Welcome to the Emotional Balance Sheet, the go-to podcast for parents with multiple kids, especially those with twins, triplets, or more, who are navigating the maze of modern family life and personal finance. Whether you're overwhelmed by education costs, retirement planning, career transitions, or trying to define your purpose and plan, we're here to guide you with empathy, expertise, and encouragement. Hosted by Paul Fenner, Founder of TAMMA Capital, a Certified Financial Planner®, and pa ...
…
continue reading
1
Dreams and Dollars: Navigating a Vacation/Rental Home Purchase
14:08
14:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
14:08
As we dive into the summer vacation season, a frequently asked question arises: should I buy a vacation home or rental property? I share personal insights and experiences from when my family purchased a vacation home in Traverse City, Michigan, diving into the various considerations and decisions involved in such a significant financial commitment.…
…
continue reading
1
Data Breaches: What You Can Do to Help Protect Yourself
11:31
11:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
11:31
Recently, a massive breach at Ticketmaster potentially affected over 500 million people. While this is not an isolated incident, data breaches are becoming increasingly common. So what can you do? In this episode, I'll be sharing practical steps you can take to safeguard your personal information, including investing in a credit monitoring service,…
…
continue reading
Do you believe the U.S. government is going bankrupt? It's becoming more of a common question as our national debt levels have ballooned to epic proportions. It might even conjure up emotions of fear if you listen to mainstream media sources. However, if we go beyond the headlines, we will find that the U.S. is not going bankrupt, and we should lik…
…
continue reading
1
Dr. Shaan Patel - Decoding Test-Optional College Admissions
47:05
47:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:05
Have you ever wondered if standardized tests like the SAT or ACT are still relevant, especially when colleges offer test-optional admissions? The debate around standardized testing has become more nuanced than ever. With the rise of test-optional college admissions, many students and parents grapple with the question: Is taking the SAT or ACT still…
…
continue reading
1
Unsolicited Advice for Everyone About to Graduate
12:06
12:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
12:06
Welcome to a special "Emotional Balance Sheet" graduation episode where we're diving into real-world advice for all the fresh graduates. Congratulations on this incredible milestone in your life! Now, let's talk about what comes next. While the world often echoes Steve Jobs' famous 2005 Stanford speech urging graduates to follow their passion, toda…
…
continue reading
1
Christina Gossayn – Embracing Identity and Prioritizing Yourself in Parenthood
48:37
48:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:37
Have you ever taken the time to think about who you are? We all have multiple identities, but how do the different people we represent come together to form who we are? Christina Gossayn, a behavioral scientist and Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior candidate, has focused her research on how identities evolve over time, especially under the mantle of…
…
continue reading
I am the product of a tight-knit, small-town community. While searching for a job during college, I was fortunate to cross paths with Darrell and Melodee Hoff, who became my first career mentors. Darrell recently passed, and I wanted to share not only the practical skills I learned from him but also the profound influence of his mentor in shaping m…
…
continue reading
1
Holly Markiecki-Bennetts – Study Skills, Self-Advocacy, and Finding the "Right-Fit" College
47:40
47:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:40
Did you know that the path to choosing the "right-fit" college for your child could also lead to life lessons in self-advocacy? I welcome back Holly Markiecki-Bennetts, a high school guidance counselor and college advisor who is also a mom to one + twins! Holly is a testament to thoughtful and intentional educational decision-making. While many hig…
…
continue reading
ubscribe to the show on Apple Podcast |Google Podcast | Amazon Music | Spotify At retirement, your whole financial life essentially collapses down to one binary question: will your money outlive you, or will you outlive your money? Volatility in the market is often seen as a risk, but it's important to differentiate between the two. The real risk l…
…
continue reading
1
Neil Dutta – How Mainstream Media Mis-shapes Your View About the Economy
53:21
53:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
53:21
What does the mainstream media get wrong in their economy and stock market coverage? How much does the economy influence the stock market and vice versa? Neil Dutta, a noted business economist from Renaissance Macro Research and father of 1 plus twins, takes us on a journey into investment advice's economics and shattering stereotypes mainstream me…
…
continue reading
Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcast |Google Podcast | Amazon Music | Spotify In the midst of disappointment, our emotions can run hot. Whether it's parenting, finances, or life in general, understanding the impact of emotions on our choices is crucial. Making decisions in the heat of the moment rarely leads to positive outcomes. Instead, creatin…
…
continue reading
1
Dr. Joy Lere – Finding Harmony Between Emotions and Finance in Relationships
42:25
42:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:25
Most couples think they end up in a therapist's office to talk about sex and money. But it's really deeper underlying issues couples are looking to hash out. Dr. Joy Lere, a licensed clinical psychologist and co-founder of Shaping Wealth, is a leading voice in the psychology of money and applied behavioral finance. In her practice, Joy has observed…
…
continue reading
Do you give an honest answer when someone asks, "How are you doing?" Or do you give the typical generic response about how "busy" you are? Paul Graham is an investor who has worked with thousands of startup companies and is also a prolific writer. I imagine that Paul has some valuable insights into what it means to be busy. The central thesis behin…
…
continue reading
1
Carrie Schochet – Navigating the Emotional Landscape of Career Changes
46:37
46:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:37
Trust that today's conversation holds valuable guidance for those grappling with the emotional hurdles of a career change or fine-tuning work-life balance, especially busy parents. We welcome back our resident career expert, Carrie Schochet of Purple Squirrel Advisors, to discuss everything from the delicate balance of flexibility in the workplace …
…
continue reading
The Gap and The Gain Do you see the horizon, but it’s not moving? Our purpose is a lot like the horizon; it is helpful to figure out your direction and to plan your journey, but you can’t reach your purpose any more than you can arrive at the horizon. A few years ago, I came across a book by Dan Sullivan titled The Gap and The Gain. It was somewhat…
…
continue reading
1
Dr. Christine Gravert – Reducing Friction to Change Behaviors
39:49
39:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:49
Christina Gravert, a behavioral scientist and a new mother, has something to say about motivation and habits. Ten months after welcoming a baby into her life, Christina confronts a reality familiar to many: the struggle of balancing personal objectives, like returning to the gym, with the demands of parenthood. Her experiences have led her to probe…
…
continue reading
1
Navigating Tax Season: The Importance of Tax Planning vs. Tax Preparation
14:06
14:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
14:06
Do you know what the difference between tax planning and preparation is? Were you even aware that this is a difference between the two? Today, we delve into the often-misunderstood differences between tax preparation and tax planning. With tax season upon us, it's crucial for everyone to grasp the objectives and intricacies of both. We discuss prac…
…
continue reading
1
Heidi King – College Planning: The Impact of FAFSA Changes on Families
57:36
57:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:36
oday, we're diving into the second part of our insightful series with college planning expert Heidi King. If you thought college planning was just about selecting the right campus vibes for your kids, prepare to think again. We continue unraveling the complexities of the modern financial aid landscape, a terrain changed by replacing the expected fa…
…
continue reading
Are you feeling overwhelmed with college planning? If you're a high school senior or a parent navigating the college search process, it's understandable if you're feeling anxious. To help guide you through this process, our host Paul Fenner shared a comprehensive list of questions to ask during your college search in the latest episode of Emotional…
…
continue reading
1
Heidi King – The High Stakes of College Planning for Parents
54:07
54:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:07
When is the right time to talk with your kids about planning for college? Why is finding the "right fit" school so critical, and what criteria do you use to choose it? Heidi King has a front-row seat in helping parents guide their kids through the college planning process, especially regarding the tough emotional side. Heidi entered college advisin…
…
continue reading
1
The Days Are Long But the Years Are Short
10:19
10:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
10:19
Today I reflect on the milestone of my triplets turning 13 years old and the anniversary of starting his firm, Tama Capital. I share the significance of the name "Tama" and how it represents families helping families. Through personal anecdotes and engaging conversations with others, I delves into the concept of time, emphasizing the importance of …
…
continue reading
1
Cassie Holmes – How to Find Your Happier Hour
55:16
55:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
55:16
Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcast | Amazon Music | Spotify UCLA Professor and author Cassie Holmes helps us unravel the intricacies of time management and emotional investment, offering valuable insights that can reshape the way you approach your daily life. We delve into the challenges of balancing a busy life, the inspiration behind "Happier…
…
continue reading
1
Unraveling the Illusion of Market Predictions
8:54
8:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
8:54
In this episode of Emotional Balance Sheet, I dive into the topic of predictions and why it's crucial to steer clear of them, especially when it comes to the stock market and the economy. Join me as I share insights on the impact of predictions and why having a flexible approach is key to successful portfolio management. This episode is brought to …
…
continue reading
1
Allison Schrager – From Brothels to Bonds: Unlocking the Mysteries of Risk
47:05
47:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:05
Allison Schrager is an economist and writer who has taken on the complex subject of risk in her illuminating works. With astute perception and a flair for engaging storytelling, Allison seeks to debunk commonly held myths about risk—challenging the widely accepted mantra of 'no risk, no reward.' Allison's work probes into the subtleties of risk man…
…
continue reading
1
Scott Hanselman – Scaling Yourself (replay)
45:11
45:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:11
Eight years ago, I was introduced to someone who helped change the direction of my life. I am quite positive that I am not the only person whose life has been impacted by this one person. The funny thing, this is the first time that I have been able to speak with and thank Scott Hanselman. Scott Hanselman is a programmer, teacher, and speaker. Alth…
…
continue reading
1
Unplugging to Recharge: The Magic Number for Vacation Days
8:31
8:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
8:31
We all know the importance of taking a breather, stepping away from our daily grind and responsibilities to recharge and rejuvenate. But how many days of vacation do we truly need to achieve that state of zen, that perfect balance between work and life? In the whirlwind of life, we often find ourselves caught up in the vortex of work, family, and s…
…
continue reading
1
Bruce Fieler – Life is in the Transitions: Mastering Change at Any Age
55:48
55:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
55:48
How many life transitions have you been through? What did you learn about yourself going through them? Bruce Fieler is the author of seven New York Times bestsellers and an avid collector and analyzer of life stories. Years ago, Bruce began a journey when he embarked on a project to document the experiences of Americans from all walks of life. Litt…
…
continue reading
Strategically using a bonus can boost your financial health, increase your peace of mind, and even enjoy the fruits of your labor with limited regret. Instead of spending a bonus all at once, consider intentionally distributing it to different areas of your financial plan. This includes paying down debt, funding an emergency account, investing in r…
…
continue reading
1
Debbie Gail: Living in Peace, Not Fear: A Mother's Journey of Healing and Helping Others
47:09
47:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:09
How would your life change emotionally, physically, and mentally after the loss of a child? Debbie Gail is a strong, resilient woman who has transformed her pain into her purpose. Her journey began when she faced the challenges of her son's mental illness and addiction, eventually leading to his tragic loss. Throughout our conversation, Debbie take…
…
continue reading
1
Paul Fenner Optimize Your Spending to Increase Your Happiness
9:30
9:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:30
One aspect or secret to happiness can be found through strategic spending— not just spending on possessions or experiences but on what truly holds purpose in your life. It's not about how much money you have, but how you spend it significantly affects your happiness. Research supports the idea that spending money on experiences rather than things l…
…
continue reading
1
Toby Brooks – Savoring the Now: Mid-Career Pivots and the Human Experience
48:23
48:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:23
Have you ever thought about a mid-career pivot? Staring down the uncertainty of making a bold decision when a new opportunity arises? Toby Brooks, a professor at Texas Tech University, has made his fair share of career pivots. With a background in athletic training, Toby and his wife crisscrossed the country trying to secure a position with a profe…
…
continue reading
Imagine waking up one day, taking a moment to reflect on everything you've done, only to realize that everything should have been… well, more. Not in the materialistic sense, but more in-depth, more in enthusiasm, more in meaning. This isn't about being greedy or trying to avoid regrets. If you've read Dan Pink's book "The Power of Regrets," you'll…
…
continue reading
1
Ann Coleman – Parenting and Emotional Wellness: Strategies for Navigating Adolescence
56:03
56:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
56:03
What would you do as a parent to save your struggling relationship with your kid? Ann Coleman is a former attorney who specialized in divorce, child custody, and adoption cases. Through raising her adopted son, Ann found herself deep in research, becoming a parenting expert on how to talk with teenagers struggling with anxiety, substance abuse, and…
…
continue reading
1
Every Dollar is a Choice: Parenting & Building Families with Conscious Spending
9:38
9:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:38
Understand how financial decisions, big or small, can impact your family's happiness and well-being while equipping your children with an understanding of financial responsibility that ensures they make informed, conscious decisions aligned with their values and life purpose. Conscious financial decision-making contributes to happiness: Every expen…
…
continue reading
1
Michelle Zak – Making Opportunities Where There Are None
40:16
40:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:16
What would frequent relocations mean to your career? How would you be able to handle the constant transitions? Michelle Zak has seen her share of transitions as a former Army officer. But as Michelle moved from military to civilian life, her husband remained in the military, requiring constant relocation. Finding a career that could move with her w…
…
continue reading
1
Financial Reality Through an Unfiltered Lens: The Honest Instagram
11:44
11:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
11:44
Have you ever wondered what Instagram would look like if it showed the real financial stories behind those perfect snapshots — the bills, budgets, and sacrifices — and how it could transform our understanding of wealth and financial planning? An honest reflection of our lives on platforms like Instagram, including the financial challenges and sacri…
…
continue reading
1
Dr. Erin Halligan-Avery – From Struggles to Solutions: Choosing Between Career Stability and Entrepreneurship
39:51
39:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:51
By Paul Fenner, Dr. Erin Halligan
…
continue reading
1
Damon Parker – Finding Joy in Progress: From Tragedy to Transformation
44:51
44:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:51
What do we do when we reach a crossroads in life? How can we transform a tragedy into something meaningful that helps others? Damon Parker comes from a family of educators, with his parents and grandparents all having careers in teaching. But after reaching a crossroads in his teaching career, Damon found an opportunity in coaching wrestling and pu…
…
continue reading
1
Sarah Khan – Career Rehab: Breaking Free from Corporate Mindsets to Build a Life-Aligned Business
44:36
44:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:36
Do you feel unsupported in your current career position? Is the grind of your current corporate role more than you can bear? After being laid off multiple times, including once during her maternity leave, Sarah Khan felt unsupported by her employers multiple times, including during the pandemic lockdown. Sarah decided to detox herself from the corp…
…
continue reading
1
Marisa Lonic – Breaking the Busy Stereotype: Redefining Time Management for Parents
41:59
41:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:59
As parents, what does it mean to have harmony between your personal and financial life? A demanding career, demanding kids, demanding spouse? As a mom of four, including a set of twins, Marisa Lonic checked all those boxes (except for maybe the demanding husband) but was also asking, "What about me?" Marisa, like most parents, was not in a position…
…
continue reading
1
Dr. Wendy Troxel – Sharing the Covers: Every Couple's Guide to Better Sleep
47:55
47:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:55
Have you reached a point where you want to sleep in a different room because you can no longer physically sleep in the same bed as your spouse or partner? Full disclosure, my wife and I had reached this point where sleep loss was negatively impacting both of us. This is where internationally recognized sleep expert Dr. Wendy Troxel comes into play.…
…
continue reading
1
Lori Oberbroeckling – Secrets of a Super Mom
54:32
54:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:32
Parents, can we really have it all? A thriving career, time with our significant other, and relationships with our kids? Lori Oberbroeckling is a wife, mom of four, author, photographer, and corporate leader. Lori helps parents, especially moms who want to be extraordinary, present, and have an amazing career. So how can you find harmony amid the d…
…
continue reading
1
Anne Wilson – Making Long-Term Decisions Despite Roadblocks
41:10
41:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:10
Are you struggling to make decisions that will benefit your future self? Are you constantly prioritizing short-term gains over long-term success? Anne Wilson is a professor at Wilfrid Laurier University and part of Laurier's Social Psychology program. Anne is fascinated by how people behave, think, and understand themselves and their social worlds,…
…
continue reading
1
Hal Hershfield – Your Future Self: How to Make Tomorrow Better Today
42:01
42:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:01
Have you ever looked into the mirror to give your future self the time it deserves? Hal Hershfield is a social psychologist whose research focuses on decision making. As a professor of marketing and behavioral decision making at UCLA's Anderson School of Management, he has an interdisciplinary approach to understanding how people make their decisio…
…
continue reading
1
Corrie LoGiudice – The Five Cs: A Blueprint for Overcoming Overwhelming Situations for Parents
44:21
44:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:21
How many life transitions have you been through? Big or small? How often? Corrie LoGiudice has transitioned through abuse, homelessness, and divorce, to name a few life-changing events. But as a successful career and business coach, Corrie has turned her life-changing transitions into a unique ability to help others through their own life transitio…
…
continue reading
Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcast |Google Podcast | Amazon Music | Spotify What if you had a child on the autism spectrum who couldn’t find a job? Not because they couldn’t work but because of a lack of opportunities. This was the challenge that Steve Bier was facing with his autistic son Sam who was highly functional. After being challenged b…
…
continue reading
1
Steph Morris – Living in the Trenches: How Good Design Tells a Story
47:32
47:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:32
Have you ever come to a fork in the road where the home you have today is not the home you need now or in the future? How do you answer the question, do we stay and remodel our existing home, or do we look to relocate? Steph Morris is an experienced expert in design who helps families make emotional and financial decisions regarding home living. Si…
…
continue reading
1
Katy Bertodatto and Mark Keely – Vacation Real Estate You Can Understand
1:01:58
1:01:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:01:58
Have you ever wanted to own an investment or vacation rental property? A place that could become a long-term retirement haven for you and your family? Katy Bertodatto and Mark Keely are co-founders of Golden Swan Management, a property management and real estate development company located in Traverse City, Michigan. Golden Swan properties extend t…
…
continue reading
1
Railey Molinario – The Ultimate Guide to a Thriving Relationship
45:24
45:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:24
Are you tired of constant fighting in your relationship? Can you imagine a life where conflicts are resolved with understanding and connection instead of anger and disconnection? Railey Molinario, a renowned Love Educator & Relationship Coach, empowers individuals to live fulfilling lives through her teachings on relationship intelligence. With a r…
…
continue reading
1
Kassy Scarcia – How to Build a Sustainable Success System for Parents
42:43
42:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:43
As a parent, how often do you let the stress and pressure of life bury the vision you once had inside of you? How can you pull the purpose back up to the forefront of your life? Kassy Scarcia is a certified life coach who is on a mission to help women reclaim their confidence, take charge of their personal and professional success, and move forward…
…
continue reading