Marriage Kids and Money: Personal Finance for Families

In this episode of the Marriage Kids and Money podcast, we break down Coast FIRE, a financial approach that lets you “coast” to retirement once your investments can grow on their own, without needing to keep pouring money in. We're joined by Mike English, who shares his real-life path to reaching Coast FIRE in his 30s and what that decision changed about his life and priorities. Plus, Calvin joins Andy and hops on the mic for a fun and meaningful conversation about why investing early actually matters. They talk investment strategies, financial independence, and how to think long-term about building wealth that lasts. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re saving enough, questioned the pressure to grind forever, or thought about what kind of money story you want your kids to grow up with, this episode might shift how you think about the road to financial freedom. Chapters 🎧 00:00 Introduction to Coast Fire 01:15 Understanding Coast Fire by Age 30, 40, and 50 12:08 Interview with Mike English: Achieving Coast Fire 34:04 Good Word with Calvin: Celebrating Financial Literacy Resources and Links 📚 My new book, "Own Your Time" - https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/ownyourtimeamazon Try our FREE Coast FIRE Calculator 📱 https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/calculators/coast-fire/ Sponsors and Additional Resources https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/resources Credits Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Artwork: Kayli Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re one day away from launch, and I wanted to share a quick update and ask for your support. As of today, Own Your Time is at 354 pre-orders, with a goal of 500 by launch day. If Marriage Kids and Money has helped you think differently about your family’s financial independence journey, this is a meaningful way to support the work and the message behind the show. The easiest way to help is to pre-order on Amazon. Search “Own Your Time by Andy Hill” or use the link below. Pre-orders close soon, and ordering today truly makes a difference. If you’re new here, this book is the playbook. It’s the entire philosophy of this podcast in one place for $28. Pre-order on Amazon:https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/ownyourtimeamazon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we sit down with Larry Hagner, founder of The Dad Edge and author of The Pursuit of Legendary Fatherhood. We talk about a powerful idea Larry calls “the drift”—how men can slowly lose focus in their roles as husbands and fathers without even realizing it. Larry shares how to interrupt that drift and become more intentional at home, strengthen your marriage, and build deeper connections with your kids. We also dive into practical habits, mindset shifts, and simple actions dads can take right now to create a more fulfilling family life. If you’re a husband or father who wants to show up better for the people who matter most, this conversation is for you. Resources and Links 📚 The Dad Edge: https://thedadedge.com/ Larry's New Book : The Pursuit of Legendary Fatherhood https://amzn.to/3Zgszx2 My new book, "Own Your Time" - https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/ownyourtimeamazon Sponsors and Additional Resources https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/resources Credits Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Artwork: Kayli Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There’s a lot of noise in the investing world, but building wealth doesn’t have to become a second job. In this episode, I share how to invest simply, consistently, and with your family’s future in mind, without stress or constant decision-making. In today’s episode, I sit down with Blake Edwards from Georgia, who has built an $865,000 net worth by age 31. Blake breaks down how intentional income growth, living below their means, and staying aligned as a couple helped accelerate their wealth. He also shares a transparent look at his family’s assets, approach to generosity, and what generational wealth really means to him beyond the numbers. I wrap up with a Money Quiz, testing my son Calvin on Stranger Things revenue, compound interest, and the gap between race prizes and investment returns. If you want real-life inspiration and practical proof that calm, consistent investing works, even with a busy family and W-2 jobs, this episode will encourage you to stay the course and keep moving forward. Chapters 🎧 0:00 Intro 1:19 Hannah's Question: Getting Started with Investing 11:49 Meet Blake Edwards 12:32 Blake's Motivation for Building Wealth 14:03 Partnership and Shared Values 15:54 Career Trajectory and Income Growth 18:58 Asset Breakdown: Where the Money Is 20:28 Getting Started: The Roth IRA Journey 23:48 Liabilities: The Mortgage Decision 26:14 Generational Wealth and Values 28:31 Future Goals and Dreams 30:04 The Power of Giving 31:25 Advice: Intentionality and Education 33:57 Building Quiet Wealth with W2 Jobs 35:29 Money Quiz: Calvin's Financial Education Resources 📚 Own Your Time https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book Track Your Spending and Net Worth with Monarch Money https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/monarchmoney Coast FIRE Calculator https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/calculators/coast-fire/ HOW WE MAKE MONEY + DISCLAIMER ⚠️ This show may contain affiliate links or links from our sponsors where we earn a commission, direct payment, or products at no extra cost to you. Opinions are our own. Information shared on this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional financial advice. Always seek the guidance of a licensed financial professional for your specific situation. Marriage Kids and Money (https://www.marriagekidsandmoney.com) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon.com. Credits 🎙️ Podcast Artwork: Kayli Groves Johnson Editor: Johnny Sohl Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if there was a third option between grinding it out in corporate life and chasing extreme early retirement? What if you could work less, be more present with your family, and still feel confident about your financial future? In today’s episode, I join Paula Pant on her top-ranked podcast, Afford Anything, to talk about the middle ground between traditional employment and full FIRE. We dive into Coast FIRE, part-time work, and what it really takes to own your time while raising kids. I share how my wife and I structured our lives to both work part time, stay involved with our kids, and still build long term wealth without burning out. This conversation is part of our Best of MKM series and was originally recorded live at FinCon in Portland. Paula and I walk through my 10-step framework for owning your time, including how to reduce financial anxiety, eliminate debt, invest with intention, and design a three-day work week that supports your family and your health. We also talk candidly about parenting, identity, lifestyle tradeoffs, and how to model a life of freedom and generosity for your kids. If you are tired of living for the weekend and want a realistic path to more time freedom, this conversation will open your eyes to what is possible. CHAPTERS 🎧 0:00 Intro and Best of MKM setup 1:10 Meeting Paula Pant and Afford Anything 2:30 Why two working parents chose part time work 5:10 Designing a balanced family schedule 8:00 Being present during pivotal childhood years 12:05 Identity beyond work 15:10 The 10 steps to owning your time 18:00 Eliminating debt and financial anxiety 22:00 Reaching Coast FIRE 25:30 Why paying off the mortgage matters 30:00 FU money and career flexibility 35:00 Designing a three day work week 40:00 Health insurance outside corporate life 45:00 Avoiding lifestyle creep 50:00 Teaching kids generational wealth habits 1:00:30 Where to learn more about Andy and Own Your Time RESOURCES 📚 Own Your Timehttps://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book Track Your Spending and Net Worth with Monarch Moneyhttps://marriagekidsandmoney.com/monarchmoney Coast FIRE Calculatorhttps://marriagekidsandmoney.com/calculators/coast-fire/ Afford Anything Podcasthttps://affordanything.com HOW WE MAKE MONEY + DISCLAIMER ⚠️ This show may contain affiliate links or links from our sponsors where we earn a commission, direct payment, or products at no extra cost to you. Opinions are our own. Information shared on this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional financial advice. Always seek the guidance of a licensed financial professional for your specific situation. Marriage Kids and Money (https://www.marriagekidsandmoney.com) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon.com. CREDITS 🎙️ Podcast Artwork: Kayli Johnson Editor: Johnny Sohl Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if you could reach a point where your investments were doing the heavy lifting and you could finally slow down without falling behind? Would you keep pushing forward, or would you take the exit and design a life that fits right now? In today’s episode, Anders Skagerberg shares how he and his wife reached Coast FIRE in their early thirties and made the intentional decision to downshift. Instead of continuing to save aggressively, they chose to prioritize time, flexibility, and family while letting compound growth work in the background. Anders explains what Coast FIRE really looks like in real life and how it gave his family options instead of pressure. This episode is part of our Best of MKM series and was originally recorded in 2023. A short clip from this conversation took off on YouTube, so we decided to bring you the full story. Anders breaks down his Coast FIRE numbers, the accounts he uses, how he and his wife communicate about money, and why taking the Coast FIRE exit does not have to be permanent. If you are Coast FIRE curious or wondering whether you can have both freedom today and security tomorrow, this conversation will help you think differently about what is possible. CHAPTERS 🎧 0:00 Intro 0:41 Meet Anders Skagerberg 2:08 Coast FIRE Five 3:06 Retirement projections 4:41 Current household spending 5:43 What motivated Anders to start investing 6:46 Lessons from the Great Financial Crisis 9:02 How their investments are structured 10:43 Why tax diversification matters 11:50 How they communicate about money as a couple 13:03 Taking the Coast FIRE exit 15:12 Life after downshifting 16:30 One step to start your Coast FIRE journey 17:14 Where to find Anders online RESOURCES 📚 Own Your Timehttps://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book Track Your Spending and Net Worth with Monarch Moneyhttps://marriagekidsandmoney.com/monarchmoney Coast FIRE Calculatorhttps://marriagekidsandmoney.com/calculators/coast-fire/ HOW WE MAKE MONEY + DISCLAIMER ⚠️ This show may contain affiliate links or links from our sponsors where we earn a commission, direct payment, or products at no extra cost to you. Opinions are our own. Information shared on this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional financial advice. Always seek the guidance of a licensed financial professional for your specific situation. Marriage Kids and Money (https://www.marriagekidsandmoney.com) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon.com. CREDITS 🎙️ Podcast Artwork: Kayli Johnson Editor: Johnny Sohl Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it really mean to be “almost a millionaire”? And is that number as important as the freedom you gain along the way? In today’s episode, Joshua Weekley shares how he and his wife built a net worth of nearly $1 million by age 35 without extreme deprivation or risky bets. Instead of chasing shortcuts, Joshua focused on consistent habits, automation, and learning how to control his money so it could support the life he wanted with his family. This episode is part of our Best of MKM series and was originally released last year. It quickly became one of our most popular and highly viewed interviews because of its honesty, relatability, and practical approach to wealth building. Joshua opens up about growing up around money stress, learning from what his parents did and did not do with finances, and why net worth became a powerful motivator for reclaiming his time. He also breaks down exactly where his money is today, including home equity, retirement accounts, brokerage investments, and cash. Most importantly, he explains why wealth is built milestone by milestone, not overnight. If you are working toward your first $1,000 emergency fund or closing in on your first million, this conversation is a powerful reminder that every step forward matters. CHAPTERS 🎧 0:00 Intro 0:20 Why milestones matter more than a million 1:46 Joshua’s motivation for building wealth 2:58 Income journey from serving to engineering 3:50 Household income growth over time 4:06 Net worth breakdown at nearly $1 million 4:45 Investing vs saving early on 5:51 Avoiding analysis paralysis with automation 6:36 Current debts and mortgage balance 7:26 Tracking net worth after Mint 8:49 Generational wealth plans for his kids 10:07 Teaching money skills over inheritance 10:55 How wealth created more family experiences 12:19 Advice for getting started from zero 13:45 Why emergency funds are a major milestone 14:35 How to connect with Joshua RESOURCES 📚 Own Your Timehttps://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book Track Your Spending and Net Worth with Monarch Moneyhttps://marriagekidsandmoney.com/monarchmoney Mortgage Free Payoff Calculatorhttps://marriagekidsandmoney.com/calculators/mortgage-payoff/ HOW WE MAKE MONEY + DISCLAIMER ⚠️ This show may contain affiliate links or links from our sponsors where we earn a commission, direct payment, or products at no extra cost to you. Opinions are our own. Information shared on this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional financial advice. Always seek the guidance of a licensed financial professional for your specific situation. Marriage Kids and Money (https://www.marriagekidsandmoney.com) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon.com. CREDITS 🎙️ Podcast Artwork: Kayli Johnson Editor: Johnny Sohl Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What would your life look like if you woke up tomorrow and your home was completely paid off? How much freedom would that give your family? And how much more possibility would you feel if housing costs disappeared forever? In today’s episode, Ken and Mary Okoroafor from The Humble Penny share how they became mortgage free in one of the most expensive cities in the world: London. They paid off the equivalent of nearly $475,000 in just seven years, and the ripple effects changed everything. Ken and Mary open up about the peace of mind they gained, how their work and family life transformed, what mortgage freedom made possible for their children, and why this choice unlocked a new lifestyle filled with flexibility, purpose, and joy. This Best of MKM conversation is one of the most inspiring mortgage free stories we have ever featured. If you want to eliminate stress, design a more intentional family life, and build generational wealth with confidence, this episode will light a fire under you. CHAPTERS 🎧 0:00 Intro 0:34 Meet Ken and Mary Okoroafor 1:50 Mortgage Free Three 2:40 Why they became mortgage free 4:10 How cost of living shaped their decisions 5:43 How they paid off their mortgage in seven years 8:03 Living on one income and side hustles 9:41 Cutting costs and intentional lifestyle choices 10:51 Working together as a couple 12:39 Celebrating the mortgage free moment 15:26 How their work life changed 18:14 What life looks like today 20:11 Why this freedom would not be possible with a mortgage 21:58 Generational wealth and their children 24:20 Being present as parents 26:00 Their book Financial Joy 27:00 Where to find The Humble Penny RESOURCES 📚 Own Your Timehttps://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book Track Your Spending and Net Worth with Monarch Moneyhttps://marriagekidsandmoney.com/monarchmoney Mortgage Free Payoff Calculatorhttps://marriagekidsandmoney.com/calculators/mortgage-payoff/ The Humble Pennyhttps://thehumblepenny.com Financial Joy Bookhttps://amzn.to/48jWREN The Humble Penny YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/thehumblepenny HOW WE MAKE MONEY + DISCLAIMER ⚠️ This show may contain affiliate links or links from our sponsors where we earn a commission, direct payment, or products at no extra cost to you. Opinions are our own. Information shared on this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional financial advice. Always seek the guidance of a licensed financial professional for your specific situation. Marriage Kids and Money (https://www.marriagekidsandmoney.com) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon.com. CREDITS 🎙️ Podcast Artwork: Kayli Johnson Editor: Johnny Sohl Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever wondered what would change in your life if you finally reached the point where your investments could grow on autopilot even if you stopped contributing? What kind of freedom would that give your family? And what possibilities might open up if you did not have to hustle at 110 percent forever? In today’s episode, Marko Zlatic from Whiteboard Finance shares how he and his wife reached Coast FIRE in their mid-thirties with over $730,000 invested. Marco breaks down the exact moves that got them there, from early investing habits to their simple index fund strategy to building a life that blends ambition with balance. He also opens up about parenting, marriage, culture, and why he believes Coast Fire is the most realistic financial independence path for families. This Best of MKM episode earned more than 40,000 YouTube views when it first aired, and for good reason. It is transparent, motivating, and packed with actionable takeaways for anyone aiming to build wealth while still enjoying life today. CHAPTERS 🎧 0:00 Intro 0:35 Meet Marko Zlatic of Whiteboard Finance 2:09 Coast Fire Five 3:30 Retirement projections 3:58 Current expenses 4:15 How Marko started investing 5:11 When he shifted to index funds 6:20 Money dynamics in marriage 7:52 What is inside Marko’s portfolio 8:31 Pre tax, taxable and Roth strategy 9:42 529s and kids plans 11:35 His take on bonds 12:45 How Coast Fire changed his mindset 14:03 Why Coast Fire is perfect for parents 15:51 Balancing FIRE with living well 17:37 What excites Marko about the next 15 years 19:20 A life philosophy rooted in purpose 20:25 Where to find Marko online RESOURCES 📚 Own Your Timehttps://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book Track Your Net Worth with Empowerhttps://marriagekidsandmoney.com/empower Whiteboard Finance YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/whiteboardfinance Whiteboard Finance Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/whiteboardfinance HOW WE MAKE MONEY + DISCLAIMER ⚠️ This show may contain affiliate links or links from our sponsors where we earn a commission, direct payment, or products at no extra cost to you. Opinions are our own. Information shared on this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional financial advice. Always seek the guidance of a licensed financial professional for your specific situation. Marriage Kids and Money (https://www.marriagekidsandmoney.com) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon.com. CREDITS 🎙️ Podcast Artwork: Kayli Johnson Editor: Johnny Sohl Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever wondered what life would look like if you designed your days around freedom instead of work? What would change if you could travel for months at a time, pick projects you actually enjoy, and still watch your net worth climb into the millions? Today you’ll hear how Lauren and Stephen Keys, creators of Trip of a Lifestyle, built a million dollar net worth in their early thirties and used it to create a flexible, travel-filled life. They didn’t wait for traditional retirement at 65. They didn’t burn out on the way to FIRE. Instead, they created a lifestyle where they work less, live more, and let their money do the heavy lifting. This conversation originally aired last year and quickly became one of our most-watched interviews, so it felt like the perfect Best of MKM feature for this holiday week. Lauren and Stephen share how they avoided lifestyle creep, traveled the world cheaply, took mini retirements, paid off two homes, and built more confidence with each dollar saved. If you're dreaming of more time freedom, this story will show you what’s possible. CHAPTERS 🎧 0:00 Intro 0:26 Meet Lauren and Stephen Keys 2:00 The moment that changed everything 4:15 Early moves that accelerated their wealth 5:11 Avoiding lifestyle creep 6:50 How they travel constantly without overspending 9:03 Their first six month mini retirement in Hawaii 10:42 Visiting every national park 12:17 Leaving full-time work 13:38 Life at a million-dollar net worth 15:36 Why they still choose to work 16:38 Rethinking traditional retirement 18:05 Breaking down their million dollar portfolio 19:20 Paying off homes vs investing 21:39 Looking ahead to the next decade 22:57 One step couples can take today 23:20 Where to find Lauren and Stephen RESOURCES 📚 Own Your Timehttps://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book Track Your Net Worth with Empowerhttps://marriagekidsandmoney.com/empower Trip of a Lifestylehttps://www.tripofalifestyle.com Cram Better tutoringhttps://crambetter.com Trip of a Lifestyle Financial Roadmaphttps://www.tripofalifestyle.com/roadmap HOW WE MAKE MONEY + DISCLAIMER ⚠️ This show may contain affiliate links or links from our sponsors where we earn a commission, direct payment, or products at no extra cost to you. Opinions are our own. Information shared on this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional financial advice. Always seek the guidance of a licensed financial professional for your specific situation. Marriage Kids and Money (https://www.marriagekidsandmoney.com) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon.com. CREDITS 🎙️ Podcast Artwork: Kayli Johnson Editor: Johnny Sohl Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode, we explore the power of generosity and the traditions that can help our kids grow into grateful and giving adults. We walk through five simple and meaningful family giving ideas, including Big Tip Tuesday, the Big Give, glovebox giving, and volunteer habits that bring families closer. Then we sit down with Angela Rozmyn from Women’s Personal Finance to learn how she and her husband reached Coast Fire in their thirties and how intentional living shaped their journey. Angela shares transparent details about their investing, lifestyle choices, and the trade-offs that helped them create more time freedom as parents. We close with a heartwarming Good Word story featuring Calvin and a Today.com piece about a baker who delivers free birthday cakes to his neighbors experiencing homelessness. It is a powerful reminder that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference. If you want more margin to live generously, check out Own Your Time at https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/ownyourtimeamazon Chapters 0:00 Welcome to the show 0:24 Five family giving traditions 9:05 Coast Fire Couple interview with Angela Rozmyn 38:30 Where to find Angela online 39:02 The Good Word with Calvin 40:55 Today.com good news story 43:45 Final thoughts Resources and Links Women’s Personal Finance (Angela Rozmyn)https://womenspersonalfinance.org/ Baker delivers free birthday cakes to homeless peoplehttps://www.today.com/food/people/baker-delivers-free-birthday-cakes-to-homeless-people-rcna235965 Own Your Time - New book: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/ownyourtimeamazon Crew: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/crew Sponsors and additional resourceshttps://marriagekidsandmoney.com/sponsors Disclaimer This show is for entertainment purposes only. Be sure to seek out a professional for your specific financial situation. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Credits Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Artwork: Kayli Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Talking about money with your spouse can be hard, especially when emotions, expectations, and old habits get involved. In this episode, we explore how couples can discuss money without fighting and move toward fairness, trust, and teamwork. Our guests, Heather and Douglas Bonaparth, are a married couple who know both the financial and emotional sides of money. Heather is a lawyer turned writer, and Douglas is a nationally recognized financial advisor and founder of Bonafide Wealth. Together, they co-authored Money Together, a book that helps couples create equity in their relationships and communicate more effectively about finances. We discuss how to approach tough conversations about spending, why understanding your financial beginnings matters, and how to replace accusation with curiosity. Heather and Douglas also share practical advice on balancing contributions at home and work, maintaining fairness when one partner earns more, and building a marriage rooted in empathy and shared goals. PODCAST CHAPTERS 00:00 – Welcome and introduction 01:00 – Why money can be a sticky subject in marriage 02:00 – How our beginnings shape our money beliefs 03:30 – Common money conflicts in relationships 05:15 – The importance of curiosity and empathy 06:30 – Setting the right time and place for money talks 08:00 – Start with wins, not criticism 09:00 – Turning money conversations into teamwork 10:45 – Redefining contribution beyond income 13:00 – Creating fairness at home and in finances 15:30 – Building equity in your marriage 17:30 – Moving away from traditional gender roles 19:30 – Balancing breadwinning and identity 22:30 – Power dynamics and redefining success 25:00 – Learning from couples who do it right 27:00 – How to start small and lead with vulnerability 29:00 – The role of time, communication, and empathy 31:30 – About the book Money Together and where to learn more RESOURCES & NOTES 📚 Money Together by Heather and Douglas Bonaparth – Learn how to create fairness and become an unstoppable financial team: https://amzn.to/3JH4tHO 🌐 Heather and Douglas Bonaparth – DoMoneyTogether.com – Explore their resources, newsletter, and more insights for couples. 💰 Sponsors, Deals & Partners – See all current offers in one place: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/sponsors 📘 Own Your Time – Pre-order our first book: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book ▶️ YouTube – Subscribe to watch videos and interviews: https://www.youtube.com/marriagekidsandmoney HOW WE MAKE MONEY + DISCLAIMER This show may contain affiliate links or links from our sponsors where we earn a commission, direct payment, or products at no extra cost to you. Opinions are our own. Information shared on this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional financial advice. Always seek the guidance of a licensed financial professional for your specific situation. Marriage Kids and Money (https://www.marriagekidsandmoney.com) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon.com. CREDITS Podcast Artwork: Liz Theresa Editor: Johnny Sohl Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Solopreneur Life segment, Rebecca Richardson, also known as The Mortgage Mentor, shares how she built a thriving mortgage origination business earning up to $20,000 per month while maintaining the flexibility to be present for her four kids and family. With more than 20 years in the mortgage industry and a large social media following, Rebecca has leveraged her expertise to create multiple income streams, including coaching, consulting, and speaking, which bring in an additional $5,000–$7,500 per month. She joins us to discuss how solopreneurship has allowed her to build a balanced life, the lessons she’s learned from market ups and downs, and how others can design a career that fits their family goals. We also cover her favorite tools, the biggest mistake she’s made on her journey, and what retirement looks like now that she’s truly “work optional.” CHAPTERS 00:00 – Introduction 00:25 – Meet Rebecca Richardson, The Mortgage Mentor 01:15 – How she got started in the mortgage business 03:00 – Transitioning into a solopreneur-style career 04:30 – Balancing autonomy with company structure 05:55 – The freedom to design her own business and schedule 07:45 – Lessons from 2008 and adapting to market changes 09:25 – Staying nimble in uncertain housing markets 11:30 – How mortgage originators make money 12:50 – Building multiple income streams through content and coaching 13:45 – Earning $15K–$20K per month in mortgage income 14:25 – Adding $5K–$7.5K per month from consulting and speaking 15:30 – Running a lean, efficient business 16:45 – Learning to outsource and protect her time 18:00 – How long it takes to build income consistency as a loan officer 19:30 – Why this career path offers flexibility for parents 21:45 – Rebecca’s advice for aspiring mortgage originators 23:15 – Solopreneur High Five: tools, AI, mistakes, hobbies, and retirement 29:00 – Her best advice for aspiring solopreneurs 29:45 – Where to find Rebecca online RESOURCES & NOTES 🌐 Rebecca Richardson – The Mortgage Mentor: https://www.themortgagementor.co 💰 Sponsors, Deals & Partners – See all current offers in one place: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/sponsors 📘 Own Your Time – Pre-order our first book: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book 💼 Gusto – The payroll and benefits platform built for small business owners: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/gusto ▶️ YouTube – Subscribe to watch episodes and interviews: https://www.youtube.com/marriagekidsandmoney HOW WE MAKE MONEY + DISCLAIMER This show may contain affiliate links or links from our sponsors where we earn a commission, direct payment, or products at no extra cost to you. Opinions are our own. Information shared on this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional financial advice. Always seek the guidance of a licensed financial professional for your specific situation. Marriage Kids and Money (https://www.marriagekidsandmoney.com) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon.com. CREDITS Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Artwork: Kayli Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re Debt Free. Now What? After years of paying off debt, many families wonder what to do next. In this episode, we answer a question from Brian in Michigan, who just became debt-free with his wife and wants to know how to make the most of their extra $1,000 per month. We share five time freedom moves to help families use that money wisely, from building an emergency fund and reassessing insurance coverage to investing for Coast FIRE and starting a 529 plan for their new baby’s future. We also discuss how to avoid lifestyle inflation and use money to buy time, not things. Then, in our Be The Change segment, we talk with Keith Wargo, President and CEO of Autism Speaks, about financial planning for families with special needs children and how their organization supports parents navigating the system. Finally, we wrap up with a fun Money Quiz featuring Calvin Hill, testing his financial knowledge on debt, giving, and net worth. PODCAST CHAPTERS 00:00 – Use money to buy time, not things 00:22 – Welcome and episode overview 01:00 – Question of the month from Brian in Michigan 02:10 – Step 1: Build savings and your safety net 03:40 – Step 2: Reassess insurance coverage 05:00 – The power of protecting your family 06:20 – Step 3: Invest for Coast FIRE 07:30 – Our Coast FIRE journey and growth 09:00 – Step 4: Start a 529 plan for your child’s future 10:00 – Lump sum investing and early start benefits 11:00 – Step 5: Focus on time freedom, not lifestyle inflation 14:00 – Be The Change with Autism Speaks 15:00 – Financial planning for special needs families 16:45 – ABLE accounts and special needs trusts 23:00 – How to get started with financial planning 25:30 – How to support Autism Speaks 28:20 – Money Quiz with Calvin Hill 34:20 – Closing message: time, freedom, and family RESOURCES & NOTES 💰 Crew – Family-friendly banking with high-yield savings, kids’ debit cards, and shared budgeting for couples: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/crew 💙 Autism Speaks – Learn more or donate to support families: https://www.autismspeaks.org 📘 Own Your Time – Pre-order our first book: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book 💰 Sponsors, Deals & Partners – See all current offers in one place: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/sponsors ▶️ YouTube – Subscribe to watch videos and interviews: https://www.youtube.com/marriagekidsandmoney HOW WE MAKE MONEY + DISCLAIMER This show may contain affiliate links or links from our sponsors where we earn a commission, direct payment, or products at no extra cost to you. Opinions are our own. Information shared on this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional financial advice. Always seek the guidance of a licensed financial professional for your specific situation. Marriage Kids and Money (https://www.marriagekidsandmoney.com) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon.com. CREDITS Podcast Artwork: Liz Theresa Editor: Johnny Sohl Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Quick update for you! Marriage Kids and Money is moving to Wednesdays. This change is part of our experiment to live out the principles from my new book Own Your Time and build a flexible schedule that supports a semi-retired lifestyle. We’re testing a three-day work week and seeing how it fits our goals for more balance, family time, and freedom. See you tomorrow! Carpe Diem! Resources & Notes: Own Your Time (pre-order here): https://www.amazon.com/Own-Your-Time-Financial-Corporate/dp/1394342772/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How can we move from a mindset of scarcity to one of abundance? In today’s episode, Leisa Peterson, author of The Mindful Millionaire and The Money Catalyst, joins us to explore how our early money beliefs can hold us back and how to create a healthier, more abundant relationship with money. Leisa shares how she overcame her own scarcity mindset, the impact it had on her marriage, and practical steps you can take to enjoy your wealth and your life with more freedom and trust. Then, in our Net Worth Win segment, we meet Sushant Thakray from North Carolina. Sushant and his wife Amrita have built a $3 million net worth in their 40s and achieved financial independence after years of living below their means, investing steadily, and staying debt-free. He explains how they grew from $30,000 of student debt to full financial freedom, how they’re passing money lessons to their kids, and what life looks like now that he’s “retired from corporate life, but not from life.” RESOURCES 👉 Sponsors, Deals & Partners – See all current offers in one place: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/sponsors 📚 Leisa Peterson – The Mindful Millionaire & The Money Catalyst: https://amzn.to/4nvXGP9 📺 Sushant Thakray – Money with Swabi (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/@Moneywithswabi 📘 Own Your Time – Pre-order Andy’s new book: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book PODCAST CHAPTERS 00:00 – Leisa Peterson on overcoming scarcity thinking 00:28 – Today’s two segments overview 01:15 – Defining a scarcity mindset 02:10 – How early money beliefs shape our behavior 04:30 – Moving toward abundance and trust 06:30 – Recognizing scarcity triggers 07:10 – Leisa’s “candy bar” story and breaking old patterns 09:45 – Parenting and passing down money beliefs 10:50 – How to identify your money story and triggers 12:30 – Scarcity and marriage dynamics 15:30 – Navigating abundance vs. frugality in relationships 16:20 – The $4,000 New Zealand trip that changed everything 18:15 – First steps to embracing abundance 20:20 – Finding joy and celebrating life’s moments 21:30 – Leisa’s new book: The Money Catalyst 23:25 – Introducing Net Worth Win: Sushant Thakray 24:00 – From average student to millionaire mindset 25:00 – Motivation shifting from money to freedom 26:20 – Paying off $30,000 in student loans 27:45 – Living below their means and saving for freedom 29:45 – Retiring from corporate life, not from purpose 30:20 – Breaking down a $3 million net worth 32:10 – Teaching his kids about money and investing early 34:00 – Generational wealth through knowledge and mindset 36:00 – Redefining retirement and designing a free life 37:30 – Advice for new investors and wealth builders 38:40 – Connect with Sushant and his Money with Swabi channel 39:35 – Andy’s update on Own Your Time book pre-orders 39:50 – Quote of the Week: Eckhart Tolle on gratitude and abundance HOW WE MAKE MONEY + DISCLAIMER This show may contain affiliate links or links from our advertisers where we earn a commission, direct payment or products. Opinions are the creators alone. Information shared on this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Marriage Kids and Money (https://www.marriagekidsandmoney.com) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon.com. CREDITS Podcast Artwork: Liz Theresa Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Support: Andy Hill Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Award-winning photographer Kristin Sweeting turned her love of creativity into a thriving solopreneur business that now earns between $300K and $400K per year, all while working about 20 hours a week and homeschooling her son. In this episode of Solopreneur Life, Kristin shares how she went from a $30K church salary to $30K months, what pushed her to finally raise her rates, and the mindset shifts that helped her design a business and a life on her own terms. You will learn how photographers can build profitable, flexible careers through clear vision, intentional pricing, and smart outsourcing. Kristin also opens up about single parenting, work life balance, and how she uses creativity and travel to inspire both her art and her business coaching. If you have ever dreamed of turning your artistic passion into a full time business, this episode will show you what is possible. ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro – Why more people are choosing solopreneurship 01:10 Kristin’s origin story: from youth director to photographer 04:20 Hitting a $30K month after being told she had hit her career cap 07:45 How photographers actually make money 10:20 Breaking down her income and salary today 14:10 Working 20 hours a week and homeschooling her son 17:20 Raising rates from $5K to $25K weddings 20:40 What new photographers can realistically earn 22:45 Why photography can be ideal for parents 24:40 Solopreneur High Five: tools, outsourcing, AI, and freedom 36:45 Her advice for new photographers – start before you are ready 38:40 Where to connect with Kristin Sweeting 💡 RESOURCES AND NOTES Connect with Kristin Sweeting 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinsweeting 🎧 Podcast: Dangerous Creatives – https://dangerschool.com/podcast Solopreneur Tools I Love 💼 Gusto – Payroll and benefits made easy: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/gusto 🏦 Live Oak Bank – Small business banking built for entrepreneurs: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/liveoakbank 🎙️ Riverside – Professional quality podcast and video recording: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/riverside 💰 Monarch Money – Best budgeting app for solopreneurs and families: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/monarchmoney Recommended Resources 📘 Own Your Time by Andy Hill – 10 Financial Steps to Put Your Family First and Escape the Corporate Grind: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book 🎧 More episodes on solopreneur success: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/epcats/create-a-solopreneur-life/ Credits 🎬 Editor: Johnny Sohl 🎨 Podcast Artwork: Kayli Johnson ⚠️ Disclaimer and Disclosure Information shared on this podcast may come from financial, business, or creative professionals, but it should not be considered professional advice specific to you or your situation. Always consult with your own professional before making decisions related to your finances or business. Some of the resources mentioned may contain affiliate links, which means if you choose to make a purchase through those links, Marriage Kids and Money, Andy Hill and Solopreneur Life may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. These partnerships help support the show and allow us to continue creating valuable content for solopreneurs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you and your spouse are tired of money stress, this episode will help you find teamwork and peace with your finances. First, we count down the Top 5 Best Budget Apps for Families and Couples to simplify your money life. From EveryDollar to Monarch Money, discover which tools make it easiest to budget together, track goals, and finally stay on the same page financially. Then, we talk with Blair Hickman and Mariah Hudler, a California couple who reached Coast FIRE with $2 million invested. They share how teamwork, consistency, and transparency helped them triple their net worth and transition into a semi-retired lifestyle focused on health, travel, and family time. Finally, Andy and his son Calvin Hill close the show with The Good Word, a heartwarming story about kindness from the Good News Movement and a reminder to appreciate the present moment. RESOURCES 👉 Sponsors, Deals & Partners – See all current offers in one place: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/sponsors 🎥 Good News Movement: Mia’s Story – Watch the uplifting video shared in The Good Word:https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPgoyaQjvpR/ TOP 5 BUDGET APPS FOR FAMILIES AND COUPLES(These are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you decide to sign up. There’s no extra cost to you and it helps support the show.) 💰 Monarch Money – Our top pick for couples and families. Try it free for 7 days and get 50% off your first year: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/monarchmoney 📊 YNAB (You Need A Budget) – Proactive budgeting system with a 34-day free trial: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/ynab 📱 Simplifi by Quicken – Clean, easy-to-use design for busy families. Includes a 30-day free trial: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/simplifi 🏦 Crew – Family banking and kids’ debit cards with high-yield checking. Free to use: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/crew 💳 EveryDollar – Simple zero-based budgeting from Ramsey Solutions. Premium plan includes a 14-day free trial: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/everydollar GUEST RESOURCES 🌐 Mariah Hudler – Coru Financial Therapy: https://www.korufinancialtherapy.com 🌐 My Financially Flexible Life: https://myfinanciallyflexiblelife.com PODCAST CHAPTERS 00:00 – Intro and welcome 00:18 – Today’s three segments overview 00:52 – Are you and your spouse tired of money stress? 01:25 – The Top 5 Best Budget Apps for Families and Couples 02:00 – #5 EveryDollar 03:20 – #4 Crew 05:05 – #3 Simplifi by Quicken 06:20 – #2 YNAB (You Need A Budget) 07:15 – #1 Monarch Money 08:52 – Coast FIRE Couple: Mariah Hudler and Blair Hickman 09:45 – Their $2M journey to Coast FIRE 12:00 – How they built trust and transparency around money 19:00 – Reaching semi-retirement and living on purpose 24:00 – Building wealth through pensions, 457Bs, and index funds 33:00 – Teaching their son Bo about saving and investing 36:00 – Planning a 7-month move to New Zealand 39:30 – Advice for those nervous to slow investing 41:00 – Becoming “Optionaires” 43:00 – How to connect with Mariah 44:20 – The Good Word with Calvin Hill 46:40 – Mia’s story and the power of empathy 49:40 – Closing quote from Seneca HOW WE MAKE MONEY + DISCLAIMER This show may contain affiliate links or links from our advertisers where we earn a commission, direct payment or products. Opinions are the creators alone. Information shared on this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Marriage Kids and Money (https://www.marriagekidsandmoney.com) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon.com. CREDITS Podcast Artwork: Liz Theresa Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Support: Andy Hill Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if you didn’t have to wait until your 60s to experience the freedom of retirement? In this episode, we sit down with Jillian Johnsrud, author of Retire Often and host of the Retire Often Podcast, to explore the life-changing concept of “mini retirements.” Jillian shares how families can take extended breaks from work — to rest, travel, or explore new goals — without derailing their financial independence journey. We discuss the emotional and financial benefits of pausing your career, how to negotiate time off with your employer, and ways to plan mini retirements with kids. If you’re feeling burned out or stuck in the grind, this episode will inspire you to design more space, adventure, and joy into your family’s financial plan. RESOURCES⁠Sponsors, Deals, and Partners that Support the Show Sponsors, Deals & Partners – See all current offers in one place. MKM RESOURCES Own Your Time – Pre-order my first book today! MKM Coaching – Get 1-on-1 support with your family finance journey. Coast FIRE Calculator – Find out when you can slow down or stop investing for retirement. Mortgage Payoff Calculator – See how fast you can become mortgage free. YouTube – Subscribe for free to watch videos of episodes and interviews. RECOMMENDED RESOURCES (SPONSORS & AFFILIATES) Monarch Money – Best budget app for families & couples. Empower – Free portfolio tracker. Crew – HYSA banking built for families (Get an extra 0.5% APY with my partner link). Ethos – Affordable term life insurance. Trust & Will – Convenient estate planning made easy. GUEST RESOURCES Retire Often (Book) – Learn how to design a life filled with mini retirements. RetireOften.com – Explore Jillian’s podcast, blog, and mini retirement tools. Podcast Chapters 00:00 – Intro 01:00 – What is a mini retirement and why it’s trending 02:20 – Why burnout is pushing families toward mini retirements 03:00 – Is the traditional 40-year career model dead? 04:30 – Why employers may welcome your mini retirement 06:00 – How to negotiate a one-month break from work 08:10 – How to address employer concerns with solutions 09:30 – Budgeting for a mini retirement 10:05 – Real-life example: living abroad for the cost of childcare 11:10 – Emotional recovery and resetting after burnout 12:45 – Planning affordable breaks earlier in your financial journey 14:00 – Jillian’s personal mini retirement story 15:00 – Making the most of parental leave and family bonding time 16:30 – Negotiating flexible work or part-time transitions 18:00 – Exit negotiations: how to leave your job on your terms 20:20 – Creating part-time roles and consulting opportunities 22:20 – What is a family gap year and how to plan one 23:40 – Practicing travel and flexibility with kids 25:30 – The FI dilemma: does taking time off derail your goals? 27:00 – Why mini retirements can accelerate your financial growth 28:50 – Mini retirements as wealth-building opportunities 30:00 – About Jillian’s book Retire Often 31:00 – Final thoughts and where to learn more HOW WE MAKE MONEY + DISCLAIMER This show may contain affiliate links or links from our advertisers where we earn a commission, direct payment or products. Opinions are the creators alone. Information shared on this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Marriage Kids and Money (www.marriagekidsandmoney.com) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. CREDITS Podcast Artwork: Liz Theresa Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Support: Andy Hill Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Building a six-figure business as a solopreneur doesn’t happen overnight -- but with the right mindset and systems, it’s absolutely possible. In this episode, we talk with Jannese Torres, a nationally acclaimed Latina money expert, business coach, and host of the Yo Quiero Dinero podcast. Jannese shares how she turned her food blog, Delish D’Lites, into a $10,000-per-month business that allowed her to leave her corporate engineering career and design a life on her own terms. She also breaks down how new creators can find their niche, diversify income through ads and affiliates, and build long-term passive income online. If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your passion into a profitable business, this conversation will inspire you to take that first step. To learn more, check out her Jumpstart Your Blog Bootcamp. RESOURCES & NOTESSolopreneur tools, guest links, and favorite resources to help you build your solo business GUEST LINKS Yo Quiero Dinero Podcast – Learn from Jannese’s money and business insights. Delish D’Lites – Discover her viral Puerto Rican food blog. Jumpstart Your Blog Bootcamp – Jannese’s signature course for aspiring bloggers. SOLOPRENEUR TOOLS WE LOVE Monarch Money – The best app to manage your business and personal budget in one place. Gusto – Payroll and benefits made easy for solopreneurs hiring contractors or employees. Riverside – Record high-quality remote podcasts and videos. Belay – Virtual assistants and bookkeeping support for entrepreneurs. Live Oak Bank – High-yield business savings accounts. RECOMMENDED RESOURCES Visit our full list of partners and deals: Sponsors & Resources Podcast Chapters 00:00 – Stay curious: the mindset that fuels success 00:24 – Jannese Torres on finding freedom through solopreneurship 01:00 – From corporate engineer to creative entrepreneur 02:15 – How her food blog began as a hobby 03:30 – The turning point: making her first $10,000 05:00 – Balancing a full-time job while building her business 07:00 – Quitting her corporate career with confidence 09:40 – Financial prep before leaving a steady paycheck 11:40 – The biggest differences between solopreneurship and corporate life 13:00 – How food bloggers make money (ads, affiliates, sponsors) 15:40 – Diversifying income as a blogger 17:00 – Passive income that continues to pay 18:30 – Building flexibility and time freedom as a parent 20:30 – How to stand out in today’s AI-driven content world 23:40 – The Solopreneur High Five rapid-fire segment 25:30 – Favorite solopreneur tools and apps 27:00 – Lessons from her biggest mistakes 28:45 – Redefining retirement as “work optional” 30:15 – How to start your own food or lifestyle blog today 31:10 – Where to find Jannese and her online resources HOW WE MAKE MONEY + DISCLAIMER This show may contain affiliate links or links from our advertisers where we earn a commission, direct payment or products. Opinions are the creators alone. Information shared on this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Marriage Kids and Money (www.marriagekidsandmoney.com) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. CREDITS Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Artwork: Kayli Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices