Marriage Kids and Money: Personal Finance for Families

Chris Leigh and his wife have grown their net worth to $700,000 by age 29, all while building careers as public school teachers. In this episode, we talk with Chris, the personal finance educator behind Everyday Finance 101, about the habits and decisions that helped his family build wealth at a young age. Chris shares how he and his wife grew their combined income from around $100,000 to roughly $180,000, paid off student loans and car debt, invested consistently, and built nearly $1 million in assets. We also discuss building wealth as a married couple, increasing your income as a teacher, investing for early retirement, and why tracking your spending may be even more important than choosing the perfect investment. If you're working toward your first $100,000, $500,000, or $1 million net worth milestone, Chris's story is a great reminder that starting early, communicating with your spouse, and consistently managing your money can make a huge difference over time. Want to build wealth and design a life around what matters most? Grab my book Own Your Time: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book In This Episode You'll Learn: How Chris and his wife built a $700,000 net worth by age 29 How two teachers grew their combined income to around $180,000 Why getting on the same financial page with your spouse matters How they paid off student loans and car debt Why Chris uses Roth IRAs, 457 plans, a brokerage account, and an HSA How 457 plans can help teachers pursuing early retirement Why tracking your spending is one of Chris's most important wealth-building habits How starting early can give you more freedom later in life Resources Mentioned: Own Your Time: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book Everyday Finance 101: Find Chris Leigh on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube @everydayfinance101 Monarch Money (Get 50% off your first year of Monarch Core): https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/monarchmoney Leave a voicemail for the show: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/voicemail Podcast Credits: Host: Andy HillEditor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Support: Michelle Ahmed Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Should you invest your extra money or use it to pay off your mortgage early? In this episode, we tackle that question from Brian, a 35-year-old dad with two kids and an extra $1,000 per month. His ultimate goal isn't simply building the biggest net worth possible. He wants to work less and spend more time with his family. We walk through a practical path that prioritizes building a strong financial foundation, reaching Coast FIRE, working toward mortgage freedom, and ultimately using that financial flexibility to create more time, space and margin. We also answer a question from a 40-year-old listener with $700,000 invested for retirement who wonders: Can you actually save too much for retirement? We explore how Coast FIRE can help us determine when we may have enough invested for the future, why time has an opportunity cost too, and how pulling back on retirement contributions could allow us to enjoy more of our lives today. And to close things out, Calvin Hill joins us for another Money Quiz! We talk investing, the difference between making more money and making more time, and the surprising amount of money generated by the company behind his favorite game, Clash Royale. RESOURCES: Boldin:https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/boldin Coast FIRE Calculator:https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/calculators/coast-fire/ Nectarine (Advice-Only Financial Advisors):https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/nectarine Leave us a voicemail:https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/voicemail CREDITS: Host: Andy Hill, AFC® Podcast Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Support: Michelle Ahmed Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nicole left her corporate career six weeks ago to launch her own skincare studio. So... was it the right decision? In this Bread & Wine conversation, we pour a glass, get honest about the emotional highs and lows of entrepreneurship, and share what it's really like when the excitement of starting a business gives way to self-doubt, marketing struggles, and sleepless nights. We talk about: Why Nicole finally decided to leave her job after years of thinking about it The surprising challenges of running your own business How social media can hurt confidence more than it helps Why promotion is often harder than creating a great product What it's like to support your spouse through a major career transition Why starting a business feels a lot like becoming a parent Whether you're dreaming about starting a business, considering a career change, or simply navigating a season of uncertainty, we hope this conversation reminds you that you're not alone. Thanks for joining us for another Bread & Wine. Cheers! 🍷 *Links & Resources* Glass Skin Studiohttps://glass-skin-studio.com Follow Nicole on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/glassskinnicole The RealEsth with Nicole Hill (YouTube)https://www.youtube.com/@therealesth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This summer marks 10 years of Marriage Kids and Money. Back in 2016, I launched this podcast with a simple goal: help families build wealth and create more freedom. Over the past decade, we've shared hundreds of conversations about money, marriage, parenthood, entrepreneurship, financial independence, and designing a life you love. Today, I have a quick personal update. For the first time in the show's history, I'm taking the summer off. Why? Because if I'm going to encourage you to own your time and prioritize what matters most, I need to do the same. With my kids now 14 and 12, I want to spend this season making memories with my family, focusing on my health, and creating more space in my life. Consider this the end of the first 10-year season of Marriage Kids and Money. Thank you for being part of this journey. I'll see you back here in September for Season Two. Carpe diem. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emily Egashira grew her family’s net worth to $2.2 million by age 35. But her story didn’t start there. Growing up in poverty, Emily experienced financial instability firsthand and was determined to create a different future for her family. In this episode, we explore how she and her husband built wealth through intentional spending, consistent investing, and a shared vision for financial independence. Emily shares how they increased their household income from $120,000 to more than $400,000, paid off their mortgage in just three years, and built a seven-figure investment portfolio. We also discuss financial communication in marriage, raising a child with healthy money values, and using wealth as a tool to create freedom and generosity. If you've ever wondered how to build wealth without lifestyle inflation or how financial independence can create more options for your family, this conversation is for you. Want to build wealth and design a life around what matters most? Grab our book Own Your Time: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book In This Episode You'll Learn: How Emily grew her family's net worth to $2.2 million by age 35 Why monthly money meetings strengthened their marriage How they paid off a mortgage in just three years The role investing played in building a seven-figure portfolio How to balance generational wealth with raising grounded kids Why financial independence is really about freedom and flexibility Resources Mentioned: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyfrienditsem TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heyfrienditsem Monarch Money (track your net worth): https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/monarchmoney Leave a voicemail for the show: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/voicemail Podcast Credits: Host: Andy Hill Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Support: Michelle Ahmed Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens after you reach Coast FIRE? For years, you save aggressively, maximize retirement accounts, and build wealth with one goal in mind: hitting your investment goal. But once you arrive at Coast FIRE—Coast to Financial Independence and Relax Early—a new question emerges: Now what? In this episode, we answer a thoughtful listener question from Richard, who has built a seven-figure net worth with his wife but feels stuck in a sales career that’s wearing him down. We discuss how to actually act on Coast FIRE, the four career paths available after reaching the milestone, and how to use the financial strength you’ve built to create more freedom and margin in your life today. Then, we welcome back retirement expert Jesse Cramer to discuss an important and often-overlooked topic: Social Security benefits after divorce. We cover how spousal and survivor benefits work, eligibility requirements, common misconceptions, and what divorced spouses need to know when planning for retirement. What Coast FIRE really means beyond the calculators Four career paths to consider after reaching Coast FIRE Why more money isn't always the answer How to use your wealth to create more time freedom Social Security spousal benefits explained Social Security survivor benefits explained Divorce and Social Security eligibility rules Common Social Security claiming strategies for married couples Retirement planning considerations for divorced spouses RESOURCES Own Your Time: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book Coast FIRE Calculator: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/coast-fire-calculator Personal Finance for Long-Term Investors Podcast: https://bestinterest.blog/podcast Leave a Voicemail: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/voicemail Instagram: @marriagekidsandmoney LinkedIn: @AndyHillMKM CREDITS Host: Andy Hill Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Support: Michelle Ahmed Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What would it feel like to never make a mortgage payment again? In this episode, we talk with Bobby Richardson from New Jersey about how he and his wife Alexandra paid off their $242,000 mortgage in just 10 years and became completely debt free on their home. We discuss the emotional side of homeownership, the desire for certainty in an uncertain world, and why becoming mortgage free gave their family peace of mind. Bobby also shares the practical strategies they used to make it happen, including increasing their income, staying aligned as a couple, and maintaining an achievement mindset throughout the journey. If you’ve ever wondered whether paying off your mortgage early is worth it, this conversation will give you a transparent look at both the math and the meaning behind becoming mortgage free. RESOURCES Mortgage Payoff Calculator: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/calculators/mortgage-payoff/ Own Your Time: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book Barbell Financial (Bobby Richardson): https://www.barbellfinancial.com/ 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: Host: Andy Hill Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Support: Michelle Ahmed Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Simone Stolzoff’s new book: How to Not Know - ⁠https://amzn.to/420WLhp⁠ (affiliate) Uncertainty is everywhere right now. From economic shifts and global conflict to career changes and parenting decisions, many of us are craving answers in a world that feels increasingly unpredictable. In this episode, we sit down with author and journalist Simone Stolzoff to discuss how we can become more comfortable with uncertainty instead of constantly trying to eliminate it. Simone shares insights from his new book, How to Not Know: The Value of Uncertainty in a World That Demands Answers, and explains why our obsession with certainty may actually be fueling anxiety. We discuss how technology has changed our tolerance for the unknown, why discomfort can lead to growth, and practical ways to build resilience in uncertain times. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by the future, this conversation will help you slow down, breathe deeper, and rethink your relationship with uncertainty. RESOURCES Own Your Time – Pre-order our 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. RECOMMENDED RESOURCES (SPONSORS & AFFILIATES) Monarch Money – Best budget app for families & couples. Crew – HYSA banking built for families (Get an extra 0.5% APY with our partner link). GUEST RESOURCES Simone Stolzoff’s new book: How to Not Know - https://amzn.to/420WLhp 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 Host: Andy Hill Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Support: Michelle Ahmed Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ben Johnson grew his family’s net worth to $1.8 million by age 34 through high income skills, consistent investing, and disciplined saving. In this episode, we discuss how Ben and his wife paid off $80,000 of debt in just two years, increased their household income from $110,000 to more than $250,000, and built a seven figure investment portfolio while raising two young daughters. We explore the power of tracking your net worth, investing in low cost index funds, and staying focused during the “messy middle” of family life. We also talk about why supply chain careers can be lucrative, how generosity plays a role in their financial plan, and why discipline matters more than motivation when building wealth. If you want practical guidance on increasing your income, growing your investments, and building long term family wealth, this episode is for you. Want to build wealth and design a life around what matters most? Grab my book Own Your Time: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book In This Episode You’ll Learn: How Ben and his wife paid off $80,000 of debt in two years Why increasing your income accelerates wealth building How they grew their net worth to $1.8 million by age 34 Their simple low cost index fund investing strategy Why tracking your net worth monthly matters How generosity and intentional living fit into their financial plan Resources Mentioned: Monarch Money to track your net worth: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/monarchmoney Leave a voicemail for the show: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/voicemail Podcast Credits: Host: Andy Hill Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Support: Michelle Ahmed Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Coast FIRE can be an incredible milestone, but what happens when the math, lifestyle, or motivation behind it starts to fall apart? In this episode, we talk with Bo Hanson, co-host of The Money Guy Show and partner/co-founder of Abound Wealth Management, about where Coast FIRE can go wrong and how families can avoid common mistakes. Bo shares why conservative assumptions matter, how lifestyle inflation can change your Coast FIRE numbers, and why it’s important to know what you’re actually moving toward before you take your foot off the gas. We also discuss marriage, kids, tax diversification, burnout, and how to build a financial plan that supports a fulfilling life today and tomorrow. RESOURCES The Money Guy Show – Free financial resources, calculators, and educational content from Bo Hanson and the Money Guy team. Marriage Kids and Money – Connect with Andy Hill and explore family finance 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 Podcast Artwork: Liz Theresa Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Support: Michelle Ahmed Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you reached Coast FIRE (Coast to Financial Independence and Relax Early)… but still can’t bring yourself to slow down? Today’s listener, Chris, is in that exact spot. At 36 years old with $860,000 invested, two young kids, and a strong financial foundation, he’s done the math. He knows he’s on track. But mentally, he can’t shake the feeling that if he stops investing, he’s falling behind. In this episode, we break down a 5-step approach to confidently step into Coast FIRE and start reclaiming your time today: • Why this isn’t a math problem — it’s a belief problem • How to validate your Coast FIRE number • The mindset shift from money investing → time investing • Why you don’t have to stop… just step down • How to use your financial freedom to improve your family life now Then, in the second half of the episode, we are joined by financial planner and author Jamie Bosse to discuss how to raise financially confident kids: • When to start teaching kids about money • Simple ways to introduce investing to tweens and teens • The best account options for kids (UTMA, Roth IRA, 529s & more) • How to guide kids away from speculation and toward long-term investing If you’ve ever thought, “I know I have enough… but I can’t slow down,” or you want to raise financially savvy kids — this episode is for you. 📘 Investing for Tweens by Jamie Bossehttps://amzn.to/41Q4lev 📘 Own Your Time by Andy Hillhttps://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book 🎤 Leave a question for the showhttps://marriagekidsandmoney.com/voicemail Instagram: @marriagekidsandmoney LinkedIn: @AndyHillMKM Podcast Credits: Host: Andy Hill Guest: Jamie Bosse Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Support: Michelle Ahmed Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Abhi Jain has built a $1.3 million net worth by age 38 through a combination of career growth, side hustles, and real estate investing. In this episode, Abhi shares how he went from a traditional employee mindset to accelerating his income through strategic job changes and multiple streams of income. After moving to the United States from India, he leaned into opportunity, developed new skills, and embraced discomfort to grow both professionally and financially. We talk about how he and his wife work together as a team, combining his corporate career in software engineering with her creative business to increase their household income. Abhi also breaks down how real estate became the foundation of his wealth, including buying fixer uppers, building rental income, and scaling his portfolio across multiple states. If you are looking to grow your income, invest in real estate, or build generational wealth for your family, this conversation offers both practical strategies and inspiring perspective. Want to build wealth and design a life around what matters most? Grab my book Own Your Time: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book In This Episode You’ll Learn: How Abhi built a $1.3 million net worth by 38 Why switching jobs can accelerate your income growth How side hustles can add significant income over time The basics of buying and renting out fixer upper properties How to think about generational wealth and financial independence The mindset shift from employee to wealth builder Resources Mentioned: Divine Studio Henna Business: https://divine-studio.net Monarch Money to track your net worth: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/monarchmoney Leave a voicemail for the show: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/voicemail Podcast Credits: Host: Andy Hill Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Support: Michelle Ahmed Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it take to reach Coast FIRE by your mid-30s and actually enjoy the freedom that comes with it? In this episode, we sit down with personal finance educator Liz Enriquez from Ambitious Adulting to discuss how she and her husband reached Coast FIRE with nearly $1 million invested by age 35. We break down the habits, mindset, and income strategies that helped them build wealth over nearly two decades, starting with small contributions and growing into a powerful investing system. Liz shares how growing up in an immigrant household shaped her money mindset, why she focused on maintaining a high savings rate early on, and how multiple income streams accelerated their progress. We also dive into the Canadian investing landscape, including TFSAs, RRSPs, and how to think about diversification across accounts. Now that they’ve reached Coast FIRE, Liz opens up about the emotional side of slowing down, reducing their savings rate, and designing a more flexible lifestyle. From her husband leaving a high-stress job to work part-time at a pizza shop to prioritizing time with their son, this conversation highlights what life can look like when your investments are working for you. If you’re working toward financial independence or wondering what happens after you hit your number, this episode will give you both the strategy and the perspective to keep going. Resources & Links Ambitious Adulting (Liz Enriquez): https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousadulting/Coast FIRE Calculator: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/calculators/coast-fire/Own Your Time (Andy’s Book): https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book Credits Host: Andy Hill Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Support: Michelle Ahmed Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When work starts to take over your life, it can impact more than just your schedule. It can affect your health, relationships, and overall happiness. In this episode, we interview psychologist and bestselling author Guy Winch to explore how to reclaim balance in a world that rewards overworking. We discuss why overworking has become so common, how it affects our mental and physical well-being, and what practical steps you can take to regain control. Guy shares simple, science-backed strategies to help you set boundaries, quiet your mind after work, and reconnect with the parts of your life that matter most. If you’ve ever felt like work is crowding out everything else, this conversation will help you reset, refocus, and build a healthier relationship with your time. Learn more in Guy’s latest book, Mind Over Grind → https://amzn.to/48zLic2 RESOURCES Own Your Time – 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. GUEST RESOURCE Mind Over Grind by Guy Winch – Break free from overwork and reclaim your time. 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 Support: Michelle Ahmed Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Should you have a third child? And how can you help your kids graduate college debt-free? In this episode, we explore one of life’s most personal decisions: whether to grow your family. We walk through a thoughtful 7-step framework to help you and your partner decide if a third child is right for you—covering emotional readiness, relationship strength, finances, and the value of time. Then, we’re joined by educator and author Shelley Branine to talk about how families can avoid student loan debt. We dive into why college costs have skyrocketed and how strategies like dual enrollment can help students earn college credits in high school—often at little to no cost. If you’re thinking about expanding your family or planning for your child’s education, this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and practical next steps. Resources and Links 📚 📖My new book, "Own Your Time" https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/ownyourtimeamazon 📞Voicemail for Questions: Leave a voicemail at ⁠marriagekidsmoney.com/voicemail⁠ to have your question answered on the show! 💻 Sponsors and Additional Resources ⁠⁠https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/resources⁠⁠ 👉Connect with me on social media: LinkedIn: ⁠AndyHillMKM⁠ Instagram: ⁠MarriageKidsAndMoney⁠ CREDITS Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Support: Michelle Ahmed Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Buying your first home can feel overwhelming, especially in today’s market with rising prices and higher interest rates. In this episode, we sit down with real estate expert Scott Harris to break down how first-time buyers can move forward with confidence. Scott, founder of Magnetic Real Estate and author of The Pursuit of Home, shares why so many buyers feel stuck and how to overcome that fear with the right preparation and mindset. We discuss how to save for a down payment, get pre-approved, choose the right real estate agent, and navigate the emotional side of buying a home as a couple. If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines wondering when to buy or how to start, this episode will help you take your next step toward homeownership with clarity and confidence. RESOURCES Andy Hill's book Own Your Time The Pursuit of Home (Book) – Scott Harris’ guide to navigating the home buying journey. 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

What does it mean to reach Coast FIRE in your late 30s and how does it change your life? In this episode, we sit down with certified financial educator Suzy May to discuss how she and her husband reached Coast FIRE with $900,000 invested before age 40. We talk about how starting early, maintaining a strong savings rate, and investing consistently allowed their portfolio to grow to a point where they no longer need to aggressively contribute to retirement. Suzy shares how Coast FIRE has given their family the freedom to slow down, work less, and design a life filled with travel, flexibility, and meaningful time with their kids. We also discuss the emotional shift that happens when you move from wealth building to wealth enjoying and how families can define success beyond the numbers. If you’ve ever wondered what happens after you build a strong investment foundation, this conversation will give you a real-life look at how Coast FIRE can create more options for your family. Carpe Diem! Resources & Links Own Your Time (Andy’s book): https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book Suzy May Website: https://suzymaywander.com Wander World School Podcast: www.wanderworldschool.com Monarch Money: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/monarchmoney Credits Host: Andy Hill Editor: Johnny Sohl Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kristy Shen and Bryce Leung have grown their family’s net worth to $2.9 million by age 43 without owning a home and while traveling the world for years. In this episode, we break down how they built wealth starting with a modest income, avoided lifestyle inflation, and reached financial independence in their 30s. Kristy and Bryce share how their $1 million portfolio doubled while they were retired, how geographic arbitrage helped them control spending, and why investing early matters more than earning a six figure salary. We also talk about becoming parents after reaching FI, the real cost of raising a child, and how marketing pressures families into overspending. If you have ever worried that kids will derail your financial goals, this conversation will challenge that narrative. Most importantly, Kristy and Bryce explain how financial independence gave them the ultimate gift, time, especially during one of the most difficult seasons of their lives. Want to build wealth and design a life around what matters most? Grab my book Own Your Time: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book In This Episode You’ll Learn: How they reached $1 million in their 30s and grew it to $2.9 million Why avoiding lifestyle inflation accelerates wealth building The difference between investable assets and home equity How travel helped lower their annual expenses The real cost of raising a child Why financial independence is about buying back your time Resources Mentioned: Parent Like a Millionaire Without Being One: https://amzn.to/4rbbKPM Millennial Revolution Blog: https://www.millennial-revolution.com Free Investment Workshop: https://www.millennial-revolution.com/investworkshop Monarch Money to track your net worth: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/monarchmoney Leave a voicemail for the show: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/voicemail Podcast Credits: Host: Andy Hill Editor: Johnny Sohl Carpe Diem! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nicole is back for our annual Bread & Wine episode and this one gets real. After finally reading my new book Own Your Time, she shares her honest and emotional reaction including the chapter that made her cry. We talk about the embarrassment of discussing money, the tension we felt during our debt payoff journey, and what it really takes to pursue financial independence as a married couple. Nicole opens up about growing up with money insecurity, why sharing our financial story felt vulnerable, and how we found a healthier middle ground on our path to time freedom. We also discuss why money should not be taboo, how to avoid pushing your spouse too far in the pursuit of financial independence, and what wealth truly feels like today. If you are in the messy middle of career, kids, and financial stress, this conversation is for you. Resources Mentioned Own Your Time by Andy Hillhttps://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book Leave us a voicemail for a future episodehttps://marriagekidsandmoney.com/voicemail Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When work becomes optional, a new question appears: who do you want to be now? Brad Barrett retired in 2015 at age 35 after a 13 year career as an accountant. Since then, he’s spent the last decade experimenting with early retirement, building ChooseFI into one of the largest personal finance podcasts in the world, and refining what a meaningful life actually looks like after financial independence. In this episode, Brad shares what pushed him toward financial independence, the key financial decisions that accelerated his path, and the surprising lessons he’s learned after 10+ years of optional work. We also talk about balance, identity, intentional living, and why some people stay one more year longer than they need to. If you’re pursuing financial independence or wondering what life really looks like on the other side, this conversation will challenge you to think deeper about time, money, and what truly matters. Want to build wealth and design a life around what matters most? Grab my book Own Your Time: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book In This Episode You’ll Learn: Why Brad started pursuing financial independence in his 20s The financial decisions that helped him retire at 35 How to think differently about spending and intentionality What early retirement is really like after the honeymoon phase Why “one more year” can cost more than you think Resources Mentioned: ChooseFI Podcast: https://choosefi.com ChooseFI Local Groups: https://choosefi.com/local Monarch Money (track your net worth): https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/monarchmoney Leave a voicemail for the show: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/voicemail Podcast Credits: Host: Andy Hill Editor: Johnny Sohl Carpe Diem. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices