Real Life Planning Podcast

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

In Episode 45, Vekevia Tillman-Jones explores the emotional and financial dynamics of rental property ownership. Whether you’re managing your first rental, upgrading a property, or deciding whether to sell, Vekevia provides actionable insights to help you assess if your rental property is still a good fit for you.

"So being emotionally attached to a property is very common. It’s not something that we need to feel bad about, but we do want to be aware of it and then ask ourselves the right questions." - Vekevia Tillman-Jones

This week on Real Life Planning Podcast:

💡How can sentimental value affect rental property decisions? [00:00:32]

💡Why do some landlords dismiss neighborhood changes? [00:02:14]

💡How does inheriting a property deepen emotional ties? [00:04:26]

💡Can appreciation create a false sense of security? [00:05:43]

💡Why do property owners hold on to properties without running numbers? [00:07:47]

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.

In Episode 46 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Cynthia Meyer, CFA®, CFP®, ChFC®, interviews Michael Law, CPA, specialist in tax compliance and consulting with small business, real estate, and stock compensation. Michael Law has Masters in Taxation and 25 years experience, and prioritizes researching and finding solutions for clients. Michael shares the tax strategies every real estate investor needs to know, including understanding real estate professional status, avoiding common tax mistakes, and planning ahead for 1031 exchanges. This podcast is for educational purposes only - please consult your tax advisor.

" Tax is just reporting what happened or how it happened." – Michael Law

This week on Real Life Planning Podcast:

💡What are the most common tax mistakes real estate investors make? [00:03:59] 

💡What is real estate professional status, and how do investors qualify to meet the IRS requirements? [00:07:58] 

💡Why is it important to plan ahead for a 1031 exchange? [00:11:48]

💡How can taxpayers overcome fear or avoidance of tax filing and stay organized throughout the year? [00:23:14] 

💡How do marginal and effective tax rates differ, and why do many people misunderstand how tax brackets work? [00:24:49] 

💡What role does recordkeeping play in successful tax planning for real estate investors? [00:26:07] 

💡How do property transfers and estate planning impact taxes? [00:28:13] 

Connect with Michael Law, CPA:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cs-and-company/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068725286954
• Website: https://www.csandcompany.com/
• 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 44 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Cynthia Meyer, CFA®, CFP®, ChFC®, offers coaching questions that accredited investors can ask when considering real estate syndications. She also translates jargon, explains typical roles, and gives a general overview of benefits and risks associated with these complex investments. This podcast is for educational purposes only.

" The more you know, the better an investor you will become. Put education first before you ever sign anything.” - Cynthia Meyer

This week on Real Life Planning Podcast:

💡What is an “Accredited Investor?” [00:01:21]

💡What are the risks of investing in real estate syndications? [00:06:50]

💡How do I evaluate a syndication sponsor’s track record? [00:12:32]

💡How are profits shared in a syndication? [00:14:06]

💡Where to look for red flags or references? [00:19:51]

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.

In Episode 43, Vekevia Tillman-Jones tackles how to decide if it’s the right time to buy a home, emphasizing the importance of financial readiness over trying to time the market. She shares practical tips for budgeting, exploring creative strategies like house hacking, and preparing for a sound long-term investment.

" It's a lot less about trying to time the market and it's a lot more about trying to make sure you get a good sound investment." - Vekevia Tillman-Jones

This week on Real Life Planning Podcast:

💡How can you decide if now is the right time to buy a home? [00:00:11]

💡Are you financially ready to buy a home? [00:01:46]

💡How does your planned length of stay impact your decision to buy? [00:04:25]

💡What creative strategies can make homeownership more affordable? [00:05:52]

💡What steps can you take to prepare for a successful home purchase? [00:06:57]

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.

In Episode 42 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Cynthia Meyer, CFA®, CFP®, ChFC®, breaks down the key considerations for real estate investors exploring hard money loans, including when to use them, typical terms, and risks. She also shares essential tips for asking the lender questions and understanding the pros and cons of private loans.

" …if you've got a private money lender that works in your market, they may be able to give you very helpful feedback about whether or not your spending plan for the project is on track and realistic.” - Cynthia Meyer

This week on Real Life Planning Podcast:

💡When do real estate investors use a hard money loan? [00:00:47]

💡What are the typical terms and costs of a hard money loan? [00:02:10]

💡What risks should you consider before taking a hard money loan? [00:05:47]

💡What key questions should you ask a hard money lender? [00:08:22]

💡Understand real estate project obstacles with a private loan [00:10:29]

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.