Marriage Kids and Money: Personal Finance for Families

Paid parental leave can have lifelong benefits for families — but why is the U.S. so far behind?

Isabelle Hau, author of Love to Learn and Executive Director at Stanford's Accelerator for Learning, joins the show to break down how paid leave improves the lives of parents, children, and workplaces.

Also, Stacey Blackshear from Virginia shares how she and her husband achieved Coast Fire with $500k by 40 years old — and how it's helping them create more time and freedom for their growing family!

EPISODE RESOURCES

Isabelle Hau (Website): https://www.isabellehau.com/

Stacy Blackshear (Website): https://www.rewirebehavior.com

CHAPTERS

0:00 - Open
2:30 - What is Paid Parental Leave and Why It Matters
3:40 - Benefits for Children and Parents
7:00 - The U.S. Paid Leave Problem: 80% Without Access
8:00 - Why Other Countries Get It Right (and We Don't)
9:00 - Companies Leading the Way on Paid Leave
10:30 - Paid Leave’s Impact on Retention and Productivity
11:30 - Ideal Time Off: 12 Weeks to 6 Months
13:00 - The Rising Importance of Paternity Leave
14:30 - Advice for Workers and Employers
16:50 - Isabelle Hau's New Book and Final Thoughts
17:30 - Stacey Blackshear - Coast Fire
19:00 - Financial Lessons from Divorce and New Beginnings
21:00 - Investing Smartly and Building Wealth
25:00 - Slowing Down Work to Focus on Family
28:00 - Teaching Good Money Habits to Kids
32:30 - Stacey’s Advice for Financial Freedom
34:15 - How to Connect with Stacey

MKM RESOURCES:

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES (SPONSORS AND AFFILIATES):

HOW WE MAKE MONEY + DISCLAIMER:

CREDITS:

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

A recession may be headed our way. How can we prepare? I'm walking through our family's 5 step financial plan to prepare for a recession.

Second, we’re back with our Mortgage Free Family segment! This month we’re featuring Sandra Park from Texas. She’s going to share how she paid off her mortgage in his 40s and how it allowed her more cash flow and the ability to help her son pay for college.

Last, we're sharing the Good Word once again. My son Calvin and I are sharing the latest World Happiness Report, how the United States ranks, and how service to others matters.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

CHAPTERS

00:00 – Intro

01:50 – Step 1: Shore Up Your Emergency Fund

04:35 – Step 2: Continue Investing According to Your Plan

05:50 – Step 3: Reduce Expenses, Not Your Happiness

11:30 – Step 4: Earn More Without Burning Out

13:55 – Step 5: Be Generous Where It's Needed

16:40 – Mortgage-Free Family: Interview with Sandra Park

17:45 – Sandra's Mortgage-Free Journey

20:00 – Budgeting, Downsizing, and Mindset Shifts

29:00 – Post-Mortgage Life and Financial Freedom

32:50 – Generational Wealth and Lessons for the Next Generation

38:00 – Good News Segment with Calvin Hill

46:35 – Shoutout of the Month

MKM RESOURCES:

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES (SPONSORS AND AFFILIATES):

HOW WE MAKE MONEY + DISCLAIMER:

CREDITS:

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

Andy Hill sits down with Dr. Daniel Crosby—renowned psychologist, behavioral finance expert, and author of Soul of Wealth—to explore the true meaning of wealth beyond money.

Dr. Crosby breaks down why financial success alone won’t bring happiness and how our beliefs, relationships, and personal growth play a crucial role in our well-being. He shares fascinating insights on why some of the wealthiest people still feel unfulfilled, the psychological traps we fall into when chasing money, and practical ways to balance financial goals with a meaningful life.

If you’re striving for financial success but don’t want to lose sight of what truly matters, this conversation is a must-listen.

Listen now to redefine your wealth and purpose!

#Wealth #DrDanielCrosby #MoneyMindset #FinancialWellness

RESOURCES:

00:00 – Introduction to the Episode

01:02 – Why Do We Believe Money Will Make Us Happy?

03:01 – How Money Can Buy Happiness (But Only to a Point)

07:07 – Dr. Daniel Crosby’s Personal Struggle with Money vs. Meaning

08:40 – The Five Pillars of Happiness and Where Money Fits In

11:49 – How to Find Balance Between Wealth and Purpose

12:14 – The Three B’s of Meaning: Believing, Belonging, and Becoming

17:41 – Teaching Kids About Wealth and Meaning

20:58 – The Reality of Generational Wealth

24:19 – One Actionable Step to Prioritize Meaning Alongside Wealth

25:08 – Where to Find Dr. Daniel Crosby and Soul of Wealth

GUEST BIO - Dr. Daniel Crosby:

Dr. Daniel Crosby is a psychologist and behavioral finance expert who helps organizations understand the intersection of mind and markets. Dr. Crosby's first book, Personal Benchmark: Integrating Behavioral Finance and Investment Management, was a New York Times bestseller.

His second book, The Laws of Wealth, was named the best investment book of 2017 by the Axiom Business Book Awards and has been translated into 14 languages. His third book, The Behavioral Investor, was Axiom's best investment book of 2019 and is a comprehensive look at the neurology, physiology and psychology of sound financial decision-making.

His latest book, The Soul of Wealth, is an exploration of money and meaning. When he's not decoding market psychology, Daniel is a father of 3, a fanatical follower of the St. Louis Cardinals, an explorer of the American South, and an amateur hot sauce chef.

MKM RESOURCES:

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES (SPONSORS AND AFFILIATES):

HOW WE MAKE MONEY + DISCLAIMER:

CREDITS:

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

Can you really retire comfortably with a 5% withdrawal rate? Financial researcher and author Bill Bengen—the creator of the legendary 4% rule—joins us to share why his latest research shows that 5% is the new 4%. In this interview, Bill explains how his thinking has evolved, what today’s retirees should know, and how you can plan smarter for a fulfilling, financially free retirement.

RESOURCES:

CHAPTERS

00:00 – Intro – Bill Bengen

01:53 – What is the 4% rule?

04:01 – The rise of the 4% rule

05:17 – Evolving to the 5% rule

06:59 – Over-saving and regret

08:45 – Advice for young savers

10:31 – Thoughts on the 8% rule

12:34 – Portfolio allocation in retirement

13:55 – Downsides of 3% withdrawal rate

14:28 – Bill's personal withdrawal strategy

15:55 – Natural increase in withdrawal rate

17:38 – How to take your foot off the gas

19:16 – Long-term investing advice

20:35 – New book details

22:22 – Andy’s 3 takeaways from the conversation

26:52 – Credits and closing quote

MKM RESOURCES:

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES (SPONSORS AND AFFILIATES):

HOW WE MAKE MONEY + DISCLAIMER:

CREDITS:

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

In this episode, we sit down with Simone Stolzoff, author of The Good Enough Job, to explore how modern work culture has taken over our identities—and how we can break free. This Best of MKM episode revisits one of our most powerful conversations about redefining success, setting boundaries, and reclaiming our time. If you're looking to escape the hustle mentality and build a more balanced life, this one’s a must-listen!

RESOURCES:

Sponsors + Partners + Deals

CHAPTERS

00:00 – Introduction: More Than Your Job

01:10 – Meet Simone Stolzoff & The Premise of The Good Enough Job

02:20 – Workism and Our Cultural Identity

04:30 – The Historical Shift in Work's Role

06:00 – The Risks of Overidentifying with Work

08:20 – Story of Kay He: The Wall Street Banker Burnout

11:00 – Simone’s Personal Journey with Career Identity

13:40 – What Makes a Job 'Good Enough'?

15:40 – Identity Diversification: The Key to Resilience

18:30 – Practical Advice to Reclaim Life from Work

20:45 – Where to Find Simone & The Good Enough Job

21:15 – Closing Thoughts & Dalai Lama Quote

MKM RESOURCES:

MKM Coaching: Want 1-on-1 support with your family finance journey? Book a time with me today.

Make My Kid a Millionaire Course: Want to build generational wealth and happiness for your kid? Learn more about my course!

Coast FIRE Calculator: A free calculator to help you find out when you can slow down or stop investing for retirement.

Mortgage Payoff Calculator: A free calculator to help you see how fast you can become mortgage free.

YouTube: Subscribe for free to watch videos of these episodes and interviews.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES (SPONSORS AND AFFILIATES):

Monarch Money - Best Budget App for Families & Couples

Empower - Free Portfolio Tracker

Crew - HYSA Banking Built for Families - Get an Extra 0.5% APY with my partner link

Ethos - Affordable Term Life Insurance

Trust & Will - Convenient Estate Planning

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:

Podcast Artwork: Liz Theresa

Editor: Johnny Sohl

Podcast Support: Nev Maraj

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

In this Best of MKM episode, Andy Hill shares inspiring conversations with Kathryn Hanna and Chris Luger, two individuals who found financial freedom after divorce. Kathryn achieved Coast FIRE in her late 30s, while Chris became a mortgage-free millionaire. They discuss navigating finances post-divorce, aligning money with personal values, and building a brighter financial future. Whether you're rebuilding or planning ahead, this episode offers real stories and practical advice for thriving financially after a major life change like divorce.

RESOURCES:

Sponsors + Partners + Deals

CHAPTERS

00:00 – Intro

02:20 – Kathryn Hanna Coast FIRE FIve

05:00 – How She Got Started

07:40 – Divorce & Coast Fire

09:00 – Investing Strategy

11:30 – Flexibility After Divorce

13:30 – Financial Independence in Marriage

14:50 – Single Mom Budgeting

16:45 – What’s Next

18:30 – One Step to Start

21:00 – Connect with Kathryn

22:25 – Chris Luger Introduction

23:00 – Mortgage-Free Three

24:15 – Why Go Mortgage-Free

26:30 – Divorce Sparked Change

30:00 – Real Estate Growth

32:15 – Retirement Contributions

34:00 – Is Paying Off Smart?

36:30 – Step One: Track Spending

38:00 – Connect with Chris

39:00 – Final Thoughts

MKM RESOURCES:

MKM Coaching: Want 1-on-1 support with your family finance journey? Book a time with me today.

Make My Kid a Millionaire Course: Want to build generational wealth and happiness for your kid? Learn more about my course!

Coast FIRE Calculator: A free calculator to help you find out when you can slow down or stop investing for retirement.

Mortgage Payoff Calculator: A free calculator to help you see how fast you can become mortgage free.

YouTube: Subscribe for free to watch videos of these episodes and interviews.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES (SPONSORS AND AFFILIATES):

Monarch Money - Best Budget App for Families & Couples

Empower - Free Portfolio Tracker

Crew - HYSA Banking Built for Families - Get an Extra 0.5% APY with my partner link

Ethos - Affordable Term Life Insurance

Trust & Will - Convenient Estate Planning

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:

Podcast Artwork: Liz Theresa

Editor: Johnny Sohl

Podcast Support: Nev Maraj

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

What happens when you achieve financial independence and early retirement? Maggie Tucker joins us to share her journey of retiring at 41, leaving corporate America, and embracing a life of flexibility, purpose, and family. As the founder and host of Inside Out Money, Maggie talks about overcoming the challenges of early retirement, finding fulfillment beyond a traditional career, and raising financially mindful kids. Listen to her insights on early retirement, smart money habits, and the mindset shifts that helped her break free from the 9-to-5 grind.

🔹 How Maggie and her husband retired early after 20 years in corporate roles

🔹 Navigating the identity shift that comes with early retirement

🔹 The power of avoiding lifestyle inflation and maximizing savings

🔹 Building a meaningful life post-retirement—beyond binge-watching TV

🔹 Teaching kids financial responsibility and work ethic

EPISODE RESOURCES

Maggie Tucker (Website): https://insideoutmoney.org

Nik Johnson (Website): https://EverydayMoneyHeroes.com

MKM RESOURCES:

MKM Coaching: Want 1-on-1 support with your family finance journey? Book a time with me today.

Make My Kid a Millionaire Course: Want to build generational wealth and happiness for your kid? Learn more about my course!

Coast FIRE Calculator: A free calculator to help you find out when you can slow down or stop investing for retirement.

Mortgage Payoff Calculator: A free calculator to help you see how fast you can become mortgage free.

YouTube: Subscribe for free to watch videos of these episodes and interviews.

GUEST BIO - MAGGIE TUCKER

Maggie Tucker retired early in 2022 at 41 after 20 years in corporate leadership. She and her husband leveraged financial freedom to embrace a new chapter in life. Maggie is the founder and host of Inside Out Money, a personal finance podcast focused on redefining wealth through mindset shifts, not just math. Formerly the co-host of Friends on FIRE, she believes open money conversations lead to better decisions and a happier life. Passionate about minimalism and simple living, she now spends her time with family, traveling, volunteering, and managing rental properties.

GUEST BIO - Nik Johnson

Nik Johnson is the founder and host of the Everyday Money Heroes podcast, a platform dedicated to inspiring and educating individuals on achieving financial independence. His fascination with the mechanics of money began in childhood, driving his passion to help others optimize their finances to reclaim their time. Through his podcast, Nik shares practical advice and motivational stories, empowering listeners to take control of their financial journeys.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES (SPONSORS AND AFFILIATES):

Monarch Money - Best Budget App for Families & Couples

Empower - Free Portfolio Tracker

Crew - HYSA Banking Built for Families - Get an Extra 0.5% APY with my partner link

Ethos - Affordable Term Life Insurance

Trust & Will - Convenient Estate Planning

HOW WE MAKE MONEY + DISCLAIMER:

CREDITS:

Podcast Artwork: Liz Theresa

Editor: Johnny Sohl

Podcast Support: Nev Maraj

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

Andy Hill sits down with Dr. Brad Klontz—bestselling author, professor, and leading expert on the psychology of wealth—to explore the power of mindset in financial success. They dive into the differences between a poor mindset and a rich mindset, common money mistakes, and the habits that set wealthy individuals apart.

Dr. Klontz shares his personal journey from financial struggle to success, the critical lessons he learned along the way, and actionable steps you can take today to shift your thinking and build lasting wealth. Whether you're an employee, an entrepreneur, or simply looking to break free from financial stress, this conversation will change the way you view money.

#MoneyMindset #DrBradKlontz #ThinkRich #FinancialFreedom

RESOURCES:

GUEST BIO - Dr. Brad Klontz:

Dr. Brad Klontz, Psy.D., CFP®, is a renowned financial psychologist and Managing Principal at Your Mental Wealth Advisors. He serves as an Associate Professor of Practice at Creighton University's Heider College of Business and is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association. Dr. Klontz has co-authored several influential books on financial psychology, including "Money Mammoth," "Mind Over Money," and "Start Thinking Rich." His work has been featured in prominent media outlets such as ABC News' 20/20, Good Morning America, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times. In addition to his academic and writing endeavors, Dr. Klontz co-founded the Financial Psychology Institute and has served as President of the Hawaii Psychological Association.

MKM RESOURCES:

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES (SPONSORS AND AFFILIATES):

SHOW INFORMATION: 

Marriage Kids and Money is dedicated to helping young families build wealth and happiness. This award-winning platform helps couples and parents achieve financial independence and discover the true meaning of wealth. 

To achieve these big goals, we answer questions and interview experts who uncover smart net worth building habits and tools that can help everyone find their own version of financial independence.

Learn more at https://www.marriagekidsandmoney.com 

HOW WE MAKE MONEY + DISCLAIMER:

CREDITS:

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

Considering working with a financial advisor? Here are 5 questions to ask a financial advisor before working with them. Getting answers to these questions will help you become informed and empowered on your investing journey.

Second, we’re back with our Net Worth Win segment. This month, we’re featuring Jackie Cummings Koski from the Catching Up To FI Podcast. Jackie has grown her net worth to $1.8 million by 54 years old. We’ll learn how she did it and what generational wealth means to her as a mother.

Last, my son Calvin will be reading the month's review and I’ll quiz him with some money questions. We're talking about Women's History Month, net worth, and visiting Cancun!

EPISODE RESOURCES:

MKM RESOURCES:

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES (SPONSORS AND AFFILIATES):

GUEST BIO:

Jackie Cummings Koski is a financial educator, author, and F.I.R.E. advocate who achieved a $1M+ net worth despite earning under six figures. Raised in a modest household, she pursued financial literacy, earning a master's in Personal Financial Planning. As a single mother, she wrote Money Letters 2 My Daughter to teach financial principles. Now a CFP, AFC, and Certified Health Savings Advisor, she co-hosts the Catching Up to FI podcast and has been featured on CNBC, MarketWatch, and the Rachael Ray Show. Jackie is dedicated to empowering others through financial education.

HOW WE MAKE MONEY + DISCLAIMER:

CREDITS:

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

Workplace benefits often get overlooked by employees. But they could be your ticket to a wealthy future. How can my workplace benefits make me a millionaire?

Joe Saul-Sehy, Co-Host of Stacking Benjamins, joins the show again to help us answer this big question. 

Also, Jace Mattinson from Texas (and the Millionaires Unveiled Podcast) shares how he and his wife grew their investments to over $1,000,000 and how this impacts their family journey in the future.

EPISODE RESOURCES

Joe Saul-Sehy (Podcast): https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/

Stacking Benjamins Benefits Guide (Resource): https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/benefits-influencer/

Jace Mattinson (Podcast): https://millionairesunveiled.com/

MKM RESOURCES:

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES (SPONSORS AND AFFILIATES):

GUEST BIO - Joe Saul-Sehy:

Joe Saul-Sehy learned from failure.

Destroying his credit immediately after leaving home, he had to learn about money the hard way—and much of it as he was telling other people how to manage their money, as a financial advisor. After 16 years in the industry he moved to financial media, creating Stacking Benjamins, one of the most listened to podcasts in the personal finance sphere.

Kiplinger has called the show the “best personal finance podcast” and Fast Company has described it as striking a “great balance between fun and functional.” Joe lives in Texarkana with his spouse, Cheryl, and cat, Cooper, recording shows in his mom’s basement next door.

GUEST BIO - Jace Mattinson:

Jace Mattinson hosts the Millionaires Unveiled Podcast where they interview “everyday millionaires.” Stories included are those of doctors, lawyers, accountants, firemen, police officers, military members, real estate investors, and more.

Outside of the podcast, Jace is the CFO of a building materials company and has five kids. He and his family reside in Austin, Texas.

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:

Podcast Artwork: Liz Theresa

Editor: Johnny Sohl

Podcast Support: Nev Maraj

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