Financial Freedom Podcast

Tax time can be very stressful for folks, especially if they owe money. For those struggling with debt and trying to pay the bills, it is even worse. But it may not always have to be.

Tax planning throughout the year is a good idea if you want to minimize your taxes (or maximize your refund) when you ultimately file your return. That's why in this episode of the podcast I talk with financial advisor Frank Buchholz about strategies you might be able to use to be in better shape when you file your next tax return.

In this episode you will learn:

- Strategic use of IRA contributions
- How to spot the good tax tips among the bad
- How not getting a refund helps with your taxes and retirement savings

President Trump's efforts to downsize the federal government through the Department of Government Efficiency has a lot of federal workers nervous. Many of them have built a career with the government and spent years in public service. The thought of transitioning to the private sector, should they receive a pink slip, can be very stressful.

That's why in this episode of the podcast I bring back Certified Career Coach Bonnie Negron to talk about the best and most effective ways to find the right job in the private sector, as quickly as possible, to stay on track to financial freedom.

In this episode you will learn:

- How to determine the kinds of jobs to apply for
- How to draft a private sector resume (they're different) to showcase yiour public sector skills for private sector employers
- How long you should expect it to take to get that next job
- What resources you can use to get that job

One of the first steps on the path to financial freedom is getting your spending under control and creating a budget that has you living within your means. But determining **why** you overspend is an important part of the process if you want to stick to that budget.

That's why in this episode of the podcast I talk with certified financial coach Scott Yamamura on the psychology behind overspending and how you can use it to identify your motivations and keep your spending under control.

In this episode you will learn:

- The Psychological Components of Overspending
- The Emotional Triggers and Mental Barriers that Lead to Impulsive Financial Decisions
- How Tax Season Has an Effect on Buying Decisions
- How to Overcome the Psychological Barriers

The ultimate goal of retirement savings is to have a source of income once you leave the workforce for good. One of the scariest things about retirement is that leap of faith that you will still have the money to pay the bills once there's no longer a paycheck.

One way to address this is to plan for streams of income in advance, like annuities, which I discussed in Episode 218. But it's good to have options, which is why in this episode of the podcast I spoke with Tom Wall about how life insurance can create another income stream.

In this episode you will learn:

- How life insurance fits into your retirement savings plan
- How life insurance can be a good investment
- How life insurance gives you "permission to spend"
- What your greatest concerns should be when you retire

One of many financial tools in the retirement savings toolkit is the annuity. Most people have heard about them, and that they provide a stream of income, but beyond that, not much is known.

That's why in this episode of the podcast I bring back repeat guest Michael Karwic to talk about what annuities are, how many types they have, and how they can fit well into your retirement investment strategies. 

In this episode you will learn:

- What an annuity is
- How many kinds there are
- When they are a good idea for you
- How to decide what kind to get

Young people starting out, and especially young families, need to have a good handle on their finances in order to reach and maintain financial freedom. They need to spend below their means and and save for short term and long term goals.

To talk about the importance of doing this, and his new book that discusses **how** to do this, I talked to financial planner and previous guest Joe Okaly, to get the solutions you need to succeed.

In this episode you will learn:

- What a Financial Pinwheel Is
- How it helps you plot your spending and your finances
- How to use it to control "lifestyle creep"

Long term investing and saving is key to building wealth and financial independence. However, that wealth should also have meaning to you. Aligning your financial goals with a cause that resonates with you can transform your life, shifting your focus from mere accumulation to creating positive change.

That's why in this episode of the podcast I talk to repeat guest Derrick Kinney about how you can get clarity on the purpose of the wealth you are building in order to achieve true fulfillment in life.

In this episode you will learn:

- Why connecting money to purpose makes us happier in life
- The benefits of using your wealth for lasting impact
- How to identify a cause that aligns with your values
- Practical steps you can take to reframe your financial goals around a bigger mission

Lots of people dream of owning their own business. They have that entrepreneurial itch that needs to be scratched. But most start-up businesses fail because they are hard to get started and grow.

But what if you were to buy an already thriving business? How would that work? To answer those questions I spoke with CFO and business advisor Karl Maier. He has some great tips and ideas on how to be successful in buying a business.

- How to start discussions with a potential business seller
- What a letter of intent is and how it works
- What critical information you should get from the seller about the business
- What terms you should negotiate
- Ways to get the money for the purchase

Financial literacy is an important part of anyone's education and should start before the student graduates from high school. In Episode 151, I talked with Jake Cousineau on how he teaches it to high school students.

But this is a topic that needs to be discussed more. That's why in this episode of the podcast I talk with Aaliyah Kissick about her efforts to promote financial literacy, especially among the Gen Z.

In this episode you will learn:

- About the Financial Literacy Diaries and how they can help
- How storytelling is important in teaching financial literacy
- How Gen Z workers can win at job search