KTs Money Matters
135 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 4 years ago - ★★★★★ - 7 ratingsWorking with your investments, retirement, insurance, estate or tax planning or just dealing with everyday expenses- your money matters. Let KT Thomas help you make the most of it. This is Money Matters.
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Episodes
KT 131: Travel in 2020: Road Trip?
April 08, 2020 05:00 - 11 minutesIn this episode KT discusses: · What travel might look like in 2020 · Staycations could be coming back · Gas prices are hitting once-in-a-decade lows Key Takeaways: · Consider a road trip · The market always rebounds · Now might be the time to buy and enjoy the recovery Quote: “Everybody always says, every single time, ‘this time it’s different.’ After almost 30 years as an investor, what I’ll say to you is ‘no its not.’ Someday people will start eating out ...
KT 130: COVID-19 Deals, Steals & Scams
April 01, 2020 05:00 - 19 minutesIn this episode KT discusses: · Your financial “to do” list while stuck inside · How to take advantage of the tax delay · Details on the student loan deferment (if you qualify) Key Takeaways: · Understand if you are getting a credit or a refund for unused goods and services during the crisis · Things to take advantage of during this time (like cheap gas) · Hot COVID-19 and other scams making the rounds Quote: “Be smart. Be careful. Don’t get screwed. ” – KT Click ...
KT 129: Fear and Financials
March 25, 2020 05:00 - 19 minutesIn this episode KT discusses: · How Fear is driving everything from the market to the grocery store · Strategies for those close to retirement or far away · Why you shouldn’t let fear rule Key Takeaways: · Advice for investors · Advice for homebuyers · Advice for car buyers Quote: “Fear is a funny thing. It causes people to do things that don’t make sense, just so they can feel like they control something. ” – KT Click here to reach KT See KT’s interview on C-Sui...
KT 128: FOMO to FOE: What you need to know about the market
March 19, 2020 14:46 - 13 minutesIn this episode KT discusses: · How to interpret the market · FOMO: Fear of Missing Out · FOE: Fear of Everything Key Takeaways: · Strategies for all types of investors · The market always rebounds · Now might be the time to buy and enjoy the recovery Quote: “Everybody always says, every single time, ‘this time it’s different.’ After almost 30 years as an investor, what I’ll say to you is ‘no its not.’ Someday people will start eating out again and they’ll stop hoard...
127: Renting your home for profit. What you need to know
March 04, 2020 06:00 - 24 minutesIn this episode KT discusses: · How to turn your home into a vacation rental · Pros and cons of short-term rentals · The rental site learning curve Key Takeaways: · The hidden costs of renting · Know the tax laws in your area · The truth behind the reviews Quote: “(Guests) don’t expect (your rental) to be a hotel. They expect you to be immaculate and operational. If you’re not willing to do that, work harder at your day job. ” – KT If you are a successfully renting ...
126: Luxury Escapes? Vacation rental 101.
February 26, 2020 06:00 - 24 minutesIn this episode KT discusses: · Booking a home vs. a hotel for your vacation · Pros and cons of services like Airbnb, Vrbo, FlipKey, etc. · KT’s vacation home rental horror story Key Takeaways: · One company owns two of the largest vacation rental companies · Do your research before renting · Last-minute rentals might get a deal, if you ask for it. Quote: “Booking houses is (these companies) gig. Customer service, not so much.” - KT Click here to reach KT See KT’s ...
125: Tiny Houses and Downsizing
February 19, 2020 06:00 - 27 minutesKT 125: Tiny Houses and Downsizing Air Date: 02/19/20 In this episode KT discusses: · How the McMansion trend turned into the tiny home trend · If tiny houses are better than trailers · Baby Boomers: the high cost of downsizing Key Takeaways: · The pros and cons of tiny house ownership · The rule you should use when considering buying a home of any size · Downsizing could be jumbo-sizing your Quote: “Consider rightsizing your housing to meet your income, not the ot...
124: Who's doing your taxes?
February 12, 2020 18:23 - 25 minutesIn this episode KT discusses: · Changes in the Tax Laws · Why you could be paying too much for tax preparation · Taking the Standard Deduction vs. Itemizing Key Takeaways: · Free tax prep options · The hidden cost of a fast refund · Why your CPA may not be working as hard as before Quote: “This is your money. You worked hard all last year for it. If you’re due a tax return this is money you’ve overpaid the government, that they got to borrow for free all year. Don’t ...
123: The Death of the Stretch IRA
February 05, 2020 06:00 - 21 minutesIn this episode KT discusses: · What is a Stretch IRA · The Secure Act of 2019 · How this new law could effect you Key Takeaways: · How The Secure Act hurts savers · The retirement planning changes you need to make · Think about how your retirement could impact your children Quote: “What this really means is (the government) created a disadvantage for working and saving Americans over wealthy Americans who get to pass nearly the bulk of their entire estate tax free....
122: Unicorns Part 2 - The Return
January 29, 2020 06:00 - 15 minutesIf you want to hear the first discussion of “unicorn” companies, click here. In this episode KT discusses: · How unicorn companies are “the rookies” of Corporate America · The real risk of these IPOs · WeWork’s downfall as a cautionary tale Key Takeaways: · Only one of 2019's Unicorns is making money · What industries need to turn a profit in 2020 · The latest Unicorn buzz has parallels to the .com bubble of the late 1990s Quote: “Investors are getting a little bi...
121: Don’t get in the way of your portfolio’s success
January 22, 2020 06:00 - 22 minutesIn this episode KT discusses: · The “overconfidence” problem · The exchange-traded fund (ETF) advantage · Two types of investors: those with risk tolerance and those without Key Takeaways: · Most U.S. markets saw double-digit gains in 2019 · Don’t be nudged by somebody else’s investment ideas · The benefits of a “blended fund” Read the article that inspired this episode: https://www.barrons.com/articles/richard-thaler-stop-sabotaging-your-portfolio-51577993136 Quot...
120: The Retirement Glide
January 15, 2020 06:00 - 19 minutesIn this episode KT discusses: · Thinking about retirement in your 50s · Retirement pre-planning · The “retirement paycheck” Key Takeaways: · The ups and downs of downsizing · The pros and cons of working longer · Consider debt in retirement Quote: “I see it all of the time. People thinking they’re going to retire and then they get closer. They can’t figure out what they’re going to do when they (retire) and they don’t like the idea of spending money so they stay (w...
119: Financial Hacks: Selling Your Own Home
January 08, 2020 06:00 - 29 minutesIn this episode KT discusses: · Realtors vs. For Sale By Owner · The actual cost of a realtor · What you can do with the money you saved Key Takeaways: · 5 steps to selling a home by yourself · 25% of home sales are by owner · Pre, during and post-sale steps Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
118: Happy New Year! Financial Resolutions
January 01, 2020 06:00 - 29 minutesIn this episode KT discusses: · The top New Year’s resolutions · People tend to have a haphazard approach to money · KT’s personal story of semi-retirement Key Takeaways: · Educate yourself, there are a lot of resources out there · The credit score myth · Savings and bill paying strategies Click here to reach KT See KT’s interview on C-Suite Network’s Best Seller TV Connect with KT Thomas: http://ktsmoneymatters.com/ Purchase KT’s book- The Hardworking Woman’s Guid...
KT 117: Successful Retirement
December 25, 2019 06:00 - 24 minutesIn this episode KT discusses: · Recurring income during retirement · The reality of people living longer · KT’s personal story of semi-retirement Key Takeaways: · 11,000 Americans retire every day · 30% of Americans spend retirement income on debt · 19% of retirees work, money isn’t the only reason why Click here to reach KT See KT’s interview on C-Suite Network’s Best Seller TV Connect with KT Thomas: http://ktsmoneymatters.com/ Purchase KT’s book- The Hardworking...
117: Successful Retirement
December 25, 2019 06:00 - 26 minutesIn this episode KT discusses: · Recurring income during retirement · The reality of people living longer · KT’s personal story of semi-retirement Key Takeaways: · 11,000 Americans retire every day · 30% of Americans spend retirement income on debt · 19% of retirees work, money isn’t the only reason why Click here to reach KT See KT’s interview on C-Suite Network’s Best Seller TV Connect with KT Thomas: http://ktsmoneymatters.com/ Purchase KT’s book- The Hardworking...
116: The Ho Ho Rally
December 18, 2019 06:00 - 17 minutesIn this episode KT discusses: · The market’s so-called Santa Claus Rally · What could contribute to end of the year gains · Why the rally may not matter Key Takeaways: · Most big investors take December off · There might be tax reasons for the rally · End of year rallies are random Click here to reach KT See KT’s interview on C-Suite Network’s Best Seller TV Connect with KT Thomas: http://ktsmoneymatters.com/ Purchase KT’s book- The Hardworking Woman’s Guide to Mon...
115: Impulse Buying
December 11, 2019 06:00 - 19 minutesIn this episode KT discusses: · Consumer characteristics · How to be more mindful of your spending habits · KT’s 4 steps to being a conscious consumer Key Takeaways: · Practice the 24 hour rule · Don’t buy the wrong size, color, style just because its on sale · Abandon your online “cart” daily. Quotes: “You used to go to the malls once a week, but now you shop every day. We’re not going the right way.” – KT Click here to reach KT See KT’s interview on C-Suite Net...
Replay: Living and Dying without a plan
December 04, 2019 06:00 - 10 minutesWe head back to the archives to learn why you need to have a plan for your estate. In this episode, KT discusses: Why a will is important Legal ramifications if you don't have a will Engaging an attorney Key Takeaways: In most States, if you don't have a will your finances will get split between your spouse and your children The number one reason why people don't do estate planning is getting over the fact that they might need it Make sure you understand an attorney's pricing before you meet...
Replay: Pink it or shrink it
November 27, 2019 06:00 - 6 minutesIn this episode we travel back in the archives to talk about the difference between men's and women's products. Often times, products packaged in pink are more expensive and contain less of the actual product when compared to men's productsIf you're the type of person that doesn't like scented things, buying the non-scented "guy" version of the product can save you money "A little bit of spending can go a long way." - KT Thomas Connect with KT Thomas: https://ktsmoneymatters.com/ Purch...
114: Cord Cutting (People are Funny About Money Part 4)
November 20, 2019 06:00 - 34 minutesIn this episode Andy Graning joins KT to discuss: · What it means to cut the (cable) cord · What does a Roku or a Fire TV Stick do · KT’s 4 steps to lowering your cable bill Key Takeaways: · Don’t quit cable cold turkey · Figure out what shows and channels you need · The power of an antenna Quotes: “I think cable cutting is great. I will preach it to anyone that will listen, but for you it might not be the best option.” – Andy Graning “I personally think everybody ...
113: False Free Trials (People are Funny About Money Part 3)
November 13, 2019 06:00 - 16 minutesIn this episode KT discusses: · Americans spent $1.3 Billion on “Free Trials” · “Free Trial” complaints rising with Better Business Bureau · Electronic delivery makes it easy to miss the recurring charges Key Takeaways: · Watch your credit/debit card statements for charges · Mark your calendar the free trial end date · Complaints with the Better Business Bureau do work Quote: “Looking for bills you don’t know and figuring out how to get them away is a real job in Am...
112: Bottled Water (People Are Funny About Money, Part 2)
November 06, 2019 06:00 - 16 minutesIn this episode KT discusses: · Bottled water is a $31Billion/year business · Bottled water is American’s #1 favorite beverage · Why it’s so important to retailer’s bottom line Key Takeaways: · Beverage companies convinced us bottled water is “safer” than tap water · Many bottled water brands are just filtered tap water · The environmental impact of all those empty bottles Click here to reach KT See KT’s interview on C-Suite Network’s Best Seller TV Connect with KT...
111: Black Friday (People are Funny About Money: Part 1)
October 31, 2019 19:53 - 18 minutesIn this episode KT discusses: · Black Friday · The origins of this Shopping Holiday · Why it’s so important to retailer’s bottom line Key Takeaways: · Holiday spending could top $700B this year · Black Friday Shopping is down 4% year to year · You might find some of the best deals BEFORE Thanksgiving Quote: “(Black Friday) is really the single most expensive day off Americans ever had.” - KT Click here to reach KT See KT’s interview on C-Suite Network’s Best Sell...
110: Net Worth ≠ Self-Worth
October 23, 2019 05:00 - 17 minutesIn this episode KT discusses: · Dealing with debt · How money shaming is like fat shaming · The difference between net worth and self-worth Key Takeaways: · 10% of Americans have negative net worth · Don’t measure yourself against the “rich & famous” · Reconsider your online shopping and car buying habits Quote: “The problem with money shaming, like fat shaming, it leads to growing the problem, not shrinking it.” - KT Click here to reach KT See KT’s interview on C...
109: So, you think the government is going to pay for your student loans? Think again.
October 16, 2019 05:00 - 19 minutesIn this episode KT is joined by Ashley McLaughlin, a schoolteacher from Virginia. Ashley graduated in 2008 and went to work at a school that qualified for student loan forgiveness under a federal program. She ended up receiving less aid than she first thought. KT and Ashley talk about Ashley’s journey through the program and what people need to know before they sign up. Key Takeaways: · What you need to know before you participate · Few understand how the program is supposed to work ...
108: AARP - To Join or Not to Join?
October 09, 2019 05:00 - 14 minutesIn this episode KT discusses: · What is AARP?· What AARP offers· The “real cost” of your membership Key Takeaways:· AARP doesn’t only target retirees· AARP values your data· Make sure a membership makes sense for you. Quote: “If (AARP is) really a non-profit, they got to be making some money doing this. What are they actually doing with their money?” - KT Click here to reach KT See KT’s interview on C-Suite Network’s Best Seller TV Connect with KT Thomas: http...
107 - The Debt Clock is Ticking
October 02, 2019 05:00 - 11 minutesIn this episode KT discusses: · Our national debt· How the debt ceiling works · Why our national debt is so high Key Takeaways:· The US Government’s debt is $22 Trillion and growing· Tax breaks help contribute to the debt· Social Security benefits make up a small chunk of the debt Quote: “You can’t raise spending and cut taxes at the same time and expect that (large deficits) won’t happen. That’s exactly what happened in America.” - KT Click here to reach KT ...
106 - Chuck it or Keep it
September 25, 2019 05:00 - 20 minutesIn this episode KT discusses: · The grocery game· The truth behind expiration dates· The power of the grocery list Key Takeaways:· Americans throw away $1,400 in groceries a year· Be realistic in your meal planning· When at the grocery store, ask yourself “Is there a meal here”? Quote: “Think about the amount of food every year in America that we are literally throwing away. Then look at your own personal finances and say, ‘what portion of that could I keep?’” - ...
105 - Consumer Confidence. What Does it Mean?
September 18, 2019 05:00 - 17 minutesIn this episode KT discusses: · Defines the Consumer Confidence Index.· How your confirmation bias could taint how you view the economy.· The value of data used. Key Takeaways: · Three indicators you need to look for in to gage your confidence. · Consumer confidence is at 2007 levels, and we know what happened a year later.· How to watch the markets and the economy for confidence. Click here to reach KT See KT’s interview on C-Suite Network’s Best Seller TVCon...
104 - KT's Kickoff Spectacular! How does the NFL make money?
September 11, 2019 05:00 - 11 minutesIn this episode KT discusses: · NFL team revenue streams. · What the average team makes.· The Economics of NFL Team Ownershipby Kevin Murphy & Robert Topel Key Takeaways: · Game Day is just one way your favorite team makes money.· TV contracts are huge for NFL owners bottom line.· When is enough profit enough? Quote: “There’s a lot of money in football for the owners. In fact, they’re making record profits.” – KT If you have any topics you’d like to see cove...
103 - Just Ask For It! with Joe Neff
September 04, 2019 05:00 - 34 minutesThis week Joe Neff from NewDay Solutions talks about the importance of just asking for what you want. In this episode KT and Joe discuss: · The power of asking for discounts, clarification, and change at work. · How you are your best advocate · How asking can be the road to compromise Key Takeaways: · Be prepared for things not going your way· Figure out what your time is worth· Asking for someone’s time could be one of the most valuable requests you’ll ever ...
102 - So, you think you're sending your kid to college on a sports scholarship? Think again!
August 28, 2019 05:00 - 15 minutesIn this episode KT discusses: · Parents under the sports scholarship illusion · Odds of landing a “free-ride” scholarship · Non-traditional sports scholarships for Women Key Takeaways: · Think of sports scholarships as a “nice subsidy” · Sports and studying are both full-time jobs for your student· Help your child find scholarships, you wouldn’t promote your 16-year-old to CFO Quote: “The idea of a free ride academically for one of these other (not football o...
101 - Storage Wars
August 21, 2019 05:00 - 17 minutesIn this episode KT discusses: · A new way to think about what and why you’re renting storage· Storage is costing you more than monthly rent· Ideas to help you get rid of these possessions Key Takeaways: · Storage is a $39B/Year Business· There are many reasons why people rent storage units· Storage facilities could be a great investment Quote: “Think about taking things off your 2020 expenses by using (your time) now to get rid of it.” – KT If you have any to...
100 - Trade War
August 14, 2019 05:00 - 19 minutesIn this episode KT discusses: · What lead up to the current trade war· How China’s and the United States strategies differ· How it affects your personal economy Key Takeaways: · Trade war could be keeping interest rates down· Now is the time to buy appliances or refinance· What it could mean for your financial security Quote: “I’m not here to talk about the politics (of a trade war). It’s pretty important to understand how this might matter to you as a U.S. c...
099 - The 1st Amendment vs. The Crazy Cost of Prescription Drugs
August 07, 2019 05:00 - 18 minutesShow Notes: In this episode KT discusses: · The history of prescription drug ads on TV· How the prescription drug industry works· How much more Americans pay at the pharmacy compared to the rest of the world Key Takeaways: · Find a good healthcare hacker· Talk to your doctor about options· The “charity partner” fallacy Find deals on prescription drugs at https://www.goodrx.com/. This website is mentioned in the show, but it’s not a paid endorsement. Quote: “W...
098 - Helping Your Elder Parents Get What They Need
July 31, 2019 05:00 - 34 minutesIn this episode KT discusses: · How her family is handling an aging mother· Using doctors to your advantage· The importance of a family meeting Key Takeaways: · Getting along with your siblings in this situation is important· Offer to help, not take over (depending on your situation)· Find an elder care planner or lawyer specializing in elder care Quote: “Remember, helping out isn’t taking over. Growing old is an undignified process. Don’t make it worse.” – K...
097 - Housing Within Your Means
July 24, 2019 05:00 - 21 minutesIn this episode KT discusses: · The 30% Rule· Advice for first time home buyers· The truth about Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) Key Takeaways: · Your apartment choice matters· Strategies for saving while your renting · Don’t think starter home, think 5-year home Quote: “Homeownership isn’t supposed to be renting with a real estate tax bill. You’re actually supposed to be able to build equity in your home. Live there. Make it what you want over time and stay...
096 - Summer Spending Tips
July 17, 2019 05:00 - 23 minutesIn this episode, KT discusses: · The travel website competition myth· Ways to book a better flight or hotel stay· The power of peer to peer businesses Key Takeaways: · The travel industry is worth $1.6 Trillion · Travel Websites vs. Booking Direct· Creative ways to save on Restaurants when traveling Quote: “You think you’re wheeling and dealing (on a travel website), but the reality is most of the time you’re doing business with the same big company.” – KT Cl...
095 - Business Building with Jeanna McGinnis
July 11, 2019 15:48 - 40 minutesIn this episode KT and Jeanna discuss: · Taking the leap to build your business· The challenges of a subscription business· Focusing on your target buyers Key Takeaways: · Turning a social media following into a business isn’t easy· Ethics is important in all business· You can be right, but still be wrong Quotes: “I think social media has painted a very pretty picture of how easy it is to launch a business, nut what you don’t know is what they are doing to all...
094 - Your Message and Mission with Patty Farmer
June 26, 2019 15:33 - 33 minutesIn this episode KT and Patty discuss: · Designing the lifestyle you want to live· Finding your audience· Focusing on your target buyers Key Takeaways: · Seven questions you should ask when you meet someone· Turning networking into nextworking· Tips for the social media challenged Quote: “At the core, what is the lifestyle you want to live? – Patty Farmer If you’d like to subscribe to Marketing, Media and Money Magazine click here. To learn more about Patty Far...
093 - Investing in Yourself with Jeanna McGinnis of Mentor Happy
June 21, 2019 13:54 - 32 minutesIn this episode KT and Jeanna discuss: · The disconnect between employers and candidates· Why many Millennials struggle during one-on-one job interviews· LinkedIn’s role in job recruitment Key Takeaways: · Each generation in the workplace communicates differently· The best time to find a job is when you don’t need a job· The art of getting yourself ready for your next job Quote: “Your career is always evolving. It’s really critical that you think about your ca...
092 - Convenience Costs: Let’s make sure it’s worth it.
June 14, 2019 05:00 - 29 minutesIn this episode KT discusses: · All the fees you pay and don’t think about· What industries are the biggest fee predators· The fees you can and can’t change Key Takeaways: · The average American family spends $3,400/year on fees · Pick a category a month to focus on· The trick behind “drip pricing” Quote: “When the day is done, this is your money you’re simply just giving away for the right to go fast. You can decide how much speed you want to buy.” – KT Cli...
091 - Sell in May and Go Away (June Edition)
June 07, 2019 05:00 - 23 minutesIn this episode KT discusses: · The Fear Continuum · Option Strategies for Investors· What Summer Does to the Markets Key Takeaways: · The different ways to own stock· Don’t own a stock until “the very end”· Watch out for “building fear” Quote: “We all understand the market is a series of ups and downs, except we all really love the ups and nobody really likes the downs.” – KT Click here to reach KT See KT’s interview on C-Suite Network’s Best Seller TVConne...
090 - Social Media for the Solopreneur with Ashley Mason
May 31, 2019 13:42 - 29 minutesIn this episode KT and Ashley discuss: · The importance of social media marketing· Having a social media strategy· Where to focus your social media efforts Key Takeaways: · The five biggest mistakes of social media· Results take time· Consistency over frequency Quotes: “Often times people think social media will get you more sales, grow your business instantly, but really social media is just one piece of the marketing pie.”- Ashley “Twenty-five years ago, y...
089 - The Tale of Two Unicorns
May 24, 2019 05:00 - 17 minutesIn this episode KT discusses: · What a unicorn company actually is· If unicorns are actually “rare”· Unicorn hype reminiscent of 1990s .com boom Key Takeaways: · Market value ≠ Profitability · The pros and cons of companies going public· The difference between Lyft and Pinterest’s IPO strategies Quote: “I know there are unicorn hunters out there. What I would say to you is just be careful and make sure you’re not buying a heard of horses.”- KT Click here to...
088 - Real Talk on Real Estate
May 17, 2019 05:00 - 27 minutesIn this episode KT discusses: · The state of the real estate market· Advice for buyers· Advice for sellers Key Takeaways: · The power of the Home Equity Loan· What today’s home buyers and Gen X have in common· Don’t get Real Estate FOMO Quote: “(Young Homebuyers) think about financial stability, choice and flexibility in their lives, they think about managing overall costs, they want to be able to change if it’s not working.” - KT Click here to reach KTSee K...
087 - Secrets of Success
May 09, 2019 21:48 - 35 minutesShow Notes: In this episode KT discusses: · Success with photographer and entrepreneur Raya Al-Hashmi · Finding your drive· Adopting the “there’s no plan B” mindset Key Takeaways: · Remove the layers to find your authentic life· How to find your “light”· Artists need to figure out what they are worth Quote: “If you want to reach heights of success, you have to commit to moving forward in a way that feels authentic and real to you.” – Raya Al-Hashmi Connect wi...
086 - Who should be taxed for college debt?
May 03, 2019 05:00 - 15 minutesIn this episode KT discusses: • Her take on Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s student debt relief plan • Event vs. Education • The hidden cost of college you don’t think about Key Takeaways: • Americans have $1.4 trillion in student debt • Big colleges have tax-exempt status • Parents share some of the debt blame Quote: “The root of the problem is college tuition has been growing at twice the rate of inflation for more than 25 years.” – KT Click here to reach KT See KT’s interview on C-Suite Netwo...
085 – Budgeting Basics
April 26, 2019 05:00 - 40 minutesIn this episode, KT and Joe Neff from New Day Solutions discuss: • Short term vs. long term goals • Finding your “monthly nut” • Enjoying the fruits of your labor Key Takeaways: • Start with the basics • Find ways to gamify savings • The importance of tracking every dollar “It’s time to take inventory and see where all the bodies are buried. Who owes what. How much does it cost? How much are you paying in interest? How much is your take-home pay really?” – KTClick here to reach KT See KT’s in...