How Gen Z Thinks About Money! Lessons from 21-Year-Old Financial Expert Candela Larson | E077
Candela Larson isn’t your typical 21-year-old. She’s a STEM scholar, entrepreneur, and licensed financial professional who’s already stacking credentials like Series 7 and 66 before most people finish grad school.
In this episode of The Extreme Personal Finance Show, Chris Luger sits down with Candela Larson to unpack what drives her passion for money and investing, how Gen Z views wealth, and the real-world money myths holding young adults back.
They dive into:
It’s a fun, raw, and insightful conversation that proves financial independence isn’t about age—it’s about mindset.
Show Notes:
Contact Chris:
https://heavymetal.money
https://www.facebook.com/MoneyHeavyMetal
https://x.com/MoneyHeavyMetal
https://www.instagram.com/chrisluger
https://www.tiktok.com/@heavymetalmoney
email: chris at heavymetal.money
Resources and Links:
https://www.youtube.com/@CalebHammer
Charitable Giving and Tax Strategies with Sean Mullaney, The FI Tax GuyIt’s time to shred your confusion about taxes and charitable giving. In this episode of The Extreme Personal Finance Show, Chris from Heavy Metal Money sits down with Sean Mullaney — also known as the FI Tax Guy — to talk about how upcoming 2025–2026 tax changes could impact your charitable giving, deductions, and retirement planning.Sean is a fee-only fiduciary financial planner and the co-author (with Cody Garrett) of the new book Tax Planning To and Through Early Retirement. He’s been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, MarketWatch, and on major podcasts like ChooseFI, Stacking Benjamins, and BiggerPockets Money.In this episode, we cover:• Why 2025 is a golden year for charitable giving• What’s changing in 2026 (including that new $1,000 non-itemizer deduction and the 0.5% haircut on itemized deductions)• How to supercharge your giving with Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs)• Why Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) are a game-changer after age 70½• How to support causes you love—like The Luger Foundation—while still keeping Uncle Sam off your back• Simple, no-fear strategies for optimizing taxes through early retirementWhether you’re just starting your FI journey or planning your drawdown years, Sean breaks down the complex tax talk into plain English with clear, actionable strategies that anyone can use. I love this!The discussion is intended to be for general educational purposes and is not tax, legal, or investment advice for any individual. Chris and The Extreme Personal Finance Show do not endorse Sean Mullaney, Mullaney Financial & Tax, Inc. and their services. Contact Chris:https://heavymetal.moneyhttps://www.facebook.com/MoneyHeavyMetalhttps://x.com/MoneyHeavyMetalhttps://www.instagram.com/chrislugerhttps://www.tiktok.com/@heavymetalmoneyemail: chris at heavymetal.moneyConnect with Seanhttps://fitaxguy.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@SeanMullaneyVideoshttps://x.com/SeanMoneyandTaxResources and Links:Tax Planning To and Through Early Retirementby Cody Garrett & Sean Mullaneyhttps://amzn.to/4mRkisVhttps://www.measuretwicemoney.com/bookhttps://www.thelugerfoundation.orghttps://fitaxguy.com
PPO, HMO, HSA, FSA… WTF? Understanding Employee Benefits with HR Pro Veronica Barnas | E075Open enrollment season is here — but don’t just click “same as last year.” This week on The Extreme Personal Finance Show, Chris sits down with HR powerhouse Veronica Barnas, a 20-year Human Resources veteran specializing in employee benefits.They break down the alphabet soup of benefits — PPOs, HSAs, FSAs, and HMOs — in plain English and with a few laughs. Veronica explains how to stop leaving free money on the table, how to actually build wealth through your benefits, and why your 401(k), HSA, and disability coverage might be more powerful than you think.From the triple-tax advantage of an HSA to secret perks like tuition reimbursement, employee stock programs, and even pet insurance, this episode helps you take control of your financial health the same way you take care of your physical one.In This Episode You’ll Learn:• Why “same as last year” could cost you thousands• The real difference between a PPO, HMO, and high-deductible health plan• How to use your HSA as a stealth retirement account• Why disability insurance is one of the most underrated safety nets• How to spot free money in your benefits package• Overlooked perks like tuition reimbursement, stock purchase programs, and gym reimbursements• How to make open enrollment season work for your wallet, not against itWhether you’re new to the workforce or a seasoned pro, this episode will help you understand your benefits like a boss and maximize every dollar your employer offers.Contact Chris:https://heavymetal.moneyhttps://www.facebook.com/MoneyHeavyMetalhttps://x.com/MoneyHeavyMetalhttps://www.instagram.com/chrislugerhttps://www.tiktok.com/@heavymetalmoneyemail: chris at heavymetal.moneyConnect with Veronicahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-barnas-28ba7723/
Long-Term Investing That Actually Works with Jesse Cramer | E074https://youtu.be/dVtYp07ZNSYWhat happens when a rocket scientist becomes a fiduciary wealth advisor? You get Jesse Cramer — the mind behind The Best Interest blog and host of Personal Finance for Long-Term Investors. In this episode of The Extreme Personal Finance Show, Chris and Jesse talk about what really makes long-term investing work, how to build “behavior-proof” financial plans, and why being too conservative can quietly sabotage your retirement dreams.Jesse shares his journey from aerospace engineering to wealth management at Cobblestone Capital Advisors, breaking down how engineering principles like tolerances and feedback loops apply directly to your money decisions. He explains the “cost of over-conservatism,” the psychological traps investors fall into after long bull markets, and how to prepare mentally for the next bear market without losing your cool—or your portfolio.They also dig into practical habits that anyone can apply today:• The #1 foundation of every financial plan (hint: track your cash flow)• Why measuring what comes in and what goes out beats chasing the next hot investment• The power of community and meeting other money nerds in person• Using philanthropy and planned giving as part of your financial independence journeyWhether you’re new to investing, approaching retirement, or deep in the FIRE movement, this episode will remind you that wealth is built on behavior, not hype. LFG!Subscribe to The Extreme Personal Finance Show for more raw, real, and ridiculously practical conversations about money that works in the real world.Featuring:Jesse Cramer – Author & Host, The Best Interest / Personal Finance for Long-Term InvestorsChris Luger – Host, Heavy Metal Money / The Extreme Personal Finance ShowContact Chris:https://heavymetal.moneyhttps://www.facebook.com/MoneyHeavyMetalhttps://x.com/MoneyHeavyMetalhttps://www.instagram.com/chrislugerhttps://www.tiktok.com/@heavymetalmoneyemail: chris at heavymetal.moneyConnect with Jessehttps://bestinterest.blogJesse’s Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personal-finance-for-long-term-investors-the-best-interest/id1553180943Resources and Links:Amberly Grant https://www.amberlygrant.com/meetamberlyhttps://www.thelugerfoundation.orghttps://www.lollypop.orghttps://www.yieldandspread.org#JesseCramer #TheBestInterest #LongTermInvesting #FinancialIndependence #FIREMovement #BehavioralFinance #IndexFunds #RetirementPlanning #HeavyMetalMoney #ExtremePersonalFinanceShow
In this episode of The Extreme Personal Finance Show, Chris sits down with Lauren Aumond, host of the Adulting Is Easy podcast and real estate investor who became a millionaire by age 31 and retired from corporate life at 33!
Lauren shares her journey from buying her first house at 23, building a diverse portfolio of long-term and short-term rentals, and creating financial systems that gave her true freedom. She talks about house hacking, managing Airbnbs, the ups and downs of real estate, and how anyone can take small, intentional steps toward financial independence.
From squatter nightmares to setting up automation that makes short-term rentals practically hands-off, Lauren brings the real, unfiltered truth about wealth-building. She also dives into her six-year run as a podcaster, why she started Adulting Is Easy, and the biggest money lessons she’s learned from interviewing over 200 guests.
If you’re ready to take action on your money, build wealth through real estate, and design a life on your terms—this episode is a must-listen.
Contact Chris:
https://heavymetal.money
https://www.facebook.com/MoneyHeavyMetal
https://x.com/MoneyHeavyMetal
https://www.instagram.com/chrisluger
https://www.tiktok.com/@heavymetalmoney
email: chris at heavymetal.money
Resources and Links:
Lauren on X
Adulting Is Easy Podcast
In this episode of The Extreme Personal Finance Show, Chris sits down with Cletus Coffey—former professional and world champion athlete turned motivational speaker and coach for single dads and business owners. Cletus opens up about his journey from chasing money and titles to building a life of truth, authenticity, and freedom.
He shares how men often tie their identity to the “scoreboard” of business and wealth, and why true success means balancing five core areas: finances, fitness, family, focus, and foundation. From overcoming divorce and personal setbacks to creating the Be The Torch movement and Podcast, Cletus delivers raw insights on resilience, vulnerability, and becoming the man capable of leading both at home and in business.
If you’ve ever struggled with identity, work-life balance, or finding your authentic self—this episode will light the fire you’ve been missing.
Contact Chris:
https://heavymetal.money
https://www.facebook.com/MoneyHeavyMetal
https://x.com/MoneyHeavyMetal
https://www.instagram.com/chrisluger
https://www.tiktok.com/@heavymetalmoney
email: chris at heavymetal.money
Resources and Links:
Cletus on Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/@thecletuscoffey
Be The Torch Podcast
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-the-torch/id1228060195
The Score Takes Care of Itself: My Philosophy of Leadership
by Bill Walsh
Mountains, Money, and Community of Longmont, Colorado | 071
In this episode of The Extreme Personal Finance Show, Chris sits down with Amy from Longmont, Colorado—the so-called FIRE Mecca made famous by Mr. Money Mustache. Amy shares her story of moving from Michigan to Longmont, and how this vibrant community has become a hub for financial independence seekers.
We dive into what makes Longmont special—Mustache HQ, the tight-knit FI network, outdoor adventures, and how community supercharges the journey to financial independence.
Amy also reveals her new project with Mark Trautman (Mark’s Money Mind), creating “Mountains and Money,” a retreat designed to teach college-aged kids the power of FI and community.
Whether you’re chasing FIRE, looking for your financial tribe, or just curious about why Longmont is drawing money rebels from across the country, this episode delivers inspiration, laughs, and actionable insight.
Contact Chris:
https://heavymetal.money
https://www.facebook.com/MoneyHeavyMetal
https://x.com/MoneyHeavyMetal
https://www.instagram.com/chrisluger
https://www.tiktok.com/@heavymetalmoney
email: chris at heavymetal.money
Resources and Links:
Longmont, Colorado
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Longmont,_Colorado
‘Stashtown, USA
https://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2014/05/09/stashtown-usa/
HQ
https://www.mrmoneymustache.com/hq/
Carl Jensen
Mark Trautman
https://marksmoneymind.com/about/
Mountains and Money (Coming Soon!)
https://www.instagram.com/mountainsandmoney/
The Magic of the EconoMe Conference and Community with Diania Merriam
In this episode of The Extreme Personal Finance Show, Chris sits down with Diania Merriam, founder of the EconoMe Conference and host of Optimal Finance Daily.
Diania shares her inspiring journey from racking up $30,000 in debt while living large in New York City, to discovering the FIRE movement, and eventually creating one of the most electric gatherings in personal finance.
We dig into:
If you’re looking for both practical strategies and mindset shifts to fuel your financial independence journey, this episode delivers.
Contact Chris:
https://heavymetal.money
https://www.facebook.com/MoneyHeavyMetal
https://x.com/MoneyHeavyMetal
https://www.instagram.com/chrisluger
https://www.tiktok.com/@heavymetalmoney
email: chris at heavymetal.money
Resources and Links:
The EconoMe Conference
Optimal Finance Daily
https://oldpodcast.com/podcast/optimal-finance-daily-financial-independence-and-money-advice
Mr. Money Mustache
https://www.mrmoneymustache.com/
The World Domination Summit
https://worlddominationsummit.com
https://walkthecamino.com
What if the life you’ve been sold is a scam? At CampFI Midwest, Chris Luger—founder of Heavy Metal Money—delivered a powerful message about cranking life up to 11 and living on your own terms.
In this presentation, Chris dives into:
This isn’t a roadmap—it’s a pep talk. A wake-up call. A reminder that you don’t owe anyone a boring life. It’s time to rebel, redefine success, and unleash the life you were meant to live.
If you’re ready to stop coasting and start rocking, hit play.
Contact Chris:
https://heavymetal.money
https://www.facebook.com/MoneyHeavyMetal
https://x.com/MoneyHeavyMetal
https://www.instagram.com/chrisluger
https://www.tiktok.com/@heavymetalmoney
email: chris at heavymetal.money
Resources and Links:
https://heavymetal.money/livelouder/
How to Retire Early (Even If You’re Starting Late)
This is an automated translation from the blogpost:
Do You Want To Retire Early?
https://heavymetal.money/howtoretireearly/
Think early retirement is only for tech bros and trust fund babies? Think again. In this blogcast episode, we're tearing down the myths and breaking down exactly how you can retire early—even if you're behind, broke, or just waking up to the reality that working 'til you die isn’t the dream.
Chris from HeavyMetal.Money shares the brutally honest path to financial independence:
Whether you want to retire by 50 or just reclaim your damn time, this episode is your battle plan.
Ever wonder what really goes down at CampFI? Spoiler: it’s not just a bunch of nerds sitting around spreadsheets in the woods
In this special live episode of The Extreme Personal Finance Show, I take you inside CampFI 2025 Midwest Week 1. Recorded in front of a live audience, you’ll hear from campers on why CampFI is more than a retreat—it’s a financial independence festival where money nerds, rebels, and freedom-seekers come together.
We break down:
If you’ve ever asked yourself “Should I go to CampFI?” this episode is your loud, unapologetic answer: HELL YES.
Subscribe to The Extreme Personal Finance Show and turn up the volume on your journey to financial freedom.
https://campfi.org
#CampFI #FinancialIndependence #FIREmovement #MoneyNerdsUnite #FinancialFreedom #ExtremePersonalFinance #HeavyMetalMoney
Doom Spending: Retail Therapy or Financial Sabotage?
This is an automated translation from the blogpost:
Doom Spending: The Destructive Financial Habit
https://heavymetal.money/doomspending/
In this blogcast episode, we dive into the chaos-fueled spending habits known as doom spending. From late-night Amazon hauls to buying crap you don’t need just to feel alive—this one's for every rebel who’s tried to buy their way out of stress.
We break down:
Want to take control of your money without losing your edge? Smash that play button, and let’s get loud.
#DoomSpending #HeavyMetalMoney #ImpulseBuying #MoneyMindset #PersonalFinance #RetailTherapy #FinancialAnxiety #MillennialMoney #GenZMoney #Blogcast #FinancialWellness
Contact Chris:
https://heavymetal.money
https://www.facebook.com/MoneyHeavyMetal
https://x.com/MoneyHeavyMetal
https://www.instagram.com/chrisluger
https://www.tiktok.com/@heavymetalmoney
email: chris at heavymetal.money
In this electrifying episode of The Extreme Personal Finance Show, we sit down with Dr. Paris Woods—award-winning education leader, social entrepreneur, and author of the #1 bestseller The Black Girl’s Guide to Financial Freedom. With over 120,000 copies sold, her book is flipping the script on how we talk about money, especially for women of color.
Paris shares her powerful personal story of rising from poverty, questioning toxic money myths, crushing debt, and finding her way into the world of FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early). We dig into the myth of success through debt, the trap of hustle culture, and how she used real estate and career moves to fast-track her financial freedom.
You’ll learn:
Whether you’re just getting started or looking to level up, this episode delivers practical, unapologetic advice that challenges traditional financial narratives and inspires you to take control of your money—and your life. Horns Up!
Contact Chris:
https://heavymetal.money
https://www.facebook.com/MoneyHeavyMetal
https://x.com/MoneyHeavyMetal
https://www.instagram.com/chrisluger
https://www.tiktok.com/@heavymetalmoney
email: chris at heavymetal.money
Resources and Links:
The Black Girl's Guide to Financial Freedom: Build Wealth, Retire Early, and Live the Life of Your Dreams
Paul Pant
https://www.ynab.com/ - You Need A Budget
Your Money or Your Life: 9 Steps to Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Achieving Financial Independence
by Vicki Robin
https://amzn.to/461NR5O
Secrets of the Millionaire Mind: Mastering the Inner Game of Wealth Hardcover
by T. Harv Eker
https://amzn.to/4fNjt2g
YouthForce NOLA
https://www.youthforcenola.org
How AI Is Changing the Way We Manage Money
This is an automated translation from the blogpost:
How AI Is Changing the Way We Manage Money
https://heavymetal.money/moneyandai
Artificial Intelligence isn’t just for robots and sci-fi movies—it’s now headbanging its way into your bank account. In this blogcast episode of The Extreme Personal Finance Show, we break down how AI is transforming everything from budgeting apps to investing platforms and even your side hustles.
We’re talking robo-advisors, smart algorithms, and automated tools that can help you spend smarter, invest faster, and maybe even get your time back. If you've ever wondered how to use ChatGPT to slash your spending, find new ways to make money, or stop doomscrolling your budget into oblivion—this one’s for you.
Highlights:
Ready to shred your financial stress and let tech do the heavy lifting? Hit play, and let’s crank up the volume on your financial IQ.
Contact Chris:
https://heavymetal.money
https://www.facebook.com/MoneyHeavyMetal
https://x.com/MoneyHeavyMetal
https://www.instagram.com/chrislugerx`
https://www.tiktok.com/@heavymetalmoney
email: chris at heavymetal.money
In this powerhouse episode of The Extreme Personal Finance Show, Chris sits down with personal finance legend and podcasting icon Joe Saul-Sehy—host of Stacking Benjamins and co-author of Stacked: Your Super-Serious Guide to Modern Money Management.
They dive into:
Plus, personal stories, board games, running marathons, and the truth about that runner’s high. This episode is for anyone who wants financial freedom without the financial snobbery.
Contact Chris:
https://heavymetal.money
https://www.facebook.com/MoneyHeavyMetal
https://x.com/MoneyHeavyMetal
https://www.instagram.com/chrisluger
https://www.tiktok.com/@heavymetalmoney
email: chris at heavymetal.money
Connect with Joe
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-stacking-benjamins-show/id650045209
https://www.instagram.com/averagejoemoney
https://www.facebook.com/jsaulsehy
Resources and Links:
Why Having Fun Is the Secret to a Healthier Life | Catherine Price | TED
https://youtu.be/iMBJrvEwv8s?si=Jrnzggl89jKydN5B
Twin Cities Stacking Benjamins Meetup Group
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1AziMX4ydn/
Join or Die Film
https://www.joinordiefilm.com
King Tut by Steve Martin
https://youtu.be/FYbavuReVF4?si=tS36RReiIoEwQ2VW
Why Paying for Professional Retirement Asset Management May Be Worth It
https://heavymetal.money/financialadvisor/
The Jaimie Dimon Interview - Summer 2025
https://youtu.be/AR_1IPhzAtU?si=4Q3YG4l-KadCKCpz
How To Make $100M Dollars in 2025 (with Alex Hormozi) Part 1 & 2
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-stacking-benjamins-show/id650045209?i=1000682302745
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-stacking-benjamins-show/id650045209?i=1000682511271
Understanding Your Financial Roadmap (with Nick Maggiulli) SB1712
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-stacking-benjamins-show/id650045209?i=1000718574702
Of Dollars And Data blog
THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN® SHOW
Ken Honda
Happy Money: The Japanese Art of Making Peace with Your Money Paperback by Ken Honda
Paula Pant
Catching Up to FI - Financial Independence For Late Starters
Dr. Jordan Grumet
The Earn & Invest Podcast
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/earn-invest/id1440355498
Gen Con
https://www.gencon.com/aboutus
Gen Con Indy. largest and longest-running game convention, held annually in Indianapolis. It’s a four-day event that attracts tens of thousands of attendees and features a wide variety of tabletop, card, and video games, as well as seminars, art shows, and other related events.
Three Tales of Financial Triumph (with Jonathan Clements)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlsaUxfksy8
Humble Dollar
https://humbledollar.com/about/
Retirement Starts Today Podcast by Benjamin Brandt
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retirement-starts-today/id1052378769
Run Disney
Avowed is a first-person fantasy RPG set in the world of Eora, where your choices carve a path through war, intrigue, and ancient mysteries. Navigate a land in turmoil, forge powerful alliances or deadly rivalries, and wield magic and steel to shape the fate of the Living Lands—and your own destiny.
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2457220/Avowed/
Jesse Cramer
https://bestinterest.blog/personal-finance-for-long-term-investors/
What if you didn’t have to wait until 65 to slow down? In this episode of The Extreme Personal Finance Show, we sit down with Scott Folland, a physician assistant and FIRE movement enthusiast, to talk about the art of living intentionally before traditional retirement.
Scott shares how a sabbatical and some well-timed lifestyle choices allowed him to downshift from full-time work to a 4-day workweek—without blowing up his retirement plans. We dive into concepts like Coast FI, mini-retirements, and how to optimize your life for meaning instead of just money.
Whether you're dreaming of a slower pace, more time with your kids, or just want to test-drive retirement without leaving your career behind, Scott’s journey is packed with wisdom and practical inspiration.
Topics Covered:
Whether you're in your 40s, 50s, or just reevaluating your path—this one will hit home.
Live slower. Plan smarter. Retire on your own damn terms.
Contact Chris:
https://heavymetal.money
https://www.facebook.com/MoneyHeavyMetal
https://x.com/MoneyHeavyMetal
https://www.instagram.com/chrisluger
https://www.tiktok.com/@heavymetalmoney
email: chris at heavymetal.money
Resources and Links:
Twin Cities Stacking Benjamins Meetup Group
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1AziMX4ydn/
CampFI
The Fioneers
What is Coast FI
Coast FI, or Coast Financial Independence, is a stage within the Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) movement where you've saved and invested enough money that your future retirement is secure, even if you stop saving further. You can then "coast" to your target retirement age, relying on the growth of your existing investments to reach your financial goals. This means you can potentially reduce your work hours or even switch to a less demanding career without jeopardizing your retirement.
Pierce The Veil
10X Travel
10X Travel Free Beginner Course
https://10xtravel.com/free-tools/
#MiniRetirement #CoastFI #FinancialFreedom #FIREmovement #IntentionalLiving #DownshiftToFreedom #SemiRetiredLife #MoneyAndMeaning #PersonalFinancePodcast #ExtremePersonalFinance #RetireEarly #LiveYourLife
Demystifying Your Credit Score: A Financial Report Card
This is an automated translation from the blogpost:
Demystifying Credit Scores: Your Financial Report Card and Why It Matters
https://heavymetal.money/creditscores/
Think credit scores are just for loans? Think again. In this blogcast episode, we go full shred mode on the mysterious world of credit scores —what they are, how they’re calculated, and why ignoring yours could sabotage your entire financial future.
From getting denied for an apartment to paying thousands more in interest over your lifetime, your credit score is the shadowy figure lurking behind your money moves. But fear not, we break down the brutal truth in plain English and give you the weapons to fight back.
Whether you're rebuilding after a financial faceplant or just trying to boost your score to unlock better rates, this episode has your back. It's time to **take control, slash bad habits, and build a score that kicks ass.**
Key Takeaways:
* What’s really behind that 3-digit number
• Why your score affects way more than just loans
• The top 5 factors that make or break your credit
• How to repair a wrecked score and build it back stronger
•Tools, tips, and battle-tested strategies for credit domination
Don't let bad credit keep you in chains. Let’s crank it up and get you financially metal.
Contact Chris:
https://heavymetal.money
https://www.facebook.com/MoneyHeavyMetal
https://x.com/MoneyHeavyMetal
https://www.instagram.com/chrisluger
https://www.tiktok.com/@heavymetalmoney
email: chris at heavymetal.money
Why do smart people make dumb money decisions? Certified Financial Planner and financial journalist Hanna Horvath joins Chris on this episode of The Extreme Personal Finance Show to dive deep into the psychology behind our money behavior.
From childhood money beliefs to doom spending and Gen Z’s financial nihilism, Hanna breaks down how our unconscious money scripts shape everything—from how we budget to why we avoid checking our bank account.
Learn how to identify your earliest money memories, rewrite harmful scripts, and build a spending plan based on your values—not someone else's version of success. Whether you’re Gen X, Millennial, or Gen Z, this episode will help you make peace with your financial story and start building the life you actually want.
Topics Covered:
Contact Chris:
https://heavymetal.money
https://www.facebook.com/MoneyHeavyMetal
https://x.com/MoneyHeavyMetal
https://www.instagram.com/chrisluger
https://www.tiktok.com/@heavymetalmoney
email: chris at heavymetal.money
Connect with Hanna
https://www.hannahorvath.com
Hanna’s Newsletter on Substack
https://yourbrainonmoney.substack.com
Hann’s Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/yourbrain_onmoney
Resources and Links:
Do you Need to Make a $500k Salary To Be Successful?
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/extreme-personal-finance-show/id1537001709?i=1000678659319
This is an automated translation from the blogpost:
Breaking the Financial Glass Ceiling: Why More Women Need to Invest
https://heavymetal.money/womeninvesting/
In this powerful blogcast episode, we’re smashing through outdated money myths and taking a sledgehammer to the financial glass ceiling. It’s time to talk about why more women need to invest—not someday, not when they "feel ready," but right damn now.
We dive deep into the stats, the setbacks, and the systemic roadblocks that keep women from building wealth—and how to obliterate them with knowledge, strategy, and a bit of that heavy metal attitude. Whether you're investing your first dollar or scaling your portfolio, this one's for every badass woman ready to take control of her financial future—and for the men who want to support them in doing so.
In This Episode:
Share this episode with every woman you know who deserves to build wealth like a boss. Because financial independence isn’t just for the boys—it’s for anyone ready to play offense.
This week on The Extreme Personal Finance Show, I sit down with my longtime friend and fellow entrepreneur, Jessica McCarthy, who’s been through the fire — and lived to tell the tale.
After a life-altering separation, Jess found herself solo-parenting five kids, rebuilding from scratch, and navigating the brutal combo of emotional overload and financial stress. No handouts. No roadmap. Just grit, strategy, and a whole lot of budgeting.
We talk about the real cost of starting over — not just dollars and cents, but the psychological weight of leaving behind a life you once knew. Jess shares the sleepless nights, the surprise expenses (like replacing everything when setting up a new home), and how becoming her own boss gave her the freedom and control she needed.
Whether you're a single parent, thinking about making a bold move, or just feeling stuck — this one’s for you. You’ll hear real talk on:
Managing money when every dollar counts
Getting your mind right after separation
Entrepreneurial freedom when 9-to-5 won't cut it
How to tap into resources built for single moms
Why therapy isn’t optional — it’s oxygen
Takeaways:
Starting over ain’t easy — but it’s possible
Planning isn’t optional. It’s survival
Budget for the unexpected (and then double it)
Mindset is your secret weapon
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
Self-care and laughter matter more than ever
There are tools, communities, and support — go find them
Sound Bites:
"Just go have fun with your kids."
"You already know what you need to do."
"Get into therapy. It's crucial."
Chapters:
00:00 – The Emotional and Financial Cost of Starting Over
02:25 – Navigating Financial Independence as a Single Parent
06:34 – Mindset Shifts After Separation
09:29 – Unexpected Expenses of Single Parenthood
13:20 – Setting Up a New Home: Costs and Strategies
18:22 – Regaining Control Through Entrepreneurship
20:05 – Utilizing Resources for Single Parents
23:39 – Advice for Women Considering a Fresh Start
Contact Chris:
https://heavymetal.money
https://www.facebook.com/MoneyHeavyMetal
https://x.com/MoneyHeavyMetal
https://www.instagram.com/chrisluger
https://www.tiktok.com/@heavymetalmoney
email: chris at heavymetal.money
Connect with Jess:
https://www.facebook.com/Jess.McCarthy26
LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-mccarthy-a2849780/
Resources and Links:
Margie's Kitchen & Cocktails
https://www.margies-kitchen.com/menu
Handmade in Minnesota Rustic L Shaped Shelf with or Without Painted Mason Jar
Round-the-clock service, advocacy and shelter for all victims of violence
https://www.alexandrahouse.org
