Finances the Other "F" Word

Today, host Mel O, CFP, takes on one of the most heated debates in financial and generational discourse: "Are Boomers Really to Blame?"  Drawing from decades of economic policy, Mel digs into the legislation and shifts that have shaped our financial landscape—from Prop 13 in California to Reagan's tax cuts, the weakening of unions, and the boom-era laws that cemented advantages for asset-owners. But is the finger-pointing justified? Mel explores how much blame truly lies at the feet of the boomer generation versus the silent and great generations that came before, and how the cumulative impact of these decisions now weighs on Gen X, millennials, and Gen Z.  With her trademark honest (and sometimes irreverent) analysis, Mel breaks down misunderstandings, exposes the nuances behind "lazy millennial" stereotypes, and offers historical context for today's housing crisis, tax policies, and deepening wealth inequality. Whether you're tired of generational scapegoating or ready to hear some fresh perspective on social and economic trends, this episode will challenge—and maybe even change—the way you see the debate.  Tune in for financial myth-busting, a few metal tracks, and a real talk about what generations have really done to our wallets! Catch Mel O Live on the Stationhead app @momentofmetal Wednesday at 6 AM Pacific Time. Sign up for my free budget boot camp @ https://freebudgetbootcamp.com/   To learn about money without out the pretentious Bu!!sh%t give me a follow here.   Want to talk to Mel about money? Schedule a call with her directly: https://hotmoonfinancial.com/ 🔗 Stay Connected Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/financestheotherfword Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/financestheotherfword/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ftofw_podcast?   📕Finances the Other "F" Word-Another "F" Word to Love Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/FINANCES-Other-F-Word-Mel/dp/1733665927 Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/FINANCES-The-Other-F-Word-Paperback-9781733665926/361773875 🔊 Other Ways to Listen Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finances-the-other-f-word/id1460418731 iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-finances-the-other-f-word-47519083/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78TrGiNHzzlIfXVY9INbdl Swag & Merch: https://financestheotherfword.com/ Questions, comments, or want to be on the show? Contact us at mel@financestheotherfword.com  

On today's episode, host Mel O CFP dives deep into the world of Homeowners Associations—better known as HOAs—and unpacks why so many people have a love-hate (or just plain hate) relationship with them. From personal stories of financial hardship to the long, often ugly history of HOAs rooted in discrimination and systemic inequality, this episode pulls no punches. Mel walks us through how HOAs originated in the post-WWII suburban boom, the Federal Housing Administration's backing of these associations, and how their policies affected everything from generational wealth to cultural expression and racial inclusion. She shares her own experience of losing a property to an HOA foreclosure, explores outrageous fees and hidden charges, and explains why so many senior citizens, families, and first-time buyers are getting priced out of their homes. With plenty of passion (and a couple of cathartic rock tracks along the way), this episode exposes the unchecked power of HOAs, the lack of government oversight, and the growing influence of private equity firms in the sector. Mel rounds out the episode with tips on budgeting, a call to get informed and involved, and an unapologetic rant against the powers that be. Whether you're a homeowner, renter, or just dreaming of buying property someday, this is an episode you don't want to miss.   Catch Mel O Live on the Stationhead app @momentofmetal Wednesday at 6 AM Pacific Time. Sign up for my free budget boot camp @ https://freebudgetbootcamp.com/   To learn about money without out the pretentious Bu!!sh%t give me a follow here.   Want to talk to Mel about money? Schedule a call with her directly: https://hotmoonfinancial.com/ 🔗 Stay Connected Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/financestheotherfword Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/financestheotherfword/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ftofw_podcast?   📕Finances the Other "F" Word-Another "F" Word to Love Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/FINANCES-Other-F-Word-Mel/dp/1733665927 Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/FINANCES-The-Other-F-Word-Paperback-9781733665926/361773875 🔊 Other Ways to Listen Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finances-the-other-f-word/id1460418731 iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-finances-the-other-f-word-47519083/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78TrGiNHzzlIfXVY9INbdl Swag & Merch: https://financestheotherfword.com/ Questions, comments, or want to be on the show? Contact us at mel@financestheotherfword.com

In this urgent episode, host Mel O, CFP, tackles the critical fallout from the unprecedented firing of the Bureau of Labor Statistics commissioner by the Trump administration. Mel O pulls back the curtain on how manipulating key economic data not only shakes the foundation of America's financial system, but hits the 99% hardest—impacting everything from your job security to your retirement, investments, and everyday cost of living. Drawing on historical examples from the USSR and Argentina, Mel O warns that undermining the credibility of our economic agencies sets the stage for instability, erodes public trust, and could spiral the U.S. into recession. If you've ever wondered why accurate data matters—and what happens when it's tampered with—this is the episode you can't afford to miss. Catch Mel O Live on the Stationhead app @momentofmetal Wednesday at 6 AM Pacific Time. Sign up for my free budget boot camp @ https://freebudgetbootcamp.com/   To learn about money without out the pretentious Bu!!sh%t give me a follow here.   Want to talk to Mel about money? Schedule a call with her directly: https://hotmoonfinancial.com/ 🔗 Stay Connected Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/financestheotherfword Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/financestheotherfword/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ftofw_podcast?   📕Finances the Other "F" Word-Another "F" Word to Love Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/FINANCES-Other-F-Word-Mel/dp/1733665927 Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/FINANCES-The-Other-F-Word-Paperback-9781733665926/361773875 🔊 Other Ways to Listen Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finances-the-other-f-word/id1460418731 iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-finances-the-other-f-word-47519083/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78TrGiNHzzlIfXVY9INbdl Swag & Merch: https://financestheotherfword.com/ Questions, comments, or want to be on the show? Contact us at mel@financestheotherfword.com

Today Mel talks about the complex and often infuriating world of private equity—and she is not holding back. Fueled by Slayer and a fair dose of righteous anger, Mel unpacks how private equity firms have wormed their way into nearly every corner of the American economy, from the hospitals caring for our loved ones to the grocery stores stocking our shelves. Mel breaks down how these firms use intricate layers of ownership to dodge transparency and regulation, explaining the disturbing "buy, strip, and flip" playbook that leaves communities gutted and workers out of luck. With real-world examples like Toys R Us and Payless Shoes—and staggering statistics, like private equity managing $12.1 trillion in global assets—she explores how the relentless pursuit of profit is fueling job cuts, bankruptcies, and rising inequality right in our own backyards. Whether you've ever wondered why food deserts are expanding or why your local hospital just shut its doors, this episode will show you just how deeply private equity's tentacles reach into everyday life—and why it's time to get informed, get angry, and push for change. So crank up the metal and get ready: this is private equity, unfiltered.   Catch Mel O Live on the Stationhead app @momentofmetal Wednesday at 6 AM Pacific Time. Sign up for my free budget boot camp @ https://freebudgetbootcamp.com/   To learn about money without out the pretentious Bu!!sh%t give me a follow here.   Want to talk to Mel about money? Schedule a call with her directly: https://hotmoonfinancial.com/ 🔗 Stay Connected Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/financestheotherfword Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/financestheotherfword/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ftofw_podcast?   📕Finances the Other "F" Word-Another "F" Word to Love Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/FINANCES-Other-F-Word-Mel/dp/1733665927 Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/FINANCES-The-Other-F-Word-Paperback-9781733665926/361773875 🔊 Other Ways to Listen Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finances-the-other-f-word/id1460418731 iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-finances-the-other-f-word-47519083/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78TrGiNHzzlIfXVY9INbdl Swag & Merch: https://financestheotherfword.com/ Questions, comments, or want to be on the show? Contact us at mel@financestheotherfword.com

From the Wall Street crash of 1929 to the housing collapse of 2008, this episode breaks down how economic disasters unfold—and how the 99% always bear the brunt. Mel O explores the policies, corporate greed, and systemic decisions that triggered both crashes, how financial protections like the FDIC came to be, and why today's wealth gap mirrors the warning signs of the past. You'll also hear why the middle class—not the 1%—is the real engine of the economy, and what history teaches us about tariffs, margin trading, and financial inequality.   Catch Mel O Live on the Stationhead app @momentofmetal Wednesday at 6 AM Pacific Time.   To learn about money without out the pretentious Bu!!sh%t give me a follow here.   Want to talk to Mel about money? Schedule a call with her directly: https://hotmoonfinancial.com/ 🔗 Stay Connected Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/financestheotherfword Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/financestheotherfword/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ftofw_podcast?   📕Finances the Other "F" Word-Another "F" Word to Love Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/FINANCES-Other-F-Word-Mel/dp/1733665927 Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/FINANCES-The-Other-F-Word-Paperback-9781733665926/361773875 🔊 Other Ways to Listen Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finances-the-other-f-word/id1460418731 iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-finances-the-other-f-word-47519083/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78TrGiNHzzlIfXVY9INbdl Swag & Merch: https://financestheotherfword.com/ Questions, comments, or want to be on the show? Contact us at mel@financestheotherfword.com

Join Mel O as she dives deep into the complexities around America's mounting national debt and the latest "big beautiful" tax bill making waves in Washington. In this episode, you'll get an unfiltered, passionate breakdown of what $36.21 trillion in national debt really means for everyday Americans—not just politicians and pundits. Mel O explains the basics of how government bonds work, why the recent downgrade of the US credit rating is such a big deal, and how that could hit everything from your taxes to the cost of your next loan or credit card. You'll also hear a thorough look at what's inside the new tax bill, including the lasting impact of the 2017 tax cuts, proposed changes to critical social safety net programs, and the ongoing debate over who really benefits from tax breaks. Mel O doesn't hold back as she draws the line from policies at the top directly to your wallet—and your kids' futures. Think you're not affected by Congressional budget debates? Think again. Mel O breaks down recession warning signs, the impact of growing deficits, and why understanding these issues matters more than ever.   Catch Mel O Live on the Stationhead app @momentofmetal Wednesday at 6 AM Pacific Time.   To learn about money without out the pretentious Bu!!sh%t give me a follow here.   Want to talk to Mel about money? Schedule a call with her directly: https://hotmoonfinancial.com/ 🔗 Stay Connected Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/financestheotherfword Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/financestheotherfword/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ftofw_podcast?   📕Finances the Other "F" Word-Another "F" Word to Love Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/FINANCES-Other-F-Word-Mel/dp/1733665927 Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/FINANCES-The-Other-F-Word-Paperback-9781733665926/361773875 🔊 Other Ways to Listen Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finances-the-other-f-word/id1460418731 iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-finances-the-other-f-word-47519083/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78TrGiNHzzlIfXVY9INbdl Swag & Merch: https://financestheotherfword.com/ Questions, comments, or want to be on the show? Contact us at mel@financestheotherfword.com

In this episode, Mel O returns to the mic after a hiatus, re-energized to tackle what's happening at the intersection of crypto and the traditional banking system—and why it matters to you, your wallet, and your kids' futures. We discusses S the latest political and economic moves shaking up the financial system, including a controversial Senate bill that could add trillions to the deficit and the looming impacts of rising tariffs and inflation. The heart of this episode is all about crypto: how the collapse of banks like Silicon Valley Bank exposed vulnerabilities, why the integration of speculative digital assets into mainstream banking could spell big trouble, and how political super PACs fueled by crypto money are pushing for even looser regulations.  We discuss the real risk and what's fearmongering, highlight how regulations are shifting, and explain what all this means for the 99%—especially as politicians from both parties take millions from crypto interests. Catch Mel O Live on the Stationhead app @momentofmetal Wednesday at 6 AM Pacific Time.   To learn about money without out the pretentious Bu!!sh%t give me a follow here.   Want to talk to Mel about money? Schedule a call with her directly: https://hotmoonfinancial.com/ 🔗 Stay Connected Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/financestheotherfword Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/financestheotherfword/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ftofw_podcast?   📕Finances the Other "F" Word-Another "F" Word to Love Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/FINANCES-Other-F-Word-Mel/dp/1733665927 Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/FINANCES-The-Other-F-Word-Paperback-9781733665926/361773875 🔊 Other Ways to Listen Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finances-the-other-f-word/id1460418731 iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-finances-the-other-f-word-47519083/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78TrGiNHzzlIfXVY9INbdl Swag & Merch: https://financestheotherfword.com/ Questions, comments, or want to be on the show? Contact us at mel@financestheotherfword.com

Today, we discuss the extensive losses of the 2025 California wildfires and potential ramifications to the insurance industry.  Can the industry pay the large number of claims that will be filed in the wake of the natural disaster.  Is there any correlation to 2008?  Mel O CFP discusses this and more.  Catch Mel O Live on the Stationhead app @momentofmetal Wednesday at 6 AM Pacific Time.   To learn about money without out the pretentious Bu!!sh%t give me a follow here.   Want to talk to Mel about money? Schedule a call with her directly: https://hotmoonfinancial.com/ 🔗 Stay Connected Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/financestheotherfword Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/financestheotherfword/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ftofw_podcast? Call or Text: 775-537-4352 📕Finances the Other "F" Word-Another "F" Word to Love Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/FINANCES-Other-F-Word-Mel/dp/1733665927 Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/FINANCES-The-Other-F-Word-Paperback-9781733665926/361773875 🔊 Other Ways to Listen Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finances-the-other-f-word/id1460418731 iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-finances-the-other-f-word-47519083/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78TrGiNHzzlIfXVY9INbdl Swag & Merch: https://financestheotherfword.com/ Questions, comments, or want to be on the show? Contact us at mel@financestheotherfword.com

In today's episode, Mel O dives into the evolving financial landscape that is 2025. She also discusses minors on social media generating income from explicit content while navigating the complexities of parental consent and ethical implications. Tax code changes and increased standard deductions.  Is it more intersting than it sounds!   Catch Mel O Live on the Stationhead app @momentofmetal Wednesday at 6 AM Pacific Time.   To learn about money without out the pretentious Bu!!sh%t give me a follow here.   Want to talk to Mel about money? Schedule a call with her directly: https://hotmoonfinancial.com/ 🔗 Stay Connected Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/financestheotherfword Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/financestheotherfword/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ftofw_podcast? Call or Text: 775-537-4352 📕Finances the Other "F" Word-Another "F" Word to Love Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/FINANCES-Other-F-Word-Mel/dp/1733665927 Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/FINANCES-The-Other-F-Word-Paperback-9781733665926/361773875 🔊 Other Ways to Listen Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finances-the-other-f-word/id1460418731 iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-finances-the-other-f-word-47519083/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78TrGiNHzzlIfXVY9INbdl Swag & Merch: https://financestheotherfword.com/ Questions, comments, or want to be on the show? Contact us at mel@financestheotherfword.com

Is MAGA right? Today, I discuss the complex interplay between demographics, economy, and global politics in "Makin Babies." I explore how historical and current trends impact our financial landscape.  The conversation delves into the power dynamics of declining birth rates, the strain on social security systems, and the critical importance of women's participation in the workforce.  Catch Mel O Live on the Stationhead app @momentofmetal Wednesday at 6 AM Pacific Time. To learn about money without out the pretentious Bu!!sh%t give me a follow here.   Want to talk to Mel about money? Schedule a call with her directly: https://hotmoonfinancial.com/ 🔗 Stay Connected Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/financestheotherfword Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/financestheotherfword/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ftofw_podcast? Call or Text: 775-537-4352 📕Finances the Other "F" Word-Another "F" Word to Love Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/FINANCES-Other-F-Word-Mel/dp/1733665927 Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/FINANCES-The-Other-F-Word-Paperback-9781733665926/361773875 🔊 Other Ways to Listen Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finances-the-other-f-word/id1460418731 iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-finances-the-other-f-word-47519083/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78TrGiNHzzlIfXVY9INbdl Swag & Merch: https://financestheotherfword.com/ Questions, comments, or want to be on the show? Contact us at mel@financestheotherfword.com

Today, I discuss the dangers of election betting and how it can change election outcomes for you adn me.  We discuss the dangers of foreign interfernece in our election process and how we are literally turning over the keys to let them do so.   Catch Mel O Live on the Stationhead app @momentofmetal Wednesday at 6 AM Pacific Time. To learn about money without out the pretentious Bu!!sh%t give me a follow here.   Want to talk to Mel about money? Schedule a call with her directly: https://hotmoonfinancial.com/ 🔗 Stay Connected Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/financestheotherfword Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/financestheotherfword/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ftofw_podcast? Call or Text: 775-537-4352 📕Finances the Other "F" Word-Another "F" Word to Love Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/FINANCES-Other-F-Word-Mel/dp/1733665927 Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/FINANCES-The-Other-F-Word-Paperback-9781733665926/361773875 🔊 Other Ways to Listen Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finances-the-other-f-word/id1460418731 iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-finances-the-other-f-word-47519083/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78TrGiNHzzlIfXVY9INbdl Swag & Merch: https://financestheotherfword.com/ Questions, comments, or want to be on the show? Contact us at mel@financestheotherfword.com  

Today, I discuss the ins and outs of tipping in America and how it came to be.  Should we tax peoples tips? or are we just subsidizing the resturants employee pay roll? When there is automatic gratuity does the server get the full tip?  You'd be surprised! Catch Mel O Live on the Stationhead app @momentofmetal Wednesday at 6 AM Pacific Time. To learn about money without out the pretentious Bu!!sh%t give me a follow here.   Want to talk to Mel about money? Schedule a call with her directly: https://hotmoonfinancial.com/ 🔗 Stay Connected Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/financestheotherfword Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/financestheotherfword/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ftofw_podcast? Call or Text: 775-537-4352 📕Finances the Other "F" Word-Another "F" Word to Love Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/FINANCES-Other-F-Word-Mel/dp/1733665927 Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/FINANCES-The-Other-F-Word-Paperback-9781733665926/361773875 🔊 Other Ways to Listen Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finances-the-other-f-word/id1460418731 iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-finances-the-other-f-word-47519083/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78TrGiNHzzlIfXVY9INbdl Swag & Merch: https://financestheotherfword.com/ Questions, comments, or want to be on the show? Contact us at mel@financestheotherfword.com    

Today, we explore the aftermath effect of 9-11 on financial markets and the insurance sector.  We also discuss why mass shootings are not considered domestic terrorism.   Catch Mel O Live on the Stationhead app @momentofmetal Wednesday at 6 AM Pacific Time.   To learn about money without out the pretentious Bu!!sh%t give me a follow here.   Want to talk to Mel about money? Schedule a call with her directly: https://hotmoonfinancial.com/ 🔗 Stay Connected Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/financestheotherfword Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/financestheotherfword/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ftofw_podcast? Call or Text: 775-537-4352 📕Finances the Other "F" Word-Another "F" Word to Love Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/FINANCES-Other-F-Word-Mel/dp/1733665927 Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/FINANCES-The-Other-F-Word-Paperback-9781733665926/361773875 🔊 Other Ways to Listen Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finances-the-other-f-word/id1460418731 iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-finances-the-other-f-word-47519083/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78TrGiNHzzlIfXVY9INbdl Swag & Merch: https://financestheotherfword.com/ Questions, comments, or want to be on the show? Contact us at mel@financestheotherfword.com