No doubt you've imagined being financially independent: No job necessary, no money worries, no debt and plenty of savings. Of course, "financial freedom" means means different things to different people, but one thing's for sure: Not many of us are there yet. One recent survey found that only about 11% of Americans are living their definition of financial independence.

But no matter what financial freedom means to you, there are some steps you can take to get there faster. And that's what we're going to talk about today's podcast.

We're talking to Gigi Gonzalez, the author of the best-selling book Cultura & Cash.

Remember, even though we sometimes talk about money and specific investments on this show, don't take them as recommendations. Before investing in anything or making any money moves, do your own research and make your own decisions.

You can listen with the player at the top of this article, or download the episode wherever you get your podcasts:

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Google Podcasts
Listen on Spotify

Don't forget to check out our podcast page for more episodes designed to help you make the most of your money.

"Traditional" Personal Finance Advice Doesn't Work for Everyone
Our guest Gigi talks about how some of the personal finance advice that we typically receive doesn't always work for everyone. (Check out this article from Kiplinger on how budgeting advice is often flawed.)
Some of the reasons that standard personal finance advice doesn't work for first-generation Americans have to do with some of the cultural norms surrounding money.
Gigi gives the example of lending money to family (and friends). We're often told to "just say no" or help in other ways, but that might not be the norm, depending on your culture.
We also assume that debt shouldn't be used to improve financial fortunes, but many people need some type of debt—especially student loan debt—to move into the next socioeconomic bracket.
Yes, paying off high-interest debt should probably be a priority, but how you tackle it might look different.
We go through ways that you can shift your mindset around money and look for creative ways to interact with money once you understand your money story and how it impacts you.
Steps for Using Money Advice That Works for You
Don't forget that you can take some of the money advice you see and tweak it for your circumstances.
Set money goals that work for you, by asking important financial questions that are relevant to your situation.
Get away from the "supposed tos" and the prescriptive checklists. Not every frugal habit is worth it. Carefully consider which habits you want to change, and think about why you want to change those spending and money habits.
Rules of thumb can be useful, but don't assume they're the answer to everything.
Meet this week's guest, Gigi Gonzalez

Giovanna "Gigi" Gonzalez is a TikTok influencer, financial educator, and author of the bestselling book Cultura and Cash. During The Great Resignation, she quit her 10-year corporate career to pursue her true passion: teaching financial literacy to young adults.

Gigi teaches personal finance and career navigation for First Gen at various organizations and on her TikTok account. She was named 40 under 40 by the Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement, "Latinx to Watch" by Hispanic Executive Magazine and Top 25 Creator by Fast Company.

Website
Instagram
TikTok

Don't listen to podcasts?

A podcast is basically a radio show you can listen to anywhere and anytime, either by downloading it to your smartphone, or by listening online. They're awesome for learning stuff and being entertained when you're in the car, doing chores, jogging or riding your bicycle.

You can listen to our latest podcasts here or download them to your phone from any number of places, including Apple, Spotify, RadioPublic, Stitcher and RSS.

If you haven't listened to our podcast yet, give it a try, then subscribe. You'll be glad you did!

About the hosts

Stacy Johnson founded Money Talks News in 1991. He's a CPA, and he has also earned licenses in stocks, commodities, options principal, mutual funds, life insurance, securities supervisor and real estate.

Miranda Marquit, MBA, is a financial expert, writer and speaker. She's been covering personal finance and investing topics for almost 20 years. When not writing and podcasting, she enjoys travel, reading and the outdoors.

Become a member: https://www.moneytalksnews.com/members/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Editor's Note: This episode initially aired on July 20, 2022. It may contain some details that are out of date.

According to one recent survey, only 4% of Americans have $1 million or more in retirement savings, which means 96% of us don't.

Of course, depending on your situation, a million bucks may be overkill: Many people could fund their retirement years for a lot less. Still, it's a nice, round number, and one worth shooting for.

Obviously, however, that's a lot of money. Is it even possible to get there? In a word, yes. And that's what we're going to talk about today: building a million-dollar nest egg, and just as important, how to figure out how much you're actually going to need.

As usual, co-hosts Stacy Johnson and Miranda Marquit are joined by producer Aaron Freeman. This week's special guest is Roger Whitney, the Retirement Answer Man.

Remember, even though we sometimes talk about specific investments on this show, don't take them as recommendations because they're not. Before investing in anything, do your own research, and make your own decisions.

You can download the episode wherever you get your podcasts:

• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Listen on Google Podcasts
• Listen on Spotify

Don't forget to check out our podcast page for more episodes designed to help you make the most of your money and our YouTube page for more videos.

https://youtu.be/US5Vk5nThuI

Is $1 million enough to retire on?

It sounds like a lot of money, but is $1 million enough to retire on? What you really need to do is figure out how big your nest egg should be and go from there. Whether $1 million is enough depends on your own situation.

• Check out how long $1 million will last during retirement.
• Read our article on the retirement numbers you should know as you plan your golden years.
• Where does your retirement income come from, anyway? Check out our overview of where most retirees get their money.
• Find out where you fit in when it comes to your retirement savings, based on your age.
• Our guest has a great podcast episode on investment returns and inflation during retirement.

Tips for building a $1 million nest egg

Ready to build your wealth? We talk about ways you can get your nest egg to that elusive $1 million mark.

• We have an article on how to retire with at least $1 million in the bank.
• Before you assume the 4% rule is still good, check out our article on rethinking this popular retirement planning strategy.
• Don't let taxes drain your retirement. Read our retirement tax tips to help you keep more of your money.
• We've got some strategies that can boost your retirement savings by $1.7 million.
• Before you quit your job, read our article about how to protect your nest egg after you call it quits.
• Make the most of your retirement with our 65 tips for a healthy, wealthy and happy retirement.

Meet this week's guest, Roger Whitney

Roger has been a financial advisor for more than 25 years and is the host of the award-winning Retirement Answer Man podcast. He is on a mission to change the way the world thinks about retirement, one little conversation at a time.

Roger established Rock Retirement Club in 2018 to help foster a safe online space for soon-to be retirees to learn, plan, and interact with other like-minded folks on the path to retirement.

As if that's not enough to keep him busy, he is the author of "Rock Retirement: A Simple Guide to Help You Take Control and Be More Optimistic About the Future," a Forbes online contributor, creator of the Agile Financial Planning process, and past instructor of the Retirement Planning & Employee Benefits CFP certificate program at the University of Texas at Arlington and of Wealth Management at Texas Christian University.

Investopedia has named him to the Top 100 Most Influential Advisors 2017-2021, and he has brought home Plutus Awards for Best Financial Planner Blog (2019) and Best Retirement Blog (2015 and 2017).

• Website
• Twitter
• Facebook
• YouTube
• LinkedIn

Don't listen to podcasts?

A podcast is basically a radio show you can listen to anywhere and anytime, either by downloading it to your smartphone, or by listening online. They're awesome for learning stuff and being entertained when you're in the car, doing chores, jogging or riding your bicycle.

You can listen to our latest podcasts here or download them to your phone from any number of places, including Apple, Spotify, RadioPublic, Stitcher and RSS.

If you haven't listened to our podcast yet, give it a try, then subscribe. You'll be glad you did!

About the hosts

Stacy Johnson founded Money Talks News in 1991. He's a CPA, and has also earned licenses in stocks, commodities, options principal, mutual funds, life insurance, securities supervisor and real estate.

Miranda Marquit, MBA, is a financial expert, writer and speaker. She's been covering personal finance and investing topics for almost 20 years. When not writing and podcasting, she enjoys travel, reading and the outdoors.

Become a member: https://www.moneytalksnews.com/members/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the Money Talks News Podcast.

In this episode we're talking about steps you should be taking right now to achieve financial freedom.

No doubt you've imagined being financially independent: No job necessary, no money worries, no debt and plenty of savings. Of course, "financial freedom" means means different things to different people, but one thing's for sure: Not many of us are there yet. One recent survey found that only about 11% of Americans are living their definition of financial independence.

But no matter what financial freedom means to you, there are some steps you can take to get there faster. And that's what we're going to talk about today.

Today's guest is Jamila Souffrant, the founder of the award-winning podcast Journey to Launch and the author of the book Your Journey to Financial Freedom: A Step-By-Step Guide to Achieving Wealth and Happiness.

Remember, even though we sometimes talk about money and specific investments on this show, don't take them as recommendations. Before investing in anything or making any money moves, do your own research and make your own decisions.

Listen to the episode using the player at the top of this article or download the episode wherever you get your podcasts:

• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Listen on Google Podcasts
• Listen on Spotify

Don't forget to check out our podcast page for more episodes designed to help you make the most of your money.

How to Reach Financial Independence

Our guest Jamila has some great insights into reaching financial independence—whatever that means to you. We've also got some resources on how to take the steps to reach financial freedom. Plus, you can also get Stacy's book, Life or Debt. It's got helpful information on taking steps on your path to financial freedom.

• Side Hustle Success: Financial Freedom From Lipstick and Bras
• From Overwhelming Debt to Financial Freedom: How National Debt Relief Saved Lindsay's Life
• How to Reach for Financial Freedom with House Hacking
• 3 Ways Most Americans Define Financial Happiness
• 5 Ways to Kick-Start Your Journey to Financial Independence
• 17 Lessons From Regular People Who Achieved Financial Independence
• 15 Important Lessons From Financial Independence Blogs
• 5 Tips to Make Better Financial Decisions
• Sabotage: 10 Ways You're Crippling Your Financial Future
• Good vs. Bad Debt: A Quick Guide to Borrowing Wisely for Financial Success
• 15 Key Financial Terms to Know to Plan a Successful Future
• 9 Ways to Be More Financially Aware and Successful
• 11 Guidelines for Building a Financial Plan for the Life You Want

Smart money moves for your future

Don't forget that some of the money moves you make today can have a big impact on your financial future. Check out how to get more from your money and learn how to plan for the future.

• The Biggest Risk in Financial Planning: Avoiding Risk
• How to Boost Your Odds of a Successful Retirement to 97%
• How and Why to Pass on Financial Values to Your Heirs
• The Big Con: Outsmarting the 5 Sneakiest Financial Scams
• How to Balance Taking Care of Your Long- and Short-Term Financial Goals
• 28 Investing Tips From Today's Financial Geniuses
• Is a Financial Advisor Better Than a Financial Coach?
• The 7 Most Common Financial Regrets and How to Avoid Them
• How to Start Investing — No Matter How Much Money You Have
• The Top 4 Investing Blunders and How to Avoid Them
• The Right Advisor Can Double Your Retirement Savings: 4 Tips to Find One
• 9 Financial Bucket List Items to Check Off Before 60
• 10 Ways to Get Your Financial Life in Order
• How To Worry Less and Feel Good About Your Financial Future
• Boost Your Financial Fitness With These 11 Small Money Moves
• How to Leave a Financial Legacy of Generational Wealth

Meet this week's guest, Jamila Souffrant

Jamila Souffrant is the author of "Your Journey To Financial Freedom A Step-by-Step Guide to Achieving Wealth and Happiness" and the host of the Journey To Launch podcast. She is considered a go-to thought leader in the personal finance field and her work has been featured in BuzzFeed, ESSENCE, Refinery 29, Money Magazine, CNBC, CBS, Business Insider and more. The Journey To Launch Podcast has over 4+ million total downloads and was listed by the NYTimes as a podcast to help you get better with your money.

Jamila and her husband saved $169,000 in two years, is also a mother of three young children and lives in Brooklyn, NY.

• Website
• Podcast
• Twitter/X
• Facebook
• Instagram
• YouTube

Don't listen to podcasts?

A podcast is basically a radio show you can listen to anywhere and anytime, either by downloading it to your smartphone, or by listening online. They're awesome for learning stuff and being entertained when you're in the car, doing chores, jogging or riding your bicycle.

You can listen to our latest podcasts here or download them to your phone from any number of places, including Apple, Spotify, RadioPublic, Stitcher and RSS.

If you haven't listened to our podcast yet, give it a try, then subscribe. You'll be glad you did!

About the hosts

Stacy Johnson founded Money Talks News in 1991. He's a CPA, and he has also earned licenses in stocks, commodities, options principal, mutual funds, life insurance, securities supervisor and real estate.

Miranda Marquit, MBA, is a financial expert, writer and speaker. She's been covering personal finance and investing topics for almost 20 years. When not writing and podcasting, she enjoys travel, reading and the outdoors.

Become a member: https://www.moneytalksnews.com/members/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Editor's Note: This episode initially aired on July 13, 2022. It may contain some details that are out of date.

Even with talk of a cooling housing market, prices are still high, and inventory is still low. If you're looking for a good deal, what are you supposed to do?

This week we're going to find out how to find a great real estate deal no matter the market.

As usual, co-hosts Stacy Johnson and Miranda Marquit are joined by producer Aaron Freeman. Today's special guest is Mindy Jensen from the real estate investing and education website BiggerPockets.

Remember, even though we sometimes talk about specific investments on this show, don't take them as recommendations because they're not. Before investing in anything, do your own research, and make your own decisions.

You can download the episode wherever you get your podcasts:

• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Listen on Google Podcasts
• Listen on Spotify

Don't forget to check out our podcast page for more episodes designed to help you make the most of your money and our YouTube page for more videos.

https://youtu.be/pXbYYIpisxA

What's going on with the housing market?

Things might be slowing down a bit, but the housing market is still red-hot in some areas. Where is the housing market overheated, and where is it likely to maintain its value?

• Check out our slideshow on 20 overvalued housing markets. One of these markets is in Boise, Idaho. Miranda lives in Idaho!
• Not all cities have seen a housing boom. Check out our article on some cities where homeowners remain underwater. Real estate really is local.
• Worried about a coming pullback? You might be fine if you live in one of the real estate markets likely to hold their value.
• Are we really in a housing market bubble? Listen to our previous podcast episode with Mindy, talking about what's next for the housing market.
• Before you buy a home, make sure you're not in one of these housing markets that are likely to drop.
• How affordable is it to buy a home? Check out the St. Louis Fed's housing affordability index and the NAR affordability index.
• Interested in the relationship between mortgage rates and housing prices? Check out this analysis by the Urban Institute.

Tips for finding a good deal on a home

Mindy thinks that it's possible to find good deals no matter what the housing market looks like. Get to know your local real estate market and start deal hunting if that's what you're interested in.

• First-time homeowner? Check out our article on buying your first home.
• Learn how to buy a home even if you have a small down payment.
• Stacy has advice on how to decide whether to rent or buy a house.
• Looking for the best location? We've got an article full of tips on finding the best location for your home.
• It's not always about buying a home to live in. Check out our list of cities where you can make bank when you buy a rental property.
• Use our tips on how to find a good rental property.
• Want a place to live and make money as well? Check out the BiggerPockets guide to house hacking.

Meet this week's guest, Mindy Jensen[caption id="attachment_396560" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mindy Jensen / Money Talks News[/caption]

Mindy Jensen is a licensed agent in Colorado, and has been buying and selling houses for more than 20 years. She's the community manager for BiggerPockets.com, and the host of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast.

• Website
• Podcast

Don't listen to podcasts?

A podcast is basically a radio show you can listen to anywhere and anytime, either by downloading it to your smartphone, or by listening online. They're awesome for learning stuff and being entertained when you're in the car, doing chores, jogging or riding your bicycle.

You can listen to our latest podcasts here or download them to your phone from any number of places, including Apple, Spotify, RadioPublic, Stitcher and RSS.

If you haven't listened to our podcast yet, give it a try, then subscribe. You'll be glad you did!

About the hosts

Stacy Johnson founded Money Talks News in 1991. He's a CPA, and has also earned licenses in stocks, commodities, options principal, mutual funds, life insurance, securities supervisor and real estate.

Miranda Marquit, MBA, is a financial expert, writer and speaker. She's been covering personal finance and investing topics for almost 20 years. When not writing and podcasting, she enjoys travel, reading and the outdoors.

Become a member: https://www.moneytalksnews.com/members/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the Money Talks News Podcast.

In this episode, we're talking about how you can have a good time without breaking the bank.

Hey, we all need a little fun in our lives, right? What's the point of grinding it out at work, going home, fretting about money, and then sleeping?

But here's the rub: The cost of having fun continues to rise at a faster pace than inflation, and that's keeping some of us home.

So today is all about having a riot without breaking the bank.

As usual, host Stacy Johnson is joined by financial journalist Miranda Marquit. Listening in and sometimes contributing is producer Aaron Freeman. Our special guest is Vee Weir, the host of the For Fox Sake podcast.

Remember, even though we sometimes talk about money and specific investments on this show, don't take them as recommendations. Before investing in anything or making any money moves, do your own research and make your own decisions.

You can download the episode wherever you get your podcasts:

• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Listen on Google Podcasts
• Listen on Spotify

Don't forget to check out our podcast page for more episodes designed to help you make the most of your money.

Save money with frugal fun

You don't need to spend a lot of money to have a good time. Vee has lots of great ideas for enjoying yourself without breaking the bank. Here are some of our best resources for saving money when trying to have a good time.

• 9 Tips to Tackle Your Financial Goals and Still Have Fun
• 11 Restaurant Apps That Offer Free Food and Drinks
• 12 Affordable and Fun Date Ideas
• 18 Best Staycation Ideas for Frugal Families
• 10 Secret Ways Frugal Travelers Slash Their Costs
• 17 Ways to Have More Fun for Less Money
• How to Have a Great Wedding on a Small Budget
• 10 Countries Where Retirees Have the Best Quality of Life
• The 15 Most Affordable Cities to Live in the U.S.
• 9 Affordable Streaming TV Bundles That Can Replace Cable
• 38 Affordable Experience Gifts for Everyone on Your List
• 7 Affordable Dinner Party Recipes That Guests Love
• How To Make an Affordable Charcuterie Board for Under $35
• The 10 Most Affordable Places for Homebuyers
• 3 Affordable Mediterranean Havens
• 15 Most Affordable Cities for Family Vacations
• 7 Great Affordable Baby Shower Gifts
• 8 Places to Find a Discount Massage

Other ways to save money on almost anything

We've got lots of other ways to save money on almost anything. Check out these other resources on living frugal and making the most out of every dollar.

• How to Get High-Speed Internet Without Cable or a Phone Line
• 19 Streaming Services With Free Trials
• 15 Things You Should Always Buy at Yard Sales
• 5 Ways to Save Money That Few People Consider
• 4 Easy Ways to Save Hundreds of Dollars on Your Internet Bill
• 11 Ways to Score Free Stuff on Amazon
• 8 Ways to Do Laundry Smarter and Save Money
• Depression-Era Hacks and Frugal Living Ideas to Save Money Now
• 13 Things Frugal People Never Do
• Frugal Living Guide: How to Have Less Stuff and Save Money
• What to Do If You're More Frugal Than Your Spouse
• 10 Frugal Living Tips for Young Families
• 7 Strategies for Frugal Urban Living
• 12 Money-Saving Tips to Enjoy a Frugal Retirement

Meet this week's guest, Vee Weir[caption id="attachment_476216" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Courtesy of Vee Weir / Money Talks News[/caption]

Vee Weir is an award-winning, anti-capitalist personal finance content creator and business owner. Her main focus and mission is to challenge common money myths, dismantle barriers preventing access to financial information and examine how capitalism negatively impacts the working class.

Her podcast, For Fox Sake, focuses on helping folks navigate late-stage capitalism through sustainable budgeting and realistic financial education. In the past eight years, Vee has amassed a following of over 35,000 online and has been featured in Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC and more.

When she's not online, she spends her time hiking with her husband and three dogs in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado or sipping a mocktail with her nose in a Romantasy.

• Website
• Podcast
• Instagram
• Threads

Don't listen to podcasts?

A podcast is basically a radio show you can listen to anywhere and anytime, either by downloading it to your smartphone, or by listening online. They're awesome for learning stuff and being entertained when you're in the car, doing chores, jogging or riding your bicycle.

You can listen to our latest podcasts here or download them to your phone from any number of places, including Apple, Spotify, RadioPublic, Stitcher and RSS.

If you haven't listened to our podcast yet, give it a try, then subscribe. You'll be glad you did!

About the hosts

Stacy Johnson founded Money Talks News in 1991. He's a CPA, and he has also earned licenses in stocks, commodities, options principal, mutual funds, life insurance, securities supervisor and real estate.

Miranda Marquit, MBA, is a financial expert, writer and speaker. She's been covering personal finance and investing topics for almost 20 years. When not writing and podcasting, she enjoys travel, reading and the outdoors.

Become a member: https://www.moneytalksnews.com/members/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here's one of our best podcasts from the archive that you may have missed.
Thanks for listening to Money Talks News…the podcast!  

Let's start with a question: Do you have enough in your retirement account? According to a recent report from Vanguard, the average American has around $140,000 saved for retirement. For those 65 and older, that average balance is about twice that, or $280,000.

Sounds like a lot, right? But for many people, even with Social Security, it's not going to be enough.

If that's you, let's fix it. In this podcast, we help you create a plan to beef up those retirement savings.

As usual, host Stacy Johnson is joined by financial journalist Miranda Marquit. Listening in and sometimes contributing is producer Aaron Freeman. This week's guest is a friend of the show, Joe Saul-Sehy from Stacking Benjamins.

Disclaimer:
Remember, even though we sometimes talk about money and specific investments, never take them as recommendations. Before investing in anything or making any other money moves, do your own research and make your own decisions.

You can watch this episode below, or if you'd prefer to listen, you can do that with the player at the top of this article or download the episode wherever you get your podcasts:

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Google Podcasts
Listen on Spotify

Don't forget to check out our podcast page for more episodes designed to help you make the most of your money and our YouTube page for more videos.

Are you ready for retirement?

The Employee Benefit Research Institute points out that 7 in 10 workers are confident they can retire comfortably. In this show, we talk about the potential disconnect between what you might think is enough and what's actually enough. Here are some articles that can help.

How Much People Have Saved for Retirement at Every Age
6 Big Obstacles to Having a Comfortable Retirement
Most People Say They've Reduced or Stopped Saving for Retirement Because of Inflation
4 Generations Share the Age They Started Saving for Retirement
Here's the New Magic Number for Living Comfortably in Retirement
6 Reasons Americans Are Fast-Tracking Their Retirement
9 Signs Your Retirement Is on Track
Even Millionaires Share These 4 Retirement Worries
7 Reasons Americans Seniors Stay Frugal in Retirement
10 Reasons Today's Older Workers Are Delaying Retirement

How to create a retirement plan that works for you

Stacy mentions his book "[amazon url="https://www.amazon.com/Life-Debt-2010-Financial-Freedom/dp/1439168601" text="Life or Debt"][/amazon]," as a good starting point to help you figure out what you want out of life—and how to prioritize it. Joe and Miranda also have some good ideas for creating a retirement plan you'll stick with. We also mention our podcast on paying off your mortgage aggressively so you have more money available in retirement.

Let's take a look at some great Money Talks News resources about planning for retirement.

15 Tips for Those Within 10 Years of Retirement
Pre-Retirement Checklist: What to Do Within 5 Years of Retiring
Financial Advisers Say These Are the Top 10 Retirement Planning Mistakes
Over 50? Here's How to Catch Up on Retirement Savings
Health Savings Accounts and Why They Are Great for Retirement (Miranda never gets tired talking about HSAs.)
Is a Bond Ladder Strategy Right for Your Retirement?
4 Things You Can Control in Retirement
13 Types of Retirement Income That Are Not Taxable
3 Things You Should Do – and Not Do – to Prepare for Your Retirement
6 Ways to Guarantee Yourself a Steady Retirement Income
Sequence of Returns Risk and How to Protect Your Retirement From It

Meet this week's guest, Joe Saul-Sehy

Joe is a former financial adviser (16 years) and represented American Express and Ameriprise Financial in the media. He was the "Money Man" at Detroit television station WXYZ-TV, appearing on air twice weekly. He's appeared in Bride, Best Life, and Child magazines, and in the Los Angeles Times, Chicago Sun-Times, Detroit News and Baltimore Sun newspapers. He's also appeared online in more than 200 different places, including CNBC.com and WSJ.com.

Website
Stacking Benjamins Podcast
Twitter
Instagram
LinkedIn

Don't listen to podcasts?

A podcast is basically a radio show you can listen to anywhere and anytime, either by downloading it to your smartphone, or by listening online. They're awesome for learning stuff and being entertained when you're in the car, doing chores, jogging or riding your bicycle.

You can listen to our latest podcasts here or download them to your phone from any number of places, including Apple, Spotify, RadioPublic, Stitcher and RSS.

If you haven't listened to our podcast yet, give it a try, then subscribe. You'll be glad you did!

About the hosts

Stacy Johnson founded Money Talks News in 1991. He's a CPA, and he has also earned licenses in stocks, commodities, options principal, mutual funds, life insurance, securities supervisor and real estate.

Miranda Marquit, MBA, is a financial expert, writer and speaker. She's been covering personal finance and investing topics for almost 20 years. When not writing and podcasting, she enjoys travel, reading and the outdoors.

Become a member: https://www.moneytalksnews.com/members/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the Money Talks News Podcast!

In this episode, we're talking about paying off your mortgage early so you can put that money to better use.

Fewer than half — 40% — of homeowners are mortgage-free, according to a Bloomberg analysis. And many of those are baby boomers. Being mortgage-free is often seen as a big milestone on the journey to financial freedom. So, how do you become one of the favored few who pay off their mortgage before the 30-year term is up?

Let's find out.

As usual, host Stacy Johnson is joined by financial journalist Miranda Marquit. Listening in and sometimes contributing is producer Aaron Freeman. Today's guest is Andy Hill, founder of Marriage, Kids and Money. He paid off his mortgage early not too long ago and he's going to tell us exactly how he did it — and how it improved his finances and his life.

Remember, even though we sometimes talk about money and specific investments on this show, don't take them as recommendations. Before investing in anything or making any money moves, do your own research and make your own decisions.

You can download the episode wherever you get your podcasts:

• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Listen on Google Podcasts
• Listen on Spotify

Don't forget to check out our podcast page for more episodes designed to help you make the most of your money.

How to buy a home

As you get ready to buy a home, there are a lot of moving parts. Here's what you need to know about getting the best deal when you buy a house — no matter where you live.

• How to Buy a Home Responsibly
• 15 Critical Things to Look for When Touring an Open House
• 15 Cities Where It's Cheaper to Buy a Home Than Rent
• The 10 Worst Places to Buy a Home If You Want It to Gain Value
• How Much Does It Cost To Sell a House?
• House Hunting? Here's How to Choose the Right Neighborhood
• What You Need to Know About Buying a Country House
• Should You Buy a House or a Townhouse?
• Is Now a Good Time to Buy a House? Here Are Some Questions to Consider
• 12 Tips for Buying Your First House
• How Much Are Closing Costs When Buying a House?
• 5 Things to Know About Buying a Fixer-Upper House
• 5 Ways to Buy a House With a Small Down Payment

What you need to know about mortgages

When you buy a home with a mortgage, you need to know how it works, and the best way to tackle it. Plus, you also need to figure out whether you think you'll actually pay off your mortgage, and whether you think it's a good idea.

• What You Need to Know About Taking Out a Joint Mortgage
• How to Get Pre-Qualified for a Mortgage
• 7 Ways To Pay Off Your Mortgage Years Earlier
• How Making 1 Extra Mortgage Payment Could Shave Years Off Your Debt
• Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage or Invest?
• Should You Refinance Your Mortgage?
• 7 Times When It's Smart Not To Pay Off Your Mortgage Early
• 4 Arguments for Retaining Your Mortgage in Retirement
• Does a Reverse Mortgage Make Sense? 3 Things to Know

Meet this week's guest, Andy Hill

Accredited Financial Counselor Andy Hill is the award-winning family finance coach behind Marriage Kids and Money - a platform dedicated to helping families build wealth and happiness.

Andy's advice and personal finance experience have been featured in major media outlets like CNBC, Forbes, MarketWatch, Kiplinger's Personal Finance and NBC News. With millions of podcast downloads and video views, Andy's message of family financial empowerment has resonated with listeners, readers and viewers across the world.
When he's not "talking money," Andy enjoys being a soccer dad, singing karaoke with his wife and relaxing on his hammock.

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram
• YouTube

Don't listen to podcasts?

A podcast is basically a radio show you can listen to anywhere and anytime, either by downloading it to your smartphone, or by listening online. They're awesome for learning stuff and being entertained when you're in the car, doing chores, jogging or riding your bicycle.

You can listen to our latest podcasts here or download them to your phone from any number of places, including Apple, Spotify, RadioPublic, Stitcher and RSS.

If you haven't listened to our podcast yet, give it a try, then subscribe. You'll be glad you did!

About the hosts

Stacy Johnson founded Money Talks News in 1991. He's a CPA, and he has also earned licenses in stocks, commodities, options principal, mutual funds, life insurance, securities supervisor and real estate.

Miranda Marquit, MBA, is a financial expert, writer and speaker. She's been covering personal finance and investing topics for almost 20 years. When not writing and podcasting, she enjoys travel, reading and the outdoors.

Become a member: https://www.moneytalksnews.com/members/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here's one of our best podcasts from the archive that you may have missed.

Original air date: February 27th, 2021

Not long ago, the phrase "working in retirement" was an oxymoron, much like "bittersweet" or "act naturally." After all, if you're working, you're by definition not retired.

But that was then. These days, working at least part-time while retired is increasingly common. According to one survey, 27% of pre-retirees said they planned to work part-time in retirement and among recent retirees, 19% work part-time.

Why so much working during retirement? More likely than not, because of money. As we explain in articles like "8 Reasons Your Parents Had an Easier Retirement Than You Will," pensions are rapidly disappearing, replaced by much less reliable accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s. And as retiree income is falling, costs are rising.

On the plus side, however, while more retirees may be forced back into the workplace to make ends meet, there are more ways than ever to bring in a bit of extra bacon.

In short, in my parent's generation, retirement meant not working at all. But for us boomers, retirement is morphing into something different. It's not about doing nothing. Hopefully, it's about being productive and making money, but by doing what you want to do, rather than what you have to do.

What kind of work will today's (or tomorrow's) retiree look forward to doing? Will it be easy to find pleasant, lucrative work? Should we start long before we retire?

In this week's "Money" podcast, we're going to find answers to these questions, as well as many more. Our guest is author and super-popular podcaster Paula Pant from Afford Anything. She's smart, funny and knowledgeable -- you'll have a good time listening to her.

As usual, my co-host will be financial journalist Miranda Marquit, and we're joined by our producer and sound effects guy, Aaron Freeman.

Sit back, relax and listen to this week's "Money" podcast!

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Google Podcasts
Listen on Spotify

[related]

Not familiar with podcasts?

A podcast is basically a radio show you can listen to anytime, either by downloading it to your smartphone or other device, or by listening online.

They're totally free. They can be any length (ours are typically about a half-hour), feature any number of people and cover any topic you can possibly think of. You can listen at home, in the car, while jogging or, if you're like me, when riding your bike.

You can listen to our latest podcasts here or download them to your phone from any number of places, including Apple, Spotify, RadioPublic, Stitcher and RSS.

If you haven't listened to a podcast yet, give it a try, then subscribe to ours. You'll be glad you did!

Show notes

Want more information? Check out these resources:

"7 Tips for Getting a Great Part-Time Job in Retirement"
"10 Stats About Working in Retirement"
"This Job Board Specializes in Remote Work and Flexible Gigs"
"5 Reasons You Should Work for as Long as You Live"
"15 Jobs for Retirees That Can Be Done From Home"
"8 Signs That It's Time for You to Unretire"
AARP: Job Search Resources for 50+
Subscribe to the Money Talks News newsletter
Take our The Only Retirement Guide You'll Ever Need course
Take our Money Made Simple course
About me

I founded Money Talks News in 1991. I'm a CPA, and have also earned licenses in stocks, commodities, options principal, mutual funds, life insurance, securities supervisor and real estate.

Become a member: https://www.moneytalksnews.com/members/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the Money Talks News Podcast.

This podcast is all about making you richer. And at the end of the day, there are only two ways to do that: either you make more, or you spend less. In this episode, we're going to talk about ways to spend less, BUT, doing it without sacrificing your quality of life.

That's right: I'm talking financial gain without lifestyle pain.

As usual, host Stacy Johnson is joined by financial journalist Miranda Marquit. Listening in and sometimes contributing is producer Aaron Freeman. Today our guest is Gina Zakaria, a viral TikTok sensation and author of the book Simple Secrets to Becoming a Saving Whiz.

Remember, even though we sometimes talk about money and specific investments on this show, don't take them as recommendations. Before investing in anything or making any money moves, do your own research and make your own decisions.

You can watch this episode below, or if you'd prefer to listen, you can do that with the player at the top of this article or download the episode wherever you get your podcasts:

• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Listen on Google Podcasts
• Listen on Spotify

Don't forget to check out our podcast page for more episodes designed to help you make the most of your money.

How to save more money

Gina takes us through her process for figuring out how to save a little extra and do it without feeling a lot of pain or making dramatic changes. We've got plenty of tips and tricks for how you can easily cut costs.

• Depression-Era Hacks and Frugal Living Ideas to Save Money Now
• 10 Ways to Change Bad Spending Habits and Save Money
• 11 Ways To Save Money on Food Without Using Coupons
• 12 Simple Ways To Save Money in Retirement
• 25 Tips for How to Save Money If Your Paycheck Is Stretched Thin
• Frugal Living Guide: How to Have Less Stuff and Save Money
• 13 Ways To Save Money on Road Trips
• 5 Easy Home Repairs That Save Money
• How to Use Gift Cards to Save Money
• 5 Best Ways to Save Money for Kids
• 15 Ways to Save Money on Prescription Drugs
• 15 Ways to Save Money on Vacation

What to do with all the money you save

Now that you have saved some money, you can put it to good use. Pay down debt, start an emergency fund or invest for the future. Once you've got a handle on saving money, we've got some great resources that can help you put your money to work on your behalf.

• 8 Surefire Ways To Get Rid of Debt ASAP
• 5 Tips to Deal With Debt When Interest Rates Are Rising
• Debt Consolidation vs. Debt Settlement: 5 Things You Need To Know
• How to Destroy Your Debt and 3 Things to Do Next
• How to Start an Emergency Fund From Scratch so You're Prepared for Anything
• 9 Tips for Starting an Emergency Fund Today
• How to Start Investing — No Matter How Much Money You Have
• The Top 4 Investing Blunders and How to Avoid Them
• Why Index Fund Investing Is Good for Your Retirement
• 4 Ways to Tax-Proof Your Investment Portfolio
• Are You an ‘Emotionally Intelligent' Investor?
• Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage or Invest?

Meet this week's guest, Gina Zakaria

Gina Zakaria (known as the Saving Whiz to her 5 million+ followers on social media) is a personal finance educator, published author, and savings expert. She founded Saving Whiz after learning many money lessons the hard way as she paid off her six figures of debt with her husband and achieved financial freedom. Saving Whiz is a money education platform specifically designed to share simple strategies to help women take charge of their finances the easy way.

She's been in the money space for over 20 years and has been featured in Forbes, Money Magazine, Good Morning America, NBC Today, and other prominent personal finance publications.

Her approach of simplicity and small, gradual steps has been embraced by people around the world and has helped them transform their lives and eliminate the stress and overwhelm from the process.

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram
• YouTube
• TikTok

Don't listen to podcasts?

A podcast is basically a radio show you can listen to anywhere and anytime, either by downloading it to your smartphone, or by listening online. They're awesome for learning stuff and being entertained when you're in the car, doing chores, jogging or riding your bicycle.

You can listen to our latest podcasts here or download them to your phone from any number of places, including Apple, Spotify, RadioPublic, Stitcher and RSS.

If you haven't listened to our podcast yet, give it a try, then subscribe. You'll be glad you did!

About the hosts

Stacy Johnson founded Money Talks News in 1991. He's a CPA, and he has also earned licenses in stocks, commodities, options principal, mutual funds, life insurance, securities supervisor and real estate.

Miranda Marquit, MBA, is a financial expert, writer and speaker. She's been covering personal finance and investing topics for almost 20 years. When not writing and podcasting, she enjoys travel, reading and the outdoors.

Become a member: https://www.moneytalksnews.com/members/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the Money Talks News Podcast.

In this episode, we're talking about how asking the right money questions can help you find your own version of financial freedom.

When it comes to money, most people want answers. But sometimes getting ahead isn't about getting answers, it's about asking the right questions. Like WHY we're doing what we're doing and where we want to end up when we do it.

As usual, host Stacy Johnson is joined by financial journalist Miranda Marquit. Listening in and sometimes contributing is producer Aaron Freeman. This week we welcome back Matt Schulz, the chief credit analyst at Lending Tree and author of the book Ask Questions, Save Money, Make More: How to Take Control of Your Financial Life.

Remember, even though we sometimes talk about money and specific investments on this show, don't take them as recommendations. Before investing in anything or making any money moves, do your own research and make your own decisions.

You can watch this episode below, or if you'd prefer to listen, you can do that with the player at the top of this article or download the episode wherever you get your podcasts:

• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Listen on Google Podcasts
• Listen on Spotify

Don't forget to check out our podcast page for more episodes designed to help you make the most of your money.

The money decisions you make have an impact

Understanding the impact of your money decisions is an important part of long-term financial success. Part of that is asking the right questions. In this episode, we cover the questions you can ask to improve your understanding of money—and make better financial decisions.

We also have some resources on the website that can help you navigate your money choices:

• 5 Bad Decisions That Harm Retirement Readiness the Most — and 5 Choices That Boost It
• The Best Sources to Help You Make Great Financial Decisions
• 5 Tips to Make Better Financial Decisions
• 5 Decisions That Can Make or Break Your Retirement
• 15 Tips for Making the Best Social Security Decisions
• Depression-Era Hacks and Frugal Living Ideas to Save Money Now
• 6 Clever Ideas to Make Money While You Sleep
• 11 Cheap Business Ideas You Can Start for Less Than $1,000
• 9+ Flexible Job Ideas for Retirees With Little or No Savings

Learn more about important financial areas of your life

Our guest, Matt, takes us through some of the best questions to ask about important financial areas of your life, including credit, housing, health and more. We also have a lot of great resources that can help you navigate various money issues.

• How to Protect Your Kids' Credit
• 6 Ways to Keep a Stellar Credit Score in Retirement (and Why)
• How I Got a Perfect Credit Score in 4 Steps
• How to Raise Your Credit Score Without Getting Ripped Off
• 7 Ways to Get Your FICO Credit Score for Free
• 8 Telemedicine Options for Affordable Health Care Without Insurance
• 13 Habits of Happy and Healthy Aging
• 6 Medicare Mistakes To Avoid for a Healthy Retirement
• 98 Tips for a Healthy, Wealthy and Happy Retirement
• 7 Ways Anyone Can Save on Out-of-Pocket Health Care Costs
• What To Do When You Can't Find Affordable Housing
• How to Buy a Home Responsibly
• 7 Signs That You're Not Ready to Buy a Home
• 9 Grocery Shopping Mistakes That Will Cost You
• How the 6-1 Method Makes Grocery Shopping a Breeze
• A $50-a-Week Meal Plan for 1 When Shopping at Aldi
• 10 Ways to Save Money Shopping for Clothes
• Shopping Secrets Revealed: 6 Tricks the Pros Use to Save Hundreds
• 7 Sneaky Travel Charges to Avoid
• How to Travel Europe on a Budget
• 20 Traveling Jobs That Let You See the World
• Frugal Travelers Love These Economy Hotel Chains

Meet this week's guest, Matt Schulz

Matt Schulz is a personal finance expert and author of Ask Questions, Save Money, Make More: How to Take Control of Your Financial Life (March 2024), a money manual that empowers you to pay less, earn more and keep more of your hard-earned money by asking the right questions in everyday, real-life situations.

A nationally recognized money expert with more than 15 years of experience helping Americans make smarter money decisions, Matt is also the Chief Credit Analyst at LendingTree. He has been featured in various media outlets including CBS Evening News , The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Fox Business , CNN Business, Yahoo! Finance, The TODAY Show, NBC Nightly News, Bloomberg, ABC World News Tonight, CNBC, and many more – always with the goal of making the often-complex world of personal finance easier to understand.

• Twitter/X
• Facebook
• Instagram
• TikTok 
• LinkedIn

Don't listen to podcasts?

A podcast is basically a radio show you can listen to anywhere and anytime, either by downloading it to your smartphone, or by listening online. They're awesome for learning stuff and being entertained when you're in the car, doing chores, jogging or riding your bicycle.

You can listen to our latest podcasts here or download them to your phone from any number of places, including Apple, Spotify, RadioPublic, Stitcher and RSS.

If you haven't listened to our podcast yet, give it a try, then subscribe. You'll be glad you did!

About the hosts

Stacy Johnson founded Money Talks News in 1991. He's a CPA, and he has also earned licenses in stocks, commodities, options principal, mutual funds, life insurance, securities supervisor and real estate.

Miranda Marquit, MBA, is a financial expert, writer and speaker. She's been covering personal finance and investing topics for almost 20 years. When not writing and podcasting, she enjoys travel, reading and the outdoors.

Become a member: https://www.moneytalksnews.com/members/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the Money Talks News Podcast.

In this episode, we're talking about investing in artificial intelligence, as well as using AI tools to become a more successful investor.

The hype around artificial intelligence has been insane, with some calling it the greatest game-changer since the invention of the internet or even electricity!

Is it true? Is AI that big a deal? And if so, should we be investing in the companies developing it? And how do we go about harnessing AI to make better investment decisions?

We're going to answer both those questions, and more, in this podcast.

As usual, host Stacy Johnson is joined by financial journalist Miranda Marquit. Listening in and sometimes contributing is producer Aaron Freeman. This week's guest is Kevin Matthews, a former investment advisor and the founder of Building Bread, an investment education website.

Remember, even though we sometimes talk about money and specific investments on this show, don't take them as recommendations. Before investing in anything or making any money moves, do your own research and make your own decisions.

You can watch this episode below, or if you'd prefer to listen, you can do that with the player at the top of this article or download the episode wherever you get your podcasts:

• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Listen on Google Podcasts
• Listen on Spotify

Don't forget to check out our podcast page for more episodes designed to help you make the most of your money.

Is AI going to change your life?

We talk about AI and how it's starting to permeate various aspects of life. It could change how you live and work—and even how you manage your money. Check out some of our resources on using AI in your finances and other parts of your life.

• 20 Jobs That Are Safest From Artificial Intelligence
• Will Robots and Artificial Intelligence Take Your Job?
• 8 Ways AI Can Help Plan Retirement — and 12 Risks From Using It
• Using AI to Build Your Resume: Tips and Prompt Examples
• How to Use AI to Generate Your Cover Letter
• Hear a Loved One's Voice Calling for Help? It Might Be a Scam
• How to Invest in AI as ChatGPT Takes Tech by Storm
• 5 Ways AI Is Changing Your Life, and 5 Ways to Profit From It

Resources for better investing

You don't have to assume that AI is the only way to invest. We have plenty of resources for better investing—no matter how you go about it.

• Why Index Fund Investing Is Good for Your Retirement
• How to Start Investing — No Matter How Much Money You Have
• The Top 4 Investing Blunders and How to Avoid Them
• The Investing Combo Linked to a Better Retirement Lifestyle
• Investing in Gold and Gold IRAs: 5 Things You Need to Know
• How to Choose Between Active and Passive Investing
• 28 Investing Tips From Today's Financial Geniuses
• What Does a Bull Market Mean for Retirement Investing?
• 7 Things You Should Know Before Investing in I Bonds

Meet this week's guest, Kevin L. Matthews II

Kevin L. Matthews II is a Plutus Award winner and number one bestselling author. He has helped hundreds of individuals plan for their retirement in addition to managing more than $140 million in assets during his advisory career. In 2017, he was named one of the Top 100 Most Influential Financial Advisors by Investopedia.

Kevin launched BuildingBread in 2010 to inspire millennials to set, simplify and achieve any financial goal. Kevin regularly speaks to young adults across the country and has been featured in several media publications and productions including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Forbes, Black Enterprise, CNBC, and many others.

Kevin holds a bachelor's degree in Economics from Hampton University, a certificate in financial planning from Northwestern University and a certificate in disruptive strategy from Harvard Business School. In 2020, he graduated from the University of Texas at Austin's McCombs School of Business with a Master's in Technology Commercialization (MSTC).

• Website
• Twitter
• Facebook
• Instagram
• YouTube

Don't listen to podcasts?

A podcast is basically a radio show you can listen to anywhere and anytime, either by downloading it to your smartphone, or by listening online. They're awesome for learning stuff and being entertained when you're in the car, doing chores, jogging or riding your bicycle.

You can listen to our latest podcasts here or download them to your phone from any number of places, including Apple, Spotify, RadioPublic, Stitcher and RSS.

If you haven't listened to our podcast yet, give it a try, then subscribe. You'll be glad you did!

About the hosts

Stacy Johnson founded Money Talks News in 1991. He's a CPA, and he has also earned licenses in stocks, commodities, options principal, mutual funds, life insurance, securities supervisor and real estate.

Miranda Marquit, MBA, is a financial expert, writer and speaker. She's been covering personal finance and investing topics for almost 20 years. When not writing and podcasting, she enjoys travel, reading and the outdoors.

Become a member: https://www.moneytalksnews.com/members/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.