Fiscal Firehouse

Investing Basics for Firefighters: Stocks, Bonds, Index Funds, and Keeping Fees Low

Jon Beattie and Louis Barela continue their Firefighter Financial Academy series with an investing basics episode aimed at helping firefighters build financial independence by living below their means, staying out of debt, and investing early and often. They explain stocks as ownership and bonds as lending, discuss volatility and risk tolerance, and emphasize broad diversification through low-cost index funds like the S&P 500 and total market funds, including target date funds that automatically rebalance from stocks to bonds over time. They compare traditional versus Roth 457 contributions (tax later vs. tax now), highlight the power of compounding growth, and stress that pensions typically cover 75–80% but may lack cost-of-living adjustments, making supplemental saving critical. They also warn that fees and active management can significantly reduce long-term returns, and suggest transparency and fiduciary, CFP-level guidance when needed

Firefighter Financial Academy – Part 1: Foundations lays the groundwork for building financial independence throughout your fire service career. Jon and Louie break down the three fundamental pillars of personal finance: live below your means, get out and stay out of debt, and invest early and often.

From budgeting around base pay and managing overtime to understanding debt, credit, compound growth, and the importance of starting early, this episode is about making the right financial decisions today so you can retire on your terms tomorrow.

Fiscal Firehouse — Financial education built for firefighters.

Sponsorship:
Colorado's Firefighter Federal Credit Union https://dfdfcu.com

Roth or Traditional 457—which is right for you? In this episode, we break down how 457 plans work alongside a firefighter pension, compare Roth and Traditional contributions, discuss tax and withdrawal considerations, and highlight common mistakes to avoid when planning for retirement.

Sponsorship:
Colorado's Firefighter Federal Credit Union https://dfdfcu.com

In today’s episode, Jon and Louie tackle the world of insurance and why having the right coverage can save your financial future. From life insurance to disability coverage, they break down the policies you actually need without putting you to sleep faster than the annual HIPPA training.

Great Colorado Payback: https://unclaimedproperty.colorado.gov/

FPPA Death and Disability: https://www.fppaco.org/files/789282a21/SWDD-Brochure.pdf

Jon and Louie are diving headfirst into sports betting, prediction markets, and the wild world of risk, reward, and questionable financial decisions. So grab your lucky jersey, trust your gut, and let’s see if today’s picks pay off. 

In this episode of The Fiscal Firehouse, we break down one of the most important tools in your financial toolkit: the emergency fund. We cover what it is, when you should actually use it, and how to steadily build it.  You’ll also learn where to keep your emergency fund so it stays accessible, safe, and working for you.

Site for evaluating high yield savings accounts: https://www.depositaccounts.com/savings/

Jon and Louie dive into why teaching your kids about money early can be one of the most powerful financial decisions you ever make. From 529 plans, Roth IRAs, custodial accounts, and the new Trump Accounts, we’ll walk through practical ways to start investing for your child’s future goals. If you’re building wealth at the firehouse and at home, this episode is for you.

Dave Ramsey Smart Saver Bank for Kids: https://www.amazon.com/Ramsey-Press-Smart-Saver-Bank/dp/1942121938

Money Savvy Piggy Bank: https://www.moneysavvy.com/products/money_savvy_pig.html

Money Scripts book: Mind Over Money: Ted and Brad Klontz: https://www.amazon.com/Mind-over-Money-Overcoming-Disorders/dp/038553101X

529 College Savings Plans: College Invest: https://www.collegeinvest.org/first-step/

Fidelity Youth Brokerage Account: https://www.fidelity.com/go/youth-account/overview?imm_pid=124015078522&immid=100884_SEA&imm_eid=ep1268837510600&utm_source=GOOGLE&utm_medium=paid_search&utm_account_id=5320447233&utm_campaign=YAC&utm_content=124015078522&utm_term=fidelity+youth+account&utm_campaign_id=100884&utm_id=13125989008&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=13125989008&gbraid=0AAAAAD7OUhJxxqJvZscldGAfiQH1eBUPn&gclid=CjwKCAiAwNDMBhBfEiwAd7ti1IdL0tBVTN0WUlIarfhuZSpHQcNgmtil-qe-5RWuOAUMaF4FYB2BmxoCBTIQAvD_BwE

 In today’s episode of Fiscal Firehouse, we’re laying the groundwork for strong financial momentum heading into 2026 by building healthy, sustainable money habits. Drawing inspiration from Atomic Habits by James Clear, we break down how small, consistent actions can lead to big financial wins over time. You’ll learn how to design your environment, simplify your systems, and stay consistent even when motivation fades. If you’re ready to stop relying on willpower and start building habits that actually stick, this episode is for you. 

In this episode of The Fiscal Firehouse, Jon and Louie dive into a topic firefighters ask about all the time: taxable brokerage accounts. They break down what a brokerage account is, how it compares to retirement accounts like the 457, and when it actually makes sense to use one. From tax treatment and flexibility to common mistakes and real-world examples, they unpack the pros and cons in plain language. If you’ve ever wondered where a brokerage account fits into your overall financial plan, this episode brings clarity without the jargon. 

Welcome to The Fiscal Firehouse, a podcast dedicated to improving the finances of professional firefighters. Today we’re diving into the fantasy we’ve all had — hitting the lottery. But before you start spending your millions, we’ll explore the real question: what’s the difference between being rich and being wealthy? Because in the fire service and in life, it’s not just about how much you make — it’s about how long it lasts.