The Fiscal Firecrackers

By The Fiscal FirecrackersBusiness Entrepreneurship Investing

The Fiscal Firecrackers episodes

September 30, 2022 25. Awkward Money Moments
Money can be a sensitive subject. And loaded. And awkward. If there's too much of it. If there's too little of it. How you handle it. How others handle it. Finances are tricky. In episode 25, "Awkward Money Moments," Galia and Susan discuss many 'cringey' money experiences they've had, how they handled them in the moment and how they could have been handled so you can learn from their mistakes. Galia shares how to navigate many uncomfortable financial conversations (like how best to ask for more money on the job - including what to do if your boss says "NO") and how to own your money decisions. Susan tells a story of 'unfavored nations" and recounts her infamous visit to a storefront psychic with fish smells.
35 min
September 23, 2022 24: Credit Cards: The Good, The Bad + The Ugly
Credit cards. Humans carry a small piece of plastic that allows us to borrow money with the intent to pay it back. How we handle these cards builds our lifetime credit history leading to creating wealth, whether or not we get a job or possibly even landing us in debt depending on our spending habits. Don't worry - Galia and Susan hold your hand through it all. Galia deciphers key terms like "grace period," explains which credit card benefits are best (i.e. travel, cash back), breaks down annual fees and shares her favorite websites/apps. Turns out - she doesn't like store credit cards! Susan cops to some of her early personal credit card blunders, like using them to shop away heartache (leopard print underwear requires a matching leopard print scrunchie, apparently), committing to an unnecessary dress covered in seashells and doing "The Walk of $$$ Shame" in Las Vegas. We blame Vanna White!
32 min
September 16, 2022 23. Will Power
Think you don't need a will? Think again. Dreading making a will? Galia and Susan promise to make it easy, accessible and, dare we say - fun. Though estate planning is no laughing matter, The Fiscal Firecrackers will keep you entertained while covering how to create a will and/or trust, make good decisions about your well earned money/ possessions and tips to protect all you've accrued for yourself and your loved ones. Galia walks us through options of where to go to make a will, how to tackle the tough questions simply and what to include in our plans so we can sleep well at night knowing all is handled. And don't forget making provisions for your pets! Susan shares stories about her international escapades, her juicy obsession with notaries and two goldfish named Peanut Butter + Jelly.
40 min
August 19, 2022 22. "Budget" is NOT a dirty word
"Budget" is NOT a dirty word - we promise! If done correctly, creating a budget can be the foundation to your financial house. We will help you embrace the concept of building your budget to find financial comfort and freedom. Galia shares tips such as giving yourself a waiting period on a purchase, the 50/30/20 budget (tracking apps for variable expenses) and more. Susan reveals her mall shopping Firecracker moves while eating her "mall salad" plus the results of her green and heated customer service conversation. Find out once and for all if Susan's credit card is wet or not. And who is "Big Bad Betty?"
29 min
August 12, 2022 21. Summer Money
Tired of being cooped up? Finally ready to travel this summer? Before you hop on a plane, let's organize your money. If you're exploring internationally, the Euro is currently at the same rate as the dollar for the first time in 20 years, so plan accordingly. Or are you more comfortable spending your vacation staying at home and earning from your couch? No problem. Learn ways to take advantage of global Investing. Galia turns us on to International Mutual Funds for your retirement plan and helps determine how much you should allocate. She also shares tips to save money overseas including how best to choose a credit card and get the best exchange rates. Susan discusses her upcoming trip to France with her son, how he's a "comedy brat" and croons a duet of The Fiscal Firecrackers' latest hit "Summer Money" with a surprise guest star.
39 min
August 05, 2022 20. The Grapes of ROTH
The ROTH IRA is an amazing retirement tool that offers tax-free options as our money grows. Galia answers all of your questions regarding ROTH IRAs and why they are so beneficial for your portfolio. Who can open one? Can you do so if you are self employed or work for a company? Can your teen open a ROTH? How should you pick investments for your ROTH IRA and where is best to open one? Hey - who created the Roth? Susan reveals how easily seduced she is by safe deposit boxes and their hidden secrets. Hint: million dollar jade, trench coats and cigarettes may be involved.
33 min
July 29, 2022 19. Money Pet Peeves #2
We did it before. We're at it again. Venting about money pet peeves is cathartic to blow off some steam regarding our bucks, your bucks and even a complete stranger's bucks. We're shoving our nose in all of it - Venmo etiquette, waiters who assume where to drop the bill, sommeliers who pick the table sniffer, meeting "The Bickersons," Warren Buffett's portfolio, Crypto and more.
27 min
July 22, 2022 18: Credit Reports + Scores: The Sequel.
Like "Jaws"? You'll love "Jaws 2." Like "Grease"? You'll love "Grease 2." We're at it again. You had more credit card questions so we are here to answer them in @fiscalfirecracker Episode 18: "Credit Reports + Scores: The Sequel."

Galia teaches us good daily money habits that can influence our credit score plus tips on spending smarter to feel more in control of our money destiny. Susan shares how competitive she got over her credit score versus her husband's as well as their recent real estate dream gone bad. Are late lunch goers also late bill payers? And what's Susan's favorite soup?
39 min
July 15, 2022 17: Oh Give Me A Home
What's an ARM? What's PMI? How do I get the best interest rate? Buying a house can be daunting. It requires spending a lot of money and handling a lot of details. It can seem like a pipedream. Saving for a downpayment, understanding financial terms and sifting through a tidal wave of information just to step up to your front door. Galia shares how home ownership at any income level is well within your reach and affordable. Susan shares the secret dream home she's imagined since childhood - a castle complete with stained glass windows, a bubbling soda fountain and a private suite for her beau, the blue-eyed Robby Benson.
30 min
July 08, 2022 16. Credit Reports + Scores 101
Ugh. Credit reports and scores. They might seem mysterious, but it turns out they're vital to your financial health. We should be checking ours annually to make sure there are no errors which could keep us from getting credit or the best available terms on a loan. In Episode 16, Galia breaks down what credit reports are, where to find yours, how often to request a copy, what your score means, gives ways to fix any errors as well as tips to earn the highest score possible. Susan touts her super smooth savings on a recent trip to Nashville, how she encouraged a friend to swap an old car for a screened-in porch and admits what a neophyte French kisser she was in junior high school.
41 min

About The Fiscal Firecrackers

From the publisher's feed

The Fiscal Firecrackers educates, entertains and empowers people about their money. In every episode, hosts Susan Yeagley and Galia Gichon combine their superpowers to share educational financial information, tips, tricks and their own personal anecdotes to motivate listeners to make the most with their wallet. It's the ideal fusion of money, smarts, humor and heart - you'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll learn, you'll be entertained and you'll walk away with a personal financial plan ready to take on the world.