How to Money

Are you a neat freak, or do you prefer to simply wing it? Here’s a thought exercise: How would you feel if your partner said, “We’re going to The Container Store!”? If you’ve never been before, it’s pretty self-explanatory; basically, a retailer dedicated to organizing everything from Christmas decorations to tools in the garage and shoes in the closet. But last I checked, they didn’t have anything specific to organize your personal finances. That’s why we're lucky enough to be joined by the woman behind The Organized Money, Alaina Fingal. The Organized Money is an incredible resource – it’s a site, a blog, and Alaina creates a ton of videos on YouTube where she has nearly 200,000 subscribers. Her goal is to help folks build wealth by organizing their money. As a certified financial coach and author, Alaina is on a mission to help folks find financial peace by utilizing different systems that work for them. We discuss how Alaina developed her organizational prowess, going with analog strategies to help you stay on target, how her weekly meeting keeps her from busting her budget, organizing your time, and much more during today’s episode.

Want more How To Money in your life? Here are some additional ways to get ahead with your personal finances:

• Knowing your ‘money gear’ is a crucial part of your personal finance journey. Start here.
• Sign up for the weekly HTM newsletter. It’s fun, free, & practical.
• Join a thriving community of fellow money in the HTM Facebook group.
• Find the best credit card for you with our new credit card tool!
• Massively reduce your cell phone bill each month by switching to a discount provider like Mint Mobile.

During this episode we enjoyed a Missile Toad by Ever Grain Brewing – a big thanks to Rhiannah for sending this one our way! And please help us to spread the word by letting friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular listener, and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Help us to change the conversation around personal finance and get more people doing smart things with their money!

Best friends out

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For a year that could be dominated by headlines of derailed trains, wildfires, and global conflicts, we think it’s important to focus on some of the good things that happened this year –and we’re not just talking about The Eras Tour! Not only do we share our financial wins from this year, but a massive number of How To Money listeners have been able to make significant strides with their own money. We love creating this episode, hearing what y’all have been able to accomplish, and sharing it with your fellow listeners. We hope that it’s as inspiring and motivating to y’all as it is to us! Listeners were able to do everything from negotiating hospital bills, to pivoting careers in order to drop commutes, to maxing out IRAs, to buying new homes, to launching new businesses… we could go on. Hopefully we can all learn something from each other today and we’re also hoping that this episode might be the spark for some epic 2024 money wins.

Want more How To Money in your life? Here are some additional ways to get ahead with your personal finances:

• Knowing your ‘money gear’ is a crucial part of your personal finance journey. Start here.
• Sign up for the weekly HTM newsletter. It’s fun, free, & practical.
• Join a thriving community of fellow money in the HTM Facebook group.
• Find the best credit card for you with our new credit card tool!
• Massively reduce your cell phone bill each month by switching to a discount provider like Mint Mobile.

During this episode we enjoyed a Chronic Happiness by Frog Rock Brewery- a big thanks to Joe for sending this one our way! And please help us to spread the word by letting friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular listener, and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Help us to change the conversation around personal finance and get more people doing smart things with their money!

Best friends out!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Time for a Friday Flight- our little sampling of the week’s financial news and what it means for your personal finances. There are a lot of headlines out there, but we boil them down to specific takeaways that will allow you to kick off the weekend informed and help you to get ahead with your money. In this episode we explain some relevant and helpful stories like: a $700 million contract, deadly debt, housing crash hopes, irritating institutional investors, meager housing supply, stock market predictions, the expensive “American Dream”, & entrepreneurship to build wealth.

Want more How To Money in your life? Here are some additional ways to get ahead with your personal finances:

• Knowing your ‘money gear’ is a crucial part of your personal finance journey. Start here.
• Sign up for the weekly HTM newsletter. It’s fun, free, & practical.
• Join a thriving community of fellow money in the HTM Facebook group.
• Find the best credit card for you with our new credit card tool!
• Massively reduce your cell phone bill each month by switching to a discount provider like Mint Mobile.

And please help us to spread the word by letting friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular listener, and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Help us to change the conversation around personal finance and get more people doing smart things with their money. Have an awesome weekend!

Best friends out!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To everyone who has decided to ‘take a break’ from your Zillow or Redfin apps: we applaud you! Whether you did it to cut back on your screen time, or simply because of sheer frustration as you’ve sensed that something was broken in the housing market, home affordability seems to be at all time lows. As you scroll through listings, there's this dark cloud of overwhelm, courtesy of the real estate starship we find ourselves strapped to. And even if prices taper off some- how are folks going to handle their mortgage payments considering where rates are sitting? There are a lot of big unknowns when it comes to the largest financial decision that many of us will make, but luckily, we’re joined by Lance Lambert. Lance is the nation's foremost data journalist and beat reporter in the residential real estate space. He’s been the real estate editor over at Fortune Magazine, and he’s recently launched ResiClub to help folks to stay informed on the US housing market. We discuss why home affordability has deteriorated so quickly, specific cities that will continue to see prices increase, key indicators to help you know where your market is headed, the most important consideration before you buy a home, and much more!

Want more How To Money in your life? Here are some additional ways to get ahead with your personal finances:

• Knowing your ‘money gear’ is a crucial part of your personal finance journey. Start here.
• Sign up for the weekly HTM newsletter. It’s fun, free, & practical.
• Join a thriving community of fellow money in the HTM Facebook group.
• Find the best credit card for you with our new credit card tool!
• Massively reduce your cell phone bill each month by switching to a discount provider like Mint Mobile.

During this episode we enjoyed a Juice Lovers by Other Half Brewing- a big thanks to Jason for sending this one our way! And please help us to spread the word by letting friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular listener, and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Help us to change the conversation around personal finance and get more people doing smart things with their money!

Best friends out!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Let’s dive into the week with some fresh listener questions we have lined up for you! And don't just stand on the sidelines- if you have a question you’d like us to answer, toss your voice memo our way. It only takes about 90 seconds to record and you can find a step by step guide over at HowToMoney.com/ask . Regardless of how random or bizarre you might think it is, we want to hear it!

1 - We’re planning to have a baby! How do we financially prepare and what other advice do you have for us?

2 - Should I sell my home in California and move to Arizona?

3 - How aggressively should I invest within my new daughter’s 529 college savings plan?

4 - My son starts at his first job this weekend –how can I encourage him to invest a portion of his paycheck?

Want more How To Money in your life? Here are some additional ways to get ahead with your personal finances:

• Knowing your ‘money gear’ is a crucial part of your personal finance journey. Start here.
• Sign up for the weekly HTM newsletter. It’s fun, free, & practical.
• Join a thriving community of fellow money in the HTM Facebook group.
• Find the best credit card for you with our new credit card tool!
• Massively reduce your cell phone bill each month by switching to a discount provider like Mint Mobile.

During this episode we enjoyed an Austell La Vista Mexican Lager by Frog Rock Brewery- a big thanks to Joe for sending this one our way! And please help us to spread the word by letting friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular listener, and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Help us to change the conversation around personal finance and get more people doing smart things with their money!

Best friends out!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Time for a Friday Flight- our little sampling of the week’s financial news and what it means for your personal finances. There are a lot of headlines out there, but we boil them down to specific takeaways that will allow you to kick off the weekend informed and help you to get ahead with your money. In this episode we explain some relevant and helpful stories like: Disney+ with ads, affordable Christmas lights, EV apathy, the best time to buy an EV, drill baby drill, green tax credits, penalties on tax estimate shortfalls, at fault inflation, gifting appreciated securities, curated tchotchkes, & financial literacy 101.

Want more How To Money in your life? Here are some additional ways to get ahead with your personal finances:

• Knowing your ‘money gear’ is a crucial part of your personal finance journey. Start here.
• Sign up for the weekly HTM newsletter. It’s fun, free, & practical.
• Join a thriving community of fellow money in the HTM Facebook group.
• Find the best credit card for you with our new credit card tool!
• Massively reduce your cell phone bill each month by switching to a discount provider like Mint Mobile.

And please help us to spread the word by letting friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular listener, and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Help us to change the conversation around personal finance and get more people doing smart things with their money. Have an awesome weekend!

Best friends out!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Don’t believe long-term tax planning is crucial? Here’s a new way to think about it: picture having a slow leak in one of your tires. Well if you just noticed your tire looking a bit flat, then of course head to Costco for some free air, get that tire back up to pressure, and move on with your day – it's a quick and effective short-term solution. But also keep in mind that you’ll have to eventually figure out a permanent solution, whether it’s a plug or a new tire that’ll last you for years. You could keep kicking the can down the road and opt for the quick top-off, but eventually that shortsighted fix will cost you more in wasted time than addressing the problem at hand properly. Similarly, if you’re only looking for ways that you can pay as little tax as possible for this year alone, then you’re missing the forest for the trees. We’re pumped to be talking with our friend Sean Mullaney about minimizing tax liabilities on the podcast today. Sean, a fiduciary financial advisor who writes at FITaxGuy.com, will be delving into both year-end moves and longer-term tax strategies, discussing when he prefers traditional over Roth, upcoming changes to 401k accounts, the best retirement accounts for solopreneurs, and much more!

Want more How To Money in your life? Here are some additional ways to get ahead with your personal finances:

• Knowing your ‘money gear’ is a crucial part of your personal finance journey. Start here.
• Sign up for the weekly HTM newsletter. It’s fun, free, & practical.
• Join a thriving community of fellow money in the HTM Facebook group.
• Find the best credit card for you with our new credit card tool!
• Massively reduce your cell phone bill each month by switching to a discount provider like Mint Mobile.

During this episode we enjoyed a Petit MC by Monday Night Brewing – a big thanks to Ryan for donating this one to the pod! And please help us to spread the word by letting friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular listener, and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Help us to change the conversation around personal finance and get more people doing smart things with their money!

Best friends out!

The discussion is intendedto be for general educational purposes and is not tax, legal, or investment advice for any individual. Joel, Matt, and the How to Money podcast do not endorse Sean Mullaney, Mullaney Financial & Tax, Inc. and their services.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Let’s dive into the week with some fresh listener questions we have lined up for you! And don't just stand on the sidelines- if you have a question you’d like us to answer, toss your voice memo our way. It only takes about 90 seconds to record and you can find a step by step guide over at HowToMoney.com/ask . Regardless of how random or bizarre you might think it is, we want to hear it!

1 - What is the best high yield business account that also pays the highest rate of interest?

2 - How can I use a financial calculator to project my finances if I have a variable income?

3 - As rental property owners, what are your favorite ways to find and screen tenants?

4 - Should I pause my retirement investing in order to more quickly save up a home down payment?

5 - I’m sick of giving folks meaningless stuff around the holidays. Ideas for incorporating nontraditional gifts?

Want more How To Money in your life? Here are some additional ways to get ahead with your personal finances:

• Knowing your ‘money gear’ is a crucial part of your personal finance journey. Start here.
• Sign up for the weekly HTM newsletter. It’s fun, free, & practical.
• Join a thriving community of fellow money in the HTM Facebook group.
• Find the best credit card for you with our new credit card tool!
• Massively reduce your cell phone bill each month by switching to a discount provider like Mint Mobile.

During this episode we enjoyed a Green Flowers by Other Half Brewing- a big thanks to Jason for sending this one our way! And please help us to spread the word by letting friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular listener, and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Help us to change the conversation around personal finance and get more people doing smart things with their money!

Best friends out!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Time for a Friday Flight- our little sampling of the week’s financial news and what it means for your personal finances. There are a lot of headlines out there, but we boil them down to specific takeaways that will allow you to kick off the weekend informed and help you to get ahead with your money. In this episode we explain some relevant and helpful stories like: Spotify wrapped gratitude, good IRS news for gig workers, happiness ain’t cheap, formerly FIRE, bougie babies, fast food inflation, a tipping game plan, avoiding airfare fees, & student loans aren’t a foregone conclusion.

Want more How To Money in your life? Here are some additional ways to get ahead with your personal finances:

• Knowing your ‘money gear’ is a crucial part of your personal finance journey. Start here.
• Sign up for the weekly HTM newsletter. It’s fun, free, & practical.
• Join a thriving community of fellow money in the HTM Facebook group.
• Find the best credit card for you with our new credit card tool!
• Massively reduce your cell phone bill each month by switching to a discount provider like Mint Mobile.

And please help us to spread the word by letting friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular listener, and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Help us to change the conversation around personal finance and get more people doing smart things with their money. Have an awesome weekend!

Best friends out!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we're diving into the dollar-saving-world of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, better known as the FAFSA (which has seen some significant changes this year). Other than the cost of a hospital visit, nothing has skyrocketed in price like college tuition and fees over the past 20 years. You think your house or your new car is crazy expensive? Nope, just wait until your kid starts looking at colleges- that’s when the real sticker shock kicks in! And that’s why we’re excited to be joined by Tina Steele who is known as The FAFSA Guru. Tina is an expert when it comes to financial aid- she has decades of experience whether she was directly working for different public and private universities, leading a statewide initiative in Maine helping disadvantaged students to pursue college, or creating incredibly valuable videos for her YouTube channel. Today we discuss the critical changes to the FAFSA, who those changes helped and who they hurt, costly mistakes that divorced parents make, the best strategy for appealing a financial aid offer, and other tactics for curbing college costs.

Want more How To Money in your life? Here are some additional ways to get ahead with your personal finances:

• Knowing your ‘money gear’ is a crucial part of your personal finance journey. Start here.
• Sign up for the weekly HTM newsletter. It’s fun, free, & practical.
• Join a thriving community of fellow money in the HTM Facebook group.
• Find the best credit card for you with our new credit card tool!
• Massively reduce your cell phone bill each month by switching to a discount provider like Mint Mobile.

During this episode we enjoyed a Blue Crab Special Reserve by Other Half Brewing- a big thanks to Jason for sending this one our way! And please help us to spread the word by letting friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular listener, and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Help us to change the conversation around personal finance and get more people doing smart things with their money!

Best friends out!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.