Today we’re talking about how you two can really review the big picture and make sure you hit YOUR big money goals! Financial Check-ups The first half of this year is about over, so how are you guys doing right now? It’s funny how time seems to speed up and slow down. Looking back […]
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Mastering Your 401(k): Understanding Your Investment Options
Want to get the most out of your 401(k)? Learn the key guidelines on how you can choose the best investment options for you!
Making the Most of Your 401(k)
Chances are if you’re investing for your retirement, the bulk of that money is stashed away in your 401(k).
For those whose employers offer them, they’re an easy option to sign up for and contribute towards.
But are how comfortable are you with how it is doing?
To help sort things out, Jonah Kaufman is joining me for this episode.
Jonah is a financial advisor at Coastal’s Wealth Management Services.
These will give you some starting points and ideas on what you need to talk about.
In this episode we’ll discuss:
- Why your 401(k)s are a great foundation for retirement savings
- What factors to consider when you’re investing
- Understanding some of the different options that your 401(k) may offer
Hope you enjoy!
Just to make sure we’re on the same page, this episode is NOT about specific investment advice.
You would need to consult a qualified financial professional who can evaluate your unique circumstances.
Resources to Stay on Top of Your 401(k)
Here are some resources to make managing your money much easier!
- Best Budget and Money Apps: Personal Capital, Tiller, Mint
- Free 401(k) Analysis: blooom
- Grow Your Stash Faster: High Yield Savings with CiT Bank
- Automatic Saving: Qapital
- Jumpstart Your Marriage and Your Money
- Master Your 401(k): How Much Do We Need to Contribute?
- Master Your 401(k): Why You Need to Keep an Eye Out for Fees
- Robots Can Manage Your Money. But Even They Need Humans
- A Smarter Way to Think About Financial Decisions
Thank You to Our Sponsor Coastal!
Support for this podcast comes from Coastal Credit Union! If you’re living in the Raleigh Durham area and looking to bank better, come check out Coastal today.
If you want to be better prepared financially for retirement, please check out Coastal’s 401(k) Planning Calculator.
Key Takeaways on Optimizing Your 401(k)
Before we wrap up I want to focus on some key takeaways I got from speaking with Jonah and preparing for this episode:
- Understand yourself as an investor.
- Performance isn’t tied to cost with your investments.
- Don’t check your investments too frequently.
If you’d like to chat more about your financial goals, please join us in our private and free Facebook group – Thriving Families.
Hope to see you there!
Support the Podcast!
Thank you so much for listening to the podcast!
- Spread the word! If you enjoyed this episode and think it can help a buddy get on the path to dumping debt and become financially free, please share.
- Leave a review. Honest feedback and reviews make a big difference and gets the word out about the podcast. Leave your review on Apple or Stitcher.
- Grab a copy of Jumpstart Your Marriage and Your Money. My book is designed for a busy couple to set up their finances in 4 weeks. Get tips and tools that have worked for other couples on their journey of building their marriage and wealth together!
Music Credit
Like the music in this episode? Our theme song is by Gentle Regime. Additional music by Lee Rosevere.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSS | More
Financial Planning: How Are We Doing With Money?
Today we’re talking about how you two can really review the big picture and make sure you hit YOUR big money goals!
Financial Check-ups
The first half of this year is about over, so how are you guys doing right now?
It’s funny how time seems to speed up and slow down.
Looking back we have had some big ups and downs in the past four or so weeks, both financially and in our lives.
Last month our adorable cat had some seisures and other issues and in a span of week – if that – he went from sick to passing away.
It was so fast, the vets were trying to figure out what happened.
And because a few issues, we just got his remains last week and paid his final expenses.
Thankfully we have savings, but between emergency hospital exam, tests, and his vet visits, it definitely was pricey.
Besides that weight, we had good things to celebrate.
We were invited to two baby showers and then last weekend we went to two graduation parties. And of course, they are bunched together.
But that’s life, right?
At least for us.
And I find it so easy to let certain things slip by because there are more pressing or immediate things happening.
The danger is by focusing only on the thing right in front of you, that you miss important stuff.
I don’t think money is the most important thing. I do however realize that much of our day to day and long term goals need us to be on top on our finances.
We should have a game plan for our money and a system that allows us to put in place so when things come up – and they will- our finances keep chugging along.
Which is why I’m so glad Cathrine Bryant is joining in today’s episode.
She’s a financial advisor at Coastal Wealth Management.
In this episode we’ll discuss:
- Getting a financial snapshot and prioritizing which goal or two is your focus
- Setting up a system to both track your money and getting into a habit of money dates
- Finding a financial planner when you need a check-up with a professional
Hope you enjoy!
Resources to Stay on Top of Your Money
Want some help staying on top of your money? Here are some resources to make managing your money much easier!
- Best Budget and Money Apps: Personal Capital, Tiller, Mint
- Grow Your Stash Faster: High Yield Savings with CiT Bank
- Automatic Saving: Qapital
- Jumpstart Your Marriage and Your Money
- How to Find the Right Financial Advisor for You
- 5 Powerful Financial Goals for Couples to Build Their Marriage and Wealth
- How to Find a Financial Planner You Can Trust
- Making Sure Your Family Financial Goals Fit You
- Build Your Marriage & Wealth with Money Dates
Thank You to Our Sponsor Coastal!
Support for this podcast comes from Coastal Credit Union! If you’re living in the Raleigh Durham area and looking to bank better, come check out Coastal today.
If you want to be better prepared financially, please consider Coastal’s Retirement Planning Program!
Support the Podcast!
Thank you so much for listening to the podcast!
- Spread the word! If you enjoyed this episode and think it can help a buddy get on the path to dumping debt and become financially free, please share.
- Leave a review. Honest feedback and reviews make a big difference and gets the word out about the podcast. Leave your review on Apple or Stitcher.
- Grab a copy of Jumpstart Your Marriage and Your Money. My book is designed for a busy couple to set up their finances in 4 weeks. Get tips and tools that have worked for other couples on their journey of building their marriage and wealth together!
Music Credit
Like the music in this episode? Our theme song is by Gentle Regime. Additional music by Lee Rosevere.
The Truth About Car Loans
Buying a car can be an extremely stressful situation. Today we’re going to break down how you can get the best deal on your next car!
Can You Get a Great Deal on Your Car Loan?
Cars and car payments are a way of life for many couples.
According to the latest data I could find, there’s a record 2.5 million auto loans originated.
That’s certainly a big chunk of their budget going to cars.
Throughout the seasons, I’ve put out the offer to you to send in your money questions. I did a call for this season as well. And guess what?
Car loans came up. A lot.
Which isn’t surprising, considering that 85% of new car purchases and 53% of used car purchases use a loan.
But if you get a car loan, is there a way to make sure it’s extremely affordable and if you decide to pay it off sooner, would the numbers work in your favor?
It’s a challenge that I want to tackle today.
By examining the numbers and pushing away the hype and ads, I think you can get a clearer picture of the real costs and then figure out what’s the best option for you.
I’m extra excited because one of you lovely listeners is the guest. And Maggie actually pitched this topic to me in person.
Maggie and her husband Ben are trying to figure out what their options are for buying a car. And they were kind enough to share their situation and questions.
What’s cool to me about is that David Jacobs VP of Consumer from our sponsor and partner this season, Coastal Credit Union is going to give us some insights on the lending side.
In this episode we’ll discuss:
- how to figure out how much car you really can afford
- getting the best rate on a car loan
- running the numbers to uncover some loan traps – like if those 0% deals on new cars are really a good deal
I want you two to be able to feel confident that you’re getting the best deal you can.
Hope you enjoy!
Essential Resources for Buying a Car
If you two are thinking about buying a car soon, here are some handy resources to help you get the best deal on them!
- Best Budget and Money Apps: Personal Capital, Tiller, Mint, Zeta
- Grow Your Stash Faster: High Yield Savings with CiT Bank
- How to Raise Your Credit Scores
- Jumpstart Your Marriage and Your Money
- 5 Days to $5K Course
- The 3 Biggest Myths About Credit Scores That Can Ruin Your Finances
Thank You to Our Sponsor Coastal!
Support for this podcast comes from Coastal Credit Union! If you’re living in the Raleigh Durham area and looking to bank better, come check out Coastal today.
If you are hunting for a car loan, take a minute to review competitive rates and deals Coastal is offering now to make buying a car easier!
Support the Podcast!
Thank you so much for listening to the podcast!
- Spread the word! If you enjoyed this episode and think it can help a buddy get on the path to dumping debt and become financially free, please share.
- Leave a review. Honest feedback and reviews make a big difference and gets the word out about the podcast. Leave your review on Apple or Stitcher.
- Grab a copy of Jumpstart Your Marriage and Your Money. My book is designed for a busy couple to set up their finances in 4 weeks. Get tips and tools that have worked for other couples on their journey of building their marriage and wealth together!
Music Credit
Like the music in this episode? Our theme song is by Gentle Regime. Additional music by Lee Rosevere.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSS | More
Summer of Savings: How to Grow Your Stash of Cash
Today we’re looking at how you can crank up your savings rate while still enjoying this summer!
Bumping Up Your Savings
This week in the community newsletter I asked a question – can you really save half your income?
Think about that for a second.
Why is this important?
Whether you’re paying off debt, saving up to buy a house, start family, travel, or invest more for your future – all of these goals have something in common.
They need money.
How much you save of your income can have an incredible impact on how fast you reach your big financial goals.
Now unless you have a stash of cash under in house or an inheritance, that money is probably coming out of your budget.
Now another quick question – do you know the average savings rate in the U.S. now?
Take a guess.
It’s around 6%.
As you probably guess that’s not going to cut it if you want to knock out any of those big goals soon.
There’s no way around it. If you want to hot those goals fairly quickly, you have to master the art of saving.
But half your income?
That’s a bit much, right?
Don’t let anyone tell that’s not a huge deal because it is.
However, it is possible to start working on bumping up that savings rate and one of my goals this summer is getting you to double yours.
We’re bringing back the summer of savings.
I want this summer to be your best ever. Today on the podcast and throughout the season on this site, I’ll be sharing strategies to help you grow your stash while still enjoying things.
In this episode we’ll discuss:
- A simple path to notching up your savings rate
- Psychological hacks to save more
- Tools that will make your life much easier
Oh and stay tuned until because we’re also bringing back the summer of savings giveaway!
Let’s get started!
Handy Tools to Increase Your Savings Rate
If you’re looking to get ahead with your finances as a family, here are key resources to check out!
- Best Budget and Money Apps: Personal Capital, Tiller, Mint
- Grow Your Stash Faster: High Yield Savings with CiT Bank
- Manage Your 401(k) Easily: blooom
- Automatic Saving: Qapital
- Jumpstart Your Marriage and Your Money
- Simplify and Enjoy: Financial Freedom for Families
Thank You to Our Sponsor Coastal!
Support for this podcast comes from Coastal Credit Union! If you’re living in the Raleigh Durham area and looking to bank better, come check out Coastal today.
They have competitive rates on checking and savings accounts!
Support the Podcast!
Thank you so much for listening to the podcast!
- Spread the word! If you enjoyed this episode and think it can help a buddy get on the path to dumping debt and become financially free, please share.
- Leave a review. Honest feedback and reviews make a big difference and gets the word out about the podcast. Leave your review on Apple or Stitcher.
- Grab a copy of Jumpstart Your Marriage and Your Money. My book is designed for a busy couple to set up their finances in 4 weeks. Get tips and tools that have worked for other couples on their journey of building their marriage and wealth together!
Music Credit
Like the music in this episode? Our theme song is by Gentle Regime. Additional music by Lee Rosevere.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSS | More
Best Wedding Planning Tips to Make Your Special Day Less Stressful
Even though it’s about 13 years ago, I remember being stressed at times when planning our wedding.
Just like we heard at the top of the show, as soon as you announce your engagement it can feel like you’re being swarmed with questions about the big day.
But as much as your loved ones mean well, it can be easy to forget how personal this is.
For some, it’s something they planned and dreamed for years while others are looking for a very laid back and casual affair.
It’s a celebration and a promise that you to make to each other in front of your loved ones depending on the wedding you have.
There can be plenty of moving parts which can be overwhelming and stressful.
The two of you need to sit down and start talking about which things you’d like to have and which things are must-haves
You also may have family members who want to help out.
You have venues, vendors, and maybe some out of town guests to make arrnagements for.
Oh and of course paying for it.
Which is why I’m happy Megan Gillikin is on the podcast today.
She’s the owner and lead consultant for A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning so she has plenty of insider tips to help you have a fantastic wedding!
In this episode we get into:
- Establishing your must-haves and wedding budget
- What to do when the family wants to help pay for your wedding
- Ice breakers to get the ball rolling
Hope you enjoy!
If you want to hear from another bride who had a beautiful wedding on a small budget, listen to my interview with Jessi Fearon.
She and her husband Pat managed a sweet and special wedding for $500!
Resources to Plan Your Wedding
If you’re getting married, please check out these resources so you can plan out your special day without going into debt.
- Best Budget and Money Apps: Personal Capital, Tiller, Mint
- Grow Your Stash Faster: High Yield Savings with CiT Bank
- Automatic Saving: Qapital
- Jumpstart Your Marriage and Your Money
- Pulling Off A $5,000 Wedding in NYC
- The Budget-Savvy Wedding Planner & Organizer: Checklists, Worksheets, and Essential Tools to Plan the Perfect Wedding on a Small Budget
- Planning Your Dream Wedding on a Budget
- Wedding Planning: My Ultimate Lesson in Budgeting
- The Best Kept Secrets to Planning a Wedding on a Budget
- Have a $50,000 Wedding on a $3,000 Budget
Thank You to Our Sponsor Coastal!
Support for this podcast comes from Coastal Credit Union! If you’re living in the Raleigh Durham area and looking to bank better, come check out Coastal today.
They have competitive rates on checking and savings accounts!
Meet Megan Gillikin
Megan is the owner and lead consultant for A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. I also do wedding and hospitality business consulting.
She’s also the host of the fantastic and informative podcast Weddings for Real.
Support the Podcast!
Thank you so much for listening to the podcast!
- Spread the word! If you enjoyed this episode and think it can help a buddy get on the path to dumping debt and become financially free, please share.
- Leave a review. Honest feedback and reviews make a big difference and gets the word out about the podcast. Leave your review on Apple or Stitcher.
- Grab a copy of Jumpstart Your Marriage and Your Money. My book is designed for a busy couple to set up their finances in 4 weeks. Get tips and tools that have worked for other couples on their journey of building their marriage and wealth together!
Music Credit
Like the music in this episode? Our theme song is by Gentle Regime. Additional music by Lee Rosevere.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSS | More