In this episode, my husband Craig and I discuss the various fees associated with buying a home. As a Certified Financial Planner and money coach, I provide insights on the financial aspects, while Craig, a local real estate agent, shares his expertise on the home buying process. We cover fees such as the option period, earnest money deposit, appraisal fees, lender fees, title insurance premiums, and property taxes. We also discuss negotiating strategies and the impact of interest rates on mortgage payments. Tune in to learn more about the costs involved in buying a home and how to navigate the process effectively.

Key Highlights
00:00:03: Intro
00:01:33: Option Period and its cost.
00:02:30: Earnest money deposit and its purpose.
00:03:03: Home inspection and potential costs.
00:03:33: Appraisal, cost and its significance.
00:03:49: Lender fees, including origination fees and application fees.
00:04:19: Title insurance premiums and their purpose.
00:05:32: Cost of title fees and average cost of homeowner's insurance.
00:06:13: PMI: Private mortgage insurance for those who don't put 20% down.
00:08:23: Survey fees and their negotiability.
00:08:25: Recording fees for public record.
00:08:46: Property taxes and their impact on mortgage payments.
00:11:18: Interest rates and their impact on the housing market.
00:13:30: Negotiating fees with lenders and realtors.
00:15:10: Financing options for the various fees.

Notable Quotes
"There's a lot more to buying a home than just the price listed on Zillow."
"The option period is a prime time for you to do your homework and research to ensure you're making a good deal."
"The earnest money deposit shows the seller that you're serious about the deal and not just a random investor."
"Get a home inspection to uncover any potential issues like foundation or roof problems."
"Title insurance ensures a clean history and covers any uncovered issues in the future."
"Negotiate with lenders for fees and credits to reduce your closing costs."
"Interest rates may be high now, but it's still a good time to invest before prices skyrocket when rat

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In today’s episode, you’ll learn how to break the credit card debt cycle. I've been there myself, spending most of my 20s and early 30s in credit card debt. But now, I want to teach you how to break free from this cycle for good. If you're tired of running a balance on your credit cards and not making the progress you want, this episode is for you. I'll walk you through the mindset issues that keep you stuck in credit card debt and give you a step-by-step process to break the cycle and use credit cards in a way that actually improves your financial situation. Let's get started on your journey to financial freedom.

Key Highlights

[00:00:00] Introduction to debt cycle and personal experience with credit card debt 

[00:01:50] Mindset issues that keep people stuck in credit card debt 

[00:02:04] Believing that you don't make enough money to support the life you want to live

[00:03:29] Thinking that you'll worry about paying off debt later

[00:04:38] Believing that living within your means will make your life miserable

[ 00:06:45] Step-by-step process to break the debt cycle and get out of credit card debt

[00:06:45] Stop using credit cards completely

[00:08:44] Make minimum payments on your credit card until you have $1,000 to $5,000 in an emergency fund

[00:10:12] Create a sustainable debt payoff plan by allocating money for bills and monthly spending, and focusing on paying off the highest interest card first

[00:12:51] Get creative and find ways to make additional debt payments, such as selling unused items or adding extra income streams

Notable Quotes

• You get to decide what is enough for your lifestyle and adjust accordingly. So this thinking that you're not making enough is just simply keeping you on the overspending cycle. 
• The moment the money is in there, your brain just goes to, how should I spend this? And what should I buy? Because you're not used to actually having money. I want you to learn how to have money in your bank account.
• Start looking at some of the benefits that you will truly experience in your life when you learn how to get your debt paid off and begin to live within your means.
• There are so many additional benefits to debt payoff that extends so much further than just a zero credit card balance. It is actually learning how to be the person that you want to be with money, how to make more money and how to use money more intentionally for your life.
• The outcome of [continuously carrying credit card debt] is so much more negative than just learning how to create a life that you live within your means
• Your stress will go down. Your quality of living will go up. You'll begin to trust yourself more.

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Join me and Christina as we continue our discussion on preparing for maternity leave and the journey of motherhood. In this episode, we focus on the experience of maternity leave itself, including the shift in mindset and the importance of embracing the time with your baby. We also delve into the financial aspects of having a baby, such as the recurring expenses that come with it. From diapers to formula, we provide insights on how to budget and plan for these additional costs. Additionally, we explore the impact of screen time during maternity leave and share strategies for reducing it. Finally, we discuss the transition back to work and the importance of finding a supportive work environment that values and understands the needs of working mothers. Don't miss out on this insightful conversation filled with practical tips and personal experiences.

Key Highlights

How did Christina feel during maternity leave? (00:01:10)

When did Christina start thinking about work again? (00:02:25)

How did Christina feel about going back to work? (00:03:45)

Did Christina experience a shift in the way she was treated after returning to work? (00:05:10)

What were some new expenses Christina had to start paying for during maternity leave? (00:05:58)

How did Christina manage her screen time during maternity leave? (00:08:28)

How did Christina navigate the transition back to work? (00:13:42)

How did Christina manage the cost of daycare? (00:20:33)

When did Christina start saving for her child's future? (00:24:04)

Notable Quotes

• "I felt such warmth coming back to work. People welcomed me back and it was a delightful surprise."
• "I had an advocate who saw my value and helped me transition out of a team that wasn't a good fit."
• On the other side of boredom is creativity.
• "We're building the foundation now so that we can have flexibility later in life."
• "The earlier you start these accounts, the more time your money has to grow and benefit your child later in life."
• "I want to have a happy child who has things to do and play with."
• Step back and view your life more objectively and more holistically. I think you can really identify that and give yourself some grace.
• "If you're going to buy stuff now, you have to match it with a contribution to their college fund." 
• "Don't take away the joy of buying things for your child from the grandparents, but consider redirecting some of that spending towards their future."
• Finding connections, looking at nature, finding patterns, those types of things is how I was trying to spend my time more than looking at my phone.

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In this episode, I am joined by my friend Christina Wanta to discuss how to financially and mentally prepare for maternity leave and having a baby. We share our different experiences as a corporate employee and an entrepreneur. Part one focuses on pre-maternity leave preparations, including dealing with loss of income, insurance benefits, and saving for baby-related expenses. Part two will cover time off during maternity leave, returning to work, and daycare options.

Key Highlights

[00:00:00] - Introduction to the episode and topic of preparing for maternity leave and having a baby.

[00:00:21] - Introducing guest Christina Wanta and discussing their different perspectives as a corporate employee and an entrepreneur.

[00:00:49] - Part one of the episode: discussing preparations before maternity leave, including loss of income, insurance benefits, and saving for the baby.

[00:01:31] - Preview of part two of the series, which will cover time off during maternity leave, returning to work, and daycare options.

[00:01:32] - Welcoming Christina Wanta to the podcast.

[00:01:43] - Christina sharing her experience and financial fears when she first found out she was pregnant.

[00:04:05] - Discussing the process of informing the employer about the pregnancy and understanding maternity leave benefits through HR.

[00:14:20] - Discussing the expenses of preparing for a baby, including strollers, cribs, and the SNU rental.

[00:20:53] - Sharing the surprise of receiving hand-me-downs and spending less money than expected on baby items.

[00:25:34] - Discussing financial preparation before maternity leave, including creating a baby savings account and budgeting for expenses.

Notable Quotes

• "I did not want to work during maternity leave. I want to be able to give my time and energy and love exclusively to this baby while he's so young."
• "Identity plays such a big role in this whole journey, your professional identity, but also your identity as a woman becoming a mother who's also a spouse."
• "I had so many friends reaching out, offering to share their baby items. I felt so loved and cared for through that process."
• "Invest in a great stroller and car seat, something you can use for years. Your community can chip in to support this special item."
• "You don't have to spend a fortune on baby items. Look for deals on used baby gear, like the SNOO, to save money."

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This episode concludes the "How Does She Afford That" series where I interviewed creative entrepreneurs who have found nontraditional paths to financial success. It is the final installment of the series for 2023, but there’s the possibility of revisiting it in the future. Tune in as I interview Meg Nordman, author of "Have Yourself a Minimalist Christmas" and host of the Journey to Freedom podcast. Meg shares her incredible journey from being a self-identified shopaholic to achieving financial independence and retiring early in just six years. You will learn how Meg and her husband paid off their debts, invested in rental properties, and made smart financial decisions to reach their financial goals. We also discuss the power of minimalism and sustainability in their financial journey. Discover how you can build wealth and find financial freedom by changing your mindset and embracing a minimalist lifestyle!

Key Highlights

[00:04:05] Introducing Meg Nordman

[00:10:53] Meg's shift in mindset towards minimalism and how it helped her save money and prioritize her time with her children.

[00:19:19] Husband's income as a mechanic and their lifestyle costs during the saving phase.

[00:27:09] Cash flow from vacation rentals and how it allowed her husband to retire from his job.

[00:30:12] Meg's experience living in Costa Rica and the challenges.

[00:36:31] Current savings goals and plans for future investments in real estate.

[00:40:53] How to connect with Meg

Notable Quotes

• "The best day to invest was yesterday."
• "The definition of luxury definitely changed."
• "What is enough? Pondering enoughness."
• "Skill stacking: continually adding to the toolkit."
• "You can learn anything in this amazing information age."
• "I can do anything."
• "Opt out of cultural norms and still have a joyful holiday."
• "Follow your own path and live off the income from rental properties."
• "Find opportunities through networking and word of mouth."
• "Create a life that prioritizes time freedom and intentional living."

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In this episode of the Creative Wealth Building Series, mindset coach and co-founder of Happy Karma Homes, Anna K. Morris, shares her inspiring journey of leaving corporate jobs and embarking on a three-year global sabbatical. Anna and her husband Derek eventually returned to Austin, Texas, where they pursued their passion for real estate and started their own design-build company. They secured their first investment property with no personal funds and acquired their next property with just $10 and a bag of tacos. Anna's story is a testament to the power of following your gut and intuition in making business, financial, and life decisions. Tune in to hear the magical twists and turns of Anna's journey.

Key Highlights

[00:01:13] Leaving corporate jobs for entrepreneurship.

[00:05:30] Knowing oneself and taking action.

[00:09:50] Money conversations and perceptions.

[00:11:25] The financials of your life.

[00:14:07] The least amount of investment for the highest return.

[00:19:12] Starting a family in Mexico.

[00:23:17] People's belief in us.

[00:25:43] Overwhelming options in real estate.

[00:28:22] The power of journaling.

[00:33:46] Living a more aligned life.

[00:35:38] Asking new questions about life.

Notable Quotes

• "When you're in alignment, magic happens."
• "We just went to college. This is our education in real estate."
• "There's nothing to wait for. What are you waiting for?"
• "We have absolutely no idea how long we're here for."
• "There's no better time than today to start living your most aligned life."
• "Put your personal preferences aside and focus on what will make your partner's life better."
• "Don't let fear hold you back from pursuing something bigger and more aligned."
• "Take action and trust yourself. You have the power to make your dreams a reality."

Resources

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Hey everyone, in this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Amanda Horvath, a successful YouTuber who went from running a video production business to making six figures in passive income through her YouTube channel. Amanda shares her journey of transitioning from trading time for money to building an audience and creating her own content. She talks about the importance of lifestyle design and following your intuition in order to create a life of freedom and flexibility. Amanda also discusses the different income streams she has developed through her YouTube channel, including affiliate marketing and online courses. If you're looking to build a successful YouTube channel and make passive income, you don't want to miss this episode!

Key Highlights

[00:01:45] Choosing lifestyle over trading time.

[00:03:40] Taking on high-paying clients.

[00:07:11] Starting an online course.

[00:11:01] Passive income on YouTube.

[00:16:52] Passive income and affiliate revenue.

[00:19:26] Transition and Financial Implications.

[00:24:26] Personal finances during income dip.

[00:26:48] The power of YouTube.

[00:31:42] Taking Risks for Success.

[00:33:13] Passive income online.

Notable Quotes

• Short-term loss for long-term gain
• Life is short. If I continue doing what I'm doing right now, I could potentially never get over to the other side of the quadrant where the 1% lives, where they have time and they have money.
• Don't learn via trial and error if you don't have very long of a runway.
• Every single source of passive income starts off as an active income stream.
• You have to be willing to risk it in order to make it happen.
• The goal of my life is not to have a successful business. The goal of my life is to have a stress-free life that I enjoy living the way that I want to live.

Resources

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In today's episode, I'm interviewing Faith Mariah, who is a real estate investor, a multi six-figure business owner and a digital nomad. In this episode, I'm going to pull back the curtain on how Faith went from living in a tent for most of her twenties to now living a freedom lifestyle that most people desire. You're going to hear Faith's incredibly inspiring story, as well as the actual financials of how she made this work and most importantly, the mindset that had her create the life of her dreams. This is not an episode that you want to miss, make sure and listen to the end!

Key Highlights
[00:01:31] Living a freedom lifestyle.
[00:04:33] Overcoming homelessness and financial success.
[00:07:34] Making money as a blogger.
[00:10:23] Significant business growth.
[00:13:24] Financial stability and resilience.
[00:18:03] What's possible with money.
[00:19:21] Buying a rental house.
[00:24:59] Rental property investment mindset.
[00:27:19] Difference between spending and investing.
[00:30:01] Sales and marketing skills.
[00:32:25] Building goals and cash flow.
[00:35:43] Entrepreneurship and business discussion.

Notable Quotes
"Failure is just not an option. The only availability I have is forward."
"Down is on the way to up. There's no down and there's no backwards for me. We're only ever going forward."
"Being poor is such a scam. It's so easy to make money, even if you only have a little bit. You've got to start getting that leverage for yourself because it gets easier and easier."
"There's always solutions. Problems can't exist without solutions. Anytime there's a problem, there's a solution."
"Even if it's going to take a year, two years, three years, five years to build, it's worth doing so you can have it someday."
"Just figure out what you want, and then look at what would it actually cost and just put your brain to work about how could I get that kind of cash flow?"
"You've got to work for yourself because if you're working for someone else, they're going to be paying you less than your labor is worth."
--
Connect with Faith:
Website:

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In today’s episode, I interviewed Marlena Jarjoura, a self-made entrepreneur and founder of Hill Country Nature Retreat Center. Marlena shares her journey from teaching children to co-creating an off-grid oasis with her husband in the Texas Hill Country. They have built rental properties and a retreat center using reclaimed and recycled materials. You will gain insights into their financials and the work they have done to create their sustainable retreat center. If you have ever dreamt of having your own retreat center, this episode is a must-listen.

Key Highlights

[00:01:01] Shifting from teaching to off-grid living.
[00:04:18] Quitting teaching, starting WOOFing.
[00:08:01] Learning curve in solar power.
[00:11:53] Embracing imperfections in design.
[00:18:19] Rental income and property appeal.
[00:19:20] Building a brand beyond Airbnb.
[00:24:43] Sustainability and off-grid living.
[00:27:51] Changing climate and challenges.
[00:31:13] Setting boundaries and work-life balance.

Notable Quotes

"Just take one step at a time and don't look too far ahead."
"The goal of our lives is to be content and happy, and not stressed."
"It's like the pieces started getting put into place and it just started unfolding and blossoming."
"We try to find things for free if possible, and we end up finding a lot of really good free stuff."
"It's a puzzle. We like the challenge of it most of the time."
"Just start little by little and always remember what your goal is."

Resources

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In today's episode, I have the pleasure of interviewing Pat Romboletti, a renowned author, Ted X speaker, and career coach. We dive deep into the concept of bulletproofing your career and how to navigate unexpected career changes. Pat shares valuable insights on changing our mindset about loyalty to our employers and prioritizing our own financial future. This conversation is a game-changer for anyone looking to take control of their career and financial security.

Key Highlights

[00:02:08] Changing your relationship to your career.
[00:04:51] Loyalty to a company.
[00:08:37] On Board to Bulletproof.
[00:11:36] Building your professional network.
[00:15:33] Protecting finances and career.
[00:19:13] The financial impact of getting laid off.
[00:21:31] Finding a better boss.
[00:24:32] Job loss and networking.
[00:28:04] Be thankful for your job.
[00:30:53] Membership program and coaching.

Notable Quotes

"Your first loyalty is to yourself, to your family or anybody who's counting on you, to your legacy."
"Doing your job is only going to keep you there for three to five years on average."
"Your biggest risk is not taking the risk of looking outside, not leaving a precarious, capriciously."
"The idea is not being ready to be ready for your next something is the biggest risk of all."
"Your mental health will be better. Your physical health will be better. And that is worth money."
"The impact of this is every time you lose your job, you lose money, period, not just compensation."

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