Beyond Budgets Podcast

Planning for college can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. In this episode of Beyond Budgets, host Deb Meyer sits down with Ann Garcia, CFP®, also known as "The College Financial Lady." Ann is the author of How to Pay for College and a mom of twins who recently graduated debt-free. She combines her professional expertise with personal experience to share strategies that will help you save money and reduce stress during the college planning process.

Whether your child is years away from applying or you're in the thick of FAFSA forms and scholarship deadlines, this episode will leave you feeling more confident and equipped to navigate the journey.

Why You Should Listen

• Decode the "real cost" of college: Find out why the sticker price rarely tells the whole story.

• Uncover scholarships that match your student: Learn how to focus on opportunities that fit their profile.

• Master financial aid tools: Get a crash course on FAFSA, the CSS Profile, and net price calculators.

• Appeal like a pro: Discover how to successfully request more financial aid and reduce tuition costs.

• Learn from real-life examples: Hear Ann's lessons from planning for her own twins—and how those lessons can help your family.

If you're ready to feel more in control of funding your child's college education, this episode is a must-listen.

Key Moments to Tune In For

• [06:20] The truth about tuition: Why most families pay far less than the listed price.

• [10:23] SAT/ACT scores: Do they still matter for scholarships?

• [24:55] How to appeal a financial aid package—and why 75% of appeals succeed.

Resources

• Federal Student Aid Estimator

• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

• Return on Investment Calculator

Connect with Ann Garcia

College Financial Plan Masterclass

Book How to Pay for College

Website and Blog howtopayforcollege.com

Connect with Deb Meyer

Schedule an Initial Call

Download your Free Resource

Website

​​What's on your bucket list? Whether exploring far-off destinations, creating stronger family bonds, or getting your finances in shape, this episode is your guide to dreaming big and making it happen.

Host Deb Meyer shares how a simple New Year's Eve conversation about bucket lists sparked fresh ideas for setting goals that truly matter.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• The surprising link between financial health and overall well-being.

• How can stress in one area ripple into another, and what should be done about it?

• A three-step framework for financial wellness: shift your mindset, adjust the plan, and center yourself with prayer.

Ready to make 2025 your best year yet? Tune in for stories, strategies, and a fresh perspective on achieving balance and purpose.

Listen in to learn more :

(00:55) Let's Talk Bucket List

(05:01) Struggling With Work-Life Balance

(17:03) Adapting Your Financial Plan

Resources

Credit Score https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/what-is-a-good-credit-score

Jon Acuff's NYT bestselling book Soundtracks https://jonacuff.com/soundtracks/

Fr. Timothy Gallagher's book https://www.frtimothygallagher.org/product-page/discerning-the-will-of-god-an-ignatian-guide-to-christian-decision-making

Spiritual direction with Meritt Petrone https://www.rootsandwingsministries.org/

Connect with Deb Meyer

Schedule an Initial Call

Download your Free Resource

Website

Did you know parents are the best leaders?

In this episode, Dr. Jim Salvucci shares his transformative journey from an English professor to a corporate leader, emphasizing the universal essence of leadership rooted in integrity and soft skills. Jim reflects on how early leadership roles in Boy Scouts and his father's servant leadership model shaped his values-driven approach.

Whether you're a parent looking to embrace personal growth, self-awareness, or the moral philosophy of leadership, this episode is for you! Also, don't forget to follow Jim's blog and podcast, On Leading with Greatness, on Substack.

Listen in to learn more:

(01:07) Parenting and Leadership

(10:05) Lessons in Leadership and Integrity

(17:06) Benefits of Liberal Arts Education

(24:37) Leaders Are Teachers in Disguise

(27:51) Compassionate Leadership in Parenting

Connect with Deb Meyer

Schedule an Initial Call

Download your Free Resource

Website

It's that time of year – when we need to start thinking ahead to 2025! In this special episode, Deb Meyer shares year-end tax planning strategies following the recent election. Highlights include:

• 2025 Tax Landscape: Potential extensions to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, changes to SALT deduction limits, and strategic timing for estimated tax payments.
• Electric Vehicle Credits: Tips on maximizing the $7,500 EV credit in 2024 and considerations for foreign car purchases ahead of tariff changes.
• Small Business Tax Planning: Importance of year-end projections, managing estimated taxes, and finding a proactive CPA.
• Additional Tax-Smart Strategies:
  • 529 College savings plan contributions
  • Tax-loss harvesting opportunities in taxable brokerage accounts
  • Qualified Charitable Distributions for retirees
  • Roth IRA conversions: when and why to consider them

• Kitces.com Article on 2025 Tax Changes

• Saving for College: 529 Plans by State

• Connect with Deb Meyer for personalized advice

Listen in to learn more about :

(04:52) Electric Vehicle and Tariff Considerations

(12:36) Tax Loss Harvesting in Brokerage Accounts

(17:49) Roth IRA Wealth Transfer Strategy

Connect with Deb Meyer

Schedule an Initial Call

Download your Free Resource

Website

Looking to strengthen your financial partnership with your spouse? Download our free resource, 4 Key Questions for Financial Check-Ins. This guide provides simple, stress-free conversation starters to help couples get on the same page about money, plan for future expenses, and dream together.

Download the Free Resource

In this inspiring episode of Beyond Budgets, host Deb Meyer sits down with Ryan Koral—documentary filmmaker, founder of Tell Studios, and married dad of three. Ryan opens up about his journey from navigating childhood money challenges to empowering others to share their stories through the art of video.

Ryan explains how video can go beyond just capturing moments; it can create lasting family legacies and strengthen emotional connections. He and Deb explore the intersection of faith, finances, and storytelling. Tune in for practical insights on managing money within marriage, teaching kids financial values, and using video to document life's most meaningful moments.

Listen in to learn more:

(04:40) The Power of Video Storytelling

(13:55) Increasing Giving and Living on Less

(21:49) Effective Client Connection Through Video

(26:11) Winning With Authentic Video Marketing

Connect with Ryan Koral

Smartphone Film Academy

Instagram

Connect with Deb Meyer

Download your Free Resource

Website

Schedule an Initial Call

Celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Beyond Budgets podcast!! Join host Deb Meyer as she dives into faith-driven money management inspired by the Compass Catholic Retreat. Discover how to break emotional attachments to material possessions and embrace God-honoring financial stewardship. Through engaging stories and lessons from the parable of the talents, learn to balance worldly desires with spiritual wisdom. Plus, explore advanced charitable giving techniques and the importance of spiritual guidance. Tune in for practical tips, and follow us for more inspiring financial insights!

Listen to learn more :

(00:44) Emotional Attachment to Money Discussion

(06:09) Overcoming Emotional Attachment Through Stewardship

(13:49) Advanced Charitable Giving Techniques

Links Mentioned -

Compass Catholic

WorthyNest Contact

Catholic Financial Planners Network

Connect with Deb Meyer

Website

Schedule a Free Consult

In this episode of Beyond Budgets, host Deb Meyer is joined by exit strategist and Dream Catchers podcast host Jerome Myers to unpack the complex journey of redefining yourself after big life changes like selling a business or retiring. Together, Deb and Jerome explore the "founder's exit paradox"—the often-overlooked psychological challenges that come with moving on from a career-focused identity—and what it takes to build a fulfilling life based on who you are, not just what you do.

Jerome shares powerful insights on how to separate your self-worth from your job title, offering practical steps to discover and use transferable skills, build meaningful relationships, and keep growing in new ways post-career. This episode dives into balancing health and wealth, maintaining well-being, and finding lasting purpose beyond work. Whether you're planning your next chapter or in the middle of a transition, this conversation is full of strategies to help you move forward with clarity, confidence, and fulfillment.

Episode Highlights

Links Mentioned -

Free EXIT Assessment - https://theexitparadox.com/assessment

Connect with Jerome Myers

https://jeromemyers.co/

Connect with Deb Meyer

Website

Schedule a Free Consult

Unlock the secrets of faith-based investing with Deb Meyer in today's episode! Perfect for Christian and Catholic parents, this episode explores how to harmonize your financial goals with spiritual values. Discover the "avoid, engage, and embrace" framework and the Business 360 approach by Eventide, a leader in ethical investing. Learn about creating faith-based portfolios and explore top-tier companies like Eventide, Ave Maria, and Guidestone. Whether you're a seasoned investor or a newbie, this episode offers insights for values-driven investing.

Episode Highlights

* 0:02:53 - 0:03:54 - Ethical Investing Strategies

* 0:08:29 - 0:09:27 - Sustainable Supply Chain & Environmental Preservation

* 0:12:09 - 0:13:45 - Faith-Based Investing in Financial Advisory Work

Links Mentioned -

Eventide Investments: eventideinvestments.com

Faith Driven Investor: faithdriveninvestor.org

Contact WorthyNest: worthynest.com/contact-us

Catholic Financial Planners Network: catholicfinancialplanners.com

Connect with Deb Meyer

Website

Schedule a Free Consult

In this episode of Beyond Budgets, we're thrilled to welcome Crystal Ware, a former Fortune 500 corporate leader and attorney who made the bold leap into entrepreneurship. Crystal shares her journey of transitioning from the corporate world to running a small business, driven by the desire for more flexibility, time with family, and personal fulfillment.

Listeners will gain deep insights into:

• The importance of aligning your career with personal values and family goals.

• Practical strategies for handling financial responsibilities in marriage, including the benefits and drawbacks of joint versus separate accounts.

• Tips for saving for long-term financial goals like children's education.

• How to manage a career transition from corporate America to entrepreneurship.

• The challenges of wearing multiple hats as a small business owner.

This episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration for anyone considering a career shift or looking to balance professional success and personal fulfillment. Don't miss it!

Episode Highlights

0:00:04 - 0:14:00 Transition from Corporate America to Entrepreneurship

0:13:43 - 0:17:32 Identifying Your Purpose and Career Path

0:17:32 - 0:30:18 How to Manage Separate Bank Accounts Within A Marriage

Connect with Crystal Ware

Website The Well-Defined Woman

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/crystalware_getclear/

Connect with Deb Meyer

Website

Schedule a Free Consult

Ready to transform your financial future? Hear a deeply personal story about Deb Meyer's hard-hitting lessons gained from her first investment during the tech bubble burst. Learn the critical importance of diversification among other investment pillars and the hazards of emotionally charged decision-making.

We'll dissect the pitfalls of market timing and the often misleading influence of financial media, emphasizing the necessity of maintaining a long-term perspective and a clear financial plan.

Determine how to craft an effective asset allocation strategy by understanding the diverse behaviors of equities, bonds, real estate, and commodities. With insights into the Federal Reserve's interest rate maneuvers and their effects on various financial instruments, this episode equips you with the knowledge to build a resilient and balanced investment portfolio.

Listen now to elevate your confidence as an investor!

Episode Highlights

08:07 - 09:32 The Risks of Individual Stock Picking

13:18 - 14:31 Fee-Only vs. Commission-Based Investment Advisors

17:21 - 19:39 Understanding Market Capitalization and Diversification

27:13 - 28:15 Impacts of Changing Interest Rates

Connect with Deb Meyer

Website

Schedule a Free Consult