Grown-Up Stuff: How to Adult

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DIY Home Security for Grown-Ups Sep 01, 2026

Show notes

You probably have a pretty specific picture in your head when you hear the words “home break-in.” Maybe it involves someone kicking down the front door in the middle of the night. But according to our guest, that’s not usually how it works. And that might change the way you think about home security.

In this episode of Grown-Up Stuff, Matt and Lea talk with Aaron Miller, Vice President at ADT and Head of ADT Blu, about the things that actually make your home vulnerable, from leaving obvious signs that no one’s home to relying on a camera notification without anyone there to respond. They also get into smart-home technology, DIY security systems, and the difference between simply knowing something is happening and actually having help when it does.

And because life has a funny way of creating new reasons to think about security, like moving, having a baby, and going on vacation, Aaron shares some practical things you can do to protect your home without turning it into a fortress.

Because being a grown-up means realizing that home security is probably one of those things you should think about before you need it. And, apparently, listening for someone breaking in at 2 a.m. isn't much of a strategy. This episode is sponsored by ADT.

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Medical Bills for Grown-Ups Aug 18, 2026

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Few things say “welcome to adulthood” quite like opening a medical bill and realizing you have absolutely no idea what you're looking at. There are billing codes, insurance adjustments, deductibles, coinsurance, and somehow a procedure that costs one amount on one line costs something completely different on another.

In this episode of Grown-Up Stuff, Matt and Lea tackle the confusing world of medical bills and healthcare costs with patient advocate and healthcare transparency expert Cynthia Fisher. They break down how medical billing actually works, what all those codes and numbers mean, and why the amount a hospital says it charges isn't necessarily the amount you’ll pay.

You'll learn how insurance-negotiated rates, deductibles, copays and coinsurance factor into your final bill, why it's worth asking for an itemized bill, and what to do when something doesn't look right. Cynthia also explains how to question charges, negotiate medical bills, and advocate for yourself when you're faced with a bill you can't, or don't think you should have to, pay.

Because being a grown-up means knowing how to make a doctor's appointment. But apparently it also means knowing what to do when the bill arrives.

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Investing for Grown-Ups Aug 04, 2026

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Investing can feel like one of those grown-up things everyone else understands, but the truth is, most people are figuring it out as they go.

In this episode of Grown-Up Stuff, Matt and Lea are joined by Haley Sachs, Financial Expert, host of Financial Tea podcast and NYT bestselling author of Future Rich Person, to break down the basics of investing in plain English. Together, they cover everything from emergency funds and retirement accounts to index funds, ETFs, compound interest, and why trying to time the market usually does more harm than good.

Haley shares practical advice for first-time investors, explains why financial confidence comes from taking action and not waiting until you feel ready. She covers simple strategies to build wealth over time without making investing your full-time hobby.

Whether you're opening your first brokerage account or finally trying to understand what all those investing terms actually mean, this episode will help you tune out the noise, avoid common mistakes, and take the first step toward making your money work for you.

Because being a grown-up who is financially literate doesn't mean predicting the stock market. It means having a plan and sticking with it.

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Moving for Grown-Ups Jul 21, 2026

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Moving sounds exciting... until you remember you actually have to move.

Between surprise utility setup fees, security deposits, Wi-Fi appointments that never seem to happen on time, and somehow ending up with a dozen boxes labeled "miscellaneous," moving can quickly become one of life's most stressful experiences. So how do you make it a little easier and a lot less expensive?

This week, Matt and Lea are joined by realtor Dag Larson for the ultimate moving guide. They cover the hidden costs most people forget to budget for, whether hiring movers is really worth it, what should never go on the moving truck, and why your first-night box might be the most important box you pack. Plus, learn how to avoid common moving mistakes, set up utilities without headaches, make your new place feel like home, and discover the simple home and neighborhood safety checks everyone should do during their first week.

Whether you're moving into your first apartment, upgrading to a new home, or relocating across the country, this episode is packed with practical tips to help your next move go more smoothly and maybe even save you a little money (and your sanity) along the way.

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International Travel for Grown-Ups Jul 07, 2026

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International travel is magical... until you're standing in the airport realizing your passport expires next month, your phone doesn't work, and you have no idea whether you should pay in dollars or the local currency. This week on Grown Up Stuff, Matt and Lea are joined by full-time traveler Jordan Tually to answer all the questions you don't think to ask until it's way too late. They cover passports and visas, travel insurance that's actually worth buying, eSIMs, currency exchange, packing smarter (yes, you can probably leave half your clothes at home), avoiding common travel mistakes, the tricks that can help you beat jet lag, and most importantly, how not to get banned from traveling in the Schengen Area. Whether you're planning your first trip abroad or just hoping this is the vacation where nothing goes sideways, consider this your ultimate guide to traveling a little smarter and a lot less stressed.

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Laid Off Grown-Ups Jun 23, 2026

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Getting laid off is one of those life events that can really throw you for a loop. It can leave you feeling blindsided, stressed, and wondering what you're supposed to do next. In this episode of Grown Up Stuff: How to Adult, Matt and Lea sit down with employment attorney Paige Sparks to answer all the questions that start racing through your head after a job loss: Do I get severance? Can I collect unemployment? What happens to my health insurance? And how do I know if my employer crossed a legal line?

Paige walks us through the practical stuff every adult should know, including severance agreements, COBRA, unemployment benefits, PTO payouts, and what to do with your 401(k). We also talk about the emotional side of being laid off: how to deal with the shock, avoid spiraling, stay motivated during a job search, and talk about your layoff in future interviews without feeling awkward or ashamed.

Whether you've just been laid off, you're worried it could happen, or you simply want to be prepared for one of life's less-fun surprises, this episode is packed with straightforward advice to help you protect yourself, make a plan, and move forward.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Home Safety for Grown-Ups Jun 09, 2026

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Your home is supposed to be your safe place, but beware that many of the biggest safety risks are hiding in plain sight.

In this episode of Grown Up Stuff, Matt and Lea sit down with home inspector and safety expert Joe Mazza, who you might know from his HGTV shows. He talks about the risks most of us don't think about until something goes wrong. From smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to electrical hazards, radon, fire prevention, and emergency planning, Joe helps separate the truly important safety upgrades from the don't-waste-your-money ones.

Whether you're moving into your first apartment, buying a house, raising a family, or just trying to keep the place from falling apart, this episode is full of practical advice you can actually use. You'll learn the most common safety mistakes people make, what every home should have, and the simple steps that can make your home safer without breaking the bank.

Because being a grown-up means realizing that home safety is a lot more than remembering to lock the front door.

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Grown-Up Stuff: How To Adult Season 4 Jun 02, 2026

Show notes

Growing up doesn’t come with instructions, so we made a podcast about figuring it out together.

Season 4 of Grown Up Stuff tackles the life skills, decisions, and responsibilities that suddenly become very real in adulthood. From bringing home a newborn for the first time to navigating international travel, buying the right smoke detectors, moving apartments, understanding investing, and protecting your finances, this season is all about the stuff nobody fully prepares you for.

Hosts Lea Palmieri and Matt Stillo talk with experts, professionals, and people who’ve learned things the hard way to break down the practical side of adult life without making it feel overwhelming. Along the way, they explore everything from home safety hidden dangers and jet lag survival to budgeting, relationships, parenting anxiety, and how to actually feel financially confident in your 20s and 30s.

Whether you’re trying to baby-proof your house, figure out a Roth IRA, survive a cross-country move, or simply feel a little less behind in life, Grown Up Stuff is here to help.

Because nobody totally knows what they’re doing...some people are just better at Googling it.

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Grown-Up Stuff: Essentials Edition Oct 28, 2025

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From breaking up with your phone to breaking into better habits, our back-half S3 recap episode brings together the most practical, powerful, and personal moments from recent episodes of Grown-Up Stuff. Hosts Lea Palmieri and Matt Stillo revisit highlights on phone addiction, advocating for yourself at work, nutrition, sober curiosity, meditation, and life insurance—all the stuff that makes adulting a little more manageable (and a lot more meaningful). Whether you're catching up or just need a refresher, this episode is your one-stop-shop for grown-up wisdom, minus the overwhelm.

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Life Insurance for Grown-Ups Oct 14, 2025

Show notes

You’ve heard of life insurance, but do you know what it actually is? And do you really need it? Hosts Lea Palmieri and Matt Stillo are joined by Life Insurance Advisor Dennis Carlson who explains the purpose of life insurance, how you can find the best agent and policy for you, and so much more.

You can connect with Dennis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denniscarlson/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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