In a world of high-yield savings accounts, why would I want to open a money market account? Welcome back to our Saving Series! In our previous episodes, we've delved into the world of high-yield savings accounts and CDs. Today, we're taking a closer look at money market accounts. I’m breaking down the key differences between high-yield savings accounts and money market accounts and highlighting the specific restrictions that come with opening a money market account. I’ll also be answering a listener question about money market accounts versus funds.  Saving Series Episodes  424: Savings Series - Everything You Need to Know About CDs 422: Savings Series - Everything You Need to Know About High-Yield Savings Accounts Subscribe to the FREE Popcorn Finance Newsletter - PopcornFinance.com/Newsletter Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected]  Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail  Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok  Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Federal Reserve announced last week that it won’t be making any changes to interest rates right now, but it didn’t take the possibility of future interest rate decreases off the table. What does this mean for you and me? We'll discuss this and more on Popcorn Finance NEWS! Today’s Number is 5.33% This is where the Federal Reserve has set interest rates as of February 6th, 2024 Today’s Article The Federal Reserve holds interest rates steady but signals rate cuts may be coming written by Scott Horsley Subscribe to the FREE Popcorn Finance Newsletter - PopcornFinance.com/Newsletter Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected]  Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail  Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok  Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What exactly is a CD and is it worth using? Welcome back to our Saving Series! Last week was all about High Yield Savings Accounts. This week let’s tackle CDs - from their origin to when to open one. Plus, I’ll be answering a question from Jackie, a listener debating whether to save up for a new car in a CD or her savings account. Episodes Mentioned 422: Savings Series - Everything You Need to Know About High-Yield Savings Accounts 414: Popcorn Finance NEWS - Inflation is Cooling, Will Interest Rates Fall? Subscribe to the FREE Popcorn Finance Newsletter - PopcornFinance.com/Newsletter Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected]  Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail  Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok  Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Buy Nothing Groups are popping up in almost every neighborhood across America at a surprisingly fast rate. Could this be the secret to saving your budget and our environment? Additionally, it looks like crypto scams are on the rise. We'll discuss this and more on Popcorn Finance NEWS! Today’s Number is $2.57 Billion This is the amount of money lost to Cryptocurrency Investment Fraud reported to the FBI in 2022. Today’s Article Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Buy Nothing Groups written by Laura Fenton Connect with Today's Guest - Jill Sirianni Frugal Friends Podcast | Instagram | Frugal Friends Newsletter Subscribe to the FREE Popcorn Finance Newsletter - PopcornFinance.com/Newsletter Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected]  Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail  Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok  Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is now the best time to be a saver? Even if it's not the best time, it is still a great time to start saving. So I thought this would be the perfect time to start a new series all about the best places to save your money. This week we are kicking things off with the High Yield Savings Account. Let's break down the history of savings accounts, the origins of the high yield savings account, and the best way to use these accounts. Subscribe to the FREE Popcorn Finance Newsletter - PopcornFinance.com/Newsletter Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram|Twitter| Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Biden Administration is fast-tracking student loan forgiveness for certain borrowers. And the cheap streaming prices we all loved seems to be a thing of the past. We'll discuss this and more on Popcorn Finance NEWS! Today’s Number is 64 this is combined monthly price of the top 8 streaming services Today’s Article You may need to take extra steps to qualify for Biden’s fast-tracked student loan forgiveness written by Annie Nova Connect with Today's Guest - Nika Booth Debt Free Gonna Be | Instagram | Twitter Recent Student Loan Episodes with Nika 416: What to Know About Student Loans in 2024 417: $1 Billion Box Office & Student Loan Forgiveness 418: High Earners & the SAVE Student Loan Repayment Plan. Does It Make Sense? --------- Subscribe to the FREE Popcorn Finance Newsletter - PopcornFinance.com/Newsletter Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected]  Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail  Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok  Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are there any side hustles that can ACTUALLY help me increase my income? If one of your goals for 2024 is to make more money then today’s episode should help get you brainstorming on how best to do it! I’m joined by Melissa Jean-Baptiste, a former NYC high school teacher turned financial educator who’s on the show to share her story of finding a side hustle that helped her pay off more than $100k worth of debt. Melissa is a first-generation Haitian American and the author of "So This Is Why I'm Broke: Money Lessons on Financial Literacy, Passive Income, and Generational Wealth”, she’s also the writer and producer of the award-winning Millennial In Debt web series. In this episode, Melissa shares how you can use the skills, tools, and resources that are already available to you so that you get a side hustle that perfectly aligns with your life. Connect with Melissa Website | Instagram | Twitter | So This Is Why I'm Broke Book Subscribe to the FREE Popcorn Finance Newsletter - PopcornFinance.com/Newsletter Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram|Twitter| Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you know what Loud Budgeting is? I didn’t either before this episode. And did you spend more money this holiday season? The numbers say yes. We'll discuss this and more on Popcorn Finance NEWS! Today’s Number is 3.1% this is the increase in U.S retail sales this holiday season compared to 2022 Today’s Article This 2024 Money Trend Exploded on TikTok. And Personal Finance Experts Love It written by Dashia Milden Subscribe to the FREE Popcorn Finance Newsletter - PopcornFinance.com/Newsletter Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected]  Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail  Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok  Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is the SAVE student loan forgiveness plan right for me? Today I’m answering a question from Deanna, a listener wondering if The Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan - the newest income-driven repayment (IDR) plan for student loans - is right for her and her situation. To help answer this question I have student loan expert and creator of Debt Free Gonna Be, Nika Booth to give more guidance and details surrounding the SAVE plan. Nika shares how this plan works for those with a higher income and what other details you need to consider with an IDR plan such as your marital status or if you have dependents.  Be sure to listen to my other episodes with Nika to learn more about student loan updates, IDR plans, and more! Other episodes with Nika: 390, 385, 377, 416 Connect with Nika Debt Free Gonna Be | Instagram | Twitter |  Subscribe to the FREE Popcorn Finance Newsletter - PopcornFinance.com/Newsletter Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram|Twitter| Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are movie theaters back from the brink of failure and is the latest student loan forgiveness program, SAVE, a good deal? We'll discuss this and more on Popcorn Finance NEWS! Today’s Number is 2 This is the number of movies that earned more than $1 Billion in 2023. Today’s Article What Is President Biden’s SAVE Plan for Student Loan Repayment? written by Kristopher Kane Connect with Nika Debt Free Gonna Be | Instagram | Twitter Subscribe to the FREE Popcorn Finance Newsletter PopcornFinance.com/Newsletter Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question, article, or number for the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram|Twitter| Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does student loan repayment look like in 2024? Nika Booth, student loan expert and creator of Debt Free Gonna Be, is back to share some updates on student loans for 2024. A lot has changed since her last visit this past summer when the Supreme Court struck down Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan. We cover the chaos that was the restarting of student loan payments d and where student loan forgiveness is headed this year..   Other episodes with Nika: 390, 385, 377 Connect with Nika Debt Free Gonna Be | Instagram | Twitter Subscribe to the FREE Popcorn Finance Newsletter PopcornFinance.com/Newsletter Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram|Twitter| Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Part 2 of the Best and Worst Movies of 2023 What were the best and worst movies you watched in 2023? In early 2023 a friend challenged me to see who could watch the most movies released in 2023. So after watching over 70 films last year, I thought a fun way to kick off 2024 would be to throw a nice big bag of popcorn in the microwave and rank some of the best and worst movies of 2023. To make things more interesting I’m joined by Trashwire movie critic, and cohost of the Watcha Watchin’ podcast, Alexis Gentry as we discuss all things movies to kick off the new year. Listen to Part 1: here Connect with Alexis Instagram | Website | Twitter Subscribe to the FREE Popcorn Finance Newsletter PopcornFinance.com/Newsletter Join Me on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram|Twitter| Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the very first episode of Popcorn Finance NEWS, where we break down the numbers and the news in about the time it takes to make a bag of popcorn! This new Thursday episode is the News Edition of Popcorn Finance where I grab a fresh bag of popcorn and search the internet for the numbers that catch my eye and the personal finance news that I think you’ll want to hear. Today’s Number is 11 This is the number of times that the Federal Reserve has raised interest rates since they lowered them basically to 0% in 2020 Today’s Article Now May Be the Time to Lock In High Interest Rates on Your Savings written by Ann Carnns Subscribe to the FREE Popcorn Finance Newsletter PopcornFinance.com/Newsletter Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram|Twitter| Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What were the best and worst movies you watched in 2023? In early 2023 a friend challenged me to see who could watch the most movies released in 2023. So after watching over 70 films last year, I thought a fun way to kick off 2024 would be to throw a nice big bag of popcorn in the microwave and rank some of the best and worst movies of 2023. To make things more interesting I’m joined by Trashwire movie critic, and cohost of the Watcha Watchin’ podcast, Alexis Gentry as we discuss all things movies to kick off the new year. Connect with Alexis Instagram | Website | Twitter Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Who else made an overly ambitious list of goals for 2023? It’s that time of year again when social media is flooded with lists and round-ups of what everyone achieved and accomplished this year, but what about all the goals we didn’t manage to reach in 2023 - the failed goals? To make you feel less alone about your failed goals, Berna Anat, author of Money Out Loud, and I are sharing our failures of the year and what we hope to achieve in 2024.     Connect with Berna Instagram | Website | Book: Money Out Loud Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram|Twitter| Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When was the last time you had a money chat with your friends? Telling your friends that something isn't in your budget can be difficult, not to mention awkward. Erin Lowry, author and the personal finance expert behind The Broke Millennial book series joins me to discuss how to open up to friends about money and set healthy boundaries. Connect with Erin Instagram | Website | Twitter | Books Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram|Twitter| Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What would you do if you received an extra $1,000 this holiday season? This week I’m joined by the internet’s favorite hype woman, Berna Anat and we’re answering a question from Derrick, a listener wondering what he should do with his Christmas bonus, put it in his savings, pay off debt, or something else. Connect with Berna Instagram | Website | Book Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram|Twitter| Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are all looking for hacks to help us get better at managing our money. This week’s guest, Lisa Rowan, wrote a book compiling over 275 money hacks that she has collected over years of writing about personal finance. Today we are diving into a few of my favorites, including ways to limit impulse shopping at your favorite retail store or restaurant and a quick hack to help you make smarter spending decisions. Follow Lisa Website | Podcast Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected]  Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail  Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok  Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When do you think the Federal minimum wage was last changed? If you guessed over a decade, you’d be right, which is insane. Unlike other government numbers, the federal minimum wage is not adjusted based on inflation and so we’ve been sitting at the same number since 2009. So on today’s episode, I'm talking about the history of the federal minimum wage and what States across the country are doing to counteract that low federal number. Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram|Twitter| Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is putting a big down payment on a new car a good idea? A listener wrote in wanting to know the best way to approach her next car purchase. I spent waaayyy too much time in my favorite program (Excel!) creating a calculator to run through some possible scenarios. Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram|Twitter| Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! This episode originally aired on 9/26/22 as Ep# 338 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Will the way that retirement plans work be changing in 2024? This week I’m answering a question from Kurt, a listener who has heard about a few changes coming to retirement plans thanks to the Secure Act 2.0. Will new rules make withdrawals from 401(k) plans a little bit easier? What will be the tax impact of new employer matching rules?  This week let's talk through these details in more! Episodes Mentioned: Ep.403: 401(k) Withdrawals on the Rise  Ep.215: 401(k) Q&A - What's a 401k Match? Ep.212: Traditional vs Roth 401(k)  Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected]  Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail  Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok  Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can we use fear to make better financial decisions?? In today’s episode, we’re exploring working with our fears instead of against them to build a better financial life. Farnoosh Torabi, personal finance expert, author, and speaker, is back to discuss her newest book, A Healthy State of Panic, this book is part memoir, part guidebook on how fear can be a superpower. Connect with Farnoosh Website | Twitter  | Instagram | Book | So Money Podcast Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is keeping it simple really the best way to ensure I’m prepared for retirement? Why are we always looking for a more complicated solution to something when the simplest is often the best choice? That’s how I feel about investing, as does Jill Schlesinger, host of the Jill on Money podcast. This week Jill joins me to explain why there is no secret sauce to investing and why overcomplicating it could cause you to lose money in the long run. Other episodes featuring Jill - Ep.371, Ep.372, Ep.380, Ep.397, Ep.398, Ep. 399 Connect with Jill Website | Twitter  | The Great Money Reset | Podcast Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you had to take money out of your 401(k) in order to keep afloat financially? It shouldn’t come as a big surprise that times are tough financially right now for a lot of Americans and a newly released report from Bank of America suggests that hardship withdrawals from 401(k)s are on the rise because of it. In this episode of Popcorn Finance, I wanted to share a bit more about what that data in the report means and how hardship withdrawals work regarding specific guidelines and criteria you must follow in order to access money from your 401(k).   Bank of America Report Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What comes to mind when you read the term generation wealth? This term has been everywhere lately and honestly, up until recently it hasn’t sat right with me. The idea behind “generation wealth” just seems unrealistic and unattainable for the majority of Americans trying to survive amidst inflation, unaffordable housing, and so on. But, if there’s anything that I am more than willing to do, it is to challenge my own beliefs. So today’s episode is about the discussion that changed my mind about generation wealth. It happened over on my other podcast, This is Awkward (Ep.64), with my cohost, Allison Baggerly. It’s been almost a year since we recorded that episode and I’m ready to share more of my thoughts on the topic.  Listen to my other podcast with Allison: This is Awkward  Follow Allison Website | Instagram | Twitter | Podcast Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can I contribute to an IRA and a 401(k) at the same time? A listener wrote in with this exact question so this week I'll break this question down and dive deeper in to what makes these plans different.   Have a Question? Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259   Connect with me Instagram - @PopcornFinancePodcast Twitter - @PopcornFinance Facebook - Popcorn Finance   Come Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/PopcornFinance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we hit 400 Episodes! To celebrate I'm answering a great question sent in by Sil whose brother has found himself in an annuity that he wants to move into his 401(k). In this episode I'll discuss whether or not this is even possible and four options for getting your money out of an annuity. Listen to Ep# 399 first before you listen to today's episode to learn all about annuities. Articles on Annuities https://www.fool.com/knowledge-center/can-an-annuity-be-rolled-over-to-a-401k https://www.cnbc.com/2013/12/09/everything-you-need-to-know-about-getting-out-of-an-annuity https://smartasset.com/retirement/how-to-get-out-of-an-annuity Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is an annuity and is it something I should add to my retirement plans? This week Jill Schlesinger, CFP and host of the Jill on Money podcast, joins me to help explain the ins and outs of annuities and whether or not there is an actual use for them. Other episodes featuring Jill -  Ep.371, Ep.372, Ep.380, Ep.397, Ep.398 Connect with Jill Website | Twitter  |  Book Need an Advisor? Here's 13 Questions to Ask Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What exactly does a financial planner do? This week I’m answering another listener question with CFP and host of the Jill on Money podcast, Jill Schlesinger. We get into the nitty-gritty of when you should turn to a financial planner and when you can just handle things on your own. Other episodes featuring Jill - Ep.371, Ep.372, Ep.380, Ep.397! Connect with Jill Website | Twitter | Book Need an Advisor? Here's 13 Questions to Ask Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is investing supposed to be this hard to wrap my head around? I’ve been sitting on a backlog of listener questions and so for the next few weeks on Popcorn Finance, I’ll be answering your money questions with the help of my guest and personal finance expert, Jill Schlesinger. Jill is a certified financial planner CFP® and the host of the personal finance podcast, Jill On Money. This week’s questions come from a listener who is overwhelmed by the idea of investing for retirement on her own.  Jill’s Guide on 13 Questions to Ask a Financial Advisor Popcorn Finance episodes you should check out Ep.241: Investing is Like Baking a Cake Ep.307: Should I Invest in Target Date Funds Ep.240: Being a Boring Investor Earned Me 24% Ep.306: How to Create an Investment Plan Other episodes featuring Jill - Ep.371, Ep.372 & Ep. 380!  Follow Jill Website | Twitter  | Instagram | Youtube | LinkedIn | Facebook Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What luxury item would you be willing to spend your hard-earned cash on? Have you ever been scrolling online and stumbled upon something that caught your eye, but then you saw the price and your immediate reaction was, "Ain't no way I'm spending that much!" That is the essence of this segment from my other podcast This is Awkward with my friend and cohost Allison Baggerly. Today we’re deep-diving into the world of luxury shopping and asking ourselves whether or not we’d be willing to spend our money on this week’s hand-selected luxury item. Listen to my other podcast with Allison: This is Awkward Follow Allison Website | Instagram | Twitter | Podcast Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram|Twitter|Facebook|YouTube |TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How does money's emotional impact affect how we address our finances?   At first glance, personal finance can seem like a technical and unemotional topic, but in reality, it’s a subject that can stir up a lot of feelings related to trauma, shame, and guilt. To help discuss the broader effects our relationship with money has on our finances I’m joined by Paco de Leon, founder of The Hell Yeah Group on Popcorn Finance today. In this episode we talk about the shame and guilt that can surround our finances, how we can uncover where those feelings originated, and how to address and move past these issues.   Connect with Paco Instagram | Website | Book Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Has tipping culture gotten out of control recently? We’ve always had a strong tipping culture in the U.S. but recently the conversation surrounding tipping has gotten more heated. It would appear that I’m not the only one who has noticed an influx of businesses utilizing a tip prompt or option at checkout that never had that option beforehand. Hence, in today’s episode of Popcorn Finance, I'm sharing a snippet from my recent NBCLX segment with Natalie Lizarraga in which she asked what my thoughts are regarding tipping. Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do I have to invest in every new stock or cryptocurrency in order to reach my retirement goals? The short answer is no. Investing doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming. In fact, alarm bells should start ringing when you come across any investment advice that promises you’ll “get rich quick” with their fool-proof strategy. Hey Berna aka the internet’s financial hype woman and personal finance educator, Berna Anat is on Popcorn Finance this week to break down why it’s important to bring our finances back to basics before we start throwing money at the newest investing trend. Listen to hear why the seemingly boring way of investing is actually your best bet when it comes to returns and long-term goals. Connect with Berna Instagram | Website | Book   Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/PopcornFinance   Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259   Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok   This episode originally aired on 11/29/21 as episode #273   Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Would you rather have a perfect credit score or $100,000? Kevin Matthews, a former financial planner, joins me on the podcast today to discuss why credit scores are not the be-all and end-all and what other areas of our finances deserve just as much if not more attention. Connect with Kevin Website | Twitter  Buy Kevin’s Book – Burning to Blueprint: Rebuilding Black Wall Street After a Century of Silence Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why do Target Date Funds get such a bad rap? Investing educator extraordinaire, Amanda Holden is on the show to talk about the pros and cons of Target Date Funds and why you should consider investing in one. Additionally, Amanda shares what it takes to be a good investor, and spoiler alert, it doesn't involve day trading stocks. Connect with Amanda Instagram | YouTube Links Check out Amanda’s investing course: Invested Development Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | X/Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is an income-driven repayment plan keeping you in debt longer? Nika Booth, student loan expert and creator of Debt Free Gonna Be is back on the show to talk about income-driven repayment plans. Are they your best option? Is the possibility of student loan forgiveness worth it?  Nika has a wealth of knowledge about student loans, so check out our other student loan episodes covering updates on Biden’s student loan forgiveness plans and the student loan payment pause. Other episodes with Nika: 385 & 377 Connect with Nika Debt Free Gonna Be | Instagram | Twitter Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Will closing my credit card negatively affect my credit score? This week we hear from a listener who wants to close a credit card but they are afraid of what this might do to their credit score. There are 5 different components that determine credit scores and I’m breaking those down from most to least important to determine whether closing a credit card could result in any short or long-term negative impacts to your score.  Read my Men’s Health article: The 'Avocado Toast’ Effect of Spending Is Totally Overblown Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Student loan forgiveness has been canceled, so now what are your options? It’s official, student loan forgiveness has been canceled and although this is not the outcome many people hoped for, this news probably won’t come as a big surprise if you listened to ep.385 with Nika Booth. In today’s episode, I’m sharing the Biden administration's response to the supreme court’s decision and what steps you should start taking now in order for you to be prepared for when repayments resume. Also, be sure to look out for an upcoming episode with Nika Booth about repayment plans and keep up to date with Popcorn Finance for any new updates about student loans. Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do you do when you go out to eat with your parents and they are the world's worst tippers?  Today I’m sharing an awkward story I’m sure a lot of us can relate to from my other podcast, This is Awkward. This listener’s dilemma centers around the fact that their parents haven’t changed their tipping habits in over 20 years. They don't want to offend their parents but also don't want their poor tipping habits to continue. They've tried dropping hints and leaving extra cash to no avail. Listen to find out how me and my cohost, Allison Baggerly would approach this awkward situation. Happy 4th of July! From everyone at Popcorn Finance, we hope you all have a safe and fun day however you choose to spend it.  Links This is Awkward: Episode 70 My cohost: Allison Baggerly    Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Could AI soon be used to help you make your next important financial decision? If you’ve had a chance to try out AI tools like ChatGPT you know just how powerful they are. Today we're taking on the hot topic of AI and discussing whether or not I think we’ll see it used in future financial planning. There’s a lot of talk about the ethics of AI and I’ve previously explored that in episode 364, but could there also be some positive benefits to it being used more in personal finance?  Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you prepared for student loan payments to resume this summer? Back at the beginning of the year, Nika Booth aka Debt Free Gonna Be, gave us an update on where Biden’s Student Loan Forgiveness plan currently stands. She's back on the show to share some updates, including the date the payment pause will end and what the newest news about the potential Supreme Court ruling could mean for your unpaid student loans. Nika also shares her predictions for the coming weeks and how you can better prepare for payments to resume. Connect with Nika Debt Free Gonna Be | Instagram | Twitter Latest Student Loan Updates: https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/idr-account-adjustment Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you finding it hard to stick to a budget? You’re not alone and the reason could be you’re just not using the best method for your lifestyle. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to budgeting. You have to find what works best for you. That could mean that you like to use pen and paper instead of Excel like my guest and co-host of This is Awkward podcast, Allison Baggerly. In today’s episode, Allison shares her top tips on creating a budget that makes you excited and helps to keep you motivated to stick to it. Plus, I’m also sharing some lesser-known and more unusual methods that could be the answer to your budgeting woes. Listen to my other podcast with Allison: This is Awkward  Follow AllisonWebsite | Instagram | Twitter | Podcast Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Who else has been inundated with scam calls lately?   Fraud and scam calls are nothing new but they are becoming more prevalent nowadays. They’re getting more clever by using tactics like phone spoofing or impersonating reputable businesses. That’s why in this episode of Popcorn Finance, I’m sharing my tips on how to stay safe and avoid getting swindled by scam callers.  Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is aggressively paying off your debt causing other areas of your life to suffer? Years ago my wife and I accumulated over $27k worth of debt and it haunted me every day until I paid it off. Credit card interest rates are some of the highest and debt can feel like a dark cloud hanging over you until it's paid off. However, after reading an article from Elizabeth Gravier that outlines four signs that you’re paying off your debt too fast, it made me think about that time in my life and what I might’ve done differently. Hopefully, today’s episode helps give you a new perspective on how you can pay down your debt without going broke or unnecessarily suffering. Elizabeth Gravier's article: 4 Signs You’re Paying Your Debt Down Too Fast  Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens to the money saved in my 529 plan if my kid doesn’t go to college?   This episode is all thanks to a question I received from a listener from my recent episode with Marc Russel (378) asking about what happens to the money saved in a 529 plan if your child decides they don’t want to go to a 4-year college or higher education at all. The good news is, you have options, and that money doesn’t have to go to waste. Find out all the different ways you can use this money, plus how the newest version of the Secure Act can help set up your kid for retirement.   Listen to that episode with Marc: 378     Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How should we be thinking about risk when it comes to our investments?   Investing has been a major topic of discussion these past few years with the rise and fall of crypto, NFTs, and the Gamestop saga of 2021. It can be hard to cut through all the noise of get-rich-quick investment tips, so how do we know how much risk we ACTUALLY should be taking with our investments? Jill Schlesinger, a certified financial planner CFP® and the host of the Jill On Money podcast is back on the show to share her simple, no-nonsense advice to investing for your future.   Listen to my other episodes with Jill -  Ep.371 & Ep.372!    Follow Jill Website | Twitter  | Instagram | Youtube | LinkedIn | Facebook   Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you heard of the recent closure of First Republic Bank? Similar to Silicon Valley Bank, First Republic was placed under FDIC control and then quickly sold. In this episode we'll cover why this happened, who bought First Republic, and what happens next.   Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/PopcornFinance   Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259   Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok   Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices