In this episode, Dave Gallegos discusses strategies for flipping the balance sheet on your financial life, by cutting costs and increasing income. He emphasizes the need for individuals to live beneath their means, analyze their expenses, and marshal all their resources to achieve their financial goals. Dave also shares some of his favorite books from his own library, and the necessity of investing in oneself to achieve financial success.Episode Highlights:00:00 - Introduction and Milestone Celebration02:34 - Living Within Your Means and Avoiding Excessive Spending06:29 - Analyzing Income and Expenses10:09 - Adding Income Opportunities13:05 - Exploring Additional Income Opportunities and Support16:36 - The Importance of Financial Literacy and Education18:43 - Making Lifestyle Adjustments and Investing in Yourself22:59 - Conclusion: Striving for Financial Peace and BalanceEpisode Resources:Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill - https://a.co/d/fwaMbUGThe Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason - https://a.co/d/0j1LDCP The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod - https://a.co/d/aFRlyu2The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy - https://a.co/d/d7JM3GJThe Simple Path to Wealth by JL Collins - https://a.co/d/fJPT0jwThe Algebra of Wealth by Scott Galloway - https://a.co/d/8CG9LIs

In this episode, Dave Gallegos discusses the importance of achieving financial balance through effective management of credit, spending, debt, saving, and investing. He shares personal anecdotes, including his son's journey to homeownership, and emphasizes the need for individuals to prioritize their finances, cut unnecessary expenses, and explore ways to increase their income. The conversation provides practical strategies for listeners to take control of their financial situation and work towards a debt-free future.Chapters00:00 Introduction: Achieving Financial Balance01:50 Chapter 1: Prioritizing Your Finances03:50 Chapter 3: Living Within Your Means08:30 Chapter 4: Generating Extra Money11:30 Chapter 5: Increasing Income15:20 Chapter 6: Adopting Common Sense Financial Practices17:30 Conclusion: Taking Control of Your Finances

In this episode, Dave Gallegos dives deep into how you can go from wherever you find yourself to sparkling credit in a relatively short period of time. Dave breaks down the individual stumbling blocks and how to handle them, late payments, judgements, liens, collections, even Bankruptcy. Tune in to learn why having perfect credit isn't just a lofty goal—it's an attainable one that can significantly impact your financial future.00:00 - Introduction02:00 - No One Cares About Your Credit as Much as You Do03:05 - Dealing with Derogatory Credit Items06:05 - Late Payments09:30 - You Get What You Give11:15 - Consistent Late Payments13:30 - Collections15:45 - Judgements & Liens17:25 - Why Your Credit Score Matters18:45 - Bankruptcy

In this episode, Dave Gallegos emphasizes the importance of maintaining an excellent credit score and how surprisingly easy it can be to achieve. Dave breaks down simple, actionable steps to keep your credit in top shape, highlighting how good credit opens doors to better financial opportunities, lower interest rates, and more favorable loan terms. Tune in to learn why having perfect credit isn't just a lofty goal—it's an attainable one that can significantly impact your financial future.00:00 - Introduction01:15 - Getting into a Great Position Financially02:45 - Excellent Credit Makes Everything Easier04:35 - How are You Going to Get There06:00 - Never Pay Anything Late Again07:15 - It’s Easy to Borrow the Money09:00 - It’s Easy to Set Up Autopay12:10 - How You Use Your Credit14:35 - Up Next

In this empowering episode, Dave Gallegos assures listeners that homeownership is within reach for anyone with the right preparation. Dave outlines the essential steps to get ready for buying a home, from building a solid credit score to saving for a down payment and understanding your budget. He also sheds light on what banks are looking for when approving a mortgage, offering insider tips to help you meet those criteria. Tune in to learn how to navigate the path to becoming a homeowner, with Dave's expert guidance making the journey smoother and more attainable.00:00 - MTM Introduction00:40 - The Fundamentals of Financial Health01:25 - Nothing Has Really Changed02:45 - No One Owns a Time Machine04:40 - The Economic World is Very Different06:45 - Not JUST the Financial Benefits of Home Ownership07:25 - So, How Do You Do It?09:00 - The Good News11:25 - What Mortgage Lenders Look At13:30 - It’s An Intimidating Process15:45 - #1 Will You Pay?18:15 - How Does The Bank Know?19:55 - No More Late Payments22:45 - Dealing With Negative Credit Reports23:40 - Pay Down & Pay Off As Much Debt as Possible24:00 - OptOutPrescreen.com26:30 - Everyone Should Have Financial Balance in Life

In this compelling episode, Dave Gallegos dives into the question begged by every op-ed about tue difficulty of buying a home: Should buying a home require sacrifice? Dave explores the rising expectations that have accompanied or perhaps driven a rise in prices. It’s a reframing of the issue meant to encourage & educate anyone on the home buying journey. Tune in to gain a clearer perspective on what it truly takes to achieve the dream of homeownership without the rose colored glasses of memory.01:30 - The Present Always Seems Harder02:50 - Should It Be Easy to Buy a House?03:30 - Mom & Dad’s First Home06:10 - The Second House09:25 - It’s Never Been Easy to Buy a House11:25 - Comparing Yourself to Everyone’s Highlight Reel14:00 - A Luxury Experienced, Becomes a Necessity17:25 - Home Prices are Never Going to Be Lower Than They are Today19:00 - Everyone Should Be Educated About What To Expect Buying a Home20:15 - Now Is the Time to Make Your Plan20:45 - Realizing The American Dream

In this insightful episode, Dave Gallegos tackles the question of generational financial differences. Dave compares the housing market conditions faced by Baby Boomers to those confronting today's first-time homebuyers. He explores factors such as interest rates, home prices, income levels, and economic conditions, providing a comprehensive look at the generational differences. Join Dave as he unpacks whether the older generation truly had an advantage and what lessons can be learned for navigating the current housing market.00:50 - The Difference Home Ownership Makes01:45 - “No, Boomers Didn’t Have It Easier Than Millennials Buying Their First Home”05:30 - The Real Numbers07:05 - New Ways To Spend Money10:55 - Capitalism Changed the Narrative13:05 - Boomers Didn’t Have the Options

In this thought-provoking episode, Dave Gallegos challenges the common belief that interest rates are the most crucial factor in your financial decisions. Dave explains why focusing solely on interest rates can be misleading and shares what truly matters when it comes to managing your finances. By diving into the bigger picture, he helps listeners understand the broader financial strategies that can lead to long-term stability and success. Tune in to discover why your interest rate might not be as important as you think and what you should prioritize instead.00:15 - The Good News01:05 - The Bad News03:05 - Advice for Homeowners With Consumer Debt Load06:00 - The Interest Rate for a Mortgage Is the Least Important Thing About the Mortgage08:00 - Household Blended Debt Rate Analysis12:25 - The Debt Service Matters the Most15:00 - A Sensitive Subject

In this transformative episode, host Dave Gallegos reveals the secret to achieving financial abundance. Dave introduces listeners to a simple, yet powerful formula for financial success that anyone can follow. He also highlights the invaluable insights from JL Collins' acclaimed book, "The Simple Path to Wealth." This episode is packed with practical tips and strategies that demystify the journey toward wealth, making financial freedom an achievable goal. Tune in to discover how straightforward the path to financial abundance can be!01:10 - The Goal is Financial Abundance in Your Life01:45 - Keeping Up with the Jones’03:15 - It’s a Secret You All Know05:10 - Spend Less Than You Make, Avoid Debt, Invest the Difference06:15 - The Simple Path to Wealth - https://a.co/d/5I6oiXn08:05 - Where Consumption Comes From09:40 - This Affects All Ages10:30 - It’s a Simple Plan12:55 - It Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated13:45 - Why Wait on Investments?

In this eye-opening episode, Dave Gallegos sounds the alarm on the increasingly popular Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) platforms. Dave delves into the hidden details and potential pitfalls that make BNPL options a risky choice for consumers. He breaks down how these seemingly convenient payment plans can lead to debt accumulation, affect credit scores, and entice shoppers into overspending. Join Dave as he provides the crucial insights you need to understand before clicking 'buy' on your next online purchase, ensuring you're informed and protected from the hidden dangers of BNPL.00:30 - Dave Wants You to Know What No One Taught Him01:20 - All of Us Are Capable of Creating Financial Balance02:40 - The Buy Now Pay Later “Scheme”03:50 - The Fine Print on Buy Now Pay Later05:05 - No Regulation = The Wild West05:50 - Consumer Reports Investigation07:55 - If You Can’t Pay Now, You Can’t Afford It09:00 - Don’t Miss the Details of the Deal

A journey of a thousand miles starts with one step and in this enlightening episode, host Dave Gallegos takes you through the first steps of a journey to achieve financial balance. He breaks down the five fundamentals necessary for a stable financial future and provides a practical roadmap for prioritizing the essential steps you need to take. Whether you're just starting out or looking to recalibrate your financial strategies, Dave's expert insights will guide you toward a more balanced and prosperous financial life. Tune in to start your journey to financial balance and freedom!00:50 - 5 Fundamentals to Financial Balance01:55 - Keeping Up with the Neighbors03:00 - Dave Ramsey03:40 - Emergency Fund05:30 - Paying off Consumer Debt09:05 - Spending Review10:00 - Cut Subscriptions10:40 - Eating Out11:25 - Retirement Savings12:25 - Attacking Your Debt13:45 - Deciding You Want a Financially Balanced Life

In this intriguing episode, host Dave Gallegos takes a deep dive into the psychology of spending and the concept of 'Fear Of Missing Out' (FOMO). Dave explores how we often justify extravagant spending on non-essential items that don't contribute to our financial freedom, under the illusion of 'missing out.' However, rather than assigning blame, he uses this episode to help listeners reassess and realign their spending priorities. By offering practical advice and strategies, Gallegos encourages listeners to make more informed financial decisions that can lead to greater financial freedom and stability. This episode is a valuable resource for anyone looking to better understand their spending habits and work towards financial independence.00:55 - The Downside of Buy Now Pay Later02:15 - No One Cares as Much About Your Finances as You Do03:00 - Creative Ways to Spend Money04:45 - The TOTAL Expense of Your Mobile Phone05:45 - Subscription Models07:00 - Over the Top Celebrations09:40 - Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties10:59 - Destination Weddings11:35 - It’s Just About Your Priorities12:15 - Gender Reveal Parties & Babymoons15:00 - Choices Based on FOMO16:15 - Spend Less Than You Make = Financial Freedom

In this episode, Dave Gallegos brings the receipts and delves into the rising trend of 'Buy Now Pay Later' programs across the financial world. He discusses the pitfalls of these programs, explaining how they can offer immediate gratification but also potentially lead to overspending and long-term debt. Dave provides insightful advice, urging his listeners to take control of their spending, focusing on their financial stability and freedom instead of the current consumer culture.00:50 - The Importance of Financial Independence01:25 - Consumption Nation02:50 - Your Spending Can Affect Affordability03:55 - How Do You Track Spending?05:30 - New Ways to Spend $08:15 - Discretionary Spending11:05 - Travel Spending13:00 - “A Luxury Once Experienced Becomes a Necessity”15:40 - The Starbucks Budget17:45 - Consistently Categorizing Your Spending20:15 - There Is No Shortcut

The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago, the 2nd best time is today. In this episode, host Dave Gallegos addresses a common regret among homeowners known as 'The ‘I Should Have Bought Sooner’ Tax'. Dave delves into the financial implications and psychological factors that lead to this sentiment. He discusses the advantages of entering the market now rather than later and how there is no such thing as “timing the market”. Listeners will be motivated to take the next steps and save themselves from the 'I Should Have Bought Sooner' tax.01:00 - Closing the Wealth Gap02:00 - The 5 Fundamentals for Financial Balance03:05 - Housing Appreciation04:25 - The “I Should Have Bought Sooner” Tax07:45 - Why Home Prices Won’t Decline09:15 - America is a Growing Country (and Economy)11:50 - Downsizing is Decreasing12:40 - Land, Labour and Lumber14:30 - The Mortgage Meltdown18:40 - Avoiding the ISBS Tax

In this episode, Dave Gallegos passionately argues that anyone can achieve excellent credit, and that most people are no more than 12 months away from qualifying for a mortgage. He thoroughly discusses various credit scenarios, from dealing with late payments and negotiating credit card rates, to managing collections, judgements, or liens. Dave also explores the sensitive topic of when and how to consider bankruptcy. Incorporating personal stories with professional advice, Dave provides a comprehensive and empathetic guide for listeners to navigate their credit challenges. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to improve their credit health and financial future.01:00 - Everything is Better, Cheaper, Easier When You Have Excellent Credit02:35 - Anyone CAN Have Excellent Credit02:50 - Anyone is 12 Months of On Time Payments Away From Better Credit03:45 - Autopay is the Answer06:55 - Credit Repair08:40 - One Late Payment, What Now?09:45 - The Forgotten Card11:40 - A History of Late Payments, What Now?14:40 - Negotiating Credit Card Rates16:00 - Collections, Judgements and Liens17:55 - It’s All About Asking20:55 - Bankruptcy In this episode, Dave Gallegos passionately argues that anyone can achieve excellent credit, and that most people are no more than 12 months away from qualifying for a mortgage. He thoroughly discusses various credit scenarios, from dealing with late payments and negotiating credit card rates, to managing collections, judgements, or liens. Dave also explores the sensitive topic of when and how to consider bankruptcy. Incorporating personal stories with professional advice, Dave provides a comprehensive and empathetic guide for listeners to navigate their credit challenges. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to improve their credit health and financial future.01:00 - Everything is Better, Cheaper, Easier When You Have Excellent Credit02:35 - Anyone CAN Have Excellent Credit02:50 - Anyone is 12 Months of On Time Payments Away From Better Credit03:45 - Autopay is the Answer06:55 - Credit Repair08:40 - One Late Payment, What Now?09:45 - The Forgotten Card11:40 - A History of Late Payments, What Now?14:40 - Negotiating Credit Card Rates16:00 - Collections, Judgements and Liens17:55 - It’s All About Asking20:55 - Bankruptcy 

In this episode, host Dave Gallegos introduces the five pillars of financial balance: Your Credit, Your Spending, Your Debt, Your Savings, and Your Investing. These fundamentals will serve as the backbone for future episodes of this show as Dave aims to use his expertise and the collective knowledge of the Zenith team to provide listeners with valuable insights and practical advice to achieve financial balance. This is a journey that anyone is capable of making, but it requires a “vision and a desire for something better than where your find yourself today.”Join us on this journey to financial balance!01:05 - “It’s alarming how we manage that abundance”03:15 - The 5 Fundamentals of Financial Balance04:15 - Everybody is CAPABLE of a Perfect Credit Score04:55 - 2 Issues About Affordability That Are Self-Induced07:25 - How Much Money are You Saving?08:00 - Investing or Gambling10:00 - This Requires a Vision and a Desire for Something Better than Where You Find Yourself Today11:05 - Accessing Expertise13:00 - The Future is Brighter Financially (and Generally) for Homeowners

In this enlightening episode of "More than Mortgage," host Dave Gallegos addresses the common belief that homeownership is unattainable in today's economy. He provides a comparative analysis of the home buying experiences of the 80's and 90's versus the present day, shedding light on the real differences and challenges. However, Gallegos doesn't stop at identifying problems; he offers tangible strategies to aid listeners in embarking on their journey towards homeownership and financial stability, regardless of the economic climate. This episode serves as a beacon of hope and a practical guide for those seeking to navigate the complexities of the modern housing market.01:00 -  “I’ll never be able to afford a house!”03:15 - A Generational View on Home Ownership04:15 - A Generational View on Expenses06:35 - The Starter Home07:35 - Travel Expenses08:25 - Understanding Your Spending11:55 - Create a Personal Financial Statement13:20 - Knowing The Number Is the First Step to Improving the Number14:00 - “Our prosperity as a nation, depends upon the personal financial prosperity of each one of us as individuals.”

In this insightful episode of "More than Mortgage," host Dave Gallegos sheds light on the critical need for financial literacy. He emphasizes that most people are not formally educated about wealth building strategies, but assures listeners that these skills can indeed be learned. Through engaging discussion, Gallegos demystifies complex financial concepts and provides practical advice for achieving financial stability and prosperity. This episode serves as an empowering call to action for listeners to take control of their financial futures through education and informed decision-making.01:00 - The Deck Is Stacked Against You Gaining Financial Literacy03:00 - The Richest Man in Babylon06:00 - “You have either failed to learn the laws that govern the building of wealth or else you do not observe them.”07:15 - No One Cares About Your Financial Future As Much As YOU09:30 -  You Don’t NEED a Guru, You CAN Learn This10:00 - A Part of All You Earn is Yours to Keep11:50 - Make of Thy Dwelling a Profitable Investment13:30 - Understand Your Own Debt14:20 - Begin to Study Personal Finance15:00 - You CAN Make This Better!16:00 - Don’t Ignore It16:50 - The Importance of Saving for Investment