Couple Money Podcast

Want to get the most out of your 401(k)? Learn the key guidelines on how you can choose the best investment options for you! 

Want to get the most out of your 401(k)? Learn the key guidelines on how you can choose the best investment options for you! 

Making the Most of Your 401(k)

Chances are if you’re investing for your retirement, the bulk of that money is stashed away in your 401(k).

For those whose employers offer them, they’re an easy option to sign up for and contribute towards.

But are how comfortable are you with how it is doing?

To help sort things out, Jonah Kaufman is joining me for this episode.

Jonah is a financial advisor at Coastal’s Wealth Management Services.

These will give you some starting points and ideas on what you need to talk about.

In this episode we’ll discuss:

  • Why your 401(k)s are a great foundation for retirement savings
  • What factors to consider when you’re investing
  • Understanding some of the different options that your 401(k) may offer

Hope you enjoy!

Just to make sure we’re on the same page, this episode is NOT about specific investment advice.

You would need to consult a qualified financial professional who can evaluate your unique circumstances.

Resources to Stay on Top of Your 401(k)

Here are some resources to make managing your money much easier!

Thank You to Our Sponsor Coastal!

Support for this podcast comes from Coastal Credit Union! If you’re living in the Raleigh Durham area and looking to bank better, come check out Coastal today.

If you want to be better prepared financially for retirement, please check out Coastal’s 401(k) Planning Calculator.

Key Takeaways on Optimizing Your 401(k)

Before we wrap up I want to focus on some key takeaways I got from speaking with Jonah and preparing for this episode:

  • Understand yourself as an investor.
  • Performance isn’t tied to cost with your investments.
  • Don’t check your investments too frequently.

If you’d like to chat more about your financial goals,  please join us in our private and free Facebook group – Thriving Families.

Hope to see you there!

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.


Today we’re talking about how you two can really review the big picture and make sure you hit YOUR big money goals!

Financial Check-ups  

The first half of this year is about over, so how are you guys doing right now?

It’s funny how time seems to speed up and slow down.

Looking back we have had some big ups and downs in the past four or so weeks, both financially and in our lives.

Last month our adorable cat had some seisures and other issues and in a span of week – if that – he went from sick to passing away.

It was so fast, the vets were trying to figure out what happened.

And because a few issues, we just got his remains last week and paid his final expenses.

Thankfully we have savings, but between emergency hospital exam, tests, and his vet visits, it definitely was pricey.

Besides that weight, we had good things to celebrate.

We were invited to two baby showers and then last weekend we went to two graduation parties. And of course, they are bunched together.

But that’s life, right?

At least for us.

And I find it so easy to let certain things slip by because there are more pressing or immediate things happening.

The danger is by focusing only on the thing right in front of you, that you miss important stuff. 
I don’t think money is the most important thing. I do however realize that much of our day to day and long term goals need us to be on top on our finances.

We should have a game plan for our money and a system that allows us to put in place so when things come up – and they will- our finances keep chugging along.

Which is why I’m so glad Cathrine Bryant is joining in today’s episode.

She’s a financial advisor at Coastal Wealth Management.

In this episode we’ll discuss:

  • Getting a financial snapshot and prioritizing which goal or two is your focus
  • Setting up a system to both track your money and getting into a habit of money dates
  • Finding a financial planner when you need a check-up with a professional

Let’s get started!

Resources to Stay on Top of Your Money

Want some help staying on top of your money? Here are some resources to make managing your money much easier!

Thank You to Our Sponsor Coastal!

Support for this podcast comes from Coastal Credit Union! If you’re living in the Raleigh Durham area and looking to bank better, come check out Coastal today.

If you want to be better prepared financially, please consider Coastal’s Retirement Planning Program!

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.

 

Today we’re going to show you how to get the best deal when buying a car!

What You Need to Know About Car Loans

Cars and car payments are a way of life for many couples.

According to the latest data I could find, there’s a record 2.5 million auto loans originated.

Average monthly payments for new vehicles are $530 for new vehicles and for used cars, it’s around $381.

That’s certainly a big chunk of their budget going to cars.

We’re a bit different.

Once we paid off our car loan with the Jetta, we’ve bought our cars outright.

As a personal and financial decision, we choose to go debt free with cars.

And if you’re curious about how that works, then you’ll want to read our guide on buying cars with cash, which takes you through how we save up and buy our cars.

It’s helped us skip having a car payment for the past 10 years.

And personally, I feel like going debt free on cars is the best option, but every couple is different.

Maybe you have a car that’s having to have repairs and because you’ve been throwing money to keep it going you don’t have much of a down payment?

Or you’d like to go for a used car, but your spouse is hesitant and isn’t willing to go that route?

Throughout the seasons, I’ve put out the offer to you to send in your money questions. I did a call for this season as well. And guess what?

Car loans came up. A lot.

Which isn’t surprising, considering that 85% of new car purchases and 53% of used car purchases use a loan.

But if you get a car loan, is there a way to make sure it’s extremely affordable and if you decide to pay it off sooner, would the numbers work in your favor?

It’s a challenge that I want to tackle today.

By examining the numbers and pushing away the hype and ads, I think you can get a clearer picture of the real costs and then figure out what’s the best option for you.

I’m extra excited because one of you lovely listeners is the guest. And Maggie actually pitched this topic to me in person.

Yep, a Raleigh listener.

Maggie and her husband Ben are trying to figure out what their options are for buying a car. And they were kind enough to share their situation and questions.

What’s cool to me about is that David Jacobs VP of Consumer from our sponsor and partner this season, Coastal Credit Union is going to give us some insights on the lending side.

In this episode we’ll discuss:

  • How to figure out how much car you really can afford
  • Getting the Best Rate on a Car Loan
  • Running the numbers to uncover some loan traps – like if those 0% deals on new cars are really a good deal

I want you two to be able to feel confident that you’re getting the best deal you can.

Let’s get started!

Essential Resources for Buying a Car

If you two are thinking about buying a car soon, here are some handy resources to help you get the best deal on them!

Thank You to Our Sponsor Coastal!

Support for this podcast comes from Coastal Credit Union! If you’re living in the Raleigh Durham area and looking to bank better, come check out Coastal today.

If you are hunting for a car loan, take a minute to review competitive rates and deals Coastal is offering now to make buying a car easier!

Key Takeaways on Car Loans

Before we close up I want to focus on some key takeaways I got when researching for this episode:

  • Run the numbers before you start car hunting
  • Save up for a down payment
  • Ignore the hype

If you’d like to chat more about saving more,  please join us in our private and free Facebook group – Thriving Families

We’re families looking to support and help one another out. Hope to see you there!

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: S9E4_Car_Buying_Tips_Getting_the_Best_Deals_on_Car_Loans.mp3
Category:personal finance -- posted at: 11:42am EDT

Double Your Savings

This week in the community newsletter I asked a question – can you really save half your income?

Think about that for a second.

Why is this important?

Whether you’re paying off debt, saving up to buy a house, start family, travel, or invest more for your future – all of these goals have something in common.

They need money.

How much you save of your income can have an incredible impact on how fast you reach your big financial goals.

Now unless you have a stash of cash under in house or an inheritance, that money is probably coming out of your budget.

Now another quick question – do you know the average savings rate in the U.S. now?

Take a guess.

It’s around 6%.

As you probably guess that’s not going to cut it if you want to knock out any of those big goals soon.

There’s no way around it. If you want to hot those goals fairly quickly, you have to master the art of saving.

But half your income?

That’s a bit much, right?

Don’t let anyone tell that’s not a huge deal because it is.

However, it is possible to start working on bumping up that savings rate and one of my goals this summer is getting you to double yours.

We’re bringing back the summer of savings. 
I want this summer to be your best ever. Today on the podcast and throughout the season on this site, I’ll be sharing strategies to help you grow your stash while still enjoying things.

In this episode we’ll discuss:

  • A simple path to notching up your savings rate
  • Psychological hacks to save more
  • Tools that will make your life much easier

Oh and stay tuned until because we’re also bringing back the summer of savings giveaway!

Let’s get started!

Handy Tools to Increase Your Savings Rate

If you’re looking to get ahead with your finances as a family, here are key resources to check out!

Thank You to Our Sponsor Coastal!

Support for this podcast comes from Coastal Credit Union! If you’re living in the Raleigh Durham area and looking to bank better, come check out Coastal today.

They have competitive rates on checking and savings accounts!

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: S9E3_How_to_Double_Your_Savings_Rate.mp3
Category:personal finance -- posted at: 6:38pm EDT

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