Couple Money Podcast

Today we’re going to see how you can prepare your finances so you can buy a house without going broke!

Things are about to get hectic around here.

We just heard from our neighbor that the developer is going to start building the townhouses across the street from us starting next week.

Buying a House – Always a Smart Move?

Here in Raleigh if there’s a sliver of land, they’ll develop it.

It’s a hot market right now and homes are going up at a rapid pace.

Our property value has been rising since we bought our house three years ago.

We’ve received mail from realtors and have seen upticks with estimates from real estate sites like Realtor, Zillow, and Redfin.

We take these estimates with a grain of salt, but they are a reflection of the home value growing.

Seeing this growth you might think we’re firmly in the camp of every one needs to buy a house.

But we’re not.

And here’s the kicker – not every couple benefits from becoming a home owner.

In this episode we get into:

  • how to know if buying a home is right for you
  • real and total costs of home ownership
  • how to figure out how much you can afford so you can buy a house and still pursue financial independence

Hope you enjoy!

Resources on Buying a House

If you’re looking to buy, here are some resources to help you find an affordable place you love!

Support the Podcast!

Thank you so much for listening to the podcast!

  • Spread the word! If you enjoyed this episode and think it can help a buddy get on the path to dumping debt and become financially free, please share.
  • Leave a review. Honest feedback and reviews make a big difference and gets the word out about the podcast. Leave your review on Apple or Stitcher.
  • Grab a copy of Jumpstart Your Marriage and Your Money. My book is designed for a busy couple to set up their finances in 4 weeks. Get tips and tools that have worked for other couples on their journey of building their marriage and wealth together!

Music Credit

Like the music in this episode? Our theme song is by Gentle Regime. Additional music by Lee Rosevere.

 

Direct download: S8E10_How_Much_House_Can_We_Really_Afford_to_Buy.mp3
Category:personal finance -- posted at: 2:10pm EDT

Interested in knocking out your debt faster, saving for a big goal (like a house down payment), or pivoting your career path? Use these tips to not only start a business but grow a sustainable side hustle!

Launching a Side Hustle

Starting a business, work from home, side hustle - you don’t have to be online for 5 seconds before you see an ad, site, or read someone saying how easy it is to get started.

It’s kind of half-true.

I would say there are more low-cost ways to get started with making money on the side, but free? No.

Whether you’re working on the side through an app like Uber, Wag, or GrubHub, flipping furniture and other yard sale treasure for profit, or working strictly online, starting a business is probably the easiest part.

Running and growing one? That’s the work.

I know some of you are interested in knocking out your debt faster or you’re to save up for a big goal.

Maybe a buy a house or bump up your savings for your little one’s arrival and you’re thinking, could a side business be what I need?

Honestly, it could.

There is a flexibility that you have when you’re in charge.

But it’ no cakewalk.

So today I want to share my chat with Marc over at Vital Dollar about his journey from working in an office, starting a side hustle, to working from home full-time.

In this episode, we’ll discuss:

  • Why he made this transition from employee to an entrepreneur and when he knew he was ready
  • Tips to help you use that income to reach your goals faster
  • And if do become a full-time entrepreneur, how to live on an income that can fluctuate

Let’s get started!

Resources

Here are some fantastic resources to check out:

Support the Podcast!

Thank you so much for listening to the podcast!

  • Spread the word! If you enjoyed this episode and think it can help a buddy get on the path to dumping debt and become financially free, please share.
  • Leave a review. Honest feedback and reviews make a big difference and gets the word out about the podcast. Leave your review on Apple or Stitcher.
  • Grab a copy of Jumpstart Your Marriage and Your Money. My book is designed for a busy couple to set up their finances in 4 weeks. Get tips and tools that have worked for other couples on their journey of building their marriage and wealth together!

Music Credit

Like the music in this episode? Our theme song is by Gentle Regime. Additional music by Lee Rosevere.

 
Direct download: S8E9_Tips_for_Starting_and_Building_a_Sustainable_Side_Hustle.mp3
Category:personal finance -- posted at: 9:41am EDT

Do you want to go on a fabulous family vacation, but you’re still paying down debt? Learn how you can save big on your next getaway while still knocking out your debt!

Saving Up for a Fun and Frugal Family Vacation

When’s your spring break?

Our oldest has hers next month, but she’s already counting down the days.

There’s something we love about having a little getaway as a family.

The challenge for families that are on their debt free journey is how to make it work.

‘How do we take family vacations while we’re still paying off debt?’

I totally get it.

You’re not going to put your life on hold just because you’re in debt.

That said, you’re going to have to get savvy with how you plan your trip.

In this episode, we’ll discuss:

  • Setting up a vacation fund (and an easy way to build your stash)
  • Tips to help you save some serious cash and still have a fantastic, debt-free getaway
  • Whether or not travel hacking is the best option for you

Let’s get started!

Resources for Cheap Family Trips

Looking for ways to save on your next family getaway? Here are some fantastic resources to check out:

Support the Podcast!

Thank you so much for listening to the podcast!

  • Spread the word! If you enjoyed this episode and think it can help a buddy get on the path to dumping debt and become financially free, please share.
  • Leave a review. Honest feedback and reviews make a big difference and gets the word out about the podcast. Leave your review on Apple or Stitcher.
  • Grab a copy of Jumpstart Your Marriage and Your Money. My book is designed for a busy couple to set up their finances in 4 weeks. Get tips and tools that have worked for other couples on their journey of building their marriage and wealth together!

Music Credit

Like the music in this episode? Our theme song is by Gentle Regime. Additional music by Lee Rosevere.

Direct download: S8E8_How_to_Go_on_a_Fabulous_and_Frugal_Family_Vacation.mp3
Category:personal finance -- posted at: 6:12pm EDT

Learn how you can protect your loved ones financial abuse and how to minimize the damage if it happens!

Financial Scams and Protecting Your Family

A few years ago, my husband’s nana had sent over money to a scammer pretending to be him.

She had thought he needed help and so she generously sent it in.

It was a wake call for us . After looking into this and talking with others, our family isn’t the only one who’s had to deal with this.

Last year, a record 24,454 suspected cases of elder financial abuse were reported to the US Treasury Dept by banks.

I can’t tell you for certain why they’re being targeted, but there are two key factors to consider.

By 2030 US Census Bureau estimates 1 in 5 people will be 65 or older.

Two, there’s a significant amount of money tied to our older friends and family.

According to the American Bankers Association, 70% of bank deposits are with people over 50.

So you have a growing and market that is appealing to scammers.

So what can we do to protect our grandparents, parents, and other older loved ones?

Today Joe Mecca from Coastal Credit Union is back.

In this episode, we’ll discuss:

  • What financial scams are out there
  • Warning signs and What to look out for with your loved ones
  • How your bank or credit unions should be protecting you

Hope this helps!

If you want to hear more from Joe and find out more about credit unions please check out my interview here.

We discuss how credit unions can be a better option for couples looking to grow their wealth.

Resources to Win with Your Money

Want to go ahead and tackle your big marriage and money goals? Here are the resources we mentioned in today’s episode along with some extras!

Support the Podcast!

Thank you so much for listening to the podcast!

  • Spread the word! If you enjoyed this episode and think it can help a buddy get on the path to dumping debt and become financially free, please share.
  • Leave a review. Honest feedback and reviews make a big difference and gets the word out about the podcast. Leave your review on Apple or Stitcher.
  • Grab a copy of Jumpstart Your Marriage and Your Money. My book is designed for a busy couple to set up their finances in 4 weeks. Get tips and tools that have worked for other couples on their journey of building their marriage and wealth together!

Music Credit

Like the music in this episode? Our theme song is by Gentle Regime. Additional music by Lee Rosevere.

Direct download: S8E7_Protecting_Your_Family_from_Elder_financial_Abuse.mp3
Category:personal finance -- posted at: 9:49am EDT

1