Financial Freedom Podcast

Having an estate plan is very important. It ensures not only that your legacy is protected, but that you've planned for disruptions in your health and well being while you're alive. It's part of making sure that you are prepared for life's challenges (and the ultimate end of your life). But how you draft and prepare that plan can make a difference in avoiding problems when those documents are needed, especially your will. To tell us about how to avoid probate nightmares I talked with Certified Financial Planner Cameron Zabko on what you should do. In this episode you will learn about: - Challenges Facing Surviving Spouses - The "Widow's Tax" - Probate Pitfalls to Avoid - Not to Miss Estate Planning Tips - The Importance of Succession Planning for Your Small Business

According to research done by the authors of the book *The Millionaire Next Door,* 70% of American millionaires are first generation. This means that in most instances wealth is not being effectively passed down to the next generation, as it is not being preserved. That generation doesn't know how to handle that much money (how many lottery winners are broke a year or two later?) So to talk about how to deal with inherited wealth, in this episode of the podcast I talk with Master Life Coach Chase Collins about how people who achieve significant financial independence can prepare their children for the receipt and handling of a significant financial legacy. In this episode you will learn: - The 3 biggest mistakes people make with inherited wealth - How to teach your children how to handle inherited wealth - How to deal with guilt associated with wealth - About avoiding the "Expectation Trap" - How to manage wealth and avoid losing it shortly after inheriting it

There are only so many hours in a day, and sometimes, even with a second job, it can be hard to make enough money to achieve financial freedom for yourself and your family.  One way to get past this problem is to disconnect time from money and start generating passive income. That's why in this episode of the podcast I talk with former practicing lawyer Tanisha Souza about what she calls an "Income Snowball" that can get you that extra income you need. In this episode you will learn: - What an Income Snowball Is - The Kinds of Investments That Are Used to Create One - How it Reduces Risk for Passive Income - How to Find the Money to Invest in One

No matter how hard they try, a majority of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, and even more don't feel secure with money. With no money left over after the bills are paid, it makes it nearly impossible to save for the future and reach long term financial independence. That's why in this episode of the podcast I talk with financial expert Bill Westrom on how folks can break the paycheck to paycheck cycle, save for the future, and gain financial freedom. In this episode you will learn: - The leading causes for people living paycheck to paycheck - How to get unstuck and and moving closer to financial freedom - How people can get better control of their money - About Credit Line Banking (what it is and how it can help you) - About tools to minimize expenses and achieve lasting financial independence

The sooner kids learn about financial literacy the better. They have a greater chance of maintaining financial freedom and independence in their adult lives. But this goes beyond budgeting, spending, and knowing how credit works; it includes saving for short and long term goals. So to find out more about what parents can do to educate their children on saving I talked with personal finance expert and podcaster Timothy Smith, who hosts "The Financial Dad" with his two daughters. He has some great ideas on how to start your kids out right with money.  In this episode you will learn: - How to educate your children on saving and investing - How to teach your children about taxes - About basic saving skills - How to choose a good long term investment - About red flags to look for in investment scams and get-rich-quick schemes

Tax time can be very stressful for folks, especially if they owe money. For those struggling with debt and trying to pay the bills, it is even worse. But it may not always have to be. Tax planning throughout the year is a good idea if you want to minimize your taxes (or maximize your refund) when you ultimately file your return. That's why in this episode of the podcast I talk with financial advisor Frank Buchholz about strategies you might be able to use to be in better shape when you file your next tax return. In this episode you will learn: - Strategic use of IRA contributions - How to spot the good tax tips among the bad - How not getting a refund helps with your taxes and retirement savings

President Trump's efforts to downsize the federal government through the Department of Government Efficiency has a lot of federal workers nervous. Many of them have built a career with the government and spent years in public service. The thought of transitioning to the private sector, should they receive a pink slip, can be very stressful. That's why in this episode of the podcast I bring back Certified Career Coach Bonnie Negron to talk about the best and most effective ways to find the right job in the private sector, as quickly as possible, to stay on track to financial freedom. In this episode you will learn: - How to determine the kinds of jobs to apply for - How to draft a private sector resume (they're different) to showcase yiour public sector skills for private sector employers - How long you should expect it to take to get that next job - What resources you can use to get that job

One of the first steps on the path to financial freedom is getting your spending under control and creating a budget that has you living within your means. But determining **why** you overspend is an important part of the process if you want to stick to that budget. That's why in this episode of the podcast I talk with certified financial coach Scott Yamamura on the psychology behind overspending and how you can use it to identify your motivations and keep your spending under control. In this episode you will learn: - The Psychological Components of Overspending - The Emotional Triggers and Mental Barriers that Lead to Impulsive Financial Decisions - How Tax Season Has an Effect on Buying Decisions - How to Overcome the Psychological Barriers

The ultimate goal of retirement savings is to have a source of income once you leave the workforce for good. One of the scariest things about retirement is that leap of faith that you will still have the money to pay the bills once there's no longer a paycheck. One way to address this is to plan for streams of income in advance, like annuities, which I discussed in Episode 218. But it's good to have options, which is why in this episode of the podcast I spoke with Tom Wall about how life insurance can create another income stream. In this episode you will learn: - How life insurance fits into your retirement savings plan - How life insurance can be a good investment - How life insurance gives you "permission to spend" - What your greatest concerns should be when you retire

One of many financial tools in the retirement savings toolkit is the annuity. Most people have heard about them, and that they provide a stream of income, but beyond that, not much is known. That's why in this episode of the podcast I bring back repeat guest Michael Karwic to talk about what annuities are, how many types they have, and how they can fit well into your retirement investment strategies.  In this episode you will learn: - What an annuity is - How many kinds there are - When they are a good idea for you - How to decide what kind to get

Young people starting out, and especially young families, need to have a good handle on their finances in order to reach and maintain financial freedom. They need to spend below their means and and save for short term and long term goals. To talk about the importance of doing this, and his new book that discusses **how** to do this, I talked to financial planner and previous guest Joe Okaly, to get the solutions you need to succeed. In this episode you will learn: - What a Financial Pinwheel Is - How it helps you plot your spending and your finances - How to use it to control "lifestyle creep"

Long term investing and saving is key to building wealth and financial independence. However, that wealth should also have meaning to you. Aligning your financial goals with a cause that resonates with you can transform your life, shifting your focus from mere accumulation to creating positive change. That's why in this episode of the podcast I talk to repeat guest Derrick Kinney about how you can get clarity on the purpose of the wealth you are building in order to achieve true fulfillment in life. In this episode you will learn: - Why connecting money to purpose makes us happier in life - The benefits of using your wealth for lasting impact - How to identify a cause that aligns with your values - Practical steps you can take to reframe your financial goals around a bigger mission

Lots of people dream of owning their own business. They have that entrepreneurial itch that needs to be scratched. But most start-up businesses fail because they are hard to get started and grow. But what if you were to buy an already thriving business? How would that work? To answer those questions I spoke with CFO and business advisor Karl Maier. He has some great tips and ideas on how to be successful in buying a business. - How to start discussions with a potential business seller - What a letter of intent is and how it works - What critical information you should get from the seller about the business - What terms you should negotiate - Ways to get the money for the purchase

Financial literacy is an important part of anyone's education and should start before the student graduates from high school. In Episode 151, I talked with Jake Cousineau on how he teaches it to high school students. But this is a topic that needs to be discussed more. That's why in this episode of the podcast I talk with Aaliyah Kissick about her efforts to promote financial literacy, especially among the Gen Z. In this episode you will learn: - About the Financial Literacy Diaries and how they can help - How storytelling is important in teaching financial literacy - How Gen Z workers can win at job search

Achieving financial freedom and meeting long term savings goals like retirement can seem beyond reach. This is often because the concepts of personal finance and investing can seem mystifying, or that myths out there have you thinking that these goals are beyond reach. Misty Lynch, a Certified Financial Planner, has been helping people demystify the process and bust the myths that may be holding them back. Once I heard about her, I knew I had to have her on the show. Here is our discussion. In this episode you will learn: - Why having debt may be a good thing - Why it doesn't take money to make money - Why renting is sometimes better than owning - Why estate plans are for everyone

We all hope to retire some day. The thought of being able to do what you want with your life without having to worry about having the money to pay the bills is the very essence of financial freedom. But figuring out the path to get there is often the hard part. Where (and how) do you start? When should you start (and what if you're starting later in life)? To answer these questions, I talk with certified financial planner Stephen Kates on how you should lay out your retirement plan. In this episode you will learn: - Where to start putting together your plan - The most common mistakes people make - How risk tolerance affects your plan - How to diversify your investments

Many people dream of starting their own business and being their own boss. It is something they built and can be their legacy. But most businesses fail at some point; it's only a matter of time. To increase your chances of success, you need the right money mindset, not only for your business, but yourself as well. That's why in this episode of the podcast I talk with Justin Buonomo of Journey to Financial Freedom about how to form those mindsets and be successful! In this episode you will learn: - How your money mindset impacts things other than your financial stability - Unconventional strategies for achieving financial independence - How to build a business that will support your lifestyle - How to align your lifestyle with your business goals

A big part of achieving financial freedom is having the right mindset about money. If you don't think about money in a way that aligns with your financial goals, you will find it difficult to succeed. That's why on this episode of the podcast I talk with financial advisor Amy Cook about what she calls your money narrative and how the right one can help you achieve your financial goals and, ultimately, financial freedom. In this episode you will learn: What a money narrative is How it influences your financial decisions The common money narratives that hold people back How early life experiences shape our approach to money How to reshape a negative money narrative

Social Security is still an important part of any retirement plan. It acts as a good supplement to a pension or other income from IRAs or 401Ks. But how it fits in to your particular plan and when is also important. That's why in this episode of the podcast I talk with financial planner and Social Security guru Devin Carroll about how to make the right choices when you are a few years out and when you are ready to walk out the door and go home for good. In this episode you will learn: How to decide when to claim benefits What you should know about benefits before retiring The biggest mistakes people make About survivor benefits About ex-spouse benefits

You may have heard about stock options in financial news articles, especially in the context of tech companies and startups. They act as a form of compensation or a benefit for employees.  But what are they? How do they work, and if your employer offers them, how can you use them to your best advantage in your financial plan? To answer these questions, I talk with Landon Loveall of KB Financial Advisors on how stock options can help you with your short and long term financial plans. In this episode you will learn: - What stock options are - The types of stock options and their tax ramifications - How you can leverage them to your benefit - How to minimize your tax liability