Beyond Budgets Podcast

What does it look like to steward your business and family with intentionality, especially when it's time to plan an exit? Entrepreneur and author Justin Goodbread joins host Deb Meyer to talk candidly about sacrifice, scaling, and what too many business owners get wrong when it's time to let go.

Whether you're years away from selling or just starting to think about legacy, this conversation blends practical wisdom and deep faith in a way that resonates with purpose-driven parents and entrepreneurs alike.

Exit planning isn't just about spreadsheets; it's about soul work. Whether your business is ready or not, ask: Am I emotionally and spiritually ready to step into what's next?

Episode Highlights

• (00:03) - Navigating Work-Life Balance as a Family

• (12:41) - Entrepreneurial Lessons That Propel Success

• (18:01) - Maximizing Business Value Through Exit Planning

• (25:41) - Unlocking Success Through Coaching and Surrender

• (33:41) - Strategic Business Exit Planning Insights

Related Episodes

• Ep. 16 – Maximizing Your Business Exit (Retirement planning for small biz owners)

• Ep. 27 – Breaking Free from Work-Centered Identity (with Jerome Myers)

Connect with Guest Justin Goodbread

JustinGoodbread.com | The Ultimate Sale, Your Baby's Ugly Justin's Podcast: DecaMillionaire Decoded

Connect with Host Deb Meyer Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

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Marriage is both a gift and a challenge. Whether your relationship is in a season of ease or strain, this episode offers practical encouragement rooted in timeless values. Host Deb Meyer also shares a personal example of how forgiveness, not perfection, builds a lasting partnership.

Episode Highlights:

• Why seeing marriage as a covenant, not a contract, can anchor you in tough times

• How social media and quiet comparison can erode your sense of connection

• Real ways to refocus on your spouse's strengths, especially in seasons of frustration

• The role of money personalities in marriage and how to work through differences

• One small step you can take today to reconnect and show love

Resources Mentioned:

• Free Marriage & Money Guide: four conversation starters to grow closer

• Sincerely, Stoneheart by Emily Wilson Hussem

• The Deal by Chuck Neff, a faith-forward story of marital renewal

More to Explore:

• Episode 11: Building a Legacy of Fiscal Responsibility with Amanda Teixeira

• Episode 15: Mastering Marital Finances with Den Murley

• Episode 25: How to Build a Fulfilling Career and Financial Future with Crystal Ware

New Format Update: Starting this summer, episodes will shift to once a month with a combined interview and personal reflection format. Expect deeper conversations, fewer interruptions, and even more intentional guidance.

As parents age, many of us find ourselves stepping into a new role: caregiver, advocate, and decision-maker. In this heartfelt and highly practical episode, Deb Meyer is joined by Erin Dwyer-Busch, elder care consultant and owner of the St. Louis location of Senior Care Authority. Erin shares her personal journey from pediatric speech therapist to trusted advisor for families navigating the complex world of senior care.

Whether you're concerned about a parent's driving, exploring assisted living options, or unsure how to start the conversation about long-term care, Erin brings expert insights. This is a must-listen for parents who want to care for their own children while supporting aging loved ones, without compromising financial stability or emotional well-being.

What You'll Learn:

• The signs it's time to move from aging in place to professional care

• How early planning leads to better choices, lower costs, and less stress during a crisis

• What most families get wrong about long-term care insurance and how to make smarter policy decisions

• The real costs of senior care today, including assisted living, memory care, and nursing homes

• How to navigate tough conversations like taking away the car keys

"It's not about age, it's about skill and self-awareness. The sooner we plan, the more options we have." – Erin Dwyer-Busch

Episode Highlights (00:00) - Elder Care Transitions and Health Diagnoses

(05:28) - Navigating Elder Care Options and Driving

(14:15) - Long-Term Care Options and Planning

(25:23) - Senior Care Options and Financial Planning

Connect with Erin & Her Team: 🔗 Senior Care Authority – St. Louis 📞 314-451-2255

Connect with Deb Meyer Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

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You filed your taxes. And now you're either breathing a sigh of relief… or wondering why you owe more than expected.

CPA, Certified Financial Planner™ and host Deb Meyer shares top lessons from the 2024 tax season, especially for busy parents and small business owners. If you got a refund, you'll learn how to make the most of it. Deb explains why it might not be your tax preparer's fault and how to plan better next year if you owe.

Plus: a simple framework to help you decide what to do with any financial windfall — from tax refunds to bonuses or even unexpected gifts.

What You'll Learn:

• Why filing an extension doesn't give you extra time to pay

• What a big refund really means (and why it may not be a good thing)

• Common mistakes with estimated taxes for small business owners and freelancers

• How to decide between spending, saving, or giving

• Pro strategies for maximizing your refund — or minimizing future surprises

Episode Highlights

(04:22) Tax Refunds

(12:01) Debt Payoff Methods

(15:36) Maximizing Tax Deductions Through Charitable Contributions

(20:59) Savings and Investing Strategies for Funds

Tools, Tips & Resources

IRS Form W-4

2025 Roth IRA Contribution Limits

High-Yield Savings Options: Ally or Capital One

Schedule an Initial Call

Connect with Deb Meyer Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

Download your Free Resource

Website

Are you working hard to build a better life but worried you're sacrificing what matters most?

In this episode, Chris Baden shares how he reshaped success around faith, family, and intentional entrepreneurship. As a husband, homeschool dad of three, and CEO of FlowChat, Chris brings wisdom from both the boardroom and the breakfast table.

Here's what you will learn:

✅ How to raise financially confident kids without pressure or perfection ✅ The power of a family mission statement ✅ The "roots and wings" framework for raising grounded, independent kids ✅ How to shift from burnout to alignment by redefining your priorities ✅ Why cultivating skills is more important than forcing chores

Whether you're parenting young kids or teens, running a business, or just trying to keep your head above water, this episode offers practical encouragement and meaningful mindset shifts.

🎧 Listen now and discover how to build a family legacy that lasts.

(00:20) Prioritizing Focus and Balance

(04:04) Building Wealth Across Generations

(09:16) Building a Lifelong Marriage and Business

(14:03) Teaching Problem-Solving and Leadership to Kids

(19:49) Youth Media Company Financial Education

(29:27) Lessons Learned From Business Failures

(33:17) Entrepreneurship Challenges and Resilience

🔗 Connect with Chris Baden: Website: FlowChat.com | Instagram: @chrisbaden

Connect with Deb Meyer Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

Download your Free Resource

Website

In this episode of Beyond Budgets®, Deb shares a personal story that hits home—navigating the unexpected cost of her son's surgery, even with insurance. That real-life experience opens the door to a bigger conversation: what are your options when traditional health insurance doesn't fit?

Whether you're between jobs, self-employed, or considering early retirement, Deb breaks down:

• What healthcare sharing plans really are—and what they're not

• The trade-offs of COBRA vs. marketplace insurance

• Why premiums have jumped 47% over the last decade

• What to know about pre-existing conditions, preventive care, and reimbursement delays

• Her own experience using MediShare during a family sabbatical

Plus, Deb dives into smart open enrollment decisions for those with traditional employer plans—HSA vs. FSA, high-deductible plans, and avoiding costly dental surprises (hello, braces).

This is a must-listen if you're:

• Self-employed and unsure about your healthcare options

• In between jobs and overwhelmed by COBRA costs

• Comparing insurance during open enrollment

Episode Highlights

(04:56) Understanding Healthcare Cost-Sharing Plans

(13:39) Healthcare Sharing Plans vs. Traditional Insurance

(19:48) Benefits of High Deductible Health Plans

(22:25) Financial Planning for Orthodontic Costs

Resources

• Deb's blog post on Healthcare Sharing Plans

• Healthcare Sharing Plan Providers: Medi-Share, Liberty HealthShare, Christian Healthcare Ministries, Samaritan Ministries, Solidarity HealthShare

Connect with Deb Meyer Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

Download your Free Resource

Website

Money is more than just paying bills and saving for the future—it's a tool for living out your values and making a lasting impact. As part of the weeklong event Podcasthon, we're highlighting Compass Catholic Ministries, a nonprofit dedicated to helping families approach money with wisdom, generosity, and faith.

Join us as Camila Gonzalez shares practical ways to align your finances with your values, get out of debt, and build a strong financial foundation—without feeling overwhelmed.

🔹 What We Cover: ✔️ Why financial stewardship matters—and how to practice it daily ✔️ Simple ways to eliminate debt and create a sustainable spending plan ✔️ How generosity and intentional giving lead to greater financial peace ✔️ Free and low-cost resources for families looking to improve their finances ✔️ How WorthyNest supports faith-driven parents on their financial journey

🎧 Take the Next Step: Explore faith-based financial courses, coaching, and free resources at CompassCatholic.org.

To learn more about values-based financial planning for parents, visit WorthyNest.com.

📢 If this episode resonates with you, share it with a fellow parent looking to grow in financial stewardship!

Episode Highlights

(01:59) Learn More About Compass Catholic

(08:56) The Power of Giving Back

(15:30) Resources Offered by Compass Catholic Ministries

(23:14) Significant Growth Potential in Ministry

Connect with Compass Catholic

Take a 6-Week Course

Donate to this Important Mission

YouTube Channel

Connect with Deb Meyer Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

Download your Free Resource

Website

Uncertainty is a constant, but how we react to it makes all the difference. In this episode of Beyond Budgets, we dive into today's shifting economic and political landscape—including tariffs, job losses, and market trends—and what they could mean for your finances. More importantly, we'll explore timeless financial principles that can help you stay steady, no matter what's happening in the world.

Deb Meyer breaks down how to make smart financial decisions in unpredictable times, how emotions impact investing, and why diversification is key. Whether you're navigating career change or market swings, this episode will give you the perspective you need to move forward with confidence.

What You'll Learn:

✅ Why we naturally avoid risk—and how to reframe uncertainty as opportunity ✅ The potential impact of new economic policies on jobs, inflation, and markets ✅ How to build a resilient investment strategy that withstands market shifts ✅ The role of diversification and why it's like building the perfect Easter basket ✅ Practical ways to focus on what's within your control in uncertain times

Episode Highlights (02:44) Let's Talk Tariffs

(12:44) Navigating Job Loss With Optimism

(17:05) Importance of Investment Policy Statements

(25:06) Navigating Financial Considerations During Retirement

Resources & Links:

📚 Clashing Over Commerce by Douglas Irwin 📖 You're Probably Expecting This (Article by Jen Ternay) 🎧 Related Episode: Building Wealth Through Strategic Investments (Ep. 24)

Enjoying the Show?

If you found this episode valuable, please take a moment to rate and review Beyond Budgets. Your support helps more people find the show and make better financial decisions.

Connect with Deb Meyer

Schedule an Initial Call

Download your Free Resource

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Did you know that half of investment advisor clients think they're getting comprehensive advice, but only 11% actually are? In this episode, Deb Meyer sits down with Stephen Tanenbaum, founder of Rainbook, a platform dedicated to bringing transparency to financial advising. Stephen shares how Rainbook helps parents evaluate their advisors, uncover hidden fees, and make sure they're getting real value from their financial relationships.

They also discuss: ✅ The difference between fiduciary advisors and commission-based brokers ✅ Common hidden fees in financial advising (and how to spot them) ✅ Why transparency matters in both finances and relationships ✅ Practical financial tips for families balancing work, kids, and budgeting ✅ The role of financial advisors beyond just managing investments

Whether you're working with an advisor now or considering hiring one, this episode will help you ask the right questions and make smarter financial decisions.

Episode Highlights

(05:40) Fiduciary Advisor on 529 Plans

(10:05) Understanding Financial Advisor Fees

(16:47) Financial Advisor Fees and Services

(25:13) Personal Finance and Budget Planning

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

📌 Rainbook's Advisor Analyzer Tool – A free tool to evaluate your financial advisor's fees and credentials. 📌 FINRA BrokerCheck – A resource to research financial advisors and brokers. 📌 National Association of Personal Financial Advisors – A network of fee-only fiduciary advisors.

Connect with Stephen Tanenbaum

Learn more about Rainbook: rainbook.comConnect with Stephen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-tanenbaum-9596706/

Connect with Deb Meyer

Schedule an Initial Call

Download your Free Resource

Website

Choosing a financial advisor is a big decision that can shape your family's financial future. In this episode of Beyond Budgets, Deb Meyer breaks down how to evaluate advisors and find the right fit for your unique goals and values. Whether you're new to financial planning or transitioning to another advisor, this episode equips you with the knowledge and confidence to make an informed choice.

🔑 What you'll learn in this episode:

• 10 essential questions to ask during your search for a financial advisor.
• The difference between fee-only, fee-based, and commission-based advisors—and what it means for you.
• How can the fiduciary standard impact the advice you receive?
• Key distinctions between financial coaches and advisors—and how to decide which you need.
• The importance of aligning an advisor's approach with your family's values.

🎯 Key takeaways:

• Trust and transparency are critical—learn how to assess an advisor's qualifications, ethics, and experience.
• Understanding compensation structures can help you avoid conflicts of interest.
• Your relationship with an advisor is personal—find someone who fits your communication style, preferences, and values.

Listen in to learn more:

• (01:06) Things to Know When Hiring a Financial Advisor

• (05:59) Advisors' Conflict of Interest Risk

• (11:00) Ideal Client Niche Focus Discussion

• (18:39) Faith-Based Investing and Self-Improvement

• (24:57) Establishing Long-Term Advisor Compatibility

Resources

Find a CFP® Professional: https://www.letsmakeaplan.org/ NAPFA (fiduciary, fee-only advisors): https://www.napfa.org/ XY Planning Network: https://advice.xyplanningnetwork.com/ Sara Grillo's directory: https://saragrillo.com/2022/03/14/flat-fee-financial-advisors/ Related article "10 Questions to Ask When Hiring a Financial Advisor": https://www.worthynest.com/all-posts/questions-when-hiring-a-financial-advisor

Connect with Deb Meyer

Schedule an Initial Call

Download your Free Resource

Website