Money for Life with Eric Roberge, CFP
Money for Life helps high-earning professionals and executives in their 30s and 40s build wealth with intention and clarity. Hosted by Kali and Eric Roberge, CFP®, this podcast shares real-world strategies to reduce lifetime taxes, invest wisely, and make confident money decisions. Hear case studies, expert interviews, and practical Q&As that help you align your finances with the life you want—today and in the future.
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Stop Tax Surprises: 5 Tax-Smart Moves for High Income Earners to Reduce Tax Liability
07/13/2026
Stop Tax Surprises: 5 Tax-Smart Moves for High Income Earners to Reduce Tax Liability
Looking for legal ways to reduce your tax bill before you're caught off guard again next spring? In this classic Money for Life episode, hosts Eric and Kali break down five tax reduction strategies for high earners. These 5 money moves are all designed to lower what you owe the IRS. By being proactive and strategic, you can lower your tax burden and avoid unpleasant surprise tax bills next year We talk through: How to use a securities-backed line of credit against your brokerage or bank account to access cash without triggering capital gains from selling investments How to treat your HSA like a stealth IRA for triple tax-free growth The financial tradeoffs of relocating to a state with no income tax Why tax-loss harvesting is more strategic than the robo-advisor marketing suggests (and where the wash-sale rule trips people up) Why high income earners might want to consider using a backdoor Roth IRA conversion to get money into a Roth despite income limits… plus the pro-rata rule mistake that can quietly create a tax bill (and IRS penalties) down the road This is a rerun of a fan-favorite episode, so as an important note for listeners: some of the figures mentioned are from when this originally aired in 2022. Account limits and specific numbers have been adjusted since then, and some numbers may be different for the 2026 tax year (and beyond). Other than specific IRS limits, the guidelines here are still valid and the strategies are solid for reducing your tax burden with some proactive planning. This is a great mid-year listen if you want to make adjustments before you file again next spring. Ready to create, use, and enjoy money for life? Request a complimentary consultation with us at BYH and discover how to optimize your investments, reduce your tax burden, and grow your wealth:
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Trump Accounts for Kids: What High-Earning Parents Need to Know About Section 530A Accounts
06/29/2026
Trump Accounts for Kids: What High-Earning Parents Need to Know About Section 530A Accounts
Trump accounts for kids (officially called Section 530A accounts) landed on our radar the moment the One Big Beautiful Bill Act introduced them in 2025, complete with a headline-grabbing $1,000 government deposit for eligible children. But is the hype matched by the substance? Should families use these accounts or steer clear? In this episode of Money For Life, we provide our take and break down all the details of how these new kids' retirement accounts work: the $5,000 annual contribution limit, the narrow menu of low-cost U.S. index funds you're allowed to hold, the two custodians (BNY Mellon and Robinhood) to choose between, the lesser-known requirement to file a gift tax return every year you contribute - and more! There are real tradeoffs to consider, so this episode is not about declaring Trump accounts good OR bad. We provide you with a decision-making framework so you can choose what works best for your family. That framework includes considerations like: -- The early-compounding advantage of starting a retirement account at birth instead of waiting for a child's first paycheck -- The lack of investment diversification once your money is locked into U.S.-only funds -- The political durability question in a hyper partisan, extremely polarized environment -- The impact of where you live, based on how states are responding to the introduction of these accounts We also compare Trump accounts head-to-head with 529 plans (including the newer Roth IRA rollover provision), UGMA/UTMA custodial accounts, and a simple joint taxable brokerage account. Finally, we share what we did in our own family, and the single savings account we’d pick if we could only choose to use one for our daughter. If you're a high-earning parent trying to figure out the smartest way to save for your kids, whether that's retirement, college, a future down payment, or just general flexibility, this episode gives you the full framework for deciding where a Trump account fits (or where it doesn't) in your financial plan. Ready to create, use, and enjoy money for life? Request a complimentary consultation with us at BYH and discover how to optimize your investments, reduce your tax burden, and grow your wealth:
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The Inside Track on Becoming a Landlord: Understanding Property Management with Peter Cook
06/15/2026
The Inside Track on Becoming a Landlord: Understanding Property Management with Peter Cook
Want to get rich and earn passive income? Invest in real estate, baby! Only, it’s not that simple, and today’s expert guest has a truly inside track to explain why. Today on the show, Annapolis Property Management founder Peter Cook joins us to explain what high-income earners need to understand before they wade into the waters of real estate investing and rental property management. Peter has spent 25 years in property management, and in this episode, he and Eric dig into a real, unfiltered breakdown of what it means to be a landlord. Not the theoretical version from a book or a podcast that romanticizes rental income as the best way to riches — but the operational reality of tenant screening, rent pricing, vacancy costs, maintenance reserves, and the relationship dynamics that determine whether your investment is a wealth-builder or a financial headache. If you already own a property and you're wondering whether to rent it or sell it (especially if you're moving up to a bigger home but aren't ready to let go of your first place) this conversation is for you. You'll hear: Why your mortgage rate is completely irrelevant to what rent you can charge How to think about vacancy as a true financial cost (not just an inconvenience) The one-year lease rule that protects both landlords and tenants An insider tool almost no one uses: the tenant handbook. Peter also breaks down the specific criteria good property managers use to screen tenants, the math on maintenance reserves, and how to actually find a trustworthy property manager if you're not going to do it yourself. Real estate can absolutely be a strong long-term wealth-building strategy for high earners, but it’s not for everyone and works best when you go in with both eyes wide open to the realities. This episode gives you the financial framework and the practical details to make that call clearly. Peter is the President of Annapolis Property Services. Originally from Wales, Peter moved to Annapolis in 1999 as the General Manager of Sunsail Sailing Vacations. In 2003, after recognizing the need for long-term residential property management in and around the Annapolis area, he founded Annapolis Property Services. Peter is a licensed Real Estate agent, a member of NARPM (National Association of Residential Property Managers) and a graduate of Southampton University. In his spare time he enjoys sailing, Adventure motorcycling, snowboarding and spending time with his family and friends. Resources mentioned: : Directory of vetted property management companies searchable by zip code : National Association of Residential Property Managers Ready to create, use, and enjoy money for life? Request a complimentary consultation with us at BYH and discover how to optimize your investments, reduce your tax burden, and grow your wealth:
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Raising Financially Healthy Kids: How to Help Kids Manage Finances with Productive Money Mindsets
06/01/2026
Raising Financially Healthy Kids: How to Help Kids Manage Finances with Productive Money Mindsets
If you're a high-income earner who grew up with far less than you have today, you’ve probably thought about how much different your own children have it than you did as a kid. Do you ever wonder how to raise money-smart kids that don’t take dollars for granted? Or wish you could talk to someone about how to enjoy all you’ve worked hard to have - without creating a family of spoiled kids who don’t appreciate how good they have it? Today’s conversation is for you. In this episode of Money For Life, we get personal about one of the trickiest challenges facing financially successful families: How do you raise a money-smart kid when your child will never experience the financial struggle that shaped you? We share what they're actually doing with our own 4 year old daughter, from inviting her to help keep the family budget and update it in real time to helping her experiment with how it feels to use her $5 weekly allowance. We also get candid about the subtle ways parents unconsciously pass down money stress, identity, and habits… as well as share some ideas about how to break that cycle. And most importantly, we talk through how raising kids who have a healthy, empowered relationship with money starts with the hardest thing of all: your OWN relationship, habits, and mindsets around your finances and how you manage your money. We’ll also get into: Why saving for college is usually the starting point for families talking about kids and money… but why it shouldn’t be the only financial planning you do for your kids. The specific language trap many parents fall into, and a simple shift that changes everything. What (we think) a $5-a-week allowance (not tied to chores) can teach a four-year-old about spending, saving, and regret. Check back in 20 years to see if it worked. How to have money conversations with your kids without turning them into lectures, and ideas on creating a real life money lab for the best learning experiences. The single most important money belief we each want to pass on to our daughter Ready to create, use, and enjoy money for life? Request a complimentary consultation with us at BYH and discover how to optimize your investments, reduce your tax burden, and grow your wealth:
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Get Your Time Back: How High-Earning Families Can Reclaim Their Time With a House Manager featuring Kelly Hubbell of Sage Haus
05/11/2026
Get Your Time Back: How High-Earning Families Can Reclaim Their Time With a House Manager featuring Kelly Hubbell of Sage Haus
You've optimized your career. You've built the income. You have a wonderful family you love, a home you worked hard for - and a completely unmanageable workload that leaves you with zero time, energy, or mental bandwidth. Sound familiar? For most dual-income households, there's a second full-time job hiding in plain sight outside of a demanding work career that eats up at least 25 hours per week beyond the time you spend in the office. Between all the grocery runs, meal prep, Amazon returns, laundry, school pickups, the random appointment you forgot to reschedule - oh, and coordinating the logistics of all of this day in and day out! - it’s a lot. And it could be causing you to wear thin, not just eroding your free time but also your relationships and peace of mind. Thankfully, there’s a solution. In this episode of Money For Life, Eric talks with Kelly Hubbell, founder of Sage Haus, about a solution most high-earning families don't even know exists: the house manager. This is a versatile, systems-driven person who takes the operational load of your household off your plate so you can actually show up — for your career, your kids, and yourself. Kelly breaks down what a house manager actually does, why the "I can't afford it" objection is the wrong question to ask, how to set up home systems before you hire so the partnership with your house manager actually works, and why this support is far more accessible than most people think. If you've ever said "I just need more hours in the day" — this episode is for you. to see if your family could outsource some of the load to a house manager. And if you’re ready to get support for your own family and learn more about how Kelly can help, she welcomes you to . You can also find Kelly and Sage Haus on Instagram or . Ready to create, use, and enjoy money for life? Request a complimentary consultation with us at BYH and discover how to optimize your investments, reduce your tax burden, and grow your wealth:
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Investing at the End of the World: Dealing with Your Personal Portfolio Amid Geopolitical Tension, Questionable Job Markets, and Ongoing Market Volatility
04/27/2026
Investing at the End of the World: Dealing with Your Personal Portfolio Amid Geopolitical Tension, Questionable Job Markets, and Ongoing Market Volatility
If uncertainty has you feeling anxious and itchy to do something, this episode will show you exactly where to channel that energy — and why the investors who come through periods like this the strongest are the ones who already have a plan in place. The stock market is bouncing around. The headlines are loud. There are literal wars to worry about. So if you've logged into your investment account recently and felt a knot in your stomach, you're not alone. In this episode of Money For Life, we cut through the noise to give you a clear-headed, data-backed look at what market volatility actually means for your financial plan. We’re also sharing what you should (and absolutely should not) do about it. Some of this you probably already know: for investors with a sound long-term plan, the best action is often no action at all. But that doesn't mean sitting helplessly by. You'll learn why true diversification goes far beyond owning the S&P 500, how volatility drag quietly erodes your compounded returns even when your average return looks fine, and why disciplined rebalancing is actually a way of "buying the dip" without ever leaving the market. We’ve also got a compelling case for redirecting your nervous energy: toward Roth conversions, estate planning, cash flow optimization, and other high-impact financial moves that are completely within your control. Here’s what else we have for you in this episode: Why market timing is a losing game every time The real cost of missing the market's best days (and why they cluster right next to the worst days) What "true diversification" actually looks like (get out of here with your 3-index-fund approach or your S&P500 fund!) How volatility drag reduces your long-term wealth even with the same average return Why you should consider increasing contributions during a downturn, not pulling back The high-impact financial planning moves to make right now instead of stressing about your portfolio How clients with financial plans weather market storms vs. those without Don’t miss this resource mentioned: Ready to create, use, and enjoy money for life? Request a complimentary consultation with us at BYH and discover how to optimize your investments, reduce your tax burden, and grow your wealth:
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Angel Investing: How to Bet on the Right Founders, Build Real Wealth, and Vote With Your Dollars with Jess Lynch and FoundersEdge
04/13/2026
Angel Investing: How to Bet on the Right Founders, Build Real Wealth, and Vote With Your Dollars with Jess Lynch and FoundersEdge
How do you start angel investing? Can anyone be an angel investor or is this a world reserved for Silicon Valley insiders and Shark Tank-esque business tycoons? Jess Lynch joins us to explain how $2,500 can be your entry ticket into the world of angel investing - and how to deploy those dollars wisely in a high-risk environment. Join us to get the exact frameworks Jess uses to find, vet, and back the founders most likely to win. In this episode, Eric asks Jess to pull back the curtain on the private markets and how average investors can start exploring opportunities within them. They give clear guidelines that anyone can use to guide decision-making, from how to size your allocation (4–7% of net worth), to why you should plan for at least 20 investments to manage risk, to what Jess calls her "founder index": 60 standardized questions designed to reduce bias and surface the founders most likely to deliver outsized returns. They also tackle one of the most common and emotionally charged situations investors face: what do you do when a friend or family member asks you to back their company? Beyond the mechanics, this episode dives into something rarely discussed in personal finance circles: the societal power of angel investing. Less than 2% of venture capital goes to women-led teams — and the conversation around who gets to make those early funding decisions matters deeply for what ends up getting built. Whether you've been angel investing curious for years or you're hearing this concept seriously for the first time, this episode gives you the map, the math, and the mindset to decide if this asset class belongs in your financial life. Jess Lynch is a forensic accountant turned founder turned investor. Jess recently co-founded a pre-seed VC fund, FoundersEdge, that invests in multi-time founders using AI to transform user experiences, and has built a large network of experienced entrepreneurs to support these new ventures, doing everything she can to help them succeed. You can connect with Jess on LinkedIn at . Learn more about FoundersEdge at Ready to create, use, and enjoy money for life? Request a complimentary consultation with us at BYH and discover how to optimize your investments, reduce your tax burden, and grow your wealth:
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What to Do With Your Money When You Change Jobs
03/30/2026
What to Do With Your Money When You Change Jobs
Most people accept a new job offer thinking about salary and title. What they don't think about: the potential financial gaps that could trip you up in the process of changing jobs or making a career pivot (even if you accepted a job with more starting salary). Eric and Kali break down everything that is likely to shift with your finances when you change jobs. They cover what often goes wrong that most people never consider, including: The tricky tax trap if you put your new 401(k) on autopilot and don’t calculate what you’re actually allowed to contribute for the year - because whatever you put into your old 401(k) before you switched jobs counts toward the max! Why you may have to pay back HSA contributions you already made if you change jobs What to watch out for in ambiguous offer letters that make promises of equity compensation… but don’t actually include real guarantees. How group life insurance through your employer can actually be more expensive than a private term policy once you need significant coverage, not less In this episode, we’re explaining how you can be better prepared to fill all the financial gaps that a career pivot can leave (yes, even when you’re changing jobs for a better-paying position). Instead of just focusing on top-line numbers like base salary, we’re coaching you on how to deal with: Health insurance gaps, COBRA, and how a job change is a qualifying life event you can use strategically The four things you can do with an old 401(k), and why the "right" answer is genuinely different for every person (including some of the decision tree we use to guide our financial planning clients) Why rolling your old 401(k) into an IRA can blow up your backdoor Roth IRA strategy How to read a job offer letter like a financial planner: total comp, bonus probability, equity type, and what's actually negotiable What your real financial runway looks like if there's a gap between jobs, and how to calculate it KEY TAKEAWAYS Changing jobs can create financial planning gaps - but you can cover them if you know where to look. When you change jobs, you need to consider how your health insurance will change, if you have sufficient life and disability insurance, what kind of runway you have if you’re looking to take a break between jobs (or if you experienced a layoff), and what to do with things like old 401(k) plans or HSAs. A job change is a qualifying life event for health insurance changes. If you change jobs, or lose your current job, you have 30 days to elect new coverage. While many people think of COBRA when laid off, don’t forget to consider switching to a spouse or partner’s plan. When changing jobs, always compare the new employer’s benefits to your spouse’s so you can choose which option is best for your household. Look at the full value of the compensation package if offered a new job. Salary is just the starting point. Bonus probability, benefits costs, and equity type all affect your real take-home pay. Read the benefits guide before you accept the offer, not after. Most people don't ask for it upfront, but it's fair game to request. Knowing what you're gaining and losing on insurance, retirement matching, and other perks before you sign gives you information, and possibly leverage in negotiations. Group life insurance isn't always the deal people assume it is. Once you add supplemental coverage to get to a meaningful benefit level, group premiums can actually cost more than a private level-term policy. Plus, group policies often don't travel with you, can be more expensive than private coverage at higher benefit levels, and may lack important riders like cost-of-living adjustments. Take the free base coverage from an employer when offered, but then consider getting private term life and private long-term disability insurance so you’re protected regardless of who employs you or what their benefits package looks like. Be very careful with new 401(k) plans when setting up withholding amounts when you change jobs midyear. Your new employer's 401(k) has no idea what you already contributed this year. The IRS limit is per person, not per plan… and you're the only one tracking that when you switch jobs. Blow past the limit mid-year job change and you're looking at a paperwork headache to reverse it. Know the rules around HSAs, too Your HSA is more flexible than your 401(k), but mid-year plan changes can create tricky contribution rules. If you switch to or from a high-deductible plan, know the rules before you max out. Don’t just leave your old 401(k) behind You have four options for an old 401(k): leave it, cash it out (usually a bad idea), roll it into your new employer's plan, or roll it into an IRA. The right answer depends on investment options, costs, and whether you use a backdoor Roth IRA strategy. Cash reserves are your runway. A 6+ month emergency fund gives you the breathing room to make a career transition on your own terms — or weather an unexpected layoff without tapping your retirement accounts. FINANCIAL PLANNING FOR A JOB CHANGE FAQs Q: I'm changing jobs and my new employer also offers a high-deductible health plan with an HSA. Can I just keep maxing out my HSA like normal? A: Maybe; the timing really matters. If you were on a high-deductible plan, maxed your HSA, and then switched to a non-high-deductible plan mid-year, you might actually have to pull some of those contributions back. On the flip side, if you gained a high-deductible plan mid-year, you could still max out the full year. Q: My new offer looks like it pays more. How do I know if it actually does? A: Remember that salary is just one line item in your total comp. Think of it like a business… everyone talks about revenue, but what actually matters is your profit. To figure that out, you have to consider expenses too. When applied to a job, that means you need to look at the value of the total benefits package, and what accessing certain policies might cost you (especially relative to what you currently pay). Health insurance premiums might be higher at the new company. The bonus might be bigger on paper but have a much lower chance of actually paying out. And if you have unvested equity at your current job, you're walking away from real money. Run the full math on take-home pay before you assume the new offer is actually better. Q: Is my offer letter a guarantee of equity compensation? A: Equity comp is certainly part of your total compensation package and should be factored into a calculation on the total value of your overall pay. But that assumes you are actually being offered literal equity versus something like a shot at future shares. Always ask for the actual grant agreement and equity incentive plan documents before you sign anything. If it's written as a recommendation rather than a guarantee, treat it as zero until it's locked in writing. Q: I already maxed out my 401(k) at my old job this year. Can I still contribute to my new employer's plan? A: Nothing says you can’t contribute to multiple 401(k) plans in a year. But the IRS contribution limit is per person, not per plan. This one catches a lot of people off guard. Your new employer's 401(k) has no idea what you contributed at your last job. If you change jobs midyear, opt into the new job’s plan, and don’t calculate how much you can actually contribute without going over the limit from your old plan AND the new one, you could blow past what the IRS allows. This is a massive headache to undo later; you'll have to file paperwork to reverse the excess, calculate gains on that money, and remove those too. Q: Should I roll my old 401(k) into an IRA or my new employer's plan? A: It depends — and anyone who gives you a blanket answer either way is oversimplifying. Leaving a plan with an old employer is almost always the wrong answer, as is cashing out the 401(k). So that leaves you with two reasonable choices: roll the old 401(k) into your new employer’s plan, or roll it into an IRA. The big factors to look at when deciding: How good are the investment options in the new plan? What are the fees? Do you use a backdoor Roth IRA strategy? If you do, rolling old 401(k) money into a traditional IRA can prevent you from executing on that in the future. That’s a big argument for rolling funds to a new 401(k) versus an IRA. But if the new 401(k0 plan has limited choices or high costs, it might still make sense to use an IRA. Among our clients, we see a pretty even split of people who are better served rolling an old 401(k) into an IRA and those who should roll an old plan into a new 401(k). Q: Is group life insurance through my employer actually a good deal? A: Not always. Once you start layering in supplemental coverage to get to the benefit level you actually need (our rule of thumb is about 10x salary), group premiums can actually be more expensive than a private level-term policy. Group rates also tend to go up as you age. A private term policy locks in your rate for the full term. Our typical approach: take the free base coverage your employer offers, then fill the gap with a private policy. Q: What happens to my disability insurance when I change jobs? A: It depends on the plan. Some group disability policies are portable, meaning you can take the coverage with you. But you'll pay the full premium yourself. Others don't transfer at all. And beyond portability, a lot of group plans are missing key features: cost-of-living adjustments (a big deal if you're decades from retirement and a fixed benefit gets eaten by inflation), own-occupation definitions, and partial disability provisions. Private disability insurance isn't cheap, but the gaps in most group plans are real enough that having some private coverage is worth it, especially because it travels with you no matter where you work. Q: How much cash do I actually need before making a career change? A: The general rule of thumb is six months of essential expenses in liquid savings — and that's for a planned move where you control the timing. If a layoff is on the table, know your exact runway: liquid savings divided by your monthly must-pays. The thing you really want to avoid is having to dip into your 401(k) to cover bills, which triggers taxes and a 10% early withdrawal penalty. Two things that can reduce how much cash you actually need: a severance package in your contract and a sign-on bonus at the new company. Factor those in before panicking about your savings balance. Ready to create, use, and enjoy money for life? Request a complimentary consultation with us at BYH and discover how to optimize your investments, reduce your tax burden, and grow your wealth:
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Proactively Improving Your Health and Wealth: Creating Longevity in Your Life with Lyv Health's Andrea Corleto and Jenn Arnold
03/09/2026
Proactively Improving Your Health and Wealth: Creating Longevity in Your Life with Lyv Health's Andrea Corleto and Jenn Arnold
Andrea Corleto and Jenn Arnold, the co-founders of Lyv Health, sit down with Kali to explore the powerful parallels between financial planning and healthcare that supports longevity and sustainability. Andrea and Jenn share their personal and professional journeys that led them to create Lyv Health, including the financial challenges and opportunities they faced along their routes to entrepreneurship. Lyv Health is company focused on women's longevity and preventative medicine through data-driven diagnostics paired with personalized consultations. The conversation today digs into: Why women spend 25% more time in poor health due to preventable conditions like osteoporosis, dementia, and metabolic issues, yet longevity resources have historically been designed for men The financial and personal preparations these founders made before launching their startup The importance of investing in your health in your 40s and 50s How small, consistent actions compound over time Whether you're thinking about your long-term health strategy, considering entrepreneurship, or simply want to be more proactive about your wellbeing, this episode offers valuable insights into taking control of both your health and financial future. SPECIAL OFFER FOR MONEY FOR LIFE LISTENERS: If you’re interested in exploring Lyv Health, Andrea and Jenn are offering promo code MONEY for 25% off a Lyv Health membership at (Nope, no kickbacks for us at the show - we are not affiliates or partners. As an RIA, the only way we ever get paid is directly from our own financial planning clients.) KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Women's health has been historically overlooked, but companies like Lyv are working for change: Women were only recently included in clinical trials, and most longevity resources have been designed for men, despite women spending 25% more time in poor health due to preventable conditions. 2. Prevention compounds in all areas of life - from health to wealth: Just as financial planning pays off decades later, investing in your health in your 40s and 50s through biomarker testing and lifestyle changes can dramatically improve your quality of life in your 60s, 70s, and beyond. 3. Small, consistent actions matter: You don't need to overhaul your entire life. Simple, sustainable changes to sleep, nutrition, movement, and stress management can make a meaningful difference over time. 4. Context matters more than one-size-fits-all solutions: Whether it's hormone therapy or financial planning, personalized guidance based on your unique data and circumstances is far more effective than generic advice. 5. Financial preparation enables entrepreneurial risk: Both founders emphasized the importance of having financial buffers, reducing expenses, and planning ahead before taking the leap into entrepreneurship. Resources: - use code MONEY for 25% off Ready to create, use, and enjoy money for life? Request a complimentary consultation with us at BYH and discover how to optimize your investments, reduce your tax burden, and grow your wealth:
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The 5 Most Underrated Financial Strategies That Create Meaningful Change with Your Money
02/23/2026
The 5 Most Underrated Financial Strategies That Create Meaningful Change with Your Money
Think there's a secret financial strategy only the ultra-wealthy know about? It might not be that deep. In this episode, Kali and Eric break down why the best path to financial success isn't complicated. The truth is, it's just simple strategies done consistently. If there’s any trick, it’s this: simple doesn’t mean easy, and the reason more people aren’t rich is because it’s incredibly hard to actually execute these habits, frameworks, and systems year after year after year. But if you want to make a meaningful impact to your finances, then you don’t want to miss these five underrated approaches that actually move the needle when it comes to growing your net worth. Today, get our strategies for mastering the skill of intentional spending, understanding the power of your savings rate, automating your financial life, tracking your money without judgment, and learning from financial history. If you've been searching for complex solutions to your money challenges, this episode will remind you that the fundamentals work, as long as you’re willing to commit to them. KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Make sure your spending is reasonable. The 50/25/25 spending framework we share in this episode is a great starting point to check in and confirm your spending is reasonable for your income. For high earners ($250K-$750K household income), aim to spend 50% of gross income, pay 25% in taxes, and save 25% for long-term goals. 2. Spending money well is skill, and like any skill, you can improve it! It's not about spending less, necessarily. it's about spending better and aligning your expenses with your actual values and priorities. 3. Your savings rate matters more than investment returns. Consistently saving 20-25% of your income has a bigger impact on wealth building than chasing market-beating returns. 4. Automation eliminates decision fatigue. Set up automatic transfers and payments so your financial plan runs in the background without constant willpower. You don’t have to white-knuckle your way through your money management! But you do need repeatable, reliable systems and processes to take some of the effort out of ongoing financial planning. 5. Track how you use your money without shame. Understanding where your money goes is just information—approach it with curiosity, not judgment, and use it to make better decisions. Ready to create, use, and enjoy money for life? Request a complimentary consultation with us at BYH and discover how to optimize your investments, reduce your tax burden, and grow your wealth:
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Get More College Financial Aid: How to Maximize Scholarships and Minimize Costs with Jack Wang
02/09/2026
Get More College Financial Aid: How to Maximize Scholarships and Minimize Costs with Jack Wang
Join us as we dive deep into college planning, including how to pick your perfect college, reduce how much it costs, and maximize the financial aid available to you with college planning expert Jack Wang. Uncover the insider strategies that can dramatically reduce what you pay for your child's college education with Jack’s unique insights from his meetings with college admissions and financial aid directors across the country. Jack explains how and why every institution approaches aid differently -- and how knowing that can help your family gain more leverage over the college selection and funding process. In this episode, Eric and Jack walk you through: The importance of starting college planning in freshman year of high school (not junior year!), as starting sooner can open up significantly more financial opportunities The critical difference between maximizing aid and optimizing how you pay for college Why flexible savings strategies often outperform traditional 529 plans Jack also shares advanced tax strategies including leveraging appreciated stock, accessing the American Opportunity Tax Credit, and why aligning your child's extracurriculars with their intended major matters more than you think. Whether you're a high-income earner wondering if you'll qualify for any aid at all, or a parent just beginning to think about college costs, this episode provides actionable strategies to help you play the college financial aid game and come out on top. KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Start planning for college financial aid earlier than you think: Begin college financial planning by freshman year of high school to maximize aid opportunities, not junior or senior year when most families think they should start touring schools or looking into scholarships and aid options. Remember that college choice has big implications in this process, too! 2. Know that every college handles aid differently: There's no universal formula that all universities follow. Each institution has its own approach to financial aid and scholarships based on their values and objectives. Families and students should seek to understand the approach to aid and scholarships of the particular schools they are considering. 3. Keep college savings dollars flexible: While 529 plans are designed for college savings and do offer tax benefits, you probably want to avoid locking all the funds you’re setting aside for college costs into 529 plans. Having flexibility in non-college-specific accounts can actually help you qualify for more aid without penalties. 4. There are two distinct, and critical, questions for parents and students to answer when it comes to planning for college costs. As part of your planning strategy, you’ll want to understand: How to maximize aid to bring down costs What's the best way to actually pay for college (including advanced tax strategies) College planning is like buying a car, in that there are different pieces of the puzzle to navigate and the order in which you do that matters. First, you’ll want to negotiate the best price (maximize aid). That will help you then determine the optimal payment method. 5. Align your child’s extracurriculars with their intended major if you can: For top-tier schools, your child's activities should demonstrate genuine interest in their planned field of study, starting as early as middle school. 6. Advanced strategies exist for high earners: Even families with significant income can reduce college costs through strategic use of appreciated stock, timing, and tax credit optimization. Ready to create, use, and enjoy money for life? Request a complimentary consultation with us at BYH and discover how to optimize your investments, reduce your tax burden, and grow your wealth:
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Steal This Financial Order of Operations: A Financial Planner's Cash Flow Operating System
01/26/2026
Steal This Financial Order of Operations: A Financial Planner's Cash Flow Operating System
Pull back the curtain on a financial advisor’s personal quarterly financial planning process. In this episode, Eric and Kali share the exact order of operations they use to manage their own money and how that translates to the advice they give their wealth management clients. This is a proven process to steal and use for yourself if you want a systematic way to stay on track with both short-term spending and long-term wealth building. Tune in and discover: How everything stems from what your savings rate looks like, and why it’s a non-negotiable (this is how you put that advice to “pay yourself first” into action) How they structure their quarterly money meetings together Strategies to help you balance competing financial priorities, avoid lifestyle inflation, and create “healthy friction” that keeps you motivated without feeling deprived Whether you’re managing RSU vesting schedules, quarterly bonuses, or a regular paycheck, this practical framework will help you make intentional choices with your cash flow and feel confident about your financial decisions. KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Save first, spend second: Prioritize how much you contribute to long-term growth assets (like your investment portfolio within your retirement accounts and taxable investment accounts you commit to letting grow over time) before anything else to ensure long-term goals don’t get shortchanged by present-day lifestyle spending 2. Use percentage-based savings, not dollar amounts: Keeping your savings rate as a percentage of income keeps everything relative. It allows your savings rate to reasonably fluctuate based on what you actually earn, so you’re always saving what you should to stay on track to the financial success you want to realize in the future. 3. The order in which you deploy your dollars matters! Don’t spend first and hope you have enough left over to save later. Here’s the order of operations we use, as professional financial planners, with our own personal finances: Understand gross income for the quarter (you might want to do this monthly, depending on how you get paid) Contribute to long-term investments (at least 25% of income) Account for taxes owed and set aside into savings fund dedicated to tax bill (due via quarterly estimates and annual filing) Pay fixed expenses Allocate money toward variable needs-based spending Fund short-term goals and pending needs Whatever is left over, spend freely and with zero guilt on discretionary wants 4, Set aside non-monthly expenses proactively: Move money into separate accounts or track it in a spreadsheet so annual bills don’t disrupt your monthly cash flow. We like to keep this money slightly hidden away, in a separate account (and sometimes even a separate bank!) to reduce any temptation to pull from these funds for something other than its stated purpose. 5. Put choice spending at the end of your planning process not the beginning: This creates “healthy friction” that motivates you to examine your regular spending when discretionary funds fall short – versus ignoring the problem and continuing to spend even if you don’t have money “left over” to save. 6. Choose the meeting timing that makes sense for you: Align your financial planning meetings with how you actually receive income (bonuses, RSUs, distributions, etc). Ready to create, use, and enjoy money for life? Request a complimentary consultation with us at BYH and discover how to optimize your investments, reduce your tax burden, and grow your wealth:
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When Estate Planning Goes Wrong - and How You Can Get It Right with Estate Planning Attorney Michael Broderick
01/12/2026
When Estate Planning Goes Wrong - and How You Can Get It Right with Estate Planning Attorney Michael Broderick
Estate planning isn't just for the ultra-wealthy or elderly or “other people who need it but not me.” It's a critical financial planning step for anyone who is trying to build their wealth who also wants to protect their loved ones - particularly children who are minors. Eric Roberge, CFP sits down with estate planning attorney Michael Broderick to demystify the estate planning process and reveal what mid-career professionals really need to know about having an estate plan, including: The biggest misconception people have about estate planning Why this kind of protection planning so important within the framework of an overall financial plan What goes wrong when you DON’T have an estate plan in place What actually makes up an estate plan for someone in their 30s and 40s How to determine when you need an attorney (and when you don’t) The challenges with online estate planning services and make-a-will websites Eric and Michael also look at the unique considerations for younger clients with young families, including how to deal with digital assets like cryptocurrencies, online banking, social media, digital photos, and credit card points. Michael breaks down the common misconceptions about estate plans, explaining why they're not just about "who gets what" but rather a comprehensive set of decisions about guardianship, financial management, and healthcare. He shares practical insights on choosing guardians and trustees for minor children, the difference between joint and individual trusts, and why coordinating your estate plan with your actual assets is absolutely critical. You'll also learn about the pitfalls of online estate planning services, when to have important conversations with both your children and aging parents, and the one thing everyone should do right now (even without a formal estate plan!) to protect their loved ones. Whether you're just starting to think about estate planning or looking to update an existing plan, this conversation provides the clarity and actionable guidance you need to move forward with confidence. KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Estate planning is for everyone You don't need millions or a countryside manor to need an estate plan. An estate is simply your bundle of decisions about care, custody, and assets. Everyone has decisions to make around these components of your financial and family life. 2. Guardianship requires careful thought Choosing who will raise your minor children if something happens to you is often the most difficult estate planning decision. Consider separating the guardian role (physical custody) from the trustee role (financial management) if different people are better suited for each. 3. Documents alone aren't enough The real value of estate planning isn't the documents themselves. It's the planning process that coordinates your documents with your actual assets. Without proper coordination, your estate plan may fail to accomplish your goals. 4. Avoid online shortcuts While online estate planning services may seem cost-effective, they typically lack the critical planning component that ensures your documents align with your real-life assets, accounts, and family situation. 5. Fund your trust properly! One of the most common estate planning failures is creating a trust but never retitling assets into it or updating beneficiary designations. This simple oversight can derail your entire plan. 6. Update beneficiary designations periodically Even without a formal estate plan, keeping beneficiary designations current on retirement accounts, life insurance, and brokerage accounts can help 95% of your assets transfer smoothly outside of probate. 7. Have estate planning conversations early Talk with nominated guardians and trustees about your expectations before a crisis occurs. Also, encourage aging parents to complete basic documents like healthcare proxies and powers of attorney to avoid court-appointed guardianships or conservatorships. Ready to create, use, and enjoy money for life? Request a complimentary consultation with us at BYH and discover how to optimize your investments, reduce your tax burden, and grow your wealth:
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Are Your Investing Expectations Aligned with Reality? What Good Investing Actually Looks Like
12/29/2025
Are Your Investing Expectations Aligned with Reality? What Good Investing Actually Looks Like
There’s often a big disconnect between what investors expect from the market… and the reality of what good, long-term, properly risk-adjusted investing looks and feels like. Today, we’re tackling that divide to bridge the gap. This conversation provides the education and insights you need to set reasonable expectations and start making better investment decisions. Expect to hear: Why chasing returns often backfires for average investors How volatility is a normal part of a healthy market What you should actually expect things to look and feel like when your sound investment strategy is working as it should We also discuss different investment approaches, from technical analysis to Warren Buffett's fundamental strategy, before digging into why most people can't (and shouldn't) use these methods with their personal savings. And as always, we go beyond just the numbers and the financial details to look at the emotional challenges investors face during market downturns and share insights on building a resilient, goal-based investment strategy that can weather the inevitable storms ahead. KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Volatility is normal, and you should expect it A healthy market goes up, down, and sideways. The expectation that portfolios should only go up is unrealistic, and can lead to poor decision making when you find reality doesn’t align with this misplaced assumption. 2. Chasing returns usually puts you behind, not ahead When you see big returns somewhere in the market and scramble to change your portfolio to try and get a piece of the action, you're often too late. You’re making this decision based on hindsight, rather than understanding markets are forward looking. What goes up does not necessarily always goes up (and randomly picking specific stocks or assets can create more trouble than its worth it if means over-concentration and more volatility within your portfolio). 3. How to know you’re “doing investing right”? It feels boring If your investment strategy is appropriate for your personal situation, it’s probably going to feel slow and boring. If you need thrills and excitement, your portfolio is not the place to seek that out. 4. Different strategies exist for different purposes Technical analysis, fundamental analysis, and indexing all have their place, but professional fund managers have different risk capacities than individuals investing their own nest eggs. 5. Your time horizon matters more than market timing Long-term investing means decades, not weeks or months. Success is measured by whether you achieve your financial goals, not by beating your neighbor's returns. 6. Prepare for emotional challenges ahead Investing is hard. Doing it for the long-term is even more so. The next prolonged market downturn, which we haven’t seen in nearly two decades, will test investors' resolve. Having a sound strategy in place before emotions take over is crucial for staying the course. Ready to create, use, and enjoy money for life? Request a complimentary consultation with us at BYH and discover how to optimize your investments, reduce your tax burden, and grow your wealth:
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5 Money Questions You're Not Asking (But Should Be)
12/15/2025
5 Money Questions You're Not Asking (But Should Be)
What's your first money memory? How much are you ACTUALLY saving each year? Where do you have a hard time using your money? These kinds of financial questions rarely come up in conversation, but they are critical to ask, consider, and consider what your answers mean for your money. Discover how your earliest money memories (often from ages 3-7) are still running your financial decision-making today, why most people can't answer how much they're really saving, and how to build a money management system that works with your emotions instead of against them. Eric and Kali also share their own money memories and reveal what percentage of their income they save each year. Whether you're struggling to spend, save, invest, or give, this episode will help you uncover the hidden beliefs and patterns influencing your financial life—and give you the clarity to make better decisions aligned with what truly matters to you. KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Early experiences around money shape your financial behavior throughout your life. Most people's money beliefs are formed between ages 3-7 and continue to unconsciously drive financial decisions decades later. Asking about your first money memory is a starting point to uncovering some deeper drivers that may influence the decisions you make without you realizing. It’s not about judging these memories or trying to change them. It’s simply about bringing awareness to them, so you can be more intentional (versus reactive or reflexive) with your choices moving forward. 2. Track your savings rate, not just dollars saved. A lot of people ask “how much should I save?” Very few people know precisely how much they save every year and an even smaller amount calibrate that number to their income. By setting your target as a percentage of income versus dollar amount, you can keep your long-term goals on track and always relative to the money you made in a particular year. 3. Focus on what you can control. Your savings rate is within your control; market returns are not. Consistent savers outperform those chasing investment "moonshots" 4. Build an intentional money management system. Create objective processes and structures first, then layer in emotions as choices rather than letting emotions lead your decisions. We can’t let spreadsheet math dominate the decision-making, but we do need to get grounded in financial reality first. Having solid frameworks can help you play and provide room for error without derailing your entire plan. 5. The signal will always be subjective. It’s good advice to “find the signal in the noise,” but the challenge is there are many valid signals. Which one to tune into? To determine the frequency that’s best for you, start by defining your values and priorities. That will help you narrow down the potential options to ones that actually align with what you’re trying to accomplish. Ready to create, use, and enjoy money for life? Request a complimentary consultation with us at BYH and discover how to optimize your investments, reduce your tax burden, and grow your wealth:
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How to Navigate Current Economic Conditions: Managing Your Money Well Through Uncertain Times
12/01/2025
How to Navigate Current Economic Conditions: Managing Your Money Well Through Uncertain Times
Whether you're worried about losing your job, concerned about your investments, or just feeling uncertain about the economy, this episode gives you a clear action plan to turn anxiety into productive financial decisions. “How do I navigate the current economic uncertainty?” This was the most-requested topic at a recent conference we attended. If you’re wondering the same, you’re clearly not alone. Instead of worrying, get a strategy in place so you know you can ride out any uncertain times that may lie ahead. We’re explaining what recessions actually are (versus what people often assume they are), why they're a normal part of economic cycles, and most importantly, how to protect your finances without making emotional decisions you'll regret. You'll learn why the stock market and recessions don't move in sync the way you'd expect, the critical difference between managing your long-term investments versus short-term cash flow, and practical steps to recession-proof your finances: from building the right emergency fund to knowing when (and when not) to adjust your spending. We talk through: What defines a recession (and why it takes 6+ months to officially call one) Why you shouldn't change your long-term investment strategy during market downturns The truth about "buying the dip" and dollar-cost averaging How much emergency savings you really need during uncertain times Why it’s helpful to create a bare-bones budget for worst-case scenarios When to pause big financial decisions versus when to move forward Visit to request a free one-page financial plan and explore working with us. KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Recessions are normal part of market cycles (not signs of the end times). We can't predict their exact timing or triggers, but we do know to expect recessions to happen periodically. 2. Market corrections are not the same as recessions. The stock market often declines before a recession is announced and recovers before it officially ends. Making investment changes based on recession fears typically backfires. 3. Separate long-term planning from short-term cash flow. Your retirement accounts and your monthly budget require different strategies during uncertain times. 4. If you have a plan, stick to it. If your investment strategy was designed to weather market cycles, don't abandon it when emotions run high. If you don't have a plan, get one before making reactive decisions. 5. Keep contributing to retirement accounts. Dollar-cost averaging during downturns means you're buying more shares at lower prices, which benefits you when markets recover. 6. If you’re worried about economic uncertainty, build (or boost) your emergency fund. Having 3-6 months of expenses in cash provides peace of mind. The best action you can take if you’re worried about your finances is to proactively increase your cash cushion. 7. And be strategic about big financial decisions. Another proactive step to take is to think long and hard about any pending financial decision (particularly one that will lock in something you can’t easily reverse, put a big fixed cost in your cash flow, or both). You don't have to pause your entire life, but be mindful about major expenditures or income changes during uncertain periods. 8. Time in the market beats timing the market. Staying invested through ups and downs has historically outperformed trying to predict the perfect moments to buy and sell. Having objective guidance can help you stick to a sound strategy, too. Working with a financial advisor helps you see blind spots and make decisions based on your specific situation, not fear or media hype. Ready to create, use, and enjoy money for life? Request a complimentary consultation with us at BYH and discover how to optimize your investments, reduce your tax burden, and grow your wealth:
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Using Money to Buy Back Time: Smart Strategies for Outsourcing Across Your Life
11/17/2025
Using Money to Buy Back Time: Smart Strategies for Outsourcing Across Your Life
Are you constantly running on empty, juggling work, family, and endless household tasks? Then you may need to take advantage of an often-underutilized strategy for high-earning professionals: use your money to buy back your time. No, you should NOT do everything yourself, and we don’t believe outsourcing is some kind of sign of moral failing or judgment on your inability to successfully manage things on your own. The truth is, using your money to buy back time is a strategic investment in what matters most. Discover how to create a "shed column" to identify which tasks are draining your time and energy, calculate the ROI of outsourcing using your hourly rate, and overcome the guilt many feel about asking for help. Throughout this episode, we share personal examples of how we’ve done this in our own life, including the biggest investment in ourselves and our time that we’ve made to date: hiring a house manager. We also explain the surprising benefits that you may not think of when trying to calculate ROI, like less stress in our relationship and modeling healthy boundaries for our daughter. Whether you're drowning in meal planning, house cleaning, or endless errands, this episode provides a practical framework for evaluating what to outsource first and how to make it work within your budget. Learn why investing in time (not just accumulating wealth on paper) might be the most valuable financial decision you can make, especially during your peak earning years when time with young children is most precious. KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Start with your values, not your budget: Before deciding what to outsource, identify what matters most to you emotionally and practically. We didn’t hire a nanny because spending time with our daughter was a top priority, but we DID outsource household tasks like cleaning, meal prep, and errands to create more family time. 2. Use the "shed column" strategy to prioritize: Create a list of everything you currently do, then move tasks you hate or shouldn't be doing into a "shed column." Prioritize outsourcing based on two factors: what's cheapest to delegate and what you despise doing most. This list can even become a job posting for a house manager or part-time assistant. 3. Think of outsourcing as leverage, not just spending: If your hourly rate is $300 and you pay someone $100 to handle household tasks, you're gaining an hour of higher-value time back. Even if you're not using that time to work more, you're investing in experiences and relationships, which has immeasurable value. 4. Don’t assume there’s no one to help you with your “shed” tasks. There are many people who enjoy this work and have the availability for part-time hours. 5. The mental load relief is as valuable as the time itself: Beyond the hours saved, outsourcing eliminates the cognitive burden of managing endless details—like creating grocery lists, tracking household supplies, or coordinating schedules. This mental space allows you to be more present with family and more effective at work. 6. Outsourcing reduces household tension and models healthy boundaries: When you're not constantly overwhelmed, you're less snippy with your partner and can enjoy quality time together. Your children also learn that it's okay to ask for help and create life balance, rather than viewing the "rat race" as inevitable. 7. The opportunity cost is real during peak earning years: The years when you need to be most present at work (peak earning years) often coincide with when your kids are young and need you most. Using money to outsource everything else during this critical window lets you focus on what truly can't be delegated—building your career and your relationship with your children. Ready to create, use, and enjoy money for life? Request a complimentary consultation with us at BYH and discover how to optimize your investments, reduce your tax burden, and grow your wealth:
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Understanding Long Term Investing: What It Actually Means and Requires to Work for You
11/03/2025
Understanding Long Term Investing: What It Actually Means and Requires to Work for You
Everyone says "invest for the long term" and "stay the course"—but what does that actually mean? When the market drops 12% within a few weeks, is your 10-year timeline really "long-term enough"? In this episode, Eric and Kali cut through the vague advice and give you specific numbers: how many years you actually need, what returns to expect, and why being a long-term investor is one of the hardest things you'll do with your money. Through real market data spanning 30 years, plus examples from the tariff-induced volatility of 2025, Eric and Kali explain why staying invested through full market cycles (which will cover both highs and lows) is hard but necessary—and how to actually do it without losing your mind. Whether you're just starting to invest or wondering if you should wait for the "right time" to put cash to work, this episode gives you the framework to build a portfolio that works with and through market cycles, rather than trying to chase the impossible goal of beating them. KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. When you talk about long-term investing, you need to think in decades rather than years. Although something like 5 years can feel like a considerable amount of time, it’s quite quick in the investment world. We often tell clients that money they invest should be committed to the market for at least 10 years, and ideally, much longer. The longer your time horizon, the more confident you can feel about your ability to ride out market volatility and normal market movements (which can include downturns). 2. Cash drag will cost you. You cannot leave excess cash sitting on the sidelines because it will lose purchasing power over the decades thanks to inflation. While all investing carries risk, so does failing to participate in the markets at all. 3. Your investment portfolio will not make up for a poor savings habit. You can’t rely on investment returns to make up for a lack of saving. Success comes from successfully doing the little things, the average thing, over an un-average amount of time. Consistency over 30 years is the real wealth builder. 4. Don't check your portfolio obsessively. Monthly or daily checking amplifies emotional reactions; annual check-ins help maintain perspective. 5. Get a plan before chaos hits. It's nearly impossible to stay calm during the biggest market downturns without a strategy already in place… especially because those dips and volatility often. 6. Lump sum beats dollar-cost averaging 60%+ of the time. If you have cash to invest, data shows getting it in the market immediately usually outperforms waiting. 7. Staying in the market outperforms market timing and sitting in cash. The numbers paint a clear picture: investors who try to jump in and out of the market end up missing the best days. Even if they also miss some of the worst, failing to experience the peaks is more costly than dodging some of the downturn. Ready to create, use, and enjoy money for life? Request a complimentary consultation with us at BYH and discover how to optimize your investments, reduce your tax burden, and grow your wealth:
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Should You Buy a Car Now?
10/20/2025
Should You Buy a Car Now?
Thinking about buying a car? “Should I buy a car now, or wait?” has been an extremely popular question among our financial planning clients this year. So today, we’re discussing the reality of car prices in 2025, how we think prices are likely to evolve (or not) over the coming months, and the planning considerations to take into account if you decide to buy now. We’re also sharing our own real-world, personal experiences with buying two new cars in 2025 for fair market prices given the specific make and trim models of each, along with what we learned through the process and what we might do differently next time. We explained the exact negotiation strategies we used, including where to research fair market value, how to push for below invoice cost, the importance of focusing quotes on out-the-door pricing, and insights on avoiding sales pressure tactics at the dealership. Throughout this episode, you’ll learn: Current car market trends and why prices likely won't drop Cash vs. financing: when each option makes sense How to research and prepare before visiting a dealership Practical negotiation tactics that work to ensure you’re getting a reasonable deal Understanding out-the-door pricing and invoice costs Why timing matters: end-of-month vs. mid-month purchases Leasing considerations and when it might make sense Balancing car purchases with retirement savings and other goal And you’ll hear Kali have a *moment* about a Mazda (maybe more than one; she’s a fan). Whether you're considering a practical family vehicle or a luxury purchase, this episode will help you approach your car-buying decision with confidence and make sure it fits within the context of your other financial priorities this year. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Don't time the market (with cars, stocks, anything!). It probably does not make sense to try and wait for prices to drop if you need to buy a car and you have the cash to do so. Car prices are unlikely to decrease in the coming years due to supply and demand alongside impacts of inflation and tariffs. Cash is (usually) king for car purchases. Paying interest on a depreciating asset isn’t the best financial move. If you must finance, aim to pay off the loan in under a year. Know exactly what you want before visiting a dealership. Research the specific make, model, trim, and color you want. Use resources like YouTube reviews from car enthusiasts and experts, like Throttle House, to compare vehicles and gather information. Focus on out-the-door price, not monthly payments. Dealerships will try to focus your attention on monthly payments, which allows them to manipulate loan terms in their favor. Always negotiate based on the total out-the-door price. Invoice price isn't the floor. Dealerships can and will sell below invoice price because manufacturers often provide holdbacks and other incentives that aren't disclosed upfront to buyers. Two effective negotiation approaches: (1) Email multiple dealerships for quotes before visiting, or (2) Visit in person armed with fair market value research and be willing to walk away. End-of-month or end-of-quarter timing gives you more leverage. Be prepared for upsells after the purchase. Dealerships make a lot of their profit on warranties, maintenance packages, and add-ons… not necessarily the car itself. Default to saying no unless you have specific reasons to accept. Balance car purchases with long-term goals. Even if you have cash available, consider whether buying a car will impact your retirement savings rate (ideally 20-25% of income) or other important financial goals. Ready to create, use, and enjoy money for life? Request a complimentary consultation with us at BYH and discover how to optimize your investments, reduce your tax burden, and grow your wealth:
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6 Guideposts to Increase Your Net Worth
10/06/2025
6 Guideposts to Increase Your Net Worth
6 Guideposts to Increase Your Net Worth Think investment returns are the key to building wealth? Think again! In this episode, Eric and Kali share six powerful guideposts that, if followed, can generate the power you need to increase your net worth. No stock picking or secret investment strategies only the rich know required. Discover why your savings rate matters more than your investment returns, why time in the market beats timing the market, and how to build financial flexibility into your plan so you can adapt to whatever life throws your way. You'll also hear about practical strategies for managing variable income, avoiding lifestyle creep, and making sure your spending aligns with what truly matters to you. If you're ready to focus on what you can control and build wealth the reliable way, this episode is packed with actionable advice you can implement immediately. Key Takeaways 1. Your savings rate matters more than your investment returns Focus on what you can control. Saving 25% of your income with modest 6% returns will outpace saving 10% even with exceptional (and totally unrealistic!) 14-15% returns. The math is clear: consistent savings beats hoping for outsized returns. 2. Time in the market beats timing the market Stop trying to predict market peaks and valleys. Long-term participation in the market leads to successful outcomes far more reliably than attempting to jump in and out at the "right" moments. What looks obvious in hindsight is nearly impossible to predict in real time. 3. Plan for the unexpected to happen Build buffer room into every aspect of your financial plan. Keep extra emergency reserves, use conservative assumptions for income growth and savings rates, and save aggressively when you can so you have flexibility later when life inevitably changes. 4. Don't count on variable income for fixed expenses If you receive bonuses, commissions, or equity compensation, base your fixed expenses (mortgage, car payments, etc.) on your guaranteed income only. Use variable income as "icing on the cake" for savings and discretionary spending. 5. You determine what actually matters Avoid keeping up with the Joneses or following someone else's definition of success. Test different spending categories to discover what truly brings you joy and aligns with your core values—whether that's family, wellness, learning, or something else entirely. 6. The best plan adapts to change Financial planning isn't about accurately predicting the future—it's about creating flexibility to adapt to whatever unfolds. Build modular plans that can evolve as your values, goals, and circumstances change over time. Chapters: (00:00) Guideposts can help grow net worth (01:18) Your savings rate matters more than your investment returns (09:40) Time in the market beats timing the market (14:17) Plan for the unexpected to happen (25:24) Don't count on variable income for fixed expenses (32:57) You determine what actually matters (39:07) The best plan adapts to change Ready to create, use, and enjoy money for life? Request a complimentary consultation with us at BYH and discover how to optimize your investments, reduce your tax burden, and grow your wealth:
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Financial Risk Worth Taking (and Risks You Should Avoid)
09/22/2025
Financial Risk Worth Taking (and Risks You Should Avoid)
Is all risk bad? How can you tell how much risk you should take, or know when you’re not taking ENOUGH risk to earn the return you need? What’s more important, risk tolerance or risk capacity? With 2025's market volatility creating concern and worry for investors, we’re exploring why no investment worth making is without risk… and why trying to avoid all risk presents a danger to your ability to grow wealth. Discover the critical difference between risk tolerance (how comfortable you feel) and risk capacity (what you can actually afford to lose), and why this distinction changes everything about how you should invest. We also share real stories from our wealth management clients about concentration risk with company stock, the hidden dangers of keeping too much money in cash, and why the "safest" choice often isn't safe at all. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why avoiding one type of investment risk (market risk) creates another, potentially more dangerous one to content with The difference between risk tolerance and risk capacity and why you have to evaluate both as part of a good investment management strategy How to handle concentration risk if you receive equity compensation Ways to reduce volatility and overall investment risk (without skipping out on the investment experience!) The concept of "lifestyle risk" and unforced errors How to calculate risk based on your specific goals and timeline Whether you're dealing with volatile markets, managing equity compensation, or simply trying to understand what level of risk makes sense for your situation, this episode provides a framework for making intentional decisions about where to place your risks—because the goal isn't to eliminate risk, but to manage it strategically. KEY TAKEAWAYS #1: No Such Thing as a Free Lunch If You’re Trying to Grow Wealth Risk and reward have a relationship. You cannot have one without the other. Avoiding market risk doesn't eliminate risk, it just creates another; cash will most likely lose purchasing power over time. The "safe" choice of avoiding the market can jeopardize big, long-term financial goals #2: Risk Tolerance and Risk Capacity Are Critical… and Two Different Things Risk tolerance = How comfortable you feel emotionally with market ups and downs Risk capacity = What you can actually afford to lose based on your timeline and goals Your risk capacity often matters more than your risk tolerance for making sound financial decisions You may need to take more risk than feels comfortable, or you may not be able to afford the risks you feel emotionally okay accepting #3: Time Horizon is a Great All-Purpose Risk Management Tool There has never been a 15-year rolling period when the U.S. stock market was down The longer your investment timeline, the less risk you have of losing money Short-term volatility often becomes irrelevant when you're investing for 10+ years Warren Buffett made 99% of his wealth after age 60; wealth-building power is found in the long tail of compounding returns #4: Manage Concentration Risk Strategically Don't keep all your wealth tied up in your employer's stock, even if you believe in the company Your paycheck already depends on your company's success; being overweight in company stock commits even more of your personal finances and net worth potential to a single company who also happens to employ you Consider a rules-base, repeatable, simple strategy for managing your equity comp to steadily build wealth without opening yourself up to more volatility than necessary You're not "missing out" if you sell and reinvest! You're locking in gains along the way #5: Your Biggest Risk as You Build Wealth May Come from Unforced Errors A risk you didn’t have to take can be the undoing of years, even decades, of hard work in saving and investing Calculate the impact of realizing a risk and ask, can you truly afford to see that downside potential? Can you actually recover from the potential loss, and how far back would it set you? #6: Your Risk Strategy May Need to Evolve with Your Life Risk tolerance and capacity change as your life circumstances change (marriage, kids, aging parents); what made sense when you were single may not work when you have dependents Regularly reassess your risk strategy as your goals and priorities shift, and know it's okay to become more conservative as you have more to protect #7: Know What “Enough” Looks Like For goals you MUST realize, prioritize probability of success over maximum returns Reverse engineer your investment strategy from your actual needs, not from the vast realm of what’s possible but not probable Know what "enough" looks like so you can make informed trade-offs Ready to create, use, and enjoy money for life? Request a complimentary consultation with us at BYH and discover how to optimize your investments, reduce your tax burden, and grow your wealth: h
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Want Money for Life? Start Here
09/08/2025
Want Money for Life? Start Here
Looking for Beyond Finances? You're in the right place! Beyond Finances is now Money For Life, hosted by Eric Roberge, CFP and Kali Roberge. We’re back and focused on sharing our philosophy, action plans, and professional expertise on the financial planning strategies that help us, our clients, and now you, to create wealth that lasts a lifetime. In this episode we discuss why (and how) we focus on building financial planning strategies designed to create money for life, and share why it’s so important to approach money management in a way that allows you to enjoy life in the present – while still planning responsibly for the future. We dig into: How to align financial decisions with personal values Why optimizing for financial flexibility is such a game-changer Where most people fail with their plans (spoiler alert: it’s lack of risk management) Tune in for actionable strategies for saving and making informed financial decisions so you can start your journey to a more fulfilling financial life. Takeaways: The best financial decisions consider both present enjoyment and future security Aligning how you use your money with what matters most – your core values – is a key component to feeling satisfied with your finances Flexibility in financial planning creates more freedom of choice, as well as a stronger ability to pivot and adapt as life changes and evolves Setting the right savings rate target is critical to creating money for life Risk management goes beyond investments to include understanding the opportunity costs of everyday decisions Wealth is more than just money; it's about living a fulfilling life. You can use your money as a tool to do just that if you have the right strategies in place. Ready to create, use, and enjoy money for life? Request a complimentary consultation with us at BYH and discover how to optimize your investments, reduce your tax burden, and grow your wealth:
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How Kids Change You - and Your Financial Plan
08/25/2023
How Kids Change You - and Your Financial Plan
How kids change you can be delightfully surprising. But they'll change your financial plan, too, in ways that might be challenging if you don't know how to adjust. In what is probably news to no one, things change when you have kids. You know your responsibilities will shift. Your schedule will probably get upended. The smaller your children are, the less personal freedom you may have. How you experience all this, however, is unknowable. The process itself alters who you are now, and how you perceive and react to your life with kids in ways that you could not have even imagined when you were childfree. If you yourself are changed, you can expect your financial plan will need some adjustments too! You’re going to have new goals. Your regular, ongoing expenses increase. You’re financially responsible for more; more can go wrong simply because there are more variables in the form of another human being in your life that you must care for and protect. We dig into all this and more in this episode, where we share: The trickiest part of transformative experiences on our lives Our suggestion for solving the "wild problems" we all encounter (from the decision to have kids to any other major life choice or transition) How having a child changed each of us personally Updates you might need to make to your goals or priorities after having children The impacts kids can make on your present-day cash flow as well as your long-term financial objectives What strategies might need to shift within your financial plan to accomodate a growing family Why saving what you can when you can is so critical What you need to consider if generational wealth is important to you
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Money Tips from a Boston Financial Planner: Your Questions, Answered
08/04/2023
Money Tips from a Boston Financial Planner: Your Questions, Answered
You asked - now we answer your specific financial questions and try to provide clarity on some money situations that lots of folks tend to find themselves in. We share our insights on: What to do with your money once you pay off debt, max out your retirement accounts, and aren't sure what to prioritize next How to think through a decision like investing in rental real estate properties What counts (and what DOESN'T) when talking about savings rates Where to put your cash if you want it to grow Which financial planning benchmarks you can use to determine if you're on track, ahead of the curve, or falling behind with your personal finances Have a question you want featured on a future episode? Email team@beyondyourhammock.com
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Protecting Family Wealth: How to Safeguard Your Assets and Your Stuff
07/14/2023
Protecting Family Wealth: How to Safeguard Your Assets and Your Stuff
In the last episode of our 3-part series on strategic planning for your finances is all about protecting family wealth. If you're working hard to build assets, you need to protect that growing net worth - and part of that is making sure you and your family will be financially stable no matter what curveballs you may face along the way. Instead of just running through "insurance 101" or defining parts of an estate plan, we're pulling back the curtain and showing you what a financial planner has for his personal finances and why he has it. We'll discuss the types of insurance policies we personally have, and walk through the documents that make up our estate plan. Expect to hear: -- Why we have to have this conversation in the first place - because it's not enough to build wealth. You have to protect it (and yourself, and your family) too! -- What we looked for in a health insurance plan -- The property & casualty insurance you have to have, and a separate, additional policy you might want to consider as well -- What kind of life insurance we each have and what purpose it serves -- The importance of disability insurance for professional couples -- How we've protected ourselves, our family, and our stuff with a comprehensive estate plan, what an estate plan actually does (it's WAY more than just wills!), and why almost everyone needs some type of estate plan for themselves, regardless of how much money you have If you've made it this far, you know the importance of putting financial goals and decisions in the context of your values so you can sort through competing priorities. You know you need to build a financial plan that uses specific strategies to address your particular challenges and opportunities. And you understand that planning is key - but investing is critical, if you want to build real wealth. Once that wealth-building machine is in motion, don't leave it vulnerable. Start here to understand the steps you can take to start protecting family wealth - which includes you and your loved ones, too.
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Strategic Planning, Part II: Investment Management
06/23/2023
Strategic Planning, Part II: Investment Management
Welcome back to our series on strategic planning for your personal finances. Today's episode is part II, and we're covering all things investment management. We'll talk through what you need to do to put together a sound investment strategy for yourself, and the to-dos any investment manager should take (whether that's you as a DIYer, or an advisor who you hire to manage your assets for you). This episode covers: Assessing risk tolerance and risk capacity (and the difference between the two) Understanding your investment time horizon Allocating your assets correctly (which does NOT just mean what percentage of your portfolio should be in stocks vs. bonds) Selecting investments and coordinating account types Diversifying your investments - in all kinds of ways! Diversification of specific assets, across asset classes, with the specific vehicles you use (and what specific assets you put into each account or vehicle you use) Considering tax impacts of your investment choices (and the tax planning you should do for your investment portfolio) Calibrating your portfolio for the return you need (which includes knowing reasonable return expectaions) Remembering fees and expense ratios - and other basics like rebalancing Explaining why tax loss harvesting is not right for everyone (sorry) Doing ongoing due dilligence to understand if and when you should replace assets in your portfolio Choosing contribution strategies Setting up standard rules to guide your ongoing decisions and complete maintenance over time Ultimately, you should understand your investment stategy and why you set it, so you can stick to it when things get wonky in the markets (which is inevitable over time). Finally, we'll give you the most important strategic planning advice for going through the process of setting up an investment management system that works for you: a good strategy, stuck with over time, is better than the "best" strategy you found only after trying multiple different things and interrupting your progress with each change. Let's dive in and get into some investment management!
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Using a Strategic Planning Process for Your Finances (Pt I)
06/09/2023
Using a Strategic Planning Process for Your Finances (Pt I)
You've heard the term "financial plan" or "financial planning" a million times. But what does it actually look like to go through that process? Today we're sharing how we construct strategic plans for personal finances. We'll take you to the inner workings of the framework and systems we use at Beyond Your Hammock to help people use their money as a tool to get more of what they want in life - now and into the future. This is part one of our series that will explain the 5 stages of the financial planning process: Setting goals, clarifying priorities, and stating values Building out iteration one of a formal plan and choosing specific strategies to implement Developing investment strategies to serve as the engine of financial growth over time Protecting yourself, your family, and your assets Measuring, managing, and maintaining the complete financial plan over time Our first episode will cover stages 1 & 2. Let's get planning!
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How to Better Manage Bonus Money and Other Lump Sum Payments
03/24/2023
How to Better Manage Bonus Money and Other Lump Sum Payments
Do you earn bonuses, commissions, grants of equity comp, or other types of variable income? Then you better know not just how to manage it, but also how to optimize these lump sum cash inflows to help you achieve your goals and grow your wealth. In this episode, we'll explain how to do it. Join us as we discuss: What counts as "variable income," or what lump sums of money you may receive over time The number-one thing to do if you receive a lump sum of cash, from any source Two main methods to manage cash flow for solid but unpredictable income streams The mistakes to avoid when you receive any kind of lump sum payment Why you have to invest some of these cash inflows For our financial planning clients, managing lump sum cash inflows is a constant conversation. Getting this right becomes especially important when we're talking about total incomes of $500,000 or more, when half or more of that sum will hit quarterly, semi-annually, or even once a year. Managing big lump sums like that is a skill; cash flow management can get complex not just due to the size of these cash infusions, but due to timing. This episode will help you strategize and plan around your variable income so you can achieve your most important financial goals.
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Should the SECURE 2.0 Act Change Your Financial Plan?
02/17/2023
Should the SECURE 2.0 Act Change Your Financial Plan?
New rules and regulations pushed forward by the SECURE 2.0 Act might impact how your manage your money right now, and into the future. Here's what you need to know. The SECURE 2.0 Act is a 1.7 trillion dollar spending bill passed by Congress in 2022. This legislation's scope went far beyond "let's adjust how retirement plans work," but the details within the bill did change many rules relating to retirement plans Therefore, it changed the strategies you need to consider for managing yours as part of your overall financial plan. This conversation proves the point we make all the time: you have to build a plan that can flex and bend with changing realities. In this case, those changes include: Removing the requirement to choose between student loan debt repayment and saving for retirement Increasing the options you have for how you use 529 plan savings... and giving you an avenue to roll that money into Roth accounts in the future Giving business owners and freelancers the option to choose between traditional and Roth retirement plans Adjusting the age you must begin making required minimum distributions from retirement accounts in the future (which can drastically change your savings strategy in the present) Letting employees have more control over how they receive employer contributions into retirement plans If you're ready to check and see if your financial plan needs an update, join us in this conversation about what the SECURE 2.0 Act changed and how it affects your personal finances.
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Managing Money Together: How to Handle Finances in Your Relationship
01/20/2023
Managing Money Together: How to Handle Finances in Your Relationship
Money and marriage is a serious topic, if only because getting it wrong can lead to devastating results: 48% of people report fighting about money; 60% of those fights tend to be about spending. 41% of Gen Xers and 29% of baby boomers surveyed by TD Ameritrade report that money was a direct cause of a divorce, and some research shows that disagremeents about money are a leading predictor of future divorce. So today, we're not just talking about money. We might be saving your marriage, too! We'll share the best strategies for managing money as a couple. We'll not just provide some big-picture tactics you can use - but also share the details on what we do and how we divide the responsibilities of financial planning and management in our own household. Money touches every aspect of your life. And everyone has different money mindsets, perspectives, experiences. It's almost like a setup for an argument. It's inescapable, and it's also very likely that you are going to disagree on the right course of action more than just occasionally. So how do you work it out? How can you effectively manage money together? Tune in for our tips - and our specific recommendation on whether you should combine or separate your finances within your married life.
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