In Episode 69 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Cynthia Meyer, CFP®, CFA®, ChFC®  explores the powerful connection between your thoughts and your financial outcomes. Inspired by a client conversation and her training at The Life Coach School, she shares a tool she learned called “The Model”— a self-coaching tool designed to help clients identify limiting beliefs, shift their mindset, and take intentional action toward achieving financial success.

This week on Real Life Planning Podcast:

💡Why do we compare our financial journey to someone else's—and how can we stop? [00:01:00]

💡Why use C-T-F-A-R,  who created The Model, and why it matters for mindset shifts? [00:03:42]

💡How do thoughts create feelings that drive our financial behavior?[00:06:30]

💡What are some real-life financial mindset examples using The Model? [00:09:15]

💡How can journaling help uncover and reframe limiting money beliefs? [00:12:45]

Takeaway Quotes:

"We see someone else's finish line and compare it to our starting point. That never leads to good decisions."-Cynthia Meyer

"You can create entirely new results in your financial life just by changing how you think."- Cynthia Meyer

Connect with Real Life Planning:

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• Bigger Pockets
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• 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.

In Episode 68 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Vekevia Tillman-Jones, CFP®, MBA, shares candid, practical advice on how to get your wedding plans back on budget—without sacrificing your vision. Whether you're newly engaged or halfway down the aisle, this episode is packed with smart strategies for staying on track financially while still creating a memorable event.

This week on Real Life Planning Podcast:

💡  What wedding expenses most commonly cause couples to go over budget? [00:02:06]

💡  How can you prioritize spending without sacrificing what matters most? [00:02:52]

💡  What are creative ways to save on venues, food, and decor? [00:06:17]

💡  How can you manage your guest list to keep costs under control? [00:04:57]

💡 What tools and mindset shifts can help reduce stress during wedding planning? [00:09:04]

Takeaway Quotes:

"You want to be just as excited at the end of your wedding as you were at the beginning—and not financially stressed."– Vekevia Tillman-Jones

"Staying on budget for your wedding is no different than planning for a house, a vacation, or your kid’s education—every dollar has a job." –Vekevia Tillman-Jones

Connect with Real Life Planning:

• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• X​
• Instagram
• Real Life Planning on Bigger Pockets
• Pinterest
• 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.

In Episode 67 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Cynthia Meyer, CFA®, CFP®, ChFC®, talks to  Bill Hampton of Hampton Tax and Financial Services about tax planning with the short-term rental “loophole.” Tune in for an educational overview on property criteria, material participation, cost segregation studies, bonus depreciation, and how to avoid common mistakes when treating your short term rental activity as nonpassive. Educational purposes only - please see your tax professional for tax advice.

This week on Real Life Planning Podcast:

💡 What is the short-term rental loophole — and how does it work? [00:02:26]
💡 What qualifies as material participation for short-term rentals? [00:03:50]
💡 How can cost segregation and bonus depreciation reduce your tax bill? [00:04:55]
💡 What are common mistakes investors make with this tax strategy? [00:14:05]
💡 What should you know before selling a property where you’ve taken bonus depreciation? [00:19:26]

Takeaway Quotes:

"You don’t physically have to be at the property. With smart locks and tech, you can manage short-term rentals remotely and still qualify for material participation." — Bill Hampton

"Depreciation recapture is one of those things that can surprise people—especially if they didn’t plan ahead when they sold the property." — Cynthia Meyer

"You can learn more from following a great mentor for a week than from years of trial and error." — Bill Hampton

Connect with Bill Hampton:

• Website: hamptonfinancialllc.com
• Free consultation & newsletter available on site.

Connect with Real Life Planning:

• Facebook
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• Instagram
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• 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.

In Episode 66 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, host Vekevia Tillman-Jones, MBA, CFP® helps you decide: Should you install a pool - or buy a house that already has one? This episode walks through the costs, potential returns, and the lifestyle factors to consider before making a splashy investment in an in-ground pool.

This week on Real Life Planning Podcast:

💡 How much value can a pool actually add to your home? [00:00:24]

💡 Is it better to install a pool or buy a house that already has one? [00:01:12]

💡 What hidden costs and maintenance expenses should you expect? [00:03:12]

💡 How do pool features, design, and utility bills affect your long-term ROI? [00:04:11]

💡What extra considerations come with renting out a home that has a pool? [00:06:36]

Takeaway Quotes:

“  If you're thinking about a pool, it's likely not just all in the numbers." – Vekevia Tillman-Jones

“You might not recoup the full cost, but you’ll likely gain in enjoyment - and that counts for something.” –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/
• Real Life Planning on Bigger Pockets
• 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.

In Episode 65 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Cynthia Meyer, CFP®, CFA®, ChFC®  shares how to build a real estate contingency plan to protect your rental business—and your loved ones—in case of an emergency. Whether you’re managing one property or many, this episode is a must-listen for any landlord who wants to avoid chaos and ensure smooth operations when life throws the unexpected your way.

This week on Real Life Planning Podcast:

💡What is a real estate contingency plan and why does every property owner need one? [00:01:12]

💡Who should step in if you're suddenly unavailable—and what should they know? [00:06:36]

💡What documents, accounts, and workflows should be part of your emergency planning? [00:09:39]

💡How can digital tools help automate and organize your real estate operations? [00:12:23]

💡What goes into creating a "Rental Property Emergency Packet" for your family? [00:16:35]

Takeaway Quotes:

"A contingency plan answers three questions: Who takes over? What happens to tenants? And who pays the bills?"-Cynthia Meyer

"You don’t want to leave your kids a mess—you want to leave them a clearly run and structured business."- Cynthia Meyer

Connect with Real Life Planning:

• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Bigger Pockets
• X
• Instagram
• Pinterest
• 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.

In Episode 64 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, host Vekevia Tillman-Jones, CFP®, MBA, shares practical, low-cost (and no-cost) ideas to keep your kids entertained and well-fed all summer long—without blowing your budget. From $1 movies and free beach parking to DIY lunches, this episode is packed with tips that blend fun, frugality, and family time.

This week on Real Life Planning Podcast:

💡 What free or low-cost local activities can make summer fun for kids? [00:00:29]

💡 How can you enjoy eating out without overspending? [00:02:03]

💡 What are some budget-friendly ways to do beach or pool days? [00:03:54]

💡 How can kids learn independence—and help with household costs? [00:05:10]

💡 What creative alternatives can replace expensive camps and services? [00:07:10]

Takeaway Quotes:

“Even my youngest can make his own sandwich…might not be pretty, but it’s one less thing I have to do!" – Vekevia Tillman-Jones

“Cutting back on cleaning services and letting the kids help? That’s savings and life skills in one.” –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/
• Real Life Planning on Bigger Pockets
• 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.

In Episode 63 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Cynthia Meyer, CFP®, CFA®, ChFC® explores how homeowners can turn their backyard into a source of income by building an accessory dwelling unit (ADU). From financing strategies to tax planning, she walks through everything you need to know before breaking ground on your ADU project.

This week on Real Life Planning Podcast:

💡What qualifies as an accessory dwelling unit—and why more cities are encouraging them [00:01:09]

💡What are some typical types of ADUs? [00:04:08]

💡What are the most common ways to finance an ADU project? [00:08:24]

💡Tax planning when renting out an ADU on your property [00:13:26]

💡What should you consider before becoming a landlord of an ADU? [00:15:09]

Takeaway Quotes:

"You want to check all the rules in your area and make sure that you fully understand the ADU process before you break ground."-Cynthia Meyer

"As your needs change, so can the purpose of your ADU—what starts as a rental could become housing for aging parents or grown children."- Cynthia Meyer

Connect with Real Life Planning:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reallifeplanning
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/real-life-planning
• Bigger Pockets: https://www.biggerpockets.com/business/page/3070
• 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.

In Episode 62 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, host Vekevia Tillman-Jones, CFP®, MBA, shares how to determine exactly how much you should be saving each month. Whether you're planning for a down payment, building your emergency fund, or aiming for financial freedom, this episode offers a practical, step-by-step approach to setting savings goals that align with your income and priorities.

This week on Real Life Planning Podcast:

💡 How to calculate your net monthly income and use it as a savings baseline [00:00:48]

💡 The 50/30/20 rule—and why it’s a helpful starting point for goal-based saving [00:03:29]

💡 Turning big goals into bite-sized monthly targets [00:06:10]

💡 How employer contributions reduce your personal savings burden [00:07:09]

💡 Why your savings rate should grow as your income does [00:09:52]

Takeaway Quotes:

“Savings is not just a habit—it’s a muscle. You don’t even think about it. It’s something you put in place and automate." – Vekevia Tillman-Jones

“Break big savings goals down into monthly targets. It helps make the goal feel real, actionable, and achievable.” –Vekevia Tillman-Jones

Connect with Real Life Planning:

• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• X
• Instagram
• Real Life Planning on Bigger Pockets
• Pinterest
• 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.

In Episode 61 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Cynthia Meyer, CFA®, CFP®, ChFC®, talks with Kristen Ambrose, CPA, and founder of Ambrose Bookkeepers, about the often overlooked but vital role of bookkeeping in a real estate investing business. Kristen shares her journey from corporate accounting to entrepreneurship and how her passion for real estate inspired her to serve investors exclusively. They delve into practical bookkeeping strategies, common pitfalls, and how real estate investors can better understand their numbers to make smart decisions.Whether you're managing one rental or scaling a large portfolio, Kristen offers insights to help you approach your real estate financials with a business owner perspective.

This week on Real Life Planning Podcast:

💡 Why Kristen left corporate accounting to serve real estate investors [00:01:24]

💡 How house hacking helped launch Ambrose Bookkeepers [00:02:23]

💡 What a real estate bookkeeper actually does [00:04:12]

💡The #1 bookkeeping mistake real estate investors make [00:13:39]

💡 When to hire a professional bookkeeper—and how to find the right one [00:19:13]

Connect with Kristen Ambrose, CPA:

• Website: Ambrose Bookkeepers
• Kristen on BiggerPockets
• LinkedIn: Kristen Ambrose, CPA

Connect with Real Life Planning:

• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• X
• Instagram
• Pinterest
• 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.

In Episode 60 of the Real Life Planning Podcast,  host Vekevia Tillman-Jones, CFP®, MBA, helps aspiring real estate investors decide: Should I save or pay off debt first? If you're balancing credit cards, student loans, and the dream of buying your first rental property, this episode offers clear guidance on how to prioritize your finances while building toward your goals.

This week on Real Life Planning Podcast:

💡When it makes sense to prioritize saving over debt repayment—and vice versa [00:01:13]

💡Why high-interest debt can derail your investment plans [00:02:14]

💡Smart strategies for building an emergency fund without falling behind on debt [00:04:27]

💡Hybrid approaches to balancing savings and debt payoff for long-term success [00:09:58]

💡How your financial decisions now affect your readiness to buy real estate [00:10:58]

 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.