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#097 | The rise of revenge spending

Episode Summary:   In this week’s episode, we discuss the emerging trend of revenge-spending. As vaccinations increase and our year of the world being in quarantine starts to show signs of opening up, consumers have a pent-up need to do things and buy things....

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#079 | How to return unwanted or broken gifts

Episode Summary:   In this week’s episode, we discuss what to do with all the very thoughtful but potentially unwanted gifts from the holidays or any time of year. Sometimes it truly is the thought that counts, and you can do without the gift itself. Or maybe it...

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#065 | Goals + Gratitude Check-In

Episode Summary: In this week’s episode, we run through each of our 2020 goals and discuss progress as we’re now 75% of the way through 2020.  There are three months left in the year, and we talk through how we want to finish 2020 strong.  Plus, we add a new element...

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#057 | How to practice self-care for free

Episode Summary: We discuss how to practice self-care for free or on a budget.  Self-care is so incredibly important, especially these days, but many people think it needs to cost a lot of money.  The truth is that some of the best and most effective self-care costs...

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#055 | How to travel for free

Episode Summary We get a lengthy call from listener Matt about “credit card churning” and Mike can’t resist discussing this passion of his.  We discuss what credit cards are out there, how to find them and the impacts to your credit when you sign up and cancel them....

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#048 | Is Credit Monitoring worth it?

Episode Summary We discuss if credit monitoring is really worth the expense or if it’s throwing your money away.  Do you really need credit monitoring?  We discuss what credit monitoring actually covers and provides, how you can do a DIY version of credit monitoring...

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#041 | How to save money on vacation

Episode Summary We share tips and advice for how to save money on vacation.  Summer vacations are happening now or around the corner for many, so it’s the perfect time to think ahead on how to save money and not break the bank while you’re traveling this summer.   We...

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#034 | Split or Combined Finances

Episode Summary  In this episode, Mike and Maggie talk about split and combined finances for a household and the many considerations that should go into your decision on how to handle finances in your relationship.  There is no right or perfect answer, and it’s more...

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#030 | Decluttering + Money

Episode Summary  In this episode, Mike and Maggie follow-up on their minimalism + money episode with a more tactical discussion on decluttering.  This episode will help inspire you to declutter with specific tips and recommendations on how to get started, what to...

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#028 | Minimalism + Money

Episode Summary  In this episode, Mike and Maggie talk about the relationship between minimalism and money.  We discuss what minimalism is, the idea of intentionality and bringing more of it into your life. We also dive into the differences between being frugal and...

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#025 | College – Choosing your Approach

Episode Summary  Mike and Maggie discuss their college experiences.  College is one of the most expensive items you’ll have related to kids, and it’s a looming financial burden for many parents.  We discuss if college is even worth it, how to think through the ROI of...

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#024 | Save on Groceries

Episode Summary  Mike and Maggie discuss how you can save on your groceries.  Grocery expenses can easily be $5,000 or even $20,000 a year. It’s a huge category you can find cost savings in.  We talk through 10+ tips on how you can save money on your groceries.  ...

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#023 | Happiness Sex and Money

Episode Summary  In this episode we discuss the many benefits of improving your financial life, which leads us to a discuss on happiness, sex, and money.  We cover the top 5 reasons we believe you should improve your finances and get financially fit. Getting...

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#021 | Cell Phones and TV and Internet, Oh My!

Episode Summary  In this episode we discuss cell phones, television, and internet bills.  What you’re spending across these three categories can easily add up to a few thousand dollars a year, and finding savings in just one area can save you a ton.  We also give a...

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#017 | Crazy frugal stuff we do

Episode Summary  In this episode Mike and Maggie discuss some of the crazy frugal things they do to save money, from cutting open toothpaste containers to get a few more weeks of toothpaste to waiting 6-8 weeks for a battery to arrive from Hong Kong.  We hope this...

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#016 | 401ks are your BFF!

Episode Summary  Mike and Maggie talk about 401ks and 403bs, which are retirement savings plans.  We talk about the benefits of 401ks, the myths of 401ks, and we challenge people to, at the bare minimum, put in the amount their company is matching. And the best-case...

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#015 | Expense Tracking Gone Wild

Episode Summary  On this episode Mike and Maggie address their #1 requested topic so far: expense tracking!   We talk about how what gets measured gets better. And then we break down the specifics of how we each approach expense tracking.  Money doesn’t need to be a...

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#014 | Tax Time! Yay!

Episode Summary  On this episode we discuss taxes.  Yay, taxes, buckle-up. We give a high-level overview of how tax brackets work, tips for filing your 2019 taxes, and also advice for minimizing your 2020 taxes.  We encourage you to file your own taxes so you better...

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#012 | Kids are the Best! Part 2 (Interview)

Episode Summary  On the last episode we talked about kids and money, and our beliefs in this area.  So this episode we decided it was only fair to bring on our kids, ages 3 to 11, and ask them hard-hitting questions! We get their thoughts on happiness, money, views on...

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#011 | Kids are the Best! Part 1

Episode Summary  Since we said cars are the worst, we thought we’d next focus on what’s the best: our kids!  People think kids are expensive, and then can be, but they don’t have to be. Mike has 2 kids, and Maggie has 3 kids, and we share our thoughts on raising them...

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#010 | Car Insurance Is Just As Bad

Episode Summary  If cars are the worst, then car insurance is just as bad!  We follow up our cars episode with a discussion on car insurance.  We share what we’re paying on car insurance and our thoughts on the true purpose of car insurance.  We then dig into our top...

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#009 | Cars Are The Worst

Episode Summary  Cars are the worst!  Aside from a house, cars might be the largest expenses you have. People can spend so much money on a car, but in reality, does anyone really care what you drive?  If you’re driving a car because you love it and can afford it, then...

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#008 | Retired Toddlers Interview

Episode Summary In their first interview, Mike + Maggie interview Michelle and Jake from the Retired Toddlers.  They are are a full-time traveling family that sold their home in 2016 to spend more time with their 2 young kids, and ever since then they have been...

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#006 | Finding Freedom – Pillar #3

Episode Summary The third pillar of financial independence: finding freedom.  The reason we are spending less and growing our wealth is to get to financial freedom.  While we’re both not yet ready to leave our jobs and take the plunge, we find immense happiness in...

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#005 | Growing Wealth – Pillar #2

Episode 5 Summary  The second pillar of financial independence: growing wealth.  As you are saving more and more money, you need to put your money to work for you and grow your wealth.   Episode 5 Show Notes Mike talks about his new $48 REI jacket and clarifies how...

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#004 | Spending Less – Pillar #1

Episode Summary The first pillar of financial independence: spending less. Mike and Maggie philosophize about being happy with less and finding level of spending that’s sustainable, laying the framework for financial independence.   Episode Notes The first pillar...

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