Marriage Kids and Money: Personal Finance for Families

What if you didn’t have to wait until your 60s to experience the freedom of retirement? In this episode, we sit down with Jillian Johnsrud, author of Retire Often and host of the Retire Often Podcast, to explore the life-changing concept of “mini retirements.”

Jillian shares how families can take extended breaks from work — to rest, travel, or explore new goals — without derailing their financial independence journey. We discuss the emotional and financial benefits of pausing your career, how to negotiate time off with your employer, and ways to plan mini retirements with kids.

If you’re...

Building a six-figure business as a solopreneur doesn’t happen overnight -- but with the right mindset and systems, it’s absolutely possible. In this episode, we talk with Jannese Torres, a nationally acclaimed Latina money expert, business coach, and host of the Yo Quiero Dinero podcast.

Jannese shares how she turned her food blog, Delish D’Lites, into a $10,000-per-month business that allowed her to leave her corporate engineering career and design a life on her own terms. She also breaks down how new creators can find their niche, diversify income through ads and affiliates, and build...

New parents often wonder where to start when it comes to investing for their child’s future. In this episode, we walk through a 5-step plan to invest for your newborn -- from protecting your family and setting up a 529 plan to teaching your kids how to build wealth on their own.

We also feature Naseema McElroy, founder of Financially Intentional, who paid off $1 million of debt and built a $1 million net worth by age 44. She shares how she’s teaching her kids about ownership, investing early, and building generational wealth.

Finally, we wrap up with...

Setting up your 401 (k) can feel overwhelming, especially when you are faced with a long list of investment options. To make it easier, we welcome Zina Kumok, financial advisor and money expert, to explain how to choose wisely. Zina covers the importance of the employer match, diversification, and automation so your retirement savings can grow without stress.

In the second half, we sit down with Jessica and Corey Fick of The Fioneers, who reached Coast FIRE in their early 30s. They share how they built a million-dollar portfolio, left corporate jobs that no longer fit their lives...

What happens when Google’s algorithm changes upend your online business? Corritta Lewis, founder of It’s a Family Thing, joins me to share how her family travel blog dropped from $7,000/month to $1,000/month due to recent shifts in Google AI—and how she pivoted into consulting to stay financially secure.

We explore the rise and fall of her blogging income, how she balances digital nomad life with raising a child, and why she’s now aiming for early retirement at age 45. If you’ve considered travel blogging or you’ve been hit by the same algorithm changes, thi...

Retirement planning just got a lot more flexible. In this episode, Andy Hill breaks down the new 5% rule, based on his interview with Bill Bengen, the creator of the original 4% rule. Learn how this updated strategy can help you withdraw more from your portfolio, reach Coast FIRE faster, and enjoy life while you are still healthy.

We also hear the inspiring net worth journey of John and David Auten-Schneider, hosts of the Queer Money Podcast, who grew their wealth from $51,000 of credit card debt to $1.6 million in their early 50s.

Finally, Andy and his son...

Working hard doesn’t always mean moving up the wealth ladder. Many families feel stuck — despite long hours and financial discipline — because their strategy isn’t aligned with their stage of wealth.

To help us rethink our approach, Andy Hill sits down with Nick Maggiulli, COO of Ritholtz Wealth Management and bestselling author of The Wealth Ladder: Proven Strategies for Every Step of Your Financial Life (get it here). Nick explains his “wealth levels” framework, the six stages of net worth, and how your financial strategy should evolve at each step.

Whether you’re just starting out o...

Artificial intelligence is changing everything — from the way we work, to how we run businesses, to how we raise our kids. To help us prepare for this AI-driven future, Andy Hill sits down with Matt Britton, leading AI and consumer trend expert and author of Generation AI: Why Generation Alpha and AI Will Change Everything.

In this conversation, Matt explains what AI really means for employees, solopreneurs, and parents. He shares how workers can future-proof their careers, why solopreneurs have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build businesses faster than ever, and how parents can prepare their children for a...

Getting your spouse on board with financial independence isn’t always easy ... especially when FIRE feels like a radical concept. In this episode, Andy Hill shares practical tips for inviting your partner into the journey without causing tension, from asking fun life questions to defining your own version of FIRE together.

We also highlight Sunny and Sunmarie Burns from the FamVestor YouTube channel, who grew their net worth to over $3 million in their 30s while raising five kids. They reveal how frugal living, real estate investing, and shared family goals helped them achieve financial freedom.

Fi...

What would it mean to live a regret-free life, starting today?

In this “Best of MKM” episode from 2022, I sit down with Jordan Grumet, a hospice doctor and author of Taking Stock, to explore how confronting death can help us live more intentionally.

Jordan shares powerful stories from his hospice work, the deep regrets he’s heard at the end of life, and how we can avoid them by embracing purpose, identity, and connection now.

We discuss the trap of chasing net worth and job titles, the tension between FIRE and YOLO, and practi...

Want to raise money-smart kids? In this Best of MKM episode from 2020, Andy Hill sits down with Liz Frazier, Certified Financial Planner and author of Beyond Piggy Banks and Lemonade Stands. Liz shares practical strategies parents can use to teach their young kids the value of money—starting as early as age four.

From understanding needs vs. wants to saving, giving, and making smart spending decisions, Liz outlines fun and effective ways to build lifelong financial habits in children. She also tackles common questions around allowances, chores, and how parents can be positive money role models, even if...

If you feel like a rockstar at work but a failure at home, you’re not alone—and there is a better way forward.

In this “Best of MKM” episode from 2020, I talk with entrepreneur and author Mark Timm about the powerful concept of work-life integration. After years of chasing “balance” and falling short, Mark had a breakthrough moment: instead of separating work and family, what if he integrated the two?

Mark shares how he legally incorporated his family, started holding intentional family meetings, and brought the same leadership skills he used in business into his home lif...

Disagreements around money in marriage can trigger anxiety, conflict, and even long-term damage if left unspoken. So how can couples move from financial tension to emotional connection?

In this “Best of MKM” episode from 2019, psychiatrist Dr. Laura Dabney shares her insights on why money arguments go deeper than dollars—and how to address the feelings behind the finances. Dr. Dabney explains why our childhood experiences shape our money mindset, how to express emotions without blame, and what to do when your spouse isn’t on the same page.

Whether it’s a surprise boat purchase or hidden...

Do you ever feel like your phone gets more of your attention than your family? You’re not alone.

In this Best of MKM episode, we explore how to reclaim our focus, strengthen our relationships, and find balance in a world full of digital distractions.

Author and speaker Mark Ostach joins me to talk about digital wellness—what it means, why it matters, and how small shifts can make a huge difference in our marriages, parenting, and personal health. From setting boundaries with email to modeling good tech habits for our kids, Mark shares practical stra...

In this episode, Andy Hill sits down with LendingTree’s Matt Schulz to break down the real price tag of parenting in 2024 (spoiler: nearly $300K!). They cover rising childcare costs, smart savings strategies, and how your budget can survive the baby years.

Then, financial planner Madison Sharick shares how she and her husband hit Coast FIRE in their 30s — while raising two young kids! 💡 Whether you're a future parent or already knee-deep in diapers, this episode is packed with practical money moves to help your family thrive.

EPISODE RESOURCES

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What does it take to quit your job and earn a full-time income on YouTube? 💻 Denis Trufin went from working in retail to building a YouTube business that now generates over $10,000/month — most of it passively.

In this episode, Denis shares how he grew multiple YouTube channels, why evergreen content is his secret weapon, and what solopreneurship really looks like behind the scenes.

✅ You’ll Learn:

How Denis got started (and what failed)

When he realized YouTube could replace his day job

4 ways YouTubers actually make money

What a ty...

With so much market noise and doom-filled headlines, you might be wondering — is now actually a good time to invest? In today’s episode, we break down six compelling reasons why today could be the best day to start your investing journey.

📈 Also in this episode:

A Net Worth Win from Vinny in New Zealand, who grew his family’s net worth to over $1 million NZD by age 55

"Good Word" segment with my son Calvin about the health benefits of running and why it can add 12 years to your life

Whether you're ju...

Andy Hill sits down with Jessica Moorhouse—accredited financial counselor, award-winning content creator, and author of Everything But Money—to explore the impact of money trauma and how our financial behaviors are often shaped by past experiences.

Jessica shares how both big T and little T traumas influence our financial decisions, the role of generational trauma in our money mindset, and how unhealed emotional wounds can lead to cycles of overspending, fear, and financial stress. She also opens up about her own personal journey of self-discovery, the power of therapy in reshaping her financial mindset, and actionable step...

In this episode, we sit down with Grant Sabatier, the author of Inner Entrepreneur, to explore how entrepreneurship can be a powerful path to financial independence, time freedom, and personal joy.

Grant shares his incredible journey from feeling stuck in corporate life to building multiple businesses, reaching financial independence by 30, and crafting a life centered around what he loves—including owning a bookstore and spending meaningful time with his family.

If you’re curious about starting a business, finding peace beyond just chasing money, or learning how to build an “empire” that truly fits your life, th...

What do the world’s greatest investors know that the rest of us don’t?

In this episode, we sit down with William Green, author of Richer, Wiser, Happier, to uncover the timeless principles he's learned from interviewing legends like Charlie Munger, Howard Marks, and Bill Miller.

Rather than chasing hot tips or quick wins, William reveals how traits like emotional control, simplicity, and avoiding big mistakes can help you build wealth—and a more meaningful life.

We discuss the difference between gambling and investing, the wisdom of indexing for most families, and why su...

In this two-part episode, we’re diving into strategies for building wealth as a modern parent.

First, Kelly Palmer—a financial planner and founder of The Wealthy Parent—joins the show to break down how to choose a 529 plan. She shares the pros and cons of different education savings options, the impact of the new SECURE Act updates, and why she’s a proud 529 mom herself. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by college savings decisions, this segment is full of clear, practical guidance.

Then, in our Net Worth Win segment, Shang Saavedra from Save My Cents r...

In this inspiring Solopreneur Life segment, Andy Hill sits down with Colin Graves—a former bank manager turned full-time freelance writer and editor. Colin shares how a toxic workplace pushed him to reevaluate his career and ultimately build a thriving solo business making over $150,000 per year.

Listeners will learn how Colin transitioned from a 9-to-5 job into solopreneurship, the steps he took to scale his business, and how he now enjoys a flexible lifestyle that prioritizes family, freedom, and fulfillment.

If you're a parent looking to escape the corporate grind and design a business on yo...

Coast FIRE is when you've saved enough for retirement that you no longer need to contribute—just cover your current expenses and coast. But how does it really compare to traditional retirement? We'll break down the pros and cons of both so you can decide which path fits your family's lifestyle and financial goals best.

Next, we’re back with our Coast FIRE Family segment. This month, we’re featuring Jason Edwards from Rhode Island. Jason and his wife Amber reached Coast FIRE with $1.2 million invested. He shares how they did it, the role adoption played in their...

Andy Hill welcomes back JL Collins—often dubbed the “Godfather of FI”—to discuss the updated and expanded edition of his bestselling book, The Simple Path to Wealth. Together, they demystify investing, discuss the power of index funds, and share how building FU Money can unlock freedom and solopreneur dreams. JL shares lessons from 50 years of market data and why “set it and forget it” is still the winning strategy.

RESOURCES:

Chapters

00:00 – The Simplest Investing A...

Andy Hill sits down with bestselling author and digital entrepreneur Pat Flynn to discuss how "lean learning" can help overwhelmed parents and solopreneurs cut through the noise, focus on what really matters, and take meaningful action. Pat shares how absorbing less information — but more intentionally — can lead to quicker progress, stronger results, and more time for what truly matters: family, health, and creativity.

Whether you're starting your first business, juggling multiple podcasts, or just looking to reclaim some peace of mind, Pat’s approach to learning less but achieving more might be just the antidote you need.

...

Samme from Chicago recently became debt free. She and her husband now have extra money. Should they pay off their mortgage, save or invest? Andy shares his thoughts.

Andy also interviews Brittany Flammer, a financial coach, YouTuber, and mom of five, who has grown her family’s net worth to over $850,000 by age 39—despite a modest household income.

👩‍👧‍👦 Brittany shares:

How she and her husband prioritized financial freedom over flashy spending

The smart money habits that helped them grow their net worth on an average of $40K/year

How they're raising f...

In this episode of the Marriage Kids and Money Podcast, Andy Hill is joined by Robert Farrington and Jordan Biesinger to explore two powerful financial topics: tackling student loan debt and achieving Coast FIRE.

First, Robert Farrington, founder of The College Investor, shares urgent updates on the resumption of student loan default collections, what borrowers need to know right now, and smart strategies for managing debt amid confusing government changes.

Then, we switch gears with Jordan Biesinger, a Coast FIRE success story. Jordan and his wife hit Coast FIRE in their 20s and chose to...

We all know time is a finite resource. Why do we keep overallocating our time? It all feels like too much of what we're supposed to do and not enough of what we want to do.

In this Bread & Wine episode, Andy and Nicole discuss how their time has been swallowed up recently, how they are fighting back, and how you can own your time, too. 

MKM RESOURCES

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Feeling uneasy about your finances in today’s economy? Learn how to turn fear into your greatest investing motivator with Sam Dogen, founder of Financial Samurai.

In this powerful episode, Sam shares how fear helped him build wealth, leave a high-stress Wall Street job, and create true financial independence. Whether you're just getting started or trying to level up your savings rate, this conversation will inspire you to use fear—not as a crutch, but as a catalyst.

RESOURCES:

Coast FIRE is when you've front-loaded enough investments to simply coast to retirement without any further contributions. But with this stock market downturn as of late, is the idea of Coast FIRE dead? We'll share how our portfolio is holding up and discuss what to do to keep our Coast FIRE dreams alive.

Second, we’re back with our Net Worth Win segment. This month, we’re featuring Michelle Onaka from Intentional Money Life. Michelle has grown her net worth to $900k by 37 years old. We’ll learn how she did it and how this helps her family...

Paid parental leave can have lifelong benefits for families — but why is the U.S. so far behind?

Isabelle Hau, author of Love to Learn and Executive Director at Stanford's Accelerator for Learning, joins the show to break down how paid leave improves the lives of parents, children, and workplaces.

Also, Stacey Blackshear from Virginia shares how she and her husband achieved Coast Fire with $500k by 40 years old — and how it's helping them create more time and freedom for their growing family!

EPISODE RESOURCES

Isabelle Hau (Website): http...

A recession may be headed our way. How can we prepare? I'm walking through our family's 5 step financial plan to prepare for a recession.

Second, we’re back with our Mortgage Free Family segment! This month we’re featuring Sandra Park from Texas. She’s going to share how she paid off her mortgage in his 40s and how it allowed her more cash flow and the ability to help her son pay for college.

Last, we're sharing the Good Word once again. My son Calvin and I are sharin...

Andy Hill sits down with Dr. Daniel Crosby—renowned psychologist, behavioral finance expert, and author of Soul of Wealth—to explore the true meaning of wealth beyond money.

Dr. Crosby breaks down why financial success alone won’t bring happiness and how our beliefs, relationships, and personal growth play a crucial role in our well-being. He shares fascinating insights on why some of the wealthiest people still feel unfulfilled, the psychological traps we fall into when chasing money, and practical ways to balance financial goals with a meaningful life.

If you’re striving for financial success...

Can you really retire comfortably with a 5% withdrawal rate? Financial researcher and author Bill Bengen—the creator of the legendary 4% rule—joins us to share why his latest research shows that 5% is the new 4%. In this interview, Bill explains how his thinking has evolved, what today’s retirees should know, and how you can plan smarter for a fulfilling, financially free retirement.

RESOURCES:

CHAPTERS

00:00 – Intro – Bill Bengen

01:53 – What is the 4% rule?

...

In this episode, we sit down with Simone Stolzoff, author of The Good Enough Job, to explore how modern work culture has taken over our identities—and how we can break free. This Best of MKM episode revisits one of our most powerful conversations about redefining success, setting boundaries, and reclaiming our time. If you're looking to escape the hustle mentality and build a more balanced life, this one’s a must-listen!

RESOURCES:

Sponsors + Partners + Deals

CHAPTERS

00:00 – Introduction: More Than Your Job

0...

In this Best of MKM episode, Andy Hill shares inspiring conversations with Kathryn Hanna and Chris Luger, two individuals who found financial freedom after divorce. Kathryn achieved Coast FIRE in her late 30s, while Chris became a mortgage-free millionaire. They discuss navigating finances post-divorce, aligning money with personal values, and building a brighter financial future. Whether you're rebuilding or planning ahead, this episode offers real stories and practical advice for thriving financially after a major life change like divorce.

RESOURCES:

Sponsors + Partners + Deals

CHAPTERS

<...

What happens when you achieve financial independence and early retirement? Maggie Tucker joins us to share her journey of retiring at 41, leaving corporate America, and embracing a life of flexibility, purpose, and family. As the founder and host of Inside Out Money, Maggie talks about overcoming the challenges of early retirement, finding fulfillment beyond a traditional career, and raising financially mindful kids. Listen to her insights on early retirement, smart money habits, and the mindset shifts that helped her break free from the 9-to-5 grind.

🔹 How Maggie and her husband retired early after 20 years in...

Andy Hill sits down with Dr. Brad Klontz—bestselling author, professor, and leading expert on the psychology of wealth—to explore the power of mindset in financial success. They dive into the differences between a poor mindset and a rich mindset, common money mistakes, and the habits that set wealthy individuals apart.

Dr. Klontz shares his personal journey from financial struggle to success, the critical lessons he learned along the way, and actionable steps you can take today to shift your thinking and build lasting wealth. Whether you're an employee, an entrepreneur, or simply looking to break free...

Considering working with a financial advisor? Here are 5 questions to ask a financial advisor before working with them. Getting answers to these questions will help you become informed and empowered on your investing journey.

Second, we’re back with our Net Worth Win segment. This month, we’re featuring Jackie Cummings Koski from the Catching Up To FI Podcast. Jackie has grown her net worth to $1.8 million by 54 years old. We’ll learn how she did it and what generational wealth means to her as a mother.

Last, my son Calvin will be reading the month...

Workplace benefits often get overlooked by employees. But they could be your ticket to a wealthy future. How can my workplace benefits make me a millionaire?

Joe Saul-Sehy, Co-Host of Stacking Benjamins, joins the show again to help us answer this big question. 

Also, Jace Mattinson from Texas (and the Millionaires Unveiled Podcast) shares how he and his wife grew their investments to over $1,000,000 and how this impacts their family journey in the future.

EPISODE RESOURCES

Joe Saul-Sehy (Podcast): https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/

Stacking Benjamins Benefits Gu...