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In this episode, I dive into the real financial opportunities available to young adults and anyone just getting started on their money journey. We’ll talk about why financial decisions can feel so overwhelming, how to build good money habits even on a small income, and smart ways to invest when you’re just starting out. Plus, I answer a fantastic listener question about balancing fun and financial responsibility in your twenties. Whether you’re feeling lost in a sea of financial advice or just want to make a plan that fits your life, this episode is packed with practical tips and encouragement to help you take your next step with confidence.

💰 This Week’s Money Talking Points

1. How can a financial planner or coach help you?
2. How can I avoid being afraid of money?
3. Why are financial decisions so hard?

Resources & Mentions:

Submit your questions for the upcoming AMA (Ask Me Anything) episode! Text, email, or reach out on social media.

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This week’s episode is a special one! It’s just me on the mic sharing a huge personal and professional milestone: I passed the CFP® exam! 🎉

In this solo episode, I’m walking you through what it took to go from “I think I want to do this” to actually sitting for and passing one of the most challenging exams of my life. Whether you’re considering a career shift into financial planning or you’re just curious what goes into becoming a Certified Financial Planner®, this is a real behind-the-scenes look at the process, the mindset, and the lessons I learned along the way.

I’ll cover why I decided to pursue the CFP®, what the education and exam prep process looked like, and how my own financial journey shaped this career change. Plus, I’ll share the exact amount of time I spent studying, my biggest challenges, what strategies worked best, and the moment I found out I passed. This one’s packed with encouragement for anyone out there trying to make a bold career move, or just get a little better with money.

💰 This Week’s Money Talking Points

1. What is a CFP?
2. What are the requirements to become a CFP?
3. When would someone work with a CFP?

⏱️ Key Timestamps

0:00 — Introduction and overview of the episode

1:57 — Skyler shares the motivation for becoming a CFP and career change

3:56 — What is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP)?

4:28 — Requirements to become a CFP

5:36 — When should you work with a CFP?

6:23 — Skyler’s personal journey and inspiration for financial planning

10:36 — Study strategies and exam preparation tips

13:20 — Challenges, mindset, and overcoming doubts

18:00 — What CFPs learn: education areas and hardest topics

20:44 — Exam experience and advice for future CFPs

23:20 — How to get started in financial planning and final thoughts

📚 Resources & Mentions

📖 Boston Institute of Finance (BIF) – The program I used for my CFP® education and review. Highly recommend!

💬 Text Me – Have questions? Want to chat about the CFP process or personal finance in general? Text me using the link at the top of the show notes.

🖥️ Schedule a Money Chat – moneytalk.show/chat – Let’s talk about your financial goals

🌐 LinkedIn – I’ll be sharing more about my CFP study breakdown here. Follow me for updates and insights: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjayf/

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This week on the Money Talk podcast, I had an incredible conversation with Jillian Johnsrud all about mini-retirements. What they are, how they work, and why taking them often might just be the key to a better life and even a better career. Jillian has taken over a dozen mini-retirements herself, and her wisdom around this topic really opened my eyes. We talk about everything from defining what a mini-retirement really is (hint: it's not just a vacation!) to how you can use one to get a raise, build better habits, or finally pursue something meaningful. Whether you're between jobs, burned out, or just craving a reset, this episode is packed with practical ideas and inspiring stories to help you rethink your work-life balance. Honestly, I realized during the recording that I’m on a mini-retirement myself right now!

💰 This Week’s Money Talking Points

1. How can you take a mini-retirement?
2. What do you love to do?
3. What would it look like for you to take a mini-retirement?

🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Jillian’s Website: https://retireoften.com/
• Jillian's Upcoming Book: Retire Often (releasing September 9th)
• Check out Jillian’s podcast: The Retire Often Podcast

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In this episode of Money Talk, I sit down with Jonathan Blau, the founder and CEO of Fusion Family Wealth, to tackle one of the most overlooked but powerful financial habits: ignoring the news. We dig into why obsessing over current events can derail your financial plan, how emotions sneak into our money decisions, and what it actually takes to build a plan that can weather the emotional rollercoaster of investing. Jonathan brings a ton of behavioral insight, and we share practical steps you can take to avoid FOMO, build a resilient plan, and make better decisions with less stress. If you’ve ever felt anxious because of a headline or tempted to time the market, this episode is for you.

💰 This Week’s Money Talking Points

1. What value does ignoring current events bring you?
2. When was the last time you felt emotion around a financial decision?
3. How can you build a plan that will withstand the emotional rollercoaster?

📌 Resources & Mentions:

Learn more about Jonathan Blau’s firm: https://www.fusionfamilywealth.com/

📲 Join the conversation on Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/moneytalk/

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In this episode, I sit down with Joe Clark, CFP®, to talk about a topic that’s crucial but often ignored by young adults: estate planning. I know, it sounds like something for older folks, but trust me, there are simple, powerful steps you can take right now to make sure your assets go where you want them to go. We break down the jargon, simplify the process, and share real-life examples of why this matters way more than you think. Whether you’re single, married, have kids, or just starting out financially, this episode is for you.

💰 This Week’s Money Talking Points

How can you get started with estate planning?

What are some of the documents and terms you need to be aware of with estate planning?

How can you bring up estate planning to older members of your family?

⏱️ Episode Timestamps

03:00 – What is estate planning, really?

04:30 – Wills explained

06:00 – The importance of how your assets are titled

07:00 – Probate & how to avoid it

10:00 – Are beneficiary designations enough?

13:00 – Naming a guardian for your children

14:00 – Healthcare directives and power of attorney

17:00 – The Cheesecake Factory analogy

19:00 – Estate planning as an evolving process

21:00 – Joe’s biggest lesson learned in his 20s

📚 Resources & Mentions

Joe Clark’s website: YourLifeAfterWork.com

Book recommendations:

• Atomic Habits by James Clear
• Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg

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This episode is one of my absolute favorites—we’re diving deep into what I call the personal finance superpower: automation. I’m joined by two great guests, Shana and Vanessa, also known as The Budget Besties. These two are financial coaches and co-hosts of the “Financial Coaching for Women” podcast, and they’re on a mission to make budgeting fun, simple, and judgment-free. We talk through how automation can reduce stress, simplify your finances, and even improve your relationships. I also share my personal journey of finally automating credit card payments. Whether you're new to automation or ready to take it to the next level with ideas like a "Direct Deposit IRA," this episode is packed with actionable ideas that will help you gain control, reduce anxiety, and live financially free.

💰 This Week’s Money Talking Points

1. How could you simplify with separation?
2. How would you benefit from a specific account dedicated to spending?
3. What is a direct deposit IRA?

⏱️ Episode Highlights & Timestamps:

[00:02:00] – My story: finally setting up auto-pay for credit cards

[00:04:30] – What is financial automation? “Make your bank your assistant.”

[00:08:30] – The psychological barrier to trusting automation

[00:11:00] – Points vs. high-yield savings—what’s really worth more?

[00:14:00] – Multiple accounts: simplifying, not complicating

[00:16:30] – Living in your spending account: the “anti-budget” approach

[00:18:30] – Automation as a relationship tool: freedom from micromanaging

[00:20:00] – Gamifying savings buckets and why naming them matters

[00:22:00] – Why spreadsheets (like mine!) might be overkill for most people

[00:30:00] – The first step to financial independence: living a month ahead

📎 Resources & Mentions:

The Budget Besties Podcast: Financial Coaching for Women

Learn their automation system step-by-step: budgetbesties.com/automate

Support the show

Sign up for my newsletter: https://money-talk.kit.com/64cbd24b05

Schedule a free Money Talk at https://moneytalk.show/chat

Get your free Money Talk resources at https://moneytalk.show/resources

Sign up for a free trial with MyBudgetCoach and select me as your money coach: https://www.mybudgetcoach.com/coaches/skyler-fleming

Find even more Money Talk at moneytalk.show/quick-links

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In this episode, I’m joined by Ralph Estep Jr., a seasoned financial coach and host of The Ask Ralph Show. We dive into why simply talking about money can be the game-changer you need to make smarter financial decisions. Ralph and I swap some crazy credit union stories, reflect on the importance of financial literacy, and explore how humility, simplicity, and consistency are core traits of financial success. You’ll walk away from this episode feeling empowered to talk more openly about money and build better habits, one conversation at a time.

💰 This Week’s Money Talking Points

1. What’s a financial mistake you’ve learned to avoid because of others?
2. How important are regular money talks to you?
3. Which of the 5 traits do you need to work on to do better with your money? (Intentionality, Discipline, Learning, Generosity, Gratefulness)

⏱️ Key Timestamps

[02:00] – Quitting my job to become a CFP + why regular money talks made it possible

[04:00] – Why money talks matter: Learning from others' mistakes

[06:30] – Missed opportunities when you don’t talk about money (like prepaying your mortgage)

[08:30] – The power of starting young and saving early

[10:30] – Even high earners live paycheck to paycheck—here’s why

[12:00] – Employer match = free money. Why are you stepping over it?

[16:30] – My hot take on credit card hacking and keeping things simple

[20:00] – Emergency fund reality check: Start with $10/week

[24:00] – Conversations = solutions. Don’t suffer in silence

[27:30] – Let go of shame. Today can be your fresh financial start

[29:00] – Ralph’s 5 traits of financially successful people

🔗 Mentions & Resources

Ralph Estep Jr.'s Website: FinanciallyConfidentChristian.com

FREE BOOK: Mastering Your Finances: financiallyconfidentchristian.com/master

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Sign up for a free trial with MyBudgetCoach and select me as your money coach: https://www.mybudgetcoach.com/coaches/skyler-fleming

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In this week’s episode, I sat down with Joel Miller, a Certified Financial Planner™ and the founder of Flames Financial Planning, to break down the intimidating idea of financial planning into something approachable, doable, and even enjoyable. We talked all about how young adults can get started with building a financial plan, why it’s not just for the wealthy, and how small steps can create big results over time. Plus, I share a personal story about the chaos we experienced with my wife’s student loans and why it’s so important to advocate for yourself when things go sideways.

Joel brings great energy and practical wisdom to this conversation, making it a must-listen for anyone who's ever thought, "I'll start planning my finances later." Whether you're just starting out in your career or trying to figure out your next money move, this episode will give you the tools and mindset to get going now.

💰 This Week’s Money Talking Points:

1. How can you start building a financial plan?
2. What small area can you begin with?
3. How can sharing your financial plan with others help?

⏱️ Time Stamps:

[02:00] Skyler’s Story Time: The Nelnet Student Loan Nightmare

[07:00] What Is Financial Planning, Really?

[08:30] Taking One Step at a Time

[10:00] The Importance of Emergency Funds

[13:00] Gaining Confidence in Spending

[14:30] Sinking Funds as a Game-Changer

[17:30] Uniqueness of Every Financial Plan

[20:00] Financial Planning Isn’t Just for the Wealthy

[23:00] Written Goals = Real Progress

[26:00] Estate Planning for Young Adults

[29:00] Other Easy Wins: 401(k) Match, Roth IRA, Avoiding Car Debt

🔗 Resources & Mentions:

Flames Financial Planning: Learn more about Joel’s practice at https://flamesfp.com

Text Joel: 952-300-9632

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Schedule a free Money Talk at https://moneytalk.show/chat

Get your free Money Talk resources at https://moneytalk.show/resources

Sign up for a free trial with MyBudgetCoach and select me as your money coach: https://www.mybudgetcoach.com/coaches/skyler-fleming

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This week’s episode is packed with practical investing wisdom and a whole lot of tax-saving strategies. I sat down with Patrick Huey, CFP®, author, small business owner, and host of History Lessons for the Modern Investor, to break down the often-confusing world of tax-efficient investing. We tackled everything from Roth vs. traditional accounts to how to actually use a taxable investing account — and even touched on one of the most underrated tools out there: the HSA. Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been investing for years, this episode is all about helping you keep more of what you earn.

💰 This Week’s Money Talking Points:

1. How can you use a taxable investing account?
2. How do you open an IRA?
3. What should you invest in within your 401k?

⏱️ Episode Breakdown – Key Topics & Timestamps:

[04:30] Why taxes matter when investing – “It’s not what you make, it’s what you keep”

[05:30] Traditional 401ks and IRAs: benefits, downsides, and the hidden “partner” (the government)

[07:45] Who traditional accounts might still make sense for

[09:30] Why Roth IRAs are considered the “holy grail” of investing

[11:00] Building good investing habits early (yes, even $200/month matters!)

[13:30] Capital gains 101 – what they are and how they’re taxed

[15:00] What is a taxable investing account really, and why should you consider one

[17:45] Use ETFs instead for a more tax-efficient approach

[18:30] Capital gains harvesting – how to take advantage of the 0% tax bracket

[20:30] Using taxable accounts for medium-term goals like buying a home

[21:45] Asset location vs. asset allocation – understanding the difference

[23:00] All about HSAs – the triple-tax-advantaged powerhouse

[27:00] Why tax planning beats tax filing, and how to think ahead with your strategy

🔗 Resources & Mentions:

Patrick Huey’s Website: Victory Independent Planning

Patrick’s Podcast: History Lessons for the Modern Investor

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In this week's episode, I sat down with the Dr. Travis Parry to talk about one of the most game-changing aspects of your financial life—getting on the same page. Whether you’re married, engaged, or single and want to better understand your own money mindset, this episode is packed with tools and insights that will help you level up. We talk about understanding your money history, why shared goals matter more than shared bank accounts, and how regular communication can build deep financial intimacy.

Dr. Parry—author of Achieving Balance and Marry and Grow Rich, founder of the Make Time Institute, and father of eight—shares powerful stories and practical tools to help couples and individuals alike break through financial misalignment. If you’ve ever felt like you're speaking a different financial language than your spouse or just want to better align with your future goals, this one’s for you!

💰 Money Talking Points

1. What page are you trying to get to?
2. How would it feel to be in sync with your goals or your spouse?
3. What challenges need to be overcome to get on the same page?

🕒 Time Stamps & Key Conversations

[03:00] – What is a money history? How family origin influences your financial habits.

[05:00] – Scarcity vs. abundance mindset—how your beliefs about money shape your behavior.

[08:00] – Skyler shares a personal breakthrough in financial communication with his wife.

[09:00] – How communication (or lack of it) can make or break your financial life.

[13:00] – Financial infidelity and why trust is so crucial in money management.

[15:00] – Joint accounts vs. joint goals—what matters more for true alignment?

[18:00] – Setting up a system: Money Monday meetings, spending plans, and routines.

[23:00] – 3 big steps to get on the same page:

[30:00] – Final advice: Be a good steward of what you have now to prepare for more.

🔗 Links & Resources

📚 Travis’s Book – Marry and Grow Rich: marryandgrowrichbook.com

🌐 Make Time Institute (Travis’s site): maketimeinstitute.com

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Sign up for a free trial with MyBudgetCoach and select me as your money coach: https://www.mybudgetcoach.com/coaches/skyler-fleming

Find even more Money Talk at moneytalk.show/quick-links

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