Real Life Planning Podcast

By Cynthia Meyer

Real estate financial planners Cynthia Meyer & Vekevia Tillman-Jones explore practical steps for real estate investors to build financial freedom and make working for someone else option

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FAQs about Real Life Planning Podcast:

How many episodes does Real Life Planning Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 58 episodes available.

Real Life Planning Podcast episodes:

May 05, 2025What is the Impact of a Cost Segregation Study When a Property is Sold?
In Episode 57 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Cynthia Meyer, CFA®, CFP®, ChFC®, and co-host Vekevia Tillman-Jones, CFP®, MBA, go deep into what happens when an investor sells a rental property that previously had a cost segregation study performed. They explain the tax concepts, how depreciation recapture works, and the questions every real estate investor should ask before considering a sale.
(Now, we know you know this, but reminding you that this video podcast is for educational purposes only. Please see your tax advisor for tax advice.)
This week on Real Life Planning Podcast:
💡 What is a cost segregation study, and how does it work? [00:02:23]
💡 How depreciation impacts your taxes when selling a property [00:06:56]
💡 The difference between straight-line and accelerated depreciation [00:08:20]
💡 Why bonus depreciation could lead to higher tax rates when you sell [00:09:15]
💡 Strategic questions to ask your tax advisor before selling [00:13:04]
💡 How a 1031 exchange can help defer taxes [00:14:42]
Takeaway Quotes:
"If you've taken accelerated depreciation, you can be taxed at your highest income tax rate — not capped at 25%." — Cynthia Meyer
"There are so many moving parts when you sell a property after a cost segregation study — talk to your CPA!" — Vekevia Tillman-Jones

Connect with Real Life Planning:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reallifeplanning
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/real-life-planning
X: https://x.com/cynthiameyer_ff
Email: [email protected]
The ReaL Life Planning Podcast is for educational purposes only. None of the information discussed is intended as investment, tax, accounting, or legal advice, nor as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, real property, or other securities or non-securities offering.

Real Life Planning, LLC is an Investment Advisor registered with the States of New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, and California. All views, expressions, and opinions included in this communication are subject to change. This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy, or completeness of, any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. Our current disclosure brochure, Form ADV Part 2, is available for your review upon request, and on our website, REALLIFEPLANNING.COM.
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24min
May 05, 2025Section 121 for Military Homeowners with Becky Noss
In Episode 56 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Cynthia Meyer, CFA®, CFP®, ChFC®, sits down with Becky Noss, financial planner and founder of Healthy Wealth, to explore the unique tax advantages available to military homeowners. Becky breaks down how military families can use Section 121 of the tax code—the capital gains exclusion for the sale of a primary residence—even if they haven’t lived in the home for the typical two out of five years. Together, they demystify the nuances, share planning strategies, and uncover how military families can make the most of their housing transitions.
" The most important element I've learned is how different and how nuanced and how essential it is to have someone who's military knowledgeable planning for you if you are in the military. ” - Becky Noss
This week on Real Life Planning Podcast:
💡 How military homeowners can pause the 5-year “look back” period [00:04:16]
💡 Why you can only suspend one home—and how to choose wisely [00:06:40]
💡 A real-world case study that saved a client over $30K [00:09:03]
💡 How military benefits continue even after leaving active duty [00:14:55]
💡 Powerful deployment-related tax strategies, including TSP and IRA rules [00:27:06]
Connect with Becky Noss:
Website: https://www.healthywealthfinancial.com
LinkedIn: Becky Noss
Facebook: Healthy Wealth Financial
Email: [email protected]
Connect with Real Life Planning:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reallifeplanning
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/real-life-planning
X: https://x.com/cynthiameyer_ff
Email: [email protected]
The ReaL Life Planning Podcast is for educational purposes only. None of the information discussed is intended as investment, tax, accounting, or legal advice, nor as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, real property, or other securities or non-securities offering.

Real Life Planning, LLC is an Investment Advisor registered with the States of New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, and California. All views, expressions, and opinions included in this communication are subject to change. This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy, or completeness of, any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. Our current disclosure brochure, Form ADV Part 2, is available for your review upon request, and on our website, REALLIFEPLANNING.COM.
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35min
May 05, 2025Steps Real Estate Investors Can Take to Prepare for the Next Recession
In Episode 55 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Cynthia Meyer, CFA®, CFP®, ChFC®, provides a practical roadmap to help rental property investors prepare for the next economic downturn. While no one can predict exactly when a recession will hit, Cynthia shares how to proactively anticipate what you’ll do if a tenant pays late (or not at all), strengthen your financial foundation, and position yourself to take advantage of new opportunities.
" Recessions don't happen overnight. They're a normal part of the business or market cycle. ” - Cynthia Meyer
This week on Real Life Planning Podcast:
💡 Why mindset is key for recession planning [00:02:01]
💡 How much cash should real estate investors set aside in reserves? [00:03:03]
💡 Tips for short-term rental owners during economic slowdowns [00:08:19]
💡 Why recessions can create new opportunities [00:09:40]
💡 Should you refinance if rates drop during a recession? [00:11:43]

Connect with Real Life Planning:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reallifeplanning
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/real-life-planning
X: https://x.com/cynthiameyer_ff
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rentalpropertyclub/
Pinterest:https://www.pinterest.com/reallifeplanning
Email: [email protected]
The ReaL Life Planning Podcast is for educational purposes only. None of the information discussed is intended as investment, tax, accounting, or legal advice, nor as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, real property, or other securities or non-securities offering.

Real Life Planning, LLC is an Investment Advisor registered with the States of New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, and California. All views, expressions, and opinions included in this communication are subject to change. This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy, or completeness of, any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. Our current disclosure brochure, Form ADV Part 2, is available for your review upon request, and on our website, REALLIFEPLANNING.COM.
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14min
April 18, 2025Understanding Schedule E- Part 2
In Episode 54 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Vekevia Tillman-Jones, CFP®,MBA, walks rental real estate investors through the second part of our deep dive into IRS Schedule E—focusing on understanding expense categories and depreciation. Whether you’re preparing your real estate numbers to share with your tax preparer or want to understand how your rental properties are really performing, this episode will help you get organized and make smarter decisions.
“Tracking your expenses in the same categories as Schedule E throughout the year makes tax time easier and helps you see how your rentals are truly performing.” – Vekevia Tillman-Jones
This week on Real Life Planning Podcast:
💡 Why is Schedule E essential for rental property owners? [00:00:20]
💡 What counts as personal use vs. fair rental days—and why does it matter? [00:05:55]
💡 Which expenses can you deduct—and how should you track them? [00:09:39]
💡 How does depreciation work for residential vs. short-term rental properties? [00:17:12]
💡 Who qualifies for loss deductions—and what happens if you don’t? [00:21:03]

Connect with Real Life Planning:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reallifeplanning
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/real-life-planning
X: https://x.com/cynthiameyer_ff
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rentalpropertyclub/
Email: [email protected]
About the Real Life Planning Podcast
Hosts Cynthia Meyer and Vekevia Tillman-Jones explore practical steps for real estate investors to build financial freedom and make working for someone else optional.
The ReaL Life Planning Podcast is for educational purposes only. None of the information discussed is intended as investment, tax, accounting, or legal advice, nor as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, real property, or other securities or non-securities offering.

Real Life Planning, LLC is an Investment Advisor registered with the States of New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, and California. All views, expressions, and opinions included in this communication are subject to change. This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy, or completeness of, any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. Our current disclosure brochure, Form ADV Part 2, is available for your review upon request, and on our website, REALLIFEPLANNING.COM.
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21min
March 31, 20258 Things You Can Do If You're Worried About the Stock Market
In Episode 53 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Cynthia Meyer, CFA®, CFP®, ChFC®, takes a break from real estate investing topics to address a common concern - stock market volatility. Whether you’re saving for retirement, planning a major purchase, or simply want to make smarter investment decisions, this episode will help you navigate market uncertainty with a clear strategy.
"Volatility is normal in stock market investments.” - Cynthia Meyer

This week on Real Life Planning Podcast:
💡 How should you measure your investment returns to avoid unnecessary stress? [00:02:02]
💡 Why is now a good time to run a retirement projection? [00:04:28]
💡 How can you reassess your risk tolerance during market volatility? [00:06:34]
💡 When should you consider rebalancing your portfolio, and how does it help? [00:09:32]
💡 What role does diversification play in reducing investment risk? [00:16:04]

Resources:
Time to Rebalance Your 401k? Here are 4 Ways to Get Back on Track
Morningstar Investment Policy Statement Worksheet
Morningstar - How to Create an Investment Policy Statement

Connect with Real Life Planning:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reallifeplanning
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/real-life-planning
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rentalpropertyclub/
Email: [email protected]
About the Real Life Planning Podcast
Hosts Cynthia Meyer and Vekevia Tillman-Jones explore practical steps for real estate investors to build financial freedom and make working for someone else optional.
The ReaL Life Planning Podcast is for educational purposes only. None of the information discussed is intended as investment, tax, accounting, or legal advice, nor as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, real property, or other securities or non-securities offering.

Real Life Planning, LLC is an Investment Advisor registered with the States of New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, and California. All views, expressions, and opinions included in this communication are subject to change. This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy, or completeness of, any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. Our current disclosure brochure, Form ADV Part 2, is available for your review upon request, and on our website, REALLIFEPLANNING.COM.
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23min
March 14, 2025Real Estate Benefits for Military Clients with Philip Hulme
In Episode 52 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Cynthia Meyer, CFA®, CFP®, ChFC®, talks with Phillip Hulme, CFP®, MBA, founder of Stars and Stripes Financial Advisors, about how military service members can use real estate as a powerful wealth-building tool. Whether you’re in the military or a veteran looking to grow your real estate portfolio, this episode is packed with insights to help you take advantage of the financial benefits available to you.
“Military service members have an incredible real estate advantage with the VA home loan—if they know how to use it.” – Phillip Hulme
This week on Real Life Planning Podcast:
💡 What financial pitfalls should young service members avoid? [00:10:32]
💡How does the VA home loan give service members a unique real estate advantage? [00:15:20]
💡What is an “accidental landlord” and why is it so common among military families? [00:16:24]
💡How can military investors scale their real estate portfolios over time? [00:18:24]
💡Why is real estate investing appealing to so many military members? [00:20:55]
Connect with Phillip Hulme, CFP®, MBA:
Website: Stars and Stripes Financial Advisors
Facebook: Stars and Stripes Financial Advisors
LinkedIn:Phillip Hulme
Connect with Real Life Planning:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reallifeplanning
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/real-life-planning
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rentalpropertyclub/
Email: [email protected]
About the Real Life Planning Podcast
Hosts Cynthia Meyer and Vekevia Tillman-Jones explore practical steps for real estate investors to build financial freedom and make working for someone else optional.
The ReaL Life Planning Podcast is for educational purposes only. None of the information discussed is intended as investment, tax, accounting, or legal advice, nor as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, real property, or other securities or non-securities offering.

Real Life Planning, LLC is an Investment Advisor registered with the States of New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, and California. All views, expressions, and opinions included in this communication are subject to change. This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy, or completeness of, any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. Our current disclosure brochure, Form ADV Part 2, is available for your review upon request, and on our website, REALLIFEPLANNING.COM.
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41min
March 03, 2025Understanding Schedule E
In this episode, Vekevia Tillman-Jones dives into one of the most important tax forms for real estate investors—Schedule E. If you own rental properties, understanding how rental income is classified and reported can help you maximize tax efficiency and avoid costly mistakes when working with your tax preparer. She breaks down when to use Schedule E vs. Schedule C, how different business structures affect tax reporting, and why most rental income is considered passive for IRS purposes.
For educational purposes only - we encourage real estate investors to use professional tax advice!
"Most rental real estate income is considered passive income, meaning it’s reported on Schedule E and not subject to self-employment tax. That’s a big deal for tax planning." – Vekevia Tillman-Jones

This week on the Real Life Planning Podcast:
💡 What is Schedule E, and how does it differ from Schedule C? [00:03:07]
💡 Why most rental income is considered passive (and why that matters for taxes)? [00:05:22]
💡 How does a Qualified Joint Venture (QJV) help spouses simplify tax filing? [00:16:10]
💡 Why understanding Schedule E can help real estate investors plan ahead for tax season [00:20:34]
Connect with Real Life Planning:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reallifeplanning
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/real-life-planning
X: https://x.com/cynthiameyer_ff
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rentalpropertyclub/
Pinterest:https://www.pinterest.com/reallifeplanning
Email: [email protected]
About the Real Life Planning Podcast
Hosts Cynthia Meyer and Vekevia Tillman-Jones explore practical steps for real estate investors to build financial freedom and make working for someone else optional.
The ReaL Life Planning Podcast is for educational purposes only. None of the information discussed is intended as investment, tax, accounting, or legal advice, nor as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, real property, or other securities or non-securities offering.

Real Life Planning, LLC is an Investment Advisor registered with the States of New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, and California. All views, expressions, and opinions included in this communication are subject to change. This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy, or completeness of, any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. Our current disclosure brochure, Form ADV Part 2, is available for your review upon request, and on our website, REALLIFEPLANNING.COM.
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19min
February 16, 2025 The Accidental Landlord with Daniel Kopp
The ReaL Life Planning Podcast is for educational purposes only. None of the information discussed is intended as investment, tax, accounting, or legal advice, nor as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, real property, or other securities or non-securities offering.

Real Life Planning, LLC is an Investment Advisor registered with the States of New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, and California. All views, expressions, and opinions included in this communication are subject to change. This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy, or completeness of, any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. Our current disclosure brochure, Form ADV Part 2, is available for your review upon request, and on our website, REALLIFEPLANNING.COM.

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32min
February 07, 2025How 529 Plans Can Help You Save for College and Reduce Your Tax Bill
In this episode, Vekevia Tillman-Jones jumps into one of the biggest financial concerns for parents—how to afford the rising cost of college. She breaks down how 529 plans work, the tax benefits, and what to do if your child doesn’t end up using the funds for higher education.
This week on Real Life Planning Podcast:
💡 How much does college really cost today, and how fast are prices rising? [00:01:20]
💡 What makes a 529 plan such a powerful savings tool? [00:09:30]
💡 What expenses qualify (and which don’t) when using 529 funds? [00:15:10]
💡 What are your options if your child doesn’t go to college? [00:20:35]
💡 How can you use 529 funds for K-12 tuition, student loans, or even a Roth IRA? [00:25:50]
💡 What are the best ways to get started with a 529 plan? [00:30:15]
Takeaway Quotes:
"If you have something growing at 6 or 7 percent a year and your savings account is earning 0.2 percent, that’s a big problem." -Vekevia Tillman-Jones
"The 529 plan allows you to invest, grow your money tax-free, and withdraw it tax-free for education—this is huge!" -Vekevia Tillman-Jones
Connect with Real Life Planning:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reallifeplanning
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/real-life-planning
X: https://x.com/cynthiameyer_ff
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rentalpropertyclub/
Pinterest:https://www.pinterest.com/reallifeplanning
Email: [email protected]
About the Real Life Planning Podcast
Hosts Cynthia Meyer and Vekevia Tillman-Jones explore practical steps for real estate investors to build financial freedom and make working for someone else optional.

The ReaL Life Planning Podcast is for educational purposes only. None of the information discussed is intended as investment, tax, accounting, or legal advice, nor as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, real property, or other securities or non-securities offering.

Real Life Planning, LLC is an Investment Advisor registered with the States of New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, and California. All views, expressions, and opinions included in this communication are subject to change. This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy, or completeness of, any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. Our current disclosure brochure, Form ADV Part 2, is available for your review upon request, and on our website, REALLIFEPLANNING.COM.
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18min
February 04, 2025Financial Planners Can Truly Help Real Estate Investors
In Episode 47, Vekevia Tillman-Jones share insights from her own real estate and financial planning journey while working through the Real Estate Financial Coach Course. She explores how financial planners can help real estate investors develop a business owner mindset.
"... if I had known my options and had a chance to really talk that through with someone, perhaps I would have looked for multi-unit property just to begin and think it's awesome." - Vekevia Tillman-Jones
This week on Real Life Planning Podcast:
💡How can new real estate investors shift their mindset to see property ownership as a business? [00:01:22]
💡How might Vekevia’s real estate journey have been different if she had known about house hacking sooner? [00:02:05]
💡What key factors should investors consider when selecting a property for long-term success? [00:04:04]
💡How can working with a financial planner help investors gain clarity on their goals? [00:05:25]
💡What is the Real Estate Financial Coach Course, and how can it benefit financial advisors and real estate investors? [00:06:19]
Connect with Real Life Planning:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reallifeplanning
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/real-life-planning
X: https://x.com/cynthiameyer_ff
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rentalpropertyclub/
Pinterest:https://www.pinterest.com/reallifeplanning
Email: [email protected]
About the Real Life Planning Podcast
Hosts Cynthia Meyer and Vekevia Tillman-Jones explore practical steps for real estate investors to build financial freedom and make working for someone else optional.

The ReaL Life Planning Podcast is for educational purposes only. None of the information discussed is intended as investment, tax, accounting, or legal advice, nor as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, real property, or other securities or non-securities offering.

Real Life Planning, LLC is an Investment Advisor registered with the States of New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, and California. All views, expressions, and opinions included in this communication are subject to change. This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy, or completeness of, any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. Our current disclosure brochure, Form ADV Part 2, is available for your review upon request, and on our website, REALLIFEPLANNING.COM.
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7min

FAQs about Real Life Planning Podcast:

How many episodes does Real Life Planning Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 58 episodes available.