The Personal Finance Podcast

By Andrew Giancola

Andrew Giancola from Master Money reveals all of his personal finance, money, investing, business strategies, income sources, stock, and real estate investing tips so that you can build more wealth th... more

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13871,387 ratings

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FAQs about The Personal Finance Podcast:

How many episodes does The Personal Finance Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 564 episodes available.

The Personal Finance Podcast episodes:

August 26, 2026How to Spot a Fee That's Robbing You, Insure Your Kids' Future, and Retire Two Decades Early (Money Q&A)
Seven listener questions, one theme: the small stuff you never check is usually the expensive stuff. Fees, insurance add-ons, account order, and the plan you need before retiring decades early.

👉 Want personalized help from Andrew? Join Master Money Academy at https://www.skool.com/mastermoneyacademy/about
👉 Join Andrew’s FREE Investing for Beginner’s Masterclass: https://event.webinarjam.com/q05p7/register/0o8z9io?webinar_id=21
👉 Live Call Registration Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeqIw5xncfn5tZbGG_U22iZ3BUmyHe9fPvBQaC1vW_x1D7bJA/viewform

What You'll Learn in This Episode
How to find the fees buried in your retirement accounts and what to swap them for

Why a fund's one-year return tells you almost nothing worth knowing

The situations that actually call for gap insurance, and the one place you should never buy it

Andrew's rule for financing a car without ending up underwater

How to leave money to a child with a disability without costing them their benefits

The two numbers that decide your term life coverage: how much and for how long

A full audit of a listener saving nearly 70% of his income, including how he reaches his money before 59½

How a union tradesman can stack a pension, a match, and a Roth to change his family's trajectory

A phishing text pretending to be an Amazon recall, and how to spot it

Start Here
Join the community built to help you master your money, stay accountable, and reach financial freedom.

👉 Try Master Money Academy FREE for 7 days today! https://mastermoney.co/join/
👉 Join Andrew’s FREE Investing for Beginners Masterclass https://event.webinarjam.com/q05p7/register/0o8z9io?webinar_id=21
👉 Join The Master Money Newsletter where you will become smarter with your money in 5 minutes or less per week Here! https://expert-hustler-605.ck.page/6aa7bb9a79

Partner Deals
Indeed → Get a $75 sponsored job credit http://Indeed.com/personalfinance

Wayfair → Up to 60% off | MEMORIAL DAY WAREHOUSE CLEAROUT http://wayfair.com

Chime → Get more rewarding fee-free banking at https://www.chime.com/PFP

Monarch Money → The all-in-one financial tool + Get 50% Off at http://www.monarch.com/PFP

Gelt - Get 10% off your first year by mentioning “Personal Finance Pod” on the intake form; the CTA is to book a free discovery call at joingelt.com

DeleteMe → 20% off with code PFP https://joindeleteme.com/PFP20/

Resource/s
Car Insurance https://secure.money.com/pr/gc43ce394da5

Best HYSA https://secure.money.com/pr/r453ecf4d190

Stock Brokerage Accounts https://secure.money.com/pr/v8d06f8de92c

Best IRAs https://secure.money.com/pr/oe09b73d1952

Favorite Travel Credit Cards https://milevalue.com/best-credit-cards/?aff=mastermoney

Tool/s Mentioned
Compound Interest Calculator https://mastermoneyresources.com/investment-calculator-page

Episode/s Mentioned
The System to Pay Cash For Cars (and NEVER Have a Payment Again!) https://youtu.be/kgmjjQEN3Xs

How to Access Your Retirement Accounts EARLY (Roth IRA Conversion Ladder for the FIRE Movement) https://youtu.be/ut8rDIJ1kSI

The 1-3-6 Method For Building & Managing Your Emergency Fund https://youtu.be/rGdII_Z0hnw

Watch Next
4 Dead Simple Steps to Become Financially Free https://youtu.be/dM4DKC7-Y5s

How to Build a Vacation Fund That Pays You For Life + (Money Q&A) https://youtu.be/SMDRQkqnA74

Hit This Number and You Can STOP SAVING! (Even When You are Young) https://youtu.be/R2ebV44XaAY

Why Franchises Might Be the Best Kept Wealth Building Secret with Alex Smereczniak https://youtu.be/3lXtpxTwrQI

Why a Mini Retirement Can Change Your Life https://youtu.be/o5HIfbIwfjI

Connect with Andrew
Instagram → https://bit.ly/Skool-Instagram

TikTok → https://bit.ly/Skool-TikTok

Facebook → https://bit.ly/Skool-Facebook

Podcast → https://bit.ly/Skool-Podcast

Youtube → bit.ly/Skool-Youtube

Newsletter → https://bit.ly/Skool-Newsletter

Website →⁠ https://mastermoney.co ⁠

X → ⁠https://x.com/mastermoneyco

LinkedIn →⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-giancola-45027b340 ⁠

Question for you:
What topic do you want covered in the next Q&A? Drop in the comments.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
...more
58min
August 24, 20264 Dead Simple Steps to Become Financially Free
Andrew breaks the entire plan down to four calculations you can run in about five minutes using numbers you already know: your monthly income and your monthly expenses. Each one gives you a specific target for your freedom number, your investing rate, your emergency fund, and your spending ceiling.

👉 Want personalized help from Andrew? Join Master Money Academy at https://www.skool.com/mastermoneyacademy/about
👉 Join Andrew’s FREE Investing for Beginner’s Masterclass: https://event.webinarjam.com/q05p7/register/0o8z9io?webinar_id=21
👉 Live Call Registration Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeqIw5xncfn5tZbGG_U22iZ3BUmyHe9fPvBQaC1vW_x1D7bJA/viewform

What You'll Learn in This Episode
The four calculations that map your entire path to financial freedom

Why the 4% rule turns your monthly income into a single target number

How to hit a 20% investment rate even when it feels impossible right now

What maxing a Roth 401(k) from 25 to 65 actually produces, and how much of it is tax-free

The 1-3-6 method for building an emergency fund in phases instead of one daunting chunk

Your SWAN number, and when six months of expenses is not enough

The 55% guardrail on essential expenses, and the two problems it exposes

Plus two member questions on how many individual stocks to own and whether to move money into a Trump account

Start Here
Join the community built to help you master your money, stay accountable, and reach financial freedom.

👉 Try Master Money Academy FREE for 7 days today! https://mastermoney.co/join/
👉 Join Andrew’s FREE Investing for Beginners Masterclass https://event.webinarjam.com/q05p7/register/0o8z9io?webinar_id=21
👉 Join The Master Money Newsletter where you will become smarter with your money in 5 minutes or less per week Here! https://expert-hustler-605.ck.page/6aa7bb9a79

Partner Deals
Indeed → Get a $75 sponsored job credit http://Indeed.com/personalfinance

Wayfair → Up to 60% off | MEMORIAL DAY WAREHOUSE CLEAROUT http://wayfair.com

Chime → Get more rewarding fee-free banking at https://www.chime.com/PFP

Monarch Money → The all-in-one financial tool + Get 50% Off at http://www.monarch.com/PFP

Gelt - Get 10% off your first year by mentioning “Personal Finance Pod” on the intake form; the CTA is to book a free discovery call at joingelt.com

DeleteMe → 20% off with code PFP https://joindeleteme.com/PFP20/

Resource/s
Car Insurance https://secure.money.com/pr/gc43ce394da5

Best HYSA https://secure.money.com/pr/r453ecf4d190

Stock Brokerage Accounts https://secure.money.com/pr/v8d06f8de92c

Best IRAs https://secure.money.com/pr/oe09b73d1952

Favorite Travel Credit Cards https://milevalue.com/best-credit-cards/?aff=mastermoney

Tool/s Mentioned
The 1-3-6 Method For Building & Managing Your Emergency Fund https://www.thepersonalfinancepodcast.com/the-1-3-6-method-for-building-managing-your-emergency-fund/

Automate Your Money: Investment https://www.skool.com/live/NGm2lzJDkbR

Episode/s Mentioned
Hit This Number and You Can STOP SAVING! (Even When You are Young) https://youtu.be/R2ebV44XaAY

How to Build Your Investment Portfolio (The Portfolio Pyramid!) https://youtu.be/Vn-NXfFWtfU

Are Trump Accounts Worth It? (And What's Actually Better) https://youtu.be/jJKCfTvTm0Q

A Masterclass on Investing in Individual Stocks with Brian Feroldi https://youtu.be/gfh5i4H5MG8

Why YOU Have an Advantage as a Small Investor with Brian Feroldi https://youtu.be/iJFbVFMc05E

The Most Underrated Way to Build Wealth with Brian Feroldi https://youtu.be/c8vlvc3FEmw

How to Use AI to Research Stocks (With Brian Feroldi) https://youtu.be/WeaXVgQcpu8

Watch Next
How to Build a Vacation Fund That Pays You For Life + (Money Q&A) https://youtu.be/SMDRQkqnA74

Hit This Number and You Can STOP SAVING! (Even When You are Young) https://youtu.be/R2ebV44XaAY

Why Franchises Might Be the Best Kept Wealth Building Secret with Alex Smereczniak https://youtu.be/3lXtpxTwrQI

Why a Mini Retirement Can Change Your Life https://youtu.be/o5HIfbIwfjI

Roth vs. Traditional, Dividend ETFs, and Catching Up in Your 40s (Money Q&A) https://youtu.be/jtITtSd6vjI

Connect with Andrew
Instagram → https://bit.ly/Skool-Instagram

TikTok → https://bit.ly/Skool-TikTok

Facebook → https://bit.ly/Skool-Facebook

Podcast → https://bit.ly/Skool-Podcast

Youtube → bit.ly/Skool-Youtube

Newsletter → https://bit.ly/Skool-Newsletter

Website →⁠ https://mastermoney.co ⁠

X → ⁠https://x.com/mastermoneyco

LinkedIn →⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-giancola-45027b340 ⁠

Question for you:
What is your freedom number? Run the math and post it below.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
...more
53min
August 19, 2026How to Build a Vacation Fund That Pays You For Life + (Money Q&A)
Most people save for vacations one trip at a time and start over from zero every year. There is a version where you build the fund once and it keeps paying for your trips forever, and $100 a month is enough to start.

👉 Want personalized help from Andrew? Join Master Money Academy at https://www.skool.com/mastermoneyacademy/about
👉 Join Andrew’s FREE Investing for Beginner’s Masterclass: https://event.webinarjam.com/q05p7/register/0o8z9io?webinar_id=21
👉 Live Call Registration Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeqIw5xncfn5tZbGG_U22iZ3BUmyHe9fPvBQaC1vW_x1D7bJA/viewform

What You'll Learn in This Episode
How to build a vacation portfolio that funds your trips for life

The exact monthly number to start with, even if it's $100

Why a taxable brokerage beats a savings account for 10-plus year goals

How to use travel hacking to cover trips while your portfolio compounds

How to earmark funds inside one brokerage account without opening five new ones

Why pulling from your 401(k) to kill your mortgage is usually the wrong move

How to buy a car with cash and spot a lemon before you hand over the money

The gift card scam draining balances before the card is ever opened

The best account to set your kids up for their first home

Start Here
Join the community built to help you master your money, stay accountable, and reach financial freedom.

👉 Try Master Money Academy FREE for 7 days today! https://mastermoney.co/join/
👉 Join Andrew’s FREE Investing for Beginners Masterclass https://event.webinarjam.com/q05p7/register/0o8z9io?webinar_id=21
👉 Join The Master Money Newsletter where you will become smarter with your money in 5 minutes or less per week Here! https://expert-hustler-605.ck.page/6aa7bb9a79

Partner Deals
Indeed → Get a $75 sponsored job credit http://Indeed.com/personalfinance

Wayfair → Up to 60% off | MEMORIAL DAY WAREHOUSE CLEAROUT http://wayfair.com

Chime → Get more rewarding fee-free banking at https://www.chime.com/PFP

Monarch Money → The all-in-one financial tool + Get 50% Off at http://www.monarch.com/PFP

Gelt - Get 10% off your first year by mentioning “Personal Finance Pod” on the intake form; the CTA is to book a free discovery call at joingelt.com

DeleteMe → 20% off with code PFP https://joindeleteme.com/PFP20/

Resource/s
Car Insurance https://secure.money.com/pr/gc43ce394da5

Best HYSA https://secure.money.com/pr/r453ecf4d190

Stock Brokerage Accounts https://secure.money.com/pr/v8d06f8de92c

Best IRAs https://secure.money.com/pr/oe09b73d1952

Favorite Travel Credit Cards https://milevalue.com/best-credit-cards/?aff=mastermoney

Tool/s Mentioned
Index Fund & ETF Cheatsheet https://mastermoneyresources.com/index-fund-cheatsheet

Compound Interest Calculator https://expert-hustler-605.kit.com/aefaaad27e

Episode/s Mentioned
The System to Pay Cash For Cars (and NEVER Have a Payment Again!) https://youtu.be/kgmjjQEN3Xs

He Built A BILLION DOLLAR Real Estate Portfolio (Here's How!) with Brandon Turner https://youtu.be/_960B_GIGSo

How to RETIRE BY 30! (With Cody Berman) https://youtu.be/ffKv6M69SRI

Watch Next
Hit This Number and You Can STOP SAVING! (Even When You are Young) https://youtu.be/R2ebV44XaAY

Why Franchises Might Be the Best Kept Wealth Building Secret with Alex Smereczniak https://youtu.be/3lXtpxTwrQI

Why a Mini Retirement Can Change Your Life https://youtu.be/o5HIfbIwfjI

Roth vs. Traditional, Dividend ETFs, and Catching Up in Your 40s (Money Q&A) https://youtu.be/jtITtSd6vjI

5 Side Hustles That Can Turn Into a Full Time Income (Part 4) https://youtu.be/DPQwY_U3lKY

Connect with Andrew
Instagram → https://bit.ly/Skool-Instagram

TikTok → https://bit.ly/Skool-TikTok

Facebook → https://bit.ly/Skool-Facebook

Podcast → https://bit.ly/Skool-Podcast

Youtube → bit.ly/Skool-Youtube

Newsletter → https://bit.ly/Skool-Newsletter

Website →⁠ https://mastermoney.co ⁠

X → ⁠https://x.com/mastermoneyco

LinkedIn →⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-giancola-45027b340 ⁠

Question for you:
How much do you actually spend on vacations in a year? Post the number and see how it compares.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
...more
53min
August 17, 2026Hit This Number and You Can STOP SAVING! (Even When You are Young)
Coast FIRE is the middle path: invest hard early, hit a specific number, then let compound interest carry the rest while your paycheck only has to cover your bills. Andrew walks through what it is, how to calculate it, and what it unlocks once you get there.
👉 Want personalized help from Andrew? Join Master Money Academy at https://www.skool.com/mastermoneyacademy/about
👉 Join Andrew’s FREE Investing for Beginner’s Masterclass: https://event.webinarjam.com/q05p7/register/0o8z9io?webinar_id=21
👉 Live Call Registration Form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeqIw5xncfn5tZbGG_U22iZ3BUmyHe9fPvBQaC1vW_x1D7bJA/viewform

What You'll Learn in This Episode
The exact formula for your Coast FIRE number, and the five inputs you need to run it

How to work backward from the lifestyle you want to the balance you need today

Three case studies at three income levels, including the one where a pension does most of the work

What actually changes once you hit the number, and what stays the same

The honest downsides, starting with the assumptions this entire strategy rests on

Five mistakes that quietly break the math, including the return rate people love to inflate

How Coast FIRE stacks up against Lean, Barista, and Fat FIRE

The one thing to do every year so your number does not drift out of date

Start Here
Join the community built to help you master your money, stay accountable, and reach financial freedom.

👉 Try Master Money Academy FREE for 7 days today! https://mastermoney.co/join/
👉 Join Andrew’s FREE Investing for Beginners Masterclass https://event.webinarjam.com/q05p7/register/0o8z9io?webinar_id=21
👉 Join The Master Money Newsletter where you will become smarter with your money in 5 minutes or less per week Here! https://expert-hustler-605.ck.page/6aa7bb9a79

Partner Deals
Indeed → Get a $75 sponsored job credit http://Indeed.com/personalfinance

Wayfair → Up to 60% off | MEMORIAL DAY WAREHOUSE CLEAROUT http://wayfair.com

Chime → Get more rewarding fee-free banking at https://www.chime.com/PFP

Monarch Money → The all-in-one financial tool + Get 50% Off at http://www.monarch.com/PFP

Gelt - Get 10% off your first year by mentioning “Personal Finance Pod” on the intake form; the CTA is to book a free discovery call at joingelt.com

DeleteMe → 20% off with code PFP https://joindeleteme.com/PFP20/

Resource/s
Car Insurance https://secure.money.com/pr/gc43ce394da5

Best HYSA https://secure.money.com/pr/r453ecf4d190

Stock Brokerage Accounts https://secure.money.com/pr/v8d06f8de92c

Best IRAs https://secure.money.com/pr/oe09b73d1952

Tool/s Mentioned
NerdWallet Wealth Partners Coast Fire Calculator https://www.nerdwallet.com/investing/calculators/coast-fire-calculator

WalletBurst Coast Fire Calculator https://walletburst.com/tools/coast-fire-calc/

Marriage Kids and Money Coast Fire Calculator https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/calc-widgets/coast-fire-calculator.html

Episode/s Mentioned
How To Design Your Dream Life with Andy Hill https://youtu.be/gXQGlNGvSPg

Why Coast FIRE May Be The Perfect Strategy for You with Andy Hill https://mastermoney.co/the-personal-finance/why-coast-fire-may-be-the-perfect-strategy-for-you-with-andy-hill/

Why Your Healthcare Costs Keep Rising with Dr. Jordan Grumet https://youtu.be/daPVY9WCCAw

Why a Mini Retirement Can Change Your Life https://youtu.be/o5HIfbIwfjI

Watch Next
Why Franchises Might Be the Best Kept Wealth Building Secret with Alex Smereczniak https://youtu.be/3lXtpxTwrQI

Why a Mini Retirement Can Change Your Life https://youtu.be/o5HIfbIwfjI

Roth vs. Traditional, Dividend ETFs, and Catching Up in Your 40s (Money Q&A) https://youtu.be/jtITtSd6vjI

5 Side Hustles That Can Turn Into a Full Time Income (Part 4) https://youtu.be/DPQwY_U3lKY

Why Your Healthcare Costs Keep Rising with Dr. Jordan Grumet https://youtu.be/daPVY9WCCAw

Connect with Andrew
Instagram → https://bit.ly/Skool-Instagram

TikTok → https://bit.ly/Skool-TikTok

Facebook → https://bit.ly/Skool-Facebook

Podcast → https://bit.ly/Skool-Podcast

Youtube → bit.ly/Skool-Youtube

Newsletter → https://bit.ly/Skool-Newsletter

Website →⁠ https://mastermoney.co ⁠

X → ⁠https://x.com/mastermoneyco

LinkedIn →⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-giancola-45027b340 ⁠

Question for you:
Run your number this week and report back. Are you already Coast FIRE? Drop it in the comments.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
...more
50min
August 12, 2026Why Franchises Might Be the Best Kept Wealth Building Secret with Alex Smereczniak
67% of Americans say they want to own a business. Only 6% ever do it, and the gap is almost never a lack of money. Alex Smereczniak has data on thousands of franchises, and he breaks down the path that lets you start a business on step three instead of step one.

👉 Join Andrew’s FREE Investing for Beginner’s Masterclass: https://event.webinarjam.com/q05p7/register/0o8z9io?webinar_id=21
👉 Live Call Registration Form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeqIw5xncfn5tZbGG_U22iZ3BUmyHe9fPvBQaC1vW_x1D7bJA/viewform

What You'll Learn in This Episode
What you are actually buying with a franchise fee, and what the royalty keeps paying for

How much cash you really need to start, from $5K side hustles to $5M builds

Why lenders and the SBA prefer franchises, plus the retirement rollover most people have never heard of

Which categories are quietly booming right now, and which trendy ones Alex is skeptical of

The real-estate move that let one owner sell 30 Burger Kings and still collect checks

How to structure a deal with an operating partner, and the equity threshold to stay under

The path from one location to a portfolio doing hundreds of millions in revenue

Start Here
Join the community built to help you master your money, stay accountable, and reach financial freedom.

👉 Try Master Money Academy FREE for 7 days today! https://mastermoney.co/join/
👉 Join Andrew’s FREE Investing for Beginners Masterclass https://event.webinarjam.com/q05p7/register/0o8z9io?webinar_id=21
👉 Join The Master Money Newsletter where you will become smarter with your money in 5 minutes or less per week Here! https://expert-hustler-605.ck.page/6aa7bb9a79

Partner Deals
Indeed → Get a $75 sponsored job credit http://Indeed.com/personalfinance

Wayfair → Up to 60% off | MEMORIAL DAY WAREHOUSE CLEAROUT http://wayfair.com

Chime → Get more rewarding fee-free banking at https://www.chime.com/PFP

Monarch Money → The all-in-one financial tool + Get 50% Off at http://www.monarch.com/PFP

Gelt - Get 10% off your first year by mentioning “Personal Finance Pod” on the intake form; the CTA is to book a free discovery call at joingelt.com

DeleteMe → 20% off with code PFP https://joindeleteme.com/PFP20/

Resource/s
Car Insurance https://secure.money.com/pr/gc43ce394da5

Best HYSA https://secure.money.com/pr/r453ecf4d190

Stock Brokerage Accounts https://secure.money.com/pr/v8d06f8de92c

Best IRAs https://secure.money.com/pr/oe09b73d1952

Tool/s Mentioned
Compound Interest Calculator https://expert-hustler-605.kit.com/aefaaad27e

Investment Calculator https://mastermoneyresources.com/investment-calculator-page

Episode/s Mentioned
5 Side-Hustles That Can Turn into a Full time Income! https://youtu.be/bEIzgYWLi1I

5 Side Hustles That Can Turn into a Full time Income! Part 2 https://youtu.be/10C4zt9w8NQ

5 Side Hustles That Can Turn into a Full Time Income! (Part 3) https://youtu.be/jEkKQZVYLSg

5 Side Hustles That Can Turn Into a Full Time Income (Part 4) https://youtu.be/DPQwY_U3lKY

Watch Next
Why a Mini Retirement Can Change Your Life https://youtu.be/o5HIfbIwfjI

Roth vs. Traditional, Dividend ETFs, and Catching Up in Your 40s (Money Q&A) https://youtu.be/jtITtSd6vjI

5 Side Hustles That Can Turn Into a Full Time Income (Part 4) https://youtu.be/DPQwY_U3lKY

Why Your Healthcare Costs Keep Rising with Dr. Jordan Grumet https://youtu.be/daPVY9WCCAw

The System to Pay Cash For Cars (and NEVER Have a Payment Again!) https://youtu.be/kgmjjQEN3Xs

Connect with Alex
Website →⁠ https://franzy.com/

Instagram →⁠ https://instagram.com/alexfromfranzy

TikTok →⁠ https://tiktok.com/alexfromfranzy

X →⁠ https://www.x.com/alexfromfranzy

Threads →⁠ https://www.threads.net/alexfromfranzy

LinkedIn →⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-smereczniak-40310329/

YouTube →⁠ https://youtube.com/@franzyinc

Spotify →⁠ https://open.spotify.com/show/46Fegpnlum8YtWUuuCnoiF

Connect with Andrew
Instagram → https://bit.ly/Skool-Instagram

TikTok → https://bit.ly/Skool-TikTok

Facebook → https://bit.ly/Skool-Facebook

Podcast → https://bit.ly/Skool-Podcast

Youtube → bit.ly/Skool-Youtube

Newsletter → https://bit.ly/Skool-Newsletter

Website →⁠ https://mastermoney.co ⁠

X → ⁠https://x.com/mastermoneyco

LinkedIn →⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-giancola-45027b340 ⁠

Question for you:
If you could own any franchise in your town tomorrow, which one would you pick? Drop it in the comments.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
...more
1h 2min
August 10, 2026Why a Mini Retirement Can Change Your Life
You do not have to wait until 65 to actually use your money. There is a version of retirement you can take at 35, at 40, at 45, and Andrew breaks down exactly what it costs, who should not do it, and the step-by-step plan to fund one without derailing your future.

👉 Join Andrew’s FREE Investing for Beginner’s Masterclass: https://event.webinarjam.com/q05p7/register/0o8z9io?webinar_id=21
👉 Live Call Registration Form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeqIw5xncfn5tZbGG_U22iZ3BUmyHe9fPvBQaC1vW_x1D7bJA/viewform

What You'll Learn in This Episode
The difference between a sabbatical and a mini retirement, and why one gives you more leverage

Four red flags that mean you are not ready to take one yet

What pausing your contributions actually costs you over 20 and 30 years

How to calculate your number, including the reentry cushion most people forget

How to solve healthcare before you leave, and the limits of COBRA

The exact way to pitch this to your boss without torching your career

Four real case studies, from a Coast FIRE engineer to a burned-out ER nurse

Start Here
Join the community built to help you master your money, stay accountable, and reach financial freedom.

👉 Try Master Money Academy FREE for 7 days today!https://mastermoney.co/join/
👉 Join Andrew’s FREE Investing for Beginners Masterclasshttps://event.webinarjam.com/q05p7/register/0o8z9io?webinar_id=21
👉 Join The Master Money Newsletter where you will become smarter with your money in 5 minutes or less per week Here! https://expert-hustler-605.ck.page/6aa7bb9a79

Partner Deals
Indeed → Get a $75 sponsored job credit http://Indeed.com/personalfinance

Wayfair → Up to 60% off | MEMORIAL DAY WAREHOUSE CLEAROUT http://wayfair.com

Chime → Get more rewarding fee-free banking at https://www.chime.com/PFP

Monarch Money → The all-in-one financial tool + Get 50% Off at http://www.monarch.com/PFP

Gelt - Get 10% off your first year by mentioning “Personal Finance Pod” on the intake form; the CTA is to book a free discovery call at joingelt.com

DeleteMe → 20% off with code PFP https://joindeleteme.com/PFP20/

Resource/s
Car Insurance https://secure.money.com/pr/gc43ce394da5

Best HYSA https://secure.money.com/pr/r453ecf4d190

Stock Brokerage Accounts https://secure.money.com/pr/v8d06f8de92c

Best IRAs https://secure.money.com/pr/oe09b73d1952

Tool/s Mentioned
Compound Interest Calculator https://expert-hustler-605.kit.com/aefaaad27e

Investment Calculator https://mastermoneyresources.com/investment-calculator-page

Book/s Mentioned
Die With Zero by Bill Perkins

The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich by Tim Ferriss

Watch Next
Roth vs. Traditional, Dividend ETFs, and Catching Up in Your 40s (Money Q&A) https://youtu.be/jtITtSd6vjI

5 Side Hustles That Can Turn Into a Full Time Income (Part 4) https://youtu.be/DPQwY_U3lKY

Why Your Healthcare Costs Keep Rising with Dr. Jordan Grumet https://youtu.be/daPVY9WCCAw

The System to Pay Cash For Cars (and NEVER Have a Payment Again!) https://youtu.be/kgmjjQEN3Xs

Reset Your Money Mindset, Get Out of Debt, Save for a House & Understand Credit Scores (Money Q&A) https://youtu.be/JGoKB92rddo

Connect with Andrew
Instagram → https://bit.ly/Skool-Instagram

TikTok → https://bit.ly/Skool-TikTok

Facebook → https://bit.ly/Skool-Facebook

Podcast → https://bit.ly/Skool-Podcast

Youtube → bit.ly/Skool-Youtube

Newsletter → https://bit.ly/Skool-Newsletter

Website →⁠ https://mastermoney.co ⁠

X → ⁠https://x.com/mastermoneyco

LinkedIn →⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-giancola-45027b340 ⁠

Question for you:
What year are you targeting for your mini retirement? Put the number in the comments and make it real.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
...more
55min
August 05, 2026Roth vs. Traditional, Dividend ETFs, and Catching Up in Your 40s (Money Q&A)
In this Q&A Andrew answers eight real listener questions, plus an AI privacy leak that could already have your data sitting in Google search results.

👉 Join Andrew’s FREE Investing for Beginner’s Masterclass: https://event.webinarjam.com/q05p7/register/0o8z9io?webinar_id=21
👉 Live Call Registration Form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeqIw5xncfn5tZbGG_U22iZ3BUmyHe9fPvBQaC1vW_x1D7bJA/viewform

What You'll Learn in This Episode
How to pick between a Roth and traditional 401(k) when there is no employer match

Why the ETF versions of these funds let you skip the $3,000 minimum entirely

Whether dividend ETFs like SCHD actually belong in a Roth IRA

The right debt payoff order when you have cash in the bank and a car loan

How to pull income from a brokerage account and stay in the 0% capital gains bracket

What catch-up contributions look like at 50 and 60, and how to run your own catch-up math

The AI setting to turn off before your chats end up in Google search results

Start Here
Join the community built to help you master your money, stay accountable, and reach financial freedom.

👉 Try Master Money Academy FREE for 7 days today! https://mastermoney.co/join/
👉 Join Andrew’s FREE Investing for Beginners Masterclass https://event.webinarjam.com/q05p7/register/0o8z9io?webinar_id=21
👉 Join The Master Money Newsletter where you will become smarter with your money in 5 minutes or less per week Here! https://expert-hustler-605.ck.page/6aa7bb9a79

Partner Deals
Indeed → Get a $75 sponsored job credit http://Indeed.com/personalfinance

Wayfair → Up to 60% off | MEMORIAL DAY WAREHOUSE CLEAROUT http://wayfair.com

Chime → Get more rewarding fee-free banking at https://www.chime.com/PFP

Monarch Money → The all-in-one financial tool + Get 50% Off at http://www.monarch.com/PFP

Gelt - Get 10% off your first year by mentioning “Personal Finance Pod” on the intake form; the CTA is to book a free discovery call at joingelt.com

DeleteMe → 20% off with code PFP https://joindeleteme.com/PFP20/

Resource/s
Car Insurance https://secure.money.com/pr/gc43ce394da5

Best HYSA https://secure.money.com/pr/r453ecf4d190

Stock Brokerage Accounts https://secure.money.com/pr/v8d06f8de92c

Best IRAs https://secure.money.com/pr/oe09b73d1952

Tool/s Mentioned
The 1-3-6 Method Emergency Fund Mastery https://mastermoney.co/the-ultimate-guide-to-managing-your-emergency-fund/

Total Cost of Ownership Calculator https://mastermoney.co/total-cost-of-ownership-calculator/

Compound Interest Calculator https://expert-hustler-605.kit.com/aefaaad27e

Investment Calculator https://mastermoneyresources.com/investment-calculator-page

Episode/s Mentioned
The 1-3-6 Method For Building & Managing Your Emergency Fund https://youtu.be/rGdII_Z0hnw

5 Side-Hustles That Can Turn into a Full time Income! https://youtu.be/bEIzgYWLi1I

5 Side Hustles That Can Turn into a Full time Income! Part 2 https://youtu.be/10C4zt9w8NQ

5 Side Hustles That Can Turn into a Full Time Income! (Part 3) https://youtu.be/jEkKQZVYLSg

5 Side Hustles That Can Turn Into a Full Time Income (Part 4) https://youtu.be/DPQwY_U3lKY

How to Pay No Taxes in Early Retirement, Debunking the Mortgage Fee Fiasco,and More With Katie Gatti https://youtu.be/2JThReUdrL4

The Simple Path to Wealth (With J.L. Collins) https://youtu.be/-02BNewBfbo

Watch Next
5 Side Hustles That Can Turn Into a Full Time Income (Part 4) https://youtu.be/DPQwY_U3lKY

Why Your Healthcare Costs Keep Rising with Dr. Jordan Grumet https://youtu.be/daPVY9WCCAw

The System to Pay Cash For Cars (and NEVER Have a Payment Again!) https://youtu.be/kgmjjQEN3Xs

Reset Your Money Mindset, Get Out of Debt, Save for a House & Understand Credit Scores (Money Q&A) https://youtu.be/JGoKB92rddo

Are Trump Accounts Worth It? (And What's Actually Better) https://youtu.be/jJKCfTvTm0Q

Connect with Andrew
Instagram → https://bit.ly/Skool-Instagram

TikTok → https://bit.ly/Skool-TikTok

Facebook → https://bit.ly/Skool-Facebook

Podcast → https://bit.ly/Skool-Podcast

Youtube → bit.ly/Skool-Youtube

Newsletter → https://bit.ly/Skool-Newsletter

Website →⁠ https://mastermoney.co ⁠

X → ⁠https://x.com/mastermoneyco

LinkedIn →⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-giancola-45027b340 ⁠

Question for you:
Which question in this episode sounded the most like your situation? Drop it in the comments.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
...more
1h 2min
August 03, 20265 Side Hustles That Can Turn Into a Full Time Income (Part 4)
Everyone is chasing the shiny online business while a guy with a pickup truck quietly clears six figures organizing other people's junk. Here are five unglamorous businesses you can start on nights and weekends, with the real numbers behind each one.

👉 Join Andrew’s FREE Investing for Beginner’s Masterclass: https://event.webinarjam.com/q05p7/register/0o8z9io?webinar_id=21

What You'll Learn in This Episode
How to price a garage cleanout, and the quarterly maintenance offer that turns a one-time job into a subscription

The third income stream most cleanout crews leave on the table entirely

What it really costs to install a backyard sauna and cold plunge, and the spread you keep on every job

How to build a storage business on land you do not own, using a revenue split with the landowner

The math on one acre of storage spaces and why lake and coastal lots command 30 to 50% more

How to rent out a boat you already own so it pays for itself, and why selling the experience beats selling the boat

How to launch a virtual sleep consulting practice with no inventory, no location, and packages parents happily prepay for

The content and referral playbook Andrew would run for every single one of these businesses

Start Here
Join the community built to help you master your money, stay accountable, and reach financial freedom.

👉 Try Master Money Academy FREE for 7 days today! https://mastermoney.co/join/
👉 Join Andrew’s FREE Investing for Beginners Masterclass https://event.webinarjam.com/q05p7/register/0o8z9io?webinar_id=21
👉 Join The Master Money Newsletter where you will become smarter with your money in 5 minutes or less per week Here! https://expert-hustler-605.ck.page/6aa7bb9a79

Partner Deals
Indeed → Get a $75 sponsored job credit http://Indeed.com/personalfinance

Wayfair → Up to 60% off | MEMORIAL DAY WAREHOUSE CLEAROUT http://wayfair.com

Chime → Get more rewarding fee-free banking at https://www.chime.com/PFP

Monarch Money → The all-in-one financial tool + Get 50% Off at http://www.monarch.com/PFP

Gelt - Get 10% off your first year by mentioning “Personal Finance Pod” on the intake form; the CTA is to book a free discovery call at joingelt.com

DeleteMe → 20% off with code PFP https://joindeleteme.com/PFP20/

Resource/s
Car Insurance https://secure.money.com/pr/gc43ce394da5

Best HYSA https://secure.money.com/pr/r453ecf4d190

Stock Brokerage Accounts https://secure.money.com/pr/v8d06f8de92c

Best IRAs https://secure.money.com/pr/oe09b73d1952

Episode/s Mentioned
5 Side-Hustles That Can Turn into a Full time Income! https://youtu.be/bEIzgYWLi1I

5 Side Hustles That Can Turn into a Full time Income! Part 2 https://youtu.be/10C4zt9w8NQ

5 Side Hustles That Can Turn into a Full Time Income! (Part 3) https://youtu.be/jEkKQZVYLSg

Watch Next
Why Your Healthcare Costs Keep Rising with Dr. Jordan Grumet https://youtu.be/daPVY9WCCAw

The System to Pay Cash For Cars (and NEVER Have a Payment Again!) https://youtu.be/kgmjjQEN3Xs

Reset Your Money Mindset, Get Out of Debt, Save for a House & Understand Credit Scores (Money Q&A) https://youtu.be/JGoKB92rddo

Are Trump Accounts Worth It? (And What's Actually Better) https://youtu.be/jJKCfTvTm0Q

The Retirement Mistake 80% of Investors Make (with Vanguard's Lead Researcher) https://youtu.be/37zVUL0e2TE

Connect with Andrew
Instagram → https://bit.ly/Skool-Instagram

TikTok → https://bit.ly/Skool-TikTok

Facebook → https://bit.ly/Skool-Facebook

Podcast → https://bit.ly/Skool-Podcast

Youtube → bit.ly/Skool-Youtube

Newsletter → https://bit.ly/Skool-Newsletter

Website →⁠ https://mastermoney.co ⁠

X → ⁠https://x.com/mastermoneyco

LinkedIn →⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-giancola-45027b340 ⁠

Question for you:
Which one of these five would you actually start? Drop it in the comments, and if you have a side hustle you want Andrew to break down on a future episode, name it.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
...more
48min
July 29, 2026Why Your Healthcare Costs Keep Rising with Dr. Jordan Grumet
Healthcare costs have been climbing around 7% a year. Andrew sits down with Doc G (Dr. Jordan Grumet), hospice physician and author of The Healthcare Heist, to break down exactly how a routine ER visit turns into a five-figure bill and where every one of those dollars actually goes.

👉 Join Andrew’s FREE Investing for Beginner’s Masterclass: https://event.webinarjam.com/q05p7/register/0o8z9io?webinar_id=21

What You'll Learn in This Episode
Where your money actually goes on a routine ER visit, line by line

The billing trick hospitals use to make your visit look more complicated than it was

Why insurers quietly stopped fighting big hospital bills, and how that shows up in your premium

The reason your doctor orders tests they already know you do not need

How to audit a medical bill before you pay it, and the mistake that saved one listener $6,000

The HSA strategy that turns saved receipts into tax-free income years later

What to actually budget for health coverage if you retire before 65, plus three lower-cost alternatives most people never hear about

Why the long-term care bill you are afraid of is far less likely than you think, and how to fund it anyway

Start Here
Join the community built to help you master your money, stay accountable, and reach financial freedom.

👉 Try Master Money Academy FREE for 7 days today!https://mastermoney.co/join/
👉 Join Andrew’s FREE Investing for Beginners Masterclass https://event.webinarjam.com/q05p7/register/0o8z9io?webinar_id=21
👉 Join The Master Money Newsletter where you will become smarter with your money in 5 minutes or less per week Here! https://expert-hustler-605.ck.page/6aa7bb9a79

Partner Deals
Indeed → Get a $75 sponsored job credit http://Indeed.com/personalfinance

Wayfair → Up to 60% off | MEMORIAL DAY WAREHOUSE CLEAROUT http://wayfair.com

Policygenius → Free life insurance quote http://policygenius.com

Chime → Get more rewarding fee-free banking at https://www.chime.com/PFP

Monarch Money → The all-in-one financial tool + Get 50% Off at http://www.monarch.com/PFP

Scribe → Sign up for a 30-day risk-free trial ⁠⁠http://www.scribe.how/pfp ⁠

DeleteMe → 20% off with code PFP https://joindeleteme.com/PFP20/

Resource/s
Andrew’s Favorite Brokerage Accounts https://secure.money.com/pr/v8d06f8de92c

Best IRAs https://secure.money.com/lp/iras/lp/best-iras-master-money?pcuid=oe09b73d1952&jump_from_embed=true&wafid=

Book/s Mentioned
The Healthcare Heist by Jordan Grumet https://a.co/d/091yO9cW

The Purpose Code by Jordan Grumet https://a.co/d/0aQIAFvZ

Taking Stock by Jordan Grumet https://a.co/d/03cjorhk

Episode/s Mentioned
How to Figure Out How Much is ENOUGH with Jordan Grumet https://youtu.be/d7nZVBHBtCI

How to Find Your Purpose And Build A Life You Love With Jordan Grumet https://youtu.be/H0KUUmc3B30

How to Negotiate Your Bills (and SAVE 6-Figures!) https://youtu.be/bgIcmuK7FK8

Watch Next
The System to Pay Cash For Cars (and NEVER Have a Payment Again!) https://youtu.be/kgmjjQEN3Xs

Reset Your Money Mindset, Get Out of Debt, Save for a House & Understand Credit Scores (Money Q&A) https://youtu.be/JGoKB92rddo

Are Trump Accounts Worth It? (And What's Actually Better) https://youtu.be/jJKCfTvTm0Q

The Retirement Mistake 80% of Investors Make (with Vanguard's Lead Researcher) https://youtu.be/37zVUL0e2TE

How Much More Expensive Has Life ACTUALLY Become Since 2020? https://youtu.be/_n8qUA3NsoI

Connect with Jordan
Website →⁠ https://jordangrumet.com/

X →⁠ https://x.com/earnaninvest

Facebook →⁠ https://www.facebook.com/earnandinvest

Books →⁠ https://jordangrumet.com/books

Podcast →⁠ https://www.earnandinvest.com/

Spotify →⁠ https://open.spotify.com/show/2CdpAR3sgltBBhDcpWRq0g

Newsletter →⁠ https://jordangrumet.substack.com

LinkedIn →⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-grumet-38a506179/

Connect with Andrew
Instagram → https://bit.ly/Skool-Instagram

TikTok → https://bit.ly/Skool-TikTok

Facebook → https://bit.ly/Skool-Facebook

Podcast → https://bit.ly/Skool-Podcast

Youtube → bit.ly/Skool-Youtube

Newsletter → https://bit.ly/Skool-Newsletter

Website →⁠ https://mastermoney.co ⁠

X → ⁠https://x.com/mastermoneyco

LinkedIn →⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-giancola-45027b340 ⁠

Question for you:
Have you ever caught a mistake on a medical bill or negotiated one down? Drop the number you saved in the comments.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
...more
55min
July 27, 2026The System to Pay Cash For Cars (and NEVER Have a Payment Again!)
The average American spends over $900 a month on car payments for a depreciating asset. Here is how to stop and what to do with that money instead.

👉 Join Andrew’s FREE Investing for Beginner’s Masterclass: https://event.webinarjam.com/q05p7/register/0o8z9io?webinar_id=21

What You'll Learn in This Episode
Why paying cash for cars is not about being cheap but about buying your financial freedom back

The three specific methods Andrew uses to build up enough cash to never finance a car again

The 24/12/10 rule that protects you if you do have to finance and exactly what each number means

Why most people who say they will invest the difference never actually do and what happens to that money instead

How to build a mini portfolio that lets your assets pay for your vehicles instead of your paycheck

When it actually makes sense to keep fixing your current car instead of buying a new one

Q&A: Should a 27-year-old with $100K invested pay down student loans or keep investing?

Start Here
Join the community built to help you master your money, stay accountable, and reach financial freedom.

👉 Try Master Money Academy FREE for 7 days today!https://mastermoney.co/join/
👉 Join Andrew’s FREE Investing for Beginners Masterclass https://event.webinarjam.com/q05p7/register/0o8z9io?webinar_id=21
👉 Join The Master Money Newsletter where you will become smarter with your money in 5 minutes or less per week Here! https://expert-hustler-605.ck.page/6aa7bb9a79

Partner Deals
Indeed → Get a $75 sponsored job credit http://Indeed.com/personalfinance

Wayfair → Up to 60% off | MEMORIAL DAY WAREHOUSE CLEAROUT http://wayfair.com

Policygenius → Free life insurance quote http://policygenius.com

Chime → Get more rewarding fee-free banking at https://www.chime.com/PFP

Monarch Money → The all-in-one financial tool + Get 50% Off at http://www.monarch.com/PFP

Scribe → Sign up for a 30-day risk-free trial ⁠⁠http://www.scribe.how/pfp ⁠

DeleteMe → 20% off with code PFP https://joindeleteme.com/PFP20/

Resource/s Mentioned
Andrew’s Favorite Brokerage Accounts https://secure.money.com/pr/v8d06f8de92c

Best IRAs https://secure.money.com/lp/iras/lp/best-iras-master-money?pcuid=oe09b73d1952&jump_from_embed=true&wafid=

Index Fund and ETF Cheat Sheet https://mastermoneyresources.com/index-fund-cheatsheet

Tool/s Mentioned
Car Buying Calculator https://mastermoney.co/how-much-car-can-you-afford/

Compound Interest Calculator https://expert-hustler-605.kit.com/aefaaad27e

Book/s Mentioned
Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

The CashFlow Quadrant by Robert Kiyosaki

Watch Next
Reset Your Money Mindset, Get Out of Debt, Save for a House & Understand Credit Scores (Money Q&A) https://youtu.be/JGoKB92rddo

Are Trump Accounts Worth It? (And What's Actually Better) https://youtu.be/jJKCfTvTm0Q

The Retirement Mistake 80% of Investors Make (with Vanguard's Lead Researcher) https://youtu.be/37zVUL0e2TE

How Much More Expensive Has Life ACTUALLY Become Since 2020? https://youtu.be/_n8qUA3NsoI

Chasing a Higher Savings Rate, Semi-Retiring in Our 40s & Rebuilding After Bankruptcy (Money Q&A) https://youtu.be/OobdeA8qYbA

Connect with Andrew
Instagram → https://bit.ly/Skool-Instagram

TikTok → https://bit.ly/Skool-TikTok

Facebook → https://bit.ly/Skool-Facebook

Podcast → https://bit.ly/Skool-Podcast

Youtube → bit.ly/Skool-Youtube

Newsletter → https://bit.ly/Skool-Newsletter

Website →⁠ https://mastermoney.co ⁠

X → ⁠https://x.com/mastermoneyco

LinkedIn →⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-giancola-45027b340 ⁠

Question for you:
Are you currently paying off a car loan? Drop it in the comments and tell us what method you are using.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
...more
59min

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How many episodes does The Personal Finance Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 564 episodes available.

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