We often fall into the trap of setting financial goals that are destined to fail, so we’re exploring why some goal-setting attempts fail and how to pivot away from the common mistakes that turn well-intentioned plans into forgotten wishes. By shifting our focus, we can find the traction needed to make real progress. We dive into the psychology of "fresh starts," the power of accepting mediocrity to overcome perfectionism, and why your most successful financial year might actually involve a plan to spend more on the things you love.

Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/144-financial-goals-that-dont-suck-7-traps-to-avoid/

We’re wrapping up 2025 with a "pod party," the whole co-host crew gathers to recap a year of peaks, pits, and lessons learned. We pull back the curtain on our personal balance sheets to share what happened in our lives this year beyond the numbers.

Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/143-end-of-year-pod-party-layoffs-corporate-america-downsizing-simplicity-time-lesson-learned-and-more/

Forget the complex spreadsheets and the endless debate over index funds; there is a single, overlooked choice that quietly dictates whether you will save thousands or millions over the course of your life. This invisible force shapes your spending habits, your stress levels, and your perception of "enough" without you ever realizing it. While most people focus on the tactical side of money, we explore the environmental factors that either trap you in a cycle of scarcity or propel you toward true abundance. We dive into why your current surroundings might be the biggest hurdle to your financial independence and how one strategic shift can change your trajectory forever.

Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/142-the-one-choice-that-can-save-you-millions/

We explore how to improve your financial mindset and tactics by adopting the "Lazy Genius" approach from author Kendra Adachi. The core philosophy is to be a genius about the things that matter and lazy about the things that don't. Learn how to apply the Lazy Genius principles—which focus on embracing what matters, ditching the unnecessary, and reducing decision fatigue—directly to your personal finances. 

Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/141-the-lazy-genius-way-to-improve-your-finances/

We share our favorite financial apps, surprising life hacks, money mantras and quotes we live by, and life-changing purchases. Also discover the credit cards we use daily, our preferred High-Yield Savings Accounts (HYSAs) and index funds, and the one trick that finally helped us quit impulse spending. And in what you’ve come to expect from us, we discuss a million other things along the way. 

Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/140-financial-favorites-our-top-accounts-hacks-purchases-index-funds-and-more/

We dive into a common listener question: Can I afford a career break or sabbatical? Career breaks for family, travel, burnout, or realignment are becoming increasingly common, and we wholeheartedly support the idea. However, the financial and mental preparation required for taking time off extends far beyond just checking your savings account balance. We provide essential, step-by-step guidance on all the considerations to thoughtfully answer this question, including your emergency fund, medical insurance, rehireability, planning for the worst-case scenario, navigating debt, and more. Learn how to create a financial plan that ensures you enter your break from a position of financial strength and confidence.  

Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/139-can-i-afford-to-take-time-off-financial-considerations-for-a-sabbatical-or-career-break/

Stop scrolling and start appreciating. This episode is a powerful flip-the-script moment on consumer culture, exploring how a mindset of wanting what you already have is one of the most transformative financial tools you might be overlooking. It’s not about giving up everything; it’s about gaining perspective on the abundance already in your life—from a secure home to a full pantry. Discover how shifting your focus to gratitude can quiet the cycle of wanting more, reduce financial anxiety and debt, and even rewire your brain for greater happiness and contentment. You'll get actionable steps to embrace this mindset and free yourself from the never-ending treadmill of buying the next "thing".

Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/138-want-what-you-already-have-tactics-to-rewire-your-brain-to-want-less/

We tackle one of the biggest mental roadblocks to wealth: the search for perfection that leads to over-optimization and analysis paralysis. If you’ve ever frozen up while trying to find the absolute best investment or budgeting tool, you're not alone. We break down the 80/20 rule of money, arguing that the simple, boring choices are the real secrets to financial progress, not chasing tiny advantages. Stop letting the fear of imperfection cost you years of compounding growth; simplicity is often better than perfection.

Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/137-the-80-20-rule-of-money-dont-let-perfect-be-the-enemy-of-the-good/

We are discussing Morgan Housel's new book, The Art of Spending Money, and exploring the psychological and practical challenges of how we spend money to maximize happiness and utility. We dive into the core concepts of the book, contrasting the typical financial focus on accumulation with the crucial art of mindful spending. We discuss how our individual life experiences deeply influence our money stories, leading to the insight that "all behavior makes sense with enough information." The discussion includes a debate on whether spending is driven by genuine utility or simply the desire to impress others, and the powerful role of managing expectations as a key to increasing contentment and wealth. 

Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here:

People confuse luck for skill when it comes to investments. Your path to wealth isn’t a sprint; it’s a patient, consistent marathon. We tear down the seductive fantasy of getting rich quickly, and reveal why those instant-success pitches are almost always traps preying on your fears of missing out and your desire to get rich quickly. We share why we embrace the boring basics and how, when it comes to money, the simplest, most consistent strategy is truly the best one. 

Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/135-the-get-rich-quick-trap-why-slow-and-boring-wins-the-money-race/

Stop chasing the next big purchase and start finding genuine contentment. The world tells us that more money, more stuff, and a higher status equal happiness, yet we only feel more anxious and unfulfilled. Enter the ancient philosopher Epicurus, who flips the script on modern consumerism. We discuss how the Epicurean pursuit of tranquility and freedom from pain is the shortest, most reliable path to happiness and financial independence. 

Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/134-finding-happiness-through-ancient-wisdom-the-epicurus-way/

The holidays are meant to be about joy, but somewhere along the way, we've let them become a source of stress, guilt, and financial and emotional strain. We’ve all felt the pressure to overspend, over-commit, and keep up with picture-perfect social media feeds. We offer a practical antidote to the madness, with five actionable ways to reset your holiday expectations using an "inside out" approach that prioritizes your peace and financial well-being. Learn how to identify your true core values and use them as a simple filter to cut back on time, money, and emotional spending that doesn't align with your goals. We also provide clear, direct scripts for navigating the awkward "gift-free" conversation, setting necessary boundaries with family.

Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/133-five-ways-to-reset-holiday-expectations/

This is your masterclass in returns and reclaiming your money with grace and strategy. We reveal why returns matter and how to turn a common headache into a financial win. We go beyond the simple act of taking something back and share how to approach shopping with an "exit strategy" and that things are often negotiable. Listen to some of our craziest return stories and discover the creative ways you can advocate for yourself and your money.

Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/132-the-art-of-the-return-get-your-money-back/

Sometimes, your investment portfolio needs a course correction to stay safe and on track with your personal allocation strategy. We tackle the essential, yet often ignored, financial tune-up known as rebalancing. Learn exactly what rebalancing is, why this simple process is about managing risk (not chasing returns), and the practical steps to implement it, including smart tax strategies for your 401(k) and brokerage accounts. 

Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/131-what-is-rebalancing-and-should-i-be-doing-it/

Ever wonder why you make financial decisions that go against your better judgment? This episode delves into The Chimp Paradox, a powerful psychological model by Dr. Steve Peters that explains the constant tug-of-war between your emotional "chimp" brain and your rational "human" brain. We'll explore how this internal conflict often leads to impulsive spending and financial anxiety, and, more importantly, equip you with actionable strategies to "box your chimp" and make logical, confident choices with your money. Get ready to understand the unseen forces shaping your financial habits and learn how to take control of your financial future!

Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/130-the-chimp-paradox-why-you-spend-when-you-know-you-shouldnt/

Are you earning big but feeling broke? You're not alone. Welcome to the world of the H.E.N.R.Y.—High Earner, Not Rich Yet. This growing demographic of six-figure earners finds themselves in a financial paradox, with significant income but little to show for it in savings or investments. This episode dives into the two primary culprits behind the HENRY trap: the combination of lifestyle creep and a lack of a clear financial plan. We’ll show you how to hit pause, realign your spending with your values, and stop comparing your life to everyone else's.

Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/129-are-you-a-henry-escaping-the-traps-so-you-can-build-wealth/

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Is the good life about luxury goods and expensive travel, or is it something much simpler yet profound? We dissect what a "good life" truly is, from the dictionary definition to Morgan Housel's core elements of happiness, and we'll reveal the simple, actionable steps you can take to start funding a life rich in more than just dollars. We explore why true wealth isn't what you see, it's what you don't see. We'll show you how to build a life of purpose, independence, and strong relationships—the true ingredients of a life well-lived.

Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/128-what-is-the-good-life-and-how-expensive-is-it/

Are home warranties worth it? We answer this question and more. We break down how home warranties work, their pros and cons, and considerations for your primary home versus a rental property. We share personal experiences with home warranties and offer our tips on how to shop for and maximize the benefits of a home warranty if you decide to purchase one.

Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/127-home-warranties-a-safety-net-or-a-money-pit/

Setting limits can get a bad rap, but limits are actually the key to a more joyful and abundant financial life. We redefine budgeting and setting limits not as a thing of deprivation, but as a path to peace, and share how setting healthy financial limits can reduce decision fatigue, build powerful discipline, and surprisingly, create more freedom and joy with your money.

Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/126-the-real-l-word-why-limits-are-your-new-best-friend/

Let's make paying off debt a little more fun and a little less of a slog. We deep dive into the psychology of debt repayment and offer some of the more enjoyable ways to stay motivated and on top of your debt payoff journey. We’re moving beyond standard budgets and interest rates to discuss the power of “hacking” your brain, leveraging the principles of behavioral science to stay motivated, celebrate your wins, and finally break free from the burden of debt. 

Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/125-the-psychology-of-debt-how-to-stay-motivated-while-paying-off-debt/