Ever feel like money advice is either painfully boring or way too complicated? We get it. That’s why we decided to have a little fun and roast some of the worst financial moves people keep falling for. If you’ve ever signed up for a gym membership you barely used, bought furniture on a “0% APR” deal, or took out a seven-year car loan that outlasted your actual love for the car — this one’s for you. You’ll laugh, you’ll cringe, and most importantly, you’ll walk away knowing how to dodge some of the biggest financial mistakes out there.

Key moments:

(03:59) Understanding whole life policies requires both a CPA and a Ouija Board

(08:59) MLMs sell you the dream, then make you sell it to your friends

(14:26) Leasing vs. buying a car, and when a seven-year car loan makes sense

(25:01) A rapid-fire roast of money mistakes you’ll laugh at (and hopefully avoid)

There’s no one-size-fits-all for wealth. Get the plan that fits you. Try SLP Wealth for $1, risk free!

Like the show? There are several ways you can help!

• Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon Music
• Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts 

With the end of 2025 fast approaching, now’s the time to brush up on what the “Big Beautiful Bill” means for your charitable giving and education planning. If you’ve ever wondered how to squeeze the most out of your donations or whether that Goodwill slip really counts, you’ll want to tune in. We walk through the new rules on charitable deductions, why high earners need to pay extra attention, and how simple moves like “bunching” your gifts can make a big difference. Then we shift gears to 529 plans — covering smart strategies like “super funding” and the latest updates on gift and estate tax exclusions. You’ll come away knowing how to give generously and keep more money in your pocket.

Key moments:

(04:15) Goodwill donations only matter if you properly document and itemize the receipt

(12:26) Super funding 529s works by coordinating with the annual gift tax exclusion rules

(16:17) 529s are estate-exempt, making them a powerful legacy tool for family education

(21:31) Instead of giving yearly, bunch contributions every 2–3 years to maximize deductions

Resources mentioned:

• Tax Policy Center
• IRS Form 709: Gift tax return
• IRS Form 706: Estate tax return

There’s no one-size-fits-all for wealth. Get the plan that fits you. Try SLP Wealth for $1, risk free!

Like the show? There are several ways you can help!

• Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon Music
• Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts 

Most of us live in blissful denial about natural disasters — until the unthinkable happens. But here's what separates those who recover quickly from those who struggle for years: having a solid financial strategy in place before catastrophe strikes. Financial planner Scotty McDonald, CFP®, CSLP®, joins us to go beyond basic emergency funds to explore in-depth wealth protection strategies.

We discuss the nuances of insurance coverage gaps that could leave you vulnerable and the importance of maintaining adequate liquidity during crisis situations. If you’d rather not get financially steamrolled by Mother Nature, this episode's packed with real, actionable advice that could save your bacon when things get ugly.

Key moments:

(11:24) Have cash on hand and enough savings to cover your insurance deductible

(17:06) Your basic homeowner's policy won't cover wildfire, flood, or earthquake damage costs

(21:56) Umbrella insurance adds extra liability protection when your main policy maxes out

(30:25) Planning ahead for financial disasters removes stress when emergencies happen

There’s no one-size-fits-all for wealth. Get the plan that fits you. Try SLP Wealth for $1, risk free!

Like the show? There are several ways you can help!

• Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon Music
• Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts 

Getting a letter from the IRS is enough to make anyone’s stomach drop. But before you panic, take a breath. Chief tax officer Sim Terwilliger, CFP®, CSLP®, joins us to break down what those notices mean, why they’re often less scary than they look, and the exact steps to take if one shows up in your mailbox.

You’ll learn the most common IRS notices (and the ones that actually need urgent attention), how to make sense of the dense tax jargon, and what to do if you’ve got unique situations like multiple 1099s or community property rules in states like California. If you’re a business owner, newly married, or just someone with a messy tax year, consider this your playbook for handling IRS mail like a pro.

Key moments:

(05:10) California’s tax notices can confuse married filing separately, even if you didn’t do anything wrong (12:30) The viral TikTok tax myth you should ignore (17:02) The first thing to do when an IRS notice lands in your mailbox (23:46) How a mid-year tax projection can save you from penalties and stress

There’s no one-size-fits-all for wealth. Get the plan that fits you. Try SLP Wealth for $1, risk free!

Like the show? There are several ways you can help!

• Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon Music
• Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts 

Ever feel like you’re stuck between wanting to enjoy life now and knowing you should be saving for the future? It’s a tug-of-war that doesn’t magically disappear when you start making more money. Financial planner Jake Courtney, CFP®, CSLP®, joins us today to talk about how to find that sweet spot between spending today and saving for tomorrow, whether you earn $100k or $1M a year.

You’ll learn why your savings rate matters more than almost anything else when it comes to building wealth and how even a small increase in savings can shave years off your working life. If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I saving enough?” or felt guilty for enjoying your hard-earned cash, this episode is your permission slip (and your game plan).

Key moments:

(06:11) Auditing your spending once a year is an easy wealth-building habit (08:59) How bumping your savings rate just a little changes your timeline to “work optional” (16:29) Cost of living plays a huge role in your savings rate (20:54) The ideal target savings rate to build long-term flexibility and freedom

There’s no one-size-fits-all for wealth. Get the plan that fits you. Try SLP Wealth for $1, risk free!

Like the show? There are several ways you can help!

• Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon Music
• Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts 

The One Big Beautiful Bill is an 887-page piece of legislation, and it's got something for everyone. We’re unpacking what’s actually inside this massive piece of legislation that was signed on July 4th. We’ll walk through what’s changing now, what could change later, and what it all means for your money, healthcare, and future plans.

Plus, we break down what still needs to be clarified (because the bill is just the start, and agencies still need to sort out the details). If you're wondering, “How does this bill affect me?” this is the episode for you.

Key moments:

(02:28) Tax cuts in the bill could mean bigger savings for high-income earners

(10:45) ‘Trump accounts’ offer $1,000 seed money for U.S.-born babies starting in 2025

(16:41) New SNAP rules shift more responsibility (and pressure) to individual state programs

(24:06) Why so many tax laws are temporary, and what that means for planning ahead

(31:54) Most student loan repayment plans are being eliminated, plus big changes for Parent PLUS loans

There’s no one-size-fits-all for wealth. Get the plan that fits you. Try SLP Wealth for $1, risk free!

Like the show? There are several ways you can help!

• Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon Music
• Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts 

Inspired by a recent family trip and Meagan’s mom’s uncanny ability to have fun on a budget, we’re talking about how to make the most of your time, money, and community resources without overspending. We explore creative ways to enjoy life on a budget, from free local experiences to smart use of rewards programs and everyday perks. You’ll walk away with ideas for saving money, having fun, and finding value in the little things that often go overlooked. It’s a reminder that a good time doesn’t have to come with a big price tag.

Key moments:

(04:06) Many public libraries offer free museum passes - just ask or check their website

(08:24) Try a self-guided tour app or find a free walking tour in your area

(13:58) Take advantage of National Park free days or grab a state park annual pass

(17:05) Use loyalty programs to stack rewards and save on everyday spending and travel

There’s no one-size-fits-all for wealth. Get the plan that fits you. Try SLP Wealth for $1, risk free!

Like the show? There are several ways you can help!

• Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon Music
• Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts 

Financial headlines lately sound almost too crazy to be true, but a few matter for your wallet. We're talking about how meme coins like Fartcoin (yes, that's a real thing) can help you qualify for a mortgage, what Tesla's stock movements mean for investors, and why the end of the penny could cost you more money. You’ll also learn how “Buy Now, Pay Later” apps are about to mess with your credit score, why used car prices are about to spike right when you're thinking of upgrading, and what the recent crackdown on financial influencers means.

Key moments:

(04:57) Using crypto assets might help you qualify for a mortgage (09:29) “Buy Now, Pay Later” purchases will soon start showing up on credit reports (17:05) Social media offers laughs and tips, but it’s risky for financial advice (25:28) The US Treasury is phasing out penny production (27:27) Southwest is killing free checked Bags and embracing assigned seating

There’s no one-size-fits-all for wealth. Get the plan that fits you. Try SLP Wealth for $1, risk free!

Like the show? There are several ways you can help!

• Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon Music
• Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts 

Wondering if AI can help you manage your money smarter? We’re talking about how AI tools like ChatGPT can boost your financial life, and where they’re likely to steer you wrong. Learn practical ways to use AI for tasks like budgeting, organizing your accounts, and saving time, while still knowing when you need a real human advisor to look out for your best interests. Plus, we’ve got some bonus insider intel from Sim’s husband, who’s worked in AI for years, for a behind-the-scenes look at what this technology can (and can’t) do. If you’ve wondered whether AI can replace a financial planner — or how to use tech to boost your own money decisions — this one’s for you.

Key moments:

(04:35) To be more likable, ChatGPT started flattering users with answers, even when they weren’t true or helpful (10:52) You can’t rely solely on AI since it’ll answer confidently, even when it’s wrong (13:48) Where AI shines in finance: calculations, summaries, and organizing complex information (22:16) AI can’t hold you accountable or coach your financial habits like a human can (24:50) There’s no accountability if AI gives you terrible financial advice (28:56) How we actually use AI tools in our financial planning work

There’s no one-size-fits-all for wealth. Get the plan that fits you. Try SLP Wealth for $1, risk free!

Like the show? There are several ways you can help!

• Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon Music
• Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts 

We’re not judging. But after digging into a few too many cluttered portfolios lately, we figured it’s time to talk about some common mistakes that could be quietly chipping away at your progress. If you’re juggling old 401(k)s, multiple target-date funds, and accounts that don’t talk to each other, it’s time to take a closer look. You’ll learn how to spot inefficiencies, clean up clutter, and actually understand what you own, so your investments are working with your goals, not against them.

Key moments:

(04:49) We want diversification, but that doesn't mean more funds

(10:51) Mixing aggressive and conservative funds can throw off your entire investment strategy

(15:35) Some funds charge more than people realize, which can cut into returns

(27:34) Switching jobs can leave behind forgotten 401(k)s that need attention

Link mentioned in this episode:

• Morningstar.com to lookup expense ratios

There’s no one-size-fits-all for wealth. Get the plan that fits you. Try SLP Wealth for $1, risk free!

Like the show? There are several ways you can help!

• Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon Music
• Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts