Millennials are somewhat the "middle child" generation when it comes to saving for retirement. Although, on average, they began saving 10 years earlier than Baby Boomers, Gen Z started at the age of 19, which is 16 years earlier than the average baby boomer, and 6 years earlier than millennials. As such, they do have an edge over Boomers, they do h…

Although student loans continue to be a hot topic in personal finance news, there are many interesting articles and tips out there that can help you on your path to financial freedom. These include Gen Z investment strategies that seem to be working, the cooling of the housing market competition, whether you should leverage the equity in your home,…

One of the things that many couples and individuals think about, know they need, and fully intend to get one day, is an estate plan. But what is it? Is it just a will? What can happen if you put it off too long? That's why in this episode of the podcast I talk with estate planning attorney Adam Zuckerman to get a good idea of what an estate plan is…

One of the more mystifying subjects in personal finance is cryptocurrency (what most people identify as Bitcoin). The concepts behind digital currency are not obvious and can lead to people being hesitant to get involved in it. That's why in this episode of the podcast I talk to former truck driver and cryptocurrency enthusiast Bitcoin Ben to tell …

For my 100th episode, I did a look back on 9 of those guests and highlighted some of the great information they had for listeners. Now that I have reached the milestone of 200 episodes I wanted to do that again with guests from Episodes 101 forward. I will leave links in the show notes to the full episodes if you haven’t already listened to them an…

Eliminating debt is one of the first steps on the path to financial freedom. Controlling your living expenses and spending within your means allows you to work towards short and longterm savings goals. But that's not always easy while raising a family. That's why in this episode of the podcast I talk with Brad Nelson, the Debt-Free Dad, to talk abo…

As a bankruptcy attorney, I help lots of people to save their homes from foreclosure by filing a chapter 13 bankruptcy to make catch-up payments on their mortgage. But there are other ways to do it. That's why in this episode of the podcast I talk to DJ Olojo about how he helps people to save their homes without filing bankruptcy. In this episode y…

There are many ways to save and invest for retirement (or just to build wealth) and most are recommended by traditional financial advisers. But sometimes it's a good idea to explore some non-traditional ways to do it that might be better suited to your situation. That's why in this episode of the podcast I talk to Chris Miles, a self-described anti…

The student loan crisis has made parents and students more cautious when it comes to taking out student loans. But even then, the average student debt is $30,000, which is a lot to owe fresh out of college with no job. But what if you could graduate debt free and into a job you love? To answer that question I talked with academic strategist Jeannie…

Achieving financial freedom means getting your personal finances in order, so that you are living within your means and have money at the end of the month. But to have true financial freedom long term, with long term goals like retirement, you have to have a financial plan. That's why in this episode of the podcast I talk with fellow personal finan…

Stocks are a key part of any retirement savings portfolio. Their potential to grow over the course of your working life with a rate of return, despite ups and downs, that can't be beat by CDs or a savings account. But bonds are also important to a well balanced portfolio. To find out the particulars in this episode of the podcast, I bring back Cert…

As I've said in previous episodes, the earlier you start saving and investing for retirement, the better. As soon as you graduate with your degree and get a job, you should start on your path to long term financial freedom. But how do you get started? How do you put together a plan for retirement investment that will work long term? That's why in t…

Financial freedom is a journey, not a destination. Even if you are in good shape now, it takes good habits and discipline to maintain it on into the future. Laws and financial circumstances can change, and you need to be adaptable. That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to report on some tips, tricks, and changes in the law that might h…

Achieving financial freedom is not always easy. Some people have the skills to do it on their own, while others need some expert help and guidance. That's never a bad thing. Having that guidance means hiring a financial advisor. But how do you pick one? How do you know if you have the right one for your needs? Getting you answers to those questions…

The cost of a college education is getting higher and higher. Students are graduating with crushing debt and are either unable to find a job or can't get one that will earn them enough money to pay the loans. Parents often get into debt by cosigning loans, or sacrifice their retirement. That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to talk to …

As the holiday season approaches, we're all thinking about the celebrations, gift giving, and general joy that we experience during this time. But as the year comes to a close, we should also be thinking about our finances and the tax bill that may come in the new year. Thant's why in this episode of the podcast, although it isn't as exciting and u…

No matter the size of a family business, the owner is an entrepreneur. This is an important realization, as having an entrepreneurial mindset is key to the success and growth of any business. That's why in this episode of the podcast I talk to Danielle Hayden of Kickstart Accounting about the entrepreneurial mindset, how to create a financial visio…

As people get older and closer to retirement, they start to worry about whether they are ready and whether they can afford to retire. Do they have enough money set aside? How much is enough? That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to talk about how many people think they're behind, how much they think they need to retire, how to tell whe…

If someone is having emotional, mental, or social problems, you might send them to therapy. But what if they are having financial problems? Is there any such thing as financial therapy? Well according to Wendy Wright, a therapist and money coach, there is! That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to talk to her about what financial therap…

When it comes to retirement savings and investing, or any long term investing goal, there are many options for where to put your money. There are mutual funds, individual stocks, bonds, and the like. One option is something called Exchange-Traded Funds. These funds with the rather mysterious name can be a good option for investors. That's why in th…

According to the authors of the book The Millionaire Next Door, self-employed people make up less than 20 percent of the workers in America but account for two-thirds of the millionaires. So for those who want financial freedom on the millionaire level, being their own boss is something that should at least be looked into. But starting a business i…

Treasury bonds can be a key part of your long term investment strategy. There's been a lot of talk about Series I bonds, which were created to protect you against inflation (something we've all been struggling with over the past couple of years). But are they still a smart choice in today's economy? In this episode of the podcast I wanted to talk a…

Although student loans continue to be a hot topic in personal finance news, there are many interesting articles and tips out there that can help you on your path to financial freedom. These include a new repayment plan for student loans, a better place to put your savings, tips on saving on wedding costs, and tips on making your children financiall…

Your personal finances are never "set it and forget it." Even if you have set up a budget, have autopay on your bills, and a good retirement savings strategy, you still need to check in periodically to be sure that your financial ship is sailing in the right direction. That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to talk about how to do a mid…

With all that is going on in our economy, from inflation to worries about recession and the resumption of student loan payments, people are getting stressed out about their finances. Money woes and fears can really weigh on your mind. That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to talk about how that stress can affect your life, and what you…

Everyone who has federal student loans is waiting breathlessly for the Supreme Court to rule on President Biden's federal student loan forgiveness program later this month. But no matter what the decision, the moratorium on payments will be coming to an end, and you will have to start paying on them again. That's why in this episode of the podcast …

Everyone looks forward to retirement, that time when they can relax and enjoy life, made possible by the fruits of their labor during their working lives. However, that retirement isn't going to last that long, or be that enjoyable, if you don't adjust your non-salaried income to your non-working expenses going forward. That's why in this episode o…

By Steven J. Richardson, Esq.

As we approach the summer months, many people start thinking about shopping for a home. The weather is warmer, and it gives potential buyers an opportunity to see the whole home, both inside and out. But is it a good idea to buy a home in this real estate market? Would it be better to rent instead? That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted…

Where you live can have a significant effect on your financial freedom, whether it's during your working life or in retirement. It can influence cost of living, opportunities in your careeer, or resale value when you are ready to downsize. That's why in this episode of the podcast I talk to Ryan Frederick about how he sees where you live and how lo…

The current economy has people stressed out with inflation and talk of an impending recession. As a result, the process of saving for retirement, already seen by many as a slog and a struggle, can seem even mre difficult and anxiety-inducing. That's why in this episode of the podcast I talk with Dawn Dahlby, who is not only a Certified Financial Pl…

Saving and investing for retirement has always been challenging, but in the turbulent economic times we've been living in lately, it can be even tougher. Inflation and talks of a recession have made many people fearful of the future and whether they will be able to make their investment goals this year. That's why in this episode of the podcast I w…

According to Divorce.com, the U.S. has the highest divorce rate in the world at 40-50%, although the Census Bureau report suggests that the rate dropped from 2009 to 2019. 60% of second marriages and 73% of third marriages end in divorce. Divorce is also expensive, both financially and emotionally. But beyond the lawyers fees, there are many hidden…

There's a lot in the news these days on personal finance, including a possible new repayment plan for student loans, dealing with marital "financial incompatibility," and new laws pertaining to retirement savings. With all of this going on, it can be hard to keep track and get all of the key facts. Thant's why in this episode of the podcast I wante…

With tax season having officially started on January 23, the IRS is expecting taxpayers to file more than 168 million returns, most of them before the April 18 deadline. But depending on how involved your finances are, this can be a rather stressful time. That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to talk about the preparation process for y…

Positioning yourself for financial freedom early on in life is the best way to do it, and creates a greater chance of success. However, this can be done at any age through discipline and planning. Certified Financial Planner Eric Brotman has written several books on the process and helped countless people to achieve their goals. That's why on this …

2022 was a rough year with inflation and recession rearing their ugly heads and causing us concern for our financial freedom (at least in the short term). But gas prices have dropped significantly, and recession has not been officially declared, so there's reason for hope in the new year. That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to talk a…

In Episode 128 I talked about the divorce of Bill & Melinda Gates, the fact that they didn't have a pre-nuptual agreement, and when these agreements might be a good idea. Although they are of particular importance in community property states, here in New Jersey and other equitable distribution states, it still might be a good idea. But what if you…

The Christmas of 2021 presented its own challenges. Shipping delays and supply chain bottlenecks made it difficult for stores to keep items on their shelves, which led to less than stellar deals and long delivery times. I talked about all of this in Episode 141. But this Christmas is different and requires a different strategy. You, as the consumer…

Becoming permanently disabled can be devastating to your personal finances and seriously challenge your financial freedom and independence. In Episode 28 I covered how to deal with this if it's a result of a job-related injury. But what if it's for some other reason, like an auto accident or a debilitating disease? That's why in this episode of the…

Financial freedom and independence can be achieved by diligently implementing proven strategies and tactics that will get you there. But if you don't have the right beliefs about money, it will be difficult, if not impossible to be successful. I discussed money mindsets in Episodes 34 through 36, but thought it was time to discuss it again. That's …

With issues like inflation, recession, and student loans being hot issues this Fall, there are lots of items in the news discussing them. People are concerned with the rising cost of living, salaries at their jobs that might not be tracking with it, and student loan debt that they are struggling to pay, if they can afford to pay them at all. That's…

With the pandemic essentially over with no more lockdowns of large gatherings, more and more people are setting dates and planning weddings. In Episode 96, I talked about getting your finances ready for marriage. But what about getting Ready for the Big Event itself? Weddings cost, on average, $20,000 at least, even before you pay for the guests at…

Now is an exciting and hopeful time for student loan borrowers. President Biden has announced a forgiveness program that will help many people struggling with payments. But there's more at work here than that. There are programs already in place that could also allow you to pay off your remaining balances sooner or get out of default (and repair yo…

In the last episode, and in Episode 149, I talked about the credit myths that may be holding you beck from building good credit and FICO scores that reflect it. Good credit scores are key to financial freedom and a bright financial future. But what can you expect when you get there? What does good credit look like and what are the advantages? Knowi…

Achieving and maintaining a good credit score is essential to maintaining your financial freedom. It allows you to get credit more easily and at more favorable rates. But many people are thwarted from doing this by all the myths and misconceptions that are out there about credit scores. I talked about this in Episode 149, but in my research I found…

The news media has been talking a lot lately about inflation and the growing possibility of a recession. This has people worried about their short term financial plans, in dealing with inflation, and what a recession could do to their long term financial plans. That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to talk about not only inflation (whi…

With inflation driving up prices and straining our budgets, we’re all looking for ways to save money. That includes increasing our take home pay by reducing the bite taken out of our paychecks by the government. That’s why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to talk about ways in which you can increase your tax deductions and decrease your taxa…

Although unemployment is low these days, there are many that are warning that we are headed into a recession, and that not only will the hot job market cool, but that layoffs may be headed our way. In addition, many companies that have made offers have since withdrawn them, often with people who accepted those offers having given notice at their pr…

At its Worldwide Developers Conference earlier this month, Apple announced that it would be offering a Buy Now, Pay Later program as a part of its financial services to customers. This alternative form of payment for goods and services has had a resurgence during the pandemic, and Apple’s announcement has put it in the news. But what is Buy Now, Pa…