In this episode, Aaron shares a deeply personal story about walking away from what seemed like the “smart financial decision.” After landing a high-paying corporate job that promised early financial freedom, he quickly realized the hidden cost, long hours, constant travel, loneliness, and a marriage under strain. Despite the impressive paycheck, the life behind it felt empty. Aaron opens up about the moment he chose emotional well-being, relationships, and happiness over money and how that decision reshaped his philosophy on financial planning.

This episode challenges the idea that success means constant sacrifice and burnout. It’s a reflection on how our pursuit of wealth can blind us to what truly matters and a reminder that financial planning should be about more than numbers.

Key Topics Discussed:

The emotional toll of chasing financial success

Balancing career ambition with mental health and relationships

Why “the smart financial move” isn’t always the right life move

The myth of “paying your dues” to achieve happiness later

Redefining wealth: how money should support your happiness, not replace it

Building a financial plan that prioritizes fulfillment, not just returns

Article: Why Chasing Bigger Numbers Can Make You Miserable

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What happens when you constantly compare yourself to others?

In this episode, Aaron Buchner, from Cactus, returns after a five-month hiatus to share a deeply personal story of emotional burnout caused by the pressures of social media comparison. Initially engaging in ‘doom scrolling’ for content ideas, Aaron found himself increasingly obsessed with likes, follows, and validation from others, leading to a full-blown emotional breakdown.

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Article: Why Comparing Your Investment Returns Hurts Your Portfolio (And Your Peace of Mind)

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Are you ready to revolutionize your financial approach and embrace freedom from confusion? 

What if you could navigate your way through financial uncertainty confidently without letting fear dictate your choices?

In this episode of No Pricks Allowed from Cactus, Aaron Buchner uncovers the myths and realities of recession-proofing your investments. He addresses market timing, diversified portfolios, and why chasing volatile stocks might feel like gambling at times.

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What’s your investing personality?

Dive into this episode of No Pricks Allowed from Cactus, where Aaron Buchner tackles the ever-prickly topic of investments with relatable humor and practical insights. Skip the jargon and forget the one-size-fits-all advice—Aaron explores how your unique behaviors and reactions to the market should guide your investment decisions, using real-life scenarios and light-hearted anecdotes to make it all click.

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Aaron debunks common financial myths and offers a fresh perspective on creating a financial strategy that works just for you. Tune in and find out how embracing individuality and engaging with your financial reality can lead to stress-free investing.

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What happens when life insurance becomes less of a chore and more of a strategic benefit?

In this episode, Aaron Buchner takes the mystery and confusion out of life insurance. If you’ve ever wondered if life insurance is a must-have or a misused financial tool, this episode is a must-listen. Aaron tackles common misconceptions and explores who truly benefits from having a policy.

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Tune in and make your journey through the world of life insurance as prick-free as possible.

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Are you ready to ditch the financial stress and learn how to have fun while budgeting?

In this episode, Aaron Buchner tackles the age-old problem of budgeting. Look out as he sets out on part two of our budgeting series. Aaron digs into practical approaches to creating a budget that empowers you rather than drains you, while keeping it fun.

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Tune in and learn how to take charge of your financial future without losing sight of living life now.

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Are you tired of looking at your finances and feeling more stressed than when you started? What if budgeting didn’t have to be tedious or restrictive?

In this episode, Aaron Buchner dives deep into the world of budgeting with a refreshing twist. He tosses out the traditional rulebook and discusses how understanding and prioritizing your expenses can unlock a life where financial planning doesn’t mean living on spreadsheets! Aaron unravels the mystery behind the dreaded “B word” – budgeting – and how it can be a tool for freedom rather than limitations.

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Why should you consider critical illness insurance as a part of your financial strategy? 

In this episode, Aaron Buchner tackles the often-overlooked topic of critical illness insurance. He explains why this form of insurance is not just an ‘extra’ but a crucial part of securing your financial future. His discussion explores the impact of unexpected medical expenses, especially for Canadians who believe healthcare is entirely covered.

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Tune in to find out how planning for the unexpected can keep you on track toward your dream retirement without compromising your enjoyment of the present.

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Ever wondered how much you’re really paying for financial advice and whether it’s worth it? Dive into this episode as we discuss two key ways advisors get paid and how they shape your financial journey.

In this episode, Aaron Buchner sits down with Mark Hansen, Financial Advisor, Second Comma, to break down the differences between Assets Under Management (AUM) versus Fee-Only planning. They’re not here to proclaim a ‘one size fits all’ solution but to explore how different payment structures can help you meet your goals. Along the way, they share insights on the importance of transparency, the impact of digital transformation on financial planning, and why connecting with the right financial advisor is about much more than just numbers.

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About our Guest: 

Mark Hansen is the founder of Second Comma, a financial advisory firm based in the United States. As a seasoned financial advisor, Mark specializes in guiding individuals and families who are a few decades away from retirement, typically in their 30s and 40s. His expertise lies in helping younger generations who are beginning to see their wealth accumulate, time constraints grow, and financial responsibilities expand.

Mark is passionate about creating personalized strategies that enable his clients to navigate their journey to retirement confidently and on their preferred timelines. With a commitment to clarity and long-term planning, he empowers families to align their financial goals with their life ambitions.

Ever wonder if what you see on social media is all smoke and mirrors, especially when it comes to finance? 

In this episode, Aaron Buchner tackles the prevalent myths and ‘BS’ that flood social media about personal finance. He debunks common misconceptions about investment returns and financial planning, emphasizing the importance of personalizing your financial journey rather than comparing it with flashy online benchmarks. Aaron also shares insights on why starting a relationship with a financial advisor early can be beneficial, even before retirement is on the horizon. Tune in for a casual, insightful chat that breaks down financial advice into digestible, relatable terms.

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