Adulting Is Easy: Making Personal Finance & Real Estate Easy
392 episodes - English - Latest episode: 14 days ago - ★★★★ - 7 ratingsIf we make money easier, we make adulting easier. Period. Lauren interviews guests about personal finance topics, like real estate, saving, credit, budgeting, debt, investing, crypto, stocks, dividends, and more. Neither Lauren nor her guests take these topics too seriously though. If you're interested in learning about money and reaching financial independence in an approachable way, this podcast is for you. You'll learn personal finance basics and gain ideas about how and where to invest.
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Episodes
AIE 31: Financial Planning for Women with Cathy Curtis
October 20, 2020 12:33 - 43 minutes - 40.3 MBIn this episode, Lauren and Cathy Curtis talk about the specific needs and financial situations often faced by women, especially those that are lifetime single, widowed, divorced, or have inherited money, and the truths of personal finance ring true no matter one's gender. Cathy Curtis is a Certified Financial Planner and founder and CEO of Curtis Financial Planning, an independent financial planning and investment advisory firm. Her firm’s mission is to help independent women thrive today ...
AIE 30: Gaining Choice with Paul Benson
October 13, 2020 14:45 - 42 minutes - 39.3 MBThis week, Paul Benson and Lauren talk about gaining choice by setting goals, managing cash flow, and investing through 3 different paths. Paul Benson is the author of Financial Autonomy and Principal and financial planner at Guidance Financial Services. He is a resident of Melbourne, Australia. Paul’s focus is on providing helpful and actionable information and advice so his clients can set effective goals, optimize their cash flow, develop an investment strategy, and stretch their entrepre...
AIE 29: Negotiation Mindset with Kathleen Burns Kingsbury
October 06, 2020 13:27 - 43 minutes - 40.2 MBThis week, Lauren is joined by wealth psychology expert Kathleen Burns Kingsbury. The two discuss money silence, negotiation mindsets (automatic thoughts and beliefs we have about negotiating), and actionable tips to help you ace your next negotiation. Kathleen is the founder of KBK Wealth Connection and host of the Breaking Money Silence® podcast, is an internationally published author and speaker. Breaking Money Silence®: How to Shatter Money Taboos, Talk More Openly about Finances, and L...
AIE 28: Assembling Your Dream Team with Chip Munn
September 29, 2020 15:20 - 41 minutes - 38.6 MBThis episode's guest is Chip Munn, CEO and Visionary of Signature Wealth Strategies. He has 20 years of financial planning experience. He has written two personal finance books, one geared toward financial planners and one for everyday folks (which is mentioned in this podcast, The Retirement Remix: A Modern Solution to an Old School Problem). Chip is a proud graduate from Clemson University, and lives in South Carolina with his wife and their four sons. Lauren and Chip discuss who you shoul...
AIE 27: Teachable Moments for Kids with Anisa Kurji
September 22, 2020 14:00 - 46 minutes - 43.4 MBThis week Lauren is joined by guest Anisa Kurji, host of the Kids Money and More podcast, a finance podcast with a twist in which the target audience are children. While she was trying to teach her own kids about money smarts and core life values such as gratitude and generosity, Anisa discovered that many parents felt overwhelmed and didn’t feel confident in teaching their kids about money. Wanting to help other parents get those conversations started without the overwhelm and panic of havi...
AIE 26: Student Loans and Life as a Digital Nomad with Brett Holzhauer
September 15, 2020 19:43 - 42 minutes - 39.7 MBThis week's guest is Brett Holzhauer, a lifelong journalist, now working for Forbes Advisor covering consumer trends, personal finance, industry news, travel, and points and miles. When he's not chasing the next story, he and his wife are traveling the world or chasing the next hot restaurant in town. He is a first generation college student, a proud Sun Devil, and on a lifelong journey to demystify personal finance and empower people to change their lives through powerful storytelling. Laur...
AIE 25: Behavioral Finance with Robert Frick
September 08, 2020 13:25 - 52 minutes - 48.8 MBLauren brings on a guest host, Robert "Bob" Frick, corporate economist for Navy Federal Credit Union. He has 15 years of experience writing for Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine and wrote 36 "Your Mind and Your Money" columns. He has also worked for the Allianz Center for Behavioral Economics. They discuss how 're wired to make decisions, and Bob gives tips for making good financial decisions during stressful times, like this pandemic. How to follow Bob: https://twitter.com/RobertFrick...
AIE 24: Steps to Take When Buying a Home
August 18, 2020 12:50 - 42 minutes - 39.1 MBLauren and Aric discuss a blog written by Lauren, which was primarily based on their recent home purchase. It contains the soup-to-nuts steps you should or would take when buying a home. This podcast is very detailed. The 20 steps are full of personal tales and details from their experiences. Blogs: This podcast is based on: https://www.realadultingiseasy.com/post/steps-in-the-home-buying-process The home purchase is detailed here: https://www.realadultingiseasy.com/post/new-real-estate-a...
AIE 23: Life Cycle Planning
August 03, 2020 13:00 - 9 minutes - 9.23 MBLauren tells Jenny about a financial planning concept called Life Cycle Planning. While this topic does not perfectly fit the FIRE (financial independence, retire early) movement, we think there are some good takeaways you can apply regardless of your retirement plans. This information comes from Lauren's Boston University coursework. Blog: https://www.realadultingiseasy.com/post/what-is-life-cycle-planning
AIE 22: 8 Things to Do Before Selling Your Home
July 23, 2020 16:39 - 13 minutes - 12.8 MBLauren and Jenny go over the 8 things Lauren and Aric did before listing their home for sale (which resulted in a full-price offer with the first showing). Bog: https://www.realadultingiseasy.com/post/8-things-you-can-do-to-get-a-full-price-offer-on-your-home
AIE 21: Reasons to Buy an Investment Property
July 09, 2020 16:37 - 14 minutes - 13.5 MBLauren and Jenny discuss the 4 ways to make money on a rental property: appreciation, cash flow, tax breaks, and loan pay down. Blog: https://www.realadultingiseasy.com/post/4-reasons-to-buy-an-investment-property
AIE 20: New Real Estate Adventure
July 01, 2020 20:29 - 49 minutes - 45.5 MBWe're back after a month off with probably our longest podcast yet. Lauren and Aric go over in detail their newest real estate transaction. It has twists, turns, ups, and downs, and you're sure to learn from it. Blogs: https://www.realadultingiseasy.com/post/new-real-estate-adventure-on-our-way-to-fi https://www.realadultingiseasy.com/post/real-estate-deal-gone-bad
AIE 19: HELOC vs Home Equity Loan
June 01, 2020 12:23 - 8 minutes - 7.84 MBThis is a quick episode in which Lauren and Aric discuss the difference between a home equity line of credit and a home equity loan. If you want to dive deeper into home equity, check out this blog, How Changes in the Housing Market Affect Home Equity: https://www.realadultingiseasy.com/post/how-changes-in-the-housing-market-affect-home-equity The corresponding blog for the episode is here: https://www.realadultingiseasy.com/post/home-equity-line-of-credit-vs-home-equity-loan
AIE 18: Auto Insurance
May 15, 2020 14:18 - 20 minutes - 19.1 MBLauren is joined by her friend, Crystal Callahan-Estes. Crystal is an insurance agent and explains car insurance, and what questions you need to be able to answer when you speak with an agent. She is president of CLC Insurance Agency. If you have any insurance questions, Crystal's contact information is as follows: Office: 727-500-2636 Direct: 727-500-1575 | www.clcinsuranceagency.com [email protected] Her guest blog can be found here: https://www.realadultingiseasy.com/pos...
AIE 17: Why Credit Card Debt Is BAD
April 27, 2020 14:47 - 9 minutes - 8.54 MBIt's easy to take for granted that credit card debt is not a good thing, but let's talk about it to hammer it home. Associated blogs: https://www.realadultingiseasy.com/post/why-is-credit-card-debt-bad https://www.realadultingiseasy.com/post/credit-scores-what-they-are-why-they-matter-and-how-to-improve-yours Related podcast: AIE #1: Credit
AIE 16: Saving for Education
April 13, 2020 20:05 - 17 minutes - 15.8 MBLauren and Jenny discuss the differences between 529's and ESA's. Check it out to see which might be right for you. Associated blog: https://www.realadultingiseasy.com/post/comparing-education-savings-plans-esa-and-529
AIE 15: Personal Finances During Covid-19
April 07, 2020 14:17 - 36 minutes - 34.2 MBWe're breaking from tradition today. Lauren and Aric discuss how they're handling their personal finances during Covid-19. You may get some ideas from their story. They also offer a few tips. Helpful blog: Alternatives to an emergency fund: https://www.realadultingiseasy.com/post/8-alternatives-to-an-emergency-fund
AIE 14: Bad Real Estate Deal
March 24, 2020 01:09 - 32 minutes - 30.3 MBBreaking from tradition, Lauren tells her sister Jenny about a contentious real estate deal. Hold on to your hat for this one. Associated blog: https://www.realadultingiseasy.com/post/real-estate-deal-gone-bad
AIE 13: Overview of Mortgages (US)
March 09, 2020 17:13 - 13 minutes - 12.4 MBAfter a slight delay, Lauren and Jenny are back and they discuss 4 different kinds of mortgages: conventional, FHA, ARM, and VA. Relevant blogs: https://www.realadultingiseasy.com/post/quick-overview-of-mortgages https://www.realadultingiseasy.com/post/what-is-an-fha-mortgage-loan https://www.realadultingiseasy.com/post/what-is-an-adjustable-rate-mortgage-arm Also mentioned: https://www.realadultingiseasy.com/post/what-is-the-debt-to-income-ratio https://www.realadultingiseasy.com/pos...
AIE 12: 8 "Alternatives" to an Emergency Fund
February 10, 2020 17:23 - 25 minutes - 23.7 MBLauren and Jenny talk about some ways to fall back on net worth or take on debt instead of having an emergency fund. (Note: Emergency funds are still the best way to stash short term cash.) Associated blog: https://www.realadultingiseasy.com/post/8-alternatives-to-an-emergency-fund
Adulting Is Easy 11: 8 Ways to Increase Savings
January 27, 2020 13:20 - 13 minutes - 12.5 MBLauren and Jenny discuss 8 easy ways to increase your savings. Blog: https://www.realadultingiseasy.com/post/8-ways-to-increase-savings
AIE 11: 8 Ways to Increase Savings
January 27, 2020 13:20 - 13 minutes - 12.5 MBLauren and Jenny discuss 8 easy ways to increase your savings. Blog: https://www.realadultingiseasy.com/post/8-ways-to-increase-savings
AIE 10: 8 Things to Do When You Get Your First Job
January 13, 2020 16:47 - 19 minutes - 18.1 MBLauren and Jenny talk about 8 steps to take once you get your first paycheck. Regardless of how long you've been working, though, there will be something for you in this one! Blog: https://flytofi.com/steps-to-take-after-landing-first-job/
Adulting Is Easy 10: 8 Things to Do When You Get Your First Job
January 13, 2020 16:47 - 19 minutes - 18.1 MBLauren and Jenny talk about 8 steps to take once you get your first paycheck. Regardless of how long you've been working, though, there will be something for you in this one! Blog: https://flytofi.com/steps-to-take-after-landing-first-job/
Adulting Is Easy 9: Debt Consolidation
December 31, 2019 22:21 - 14 minutes - 13.6 MBLauren and Jenny discuss 3 ways to consolidate credit card debt. (Guest) Blog: https://www.realadultingiseasy.com/post/3-ways-to-consolidate-credit-card-debt
AIE 9: Debt Consolidation
December 31, 2019 22:21 - 14 minutes - 13.6 MBLauren and Jenny discuss 3 ways to consolidate credit card debt. (Guest) Blog: https://www.realadultingiseasy.com/post/3-ways-to-consolidate-credit-card-debt
Adulting Is Easy 8: Budgets
December 16, 2019 23:49 - 14 minutes - 13.6 MBLauren and Aric discuss 9 types of budgets, including theirs (a hybrid). Associated blog: https://www.realadultingiseasy.com/post/adulting-with-budgets
AIE 8: Budgets
December 16, 2019 23:49 - 14 minutes - 13.6 MBLauren and Aric discuss 9 types of budgets, including theirs (a hybrid). Associated blog: https://www.realadultingiseasy.com/post/adulting-with-budgets
Adulting Is Easy 7: Real Estate: Our Story
December 09, 2019 19:30 - 32 minutes - 30.2 MBLauren and husband Aric detail their real estate journey to date (2019), from starter home to upgraded home to real estate investing. Blog: https://www.realadultingiseasy.com/post/real-estate-our-story
AIE 7: Real Estate: Our Story
December 09, 2019 19:30 - 32 minutes - 30.2 MBLauren and husband Aric detail their real estate journey to date (2019), from starter home to upgraded home to real estate investing. Blog: https://www.realadultingiseasy.com/post/real-estate-our-story
Adulting Is Easy 6: 10 Things I Wish I Could Tell My Younger Self About Money
December 02, 2019 19:50 - 18 minutes - 17.1 MBLauren tells little sister, Jenny, the 10 things she wishes she could tell herself at 16. Related blog: https://www.realadultingiseasy.com/post/10-things-about-money-i-wish-i-could-tell-my-younger-self Books mentioned: Millionaire Next Door: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1589795474/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1589795474&linkCode=as2&tag=adultingiseas-20&linkId=8154823ab3cfa476b36f7d94e339709c Rich Dad Poor Dad: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/16126801...
AIE 6: 10 Things I Wish I Could Tell My Younger Self About Money
December 02, 2019 19:50 - 18 minutes - 17.1 MBLauren tells little sister, Jenny, the 10 things she wishes she could tell herself at 16. Related blog: https://www.realadultingiseasy.com/post/10-things-about-money-i-wish-i-could-tell-my-younger-self Books mentioned: Millionaire Next Door: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1589795474/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1589795474&linkCode=as2&tag=adultingiseas-20&linkId=8154823ab3cfa476b36f7d94e339709c Rich Dad Poor Dad: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/16126801...
AIE 5: Reasons to Use a Credit Card vs. Debit Card
November 25, 2019 17:45 - 13 minutes - 12.2 MBLauren and her sister, Jenny, discuss the 6 main reasons to use a credit card instead of a debit card. Link to the associated blog: https://www.realadultingiseasy.com/post/6-reasons-you-should-use-a-credit-card-instead-of-a-debit-card Some ties to Podcast #1: Credit.
Adulting Is Easy 5: Reasons to Use a Credit Card vs. Debit Card
November 25, 2019 17:45 - 13 minutes - 12.2 MBLauren and her sister, Jenny, discuss the 6 main reasons to use a credit card instead of a debit card. Link to the associated blog: https://www.realadultingiseasy.com/post/6-reasons-you-should-use-a-credit-card-instead-of-a-debit-card Some ties to Podcast #1: Credit.
AIE 4: Health Insurance
November 18, 2019 13:37 - 13 minutes - 12.8 MBLauren and her cousin, Andrew, talk about the 5 main kinds of health insurance offered in the US, their different levels, and what to consider when choosing health insurance. Link to the associated blog: https://www.realadultingiseasy.com/post/health-insurance-types-levels-and-how-to-choose
Adulting Is Easy 4: Health Insurance
November 18, 2019 13:37 - 13 minutes - 12.8 MBLauren and her cousin, Andrew, talk about the 5 main kinds of health insurance offered in the US, their different levels, and what to consider when choosing health insurance. Link to the associated blog: https://www.realadultingiseasy.com/post/health-insurance-types-levels-and-how-to-choose
Adulting Is Easy 3: Preparing for a Meeting with a Financial Advisor
November 11, 2019 19:22 - 21 minutes - 19.5 MBLauren and her husband, Aric, go over 7 steps you should take before meeting with a Financial Advisor. Link to the associated blog: https://www.realadultingiseasy.com/post/how-to-prepare-for-your-first-meeting-with-a-financial-adviser-7-steps
AIE 3: Preparing for a Meeting with a Financial Advisor
November 11, 2019 19:22 - 21 minutes - 19.5 MBLauren and her husband, Aric, go over 7 steps you should take before meeting with a Financial Advisor. Link to the associated blog: https://www.realadultingiseasy.com/post/how-to-prepare-for-your-first-meeting-with-a-financial-adviser-7-steps
Adulting Is Easy 2: A Brief Intro to Debt, Savings, and Retirement
November 04, 2019 20:51 - 27 minutes - 25.3 MBBig sister Lauren explains emergency savings, credit cards, student and auto loans, and retirement to little sister Jenny. You'll learn some surprising stats about Americans and some easy ways to get retirement saving underway. Links to associated blogs: https://www.realadultingiseasy.com/post/3-ways-to-start-saving-for-retirement https://www.realadultingiseasy.com/post/how-bad-are-americans-with-their-money https://www.realadultingiseasy.com/post/repossession-recession
AIE 2: A Brief Intro to Debt, Savings, and Retirement
November 04, 2019 20:51 - 27 minutes - 25.3 MBBig sister Lauren explains emergency savings, credit cards, student and auto loans, and retirement to little sister Jenny. You'll learn some surprising stats about Americans and some easy ways to get retirement saving underway. Links to associated blogs: https://www.realadultingiseasy.com/post/3-ways-to-start-saving-for-retirement https://www.realadultingiseasy.com/post/how-bad-are-americans-with-their-money https://www.realadultingiseasy.com/post/repossession-recession
AIE 1: Credit
October 29, 2019 19:10 - 15 minutes - 14.7 MBBig sister Lauren describes and explains credit and credit scores to little sister Jenny in this first-ever Adulting Is Easy podcast. Link to the associated blog: https://www.realadultingiseasy.com/post/credit-scores-what-they-are-why-they-matter-and-how-to-improve-yours.
Adulting Is Easy 1: Credit
October 29, 2019 19:10 - 15 minutes - 14.7 MBBig sister Lauren describes and explains credit and credit scores to little sister Jenny in this first-ever Adulting Is Easy podcast. Link to the associated blog: https://www.realadultingiseasy.com/post/credit-scores-what-they-are-why-they-matter-and-how-to-improve-yours.