Join us as we welcome a very special guest, Ken Robinson, the author of Don't Make a Budget: Why it's So Hard to Save Money and What to Do About it.

Ken Robinson has revolutionized the concept of budgeting with his groundbreaking system that prioritizes paying yourself first. Through his book, he provides invaluable insights and actionable steps to help you regain control over your financial well-being.

We all know that using cash allows us to witness the tangible nature of our limited resources gradually diminish. But what about credit cards? In an era where plastic reigns supreme, Ken Robinson unveils the secrets of aligning your spending habits with your core values. Discover how credit cards, when used strategically, can serve as powerful tools in this quest for financial empowerment.

Join us for this eye-opening episode as we unlock the secrets to budget-free money management and learn how to make smarter financial decisions. Don't miss out on this opportunity to transform your relationship with money and pave the way towards a brighter financial future. Subscribe now and embark on this transformative journey with us!

Topics covered in this episode:

The pitfalls of traditional budgeting and the alternative approach
Understanding the concept of "pay yourself first"
Practical steps to implement Ken Robinson's system
The visual impact of cash versus the convenience of credit cards
Aligning your spending with your values through credit card usage
Subscribe to our channel to receive updates on future episodes and gain access to valuable resources for personal financial growth. Hit the notification bell to never miss an episode. Together, let's unlock the secrets to financial freedom!

Here's Ken's firm website:  https://www.p-f-p.com

Bridget's firm website:  https://www.sullivanmermel.com

John's firm website:  https://www.trinfin.com


For advisors around the US: https://www.acplanners.org/home

Thanks for listening and please subscribe!

Use the following link to view the podcast transcript:
https://www.sullivanmermel.com/post/the-no-budget-budget-with-ken-robinson

Welcome to another episode of Friends Talk Financial Planning! In this installment, we delve into the world of the Fiduciary Standard—a noble code of conduct that draws parallels to the chivalrous oaths of knighthood. Join us as we introduce our guest, Ken Robinson, who shares his insights on the significance of this standard and its impact on our clients.

From the very beginning, we dispel the misconception surrounding the term "fiduciary," reminding our viewers that it is not a dirty word but rather a distinction that financial professionals take pride in. Explore the essence of the fiduciary standard as we explore the depths of putting client interests ahead of all else, fostering a relationship built on trust and integrity.

Drawing inspiration from the days of yore, Ken takes us on a captivating journey back to the Middle Ages in Western Europe, where knights and their honorable oaths held great importance.

Reverent and generous, shield of the weak, obedient to my lord, foremost in battle, champion of the right and good. 

Discover how Ken, as a passionate advocate for the fiduciary standard, lives and breathes this oath in his role with clients. Gain insights into the responsibilities he undertakes, not as a rescuer but as a guiding force, ensuring his clients are in the best possible financial position.

As our discussion deepens, we explore the fundamental differences between agents of the past and the modern-day need for a fiduciary. Reflect on the subtle distinction of hiring someone to sort out your finances versus engaging an agent tied primarily to a company selling specific products. We shed light on the evolving landscape of financial services and the imperative of having our interests aligned with those of our clients.

At Friends Talk Financial Planning, we firmly believe that everyone deserves to have a dedicated ally in their corner. We take immense pride in our fiduciary commitment, prioritizing your best interests and striving to provide the guidance you deserve. Join us on this as we uncover the profound significance of the fiduciary standard—a true testament to integrity and client-centric financial planning.

Don't miss out on this empowering discussion! Subscribe to our channel to stay updated with the latest episodes and gain access to valuable insights into personal finance. Hit the notification bell to ensure you never miss a moment of Friends Talk Financial Planning.

Together, let's embrace the fiduciary standard and embark on a path of financial empowerment.

Here's Ken's firm website:  https://www.p-f-p.com

Here's Bridget's firm website:  https://www.sullivanmermel.com

John's firm website:  https://www.trinfin.com

For advisors around the US: https://www.acplanners.org/home

Thanks for listening and please subscribe!

Use the following link to view the podcast transcript:
https://www.sullivanmermel.com/post/the-fiduciary-standard-the-knighthood-oath-for-financial-planners

Many people of heard about Donor Advised Funds (D.A.F.) but not everyone knows how powerful they can be to leverage charitable giving.  In today's episode we talk about situations where  Donor Advised Fund makes sense, the of the tax savings that a DAF can bring and how it can help facilitate happiness through giving.

Here's Bridget's firm website:  https://www.sullivanmermel.com

John's firm website:  https://www.trinfin.com

For advisors around the US: https://www.acplanners.org/home

Thanks for listening! Please subscribe!

Use the following link to view the podcast transcript:
https://www.sullivanmermel.com/post/donor-advised-funds-the-smart-way-to-give

Giving money away can come with happiness or regret.  Bridget Sullivan Mermel and John Scherer discuss how to avoid three flavors of donation regret.  Stay tuned for our tips on how to feel more of the warm glow of giving, too!

John uses his own stories to illustrate how donating can make you feel bad or good.  He talks about how he thinks about being scammed by a charity and what he learned from the experience.

We talk about public radio station changing formats, and feeling like you can't do enough to solve the world's problems.

Then we pivot to talk through John's company's giving program to celebrate, plus other tips on how to feel even better about donating.

Here's the web address to check charitable organizations: charitynavigator.org

Here's Bridget's firm website:  https://www.sullivanmermel.com

John's firm website:  https://www.trinfin.com

For advisors around the US: https://www.acplanners.org/home

Use the following link to view the podcast transcript:
https://www.sullivanmermel.com/post/donating-feel-less-regret-more-happiness