Careers and Cash Flow

A groovy personal finance podcast that helps professionals connect their career moves to their wealth goals. We teach you the skills needed to build a meaningful career that leads to more time, money and freedom.

CCF 206 - Sunset and Saludos 06/20/2025

CCF 206 - Sunset and Saludos This is the final episode of the Careers and Cash Flow project. Thanks to everyone who listened, supported, and shared with us over the years. Check out the back catalog of 200+ insightful episodes and grab a copy of my book No Boss, Only Clients today. If you fancy a Caribbean perspective on money and business, join us at Tracking Money (). No Boss, Only Clients (Kindle/Digital) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B092LYZQNF No Boss, Only Clients (Paperback) https://www.amazon.com/dp/1838410902 https://amzn.to/32NmZoH /episode/index/show/focusthefire/id/37086335

205 - What's Up?: A look at what's next and what's on the chopping block 11/28/2021

205 - What's Up?: A look at what's next and what's on the chopping block Consider this a behind the scenes (mic) episode. We're in the middle of a transition and want you know what's happening. For more, connect with Dalan below. Social media (@dalanvanterpool) and web links: Twitter: Instagram: Facebook: LinkedIn: Website: /episode/index/show/focusthefire/id/21299150

204 - 2021 Update! 01/04/2021

204 - 2021 Update! Hello 2021! So many great things to share. I'm technically not supposed to be on the mic so please listen to this before someone on the team tries to take it down. Haha I'm sneaking in here with a quick update on what's been going on behind the scenes, with special peek at the new book that's dropping...soon. Also for anyone who ever thought about attempting something that seemed impossible, I've got some useful reflections from the book writing process for you. We appreciate your support. In the meanwhile, chew on the 200+ episodes, blog posts and videos available at . Listen in for more details, and we'll see you soon. Essential financial education for ambitious young professionals. Full show notes and other resources available at Connect with host on twitter @dalanv Connect with show on twitter @careersandCF Help us create more great content: /episode/index/show/focusthefire/id/17398463

203 - Gone for November...and maybe December 11/02/2020

203 - Gone for November...and maybe December Hi there! I’ll admit today’s episode is a bit odd. It’s more of an update really, with a power tip at the end. We’re taking a step back to make several steps forward. For the month of November we’ll hit pause with two main objectives, amongst a list of other tasks. First up is wrapping up the book project, “No Boss, Only Clients”… unless a different title suddenly rises like hot bread on a rainy day. Second, we’ll be catching up on the back log of guests who want to be featured on the show. No doubt, taking this break has been an extremely difficult decision as we’ve be on the air each week for years now. However, I’d rather keep up the quality. Thank you for understanding and we appreciate your support. In the meanwhile, chew on the 200+ episodes, blog posts and videos available at . Listen in for more details, and we'll see you soon. Have a powerful month! Essential financial education for ambitious young professionals. Full show notes and other resources available at Connect with the host on Twitter @dalanv Connect with the show on Twitter @careersandCF Help us create more great content: /episode/index/show/focusthefire/id/16645691

202 - Work Responsibly - Don't Die On Your Day Job 10/19/2020

202 - Work Responsibly - Don't Die On Your Day Job We interrupt the regularly scheduled program for this important message about you. In this uncut straight talk episode, Dalan drops some heavy truths about the relationship you have with your job. Many people let what happens at the office seep into their subconscious and inform their ability to add value to the world outside that corporate structure. News flash: YOU ARE MORE. Learn how to recalibrate the interaction between your career and mission. More on the inside so tune in. Warning: Headphones recommended for this one. Do not play this out loud at the office! :) Essential financial education for ambitious young professionals. Full show notes and other resources available at Connect with host on twitter @dalanv Connect with show on twitter @careersandCF Help us create more great content: /episode/index/show/focusthefire/id/16455626

201 - How a Cash Flow Statement Actually Works 10/13/2020

201 - How a Cash Flow Statement Actually Works Today we continue our breakdown on financial statement essentials, looking at how a Cash Flow Statement actually works. Understanding this statement will enable you to pose more insightful questions about a company’s performance and avoid being fooled by flashy numbers like sales and net income. The golden question: What happened to cash? If you have specific questions send them to or hit us on the socials so we can answer them in a follow-up episode. Essential financial education for ambitious young professionals. Full show notes and other resources available at Connect with host on twitter @dalanv Connect with show on twitter @careersandCF Help us create more great content: /episode/index/show/focusthefire/id/16380851

200 - How an Income Statement Actually Works 10/07/2020

200 - How an Income Statement Actually Works Today we continue our breakdown on financial statement essentials, looking at how an income statement actually works. Yes, at the most basic level, it’s Revenue minus Expenses, but we will show you some nuances that can help you get a better understanding of what’s happening in a company. Hint: There are many answers to the question, “How much money did they make?”. If you have specific questions send them to or hit us on the socials so we can answer them in a follow-up episode. Essential financial education for ambitious young professionals. Full show notes and other resources available at Connect with host on twitter @dalanv Connect with show on twitter @careersandCF Help us create more great content: /episode/index/show/focusthefire/id/16304585

199 - How A Balance Sheet Actually Works 09/29/2020

199 - How A Balance Sheet Actually Works Time to geek out! If you want to master money you need to gain a certain level of comfort with numbers and financial information. Over the next few episodes, we will teach you the basics of how to understand the main financial statements. This is useful when making investment decisions and managing your personal finances. Today’s lesson covers the balance sheet and the main accounting equation: ASSETS = LIABILITIES + EQUITY If you have specific questions send them to or hit us on the socials so we can answer them in a follow up episode. Essential financial education for ambitious young professionals. Full show notes and other resources available at Connect with host on twitter @dalanv Connect with show on twitter @careersandCF Help us create more great content: /episode/index/show/focusthefire/id/16198829

198 - 10 Sources for Financial Information 09/22/2020

198 - 10 Sources for Financial Information The number of sources spewing good and not so good financial information can be overwhelming. On this episode, we will show you 10+ sources where you can find useful information for your personal finance and investing decisions. Essential financial education for ambitious young professionals. Full show notes and other resources available at Connect with host on twitter @dalanv Connect with show on twitter @careersandCF Help us create more great content: /episode/index/show/focusthefire/id/16109807

197 - Define Your Rich 09/14/2020

197 - Define Your Rich In today’s episode we step back and look at what we are really trying to accomplish. This answer will be different for each person so it’s important to let your definition guide you. What’s your finish line? Essential financial education for ambitious young professionals. Full show notes and other resources available at Connect with host on twitter @dalanv Connect with show on twitter @careersandCF Help us create more great content: /episode/index/show/focusthefire/id/15999617

196 - Hot Take On The Forex Fad 09/07/2020

196 - Hot Take On The Forex Fad If you’ve spent any time on the internet recently there’s a good chance you’ve been hit by 1 or 1,000 ads asking you to join a Forex (foreign exchange) trading scheme as the latest way to get rich quickly. Not surprisingly, these promotions spiked during the current pandemic while many people are stuck at home, desperate for a way to make money. Today we keep it quick and dirty with a hot take on whether these schemes are legitimate and how likely you are to become wealthy by joining the club. Warning: Catch figures, not feelings today. 🙂 Essential financial education for ambitious young professionals. Full show notes and other resources available at Connect with host on twitter @dalanv Connect with show on twitter @careersandCF Help us create more great content: /episode/index/show/focusthefire/id/15911777

195 - How Dividends Actually Work 08/31/2020

195 - How Dividends Actually Work On this episode, we explain the way dividends work including how you can use them to start building passive (automated) income. We start by debunking some common misunderstandings about stocks and dividends. Following that, you will learn the four key dates to know for navigating dividends. To wrap up, we discuss three dividend types including one you may not think of immediately. Essential financial education for ambitious young professionals. Full show notes and other resources available at Connect with host on twitter @dalanv Connect with show on twitter @careersandCF Help us create more great content: /episode/index/show/focusthefire/id/15813623

194 - How Stock Splits Work 08/24/2020

194 - How Stock Splits Work Stock splits are a relatively common action companies take where the trading price of the stock is divided and shareholders receive additional shares. The total value of the shares remains the same, but the price and number of shares outstanding change. At the time of this recording in August 2020, some big-name companies such as Apple and Tesla are less than two weeks away from executing stock splits. In this episode, we explain how it works and what you need to consider in deciding whether to make a move before or after the split. Essential financial education for ambitious young professionals. Full show notes and other resources available at Connect with host on twitter @dalanv Connect with show on twitter @careersandCF Help us create more great content: /episode/index/show/focusthefire/id/15721994

193 - Seeking adult pay for baby behaviour 08/17/2020

193 - Seeking adult pay for baby behaviour If you ever have the chance to observe a baby grow over an extended period of time, you may start to identify some of the same behaviours you see in your adult self or other adults. Today we look at five baby behaviours that are hindering your career and financial goals. Time to grow up! Essential financial education for ambitious young professionals. Full show notes and other resources available at Connect with host on twitter @dalanv Connect with show on twitter @careersandCF Help us create more great content: /episode/index/show/focusthefire/id/15626819

192 - How to invest in funds 08/10/2020

192 - How to invest in funds Do you just save money or invest it as well? If you’re only saving, then chances are you’re quietly losing money. As a rough example, if your saving account is paying 1% interest, but inflation is growing at 3%, then you are effectively losing 2% each year. For this reason, money-minded people invest a portion of their money to keep up with and hopefully beat the effect of inflation. Essential financial education for ambitious young professionals. Full show notes and other resources available at Connect with host on twitter @dalanv Connect with show on twitter @careersandCF Help us create more great content: /episode/index/show/focusthefire/id/15534587

191 - Stock Market vs. Stock Index 08/03/2020

191 - Stock Market vs. Stock Index Taking your financial status to a new level can feel a lot like moving to a foreign country. You will find that people have different habits here and speak a different language. Let’s start working on crucial vocabulary so you can navigate the financial streets like a boss! Today we explore the difference between a stock market and a stock index. Next week, we look at how you can tap into these to start earning income and value. Essential financial education for ambitious young professionals. Full show notes and other resources available at Connect with host on twitter @dalanv Connect with show on twitter @careersandCF Help us create more great content: /episode/index/show/focusthefire/id/15442862

190 - Own A Home? (Part 6): Legal Points to Consider 07/27/2020

190 - Own A Home? (Part 6): Legal Points to Consider Welcome to the 6th and final (for now at least) part of the Own A Home? series. So far we have covered why this conversation even matters, whether you should buy, build or keep renting, how to get a bank loan approved, working with real estate agents and much more. Here in part 6, we jump into some legal considerations around different ways to structure the deal. Should you own the property in your name or place it as an asset inside a company or other structure? If you buying with a spouse or partner, how do you make sure each person owns the right percentage and protects their interest in the property? ***Important Disclaimer*** This is for informational purposes only and should NOT be considered official legal advice. Laws and regulations differ by country and jurisdiction, so be sure to consult a qualified lawyer familiar with how things work in your location. Essential financial advice for ambitious young professionals. Full show notes and other resources available at Connect with host on twitter @dalanv Connect with show on twitter @careersandCF Help us create more great content: /episode/index/show/focusthefire/id/15336104

189 - Own A Home? (Part 5): Kathleen Vega - How to choose the right property for you 07/20/2020

189 - Own A Home? (Part 5): Kathleen Vega - How to choose the right property for you On part 5 of the Own A Home? series we bring you the inside secrets to working with a real estate agent to choose the right property for you. Our guest today is Kathleen Vega (), a real estate agent serving clients in Panamá. On the inside: Learn how to spot red flags and choose a good agent. Get an agent's perspective on how close a winning deal. What to look for when she process and understand. Understand how to navigate a home-buying fair/convention What can increase the value of a property and make it easier to rent or sell. Connect with Kathleen here: Web: Facebook: Instagram: Essential financial advice for ambitious young professionals. Full show notes and other resources available at Connect with host on twitter @dalanv Connect with show on twitter @careersandCF Help us create more great content: /episode/index/show/focusthefire/id/15261113

188 - Evolution: Focus The Fire is moving 07/13/2020

188 - Evolution: Focus The Fire is moving New Name? Focus The Fire podcast has been a fun, evolving project over the past 4 years. Now with more clarity, we are refocusing and making adjustments to help our name and branding line up with the content. We want to help professionals like you connect your career moves with your wealth goals. In this special episode, Dalan gives you the story behind the 2020 rebranding to Careers and Cash Flow and what you can expect from the “new” show. Essential financial advice for ambitious young professionals. Full show notes and other resources available at Connect with host on twitter @dalanv Connect with show on twitter @careersandCF Help us create more great content: /episode/index/show/focusthefire/id/15173081

187 - Own A Home? (Part 4): How to Save Money For a House 07/06/2020

187 - Own A Home? (Part 4): How to Save Money For a House Before we can seriously talk about investing, let’s get your finances under control with 10 easy ways to save money. Working in accounting and banking for the past 10 years, you get to see the range of ways people manage to make and lose money. This episode is a brief summary of the top things to avoid and rules to follow. If you have any questions or suggestions drop a comment below or connect on twitter. Question of the day: What’s the most money you have ever been able to save? Essential financial advice for ambitious young professionals. Full show notes and other resources available at Connect with host on twitter @dalanv Connect with show on twitter @focusthefire Help us create more great content: /episode/index/show/focusthefire/id/15091829

186 - Own A Home? (Part 3) 06/29/2020

186 - Own A Home? (Part 3) /episode/index/show/focusthefire/id/14995541

185 - Own A Home? (Part 2): Rent or Own? 06/22/2020

185 - Own A Home? (Part 2): Rent or Own? In part 2 of the Own A Home? series we dive into the decision to rent or own. There isn’t always a simple right answer to this question. In this discussion, we explore the pros, cons and other considerations you should weigh when deciding whether you should keep renting or buy/build a home. Question of the day: Do believe it’s better to rent or own? Essential financial advice for ambitious young professionals. Full show notes and other resources available at Connect with host on twitter @dalanv Connect with show on twitter @focusthefire Help us create more great content: /episode/index/show/focusthefire/id/14919719

184 - Own A Home? (Part 1) 06/15/2020

184 - Own A Home? (Part 1) Owning your first house can be a challenging and intimidating idea for young professionals. In this series, we walk you through the process from mindset to closing the deal, with insights from bankers, builders and real estate agents. Making this first move correctly can trigger the start of a building serious real estate wealth and a set of assets that produce money for generations in your family. If you have specific questions about homeownership send them to or on twitter . This may also get you a shout out on the podcast! Question of the day: What’s the biggest thing stopping you from owning your first home? Essential career advice for ambitious young professionals. Full show notes and other resources available at Connect with host on twitter @dalanv Connect with show on twitter @focusthefire Help us create more great content: /episode/index/show/focusthefire/id/14834057

183 - Equality, Not Pity 06/08/2020

183 - Equality, Not Pity Today we hit pause on the usual conversation to amplify a pressing message that is rocking countries around the world. For centuries unjust practices around racism and colonialism have allowed empires to be built on the backs of oppressed people. The recent murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Trayvon Martin and countless others in the United States have boiled to the point of global protests. Problems of police brutality, income inequality and racism are certainly not unique to that country. In the Caribbean and further abroad, the remains of these systems continue. Internally people of colour also wrestle with colourism where lighter shades are viewed or consider themselves superior to darker hues. Today our message is simple. Equality, not Pity. Our hope is that all shades and colours of humanity come together to rid our societies of these foolish beliefs and the systems they fuel. #podcastblackout Essential career advice for ambitious young professionals. Full show notes and other resources available at Connect with host on twitter @dalanv Connect with show on twitter @focusthefire Help us create more great content: /episode/index/show/focusthefire/id/14725469

182 - Put in the reps 06/01/2020

182 - Put in the reps How do you rapidly increase your ability to deliver excellent work and get enough traction to earn the attention of the people who need to notice? You can spend loads of time thinking, studying, planning and theorising about the best practices, or you can start producing. The tough part is accepting that all the work you produce especially in the early stages will not be your best. It may not match up to the other masters of the craft that you admire. You may not be 100% proud but to grow faster, create and produce more. Question of the day: What will you commit to producing more of this year? Essential career advice for ambitious young professionals. Full show notes and other resources available at Connect with host on twitter @dalanv Connect with show on twitter @focusthefire Help us create more great content: /episode/index/show/focusthefire/id/14636627

181 - Believe Again 05/25/2020

181 - Believe Again This is an important message for everyone at risk of losing hope in their dreams. If you’re frustrated with the pace of progress and wondering if the success you long for will ever become real, take a few minutes and listen to this message. Question of the day: What are you believing for? (Comment below or on twitter) Essential career advice for ambitious young professionals. Full show notes and other resources available at Connect with host on twitter @dalanv Connect with show on twitter @focusthefire Help us create more great content: /episode/index/show/focusthefire/id/14553356

180 - How Look and Sound Professional on a Video Call 05/18/2020

180 - How Look and Sound Professional on a Video Call Top 5 video call fails /episode/index/show/focusthefire/id/14461679

179 - Denise Liebetrau: How to Negotiate Your Salary Like a Pro 05/11/2020

179 - Denise Liebetrau: How to Negotiate Your Salary Like a Pro Let’s talk about why you’re still underpaid and how to negotiate pay and benefits to earn your worth. Are you being paid what you’re worth? Have you thought about asking for more but the idea of that awkward conversation makes you scared or nervous? If you want to learn how smart executives negotiate better compensation you need to listen to these tactics from Denise Liebetrau. She explains how negotiating for more rewards is so much wider than a single conversation, and gives bonus tips on how to boost your executive presence and move like someone that actually deserves serious compensation. Who is Denise Lebetrau? Denise Liebetrau is a HR Consultant, who partners with business leaders, to get the people and performance metrics in place to maximize profit and impact. She is also a Career & Salary Negotiation Coach that helps professionals get paid what they are worth and have careers aligned to their values. Connect with Denise for more coaching, resources and tips Website and services: Social Media: Question of the day: Is there anything about negotiating compensation that makes you uncomfortable? (Comment below or on twitter) Essential career advice for ambitious young professionals. Full show notes and other resources available at Connect with host on twitter @dalanv Connect with show on twitter @focusthefire Help us create more great content: /episode/index/show/focusthefire/id/14363708

178 - 3 Reasons to Invest 05/04/2020

178 - 3 Reasons to Invest When it comes to investing, you need to be clear on your goals for each dollar. Before you put a dollar to work, determine the job description. This is the only way you can really assess whether it doing what you want it to do correctly. In investment banking, the first conversation with a client usually involves some form of the question: What are your objectives? To put it another way, what goals are you trying to accomplish here and what’s your timeline / investment horizon? In this episode we discuss the three (3) main reasons people invest. Cash flow Value appreciation Leverage Question of the day: What's your main investment goal right now: cash flow, value appreciation or leverage? (Comment below or on twitter) Essential career advice for ambitious young professionals. Full show notes and other resources available at Connect with host on twitter @dalanv Connect with show on twitter @focusthefire Help us create more great content: /episode/index/show/focusthefire/id/14268581

177 - Pros and Problems of Working From Home 04/27/2020

177 - Pros and Problems of Working From Home Are you working remotely? The current state of affairs in the world has many office goers figuring out the fun and follies of working remotely. As much as people complain about Mondays, traffic and annoying coworkers, it’s interesting to note the mixed reviews around this new found freedom. Today we discuss the quirks for working from home and reflect on a related article from Bloomberg describing the plight of people trying to preserve boundaries between work life and personal life. This was recorded with a live Twitter/Periscope audience. Article: Question of the day: What do you like or hate most about working from home? (Comment below or on twitter) Essential career advice for ambitious young professionals. Full show notes and other resources available at Connect with host on twitter @dalanv Connect with show on twitter @focusthefire Help us create more great content: /episode/index/show/focusthefire/id/14146202

Careers and Cash Flow

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