Is the magic really gone, or are we just over it? This week's episode is a Quick Dip, where we're side-eyeing some old-school markers of success. We thought about calling this the "end of an era" edition but it might be too soon...you tell us! 

Think childhood trips to Disney, that diamond ring you're 'supposed' to want, and even that climb up the corporate ladder. We're wondering if these traditions still mean what they used to in a world that's changing so fast. The data suggests something is changing, but this episode is less about having all the answers and more about starting some real convos about what matters to us. 

First, we reference a recent Wall St. Journal article called “Even Disney is worried about the high cost of a Disney Vacation,” and talk about how rising costs are impacting families and challenging the park's cultural dominance. 

Then, we tackle the diamond industry and the growing popularity of lab-grown alternatives that promise the same quality at a fraction of the price. Finally, we dissect the current state of the corporate world, and talk about the current record high CEO turnover rates and what they signal about the evolving relationship between workers and employers. This episode also features leaked audio where JPMorgan's CEO, Jamie Dimon, uses explicit language when speaking to his employees.

Key Takeaways:

• Manufactured Magic is Expensive: "Tradition" often comes with a hefty price tag, and it's time to question if the returns are worth the investment
• Ethical Consumption Matters: From lab-grown diamonds to supporting companies with values that align with our own, we have more power than ever to vote with our dollars
• Authenticity is the New Luxury: The pursuit of genuine experiences and personal meaning is replacing the need to acquire status symbols

Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life.

Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by Forbes

If you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

This week marks a significant milestone: our 200th episode of the rich & REGULAR podcast! In this episode, we’re taking a moment to reflect, not just on what we've built, but on the path we took to get here. 

Here’s what we cover as we peel back the curtain on the podcasting process:

• Our most memorable/favorite episodes 
• It's more than just talking; it's an investment. From the upfront costs of good equipment like decent mics and mixers to the ongoing financial decisions involved with hosting and editing, offering guidance on where to allocate resources
• Monetization strategies: We talk about why monetization isn't as simple as it sounds, and the various ways you can monetize a podcast while outlining our decision-making processes. You'll hear how we dealt with sponsored content and podcast networks, and why we passed on opportunities that compromised our integrity. 
• Even without celebrity guests or elaborate setups, why creating a podcast that resonates and makes a difference is achievable with authenticity, dedication, and a willingness to learn is possible
• We share our experiences inside podcasting communities and discuss some of the invaluable insights from networking. 

The episode is for aspiring podcasters who are just starting out or existing podcasters who are working hard to improve and grow. The important takeaways? Discoverability is HARD. Longevity requires dedication (so does building a community). And always, always remember to press record.

We appreciate all of your support, notes, comments, and ratings and reviews that help us extend our reach. We can't wait to share the journey of the next 200 episodes with you.

Links:

• Episode 172: Not just a diagnosis: A real talk about ADHD, money, and relationships
• Episode 72: Julien's vasectomy
• Episode 7: Financially Supporting a parent (our story) 
• Episode 77: The shocking cost of funerals
• Episode 128: Short term trading vs. long term investing 

Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life.

Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by Forbes

If you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

This week we’re talking about "late bloomers" — the "over 40, mid-life-ish, but don't-say-that-to-us" gang who are just now getting their financial life together.

This was a requested episode so we're skipping the generic "just do it" advice and getting into the nitty-gritty of what it actually takes to build wealth when you're not starting in your 20s. We're discussing the psychological hurdles, the structural roadblocks, and how to create a financial plan that works for you, no matter what age. If you're ready to say "enough" to feeling behind and start building your financial future, this episode is for you.

Here’s what we cover:

• Why people become late starters 
• The importance of accepting your starting point (no, we're not gonna sugar coat it)
• How to let go of the "what ifs" and embrace your new path
• Rewriting the rules when traditional financial advice isn’t always the most helpful
• Adapting strategies for a shorter timeline and setting goals that are both realistic and motivating
• The surprising power of community and why you should become a good neighbor
• Why automation and technology are your friends, not your enemies
• A reminder that your tax dollars can be a source of real benefits 

Take action:

• Help us out and leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform
• Join the discussion and leave a comment on any of our social platforms 

Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life.

Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by Forbes

If you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

This week’s episode is all about shopping bans and the no-spend trend. This month our social media feeds have been flooded with one thing: people swearing off shopping. Like, really swearing it off. 

We see everything from no-spend months, to shopping bans, and even boycotts. And we get it. After the consumerist frenzy of the holidays, that pull towards simplicity or a “less is more” approach almost feels…. revolutionary.

We've been covering this topic for years, and this "new" trend is like seeing an old friend get a new haircut and a different outfit. It looks like it’s changed, but it's got the same good bones.  In this episode, we explain why cutting off all spending has become so popular, the hidden psychology behind it, and whether it's a genuine path to financial health or just another form of deprivation disguised as wellness.

Takeaways:

• Shopping bans aren't a one-size-fits-all solution. They can be helpful for some, but can also backfire if not approached thoughtfully.
• "Abstinence-only" approaches can lead to deprivation. It’s important to address the root cause of our spending.
• We have a consumption problem. The story about the clothing donations after the California fires highlights the scale of this problem.
• It’s about being intentional, not restrictive. We share a “glass of water effect” metaphor to help you reframe your relationship with spending
• Listen to the full episode for our 3-step approach to cutting back on spending. We give you the keys to reevaluating your habits this year (shout out to “listen to end” gang! #iykyk)

If you're tempted to swear off all shopping, or even if you're just curious about what's driving this trend, tune in
 
Links: 

• Episode 95: No spend challenges 
• Episode 189: Underconsumption isn’t a trend, it’s a lifestyle
• LA donation centers are overwhelmed by all the clothing donations

Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life.

Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by Forbes

If you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

This week, we’re dissecting the art of the modern scam. We've all experienced the subtle unease of a pitch that just doesn’t feel right, but in an era where the line between marketing and deceit is dangerously thin, it’s important to stay aware so you don’t get hoodwinked and bamboozled. 

We Discuss:

• Why we need to stop confusing charm with legitimacy
• How corporations are now using MLM tactics
• Why companies who use hard-sells aren’t actually interested in your problems.
• Why financial fraud is about to hit an all time high and what to do about it.
• Why it's important to know the history of your "expert"
• How fake reviews and stock photography can get you into trouble
• Why anonymous instructors should raise a red flag
• That sometimes the product isn’t the product and it’s a recruiting tactic instead.
• And lastly how not having a password manager is as foolish as a newborn walking in the street (or at least that’s how Julien sees it).

Key Takeaways:

• The “free speech” era will unleash more digital scammers
• Learn to differentiate between a legitimate business and a scam, and where your responsibility lies in the purchase.
• Urgency is a primary tool of manipulation.
• Overly charismatic personalities and flashy presentations are not proof of legitimacy.
• You should be able to see who you’re giving money to, not just the brand's face.
• Real testimonials are verifiable, they’re not based on stock photography and manufactured bots.
• The best defense against manipulation is informed skepticism.
• That sometimes if you can buy a product, you’re being used to recruit.
• You must prioritize password changes and offline time as a preventative measure.

Links: 

• Financial technology toolkit
• The five levels of hype 

Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life.

Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by Forbes

If you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

This week, we're joined by entrepreneur, speaker, and author, Anthony O'Neal. You may know him from his incredibly popular YouTube channel or, maybe, from his previous book, "Debt-Free Degree." But Anthony's back with a new book called "Take Your Seat at the Table," which is all about taking control of your life, money, and future.

If you’re unfamiliar with his work, he’s not your typical financial guru. He’s a self-made entrepreneur who went from being homeless to building a 7-figure business, and he’s bringing his wisdom back to the communities that are systematically left out of the financial conversation.

This episode is for anyone tired of the same old financial advice and ready to take control of their future. Anthony challenges us to ditch the idea that wisdom comes solely from age and embrace the power of lived experience. He urges us to kill the comfort that's holding us back and encourages us to build our own tables and then invite in the people who truly align with our vision.

What we get into:

• The catch-up: We start this conversation like you would a chat with a good friend. We talk about what life is like now that his YouTube channel is booming, and we even get a little glimpse of his journey to find love 
• Challenging the status quo: We dig into the question, "Why should I listen to him?" and explore what it means to gain wisdom from life experiences over traditional credentials
• Leaving comfort behind: We dissect why so many folks are stuck in comfortable situations when they're clearly meant for more
• Formal vs. practical learning: Now that he’s working on his MBA, Anthony shares his thoughts on the value of a formal education alongside "street smarts" and why that balance is key to success
• His new book, "Take Your Seat at the Table:" You can't have a financial conversation without addressing ownership, power, and the folks who have a seat at YOUR table. We talk about why kicking out the wrong people is just as important as inviting in the right ones.
• How his recent trip to Ghana reframed his perspective on the Black community and the role it plays in building wealth.
• The future of making money: We discuss using platforms like YouTube and podcasts to build a better economic future.

Links: 

• Keep up with Anthony on his website, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok
• Get his new book: Take Your Seat at The Table: Live and Authentic Life of Abundance, Wellness and Freedom (Jan. 14, 2025)

Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life.

Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by Forbes

If you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

This week, we’re breaking down the top stories and trends that will shape how we all earn, spend, and invest our money in 2025. And we’re not just looking at the year ahead, we're confronting the messy reality of now.

If you're feeling like the financial ground is shifting beneath your feet and like the old rules don't apply anymore, then this episode is for you. If you're tired of feeling like you're chasing trends instead of building a future, or if you're ready to take control of how you earn, spend, and invest in a world increasingly influenced by algorithms and AI, then you need to tune in. 

We're not offering a magic bullet, but we are offering a real conversation with practical takeaways, designed for anyone who's ready to stop feeling overwhelmed and start making intentional choices with their money. This episode is for the curious, the proactive, and those who are determined to build financial well-being on their own terms.

We’re tackling:

• The 2024 Words of the Year including the meaning of "brain rot" and how it's affecting us all, mentally and financially
• The stock market's continued dance with AI, and what that really means
• Why getting clear about your risk tolerance is the most important financial decision you can make this year 
• The rise of "buy now, pay later" and its impact on consumerism
• The fact that the "future of work" is here, and how to adapt
• The surge in cryptocurrency, and what that could mean for your investments
• Why 2025 is the perfect time to redefine luxury and spend with greater intention
• The power of your own humanity and why it will become increasingly valuable

Links: 

• Episode 143: The top stories impacting your money in 2024

Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life.

Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by Forbes

If you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

Is your "purpose" making you anxious? Do you feel like everyone online is "living their best life" except for you? Then you've come to the right place. 

It's January and you're probably knee-deep in resolutions that may or may not last past the first week. But forget the trendy diets and the overly ambitious gym routines. This year, we're going deeper and talking about a purpose reboot - not the "new you" version fueled by fleeting motivation, but the kind built on self-awareness, intentional choices, and a healthy dose of skepticism about the pressures to optimize our lives. 

This week, we sit down with the brilliant Dr. Jordan Grumet (aka Doc G) to talk about his latest book "The Purpose Code." Jordan, a former hospice doctor and a 90s hip-hop head, is not here for the fluffy, Instagrammable version of purpose. He’s no stranger to the intersection of hard choices and meaning and he’s here to break down what actually makes life feel meaningful.

We dive into:

• The “Big P” purpose trap (think: social media, fame, riches, etc.) and why it might be sabotaging your happiness.
• The secret sauce of "Little P" purpose (think: the things that actually make you feel alive)
• How religion and social media can be both a blessing and a curse in the purpose department
• Why you need to be the hero in your story, not the victim of your past
• How to use your money as a tool for fulfillment, not a checklist of achievements
• The parental purpose myth (this one is controversial, y'all)
• What real legacy looks like…is our legacy up to us to decide? Or is it a story that will be told by the generations that follow?

Links: 

• Buy Jordan’s latest book The Purpose Code 
• Listen to The Earn & Invest podcast or join the Facebook group

Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life.

Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by Forbes

If you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

This week we’re diving headfirst into the one word that can save your budget and your sanity: No

Julien kicks things off with some personal stories about recent awkward moments when "friends" ask for money, which sets the stage for a much-needed conversation.

For some of us, saying "no" can feel just plain wrong, especially during the season of giving. This isn't your typical "budget better" advice, we're going deep into why saying "no" is so dang hard.

But we don’t stop there. We also discuss: 

• Holiday pressure and how the “season of giving” turns our good hearts into overdrawn bank accounts
• Survivor's guilt and our responsibility to lift as we climb 
• How a lifetime of people-pleasing can leave you feeling resentful
• How to say no to: acquaintances who suddenly need "just a little help", family and friends, and people you've helped before
• Actual useful tactics that work in real life, from setting dedicated budgets to learning the art of the "alternative offer," and how to say no without feeling like a total jerk
• Why "they'll figure it out" is so powerful and how letting people solve their own problems might be the best help you can give

This is a vulnerable episode for anyone who finds themselves saying "yes" just to avoid being rude, or because they think being generous is the only way to be a good person. We've been there, and hopefully, you find this helpful.

Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life.

Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by Forbes

If you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

The latest inflation report shows that grocery prices are back up, making something as basic as eating feel like a financial tightrope walk. So this week, we're rethinking how we define "good" food and making a case that the best meals can be both cheap and delicious by sharing 3 of our favorite cheap meals. 

Hopefully you walk away from this episode feeling slightly less guilty about that impulse takeout order (as long as you learn from it), inspired to rethink what's possible with your budget and your kitchen, and empowered to create satisfying meals that don’t break the bank.

We discuss:

• The joy (and necessity) of finding delicious, affordable food that doesn't taste like you’re pinching pennies (or just eating sadness)
• Practical tips for making flavorful, budget-friendly meals that are both nourishing and satisfying
• A closer look into our favorite meals, complete with pricing breakdowns and the secret ingredients to take them from "meh" to "magnificent"
• The importance of cross-utilization and how it can help you maximize your grocery budget.

Links:

- Food prices rose 28% in 5 years 
- Money on the Table S3:E3 “How much is enough?” feat. crispy skin salmon
- How to save money by trimming a beef tenderloin

Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life.

Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by Forbes

If you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow