Psychology plays a significant role in our financial decisions, and we can use it to our advantage to trick ourselves into spending less money and saving more. We share many tips and tricks for spending less and being more intentional.  Liz joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - The role psychology plays in influencing our spending decisions - How retailers are aggressively using psychology to influence us to buy more - Tactical ways to trick yourself into spending less money - The value of tracking your spending - Envelope systems and Qube Money - The value in putting a barrier between an impulse and a decision - The value in tying our spending decisions to something else - How to leverage thought patterns to change our spending habits Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here:  https://www.insideoutmoney.org/085-trick-yourself-into-spending-less-money/

In case you missed it, Trump won the 2024 election. We’re talking about the impact of Trump in office on your finances and how to prepare yourself.  Greg joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - Trump winning the 2024 election and the impact we expect it to have on your finances - The expected impact of tax rates, tariffs, stocks, deregulation of cryptocurrency, interest rates, tech industry regulation, the ACA, and more. - The importance of focusing on what we can control versus what we can’t - How to prepare for the worst but hope for the best - What we can each do today to prepare financially Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here:  https://www.insideoutmoney.org/084-trump-2-0-and-its-impact-on-your-finances/

Some people are so focused and disciplined on reaching a FI or FIRE goal that they don’t enjoy the present. Others are so focused on living for today that they don’t plan or save for the future. Which is better? We discuss the extremes of both and how to appreciate the need for both and strive for balance.   Erica joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - The pros and cons of living for today vs. saving for tomorrow - The magic middle and balance between the two - Extreme budgeting, deprivation, and reckless spending as extremes - Tactical tips for finding your balance - A challenge to reflect on your balance and how you’re enjoying today vs. preparing for tomorrow Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/083-live-for-today-or-save-for-tomorrow/

We review two listener case studies, share their specific financial situation and background, and answer their questions about how to move forward with their finances.  Andrew joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - How to know when you have enough to retire - If investing in all index funds is too risky - How to estimate and plan for unexpected expenses  - How to get started when you’re stuck and overwhelmed  - What to do when you hit set backs in the getting started process - Where to go for good information when you have questions Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/082-case-studies-how-to-get-started-when-youre-stuck-burnt-out-and-how-do-i-know-when-i-have-enough-to-retire/

This week, I’m answering your questions about 401Ks, Roth vs. regular 401Ks, how and where to save for future needs, where to park your money, early retirement, managing a budget, and more! In this week’s podcast, I talk about: - Maxing out 401K versus investing in the market - Life insurance and whether work benefits are enough - How you access your money for early retirement - Ways to progressively increase your savings rate - 401Ks vs. roth401Ks - What is worth sacrificing to get to FIRE - Biggest items on my early retirement FIRE bucket list - How and where to save for a new vehicle  - Favorite meals and beers - FI in Europe vs the United States and which is easier or harder - Where to park large sums of money while you save for future goals - How seniors can budget and keep up with inflation - Managing being over budget with post-retirement - If HSAs are worth it if you have chronic health expenses - My number one decluttering tip - Inside Out Money meetups - How to budget for retirement if you’re a stay-at-home parent - How we decide where to go on vacation Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/081-listener-qa-401k-vs-roth-401k-budgeting-automation-decluttering-early-retirement-and-more/

We discuss everything you ever needed and wanted to know about life insurance. We share why life insurance is important even if you think you don’t need it, how much you need, how to shop around for it, the process of applying for it, and much more. We even share some next-level tips for getting the best rates. Liz joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - Why life insurance is important - Why your job’s life insurance isn’t enough - The types of life insurance and which type you need - How much life insurance do people need, and how do you decide how much you need - How long of a policy you need - How to choose a plan and shop for it - Tips for getting the best rates - The laddering concept and how it could save you money - Rewriting the lyrics to Jump Around for life insurance (you’re welcome!) Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/080-were-all-going-to-die-so-lets-talk-about-life-insurance/

We explore the concept of the American Dream and how it has evolved over time. What we initially considered success in life isn’t quite how we would define success today. Many people now choose to live beneath their means, save more, spend less, and sometimes even retire early. We share personal stories, practical tips, and insights to help you define your own American dream.  Greg joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - What we thought the American Dream was, and we each had different POVs - A brief history of the American Dream - What the “American Dream” will cost us throughout our lifetime - How our view of success has evolved over the decades and years - Cultural influences that are impacting how we define the American Dream - Are financial independence and freedom part of the American Dream? - Practical tips to help you define your own American Dream Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/079-the-new-american-dream-is-it-misunderstood-or-evolving/

The holidays have evolved into a time of the year overly focused on consumerism and spending money, but we encourage you all to take back the holidays and focus on what matters the most to you! We encourage you to reconsider how you’re spending the holidays and share tactical ideas to spend less on decor and gifts going into the holiday season.   In this week’s podcast, we talk about: - How to spend less going into the holidays - How to take back the holidays to focus on what matters to you - DIY ideas for holiday gifts and decor - Alternative gift ideas - Experiences versus things - Upcycling and regifting and if it’s okay - Setting a budget and guardrails around holiday spending - Simplifying your decor to save money - The importance of making lists and avoiding impulse shopping - Coupons and cash-back or reward sites Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/078-take-back-the-holidays-8-ways-to-spend-less-this-holiday-season/

This week, I’m answering your questions about debt, emergency savings, sudden windfalls, deferred compensation, withdrawal strategies, Andrew going vegan, monarch money, savings on kid's stuff, when to track your net worth estate planning, and more! In this week’s podcast, we talk about: - How to stay motivated while getting out of debt - How to handle an unexpected large sum of money - Influencer courses and if they’re worth your money and time - Finances in a blended family that is early retired - Advice for Canadians that don’t have the same levers as in the US - How to determine your withdrawal strategy at retirement age - If there is anything that keeps me up at night about being early retired - Tips and tricks for using Monarch Money - Spending and savings on kid's clothing and activities - Explaining deferred compensation to a 5th grader - What day I track my net worth, and why - Replenishing your emergency fund after using it for an emergency - Tips, tricks, and advice for rental properties - Estate planning and wills for people who are young and think they don’t need it - Making sure you’re not passing on a money mess to your beneficiaries - How many credit cards is too many?  I have seven and pay off fully monthly - What actionable steps I took to become financially free Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/077-listener-qa-debt-savings-windfalls-deferred-compensation-withdrawal-strategies-and-more/

Investing often seems more complicated than needed, so we’re explaining some key terms to help you better navigate the investing and financial world more confidently. We share which ones we think matter the most and what you should focus on as an investor.  Andrew joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - The difference between a stock and a bond and the historical performance of each - The difference between ETFs, index funds, and mutual funds - Market vs. limit orders and which one you should focus on - Why target date funds in your 401K and 529 plans aren’t ideal and what to do instead - Which brokerage firms and accounts we like the best and why - Expense ratios, Dividends, Dollar-cost averaging, and more! Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/076-investing-terms-you-should-know-etfs-vs-mutual-funds-target-date-funds-expense-ratios-dividends-market-vs-limit-orders-and-more/

In the tradeoff between your time and your money, we discuss whether it’s worth it to pay for convenience, from pre-cut food at the grocery store to having your house professionally cleaned to food delivery apps. We explore whether these conveniences are worth the extra expense, and we explore the pros and cons, share personal stories, and offer tips for finding a balance between convenience and cost. Liz joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - The tradeoff of our time versus our money - How to be thoughtful and intentional about the conveniences we pay for - The questions you should ask yourself as you consider how much you’re willing to pay for specific conveniences  - Smash or pass round of all the many potential conveniences we could pay for Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/075-the-cost-of-convenience-is-it-worth-it/

Investing feels overwhelming and complicated to many people, but it doesn’t need to be. It can be simple and easy to get started. Join us for a discussion on investing that we hope will help you get started and feel better on your investing journey. Erica joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - Why investing is more simple than many make it out to be - Why investing in low-cost, simple index funds is the answer - If ESGs are worth it - What to do when the market is down - Good books to read to help you learn more about investing Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/074-an-investing-discussion-how-to-get-started-are-esgs-worth-it-what-to-do-when-the-markets-down-automating-your-investments-and-more/

Groceries have been getting more expensive lately, but there are still plenty of simple, low-effort ways to save money on groceries. We share our best money-saving hacks for our family of five. Greg joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - What we typically spend on groceries - Why we do most of our shopping at Aldi, Lidl, and Sam’s Club - How we keep our food costs lower and the specific things we do Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/073-grocery-savings-hacks-where-to-shop-freezing-food-and-more/

Everyone should keep their savings, emergency funds, and extra cash in a high-yield savings account (HYSA) to optimize their money. High-yield savings accounts are paying as high as 5.5% interest and have been for over a year. Make sure you’re taking advantage of this and maximizing your growth potential! Liz joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - What is a high-yield savings account and why you should have one - Why high-yield savings accounts are a safe place to keep your money - FDIC Insurance  - How banks make money - Why online or digital banks can afford to pay higher interest rates - Our favorite high-yield savings accounts Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/072-the-best-financial-advice-no-one-wants-to-take-move-your-money-to-a-high-yield-savings-account-already/

This week, I’m answering your questions about early retirement, investing, raising financially literate kids, making like-minded friends, and more!   In this week’s podcast, we talk about: - Sitting in the boring middle of achieving FI - Enjoying the journey versus the destination - How do you know when you have enough money to retire - How to make FI friends - Best FI meetup groups and conferences - Investment strategies - Thoughts on CFPs (Certified Financial Planners) - Bringing up finances with someone not good at finances - How you talk to the kids about money  - Navigating spend on and for teens Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/071-listener-qa-boring-middles-making-fi-friends-investment-strategies-kids-and-more/

This one thing can save you money, help the environment, declutter your house, and improve your mental health; it’s using the things you already have! We share practical tips and strategies for reframing your mind to focus on everything you already own inside your home before you allow yourself to acquire new things.  Erica joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - The many benefits of using what we already have before we buy new things - Mindful approaches to consumption - Practical tips and strategies for using up what we already have before we buy anything new - Categories we’re focused on, including food, toiletries, cleaning supplies, books, gift cards, memberships, office and school supplies, and clothing - What to do if you’re not willing to use the things you already own  Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/070-lets-use-up-what-we-already-have/

The key to growing long-term wealth is to spend less than you make and invest the difference, but there are also some money mistakes you should avoid. Make sure you listen and avoid these money mishaps to win long-term. Liz joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - Why whole life insurance is so bad - The pros and cons of 401k loans - Buying stuff you can’t afford and don’t need on credit cards - Get rich quick schemes - Trying to time the market - The importance of tracking your expenses and net worth - Lifestyle creep and why it matters - Why emergency funds matter Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/069-avoid-these-money-mishaps-and-win-long-term/

People often say you’ll spend less in retirement, but who are these people, and is this true? We break down some common beliefs about retirement spending and share our own personal experiences of being retired early for two years.  Greg joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - The retirement smile - How much we’ve spent over the last five years - People say retired life costs less - Is this true? - Where we’re spending more: Before retirement? Or since early retirement? - How our life stage and family dynamics are impacting our spend - How healthcare cost is impacting our spend - Making the psychological shift from saving to spending Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/068-is-life-more-expensive-in-early-retirement/

Understanding the CAPE (Cyclically Adjusted Price-to-Earnings) ratio and SORR (Sequence of Returns Risk) matters if you’re investing in the stock market and making future plans based on those investments. These metrics provide a stable benchmark for valuation and can help identify market bubbles or periods of undervaluation; they’re important to understand and can help inform your future plans.   Andrew joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - What CAPE ratio and SORR stand for and how to calculate them - How CAPE ratio is different from the standard P/E ratio - The methodology behind the CAPE ratio calculation and SORR - Why you’d want to understand these metrics - How these metrics might influence your early retirement plans and timing - Strategies to mitigate SORR Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/067-two-investment-metrics-you-should-understand-cape-ratio-and-sorr/

Three families share what we spent in the first half of 2024. Who’s spending is the highest and lowest? And is there really a winner or loser!? We’re big fans of intentional spending and not spending more than you earn. We share the nitty gritty details of our spending so far in 2024.   Liz, Andrew, and Greg join this week’s podcast as we talk about: - Why we track our expenses - How we track our expenses and why we’ve all shifted to using Monarch - How much are families spent for the first six months of 2024 - Category breakdowns of our spending, from travel to medical to groceries - What we feel good about and what we want to improve in the second half of 2024 - Intentional spending Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/066-mid-year-spend-review-with-liz-andrew-and-greg/

Secondhand products can save you money, save the planet, help others earn money, build community, and so much more! We encourage everyone to think secondhand first anytime they want or need something. Liz joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - Benefits of shopping secondhand and thrifting - Best practices and tips for shopping secondhand - How to keep an eye out for scammers when buying used items on Facebook marketplace - Resources for where to shop secondhand - Some of our best secondhand purchases - What we’re willing to buy secondhand versus what we’d prefer to buy new Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/065-get-apple-products-80-off-and-save-the-planet-shopping-secondhand-for-the-win/

Packing less and spending less while traveling abroad or domestically is possible and can make travel much more enjoyable! Travel a bit lighter and spend a bit less to splurge on the stuff that matters. Join us for a discussion on intentional travel spending. Greg joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - Why we pack light when traveling with our three kids - What we pack and how we make it work - How we spend light when traveling - What we spend less on versus where we splurge while traveling - How trip budgets have transformed traveling with kids - Actionable tips for saving money on airfare, rental cars, accommodations, international cell phone plans, and more Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/064-packing-light-and-spending-light-white-traveling/

It’s not about what you make, it’s about the difference between what you make and what you spend. If you know those two numbers you can calculate your savings rates, and if you know it you can improve upon it. Liz joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - The number one most important metric for achieving early retirement - How to calculate your savings rate - What our savings rates are and have been - How your savings rate equates to the number of years you need to work - How to increase your savings rate Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/063-number-one-early-retirement-metric-your-savings-rate/

Actionable advice to stop comparing yourself to others and start focusing on your own life. We all compare ourselves to others, but we also know comparison is the thief of joy and we will be happier when we learn to spend less time comparing and more time living.  Andew joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - The importance of tracking expenses - Our favorite savings hacks on home, grocery, shopping - Examples of how to negotiate realtor fees - Why renting a house can actually save you a lot of money - How to use cash back adn coupon sites to save money Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/062-our-favorite-savings-hacks-that-will-save-you-thousands-a-year/

Start doing the things rather than just saying the things. Learn how to transform your intentions into actions and, in the process, close the execution gap that many of us struggle with.  Erica joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - How to transform your intentions into actions - Closing the execution gap - The power of habits and our favorite book on building habits - The challenges we all face in translating intentions into consistent actions - The psychological factors that influence the execution gap - How intentions alone don’t lead to results - Specific tactics for shifting from intentions to actions - A challenge to choose one actionable step each day to move forward toward your goals Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/061-transform-intentions-into-action-navigating-the-execution-gap/

Understanding the science and root of perfectionism can help us to focus on the good and let go of the bad. We encourage you to focus on progress over perfection and leverage that mindset to improve your finances.  Greg joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - The science of perfectionism - How perfectionism can be helpful and harmful - The three types of perfectionism - The difference between conscientiousness and perfectionism - The difference between perfectionism and imposter syndrome - Ways to combat perfectionism - The goal of progress over perfectionism - Your finances and perfectionism Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/060-progress-over-perfection-understanding-perfectionism-to-improve-our-finances/

Finances can be one of the most stressful parts of a relationship, but they don’t need to be. We share actionable advice for setting up your finances with your partner, focusing on transparency and alignment. Liz joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - The various ways to organize your finances with a partner or spouse - The pros and cons of splitting versus combining finances - Multiple ways to tactically split expenses  - Importance of a money management philosophy and approach with your partner - The value of financial transparency with your partner - Prenups and what we think of them - Why and how to have money dates with your partner Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/059-splitting-finances-with-your-partner-practical-approaches-for-financial-transparency/

The financial services industry often profits from the misconception that managing your investments is too complex, leading you to believe that you should pay them to do it for you. This just isn’t true, and we debunk this myth and explain how to transition from relying on a financial advisor to managing your own investments. Andrew joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - Why it’s so important to consider the long-term cost of financial advisor’s fees - The differences between a commission-based and fee-based/hourly financial advisor - Why you don’t need a commission-based financial advisor or planner - Examples of how much fees add up and impact your financial growth - Historically average market returns beat financial advisor portfolios  - How to break up with your financial advisor  - A specific email or phone script for what to say to end the relationship - The specific process of transitioning from an advisor to managing on your own - Gain the confidence to learn how to invest in low cost index funds yourself Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/058-breaking-up-with-your-financial-planner-why-and-how-to-do-it/

Actionable advice to stop comparing yourself to others and start focusing on your own life. We all compare ourselves to others, but we also know comparison is the thief of joy and we will be happier when we learn to spend less time comparing and more time living.  Erica joins this week’s podcast as we talk about: - Why it’s so dangerous to compare ourselves to others - The importance of mindset to improve our finances and overall happiness - Buddhist POV on comparison - Social media’s role in the comparison game and how to realistically combat it - 7 strategies to overcome comparison - Reflecting on your comparison habits and being honest with yourself  Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/057-comparison-is-the-thief-of-joy-stop-comparing-yourself-to-others/

Greg joins this week's podcast, and we share our most significant reflections and learnings after two years of being early-retired. We break it down into our eight biggest learnings: There’s nothing to be afraid of,  be patient and kind with yourself, do less and set boundaries, monitor your hustling and what you’re chasing, structure and routine add value, it’s OK to focus on yourself, be present in this phase of life as there will be other phases ahead, and experiment and pivot. Join us as we get vulnerable on the highs and lows of the first two years of early retirement. Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/056-8-lessons-weve-learned-two-years-into-early-retirement/

Liz joins this week's podcast, and we talk about all things emergency funds. We start with why it’s so important to have an emergency fund and what emergency funds are meant to be used for versus not. We dig into all of the things you need to know about emergency funds, from where to keep it to how much you need in one. In addition to giving some general guidance on how much to keep in your emergency fund, we provide a specific tool and formula to help you decide on your own circumstances. Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/055-our-formula-for-how-much-to-keep-in-your-emergency-fund/

Andrew joins this week's podcast, and we talk about all of the things we don’t spend money on. We’re all about intentional spending, and we spend a lot of time talking about what we do spend our money on, and it’s interesting to also reflect on what we’re not spending money on. Check out which of us isn’t spending on car washes, house cleaning services, yard care services, haircuts, clothing, makeup, and more!  Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/054-15-things-we-dont-spend-money-on/

Erica joins this week's podcast, and we talk about exhaustion, how it’s impacting our finances, and how we can mitigate exhaustion to improve our lives. We start off by discussing an article in TIME magazine about exhaustion, which shares three often overlooked causes of exhaustion: unsustainable lifestyles, stress beyond our control, and financial insecurity. We share our thoughts on how to adjust our lifestyles and finances to aim for less exhaustion and a healthier happier life. Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/053-why-were-more-exhausted-than-ever-and-how-its-impacting-our-finances/

Greg joins this week's podcast, and we share why and how we’re migrating our investments from Wealthfront to Fidelity, which will save us $20K+ in fees over the next ten years. We share how this will save us money, allow us to receive dividends instead of auto reinvesting them, better control our portfolio, and improve our performance. We share the backstory of why we started investing with Wealthfront 10 years ago and why it’s no longer serving us in the future. And Maggie’s brother Alex happens to call right as we’re wrapping up and joins for an impromptu conversation. Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/052-simplifying-finances-how-were-saving-20k-by-ditching-robo-investing/

Liz joins this week's podcast for a very impromptu discussion where we reveal our Amazon and Target purchases for the last few months. We review each other’s purchases and discuss what we’re spending our money on lately and how it makes us feel. We each aim to focus on intentional spending, and reviewing your expenses with a friend is a fun way to check your spending. Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/051-taming-target-and-amazon-we-pull-up-our-order-history-for-you-to-judge/

For the 50th Inside Out Money episode, Maggie interviews two early-retiree couples at campFI: Stacey & Andy and Amber & Bob. They share their stories of how they prepared for early retirement, challenges and learnings along the way, and much more. They also talk about their feelings along the journey, how they’re maintaining a sense of purpose and fulfillment without traditional work, the value of finding your tribe, and the power of asking interesting questions. We also take a few questions from our live audience. Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/050-from-cubicles-to-campfi-an-interview-with-two-early-retiree-couples/

Andrew joins this week's podcast, and we discuss the difference between deprivation and discipline, how they are interrelated, and why it all matters. We dig into the reality of needs versus wants and how reframing deprivation as discipline can help you improve your finances and other aspects of your life. We wrap up the discussion with recommendations for improving your discipline. Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/049-is-it-deprivation-or-discipline-and-will-it-improve-my-finances/

Greg joins this week's podcast, and we share five cell phone savings hacks that can save you thousands of dollars. We share how to get the cheapest and best cell phone coverage, how to use eSIM cards for international travel, our favorite Otterbox cases and how to leverage their lifetime warranty, how to get free cell phone insurance protection from your credit cards, and how and when to buy the cell phones themselves. Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/048-5-cell-phone-hacks-to-save-you-thousands/

Erica joins this week's podcast, and we discuss the economics of happiness and what research shows will and won’t make you happier. We share the macronutrients of happiness, according to David Brooks and Oprah, and how we should be striving to be happier versus a fixed ideal nirvana state of happiness. We talk through each of the factors that can have a meaningful influence on our happiness, and, just as importantly, what doesn’t correlate to our happiness.  Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/047-the-economics-of-happiness-will-a-bigger-house-or-shorter-commute-make-you-happier/

Liz joins this week's podcast, and somehow, we’re deciding to smash or pass common financial rules. We explain many common financial rules around savings, investing, and buying a house and car and dig into whether we’d smash or pass on the rule and why. In addition to a lot of laughing, we hope you also learn something new. Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/046-smash-or-pass-common-financial-rules/

Andrew joins this week's podcast, and we discuss a metric we love but think many people likely don’t track. We explain the lifetime gross savings rate (aka lifetime wealth ratio), how to calculate it, and why we like this particular metric. This is the one metric that can encapsulate your lifetime financial progress combined with the efficiency of your earnings. It’s also one of a few metrics that allows you to benchmark yourself against others and normalize and adjust for different earnings and income levels. Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: Andrew joins this week's podcast, and we discuss a metric we love but think many people likely don’t track. We explain the lifetime gross savings rate (aka lifetime wealth ratio), how to calculate it, and why we like this particular metric. This is the one metric that can encapsulate your lifetime financial progress combined with the efficiency of your earnings. It’s also one of a few metrics that allows you to benchmark yourself against others and normalize and adjust for different earnings and income levels. Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/045-the-one-metric-you-likely-dont-track-lifetime-gross-savings-rate/

Greg joins this week's podcast, and we share how we met and how our financial and life discussions progressed to end up early retiring together in 2022. Did you know research supports that saving money is a sexy quality in a partner!? We talk about love and money more generally, and how you can keep a relationship strong without spending a lot of money to show your love for each other. Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/044-love-dont-cost-a-thing-our-love-and-money-story/

Liz joins this week's podcast, and we share all the things you should and shouldn’t do to leave a job the right way, whether it’s a voluntary or involuntary leave. We discuss understanding what you agreed to in your employment contract, legally getting the key information you need, being smart about your benefits, and keeping it professional so you don’t burn bridges. How you start and leave your jobs impacts your finances in the short and longer term, and we’re giving you the guidance you need to do it right. Oh, and we share some details about Cobra we think many people aren’t aware of! Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/043-burning-bridges-or-building-boats-how-to-leave-a-job-the-right-way/

Erica joins this week's podcast, and we discuss conscious consumerism and the trifecta of value it can add to your life: it’s good for the world, makes you feel food, and can save you money. We define conscious consumerism and talk through some actionable tips for how to incorporate more of it into your life. We discuss how it can improve the control and agency over your life, which can feel good in a world of more and more things we can’t control. We also share how to educate and influence kids and other friends and family in your life. Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/042-6-ways-to-be-a-more-conscious-consumer/

Andrew, Liz, and Greg join this week's podcast and we deep dive into what we each spent on food, utilities, internet, and cell phones in 2023. This is part two of last week’s episode on what we spend during 2023. Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here:https://www.insideoutmoney.org/041-what-we-spent-in-2023-part-2-food-utilities-internet-and-cell-phones/

Andrew, Liz, and Greg join this week's podcast and share what we each spent during 2023. We share our top spending categories, what we feel good about, and what we want to improve in 2024. Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/040-what-we-spent-in-2023-part-1/

Andrew joins this week's podcast, and we bare all and share what’s in our financial “wallet,” from our accounts to the specific index funds inside them. We talk through the different types of accounts from high-yield savings to 529s to brokerage accounts. We share which brokerage companies we use and like and dig into the specific index funds we invest in. We also discuss the value and importance of a simple portfolio. Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/039-whats-in-our-wallet-our-index-funds-accounts-and-more/

Happy New Year! Greg joins the first podcast of 2024, and we discuss why and how improving your finances is an inside job. We discuss the mindset connection to your finances, the importance of mindfulness, how to stop letting others dictate your values and goals, and how to change your definition of success. We also discuss the concept of enough and the importance of finding wise people to emulate. We hope this discussion helps start your new year on the right foot! Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/038-the-inside-job-of-improving-your-finances/