Hour 1: Using cash for holiday shopping could help you from going overboard.

Ask HTM: Lauren wants to know about how to use money she is getting from an UTMA.

Minimalism isn't necessarily the solution to overconsumption. Balance is! Plus, the best use of AI we've seen yet.

Ask HTM: Zach is having a problem with his student loan servicer. Ugh.

links: US Mobile is the best discount cell phone service provider, Freezing your credit is crucial

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Hour 2: The airlines are raking in big bucks off seat and baggage fees. And they testified about their fee structure in front of Congress this week.

Ask HTM: Dan's medium-term returns have not been good. What to do about it!?

Launchpad jobs can help folks who avoid college make more money over time. And if you go to college, internships are the road to higher earnings and more job security!

Ask HTM: What are the best savings challenges and how much of an impact can they have? 

links: Why you're losing money with your big bank (and what to do about it)

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Giving proactively to causes you care about is a surefire way to boost your mood and reduce stress.


Ask HTM: Becky wants to help her in-laws make a smart car buying decision.


Joel dishes his best Black Friday deal. Don't forget about price matching policies that many stores employ to help you save! 


Ask HTM: How will 529 plan contributions impact financial aid for a kiddo?

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Americans are drowning in toys! Matt and Joel discuss what to do about it given the higher stakes this holiday season.


Ask HTM: Kirsten has a question about which retirement account she should prioritize.


Americans would rather deep clean the bathroom than log into their bank accounts and face the financial facts.


Ask HTM: Should Jessica get a home security system? Or are they a ripoff!?

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Spending small amounts of money can help you avoid spending bigger bucks on more expensive upgrades.
Ask HTM: Trent wants to know about taking a future monthly pension or grabbing the lump sum insead.

Travel Tuesday deals are on the way. Not only can you save on TVs and toys right now, but it can be a great time to buy travel too!

Ask HTM: Sam has a classic personal finance question. She wants to know about where to put money for a home down payment.

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Sports betting is becoming more of a problem. And users are tapping their investments to bet on their favorite teams. Not good!


Ask HTM: How to help a relative with a really big inheritance? 


People are buying more stuff these days and are also making more returns. Joel and Matt talk about the importance of knowing specific retailer return policies. 


Ask HTM: Mikail wants to know about how to go beyond newbie investor status.

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Hour 1: The real estate market is still a complete mess. And there's a new website that allows you to sell your home directly to other buyers. 
 
Ask HTM: A listener is in between company cars and is trying to figure out how to get around
 
Buying gift cards comes with potential pitfalls. Beware! 
 
Derek wants to know if he should tap his retirement accounts early. If so, how!?
 
Links. Galleon.iohttps://galleon.io/, Best travel credit cards

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Hour 2: The price of Bitcoin has been soaring. Should normal folks invest larger sums into the crypto space? Not so fast!
 
Ask HTM: What's the best account to save for a baby? 
 
Why do people still buy pre-ripped jeans? It doesn't make any sense!
 
Ask HTM: Amanda wants to become a landlord and needs a solid rental agreement. 

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Most Americans think they're really great with money. But they're not!

Ask HTM: Andrea wants to tap her IRA for a home down payment. Is that a good idea? 

Defying inflation trends, TVs are getting bigger and cheaper. In other good news, Americans are delaying the smartphone upgrade cycle. PLUS, there's a new rule that allows for automatic refunds if your flight gets delayed or canceled.

Ask HTM: Question about when to tap social security.

Links: Biases that are screwing up your personal finances, How to save up an emergency fund

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Watch out for money influencers on social media. Their info is often misleading! 

Ask HTM: Brandon wants to know if he's being frugal or cheap with a local small business.

Changing employers won't net you nearly as much of a pay raise as it did back in 2022. 

Ask HTM: A listener wants to know how to finance a study abroad trip.

Links: Life insurance laddering

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