Financially Free Era by SLP Wealth
Are you looking to grow your wealth, achieve financial freedom, and spend lavishly on what brings you joy? Join Meagan McGuire, CFP®, ChFC®, CSLP®, Partner & Co-Founder of SLP Wealth, a fiduciary financial planning and coaching firm dedicated to helping everyday people take control of their financial future. We’ve helped clients manage student loan debt totaling over $4 billion and saving them a projected $569 million. Everyone should have access to the tools needed for long-term financial success, no matter where they are in their financial journey.
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Why You Shouldn’t Try to Time the Market Even During Global Crises
04/17/2026
Why You Shouldn’t Try to Time the Market Even During Global Crises
A lot of you have been asking the same question: what do you actually do with your portfolio when the Middle East is at war, oil is above $100 a barrel, and the headlines are doing their worst? We walk through why timing the market during global crises almost always backfires, how to think about your money by time horizon, and why international stocks are quietly outperforming US stocks year-to-date in 2026. We also get into why algorithmic rebalancing, tax-loss harvesting, and boring moves like maxing out the backdoor Roth matter way more than reacting to the news cycle. Key moments: (02:19) The chain reaction from rising oil prices to grocery bills and inflation (03:52) When ceasefires or unexpected events trigger sharp market moves (04:35) The best approach for short-, medium-, and long-term financial goals (12:01) What to actually do right now: rebalance, harvest tax losses, and max your retirement accounts There’s no one-size-fits-all for wealth. Get the plan that fits you. Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on , or Leave an honest review on
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When Less Can Be More in Personal Finance
04/10/2026
When Less Can Be More in Personal Finance
We’re surrounded by messages telling us to want more: more income, more accounts, more complexity. But the winners in both golf and personal finance are usually the ones who do less, better. I pull lessons from the Masters tournament to show how lowering your financial "score," whether that's your interest rate, your stress level, or your monthly obligations, can help you actually win with money. You'll learn where paying less, owning less, and even thinking less can maximize your results — and why you don’t need to make things harder than they have to be. Key moments: (08:37) Lower your interest rate with debt to pay less interest over time (obvious but powerful) (14:37) Using automation to reduce financial stress and decision fatigue (19:53) How simplifying your accounts can cut through the mental clutter (25:12) Smarter ways to minimize your tax bill (without giving Uncle Sam an interest-free loan) Resources mentioned: There’s no one-size-fits-all for wealth. Get the plan that fits you. Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on , or Leave an honest review on
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Financial Spring Cleaning: A Checklist for Your Money
04/03/2026
Financial Spring Cleaning: A Checklist for Your Money
Spring isn’t just for your closet or car — it’s the perfect time to clear out financial clutter and get intentional about where your money’s going. We’re walking through a step-by-step guide to help you refresh your tax strategy, optimize your credit and accounts, rethink your spending, and set up automation so you’re not relying on willpower to stay on track. You’ll get practical tips for streamlining everything from old 401(k)s to credit card rewards, so your financial life feels as organized and “light” as your favorite freshly cleaned space. Key moments: (03:10) How to check and adjust your W-4 withholdings after tax season (12:22) Before closing cards: avoid hurting your credit score (17:50) Why your emergency fund belongs in a high-yield savings account (22:58) Simple ways to optimize investments and reduce future taxes Resources mentioned: — free credit report access — budgeting tool There’s no one-size-fits-all for wealth. Get the plan that fits you. Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on , or Leave an honest review on
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You Have More Control Than You Think
03/27/2026
You Have More Control Than You Think
Most people's New Year's resolutions fall apart by spring — research says the average resolution lasts about 3.74 months, and we're right at that tipping point. So let’s get honest about how behavior — not just the calendar — shapes the path, and why it’s so easy to talk ourselves out of the dreams that matter most. Many of the limits we put on our financial lives aren't handed down by a judge. Instead, they're stories we've told ourselves that we've never really questioned. I walk through why the things you've been dreaming about (a four-day workweek, that big annual trip, a career shift) might not be a money problem at all, but a decision problem, and how running the numbers on trade-offs can change the whole picture. Key moments: (06:22) Reframing the things you think you "can't" change (08:13) What dropping to a four-day workweek actually does to your long-term retirement projections (12:47) Why making one big change beats a thousand tiny cuts in your budget or career (20:23) The hidden cost of staying stuck: trading time, clarity, or happiness without realizing it Resources mentioned: There’s no one-size-fits-all for wealth. Get the plan that fits you. Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on , or Leave an honest review on
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AI: Friend, Foe, or Your New Financial Planner?
03/20/2026
AI: Friend, Foe, or Your New Financial Planner?
AI is reshaping every corner of finance, and we know there’s a lot of noise out there about whether artificial intelligence can actually replace your financial advisor. We get real about what AI tools can — and can’t — do for your money, especially when it comes to financial planning, coaching, and those pivotal life decisions. You’ll hear why tech can help with tasks like data analysis or budgeting, but doesn’t replace the human relationship, judgment, and accountability that a true planner offers — especially when your goals (or spouse’s dreams) don’t show up neatly in a spreadsheet. We also talk about where AI is already making our own work faster and better, plus the emotional side of planning in a world full of information and tech-driven change. Key moments: (01:52) Why the hype about AI replacing financial advisors doesn’t match reality (03:02) How real-life goals and stressors can't be captured by AI's point-in-time advice (06:22) A case study: when AI misses the key element in a student loan forgiveness plan (15:04) Which parts of financial planning will — and won’t — be replaced by AI (28:14) The difference between DIY, validator, and delegator clients — and how tech fits in (35:57) Why scenario planning is more than numbers, and where pros add value you can’t automate Resource mentioned: There’s no one-size-fits-all for wealth. Get the plan that fits you. Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on , or Leave an honest review on
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Can You Quit Your Job Tomorrow?
03/13/2026
Can You Quit Your Job Tomorrow?
Most people with big student loans assume they'll be grinding until their 60s before they can finally breathe, but that math is usually way off. Most professionals have far more control over their work-life balance than they realize. You’ll hear practical ways to rethink saving, spending, and career planning so you can reclaim time, energy, and purpose right now (not just decades from now). Learn the math and the mindset you need to start living the life you want, sooner than you think. Key moments: (03:31) Running the numbers to show why dramatically changing your job tomorrow is more realistic than you think (06:04) What most high earners say they’d do if they had “enough” (07:24) Why pausing retirement savings for daycare years isn’t as bad as it seems (15:08) The one “big thing” you need to be frugal on to open up your life There’s no one-size-fits-all for wealth. Get the plan that fits you. Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on , or Leave an honest review on
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How Creative Debt Restructuring Can Change Your Life
03/06/2026
How Creative Debt Restructuring Can Change Your Life
Most people hear "debt restructuring" and immediately think bankruptcy, but that's not what we're talking about here. This episode is about reshuffling your debt stack in a way that frees up cash flow, takes advantage of interest arbitrage, and gets you to your goals faster. We walk through how rethinking which debts get your extra dollars — based on deductibility, interest rates, and after-tax cost — can save you thousands every year and unlock breathing room. Key moments: (01:32) Deductible debt vs. non-deductible debt, and how mis-prioritizing payments can work against you (06:43) The math behind why paying a 5% student loan is equivalent to a risk-free 8-9% return (11:50) Why inflation can actually benefit debt-holders with significant assets (13:56) Restructuring mortgage debt near retirement to delay Social Security and maximize benefits (17:17) When it's okay to ignore the math: behavioral finance and the psychology of debt payoff There’s no one-size-fits-all for wealth. Get the plan that fits you. Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on , or Leave an honest review on
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Is VTSAX and Chill Dead?
02/27/2026
Is VTSAX and Chill Dead?
For years, the internet’s favorite investing advice was simple: buy VTSAX and chill. But it’s long overdue for a reality check. We’ll talk about the downsides of a one-fund portfolio and why recent international and small-cap value outperformance should give you pause. You’ll learn how diversification, smart portfolio rebalancing, and practical investment management can protect your goals (and your peace of mind) far better than going it alone or chasing past returns. I’ll walk you through the evidence, the behavioral traps, and how to align your investments with your real life, not just the latest forum trend. Key moments: (01:51) Why international and small-cap value beat the US large-cap lately (07:49) How outperformance cycles should shape your portfolio, not your emotions (13:01) The dangers of chasing performance versus committing to a long-term allocation (21:13) Why portfolio complexity means tax and rebalancing headaches — and when to get help There’s no one-size-fits-all for wealth. Get the plan that fits you. Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on , or Leave an honest review on
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Live From the Newborn Trenches, Former DINKWAD’s Money Moves Pre- and Post-Birth
02/20/2026
Live From the Newborn Trenches, Former DINKWAD’s Money Moves Pre- and Post-Birth
Going from DINKWAD (Dual Income, No Kids, With A Dog) to new parent is a wild ride. I’m sharing exactly what I did to financially prepare for birth and the first two weeks postpartum — from simplifying bills and meal planning to hospital supply hacks, Amazon returns, and freeing up mental space for the emotional ups and downs of new parenthood. If you’re in the newborn stage (or almost there), this is your financial survival guide. Key moments: (02:10) What I did pre-birth so I could focus on my newborn, not my bills (11:30) How (and why) to maximize hospital resources covered by your insurance (14:40) Week 1 postpartum: What I bought, didn’t use, and returned (20:11) Week 2 postpartum: medical bills, rewards program, and subscription services to reclaim time Resources mentioned: There’s no one-size-fits-all for wealth. Get the plan that fits you. Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on , or Leave an honest review on
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Financial Planning Lessons From a Mountain Snowstorm
02/13/2026
Financial Planning Lessons From a Mountain Snowstorm
What would you do if you were sliding backward down an icy mountain at 11 p.m. with your kids in the car? We walk through a terrifying near-miss and the powerful financial lessons that came from it: overconfidence bias, underinsuring your life and disability, and why preparedness isn’t fear-based — it’s freedom-based. You’ll also hear why reflecting on your mortality might actually help you live (and spend) more intentionally. If you’ve ever found yourself on a slippery slope — literally or financially — this episode is for you. Key moments: (03:20) Why spending on safety, like snow tires or insurance, isn't optional (06:37) No one should live in fear, but we should be better about being prepared (08:39) Overconfidence bias and dangerous financial blind spots (12:52) Balancing long-term savings with living fully in the present There’s no one-size-fits-all for wealth. Get the plan that fits you. Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on , or Leave an honest review on
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Parent PLUS Loan Borrowing Changes and How to Save for College Now
02/06/2026
Parent PLUS Loan Borrowing Changes and How to Save for College Now
Parent PLUS loans have always been complicated, and recent rule changes have made them even more confusing. Learn what’s changed, what still works, and where parents need to take action now. You’ll hear real-life experience from a Parent PLUS borrower, clear explanations of new deadlines, and practical strategies for families still paying for college — or getting ready to. Key moments: (05:20) How double consolidation worked, and why it’s now obsolete (10:05) The June 30, 2026, deadline that locks you out of income-driven repayment (13:31) How new rules impact PSLF for parents still borrowing (29:26) Tax strategies, IRMAA, and when married filing separately helps There’s no one-size-fits-all for wealth. Get the plan that fits you. Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on , or Leave an honest review on
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3 Investing Mistakes You Can Spot on Your Tax Return
01/30/2026
3 Investing Mistakes You Can Spot on Your Tax Return
What if your tax return could quietly point out investing mistakes that are costing you real money? In this episode, we walk through the three most easily spotted investing blunders we find over and over. Learn why missing out on tax-loss harvesting, donating cash instead of appreciated stock to charity, and not maximizing backdoor Roth IRAs can slow your financial progress. If you’ve been DIY-ing your investments or feel a little lost during tax season, this is the episode you didn’t know you needed. Key moments: (01:20) Tax loss harvesting and the problem with having brokerage accounts at different places (04:20) Your Schedule A and charity donations (05:44) Why actively managing your portfolio's cost basis is potentially genius (06:47) Check your Form 1040 if you did a backdoor Roth IRA (09:28) Even really smart, capable people make investing mistakes There’s no one-size-fits-all for wealth. Get the plan that fits you. Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on , or Leave an honest review on
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Paying Taxes Is Inevitable. Overpaying Is Optional.
01/23/2026
Paying Taxes Is Inevitable. Overpaying Is Optional.
Most people aren’t doing anything wrong with their taxes, they’re just missing a few key details that quietly add up. In this episode, I’m joined by Sim Terwilliger, CFP®, CSLP®, our chief tax planner at SLP Wealth, to break down the most common (and totally normal) tax mistakes we see that can cost people thousands. From backdoor Roth errors and brokerage account missteps to missed deductions and underpayment penalties, we cover what actually matters, what’s fixable, and how to be more proactive heading into a new tax year. Key moments: (03:15) Why backdoor Roth mistakes trigger unexpected taxes (15:27) How brokerage account defaults quietly increase your tax bill (29:06) Underpayment penalties and how to avoid IRS interest (43:37) Why SALT deduction changes matter more than you think Resources mentioned: There’s no one-size-fits-all for wealth. Get the plan that fits you. Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on , or Leave an honest review on
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What College Football Spending Reveals About Higher Ed
01/16/2026
What College Football Spending Reveals About Higher Ed
Why are colleges telling students to borrow less… while writing nine-figure checks for football coaches? In this episode, Travis Hornsby, CEO of SLP Wealth, joins me to pull back the curtain on the business of higher education through the lens of college football. We talk NIL money, massive TV contracts, coaching buyouts, and what all of this says about how universities actually operate. We also connect the dots to student loan caps, ROI on degrees, and why it’s more important than ever to approach college decisions with eyes wide open. Key moments: (06:20) How TV deals turned football into a cash machine (09:08) What $100M+ coaching contracts teach us about leverage and negotiation (17:01) Contract terms, non-competes, and exit options might matter more than salary (22:43) Why loan caps could change which schools are actually worth attending There’s no one-size-fits-all for wealth. Get the plan that fits you. Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on , or Leave an honest review on
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What's IN And What's OUT in Personal Finance for 2026
01/09/2026
What's IN And What's OUT in Personal Finance for 2026
What you don’t do with your money matters just as much as what you do. In this episode, I break down what’s officially out in personal finance for 2026 — from late fees and unnecessary taxes to money shame and silent stress — and what we’re intentionally replacing it with. We’re focusing on habits, systems, and decisions that make money feel easier, calmer, and more aligned with real life. If you want 2026 to be the year your finances feel calmer, clearer, and more aligned with your real life, this episode sets the foundation. Key moments: (05:58) Late fees and credit card interest: non-negotiables for 2026 (11:30) Avoiding unnecessary taxes and common planning mistakes (20:23) Why estate planning, life insurance, and disability coverage matter (38:21) What’s in: automation, goal tracking, and values-based spending There’s no one-size-fits-all for wealth. Get the plan that fits you. Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on , or Leave an honest review on
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Learn How to Realistically Use Credit Card Travel Points
12/26/2025
Learn How to Realistically Use Credit Card Travel Points
Credit card points can feel confusing, risky, or downright gimmicky. Listen in as I sit down with credit card rewards consultant Colin Stroud to break down what “points hacking” really is (and what it isn’t). We talk about simple, realistic ways to use travel rewards without opening a dozen cards, wrecking your credit, or turning it into a part-time job. You’ll learn how to think strategically about points, avoid common traps, and decide whether this is even worth your time. Key moments: (02:21) What credit card “hacking” really means and why it’s misunderstood (08:22) Why flexible travel cards beat airline or hotel cards for beginners (14:57) How transferring points works (and when it’s actually worth it) (26:09) A simple 1–3 card system for earning points without constant card churn (34:34) How business owners can unlock outsized value from everyday spending Resources mentioned: - Flight search tool for points - Spending and tracking tool - Find Colin Stroud online There’s no one-size-fits-all for wealth. Get the plan that fits you. Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on , or Leave an honest review on
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Why Blanket Money Advice Doesn’t Work
12/19/2025
Why Blanket Money Advice Doesn’t Work
Ever hear a money rule that sounds empowering… but makes you feel like you’re failing when you can’t stick to it? Learn why one-size-fits-all financial advice hits so hard on social media — and why it can backfire in real life. We’ll walk through common “always/never” money rules (debt, credit cards, investing, homebuying, saving 20%) and I’ll show you how to turn those rules into a real plan that actually fits your life, goals, and peace of mind. Key moments: (08:57) “All debt is bad” breaks down fast with student loans (17:45) Credit cards aren’t bad — it’s the behavior around them that matters (21:59) Maxing out your 401(k) might not be your best financial move (28:56) “Save 20%” is a benchmark, not a morality test (32:33) Why people love blanket advice There’s no one-size-fits-all for wealth. Get the plan that fits you. Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on , or Leave an honest review on
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Arguably the Most Important Insurance Professionals Like You Should Have
12/12/2025
Arguably the Most Important Insurance Professionals Like You Should Have
Most people hear “disability insurance” and instantly want to tap out. But this might be the most important episode you listen to all year. We sit down with Dennis Hornsby, Director of Insurance Operations at SLP Insurance, to break down what disability coverage actually does, why it matters so much in your 20s–40s, and how a few simple decisions can protect your income, your family, and your future. You’ll learn what must-have policy features to look for, how to avoid common mistakes, and why now is the best time to get this in place. Key moments: (07:12) Resident discounts: the 20% lifetime savings most people miss (11:54) Own-occupation coverage and why specialists can’t skip it (16:11) Partial disability: the benefit you’ll likely use before anything else (23:27) Riders that matter (catastrophic, COLA, and benefit increase) (38:06) Benefit period vs. elimination period and how to choose the right combo Resource mentioned: There’s no one-size-fits-all for wealth. Get the plan that fits you. Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on , or Leave an honest review on
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Money Mistakes Small Business Owners Are Making And How to Fix Them
12/05/2025
Money Mistakes Small Business Owners Are Making And How to Fix Them
Running your business on vibes and Venmo? Find out the five most common money mistakes I see small business owners, practice owners, and 1099 contractors make — and exactly how to fix them. You’ll learn how to separate business and personal spending, pay yourself a steady paycheck, plan for taxes year-round, and build simple financial systems so your business supports your life instead of constantly stressing you out. Key moments: (04:41) The Target receipt problem: mixing business and personal expenses (12:23) Revenue does not equal a paycheck (and how to pay yourself reliably) (16:38) Using an overflow account to smooth out high and low months (19:36) Year-round tax planning and simple systems to run your business like a business There’s no one-size-fits-all for wealth. Get the plan that fits you. Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on , or Leave an honest review on
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Newsworthy Nuggets Over the Past Few Months
11/28/2025
Newsworthy Nuggets Over the Past Few Months
Headlines have been wild this year, but what actually matters for your money? We’ll run through nine quick “newsworthy nuggets,” from mortgage rates and inflation to student loan forgiveness, insurance gaps, and the job market. You’ll hear what’s noise, what’s worth paying attention to, and how these headlines show up inside real financial plans. By the end, you’ll feel a little more informed, and a lot less panicked. Key moments: (01:44) Will self-driving cars actually lower your auto insurance anytime soon (05:37) Mortgage rates dip, but why 3% (and probably 4%) mortgages aren’t coming back (09:02) Student loan forgiveness resumes — and clarity on 2025 tax-free forgiveness (16:31) Inflation is raising prices and squeezing your everyday budget (22:57) Why insurance premiums keep climbing even as coverage feels weaker There’s no one-size-fits-all for wealth. Get the plan that fits you. Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on , or Leave an honest review on
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How SLP Wealth Is Evolving Next Year To Get You To Your Goals & Dreams Faster
11/21/2025
How SLP Wealth Is Evolving Next Year To Get You To Your Goals & Dreams Faster
We’re pulling back the curtain today. SLP Wealth CEO Travis Hornsby, CFA®, CFP®, joins us as we walk through the biggest lessons we’ve learned building SLP Wealth — what worked, what didn’t, and why we’re making some thoughtful changes to serve you better in 2026 and beyond. You’ll hear how we’re creating a planning process that’s smoother, clearer, and more supportive year-round, plus what these updates actually mean for your goals, your momentum, and your day-to-day financial life. If you want to understand how you’ll get more value and better guidance going forward, this episode lays it out. Key moments: (01:36) How SLP Wealth actually started (and why it clicked so fast) (14:10) What we learned from our first year, and how it means better planning for you (26:22) How moving to three annual check-ins can help you make faster progress on your goals (33:25) The new investment management tiers and how they benefit you (44:40) Why treating your financial plan as a living roadmap keeps you on track through every life shift There’s no one-size-fits-all for wealth. Get the plan that fits you. Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on , or Leave an honest review on
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The #1 Wealth Killer: The Brand New SUV
11/14/2025
The #1 Wealth Killer: The Brand New SUV
We’re talking about cars — not from a “never buy anything nice” angle, but from the perspective of how much they can quietly drain from your long-term wealth. Jake Courtney, CFP®, CSLP®, joins us to break down what an $80,000 SUV really does to your savings rate. We also look at the pressure to “upgrade” when life changes (new baby, new job, new neighborhood) and how to separate what you actually need from what feels normal around you. You’ll learn practical ways to get a reliable, safe car without letting transportation become the biggest drag on your wealth. Key moments: (01:24) New baby, growing families, and the peer pressure to upgrade vehicles (08:42) A $200K-income couple and how one car choice adds eight work years (19:12) The three-year-old used SUV strategy and why it wins long term (29:41) When leasing can make sense — and when buying still comes out ahead Resources mentioned: There’s no one-size-fits-all for wealth. Get the plan that fits you. Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on , or Leave an honest review on
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7 Mistakes DIY Investors Don’t Realize They’re Making
11/07/2025
7 Mistakes DIY Investors Don’t Realize They’re Making
Think you’ve got your investments under control? You might be surprised. Two SLP Wealth partners — Travis Hornsby, CFA®, CFP®, and Conor Mahlmann, CFP®,CSLP® — break down seven costly mistakes even the most hands-on investors make, from subtle market timing to tax traps that quietly eat away at returns. Discover what most people miss when managing their own portfolios and learn how to spot (and fix) the issues before they snowball. Key moments: (04:38) Sneaky ways you might “time the market” without realizing it (12:26) What tax-loss harvesting really involves (and why most people don’t do it right) (15:58) Why your brokerage’s default settings could cost you thousands in taxes (20:02) The purpose and power of rebalancing your portfolio There’s no one-size-fits-all for wealth. Get the plan that fits you. Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on , or Leave an honest review on
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Financial Horror Stories: Don’t Let This Be You
10/31/2025
Financial Horror Stories: Don’t Let This Be You
We’re sharing our real-life financial horror stories, from haunted tax bills and ghostly subscriptions to lifestyle creep and the curse of bad investments. You’ll hear about surprise tax collections, credit card vampires, and toddler fraud (yep, it’s a thing). We talk about how to escape debt traps, protect yourself from money monsters, and keep lifestyle creep from haunting your future. Key moments: (08:34) Identity theft, IP PINs, and freezing your credit for protection (17:32) The curse of the curious toddler and surprise subscriptions (20:37) Debunking haunted money myths and why buying a house isn’t always a good investment (39:24) How to keep the ghost of lifestyle creep from sneaking up on you Resource mentioned: There’s no one-size-fits-all for wealth. Get the plan that fits you. Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on , or Leave an honest review on
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How to Lie with Numbers
10/24/2025
How to Lie with Numbers
We all lie to ourselves with numbers — even when we don’t mean to. Our brains (and marketing messages) bend math in ways that can make questionable money choices feel justified. From how we frame percentages and comparisons to the mental gymnastics we do to justify spending, we explore why our perception of “good” or “bad” financial decisions can be so skewed. When we start to recognize how we “lie” with numbers, we can make clearer, more honest progress toward our goals. Key moments: (03:38) The PSLF “99% denial” panic — how framing changed everything (11:44) How magnitude blindness affects our spending habits (18:06) The car payment blind spot — why big costs feel smaller than they are (22:10) How marketing and “discount logic” trick us into overspending (34:33) Reframing money decisions to align with what actually matters Resources mentioned: There’s no one-size-fits-all for wealth. Get the plan that fits you. Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on , or Leave an honest review on
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Debt Sucks But Your Payoff Strategy Doesn’t Have To
10/17/2025
Debt Sucks But Your Payoff Strategy Doesn’t Have To
Debt can make you feel like you’re always behind. But there’s a path forward — and it’s not as complicated as it seems. Learn what debt looks like for different professions and the best ways to finally pay it off. We walk through real numbers from SLP Wealth clients, from dentists to veterinarians, and break down strategies like the avalanche and snowball methods, balance transfers, debt consolidation, HELOCs, and even 401(k) loans. I also share when each option might make sense (and when to stay far away). Most importantly, we talk about how to stay out of debt once you’re free. Key moments: (04:49) Real client data: average debts and incomes across professions (11:01) How to choose between the avalanche and snowball payoff methods (15:37) Smart (and risky) tools to pay down debt — 0% balance transfers, consolidation loans, and HELOCs (27:18) When a 401(k) loan might actually make sense Resources mentioned: There’s no one-size-fits-all for wealth. Get the plan that fits you. Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on , or Leave an honest review on
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Signs You’re Doing Student Loan Payment Wrong
10/10/2025
Signs You’re Doing Student Loan Payment Wrong
Student loans are complicated — and with all the recent rule changes, it’s easy to make missteps that cost you time, money, or progress toward forgiveness. We’re digging into the most common signs that your repayment strategy might be off track and what to do about it. Whether you’re working toward Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), income-driven forgiveness, or paying your loans off completely, small mistakes can make a big difference. You’ll learn how to stay proactive, integrate your tax strategy, and make smarter decisions about refinancing, repayment, and tracking your progress toward forgiveness — all while keeping your student loan strategy aligned with your larger financial plan. Key moments: (03:41) Why staying on the SAVE plan too long could stall forgiveness progress (10:11) How tax planning can directly impact your monthly student loan payments (17:13) The right way to track PSLF and IDR credits to avoid lost time (27:18) When refinancing makes sense (and when it locks you out of options) Resources mentioned: There’s no one-size-fits-all for wealth. Get the plan that fits you. Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on , or Leave an honest review on
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Signs You’re Doing Roth IRA Wrong
10/03/2025
Signs You’re Doing Roth IRA Wrong
Think your Roth IRA is set up perfectly? You might want to think again. There's a good chance you're making at least one mistake without realizing it. Roth IRAs are powerful retirement tools, but they come with a bunch of IRS rules that can trip you up. Learn the most common Roth mistakes people make — including backdoor Roth mishaps and the dreaded “pro rata” problem. We'll help you figure out if something's off with your contributions before it turns into a costly headache. If you've got a Roth or you're thinking about opening one, this episode will show you what to watch out for. Key moments: (06:39) The most flexible savings tool for retiring early (10:27) Reclassifying IRA contributions and what is a backdoor Roth (15:28) The common mistake high-income earners make (19:58) Pro rata red flags (29:50) When your Roth IRA investment isn’t actually invested There’s no one-size-fits-all for wealth. Get the plan that fits you. Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on , or Leave an honest review on
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Behind the Planner’s Desk: How Planners Really See You
09/26/2025
Behind the Planner’s Desk: How Planners Really See You
Ever wonder what financial planners really think about their clients when the meeting's over? We're cracking open those candid conversations that happen behind closed doors. Inspired by a blog post that one of our readers sent to us: “Are you a DIYer, Validator, or Delegator when it comes to your finances,” we’re sharing some controversial hot takes that might be a little shocking to some of our listeners. Key moments: (02:24) Travis shares his journey from being a DIYer to a Delegator (09:32) Validators struggle finding one-off planners because compliance requirements make occasional service impractical (22:43) A simple investment mistake that often leads to massive future taxes (38:27) Insider perspective: A lot of people are being ripped off by financial planners that charge too much Resources mentioned: There’s no one-size-fits-all for wealth. Get the plan that fits you. Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on , or Leave an honest review on
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Childcare, College, and Raising Money-Smart Kids
09/19/2025
Childcare, College, and Raising Money-Smart Kids
Childcare expenses have completely outpaced normal inflation, and it’s one of the biggest financial shocks new families face. We're talking real numbers and honest conversations about costs that can make you sweat. It’s not just expensive daycare. We're sharing creative strategies and money-saving hacks that actually work, plus exploring how to weave these massive expenses into your overall financial plan without losing your mind. You'll also learn our best tips to raise money-smart kids from day one, breaking that uncomfortable taboo around talking about finances. If you're expecting, planning, or already knee-deep in parenting, you’ll get practical tools to navigate these crazy costs while setting your family up for long-term success. Key moments: (06:54) Childcare costs range from 10% to 35% of household income depending on situation (14:33) Parenthood requires trade-offs, maybe swapping your dream car for practical payments (19:58) Remember income restrictions apply to child tax credits (24:49) Always prioritize retirement savings over your kids' college fund contributions first (39:34) Kids absorb your money attitudes even when you're not actively teaching them Resources mentioned: There’s no one-size-fits-all for wealth. Get the plan that fits you. Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on , or Leave an honest review on
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