Susan Cain's insightful book explores why sad music resonates deeply with us, why it can be a motivating force, and how we can transform pain into creativity, healing, and connection. Through personal stories, research, and reflections, she examines the beauty in bittersweet moments, powerful ideas on turning sorrow into a creative offering, and re…

Today we dive deep into the stock market with special guest, Brian Feroldi. As a financial educator, YouTuber, and author of “Why Does the Stock Market Go Up?”, Brian shares his wisdom on the long-term growth of the S&P 500, the significance of stock market indices, and the nuances of volatility and investment strategies. Bill, Jackie, and Brian di…

Coro Health's innovative therapeutic music services are revolutionizing care for individuals with dementia, Alzheimer's, and other conditions. David Schofman, Co-Founder and CEO of Coro Health, describes their groundbreaking Music Prescription Builder and compelling evidence from clinical trials showing significant reductions in agitation, depressi…

Amy Weinland Daughters is an award-winning author and keynote speaker, who joins Bill and Jackie to chat about the powerful impact of handwritten letters in the digital age. Amy shares her unique journey of reconnecting with an old friend, leading to an inspiring project of writing 580 letters to her Facebook friends. Learn about the transformative…

While there are a million ways that music can enhance a wedding experience, here are a few ways that music enhanced my mother-of-the-bride experience. Discover tips to turn each element of the event into an elevated moment, even those necessary "chores" that could easily turn into forgettable items on the to-do list. Make each step of the journey a…

Chris Mamula, a former physical therapist who achieved early retirement at 41, shares his journey from financial mistakes to becoming a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and a prominent voice in the FIRE movement. Discover practical tips on budgeting, saving during peak earning years, and utilizing retirement calculators. Chris, Bill, and Jackie ch…

Here is the second half of Bill and Jackie’s conversation with Mindy and Scott on the BiggerPockets Money Podcast. They dig into the practical steps on how to start your financial journey as a late-starter. Enjoy! 🔗 Connect with us Buy CUtFI a coffee Record a message for CUtFI Thank you to our sponsors: Personal Finance Club (Use code CUTOFI to get…

The Star Spangled Banner is the nickname of our flag, but it’s also the title of our national anthem. What should we know about how our national song came to be, and what makes it unique among national anthems around the world? Links and notes related to this episode can be found at https://mpetersonmusic.com/podcast/episode186 Connect with us: New…

Tae Kim, also known as the Financial Tortoise online, is a former U.S. Army captain, MBA graduate, and finance director turned successful personal finance YouTuber. He shares his journey from being $105,000 in student debt to achieving financial security and discovering the Financial Independence movement. Tae chats with Bill and Jackie about his e…

Bill and Jackie were invited to join Mindy and Scott on the BiggerPockets Money podcast to go through a step-by-step process of how to get started on the path to financial independence as a late-starter, a topic highly relevant to their audience. Take a listen to this week's part one and then tune in next week for part two! 🔗 Connect with us Buy CU…

Learn why I reluctantly listened to a country song and the surprising impact it had on a minor holiday. Discover the power of music to help us more fully experience connecting family moments. Elevate your next milestone moment, whether it's a vacation, family reunion, move to a new home, or first day of school. Links and notes related to this episo…

Meet Aaron Thomas, an attorney, founder of Prenups.com, and author of the book "The Prenup Prescription." In perfect time for wedding season, Aaron chats with Bill and Jackie about how a proper prenup can not only protect but improve your relationship. As a former divorce attorney who helped hundreds of clients secure favorable settlements, Aaron s…

Today we're rerunning our episode with Jonathan Clements who is a dear personal friend and a friend of our community. He recently posted on his blog, HumbleDollar, about his final lap around the sun yesterday. Let’s send him our love. 🔗 Connect with us Buy CUtFI a coffee Record a message for CUtFI Thank you to our sponsors: Personal Finance Club (U…

Amy Camie has been a pioneer in researching the role music plays in healing our bodies, particularly for cancer patients. Amy had the chance to apply her work in her own life when she herself was diagnosed with cancer. A therapeutic harpist, Amy shares resources to support the immune system, impact healing, and increase brainwave function for those…

Kyle Landis-Marinello is a practicing attorney specializing in environmental and energy law. Bill and Jackie dive deep with Kyle into topics such as socially responsible investing, student loan forgiveness, and his book, Personal Finance and Investing: How Anyone can Make More, Spend Less, and Invest Wisely. We also learn about Kyle’s unique financ…

Join us as we explore the magic of seeing your community with fresh eyes. In this episode, we share tips on how to uncover hidden gems right in your neighborhood. Hear about our recent move, the surprising treasure discovered at our new local library, and how programs like smARTpass can open doors to amazing cultural experiences. Whether you’ve jus…

Meet the dynamic duo, Alan and Katie Donegan! The Donegans, known for their Rebel Finance School and Rebel Business School, share their insights on living an extraordinary life, both financially and personally. From defining what “extraordinary” means on an individual level to the importance of financial independence and entrepreneurship, Alan and …

Aubrey Bergauer helps organizations optimize the business side of the arts: grow audiences and donor bases, build relevance and visibility, utilize technology to elevate and extend the brand, and ultimately generate the revenue needed to sustainably fund the art that’s produced. Discover how Aubrey doubled the audience and quadrupled the donor base…

Donna Peterson is a retired supervisory special agent and joins Bill and Jackie to cover the essential topic of internet and financial security. Drawing from her extensive background in combating cybercrime with the FBI, Donna shares her expert advice on how to secure personal and financial information against common hacks, the importance of two-fa…

Capture the essence of the season and immerse yourself in the magic of summer with your own well-crafted sunshine playlist! From bright, energetic tunes to laid-back island vibes, nostalgic favorites, and patriotic anthems, discover how music can set the tone, elevate your summer adventures, and create lasting memories. Join me as we explore the so…

Christine Benz is the Director of Personal Finance and Retirement Planning at Morningstar. Christine shares her extensive insights into retirement planning, emphasizing the flexibility and adaptability of the 4 percent guideline over the rigid 4 percent rule. She discusses the value of variable withdrawal strategies, the importance of personalizing…

Discover how our society’s view of music has shifted throughout history, morphing into a narrow and misinformed understanding that increasingly devalues music and is unsustainable for musicians and music education. We discuss why it’s crucial to expand our culture’s current view and valuation of music – and practical ways to do so. Tap into the ful…

In part 2, Jeff York continues his discussion with Bill and Jackie about the financial importance of amicable divorces, the nitty gritty on his investments, and how he was able to "graduate" on his modest salary. The three also dive deep into Jeff's unique lifestyle, the necessity of personal health before and after retirement, and the rewarding na…

In this special pop up episode, Bill, Jackie, and special guest Amy Coroso engage in a thought-provoking discussion sparked by a controversial New York Times Magazine article about the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement. The three chat about the article's portrayal of diverse financial independence approaches as well as the articl…

Why is "Pomp and Circumstance" the sonic representation of the graduation rite of passage? We explore the enduring legacy of this iconic song and the profound role music plays in our rituals, including this ceremony that marks the end of one era and the beginning of a new stage of life (for both the graduates AND their parents). Music accompanies u…

Jeff York is a remarkable individual whose journey from custodian to millionaire offers a wealth of inspiration and practical advice. Jeff's story breaks down conventional barriers, showcasing the power of education, financial literacy, and personal responsibility. From his unique investment strategies and the importance of health to his experience…

Certified Music Therapist Jennifer Buchanan gives a preview of her award-winning book, Wellness, Wellplayed: The Power of a Playlist. If you love to make the biggest impact possible while getting the most out of life, this book was written for you! Discover how intentionally (not algorithmically) curated playlists can profoundly impact our emotions…

He’s here, Mr. Money Mustache! Also known as Pete Adeney, the financial independence OG shares his story with Bill and Jackie. From retiring at 30 and starting one of the most popular blogs in the community to the importance of choosing sustainability with your money. The three discuss some of Pete’s most impactful articles (listed below), highligh…

Elevate the timeless tales of beloved childhood stories by infusing them with music! From rekindling nostalgic memories to creating new ones, music can profoundly impact our favorite literary adventures. (Stay tuned for a special glimpse behind the scenes with the composer who brought this magic to life.) Tune in for a journey where melodies transf…

In celebration of Financial Literacy Month, Tim Ranzetta, co-founder of NextGen Personal Finance, chats with Bill and Jackie on the transformative power of teaching personal finance to students. Discussing stats, stories, and strategies, this episode covers everything from the ripple effects of financial literacy to state-level advocacy for require…

ASCAP’s Chief Strategy & Digital Officer gives us a comprehensive and efficient overview of the evolving symphony of AI and music. From composition to distribution, we explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the landscape for musicians worldwide. We discuss the opportunities, challenges, and ethical considerations at play as we harmoniz…

Although you’ve probably heard of this powerful pair, Mindy and Carl Jensen hop onto our show to share their personal journeys to financial independence and beyond. The Jensens discuss their experiences with podcasting, real estate investing, individual stock investments, and the lifestyle adjustments they've made after achieving financial independ…

Links and notes related to this episode can be found at https://mpetersonmusic.com/podcast/micro6 Connect with us: Newsletter: https://mpetersonmusic.com/subscribe Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EnhanceLifeMusic/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enhancelifemusic/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mpetersonpiano/ Twitter: https://twitter…

In Part 2 of Bill and Jackie’s conversation with JL Collins, the three explore his latest book “Pathfinders” and unravel the powerful narratives that underscore the ethos of financial independence. The trio discuss various topics such as the significance of starting early in investments, the pivotal moments which define one’s financial path, and th…

The incomparable Renée Fleming introduces her new book, a groundbreaking overview of the burgeoning arts and health field. Renée shares her motivation for creating the book – and the origins of her interest in the intersection of music, mind, and healing. Discover how music can shape our well-being and enhance the human experience in unexpected way…

Welcome back, JL Collins! Affectionately known as the Godfather of FI, Collins returns to discuss his latest book, "Pathfinders: Extraordinary Stories of People Like You on the Quest for Financial Independence" which explores real-life stories of individuals from diverse backgrounds navigating the journey toward financial freedom. Bill and official…

Harness the transformative power of the power nap (falling asleep not required!), where music becomes the secret ingredient for rejuvenation. Discover how a carefully curated playlist, like a Pavlovian trigger, can guide your mind into a state of restful calmness. Craft your own bespoke power nap playlist and emerge refreshed for the challenges ahe…

Mark Ross is a retired executive and a rewired encorepreneur. Mark shares his journey from a traditional career into retirement and how he shaped a fulfilling post-retirement life through diversifying his interests, categorizing his work into things he does for a fee, for free, and just for himself. Through his personal story, he highlights the imp…

The arts are inherently expressive and often function as a vehicle for processing emotions, connecting with others, and igniting change. As a result, artists regularly engage with people who open up about their challenges, yet they are not typically seen as a population requiring training or tools for responding in ways that are compassionate, safe…

Doug Nordman and Carol Pittner are a financially-savvy father-daughter duo who take us on their money journey as a family. From learning about money management through unique family practices like the “Bank of Carol,” to achieving financial independence, Doug and Carol share the milestones, strategies, and setbacks of their financial journeys. They…

Explore the vibrant musical tapestry of South Florida in our latest episode! From musical mind travel to local hidden gems, let one story of serendipitous musical adventures spark your own journey of exploration and inspire fresh discoveries in your local music scene. Links and notes related to this episode can be found at https://mpetersonmusic.co…

Paula Pant is the creator and host of the Afford Anything podcast. She is also a writer, speaker, and media commentator on financial independence, real estate investing, money management, and financial literacy. Today Paula joins us to dive deep into the world of scams, particularly focusing on the elderly. We explore why scams are so convincing, a…

A fusion of music and AI is spearheading a cultural shift, turning music into a sophisticated diagnostic and therapeutic powerhouse. Dr. David Greenberg, a renowned neuroscientist and research psychologist, believes that during the next decades “humanity will witness a fundamental shift in the way the world uses sound and music – from a primary for…

Lauren Beltz is an engineer turned personal finance enthusiast who shares her insights on budgeting and financial independence with Bill and Becky. The three discuss topics such as the role of contentment in personal finance, necessity of an emergency fund and insurance, and tips for successful budgeting. They also touch on the concept of zero-base…

To wrap up this installment of On the Road with Catching up to FI, Becky and Mark chat with Vince and Briana from their $lackers group. Vince discusses his transition to retirement and Briana sheds light on how she's preparing for her future while still working full-time. Thank you to the $lackers for sharing your stories with us! 🔗 Connect with us…

"Where words fail, music speaks." (Hans Christian Andersen) Music can have profound impact in unexpected places. A little-known story from the life of Beethoven demonstrates the power of presence and how music transcends language in the most meaningful moments. Be inspired be present and communicate in ways that resonate beyond the limit of words. …

Andy Panko is the founder and owner of Tenon Financial, a retirement planning and investment management firm, and Tenon Tax Preparation, a tax return preparation company. Andy joins Becky and guest co-host, Mark, to discuss retirement planning, the role and value of annuities, when to claim social security, and how to determine if you have saved en…

Meet the $lackers! Becky and guest co-host, Mark Trautman, introduce us to this fun-loving and world-traveling group made up of individuals who started as a mastermind and now enjoy doing life together. This week we meet Bob and Sharon, a couple who share about their transition into retirement, and Kevin, who offers insights on retirement life and …

Prepare to be astonished by the profound impact of music on the entire food cycle, including plant growth, animal behavior, taste perception, and even food waste management. Pavle Marinkovic’s latest book reveals the captivating research on the intersection of science, sound, and food. We discuss practical strategies for farmers, restaurateurs, and…

Kevin Lyles, a retired lawyer turned retirement guru and coach, joins Becky and guest co-host Mark Trautman to discuss several aspects of planning for retirement, both financial and non-financial. Kevin talks about the difference between retirement planning and financial advice during the accumulation phase. He advises on how to navigate Social Sec…