Extreme Personal Finance Show

What if the life you’ve been sold is a scam? At CampFI Midwest, Chris Luger—founder of Heavy Metal Money—delivered a powerful message about cranking life up to 11 and living on your own terms.In this presentation, Chris dives into:Why the “default life path” of school, work, retire, and die is brokenHow to reclaim your identity after setbacks and rewrite your storyBuilding a mindset that fuels freedom, purpose, and financial independenceActionable steps to start living life louder todayThis isn’t a roadmap—it’s a pep talk. A wake-up call. A reminder that you don’t owe anyone a boring life. It’s time to rebel, redefine success, and unleash the life you were meant to live.If you’re ready to stop coasting and start rocking, hit play.Contact Chris:https://heavymetal.moneyhttps://www.facebook.com/MoneyHeavyMetalhttps://x.com/MoneyHeavyMetalhttps://www.instagram.com/chrislugerhttps://www.tiktok.com/@heavymetalmoneyemail: chris at heavymetal.moneyResources and Links:https://heavymetal.money/livelouder/

How to Retire Early (Even If You’re Starting Late)This is an automated translation from the blogpost:Do You Want To Retire Early? https://heavymetal.money/howtoretireearly/Think early retirement is only for tech bros and trust fund babies? Think again. In this blogcast episode, we're tearing down the myths and breaking down exactly how you can retire early—even if you're behind, broke, or just waking up to the reality that working 'til you die isn’t the dream.Chris from HeavyMetal.Money shares the brutally honest path to financial independence:Why most people never escape the grindHow much money you really need to walk awayStep-by-step tactics to build wealth faster than your 9-5 drains your soulThe mindset shift you need to go from paycheck-to-paycheck to total freedomWhether you want to retire by 50 or just reclaim your damn time, this episode is your battle plan.

Ever wonder what really goes down at CampFI? Spoiler: it’s not just a bunch of nerds sitting around spreadsheets in the woodsIn this special live episode of The Extreme Personal Finance Show, I take you inside CampFI 2025 Midwest Week 1. Recorded in front of a live audience, you’ll hear from campers on why CampFI is more than a retreat—it’s a financial independence festival where money nerds, rebels, and freedom-seekers come together.We break down:Why CampFI is the ultimate meetup for the FIRE community 🔥The friendships and connections that fuel financial independenceThe myths (and truths) about “money camp”Stories, laughs, and real talk from the people living life on their own termsIf you’ve ever asked yourself “Should I go to CampFI?” this episode is your loud, unapologetic answer: HELL YES.Subscribe to The Extreme Personal Finance Show and turn up the volume on your journey to financial freedom.https://campfi.org#CampFI #FinancialIndependence #FIREmovement #MoneyNerdsUnite #FinancialFreedom #ExtremePersonalFinance #HeavyMetalMoney

Doom Spending: Retail Therapy or Financial Sabotage?This is an automated translation from the blogpost:Doom Spending: The Destructive Financial Habithttps://heavymetal.money/doomspending/In this blogcast episode, we dive into the chaos-fueled spending habits known as doom spending. From late-night Amazon hauls to buying crap you don’t need just to feel alive—this one's for every rebel who’s tried to buy their way out of stress.We break down:What is doom spending?Why anxiety and fear drive bad money habitsHow the economy and world events are pushing people into retail therapy gone wildHow to stop doom spendingWant to take control of your money without losing your edge? Smash that play button, and let’s get loud.#DoomSpending #HeavyMetalMoney #ImpulseBuying #MoneyMindset #PersonalFinance #RetailTherapy #FinancialAnxiety #MillennialMoney #GenZMoney #Blogcast #FinancialWellnessContact Chris:https://heavymetal.moneyhttps://www.facebook.com/MoneyHeavyMetalhttps://x.com/MoneyHeavyMetalhttps://www.instagram.com/chrislugerhttps://www.tiktok.com/@heavymetalmoneyemail: chris at heavymetal.money

In this electrifying episode of The Extreme Personal Finance Show, we sit down with Dr. Paris Woods—award-winning education leader, social entrepreneur, and author of the #1 bestseller The Black Girl’s Guide to Financial Freedom. With over 120,000 copies sold, her book is flipping the script on how we talk about money, especially for women of color.Paris shares her powerful personal story of rising from poverty, questioning toxic money myths, crushing debt, and finding her way into the world of FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early). We dig into the myth of success through debt, the trap of hustle culture, and how she used real estate and career moves to fast-track her financial freedom.You’ll learn:Why budgeting every penny isn’t the long-term solutionHow Paris hacked her housing expenses using AirbnbThe underrated power of earning moreHow to escape hustle burnout and stop trading time for moneyThe truth about college, career paths, and building a future you actually wantWhether you’re just getting started or looking to level up, this episode delivers practical, unapologetic advice that challenges traditional financial narratives and inspires you to take control of your money—and your life. Horns Up!Contact Chris:https://heavymetal.moneyhttps://www.facebook.com/MoneyHeavyMetalhttps://x.com/MoneyHeavyMetalhttps://www.instagram.com/chrislugerhttps://www.tiktok.com/@heavymetalmoneyemail: chris at heavymetal.moneyResources and Links:The Black Girl's Guide to Financial Freedom: Build Wealth, Retire Early, and Live the Life of Your Dreamshttps://amzn.to/4fmx4gPPaul PantAfford AnythingDave Ramsey Total Money Makeoverhttps://www.ynab.com/ - You Need A BudgetYour Money or Your Life: 9 Steps to Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Achieving Financial Independenceby Vicki Robin https://amzn.to/461NR5OSecrets of the Millionaire Mind: Mastering the Inner Game of Wealth Hardcover by T. Harv Ekerhttps://amzn.to/4fNjt2gYouthForce NOLAhttps://www.youthforcenola.org

How AI Is Changing the Way We Manage MoneyThis is an automated translation from the blogpost:How AI Is Changing the Way We Manage Money https://heavymetal.money/moneyandai Artificial Intelligence isn’t just for robots and sci-fi movies—it’s now headbanging its way into your bank account. In this blogcast episode of The Extreme Personal Finance Show, we break down how AI is transforming everything from budgeting apps to investing platforms and even your side hustles.We’re talking robo-advisors, smart algorithms, and automated tools that can help you spend smarter, invest faster, and maybe even get your time back. If you've ever wondered how to use ChatGPT to slash your spending, find new ways to make money, or stop doomscrolling your budget into oblivion—this one’s for you.Highlights:The rise of AI in personal finance toolsHow to use ChatGPT to cut costs, find deals, and plan smarterWhy trusting an algorithm could be your next financial power moveWays AI can boost your side hustles or reselling bizWarning signs: When automation leads to dumb money decisionsReady to shred your financial stress and let tech do the heavy lifting? Hit play, and let’s crank up the volume on your financial IQ.Contact Chris:https://heavymetal.moneyhttps://www.facebook.com/MoneyHeavyMetalhttps://x.com/MoneyHeavyMetalhttps://www.instagram.com/chrislugerx`https://www.tiktok.com/@heavymetalmoneyemail: chris at heavymetal.money

In this powerhouse episode of The Extreme Personal Finance Show, Chris sits down with personal finance legend and podcasting icon Joe Saul-Sehy—host of Stacking Benjamins and co-author of Stacked: Your Super-Serious Guide to Modern Money Management.They dive into:How humor and storytelling can supercharge financial learningWhy most financial advice is either too serious, too salesy, or straight-up wrongThe truth about doing it all yourself (spoiler: just because you're smart enough doesn’t mean you should)Joe’s wake-up call after blowing his first tax year as a new financial advisorHis take on FIRE, community, “happy money,” and how to fuse your future goals with your present habitsWhy your systems matter more than your willpowerThe most powerful money mindset shift Joe ever made (and how it can change your life too)Plus, personal stories, board games, running marathons, and the truth about that runner’s high. This episode is for anyone who wants financial freedom without the financial snobbery.Contact Chris:https://heavymetal.moneyhttps://www.facebook.com/MoneyHeavyMetalhttps://x.com/MoneyHeavyMetalhttps://www.instagram.com/chrislugerhttps://www.tiktok.com/@heavymetalmoneyemail: chris at heavymetal.moneyConnect with Joehttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-stacking-benjamins-show/id650045209https://www.instagram.com/averagejoemoneyhttps://www.facebook.com/jsaulsehyResources and Links:Why Having Fun Is the Secret to a Healthier Life | Catherine Price | TEDhttps://youtu.be/iMBJrvEwv8s?si=Jrnzggl89jKydN5BTwin Cities Stacking Benjamins Meetup Grouphttps://www.facebook.com/share/g/1AziMX4ydn/Join or Die Filmhttps://www.joinordiefilm.comKing Tut by Steve Martinhttps://youtu.be/FYbavuReVF4?si=tS36RReiIoEwQ2VWWhy Paying for Professional Retirement Asset Management May Be Worth Ithttps://heavymetal.money/financialadvisor/The Jaimie Dimon Interview - Summer 2025https://youtu.be/AR_1IPhzAtU?si=4Q3YG4l-KadCKCpzHow To Make $100M Dollars in 2025 (with Alex Hormozi) Part 1 & 2https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-stacking-benjamins-show/id650045209?i=1000682302745https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-stacking-benjamins-show/id650045209?i=1000682511271Understanding Your Financial Roadmap (with Nick Maggiulli) SB1712https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-stacking-benjamins-show/id650045209?i=1000718574702Of Dollars And Data bloghttps://ofdollarsanddata.comTHE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN® SHOWhttps://www.rogerwhitney.comKen Hondahttps://kenhonda.comHappy Money: The Japanese Art of Making Peace with Your Money Paperback by Ken Hondahttps://amzn.to/4mqHIWuPaula Panthttps://affordanything.comCatching Up to FI - Financial Independence For Late Startershttps://catchinguptofi.comDr. Jordan Grumet https://jordangrumet.comThe Earn & Invest Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/earn-invest/id1440355498Gen Conhttps://www.gencon.com/aboutusGen Con Indy. largest and longest-running game convention, held annually in Indianapolis. It’s a four-day event that attracts tens of thousands of attendees and features a wide variety of tabletop, card, and video games, as well as seminars, art shows, and other related events. Three Tales of Financial Triumph (with Jonathan Clements)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlsaUxfksy8Humble Dollar https://humbledollar.com/about/Retirement Starts Today Podcast by Benjamin Brandthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retirement-starts-today/id1052378769Run Disneyhttps://www.rundisney.com/Avowed is a first-person fantasy RPG set in the world of Eora, where your choices carve a path through war, intrigue, and ancient mysteries. Navigate a land in turmoil, forge powerful alliances or deadly rivalries, and wield magic and steel to shape the fate of the Living Lands—and your own destiny.https://store.steampowered.com/app/2457220/Avowed/Jesse Cramerhttps://bestinterest.blog/personal-finance-for-long-term-investors/

What if you didn’t have to wait until 65 to slow down? In this episode of The Extreme Personal Finance Show, we sit down with Scott Folland, a physician assistant and FIRE movement enthusiast, to talk about the art of living intentionally before traditional retirement.Scott shares how a sabbatical and some well-timed lifestyle choices allowed him to downshift from full-time work to a 4-day workweek—without blowing up his retirement plans. We dive into concepts like Coast FI, mini-retirements, and how to optimize your life for meaning instead of just money.Whether you're dreaming of a slower pace, more time with your kids, or just want to test-drive retirement without leaving your career behind, Scott’s journey is packed with wisdom and practical inspiration.Topics Covered:What is Coast FI and why it might be your best path to freedomHow Scott negotiated a 6-month sabbatical with zero policy in placeWhy downshifting doesn’t mean giving up—it means realigningHow to know if you’re financially independent (even if you don’t feel like it)The surprising joy of slow Fridays and prioritizing presence over paychecksWhat to consider financially and emotionally before reducing your work hoursTravel hacking, biking, music, and redefining purpose beyond workWhether you're in your 40s, 50s, or just reevaluating your path—this one will hit home.Live slower. Plan smarter. Retire on your own damn terms.Contact Chris:https://heavymetal.moneyhttps://www.facebook.com/MoneyHeavyMetalhttps://x.com/MoneyHeavyMetalhttps://www.instagram.com/chrislugerhttps://www.tiktok.com/@heavymetalmoneyemail: chris at heavymetal.moneyResources and Links:Twin Cities Stacking Benjamins Meetup Grouphttps://www.facebook.com/share/g/1AziMX4ydn/CampFIhttps://campfi.org The Fioneers https://thefioneers.comWhat is Coast FICoast FI, or Coast Financial Independence, is a stage within the Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) movement where you've saved and invested enough money that your future retirement is secure, even if you stop saving further. You can then "coast" to your target retirement age, relying on the growth of your existing investments to reach your financial goals. This means you can potentially reduce your work hours or even switch to a less demanding career without jeopardizing your retirement. Pierce The Veil 10X Travelhttps://10xtravel.com10X Travel Free Beginner Coursehttps://10xtravel.com/free-tools/#MiniRetirement #CoastFI #FinancialFreedom #FIREmovement #IntentionalLiving #DownshiftToFreedom #SemiRetiredLife #MoneyAndMeaning #PersonalFinancePodcast #ExtremePersonalFinance #RetireEarly #LiveYourLife

Demystifying Your Credit Score: A Financial Report CardThis is an automated translation from the blogpost:Demystifying Credit Scores: Your Financial Report Card and Why It Mattershttps://heavymetal.money/creditscores/Think credit scores are just for loans? Think again. In this blogcast episode, we go full shred mode on the mysterious world of credit scores —what they are, how they’re calculated, and why ignoring yours could sabotage your entire financial future.From getting denied for an apartment to paying thousands more in interest over your lifetime, your credit score is the shadowy figure lurking behind your money moves. But fear not, we break down the brutal truth in plain English and give you the weapons to fight back.Whether you're rebuilding after a financial faceplant or just trying to boost your score to unlock better rates, this episode has your back. It's time to **take control, slash bad habits, and build a score that kicks ass.**Key Takeaways:* What’s really behind that 3-digit number• Why your score affects way more than just loans• The top 5 factors that make or break your credit• How to repair a wrecked score and build it back stronger•Tools, tips, and battle-tested strategies for credit dominationDon't let bad credit keep you in chains. Let’s crank it up and get you financially metal.Contact Chris:https://heavymetal.moneyhttps://www.facebook.com/MoneyHeavyMetalhttps://x.com/MoneyHeavyMetalhttps://www.instagram.com/chrislugerhttps://www.tiktok.com/@heavymetalmoneyemail: chris at heavymetal.money

Why do smart people make dumb money decisions? Certified Financial Planner and financial journalist Hanna Horvath joins Chris on this episode of The Extreme Personal Finance Show to dive deep into the psychology behind our money behavior.From childhood money beliefs to doom spending and Gen Z’s financial nihilism, Hanna breaks down how our unconscious money scripts shape everything—from how we budget to why we avoid checking our bank account.Learn how to identify your earliest money memories, rewrite harmful scripts, and build a spending plan based on your values—not someone else's version of success. Whether you’re Gen X, Millennial, or Gen Z, this episode will help you make peace with your financial story and start building the life you actually want.Topics Covered:What are money scripts and how do they form?How childhood experiences affect adult financial behaviorGen Z's belief that they'll never retire—and why it mattersDoom spending, money anxiety, and scarcity mindsetsHow to align spending with personal valuesBreaking free from avoidance and shame around moneyBuilding guardrails and setting realistic goalsContact Chris:https://heavymetal.moneyhttps://www.facebook.com/MoneyHeavyMetalhttps://x.com/MoneyHeavyMetalhttps://www.instagram.com/chrislugerhttps://www.tiktok.com/@heavymetalmoneyemail: chris at heavymetal.moneyConnect with Hannahttps://www.hannahorvath.comHanna’s Newsletter on Substackhttps://yourbrainonmoney.substack.comHann’s Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/yourbrain_onmoneyResources and Links:Do you Need to Make a $500k Salary To Be Successful?https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/extreme-personal-finance-show/id1537001709?i=1000678659319

This is an automated translation from the blogpost:Breaking the Financial Glass Ceiling: Why More Women Need to Investhttps://heavymetal.money/womeninvesting/In this powerful blogcast episode, we’re smashing through outdated money myths and taking a sledgehammer to the financial glass ceiling. It’s time to talk about why more women need to invest—not someday, not when they "feel ready," but right damn now.We dive deep into the stats, the setbacks, and the systemic roadblocks that keep women from building wealth—and how to obliterate them with knowledge, strategy, and a bit of that heavy metal attitude. Whether you're investing your first dollar or scaling your portfolio, this one's for every badass woman ready to take control of her financial future—and for the men who want to support them in doing so. In This Episode:Why the gender investing gap is still a massive problemThe real cost of playing it safe with savingsHow to start investing even if you feel behindPractical tips for building confidence with moneyWhy investing = power, independence, and freedomShare this episode with every woman you know who deserves to build wealth like a boss. Because financial independence isn’t just for the boys—it’s for anyone ready to play offense.

This week on The Extreme Personal Finance Show, I sit down with my longtime friend and fellow entrepreneur, Jessica McCarthy, who’s been through the fire — and lived to tell the tale.After a life-altering separation, Jess found herself solo-parenting five kids, rebuilding from scratch, and navigating the brutal combo of emotional overload and financial stress. No handouts. No roadmap. Just grit, strategy, and a whole lot of budgeting.We talk about the real cost of starting over — not just dollars and cents, but the psychological weight of leaving behind a life you once knew. Jess shares the sleepless nights, the surprise expenses (like replacing everything when setting up a new home), and how becoming her own boss gave her the freedom and control she needed.Whether you're a single parent, thinking about making a bold move, or just feeling stuck — this one’s for you. You’ll hear real talk on:Managing money when every dollar countsGetting your mind right after separationEntrepreneurial freedom when 9-to-5 won't cut itHow to tap into resources built for single momsWhy therapy isn’t optional — it’s oxygenTakeaways:Starting over ain’t easy — but it’s possiblePlanning isn’t optional. It’s survivalBudget for the unexpected (and then double it)Mindset is your secret weaponDon’t be afraid to ask for helpSelf-care and laughter matter more than everThere are tools, communities, and support — go find themSound Bites:"Just go have fun with your kids.""You already know what you need to do.""Get into therapy. It's crucial."Chapters:00:00 – The Emotional and Financial Cost of Starting Over02:25 – Navigating Financial Independence as a Single Parent06:34 – Mindset Shifts After Separation09:29 – Unexpected Expenses of Single Parenthood13:20 – Setting Up a New Home: Costs and Strategies18:22 – Regaining Control Through Entrepreneurship20:05 – Utilizing Resources for Single Parents23:39 – Advice for Women Considering a Fresh StartContact Chris:https://heavymetal.moneyhttps://www.facebook.com/MoneyHeavyMetalhttps://x.com/MoneyHeavyMetalhttps://www.instagram.com/chrislugerhttps://www.tiktok.com/@heavymetalmoneyemail: chris at heavymetal.moneyConnect with Jess:Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/Jess.McCarthy26LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-mccarthy-a2849780/Resources and Links:Margie's Kitchen & Cocktailshttps://www.margies-kitchen.com/menuHandmade in Minnesota Rustic L Shaped Shelf with or Without Painted Mason Jarhttps://a.co/d/9NkuhqARound-the-clock service, advocacy and shelter for all victims of violencehttps://www.alexandrahouse.org

Pay Off Your Mortgage Early? The Truth About Going Mortgage-FreeThis is an automated translation from the blogpost:Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage? Exploring Some Benefits and Psychological Impactshttps://heavymetal.money/payoffyourmortgage/Should you crush your mortgage and scream “Debt-Free!” into the financial abyss—or ride the low-interest wave and invest the difference?In this brutally honest episode of Heavy Metal Money Blogcast, We break down the real story behind paying off your mortgage early. From the peace-of-mind power of full homeownership to the opportunity cost of locking up your cash, we explore:Why becoming mortgage-free might be the most metal financial move you ever makeThe emotional and psychological freedom that comes with owning your home outrightReal numbers behind investing vs. debt payoff — and when each makes senseWho should consider an early payoff (and who shouldn’t)Chris’s personal experience with ditching the debt and living mortgage-freeWhether you're in your forever home or just starting the journey, this episode will help you shred through the noise and make a choice that fits YOUR lifestyle and goals.Contact Chris:https://heavymetal.moneyhttps://www.facebook.com/MoneyHeavyMetalhttps://x.com/MoneyHeavyMetalhttps://www.instagram.com/chrislugerhttps://www.tiktok.com/@heavymetalmoneyemail: chris at heavymetal.money

The Rule of 72. Doubling Your Money's GrowthThis is an automated translation from the blogpost:Undestanding the Rule of 72https://heavymetal.money/ruleof72/In this blogcast episode, we’re slicing through the BS with a killer formula that tells you exactly how long it takes to double your money—just 72 ÷ interest rate. Whether you’re rocking a 3% savings stash (around 24 years to double) or thrashing with a 12% return (only 6 years!), this rule gives you instant insight on compound growth (heavymetal.money).In this EPIC breakdown, heavy metal meets heavy finance:* What is the Rule of 72—and why does 72 work so damn well?* Real-world examples: savings accounts, stock returns, and risk avalanches.* Why mastering this rule makes you smarter about investing—without complex math.Perfect for metalheads, money warriors, and anyone ready to let compound interest rip! Tune in & crank your financial future to 11—the Rule of 72 is your shortcut to wealth that doubles your impact and doubles your power.Contact Chris:https://heavymetal.moneyhttps://www.facebook.com/MoneyHeavyMetalhttps://x.com/MoneyHeavyMetalhttps://www.instagram.com/chrislugerhttps://www.tiktok.com/@heavymetalmoneyemail: chris at heavymetal.money

This is an automated translation from the blogpost:What are Trump Accounts and How Do They Workhttps://heavymetal.money/trumpaccounts/In this blogcast episode, we break down the explosive new government program known as the Trump Accounts — officially part of the Big Beautiful Bill passed in 2025.These accounts drop $1,000 of free government cash into a new investment fund for every child born in a specific timeframe. Think of it like a 529 crossed with a Roth IRA — but without the paperwork or politics. No strings. Just serious compounding.We’ll show you:How much $1,000 grows by age 65 without doing anythingWhat happens if you (and your employer) add contributionsWhy $50/month is enough to raise a future millionaireHow teens and young adults can use the money to build wealthTax implications and early withdrawal rulesContact Chris:https://heavymetal.moneyhttps://www.facebook.com/MoneyHeavyMetalhttps://x.com/MoneyHeavyMetalhttps://www.instagram.com/chrislugerhttps://www.tiktok.com/@heavymetalmoneyemail: chris at heavymetal.money