Millennial Money

You'd think when you arrive in the U.S. getting set up financially would be easy. Not so fast. When Warren Hogarth of Empower came to the U.S. from Austrailia in 2004 he quickly realized he was at a disadvantage with all things financial - getting credit and building your credit was no easy task.

On This Podcast Episode:

I had a candid conversation with Warren about his transition to the U.S. and how "the system" attempted to keep him down when it came to his finances. Luckily, he's sharing some of the money lessons he learned during that time as well as the journey he's taken to turn the disadvantages into a new app, Empower.

Warren spent eight years as a Partner at the #1 VC firm in the world, Sequoia Capital. They've invested in companies like Square, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, and AirBnB, and Warren stood shoulder-to-shoulder with founders to build large, enduring businesses (3 went from zero to over $1 billion).

If you take away one thing for this episode, it should be his best piece of money advice (stay to the end of the episode to hear his inspirational take away).

Shout Out To Our Sponsor:

This episode was sponsored by The Decrypting Crypto Podcast. As Warren said in the podcast episode, learning all you can about Crypto will keep you educated and in a position to make smart money moves. There's no better podcast than The Decrypting Crypto to help you do just that! Subscribe today in iTunes or any podcast platform.

Thanks for Tuning In:

Thanks for tuning in to listen to this episode of Millennial Money. You’re awesome and mean so much to us. If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please share it on social media using the hashtag #millennialmoneypodcast.

Also, please leave an honest review for Millennial Money on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and much appreciated! You’re awesome!

Millennial Money is more than just a podcast, we’re all about family here. Join us each weekend for our Sunday Seven Email Club, where we’ll share bonus episodes, money tips, life hacks, exclusive music drops, travel deals, breakfast treats and a whole lotta’ fun!

Have an Ask Shannah question, submit it here.

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The average cost of a wedding in the U.S. is $33,391 according to Business Insider and from my experience, many of us spend money on items in our wedding that might not be the most beneficial to our bank account. I recently was a guest on Aleisha McCormak's Bridechilla podcast, so I figured it would great to have Aleisha share with you some of her favorite wedding do's and don'ts when it comes to spending your cash.

On This Podcast Episode:

She's a comedian and a TV presenter from the U.K. who turned her wisdom from planning her own wedding into a top-rated iTunes podcast, Bridechilla. Seriously, even if you aren't planning a wedding, you're going to enjoy hearing Aleisha dish wisdom about some of her favorite wedding do's and don'ts - including her f**k it bucket suggestion - and how to survive the day as stress-free as humanly possible.

Shout Out to Our Sponsor:

Thanks to Brooklinen for sponsoring this episode. My Brooklinen sheets are seriously the best, most comfortable sheets I’ve slept on. Brooklinen.com has an exclusive offer just for MY listeners. Get $20 off AND free shipping when you use promo code [mymoney] at Brooklinen.com.

Thanks for Tuning In:

Thanks for tuning in to listen to this episode of Millennial Money. You’re awesome and mean so much to us. If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please share it on social media using the hashtag #millennialmoneypodcast.

Also, please leave an honest review for Millennial Money on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and much appreciated! You’re awesome!

Millennial Money is more than just a podcast, we’re all about family here. Join us each weekend for our Sunday Seven Email Club, where we’ll share bonus episodes, money tips, life hacks, exclusive music drops, travel deals, breakfast treats and a whole lotta’ fun!

Have an Ask Shannah question, submit it here.

Want More:Shannah on TwitterShannah on Instagram

Let’s face it, the cruise industry does even get what a traveler in their 40s wants to do, see, and explore and they certainly do not know what an experience is these days. Let alone an experienced millennial traveler in their 20s and 30s just like you. So when you're thinking about where to spend your travel dollars...if you're anything like me, you're looking for an experience.

When we think of cruising usually old school visions of the 70s TV show the Love Boat might pop into our brains, with endless buffets of gluttony, shore excursions to remote location in a beat-up tour bus with no air conditioning and of course the horror stories we see online of ships making people sick, flooding or just horrible customer service. These are the cruise ships of your parents and grandparents.

On This Podcast Episode:

Prompted by a question from Rebekah, who was searching for a unique travel experience, I uncovered U by Uniworld.

U by Uniworld have begun a cruising revolution with their newly launched European river cruises for the next generations and beyond, designed for those with a passion for exploring and taste for authentic adventures. Chic comfortable ships that double as social clubs, silent disco clubs, mixology and fine cooking classes, rooftop yoga, locally-sourced designed menus and experiences in some of Europe’s top cities like Paris, Budapest, and Amsterdam that will blow your mind. That’s right, this is not your parents or grandparents cruise ships.

I had the pleasure to chat up Ellen Bettridge, President, and CEO about one of the hottest new adventures that has the travel world all abuzz these days, U by Uniworld European River Cruises.

Links Mentioned:U by UniworldRiver Cruise VideosWhere U Going?

Thanks for Tuning In:

Thanks for tuning in to listen to this episode of Millennial Money. You’re awesome and mean so much to us. If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please share it on social media using the hashtag #millennialmoneypodcast.

Also, please leave an honest review for Millennial Money on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and much appreciated! You’re awesome!

Millennial Money is more than just a podcast, we’re all about family here. Join us each weekend for our Sunday Seven Email Club, where we’ll share bonus episodes, money tips, life hacks, exclusive music drops, travel deals, breakfast treats and a whole lotta’ fun!

Have an Ask Shannah question, submit it here.

Want More:Shannah on TwitterShannah on Instagram

I'm dedicating today's podcast episode to an Ask Shannah question that came in a couple of weeks ago from Tabitha and Robert:

"Hey Shannah, I'm reading a lot of articles that talk about the extreme side of personal finance and I find myself falling prey to the stereotypes that I'm not succeeding in my finances unless I'm 100% debt-free and that just seems impossible to me. I read all these articles about people who are retiring by 40 and paying off massive amounts of debt, but I'm not sure that's the vision I have for my life...please provide some insight."

On This Podcast Episode:

The topic of extreme personal finance is one I have a lot to say about. I'm breaking down the good, the bad, and all the in-between on this episode in what I hope will be a thought-provoking discussion about the journey to be 100% debt-free.

In fact, I recently was quoted in a U.S. News & World Report article about this very topic with some other like-minded CFP® professionals who share my viewpoint and had some very insightful knowledge to add to the topic.

Shout Out To Our Podcast Sponsor:

Hosts Austin Knight and Matthew Howells-Barby take you on a journey of discovering what cryptocurrency is all about in The Decrypting Crypto Podcast. Search for 'The Decrypting Crypto Podcast' in your favorite podcasting app to start listening.

Thanks for Tuning In:

Thanks for tuning in to listen to this episode of Millennial Money. You’re awesome and mean so much to us. If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please share it on social media using the hashtag #millennialmoneypodcast.

Also, please leave an honest review for Millennial Money on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and much appreciated! You’re awesome!

Millennial Money is more than just a podcast, we’re all about family here. Join us each weekend for our Sunday Seven Email Club, where we’ll share bonus episodes, money tips, life hacks, exclusive music drops, travel deals, breakfast treats and a whole lotta’ fun!

Have an Ask Shannah question, submit it here.

Want More:Shannah on TwitterShannah on Instagram

Now that we're well past tax-time, I wanted to reboot an episode that will help you give your 401(k) a little love. It's quite possible that fees may be eating your 401(k) returns and you aren't even aware of it. There is a lot of confusion out there about how 401(k)s even work, let alone that some funds may be costing you a bundle. Let's demystify some of that!

 

On This Podcast Episode:

I'm rebooting one of our top episodes and chatting with a podcast guest that's always a favorite, Chris Costello from Blooom (with three o's). I've honestly never seen a company quite like Blooom and I always love when we can chat about 401(k)s. We're covering:Why fees even matter in your 401(k)How you can figure out your ideal stock/bond ratioWays you can control fees - to some extentWhy your behavior has a lot to do with your 401(k) balanceHow to figure out how much you're actually paying in feesClick here for a FREE analysis of your 401(k) with Blooom.

Help us out and support the podcast by going to wondery.com/SURVEY and filling it out. That’s wondery.com/SURVEY – you won’t even have to enter your email to help us win.

Thanks for Tuning In:

Thanks for tuning in to listen to this episode of Millennial Money. If you have any comments or questions about today’s episode, please let us know your thoughts in the comment section below. If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media.

Also, please leave an honest review for Millennial Money on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and much appreciated! You’re awesome!

Have an Ask Shannah question, submit it here.

Want More:Shannah on TwitterShannah on Instagram

Ok, let's get real for a minute here.

We're all familiar with the term prenup, whether you're a fan or not. However, did you know that there is a new marriage trend - the postnuptial agreement? Just as it sounds, it's a legal agreement that is formed after you're married for a myriad of reasons. Let's go straight to the source, Chicago-based attorney Jennifer Guimond-Quigley to demystify this new marriage trend.

On This Podcast Episode:

As controversial as they might be, if you're thinking about a prenup or a postnup, the first place you should start is getting some education around these hot-button documents. Jennifer Guimond-Quigley is joining us on this episode to demystify what you need to know about prenups, and breaking down the differences between postnups in a fun and an easily digestible way (no crazy lawyer speak here, just a totally educational and enjoyable conversation).

Jennifer is the owner and managing attorney at the Law Office of Jennifer Guimond-Quigley. She realized early on in law school that she had a passion for family law and estate planning. After gaining experience in these two areas both during and after law school, Jennifer decided to start her own firm. With her solo practice, Jennifer loves having the freedom to collaborate with her clients to achieve the best results possible without the limiting constraints common to practicing with larger firms (and she's kicking butt doing so).

Thanks for Tuning In:

Thanks for tuning in to listen to this episode of Millennial Money. You’re awesome and mean so much to us. If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please share it on social media using the hashtag #millennialmoneypodcast.

Also, please leave an honest review for Millennial Money on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and much appreciated! You’re awesome!

Have an Ask Shannah question, submit it here.

Want More:Shannah on TwitterShannah on Instagram

There are so many money apps and programs on the market that it's hard to know which one is the "best." Unfortunately, you usually have to try a few before you find the one that is going to be your money bff. Not to worry though, I've tried just about all of them and I'm giving you the down low on some of my favorites. 

On This Podcast Episode:

I'm breaking down some of the best of the best money apps, programs, products and more. If you're looking for some new favs, check these out.Best Budgeting App - You Need a Budget (hands-down one of my favorites)Best Points Credit Card- (still) Chase Sapphire Preferred CardBest Online Checking Account - I'm a fan of Aspiration. Listen to my interview with their CEO AndreiBest Investing App - Acorns (they're doing some really cool things over there at Acorns)Best Way To Think About Buying a House - Have you heard of Unison? We've had them on a podcast episode talking about innovative ways to afford a down paymentBest Way To Reduce Your Credit Card Debt - (remember, you're trying to get an unfair advantage here) Ask for a credit limit increase, ask for an annual fee to be waived and ask for a lower interest rate. Here's a link to the Creditcards.com report with some of the statistics

Ask Shannah - big thanks to Hilary for the question about rebounding from a financial crisis

Shout Out To Our Sponsor:

Thanks To Audible for sponsoring the podcast. Audible is offering MM listeners a free audiobook with a 30-day trial membership. Just go to audible.com/mymoney and browse the unmatched selection of audio programs – download a title free and start listening. Go to audible.com/mymoney or text mymoney to 500-500 to get started today.

Thanks for Tuning In:

Thanks for tuning in to listen to this episode of Millennial Money. You’re awesome and mean so much to us. If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please share it on social media using the hashtag #millennialmoneypodcast.

Also, please leave an honest review for Millennial Money on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and much appreciated! You’re awesome!

Have an Ask Shannah question, submit it here.

Want More:Shannah on TwitterShannah on Instagram

We have such a broad audience on this podcast, which is something I’m proud of. We've got listeners of all ages looking for some money wisdom. One thing that is universal, no matter what decade you find yourself in, is the desire to make smart money moves along the way. Who's with me?

On This Podcast Episode:

Have you ever wondered what you should be doing with your money, or focusing on, now that you're in your 20's, 30's, 40's and 50's? Truth is, many of these smart money tips work for just about every age and you can use them as a checklist to see where you’re at regardless of your age.

Here's a short cheat sheet:20’s – Figure out how to spend your money30’s – Decrease your take home pay and ramp up your lifestyle fund40’s – CYA – cover any exposure you may have that puts your money at risk50’s – Figure out what’s your number

Shout-out To Our Sponsor:

 Thanks to our new sponsor Brooklinen - the best and most comfortable sheets I’ve slept on. Brooklinen.com has an exclusive offer just for MY listeners. Get $20 off AND free shipping when you use promo code [mymoney] at Brooklinen.com. Brooklinen is SO confident that they offer a risk-free 60-night satisfaction guarantee and a lifetime warranty on all of their sheets and comforters!

Thanks for Tuning In:

Thanks for tuning in to listen to this episode of Millennial Money. You’re awesome and mean so much to us. If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please share it on social media using the hashtag #millennialmoneypodcast.

Also, please leave an honest review for Millennial Money on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and much appreciated! You’re awesome!

Have an Ask Shannah question, submit it here.

Want More:Shannah on TwitterShannah on Instagram

Whether you believe in karma or a higher power or just good old juju coming from the universe, sometimes two roads can lead to one path in our lives. That’s exactly what happened with my husband Jeff and myself a few years back and that’s what happened with this week’s musical guests, the Young Fables.

Laurel Wright and Wes Lunsford (the Young Fables) are a dynamic duo of singer-songwriters that steadily has Music City talking about their unique and honest approach to songwriting, along with their infectious live shows. Heavyweights like Sheryl Crow and Keith Urban have even become “Fable Fanatics.” Oh, and they happen to be a duo that fell in love in real-life as well.

On This Podcast Episode:

The Young Fables joined us from Nashville to talk about finding love and the music they were meant to play, how their Kickstarter fundraiser went over the top live on the radio and their new album, Old Songs that’s due May 4.

My co-host for the podcast is my husband, Jeff Game, a travel, and music journalist that's always on the hunt for a good story to tell. 

Links Mentioned:The Young FablesNew Album Old SongsYoung Fables YouTube

Thanks for Tuning In:

Thanks for tuning in to listen to this episode of Millennial Money. You’re awesome and mean so much to us. If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please share it on social media using the hashtag #millennialmoneypodcast.

Also, please leave an honest review for Millennial Money on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and much appreciated! You’re awesome!

Millennial Money is more than just a podcast, we’re all about family here. Join us each weekend for our Sunday Email Club, where we’ll share bonus episodes, money tips, life hacks, exclusive music drops, travel deals, breakfast treats and a whole lotta’ fun!

Have an Ask Shannah question, submit it here.

Want More:Shannah on TwitterShannah on InstagramJeff on TwitterJeff on Instagram

Saving money seems to be the Achilles heel for most of us. Either you can't seem to figure out how to get out of the endless paycheck-to-paycheck cycle or you are on the other end of the spectrum and saving so much that you're also not having a lot of fun in life. Saving money is one of the core personal finance principles but just like my guest, Jamila Souffrant, you have to figure out what you're saving money for in order to have fun with it.

On This Podcast Episode:

Jamila Souffrant, host of the Journey to Launch podcast and her husband set out with a big goal of saving $85K in one year and close to it in another year. Oh, and they have two children with another on the way. Jamila had a big goal of leaving the corporate world behind to forge her career in personal finance and to retire by the time she turns 40 in a few years. She's well on her way, and dishing some of her best "secrets" to supercharge your own savings.

Thanks for Tuning In:

Thanks for tuning in to listen to this episode of Millennial Money. You’re awesome and mean so much to us. If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please share it on social media using the hashtag #millennialmoneypodcast.

Also, please leave an honest review for Millennial Money on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and much appreciated! You’re awesome!

Millennial Money is more than just a podcast, we’re all about family here. Join us each weekend for our Sunday Seven Email Club, where we’ll share bonus episodes, money tips, life hacks, exclusive music drops, travel deals, and a whole lotta’ fun!

Have an Ask Shannah question, submit it here.

Want More:Shannah on TwitterShannah on Instagram