Marriage Kids and Money: Personal Finance for Families

In this two-part episode, we’re diving into strategies for building wealth as a modern parent.

First, Kelly Palmer—a financial planner and founder of The Wealthy Parent—joins the show to break down how to choose a 529 plan. She shares the pros and cons of different education savings options, the impact of the new SECURE Act updates, and why she’s a proud 529 mom herself. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by college savings decisions, this segment is full of clear, practical guidance.

Then, in our Net Worth Win segment, Shang Saavedra from Save My Cents reveals how she and her husband built a net worth north of $2 million by age 39. From a revenge-of-the-nerd money mindset to embracing FIRE, Shang’s story is packed with lessons on frugal living, dual-income saving strategies, and long-term thinking.

Whether you're focused on education planning or financial independence, this episode delivers actionable tips and real-life inspiration.

EPISODE RESOURCES

Nectarine (Advice Only Financial Planners): ⁠https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/nectarine (affiliate)

The Wealthy Parent: https://thewealthyparent.com  ⁠

Wealth is a Mindset (Book): https://amzn.to/3FQT0nh (affiliate)

Save My Cents (Shang Saavedra's Website): https://savemycents.com/

CHAPTERS

00:00 – Introduction
01:00 – How to Choose a 529 Plan
05:20 – Tax Benefits and State-Specific Rules
09:00 – SECURE Act Updates and New Roth IRA Rollovers
13:45 – 529s vs UTMAs and Roth IRAs for Kids
18:00 – Final Thoughts from Kelly Palmer
20:30 – Net Worth Win: Shang Saavedra
24:15 – The Mindset Shift Behind Wealth Building
29:30 – Living on One Income and Saving the Other
33:00 – Renting by Choice and Real Estate Insights
36:00 – Teaching Generational Wealth Through Habits
38:30 – Future Goals and Advice for Parents

MKM RESOURCES:

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES (SPONSORS AND AFFILIATES):

HOW WE MAKE MONEY + DISCLAIMER:

This show may contain affiliate links or links from our advertisers where we earn a commission, direct payment or products.

Opinions are the creators alone.

Information shared on this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice.

Marriage Kids and Money (www.marriagekidsandmoney.com) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

CREDITS:

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In this inspiring Solopreneur Life segment, Andy Hill sits down with Colin Graves—a former bank manager turned full-time freelance writer and editor. Colin shares how a toxic workplace pushed him to reevaluate his career and ultimately build a thriving solo business making over $150,000 per year.

Listeners will learn how Colin transitioned from a 9-to-5 job into solopreneurship, the steps he took to scale his business, and how he now enjoys a flexible lifestyle that prioritizes family, freedom, and fulfillment.

If you're a parent looking to escape the corporate grind and design a business on your own terms, this episode is packed with insights and encouragement.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

MKM RESOURCES:

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES (SPONSORS AND AFFILIATES):

CHAPTERS

00:00 – Life after corporate: Embracing flexibility

HOW WE MAKE MONEY + DISCLAIMER:

CREDITS:

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Coast FIRE is when you've saved enough for retirement that you no longer need to contribute—just cover your current expenses and coast. But how does it really compare to traditional retirement? We'll break down the pros and cons of both so you can decide which path fits your family's lifestyle and financial goals best.

Next, we’re back with our Coast FIRE Family segment. This month, we’re featuring Jason Edwards from Rhode Island. Jason and his wife Amber reached Coast FIRE with $1.2 million invested. He shares how they did it, the role adoption played in their journey, and how they're now focusing on building generational wealth.

Lastly, my son Calvin joins me for another “Good Word” segment. With school wrapping up, we're talking about generosity, favorite teachers, and celebrating the good in the world—because sometimes, you just need a little positivity.

Resources Mentioned:

Coast FIRE Calculator

Empower

Monarch Money

Nectarine Financial

Podcast Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction: What Retirement Means to You

01:00 – Segment 1: Coast FIRE vs. Traditional Retirement

09:00 – Planning Your Retirement: Tools and Tips

12:50 – Segment 2: Jason Edwards' Coast FIRE Journey

13:45 – Jason’s Investment Strategy & Net Worth Breakdown

20:25 – Work, Income, and Family Expenses

24:00 – Adoption and Raising a Child

25:50 – Experiences Over Excess: Jason’s Retirement Philosophy

27:30 – Generational Wealth and Legacy Goals

29:45 – Advice for Future Coast FIRE Achievers

30:59 – Segment 3: A Good Word with Calvin Hill

33:00 – A Story of Student Generosity and Apple’s Support

34:15 – Celebrating Great Teachers

35:45 – Final Thoughts and Quote of the Day

HOW WE MAKE MONEY + DISCLAIMER:

CREDITS:

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Andy Hill welcomes back JL Collins—often dubbed the “Godfather of FI”—to discuss the updated and expanded edition of his bestselling book, The Simple Path to Wealth. Together, they demystify investing, discuss the power of index funds, and share how building FU Money can unlock freedom and solopreneur dreams. JL shares lessons from 50 years of market data and why “set it and forget it” is still the winning strategy.

RESOURCES:

Chapters

00:00 – The Simplest Investing Advice You’ll Ever Hear
00:36 – Why So Few People Invest in the Stock Market
01:53 – Why Investing Feels So Complicated (Thanks, Wall Street)
03:06 – Index Funds 101: Why They Work
04:57 – How Index Funds Are Self-Cleansing
06:10 – Avoiding Analysis Paralysis: Stick to One Fund
08:17 – Do You Need to Switch Brokerages for Better Funds?
09:30 – Should You Add International Stocks? JL’s Take
12:02 – Set It and Forget It: The Power of Automation
15:42 – The “Tweaky Path” vs. The Simple Path
16:16 – Filtering Out Financial Fear in the Media
20:22 – Investing: A Psychological Game
22:45 – 50 Years of Market Returns: What the Data Really Says
27:48 – FU Money: Your Runway to Solopreneurship and Freedom
29:42 – Buying Freedom vs. Buying Stuff
31:47 – Is This Time Really Different? (Spoiler: It’s Not)
33:46 – Planning for Black Swans? Or Betting on the 99%?
35:25 – How to Get Started Today: One Simple Step
36:48 – Where to Find the Updated Book and More Resources

MKM RESOURCES:

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HOW WE MAKE MONEY + DISCLAIMER:

CREDITS:

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Andy Hill sits down with bestselling author and digital entrepreneur Pat Flynn to discuss how "lean learning" can help overwhelmed parents and solopreneurs cut through the noise, focus on what really matters, and take meaningful action. Pat shares how absorbing less information — but more intentionally — can lead to quicker progress, stronger results, and more time for what truly matters: family, health, and creativity.

Whether you're starting your first business, juggling multiple podcasts, or just looking to reclaim some peace of mind, Pat’s approach to learning less but achieving more might be just the antidote you need.

Resources:

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to Lean Learning and Overcoming Information Overload
01:40 – Meet Pat Flynn: Entrepreneur, Author, Father, and Back to the Future Fan
04:12 – How Information Obesity is Slowing Us Down
06:25 – What is Lean Learning? A Golf Story That Explains It All
08:26 – Public Speaking, Force Functions, and Learning One Skill at a Time
10:42 – The Microsoft Word Ebook That Made $200K: Just-in-Time Learning in Action
12:42 – The Double Meaning of “Lean” and the Power of Focus
13:50 – What Should Solopreneurs Do With Their Newfound Time?
14:55 – The “One-One-One” Strategy for Starting a Business
17:09 – Solopreneur Pitfalls: Fear, Procrastination, and Why We Over-Plan
19:10 – Fishing with One Jig: A Metaphor for Mastery
21:17 – Alternatives to Information Overload While Driving or Exercising
23:36 – Why Taking Action > Passive Learning
25:37 – Where to Find Pat’s Book “Lean Learning”
27:00 – Why Focusing on One Project at a Time Delivers Faster Results
29:00 – Wrap-Up and Final Thoughts

MKM RESOURCES:

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES (SPONSORS AND AFFILIATES):

HOW WE MAKE MONEY + DISCLAIMER:

CREDITS:

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Samme from Chicago recently became debt free. She and her husband now have extra money. Should they pay off their mortgage, save or invest? Andy shares his thoughts.

Andy also interviews Brittany Flammer, a financial coach, YouTuber, and mom of five, who has grown her family’s net worth to over $850,000 by age 39—despite a modest household income.

👩‍👧‍👦 Brittany shares:

How she and her husband prioritized financial freedom over flashy spending

The smart money habits that helped them grow their net worth on an average of $40K/year

How they're raising financially capable kids without fully funding college

Why giving, budgeting, and intentionality have been cornerstones of their success

Their roadmap to becoming millionaires soon

Last but not least, Andy's son Calvin Hill joins for a Money Quiz. They are covering school coming to a close, net worth topics and enjoying summer.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

CHAPTERS

00:00 – Use Your Money According to Your Values
00:25 – Welcome & Today’s Three-Part Show Outline
01:00 – Listener Question: Mortgage vs. Saving vs. Investing
02:24 – Sam’s Voicemail: Conflicted About Mortgage Strategy
03:20 – Breaking Down the 3 Options: Save, Invest, or Pay Off Mortgage
05:45 – How Much Emergency Savings is Enough?
07:30 – Coast FIRE Explained & Retirement Account Strategy
09:50 – When and Why to Pay Off Your Mortgage
11:30 – Step-by-Step Financial Independence Roadmap
12:38 – Net Worth Win Segment: Brittany Flammer Interview
13:40 – Brittany’s Motivation: Security & Freedom
15:00 – Building Wealth on a Modest Income
16:45 – Saving, Budgeting, and Investing from the Start
18:30 – Net Worth Breakdown: Cash, Investments, and Home Equity
20:15 – Reaching $858K Net Worth and Nearing $1M
21:00 – Generational Wealth: Teaching Kids About Money
24:45 – Budgeting, Saving, and College Planning with 5 Kids
27:00 – Teaching Generosity and the Habit of Giving
29:45 – Advice for Others: Just Get Started
30:59 – Where to Connect with Brittany Flammer
31:40 – Money Quiz Segment with Calvin
34:50 – Calvin's Money Lessons and Omnifix Cubes
35:35 – What Is Net Worth? Calvin’s $11K at Age 11
37:40 – How Many Days Are in Summer Vacation?
38:20 – Final Quote & Show Wrap-Up

MKM RESOURCES:

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES (SPONSORS AND AFFILIATES):

HOW WE MAKE MONEY + DISCLAIMER:

CREDITS:

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In this episode of the Marriage Kids and Money Podcast, Andy Hill is joined by Robert Farrington and Jordan Biesinger to explore two powerful financial topics: tackling student loan debt and achieving Coast FIRE.

First, Robert Farrington, founder of The College Investor, shares urgent updates on the resumption of student loan default collections, what borrowers need to know right now, and smart strategies for managing debt amid confusing government changes.

Then, we switch gears with Jordan Biesinger, a Coast FIRE success story. Jordan and his wife hit Coast FIRE in their 20s and chose to move to China for a simpler, more financially free life. He shares exactly how they did it—and how you can too.

EPISODE RESOURCES

Robert Farrington (Website): https://thecollegeinvestor.com

Jordan Biesinger (YouTube): https://youtube.com/@BiesingerFIREJourney

CHAPTERS

00:00 - Intro
01:30 - The Return of Student Loan Collections
02:50 - What Happens If You Default on Student Loans
04:20 - Forbearance vs. Default: Key Differences
05:45 - Don’t Count on Future Forgiveness
07:00 - The Trillion-Dollar Student Loan Problem
08:00 - The SAVE Plan: Dead or Alive?
09:40 - Using the Forbearance Window Wisely
10:40 - Alternatives to the SAVE Plan
12:00 - How to Find Out Who You Owe
13:40 - Increasing Income and Cutting Big Expenses
15:45 - Is College Still a Smart Investment?
18:00 - The ROI Reality of a College Degree
19:30 - Where to Find More Help from The College Investor
21:00 - Coast Fire Family: Jordan’s Journey Begins
21:45 - The Coast Fire 5 with Jordan
23:00 - How Real Estate and Frugality Fueled Their FIRE
25:30 - From Student Loans to Coast FIRE
27:00 - Index Funds and Simple Investing
28:30 - Income Growth Through Career and Side Hustles
30:00 - Life and Work Abroad After Coast FIRE
31:30 - Investing Beyond Retirement
32:30 - Teaching Financial Literacy to the Next Generation
33:45 - Why They Chose to Move to China
35:30 - Coast FIRE as a Path to Flexibility and Healing
36:30 - Life in China and Living Simply
37:30 - Final Advice for Achieving Coast FIRE

MKM RESOURCES:

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES (SPONSORS AND AFFILIATES):

HOW WE MAKE MONEY + DISCLAIMER:

This show may contain affiliate links or links from our advertisers where we earn a commission, direct payment or products.

Opinions are the creators alone.

Information shared on this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice.

Marriage Kids and Money (www.marriagekidsandmoney.com) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

CREDITS:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We all know time is a finite resource. Why do we keep overallocating our time? It all feels like too much of what we're supposed to do and not enough of what we want to do.

In this Bread & Wine episode, Andy and Nicole discuss how their time has been swallowed up recently, how they are fighting back, and how you can own your time, too. 

MKM RESOURCES

**Sponsors + Partners + Deals: ⁠https://www.marriagekidsandmoney.com/sponsors⁠

⁠Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts⁠

⁠Leave a Rating: Spotify⁠

⁠Instagram⁠: Follow our IG channel

OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE

⁠Die With Zero: When FIRE Meets YOLO⁠

⁠Reflecting on Dave Ramsey's Baby Steps 10 Years Later⁠

⁠Are We Morons for Paying Off Our Mortgage Early?⁠

DISCLAIMER

This show may contain affiliate links or links from our advertisers where we earn a commission, direct payment or products.

Opinions are the creators alone.

Information shared on this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice.

Marriage Kids and Money (www.marriagekidsandmoney.com) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

CREDITS

Podcast Artwork: Kayli Johnson

Creative Director / Show Director: Nicole Hill

Editor: Andy Hill

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Feeling uneasy about your finances in today’s economy? Learn how to turn fear into your greatest investing motivator with Sam Dogen, founder of Financial Samurai.

In this powerful episode, Sam shares how fear helped him build wealth, leave a high-stress Wall Street job, and create true financial independence. Whether you're just getting started or trying to level up your savings rate, this conversation will inspire you to use fear—not as a crutch, but as a catalyst.

RESOURCES:

CHAPTERS

00:00 – The Role of Fear in Hard Times
00:20 – Show Intro: Using Fear to Drive Financial Action
01:30 – Should Families Be Fearful of Today’s Economy?
02:30 – How Fear Can Be a Powerful Motivator
03:40 – When Fear Becomes Paralysis
04:15 – The Concept of “Return on Effort”
05:15 – What is a Saving Rate and Why it Matters
06:30 – How to Calculate Your Saving Rate
07:45 – Sam’s Saving Journey: From Goldman Sachs to FIRE
10:00 – Facing the Financial Crisis and Learning from It
11:15 – The Fear During 2008 and Lessons for 2025
12:50 – Investment Strategies: Beyond the 401(k)
13:45 – The Utility of Stocks vs. Real Estate Investing
15:15 – Reaching Financial Independence and Negotiating a Severance
17:20 – Financial Independence with Kids: The New Fear
18:15 – The Dual Unemployed Parents Dilemma
20:00 – Optimal Parental Anxiety and Letting Go
21:00 – One Final Piece of Advice for Struggling Families
22:00 – Understanding Bear Markets and Historical Cycles
23:00 – Where to Find “Millionaire Milestones” by Sam Dogen
23:20 – Andy’s Top 3 Takeaways from the Interview
25:25 – Closing Credits and Final Thoughts

MKM RESOURCES:

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES (SPONSORS AND AFFILIATES):

HOW WE MAKE MONEY + DISCLAIMER:

CREDITS:

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Coast FIRE is when you've front-loaded enough investments to simply coast to retirement without any further contributions. But with this stock market downturn as of late, is the idea of Coast FIRE dead? We'll share how our portfolio is holding up and discuss what to do to keep our Coast FIRE dreams alive.

Second, we’re back with our Net Worth Win segment. This month, we’re featuring Michelle Onaka from Intentional Money Life. Michelle has grown her net worth to $900k by 37 years old. We’ll learn how she did it and how this helps her family travel more.

Last, my son Calvin will be reading the month's review and I’ll quiz him with some money questions. We're talking about recessions, investing, and going on our first cruise!

EPISODE RESOURCES:

CHAPTERS

00:00 - Intro
01:30 - Coast FIRE Amid Market Turmoil
02:46 - Revisiting 2021 Coast FIRE Numbers
04:17 - Impact of Market Downturn on Retirement Outlook
05:03 - 6 Ways We're Keeping Coast FIRE Alive
11:46 - Interview: Michelle Onaka’s $900K Net Worth Journey
13:19 - Motivation Behind Michelle’s Wealth Building
15:55 - From Low Income to Six Figures
18:16 - Smart Saving and Investing Habits
20:18 - What’s in Michelle’s $1M+ Asset Portfolio
22:37 - Liabilities and Mortgage Strategy
23:58 - Teaching Kids About Generational Wealth
25:51 - Why Their Kids’ Accounts Are in Their Names
27:36 - The Future: More Travel, Less Work
29:30 - How to Connect with Michelle Onaka
33:31 - Calvin’s 3-Question Money Quiz
37:17 - Social Shout-Out & Book Giveaway
38:10 - Final Thoughts

MKM RESOURCES:

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES (SPONSORS AND AFFILIATES):

HOW WE MAKE MONEY + DISCLAIMER:

CREDITS:

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