Newly released figures put the cost of raising a child at more than $300,000. This week, Julien and Kiersten Saunders (@richandregular) share the pre- and post-baby costs you need to factor into your family-planning budget, what products and maternity items you can skip buying, and their No. 1 tip when it comes to spending. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.  Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life. Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by Forbes

If you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

75: Financially Preparing for a Child

rich &amp; REGULAR is the podcast for people who want to take charge of their money, pay off their debt, build their wealth, and live their best lives without being obsessed with money. Every week, Kiersten and Julien Saunders show you how money intersects with everything else in your life and teach you how to use it to your advantage. They share their insights and tips on how to make, save, and invest money in creative and unconventional ways. They also help you understand the big changes that are happening in the world and how to adapt to them.&nbsp; Because being rich &amp; famous is overrated. Being rich &amp; REGULAR is where it's at. &nbsp;

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It’s time for your 2024 midyear money check-in and in this episode, we discuss the importance of celebrating the overlooked smaller financial wins and milestones. We know the feeling – it's easy to get caught up in big goals, like buying a house or retiring early. But what about the smaller victories along the way? Julien reflects on the feeling of hitting "zero-naire" status after paying off debts, and how his mindset has shifted from constantly chasing a bigger number to finding contentment in the present. Kiersten reveals how shifting her perspective on saving from a rigid "all or nothing" approach to a more fluid and sustainable strategy led to greater financial confidence and a more positive relationship with money. We also discuss the power of "sweat equity" in both personal and financial growth, and explore how to apply this concept to everyday life.  Whether it's cooking at home instead of eating out, cleaning your patio yourself, or finding ways to increase your savings rate, every small win counts! After this episode, you might be surprised at how much joy and progress you can achieve when you take the time to appreciate the little things.  Links:Ep 71: Buying Used vs New We discuss:The power of mid-year check-ins and why they're critical for understanding your progress and re-evaluating your goals.The importance of celebrating small wins, even when they seem insignificant.The importance of sweat equity in our personal and financial lives, and how it can lead to a sense of accomplishment and purpose.The dangers of chasing hype and the importance of discerning between real financial wins and fleeting trends.The need to re-evaluate our approach to investing and learn about different strategies beyond traditional index funds.The importance of recognizing and appreciating the value of experiences, even if they come at a cost. Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life. Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by Forbes

If you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

Ep 166: The “Zero-naire” effect and finding confidence in the smaller wins

This episode is a special one, inspired by a listener suggestion based on a recent event Kiersten spoke at with Ally and UnitedMasters called SelectCon! We're diving into the concept of the "soft life" and how it relates to money, financial goals, and entrepreneurship. Here's what we cover:SelectCon: We start by discussing our experience at SelectCon, a unique event hosted by UnitedMasters, an alternative to traditional record labels that empowers artists to retain ownership of their work. We talked about the financial literacy aspect of being an independent artist, which is where the "soft life" concept came into play.What is the "soft life"? We explore the meaning of the "soft life," how it's often portrayed online, and the differences in perception between men and women.The "soft life" for entrepreneurs: We discuss how to find a balance between hustling and creating a soft life as an entrepreneur, especially when it comes to financial decisions.Pay Yourself First: This episode features a deep dive into the concept of "paying yourself first," which is a key strategy for building a soft life, regardless of your career path.Value-based spending: We talk about how aligning your spending with your values can contribute to building a "soft life" that's sustainable and fulfilling.Brokerage accounts: We discuss the importance of brokerage accounts for entrepreneurs and those with inconsistent income, especially compared to traditional 401Ks.Inner work: We explore the psychological aspect of the "soft life" and the importance of inner work for achieving financial responsibility and a sense of ease.If you're interested in learning more about how to achieve financial freedom and create a soft life that works for you, this episode is for you!  Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life. Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by Forbes

If you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

Ep 165: The "Soft Life" and How to Align Your Money Goals with Ease

It's graduation season and the Class of 2024 faces a unique set of challenges: crushing student loan debt, a competitive job market, and the constant pressure to "hustle."  In this episode, we're cutting through the noise and giving real, actionable advice for the new world of work. In this episode, we talk about:The truth about student loan debt: How it influences career choices and the need for financial securitySide hustle as a strategic move: Why this generation is turning to side gigs and how to use them to your advantageBurnout and economic uncertainty: Developing a practical approach to mental health and career advancementThe new rules of success: Forget "follow your passion," it's time to embrace a new philosophy: “get paid.”Playing the corporate game: How to play the game and protect your mental health This episode is for you if:You're graduating in 2024 and feeling overwhelmed by what's nextYou want to understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing the Class of 2024.You want to hear practical advice on how to make money and build a successful career.You're tired of the same old platitudes and want real talk on the realities of the modern workplace. Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life. Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by Forbes

If you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

Ep 164: The New Rules of Success | Why 'get paid' beats 'follow your passion'

Is summer break a vacation, a project, or a chaotic mess? In this episode, we're diving into the reality of childcare during the summer months, exploring why even high-income families rely on relatives, and why traditional camps and daycare might not be the answer. Join us as we unpack the reality of summer childcare and discover creative solutions to make the break a time for growth, connection, and even some fun! Links: Most Parents Don't Have Any Formal Child Care Arrangements via US Census BureauFull Time Job, Zero Formal Child Care via The CutStarter list of free of cheap summer campsIn this episode:New Data Reveals the Truth: We discuss a surprising new U.S. Census study that shows most parents (61%) rely on non-formal childcare, with relatives topping the list.Beyond the Price Tag: Cost is a factor, but it's not the only thing driving summer childcare choices. Learn how lifestyle choices, family dynamics, and personal situations impact parents' decisions.Creative Solutions: Summer doesn't have to be a constant struggle. We share creative, fun, and often free ways to fill the summer with learning, play, and meaningful experiences for kids.The Power of Community: Discover how to tap into your community for support, from neighbors and friends to college students and teachers who might be seeking side gigs.PTA: Your Secret Weapon: We explore the often-overlooked resources and opportunities available through the PTA.Think Like a Teacher: Learn how to create a flexible summer schedule that's both engaging for your kids and relaxing for you. Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life. Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by Forbes

If you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

Ep 163: Beyond Summer Camp | Unconventional ways to fill the summer void

The job market is more competitive than ever. Even with the perfect resume and impressive credentials, landing your dream job (or even a decent one) feels impossible. What's the missing piece? This episode dives into the unspoken truth: you need to learn how to sell yourself. We're tackling the tough questions:Why is self-promotion so important in today's world? We explore how the digital age has changed the game, requiring you to be "twice as findable" as you are qualified.Isn't bragging "icky"? We debunk the stigma around self-promotion, revealing the difference between obnoxious boasting and authentically showcasing your value.I hate social media. Do I really need to be online? We discuss the importance of building a digital presence and offer strategies for making it work for YOU, even if you're not a social media guru.How do I stand out without losing myself? We offer practical tips and frameworks for developing a sustainable self-promotion strategy that aligns with your values and goals.What about the fear of rejection? We share personal experiences and provide encouragement for overcoming the mental hurdles that often hold people back.This episode is for anyone who is struggling to land a job despite strong qualifications, wants to advance their career but feels stuck or is considering entrepreneurship but feels hesitant to put themselves out there. We'll leave you feeling empowered to take control of your career narrative, equipped with a few practical strategies for building your personal brand and inspired to embrace self-promotion as a path to success. Resources mentioned: Brag Better by Meredith Fineman Cinneah at Flynanced  Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life. Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by Forbes

If you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

75: Financially Preparing for a Child

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