Merging lives often means merging finances, but how do you do it without stepping on toes? Jake Courtney, CFP®, CSLP®, from the SLP Wealth team, joins us to unpack common questions couples face when managing money together. From deciding whether to combine accounts to setting up smart bank structures that support your goals, we cover the practical steps and money conversations that can strengthen your relationship, how to set boundaries without starting fights, and which tools make budgeting as a couple way less painful.

Key moments:

(02:51) How Jake and Meagan approach money differently in their own relationships

(11:30) Using Monarch together can spark helpful conversations, even without merging actual bank accounts

(18:37) The hybrid model lets you combine finances without fully joining every dollar

(23:09) Automating finances reduces stress and makes joint money management much easier

(26:45) Set simple spending boundaries to avoid conflict and encourage open communication

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Monarch Money
• YNAB

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

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When it comes to money, it's easy to get ahead of yourself. Sometimes that means prioritizing the wrong goal at the wrong time. We're playing a game of “This or That” — should you save or invest first? Pay off debt or grow your wealth?  Contribute to an HSA or a Roth IRA? While the right answer always depends on your situation, we'll talk through how to think about your priorities, what foundational steps shouldn’t be skipped, and where flexibility makes sense. Learn how to think more clearly about what should come first, and why.

Key moments:

(04:29) Emergency savings may be boring, but it’s your first defense against taking on debt (10:44) Investing while having high-interest debt is counterintuitive to building wealth (17:05) Should you put more money into your 401(k) or max out a Roth IRA? (23:14)  What about adding to your 401(k) contributions vs. investing in a taxable brokerage account? (28:58) College savings with a 529 is smart, but it might not always be the top priority

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 

This week on the Financially Free Era podcast, we’re talking about retirement—not the dream version (palm trees, pickleball, and piña coladas), but the steps you should be taking today to actually make that dream happen. Inspired by Meagan’s father-in-law officially retiring last week (!), this episode is your go-to retirement starter pack. Whether you’re 30 or 60, wondering if you’re behind or ahead, or just trying to figure out where to begin, this is for you.

We’ll cover:

• What it actually means to be “retirement ready”
• The mindset shift from saving for retirement to planning your version of retirement
• Why Monte Carlo simulations matter (and no, it’s not gambling)
• Key financial buckets to focus on (401(k), Roth, HSA, taxable brokerage)
• How much to save and what “your number” really means
• Common mistakes people make—and how to avoid them

Whether you’re a dentist, doctor, teacher, or anyone with a 401(k) and questions, this episode gives you a clear game plan to start building retirement confidence now.

Resources Mentioned:

• SLP Wealth Retirement Planning Services
• Have a question about your retirement path? Email us: [email protected]

🎧 Listen & Subscribe:

Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, or Pocket Casts

This brand new podcast is a spin off from the Financially Free Friday episodes from the Student Loan Planner podcast. We felt like it made a lot of sense to move from our sister company since we focus a lot more on financial planning, not just student loans, and have a separate channel for us to really drive deep into market updates, financial strategies, maybe even real stories from physicians, veterinarians, dentists, or other high income earners.

Tune in to discover the biggest misconceptions people have about being “financially free,” the various forms of FIRE ("Financial Independence, Retire Early"), and more. We’re excited to launch this new podcast and hope you subscribe on your favorite podcast app!

Key moments:

(03:34) Defining Financial Freedom

(07:51) "Long-Term Financial Freedom Insights"

(12:53) Emergency Savings for Financial Freedom

(25:45) Financial Freedom and Contentment

(34:04) Invest Early Windfalls for Future Wealth

(41:43) "Start Your Financial Freedom Journey"

Be sure to Follow (or Subscribe for free) to the new show!

• Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, or Pocket Casts