This week, Andrew and I answer your money questions about the nitty-gritty of retirement planning, complexities of early retirement strategies, roth conversion ladders, what to do with your cash, common investing misconceptions, US vs. international stock investing, and more.

Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here:  https://www.insideoutmoney.org/124-listener-qa-with-andrew-us-vs-international-investing-457b-plans-roth-conversion-ladders-when-to-stop-contributing-to-your-401k-tracking-hsas-expenses-and-more/

Next time you get the urge to make a purchase, try one of these things to get a free or low-cost dopamine hit. We’re exploring the science of dopamine and how our brains are hooked on the thrill of a new purchase. Instead of letting the impulse to shop take over, we share ideas to create your own dopamine menu that will deliver the same feel-good chemicals without the financial hangover. Get ready to hack your brain’s reward system and find true satisfaction that’s more lasting than a new purchase. 

Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/123-a-dopamine-menu-20-ways-to-feel-good-without-spending-money/

Debt has become a quiet, accepted part of our lives, but what if we stopped seeing it as normal? We challenge the narrative that debt is an inevitable part of modern life. We dissect how societal pressures, easy access to credit, and a culture of instant gratification lead us down a path of unintentional debt. This isn't just about the numbers; it's about the hidden costs of debt—the stress, the limited choices, and the dreams that get put on hold. We hope this is a call to action to shift your mindset and minimize the amount of debt you’re willing to take on.

Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/122-this-is-your-brain-on-debt-lets-stop-normalizing-debt/

Four families share what they spent in the first half of 2025. We’ve had renovations, vacations, celebrations, donations, and more! Listen to find out who’s spent the lowest and highest this time, it is not who you’d guess. We are still big fans of intentional spending and not spending more than you earn, and we’re all still following those best practices. 

Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/121-mid-year-spend-review-with-liz-andrew-erica-and-greg/

Humility can be your most powerful financial tool, so learn how to check your ego and enhance your financial well-being. Cultivating and improving your humility can be transformative in building lasting wealth and a truly fulfilling life. Get ready to ditch the "keeping up with the Kardashians" effect and embrace actionable strategies that redefine success on your terms.

Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/120-the-humility-hack-how-less-ego-can-lead-to-more-money/

We unpack the powerful, often perplexing, and always present link between your mental health and your personal finances. In a world of economic uncertainty and rising costs, it's more crucial than ever to understand that financial wellness isn't just about what's in your wallet; it's about what's in your head. Join us as we explore how financial worries trigger stress, impact sleep, strain relationships, and even lead to impulsive spending. Discover actionable strategies to improve both your mental and financial well-being, transforming your relationship with money from the inside out.

Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/119-the-intersection-of-mental-health-and-financial-wealth/

We explore the complex relationship between cost and quality, debating whether "more expensive is always better." We deep dive into the fascinating psychology, sneaky marketing tactics, and real-world financial implications behind our purchasing decisions. We discuss a range of products, including mattresses, groceries, clothing, and cosmetics. We explore why we're often convinced to pay more and when it makes sense. Get ready to embrace your inner discerning customer and rethink your shopping cart, from your sheets to your sneakers, and maybe even your vasectomy choices!

Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/118-is-more-expensive-better-when-it-pays-to-pay-more/

Cutting expenses and being frugal can significantly boost your financial future, but it’s only one part of the wealth-building equation. Sometimes, the best defense is a good offense—in this case, earning more money. In this episode, we tackle the often intimidating topic of how to increase your income, covering everything from being an outstanding employee to asking for a raise. We provide our best career advice and discuss side hustles and earning additional income outside your primary job. Plus, stay tuned for a special update from Andrew about his experiences since leaving Corporate America two months ago—you might be surprised by what he’s discovered regarding money and mindset. 

Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/117-how-to-make-more-money-career-advice-asking-for-a-raise-side-hustles-and-more/

The sheer volume of free and high-quality financial content accessible to us is truly impressive, yet it can also be incredibly overwhelming. That's why we're sharing our absolute favorites with you in this episode, cutting through the noise to bring you the books and podcasts that have genuinely transformed our financial thinking. Discover why classics like The Simple Path to Wealth are perennial favorites, unpack the genius of Morgan Housel's The Psychology of Money, and explore unique perspectives that challenge conventional wisdom. We also delve into the audio landscape, revealing our go-to podcasts that keep us informed, motivated, and even entertained on our financial journeys. Prepare to fill your intellectual toolkit with actionable insights, a good laugh, and perhaps a few surprising anti-recommendations too. 

Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/116-our-favorite-financial-books-and-podcasts-with-a-few-surprising-gems/

Think ancient philosophy has nothing to do with your bank account? Think again! This episode brings a powerful dose of Stoic wisdom to your modern financial world. Joined by special guest co-host Kathleen from the Minimalish Mom podcast, we're uncovering how the timeless principles of Stoicism, like focusing on what you can control and accepting what you can't, can transform your money mindset and lead to genuine financial peace. Prepare to learn how a philosophy often misunderstood as emotionless is actually your secret weapon for navigating market volatility, managing debt, and finding true wealth beyond the numbers.

Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/115-mind-over-money-how-stoicism-can-transform-your-finances-with-kathleen-from-minimalish-mom/

Ever felt like you're climbing someone else's ladder, or that your financial decisions are driven by what everyone else is doing? This episode introduces the powerful concept of "Inside Out" living, a philosophy that inspired the very name of this podcast. We'll explore why shedding societal expectations and reconnecting with your true desires is the ultimate path to financial freedom and genuine contentment. Get ready to challenge the "Keeping Up with the Joneses" mentality and discover how aligning your money with your deepest values can dramatically improve your financial well-being and bring a profound sense of peace.

Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/114-the-inside-out-approach-to-financial-freedom/

Ready to finally take control of your finances? We dive into the common roadblocks that hold us back from reaching our financial goals. Discover why your mindset might be your biggest obstacle, the power of knowing your numbers, and how to navigate the crucial relationship dynamics that impact your money. It's time to stop making excuses and start making progress – we'll show you how.

Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/113-the-real-reasons-youre-not-improving-your-finances-and-how-to-fix-them/

You've diligently saved and invested, and now comes the pivotal question: How do you live off those funds, especially in early retirement? We discuss the various withdrawal strategies, going beyond the basic 4% rule to explore dynamic and flexible approaches. Learn how to consider tax implications, access retirement accounts early without penalties, and build a resilient plan based on your specific situation and goals. Whether in the accumulation or spending phase, this will help you learn practical steps to create a thoughtful plan.

Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/112-withdrawal-strategies-in-early-retirement-a-flexible-strategy-and-account-playbook-to-fund-your-retirement/

Whether it's a lottery win, an inheritance, or a work bonus, a windfall can feel like a dream come true, but mishandling it can quickly turn it into a financial nightmare. We dive into the crucial first steps you need to take, understanding the tax implications, setting meaningful financial goals, and creating a solid plan to protect and grow your newfound fortune. And learn about the common pitfalls that can derail even the best intentions. 

Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/111-how-to-handle-a-windfall-protect-your-future-fortune/

Raising kids is tough, but raising financially responsible and aware kids is quite simple, and you can do it! This week, I am joined by a special teenager co-host, my 16-year-old step-daughter Maddie, as we discuss how and when to set financial expectations with kids. From limiting the volume of toys to comparison shopping to the realities of car insurance and college, we’re sharing real-life strategies and experiences to prove it’s never too early (or too late) to raise financially savvy kids. Get ready for practical tips and a teenager's perspective on growing up with open conversations about money.

Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/110-raising-financially-responsible-kids-setting-financial-expectations-at-every-age-with-a-special-teenage-co-host/

Buckle up for some exciting news from co-host Andrew! Andrew shares what is next for him after 25 years in Corporate America, and it might not be what you think! Andrew shares the journey that led him to this pivotal moment, from early FIRE aspirations to pandemic-fueled perspective shifts to navigating his next chapter. Andrew explores intriguing paths ahead and what’s on his mind as he figures out his next adventure.

Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/109-andrews-big-news-whats-next-and-why-its-not-early-retirement/

It takes time to improve your finances, and you're not alone if you feel like there’s never enough. We’re diving into the reality of time constraints, with actionable strategies for the busy and overwhelmed. Discover how to use Parkinson’s Law for good, the high cost of inaction, why you should focus on the important vs. the urgent, the importance of mindset, and much more. 

Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/108-reclaim-your-time-and-money-actionable-strategies-for-the-overwhelmed/

When I grew up, finding financial opinions and advice felt hard. Now we’re saturated with it, but is that a good thing!? We discuss the murky waters of social media financial influencers, aka finfluencers, and explore the good, the bad, and the downright misleading. We unpack what it means to be a finance enthusiast versus an influencer, question the lack of regulation, and equip listeners with a critical lens to discern credible guidance from online noise.

Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/107-finfluencers-yuck-wait-is-that-what-we-are/

The concept of FIRE isn’t one-size-fits-all, so we dive into the various types of FIRE that have been popularized. The ability to name your type of FIRE can help you find the right community and ongoing motivation for your financial goals. We share the math of the ultra-frugal Lean FIRE to the luxurious Fat FIRE and all the flavors in between. Aligning your financial goals with a lifestyle that resonates with you can make the path to financial independence more attainable and enjoyable. 

Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/106-find-your-fire-lean-fi-fat-fi-coast-fi-barista-fi-and-more-which-fire-is-right-for-you/

Companies are using manipulative marketing tactics to keep us buying more and more. The endless consumption is becoming exhausting on our minds and our wallets, all while the economy feels increasingly unstable, so let’s take back control! This episode dives into why we keep buying more stuff we don’t need and the environmental impact of those actions. We wrap it up with a much-needed pep talk to break the cycle and stop buying stupid sh*t, so you can reclaim your financial power and find true happiness in experiences and connections. Remember, in a world that often feels out of control, discretionary spending is the one thing you can control.

Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/105-why-we-keep-buying-stuff-we-dont-need-and-how-to-do-better/