as business owners with a group of entrepreneurs. The talk resonated so deeply, the only feedback we got was: “Can you just put this all on one page?”

This is our answer to that.

We’re talking about those high-stakes, low-certainty moments every entrepreneur, side hustler, or freelancer has to face eventually like what to sell, when to say yes, how to price your work, when to hire help, whether to spend or play it safe. And, maybe most importantly, how to move when the pressure’s on and the money feels tight (or even when it’s flowing).

We get into:

• Why emotional decisions are so expensive
• What Annie Duke’s poker strategy has to do with entrepreneurship
• The $500 mistake we made early on that cost us double
• How to protect yourself from thinking too small without blowing your budget
• And the biggest difference between people who survive in business and people who burn out early

Whether you’re self-employed, freelancing, or bootstrapping something new, your decision-making process should match the size of what you’re trying to build. If you’ve ever felt like your goals were too big or your fears were too loud… this one’s for you.

Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life.

Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by Forbes

If you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

It's the last Monday of Financial Literacy Month 2025, and unless you’ve been living under a rock or blissfully disconnected, you’ve probably heard the noise about tariffs lately. U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports are climbing as high as 145%, with threats to go even higher. And while it’s tempting to think that’s a political issue, the truth is tariffs effect your wallet and budget. 

In this episode, we’re breaking down what tariffs actually are, how they distort prices, and why understanding how prices are shaped has never been more important. Because if you don't understand how prices are set, you don’t really understand how money moves, and in a world where price tags lie, shrink, surge, and shapeshift every few months, that's not just an economic problem. That's a literacy problem.

We cover:

• Why it’s so hard to  just "make everything in America", even if you want to
• How companies quietly pass tariff costs onto you and how to spot it
• Real-world tools to build price literacy and become a sharper consumer and investor
• What it means to see yourself as part of the global exchange, and why that gives you more financial power, not less.

Links: 

• Kim Lewis reel on luxury prices (bonus: watch our interview with Kim here) 
• CamelCamelCamel - Amazon Price Tracker
• Google Chrome Price Tracker 

Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life.

Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by Forbes

If you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

This week, we’re breaking down bankruptcy in the way it should’ve been explained all along: without shame, without legal jargon, and without the “womp womp” energy we’ve all been taught to bring to it.

You’ve probably heard of Chapter 7. Maybe even Chapter 13. But unless you’ve filed for bankruptcy, or know someone who has, you’ve likely never learned what it actually means.

We kick things off with the viral rise of the “debt strike” trend on TikTok and Instagram, where people are publicly declaring they’re done paying back debt and explore what it says about our cultural relationship to money, morality, and relief.

Then we get into:

• What Chapter 7, Chapter 13, and Chapter 11 actually are
• Who qualifies and how
• What a “means test” is and how it works
• What happens to your credit score and your sanity
• The real costs (financial, emotional, and social) of filing
• And why bankruptcy might more of a mental health intervention than we give credit for 

Along the way, we myth-bust the stereotypes and unpack why bankruptcy, like divorce, might just be a legal reset that deserves more empathy and way less side-eye.

Links: 

• Episode 174: A spike in bankruptcy (Topic #2) 

Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life.

Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by Forbes

If you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

What if we told you there are cities in the U.S. that will pay you to live there?

In this episode, we're following up on our popular expat conversation with a deep dive into domestic relocation incentives. We’re talking cash grants, down payment assistance, tax breaks, bikes, and even golf memberships offered by places you may have never considered calling home. Think Jackson, Michigan. Pawnee City, Nebraska. Topeka, Kansas. Tulsa, Oklahoma. Yes, they’re real places, and they’re putting real money on the table.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in an expensive city, or fantasized about starting fresh but didn’t know where to start, or if you’re just tired of stretching every dollar, this episode is for you. But before you start packing, let’s talk fine print.

We break down:

• Why the U.S. is basically 50 mini countries in a trench coat (and no, that’s not us being dramatic, it’s federalism)
• How states differ more than you think, from taxes and politics to culture and cost of living
• Why moving two states over might require just as much mindset work as moving abroad
• What the actual catches are in these incentive programs (spoiler alert: it’s not free money, and yes, some of y’all might have to check in like you’re on parole)
• How to research a city’s vibe without getting on a plane, from Facebook groups to Yelp reviews to Google Maps street view 

Links: 

• Episode 205 - Expat Life: how to test the waters and decide if you should dive in
• MakeMyMove.com – Find relocation incentive programs
• Reddit subs: r/relocating, r/digitalnomad
• Zillow, CNET, NY Post listicles (search “cities that will pay you to move 2025”)

Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life.

Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by Forbes

If you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

Most people aren’t neutral about the idea of living in a car, and that’s exactly why we needed to talk about it.

This week, we dig into the stigma, structure, and stories behind van life. It’s not a guide on how to gut a Sprinter or stealth-camp in a Target parking lot, it’s a deeper exploration of what it means to live differently and why that still freaks people out.

From the viral story of Dawn Robinson of En Vogue (yes, *that* Dawn) who shared that she’s been living in her car by choice for the past three years, to our personal stories of barbers, truckers, and friends navigating life on the margins of “traditional” housing, we cover the full terrain of what it means to opt out of the norm. Spoiler alert: it’s complicated.

We cover:

• Why alternative housing is still treated as “failure” unless it’s influencer-approved
• The invisible infrastructure that makes van life even possible and why it’s not always fully “off-the-grid”
• Why HUD, housing policy, and language matter more than you think
• The difference between choosing van life vs. surviving it
• How Black culture relates to nontraditional housing, and why we don’t often see ourselves in the #vanlife aesthetic
• The emotional, financial, and logistical costs of so-called “freedom”

This is one of those “sit with it” episodes. It’s not about romanticizing struggle or glamorizing minimalism, it’s about challenging the way we define dignity, shelter, success, and the American dream.

Because let’s be honest: if someone chooses to live in a van and finds peace, why does it make the rest of us so uncomfortable?

Listen in. Challenge your definitions. And maybe, just maybe, reconsider what home really means.

Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life.

Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by Forbes

If you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

This week, we’re sharing 3 of our best tips on how to live on a single income. It's a topic that might feel distant, perhaps even undesirable, but for many, it's becoming an increasingly relevant concern.

We've lived the single-income life by choice and by circumstance. It's not always pretty, but it can be done. And sometimes, being forced to tighten your belt is the exact kick in the pants you need to get your financial house in order.

Whether you choose to live on one income as some kind of FIRE-adjacent power move, or you’re forced into it by circumstances beyond your control, the real challenge isn’t just the spreadsheet gymnastics. It's the people part.

So this episode gets into the conversations, the compromises, and the potential points of friction that can arise in a partnership when resources become more constrained.

We discuss: 

• Addressing the emotional landscape: Living on one income throws all sorts of messy emotions into the mix. Who gets to spend? Who’s giving up more? Is this forever, or just until something changes? These aren't spreadsheet questions, they’re relationship questions..
• How to make negotiation your new love language: We break down how to negotiate fairly as you create a budget when the stakes feel high and everyone's nerves are shot
• Getting more comfortable saying No: Living on one income means saying "no"... a lot. To your partner, to your kids, to your friends, and maybe most importantly, to yourself. We unpack the guilt that inevitably comes with that, especially when you feel like you're letting people down.
• Strategic decluttering and selling your stuff with intention: The process of selling personal items for cash can be more emotionally involved than it appears. We talk about the surprisingly emotional process of selling your belongings and how to actually make it work, practically and emotionally.

Links: 

• Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away by Julien and Kiersten Saunders 
• The Two-Income Trap by Elizabeth Warren and Amelia Warren Tyagi 
• Episode 155: The FinTech Toolkit 
• Episode 149: Buying used vs. new 
• Episode 130: How to sell your stuff online 

Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life.

Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by Forbes

If you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

Links: 

• Watch the 90-second trailer of Taste the Impact 
• Watch the full-length "Taste the Impact" mini-doc now
• Register for the Shifting Wealth, Shaping Futures info session on March 26th 
• Become a member of Invest for Better (it’s free!)

This week’s episode is about something personal, political, and, up until recently, way too overlooked: food.

We spend a lot of time talking about food, but not nearly enough time talking about how it shows up in our kitchens, grocery carts, or dinner tables. So today, we’re changing that.

We’re introducing our latest creative project, Taste the Impact, which a short film (or op-doc, if you’re feeling fancy) that explores the relationship between investing and the food system. Not just what we choose to buy, but what we’re being sold. Because behind every recall, rising price tag, and empty produce shelf, there’s a money trail worth following.

This is an episode that sits squarely at the intersection of life and money. It’s about challenging the status quo, asking uncomfortable questions, and recognizing that our financial choices have real-world consequences. 

In this episode, we get into:

• Why we made Taste the Impact now and and why storytelling is a financial tool just as much as spreadsheets are
• What visual media can do that numbers alone can’t (and how historical social movements have always known this)
• Why “values-aligned investing” only gets real when you zoom into something specific, like food
• How systemic failures are driving the wave of food recalls
• What’s behind the rising cost of food, and why it's not just inflation

Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life.

Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by Forbes

If you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

This week, we dive headfirst into the very timely topic of expating. Is it just a fantasy fueled by tough times or is there something deeper driving this urge to GTFO? 

In this episode, we're exploring the layers of this question. We break down the different flavors of expating, from slow travel hacks that let you vibe abroad for a few months with zero paperwork (hello, Schengen Zone!) to the allure of Digital Nomad Visas for those of us who can work from anywhere with Wi-Fi and a decent latte. We even get into the semi-permanent options and, for the truly committed, buying your way into citizenship.

Ultimately, this episode isn't about escapism. It's about options, feasibility, and the very real trade-offs you need to consider when contemplating a life lived beyond your current borders. 

We discuss:

• The rise of "Plan B" thinking in the FIRE community and beyond
• Tourist stays and slow travel: Easy ways to get your feet wet abroad
• Digital Nomad Visas (DNVs): Working remotely from paradise (with a minimum income requirement, naturally)
• Extended visas and residency pathways: Semi-permanent solutions for a longer stay
• Naturalization and citizenship: The full commitment, from marriage to ancestry to buying your way in
• The "Split Life" Model: Six months here, six months there (the best of both worlds?)
• The real costs and considerations: Taxes, paperwork, culture shock, currency risks, and that annoying "ideological accent" you didn't even know you had.
• Our rule of thumb for financial feasibility: Is it really worth it?

And if you know someone who's made the leap (or is seriously contemplating it), drop us a comment below! We're always looking for folks to interview for future episodes, especially if they have interesting stories or maybe even went back home after a few years. 

Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life.

Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by Forbes

If you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

Join a Shifting Wealth, Shaping Futures Circle today: https://investforbetter.org/swsf/ 

• Not quite ready for a circle? Sign up for a free membership with Invest for Better: https://investforbetter.org/membership/

Get your ticket to the Northeast FI Camp Women's Weekend: https://khbfinancial.com/northeastficamps/

• For information about future, co-ed events, sign up for their email list: https://eastcoastfi.kit.com/adab4cc93c

For most of history, women weren’t just left out of wealth-building, we weren’t even in the conversation. Fast forward to today: Women are investing more than ever, making up a record percentage of stock market participants, growing businesses, and holding more financial power than at any point in history. That’s the win.

But here’s the fight: We’re still paid less, still have less wealth, and the traditional financial playbook assumes everyone earns, invests, and retires like a man. This means even when we do everything right, we’re often playing catch-up.

So this Women’s History Month, we’re asking: What happens when we go from participating to leading?

We discuss: 

• Why the wealth gap still exists even as women invest more than ever
• How to rewrite the financial playbook so it actually works for us
• Redefining financial confidence and owning it  
• The investing strengths women already have and how to use them to win
• Using community as a secret weapon and connecting with other women like “rich aunties” who’ve been through it and have the wisdom to share. 

Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life.

Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by Forbes

If you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

Are you scratching your head trying to understand Gen Z's approach to…life? You're not alone! This week, we’re exploring the fascinating and sometimes frustrating world of Gen Z finances, why traditional financial advice often misses the mark with this generation, and what actually resonates with them.

Every generation thinks they had it hard. And to be fair, most of them did. But Gen Z? They’re becoming adults in a world that looks nothing like the one we grew up in. Between AI disrupting entire industries, the attention economy turning regular people into millionaires overnight, and inflation making rent feel like a luxury item, it's no wonder their financial expectations (and anxieties) are sky-high.

In this episode, we break down:

• Why traditional financial advice isn’t built for Gen Z’s reality
• The real reason they think they need $600K a year to be successful
• Budgeting vs. Earning: We debate whether traditional budgeting advice is still relevant in today's economy, or if Gen Z's focus on increasing income is the smarter approach.
• How careers, income, and investing have changed forever
• The biggest mistakes Millennials and Boomers make when advising them
• How this approach is different from hustle culture 

And most importantly, we share what actually works: learning how to earn, invest, and live in a world where stability is no longer the default setting.

Whether you’re Gen Z trying to figure it all out, or just someone trying to understand them better, this episode is for you.

Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life.

Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by Forbes

If you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

This week, we’re talking about impact investing, which if we’re being honest, is a phrase we used to think was reserved for people who call their parents by their first names. Turns out, it’s one of the closest things we have to financial resistance (with receipts!).

This episode drops on the last Monday of Black History Month 2025, a month that, for once, felt less performative. Not because there wasn’t Black history being made, there was, just like there is every day of the year…but because the usual corporate spectacle was dialed down. The hashtags were quieter, the campaigns were fewer, and the message was clear. 

But Black history isn’t something we just look back on, it’s something we build. And for more people than ever, that means thinking differently about where our dollars go, not just as consumers but as investors.

Here’s what we get into:

• Why politicians keep telling us to “mobilize” but rarely mention money
• The Target vs. Costco stock story that shows how companies respond when people start moving their money
• The difference between boycotting as a consumer and influencing as a shareholder
• How everyday investors now make up 25% of stock trading and why that matters
• Why ignoring your investments isn’t neutral and what it means to be intentional with your financial power

And because knowledge without action doesn’t change much, we’re also talking about real steps you can take. Kiersten shares her experience with Invest for Better Circles, a program that changed how she thinks about money and impact (and made her rethink her own investments in the process). Plus, if you’re a Black woman looking for a space to learn about this in community, there’s a new cohort designed just for us. Link below.

TAKE ACTION:

📌 Join the waitlist for the Shifting Wealth, Shaping Futures Circles for Black women
📌 Not a Black woman? No problem. Regular Invest for Better Circles are opening soon too 

Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life.

Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by Forbes

If you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

Is the magic really gone, or are we just over it? This week's episode is a Quick Dip, where we're side-eyeing some old-school markers of success. We thought about calling this the "end of an era" edition but it might be too soon...you tell us! 

Think childhood trips to Disney, that diamond ring you're 'supposed' to want, and even that climb up the corporate ladder. We're wondering if these traditions still mean what they used to in a world that's changing so fast. The data suggests something is changing, but this episode is less about having all the answers and more about starting some real convos about what matters to us. 

First, we reference a recent Wall St. Journal article called “Even Disney is worried about the high cost of a Disney Vacation,” and talk about how rising costs are impacting families and challenging the park's cultural dominance. 

Then, we tackle the diamond industry and the growing popularity of lab-grown alternatives that promise the same quality at a fraction of the price. Finally, we dissect the current state of the corporate world, and talk about the current record high CEO turnover rates and what they signal about the evolving relationship between workers and employers. This episode also features leaked audio where JPMorgan's CEO, Jamie Dimon, uses explicit language when speaking to his employees.

Key Takeaways:

• Manufactured Magic is Expensive: "Tradition" often comes with a hefty price tag, and it's time to question if the returns are worth the investment
• Ethical Consumption Matters: From lab-grown diamonds to supporting companies with values that align with our own, we have more power than ever to vote with our dollars
• Authenticity is the New Luxury: The pursuit of genuine experiences and personal meaning is replacing the need to acquire status symbols

Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life.

Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by Forbes

If you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

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 upfront costs of good equipment like decent mics and mixers to the ongoing financial decisions involved with hosting and editing, offering guidance on where to allocate resources
• Monetization strategies: We talk about why monetization isn't as simple as it sounds, and the various ways you can monetize a podcast while outlining our decision-making processes. You'll hear how we dealt with sponsored content and podcast networks, and why we passed on opportunities that compromised our integrity. 
• Even without celebrity guests or elaborate setups, why creating a podcast that resonates and makes a difference is achievable with authenticity, dedication, and a willingness to learn is possible
• We share our experiences inside podcasting communities and discuss some of the invaluable insights from networking. 

The episode is for aspiring podcasters who are just starting out or existing podcasters who are working hard to improve and grow. The important takeaways? Discoverability is HARD. Longevity requires dedication (so does building a community). And always, always remember to press record.

We appreciate all of your support, notes, comments, and ratings and reviews that help us extend our reach. We can't wait to share the journey of the next 200 episodes with you.

Links:

• Episode 172: Not just a diagnosis: A real talk about ADHD, money, and relationships
• Episode 72: Julien's vasectomy
• Episode 7: Financially Supporting a parent (our story) 
• Episode 77: The shocking cost of funerals
• Episode 128: Short term trading vs. long term investing 

Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life.

Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by Forbes

If you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

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. We're discussing the psychological hurdles, the structural roadblocks, and how to create a financial plan that works for you, no matter what age. If you're ready to say "enough" to feeling behind and start building your financial future, this episode is for you.

Here’s what we cover:

• Why people become late starters 
• The importance of accepting your starting point (no, we're not gonna sugar coat it)
• How to let go of the "what ifs" and embrace your new path
• Rewriting the rules when traditional financial advice isn’t always the most helpful
• Adapting strategies for a shorter timeline and setting goals that are both realistic and motivating
• The surprising power of community and why you should become a good neighbor
• Why automation and technology are your friends, not your enemies
• A reminder that your tax dollars can be a source of real benefits 

Take action:

• Help us out and leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform
• Join the discussion and leave a comment on any of our social platforms 

Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life.

Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by Forbes

If you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

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 almost feels…. revolutionary.

We've been covering this topic for years, and this "new" trend is like seeing an old friend get a new haircut and a different outfit. It looks like it’s changed, but it's got the same good bones.  In this episode, we explain why cutting off all spending has become so popular, the hidden psychology behind it, and whether it's a genuine path to financial health or just another form of deprivation disguised as wellness.

Takeaways:

• Shopping bans aren't a one-size-fits-all solution. They can be helpful for some, but can also backfire if not approached thoughtfully.
• "Abstinence-only" approaches can lead to deprivation. It’s important to address the root cause of our spending.
• We have a consumption problem. The story about the clothing donations after the California fires highlights the scale of this problem.
• It’s about being intentional, not restrictive. We share a “glass of water effect” metaphor to help you reframe your relationship with spending
• Listen to the full episode for our 3-step approach to cutting back on spending. We give you the keys to reevaluating your habits this year (shout out to “listen to end” gang! #iykyk)

If you're tempted to swear off all shopping, or even if you're just curious about what's driving this trend, tune in
 
Links: 

• Episode 95: No spend challenges 
• Episode 189: Underconsumption isn’t a trend, it’s a lifestyle
• LA donation centers are overwhelmed by all the clothing donations

Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life.

Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by Forbes

If you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

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 tactics
• Why companies who use hard-sells aren’t actually interested in your problems.
• Why financial fraud is about to hit an all time high and what to do about it.
• Why it's important to know the history of your "expert"
• How fake reviews and stock photography can get you into trouble
• Why anonymous instructors should raise a red flag
• That sometimes the product isn’t the product and it’s a recruiting tactic instead.
• And lastly how not having a password manager is as foolish as a newborn walking in the street (or at least that’s how Julien sees it).

Key Takeaways:

• The “free speech” era will unleash more digital scammers
• Learn to differentiate between a legitimate business and a scam, and where your responsibility lies in the purchase.
• Urgency is a primary tool of manipulation.
• Overly charismatic personalities and flashy presentations are not proof of legitimacy.
• You should be able to see who you’re giving money to, not just the brand's face.
• Real testimonials are verifiable, they’re not based on stock photography and manufactured bots.
• The best defense against manipulation is informed skepticism.
• That sometimes if you can buy a product, you’re being used to recruit.
• You must prioritize password changes and offline time as a preventative measure.

Links: 

• Financial technology toolkit
• The five levels of hype 

Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life.

Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by Forbes

If you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

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 work, he’s not your typical financial guru. He’s a self-made entrepreneur who went from being homeless to building a 7-figure business, and he’s bringing his wisdom back to the communities that are systematically left out of the financial conversation.

This episode is for anyone tired of the same old financial advice and ready to take control of their future. Anthony challenges us to ditch the idea that wisdom comes solely from age and embrace the power of lived experience. He urges us to kill the comfort that's holding us back and encourages us to build our own tables and then invite in the people who truly align with our vision.

What we get into:

• The catch-up: We start this conversation like you would a chat with a good friend. We talk about what life is like now that his YouTube channel is booming, and we even get a little glimpse of his journey to find love 
• Challenging the status quo: We dig into the question, "Why should I listen to him?" and explore what it means to gain wisdom from life experiences over traditional credentials
• Leaving comfort behind: We dissect why so many folks are stuck in comfortable situations when they're clearly meant for more
• Formal vs. practical learning: Now that he’s working on his MBA, Anthony shares his thoughts on the value of a formal education alongside "street smarts" and why that balance is key to success
• His new book, "Take Your Seat at the Table:" You can't have a financial conversation without addressing ownership, power, and the folks who have a seat at YOUR table. We talk about why kicking out the wrong people is just as important as inviting in the right ones.
• How his recent trip to Ghana reframed his perspective on the Black community and the role it plays in building wealth.
• The future of making money: We discuss using platforms like YouTube and podcasts to build a better economic future.

Links: 

• Keep up with Anthony on his website, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok
• Get his new book: Take Your Seat at The Table: Live and Authentic Life of Abundance, Wellness and Freedom (Jan. 14, 2025)

Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life.

Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by Forbes

If you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

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 tired of feeling like you're chasing trends instead of building a future, or if you're ready to take control of how you earn, spend, and invest in a world increasingly influenced by algorithms and AI, then you need to tune in. 

We're not offering a magic bullet, but we are offering a real conversation with practical takeaways, designed for anyone who's ready to stop feeling overwhelmed and start making intentional choices with their money. This episode is for the curious, the proactive, and those who are determined to build financial well-being on their own terms.

We’re tackling:

• The 2024 Words of the Year including the meaning of "brain rot" and how it's affecting us all, mentally and financially
• The stock market's continued dance with AI, and what that really means
• Why getting clear about your risk tolerance is the most important financial decision you can make this year 
• The rise of "buy now, pay later" and its impact on consumerism
• The fact that the "future of work" is here, and how to adapt
• The surge in cryptocurrency, and what that could mean for your investments
• Why 2025 is the perfect time to redefine luxury and spend with greater intention
• The power of your own humanity and why it will become increasingly valuable

Links: 

• Episode 143: The top stories impacting your money in 2024

Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life.

Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by Forbes

If you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

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 talking about a purpose reboot - not the "new you" version fueled by fleeting motivation, but the kind built on self-awareness, intentional choices, and a healthy dose of skepticism about the pressures to optimize our lives. 

This week, we sit down with the brilliant Dr. Jordan Grumet (aka Doc G) to talk about his latest book "The Purpose Code." Jordan, a former hospice doctor and a 90s hip-hop head, is not here for the fluffy, Instagrammable version of purpose. He’s no stranger to the intersection of hard choices and meaning and he’s here to break down what actually makes life feel meaningful.

We dive into:

• The “Big P” purpose trap (think: social media, fame, riches, etc.) and why it might be sabotaging your happiness.
• The secret sauce of "Little P" purpose (think: the things that actually make you feel alive)
• How religion and social media can be both a blessing and a curse in the purpose department
• Why you need to be the hero in your story, not the victim of your past
• How to use your money as a tool for fulfillment, not a checklist of achievements
• The parental purpose myth (this one is controversial, y'all)
• What real legacy looks like…is our legacy up to us to decide? Or is it a story that will be told by the generations that follow?

Links: 

• Buy Jordan’s latest book The Purpose Code 
• Listen to The Earn & Invest podcast or join the Facebook group

Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life.

Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by Forbes

If you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

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 typical "budget better" advice, we're going deep into why saying "no" is so dang hard.

But we don’t stop there. We also discuss: 

• Holiday pressure and how the “season of giving” turns our good hearts into overdrawn bank accounts
• Survivor's guilt and our responsibility to lift as we climb 
• How a lifetime of people-pleasing can leave you feeling resentful
• How to say no to: acquaintances who suddenly need "just a little help", family and friends, and people you've helped before
• Actual useful tactics that work in real life, from setting dedicated budgets to learning the art of the "alternative offer," and how to say no without feeling like a total jerk
• Why "they'll figure it out" is so powerful and how letting people solve their own problems might be the best help you can give

This is a vulnerable episode for anyone who finds themselves saying "yes" just to avoid being rude, or because they think being generous is the only way to be a good person. We've been there, and hopefully, you find this helpful.

Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life.

Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by Forbes

If you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

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 about that impulse takeout order (as long as you learn from it), inspired to rethink what's possible with your budget and your kitchen, and empowered to create satisfying meals that don’t break the bank.

We discuss:

• The joy (and necessity) of finding delicious, affordable food that doesn't taste like you’re pinching pennies (or just eating sadness)
• Practical tips for making flavorful, budget-friendly meals that are both nourishing and satisfying
• A closer look into our favorite meals, complete with pricing breakdowns and the secret ingredients to take them from "meh" to "magnificent"
• The importance of cross-utilization and how it can help you maximize your grocery budget.

Links:

- Food prices rose 28% in 5 years 
- Money on the Table S3:E3 “How much is enough?” feat. crispy skin salmon
- How to save money by trimming a beef tenderloin

Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life.

Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by Forbes

If you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

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 losses, and ridiculously high repair costs have made the classic “cash only” emergency fund advice obsolete. We talk about building a real safety net, one that's flexible, accessible, and addresses everything from the cost of repairs to those unexpected crises that inevitably spring up in life

Building an emergency fund isn’t about striving for perfection; it’s about protecting what matters most. We’ll provide practical tips, address common anxieties, and leave you with a renewed sense of preparedness – all without losing your mind (or your savings).

We discuss:

• The Illusion of the "Checked Box": Why the standard 3-6 month emergency fund is inadequate for the unpredictable realities of 21st-century life 
• The importance of liquidity and accessibility: It's not enough to have the money, you need to be able to access it quickly and easily. We'll dissect the hidden fees and frustrating bureaucratic hurdles that can turn your carefully-saved emergency fund into a useless paperweight
• More than just cash: We discuss the overlooked role of insurance, lines of credit, and community resources in weathering life’s storms. This isn't just about finances; it's about creating a comprehensive plan that addresses all dimensions of an emergency
• The Multi-Layered Approach: Why cash is still surprisingly relevant, even in a cashless society.Real-life examples that illustrate why diversifying your financial institutions is no longer a "luxury" but a necessity
• The Rebuilding Phase: A practical plan for rebuilding your emergency fund in the wake of a crisis. Because let’s face it, emergency situations aren't one-and-done

Links:

• Episode 156: Survive & Advance | The Ultimate Guide to Financial Resilience with Lynnette Khalfani Cox (YouTube Link) 
• Episode 184: How to Automate your savings (and finally get ahead) (YouTube Link) 

Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life.

Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by Forbes

If you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

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 week, we’re asking if the classic "buy and hold" strategy is still the cornerstone of financial wisdom, or has the rise of day trading, sports betting, and cryptocurrencies rendered it obsolete? 

Don't expect simple answers, because investor psychology isn’t that simple, but we promise some surprisingly insightful takeaways

We explore:

• Why “buy and hold” is the American way and what that means in the era of instant notifications and market fluctuations
• How the emotional and psychological realities of modern life challenge even the most well-laid financial plans
• The rise of “bro-conomy” investing, and why the appeal of day trading and sports betting is harder to resist
• How to use robo-advisors to tame your inner FOMO without losing your shirt (or your retirement funds)
• The importance of financial literacy and diversification, beyond the simplistic "buy and hold" mantra
• A peek behind the curtain into our own HSA investment strategy and a warning about the illusion of easy wins

Links:

• The Three Pillars of the Bro-Economy via The Atlantic 
• Episode 171: Why you need a brokerage account 

Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life.

Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by Forbes

If you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

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 of our loved ones, and teaching our son to approach spending with intention (no, we didn't always get it right, but boy, have we learned!)

YOLO vs. YONO: Say goodbye to "You Only Live Once" and hello to "You Only Need One." We explore the global shift towards intentional purchasing, and how it's impacting everything from fashion to finances. (And yes, we do discuss the implications of the impending tariffs on that Zara haul you've been eyeing…)

The Price vs. The Cost: That cute little $25 item from TikTok Shop? It might cost you more in stress, maintenance, and anxiety than you think. We discuss the psychological (and very real!) costs of buying the "nice" stuff.

Hedonic Adaptation: The science of why buying more doesn't always lead to more happiness. We are not our things and learning this will actually save you money and the planet.

Key takeaways (because your time is valuable):

• Underconsumption is a lifestyle, not a trend
• Re-evaluate your values. Do the math
• Soup is not just for sick people (or soup kitchens)
• Embrace the power of the "thoughtful no"
• Quality over quantity (even with those darn shoes that don't last!)
• Pouches are the future. Get you a pouch.

Join us for a funny, insightful, and deeply satisfying conversation about changing your relationship with your stuff. It might just be the best self-care you do all year.

Links:
- The enshittification of everything 
- Self-gifting messaging is set to dominate Black Friday ads
- The kitchen tech we use to make cooking at home so much easier  

Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life.

Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by Forbes

If you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

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 we question the easy labels and simplistic narratives that often dominate the political conversation.We explore the real, human stories behind the red and the blue and ask some tough questions about how to move forward with a more nuanced understanding of our political landscape.

Lastly, we talk about the pressures of a society driven by consumption, and how it can create a disconnect between those who have “too much” and those who don’t, which leaves many feeling left behind, overwhelmed, and unheard. 

If you’re ready for a conversation that goes beyond the surface, tap in for an honest, critical look at the state of our nation and how we can find a way to make meaningful progress together. 

Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life.

Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by Forbes

If you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow