rich & REGULAR with Kiersten and Julien Saunders

Latest Episodes:

Ep 173: What We Learned from Our Search for Affordable Housing for Aging Parents Jul 29, 2024

Show notes

This week we’re talking about the emotionally charged world of affordable housing, as we share the story of our journey to find suitable housing for Julien’s mother. This episode is a must-listen for anyone grappling with the complexities of aging parents and their life after retirement, financial instability, and the often-overlooked reality of the affordable housing system.

In telling our story, we explore:

The emotional toll of the search: We highlight the emotional labor and stress of finding affordable housing for aging parents, particularly when the parent is used to owning their own home. We also talk about the difficult conversations around finances and independence, while dealing with the bureaucratic hurdles and emotional challenges that arise.
The financial burden of housing: We shed light on the exorbitant costs of senior living and the lack of affordable housing options for those who need it most. Specifically, the challenges faced by those who rely on fixed incomes like social security, and the financial pressures that come with aging.
The systemic barriers within the affordable housing system, like limited availability, long waitlists, and inflexible eligibility requirements.
The need for early preparation: We can’t stress the importance of early preparation for aging parents enough, including the need to create online access for financial transactions and to prepare for the emotional conversations around their future.
The importance of community and support: Let this be your reminder that you are not alone in this challenging process and that leaning on community resources and support networks can be the difference maker.

Links:

AARP Future of Housing Report
Download our free Financial Technology Toolkit
GeorgiaHousingSearch.org - a directory of affordable housing options in Georgia
Bounce Back: The Ultimate Guide to Financial Resilience book by Lynnette Khalfani-Cox

Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life.

Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by Forbes
If you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

Ep 172: Not just a diagnosis | A real talk about ADHD, money, and relationships Jul 22, 2024

Show notes

"I was so sad that this might be the case, that I might have ADHD."

This week we're peeling back the layers of Kiersten’s late diagnosis of ADHD. This episode is unlike any other as we get personal about Kiersten's diagnosis, the societal pressures that shaped her understanding of it, and the impact it has on her relationship with Julien and with money.

Join us as we explore the complexities of ADHD and how it can manifest in a partner. You'll hear about the emotional roller coaster that followed and the surprising ways ADHD impacts daily life, especially when it comes to the intersection of money. We also dive into why women are so underdiagnosed and misunderstood, the impact of hormones, perimenopause, and menopause on symptoms, the power of vulnerability, and the role of a partner in supporting someone with ADHD. This episode is packed with insights, humor, and a healthy dose of honesty.

Key Takeaways:

ADHD is not just a lack of attention, but a difference in how the brain processes and learns. It can impact various aspects of life, including organization, memory, and motivation.
The diagnosis can be an emotional process, with feelings of sadness, denial, and even shame. It can be challenging to reconcile past successes with a new understanding of one's brain.
The "Mommy Factor" describes the influx of women who are diagnosed only after their child is
It's important to challenge the negative language used to describe ADHD and other neurodivergent conditions. Instead of focusing on deficits, we should focus on understanding individual differences and celebrating unique strengths.
Partners can play a huge role in supporting someone with ADHD. They can help with understanding the condition, navigating the emotional journey, and advocating for necessary resources.
ADHD is not an excuse, but an explanation that can help us understand and overcome challenges.

Links:

For women with money issues, an ADHD diagnosis can be revelatory from Paulette Perhach via The NY Times
ADHD impairment peaks in menopause
How the "ADHD tax" affects adult finances
Interview with Rich Jones on how work affects our mental health via Cashing Out podcast
Keeping Finance Personal book by Ellyce Fulmore

Ep 171: Why You Need a Brokerage Account: The Swiss Army Knife of Investing Jul 15, 2024

Show notes

Many of us know we should be investing for our retirement through accounts like a 401K, but how many of us also have a brokerage account?

Think of a brokerage account as a Swiss Army knife for your financial life. It can help you save for retirement, invest for the short-term, and even handle unexpected financial challenges. In this episode, we uncover the hidden potential of brokerage accounts, discussing their versatility, accessibility, and why they're the ultimate tool for taking control of your finances.

Key Takeaways:

Brokerage accounts offer incredible flexibility: Unlike 401(k)s and IRAs, which are designed for long-term retirement savings, brokerage accounts allow you to invest for any reason, and at any time, with no restrictions.
You have full control: You own and control your brokerage account. This gives you the power to choose your investments, manage your portfolio, and make your own decisions, without needing to rely on your employer or a financial advisor.
It's easier than you think to get started: You don't need a lot of money or investment experience to open a brokerage account. Many platforms offer low minimums, sometimes even as little as $1, and provide resources for learning and building your knowledge.
Don't overlook the short-term potential: Brokerage accounts are not just for retirement. You can use them to save for a down payment on a home, invest for a vacation, or even cover unexpected expenses.

Discussion Points:

Why brokerage accounts are a powerful alternative to traditional retirement accounts.
The benefits of having full control over your investments.
Real-world examples of how people are using brokerage accounts.
How to get started with a brokerage account, even if you're just starting out.
The importance of being proactive and taking control of your financial future.

Ep 170: Why We Fight About Money (and how to stop hitting below the belt) Jul 08, 2024

Show notes

Money is a hot topic, and it's easy for disagreements to turn into full-blown fights. In this episode, we dive into the common reasons why we fight about money with our partners, family members, and even friends. We explore how our past experiences, cultural influences, and even the nature of our brains can lead to conflict and how to navigate these situations with grace and understanding.

Key Takeaways:

We're not taught how to argue about money: Most of us don't have the skills to discuss financial matters without resorting to emotion or negativity.
"On the same page" doesn't mean conflict-free: Healthy relationships include differences of opinion, even about money.
We often hit below the belt: Media and cultural narratives can influence how we approach conflict, and sometimes we end up attacking our loved ones without realizing it.
Ultimatums are a form of coercion: Instead of trying to control someone's actions with threats, learn to set clear boundaries and communicate your needs respectfully.
The "money fight" is often about something deeper: Underlying insecurities about control, trust, and personal values can trigger intense conflict around money.
Respecting each other's processes is key: Understand that everyone comes from a different place, has different experiences, and different beliefs.
It's okay to not have all the answers: Embrace the process of communication, negotiation, and compromise.

Ep 169: Stock Splits: Unpacking the Hype Jul 01, 2024

Show notes

There's a lot of buzz around stock splits these days. Nvidia, Walmart, Chipotle - everyone's talking about it! But, as we explained on the podcast, this isn't the financial revolution you might think it is.

A stock split is a simple concept: it's like taking a whole pie and cutting it into more slices. You don't end up with more pie; you just have more pieces. The same is true with a stock split. You don't actually increase the value of your investment; you simply have more shares, each with a lower price.

So why do companies do this? Well, it's all about making their stock more accessible. When a company's stock price gets very high, it can be difficult for the average investor to buy in. A stock split makes those prices more palatable for folks with smaller portfolios. But let's be honest, it's also a bit of a marketing ploy.

Tune into this week’s episode as we answer the question: what does it all mean for you?

Key Takeaways:

A stock split is like cutting a pie into more slices; it doesn't change the size of the pie, just how it's divided.
Stock splits don't increase the value of your investment.
Companies do stock splits to make their stock more accessible and increase trading volume.
Stock splits don't guarantee future success.
Focus on the fundamentals of a company, not just the hype around a split.
Stock splits can offer an opportunity to buy into a good company at a more affordable price, but they’re just a piece of the puzzle.
Consider your investment goals and risk tolerance when evaluating a stock split.

Ep 168: Introducing Season 3 of Money on the Table: Back to Basics (and Better Conversations) Jun 24, 2024

Show notes

We're excited to be back with a new season of our award-winning original video series, Money on the Table. This episode dives into the origins and inspiration behind Season 3 and why we decided to return to our humble home kitchen for these conversations.
We’re unpacking why those authentic, no-holds-barred conversations about money are dang important, how food can be a powerful medium for breaking down walls to explore complex topics, and the trials and triumphs of DIY content creation. We’re giving you the inside scoop on what to expect in Season 3 of Money on the Table – and trust us, it's gonna be good!

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How Anthony Bourdain's work inspired Money on the Table.
How food and food television can create a unique space for conversation.
The challenges and benefits of creating content independently.
The importance of genuine conversations about money.
Our goals for Money on the Table Season going forward

Links:

Watch Episode 1 “A life with fewer regrets”
Watch Episode 2 “Luck is NOT a PLAN”

Subscribe to our YouTube channel to be notified when the rest of the episodes drop!

Ep 167: My journey through fatherhood | A special Father's Day message Jun 17, 2024

Show notes

Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads! In this special solo episode, Julien offers a heartfelt and inspiring look into the actual experience of fatherhood. He gives a refreshing perspective on fatherhood and opens up about his own journey, sharing a powerful message of presence, growth, and the role of a dad.

Julien takes us on a personal exploration, revealing he wasn't always the father he is today. He describes a past "oblivious" phase where fatherhood wasn't even on his radar, and gets real about the whole “I thought I could plan for this thing” (spoiler alert: you can’t)

Julien also explores moving beyond traditional notions of being just a provider, sharing how his journey into fatherhood has led him to confront his own limitations and learn the importance of embracing the present. He talks about how he actively strives to be a role model, coach, confidante, and even a punching bag for his son. He’s honest about the challenges, but there’s a real sense of joy and wonder in his voice when he talks about constantly evolving as a dad.

If you're a dad, or even thinking about becoming one, this is the episode for you. It's a reminder that being present, being there for your kid, even in the messy, crazy, exhausting moments is the real gift

Ep 166: The “Zero-naire” effect and finding confidence in the smaller wins Jun 10, 2024

Show notes

It’s time for your 2024 midyear money check-in and in this episode, we discuss the importance of celebrating the overlooked smaller financial wins and milestones. We know the feeling – it's easy to get caught up in big goals, like buying a house or retiring early. But what about the smaller victories along the way?

Julien reflects on the feeling of hitting "zero-naire" status after paying off debts, and how his mindset has shifted from constantly chasing a bigger number to finding contentment in the present. Kiersten reveals how shifting her perspective on saving from a rigid "all or nothing" approach to a more fluid and sustainable strategy led to greater financial confidence and a more positive relationship with money.

We also discuss the power of "sweat equity" in both personal and financial growth, and explore how to apply this concept to everyday life. Whether it's cooking at home instead of eating out, cleaning your patio yourself, or finding ways to increase your savings rate, every small win counts!

After this episode, you might be surprised at how much joy and progress you can achieve when you take the time to appreciate the little things.

Links:

Ep 71: Buying Used vs New

We discuss:

The power of mid-year check-ins and why they're critical for understanding your progress and re-evaluating your goals.
The importance of celebrating small wins, even when they seem insignificant.
The importance of sweat equity in our personal and financial lives, and how it can lead to a sense of accomplishment and purpose.
The dangers of chasing hype and the importance of discerning between real financial wins and fleeting trends.
The need to re-evaluate our approach to investing and learn about different strategies beyond traditional index funds.
The importance of recognizing and appreciating the value of experiences, even if they come at a cost.

Ep 165: The "Soft Life" and How to Align Your Money Goals with Ease Jun 03, 2024

Show notes

This episode is a special one, inspired by a listener suggestion based on a recent event Kiersten spoke at with Ally and UnitedMasters called SelectCon! We're diving into the concept of the "soft life" and how it relates to money, financial goals, and entrepreneurship.

Here's what we cover:

SelectCon: We start by discussing our experience at SelectCon, a unique event hosted by UnitedMasters, an alternative to traditional record labels that empowers artists to retain ownership of their work. We talked about the financial literacy aspect of being an independent artist, which is where the "soft life" concept came into play.
What is the "soft life"? We explore the meaning of the "soft life," how it's often portrayed online, and the differences in perception between men and women.
The "soft life" for entrepreneurs: We discuss how to find a balance between hustling and creating a soft life as an entrepreneur, especially when it comes to financial decisions.
Pay Yourself First: This episode features a deep dive into the concept of "paying yourself first," which is a key strategy for building a soft life, regardless of your career path.
Value-based spending: We talk about how aligning your spending with your values can contribute to building a "soft life" that's sustainable and fulfilling.
Brokerage accounts: We discuss the importance of brokerage accounts for entrepreneurs and those with inconsistent income, especially compared to traditional 401Ks.
Inner work: We explore the psychological aspect of the "soft life" and the importance of inner work for achieving financial responsibility and a sense of ease.

If you're interested in learning more about how to achieve financial freedom and create a soft life that works for you, this episode is for you!

Ep 164: The New Rules of Success | Why 'get paid' beats 'follow your passion' May 27, 2024

Show notes

It's graduation season and the Class of 2024 faces a unique set of challenges: crushing student loan debt, a competitive job market, and the constant pressure to "hustle." In this episode, we're cutting through the noise and giving real, actionable advice for the new world of work.

In this episode, we talk about:

The truth about student loan debt: How it influences career choices and the need for financial security
Side hustle as a strategic move: Why this generation is turning to side gigs and how to use them to your advantage
Burnout and economic uncertainty: Developing a practical approach to mental health and career advancement
The new rules of success: Forget "follow your passion," it's time to embrace a new philosophy: “get paid.”
Playing the corporate game: How to play the game and protect your mental health

This episode is for you if:

You're graduating in 2024 and feeling overwhelmed by what's next
You want to understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing the Class of 2024.
You want to hear practical advice on how to make money and build a successful career.
You're tired of the same old platitudes and want real talk on the realities of the modern workplace.

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