What if you could rewrite the rules of retirement and achieve financial freedom decades earlier than society expects? In this inspiring episode of Everyday Money Heroes, host Nik Johnson sits down with Olga Somers, a registered nurse turned entrepreneur and investor, who is on track to reach semi-retirement before the age of 40.

Olga spent 14 years building her healthcare career, but a simple pension workshop in her 20s sparked a life-changing realization: she didn’t want to wait until 65 to enjoy life. That defining moment pushed her to dive into personal finance, investing, and the FIRE movement (Financial Independence, Retire Early). Through a mix of trial, error, and determination, she crafted a strategy that blends travel nursing, disciplined investing, and smart money management—all while proving that anyone can create options for their future.

In this conversation, Olga shares:

How one eye-opening pension meeting motivated her to pursue early financial independence.

The pivotal role of Mr. Money Mustache, JL Collins, and Ramit Sethi in shaping her financial education.

Why she initially turned to real estate investing, what she learned from managing multiple properties, and why she ultimately pivoted fully into index funds and ETFs.

Her approach to travel nursing contracts—working just once a year while still maximizing income to fuel her investment buckets.

How she and her husband created a shared financial vision that allowed him to officially retire at 44, and how she plans to follow close behind.

Olga’s journey is proof that financial freedom doesn’t mean giving up your career—it means creating choices. Whether it’s working because you love it, traveling the world, or launching a creative side business (like her design company, Somertime Designs), the real reward is having control over your time.

If you’ve ever wondered how to start your path to financial independence, this video offers both practical strategies and motivational lessons. From free online resources and beginner investing tips to the mindset shifts that matter most, Olga reminds us that the earlier you start, the more options you gain.

Stay until the end to hear Olga’s #1 piece of advice that changed everything for her—and how you can apply it today.

If you’re ready to take control of your financial journey and explore early retirement, side hustles, investing, and smart money habits, this episode will inspire you to take action.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more real stories of everyday people achieving extraordinary financial goals.

Olga on Instagram: @crossborderrn

Olga's Design Work: somertimedesigns.com

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Are your financial goals feeling a little out of reach? This is the perfect time for a mid-year financial check-in, a powerful strategy discussed in this episode of the "Everyday Money Heroes" podcast with host Nik Johnson and money coach Bianca. This isn't just about reviewing a budget; it's about a complete reset to ensure you're on a clear path to financial freedom. The expert advice shared in this discussion provides actionable steps for anyone, whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting your journey to financial literacy.

The core message is simple: It's never too late to make a significant impact on your financial health. Nik and Bianca emphasize that "what gets measured gets managed," making a mid-year review an essential habit. By taking a clear snapshot of your current financial situation—your net worth, savings, and investments—you can create a new roadmap for the remaining six months of the year. This video is packed with real-world advice on how to do just that, from setting SMART goals to celebrating small wins that build powerful momentum. They share personal insights, with Bianca planning her next year in the current one and Nik focusing on consistent investing, demonstrating that a flexible but consistent approach is key.

In this inspiring episode of Everyday Money Heroes, host Nik Johnson sits down with Andy Hill, AFC®—award-winning family finance coach and founder of Marriage, Kids and Money. Known for his mission to help families build wealth and happiness, Andy has amassed over 10 million views and podcast downloads and has been featured on CNBC, Forbes, and MarketWatch. In this powerful conversation, Andy shares his personal journey from a negative net worth of -$50,000 to achieving Coast FIRE and a million-dollar net worth—all while becoming the present, purposeful dad and husband he always wanted to be.

Andy opens up about his early career in corporate event marketing, the moment he realized he was financially stuck despite a six-figure income, and how becoming a father sparked his quest for financial independence. He candidly shares how he and his wife, Nicole, made the bold decision to start tracking their net worth, pay off debt, and build a financial plan around what truly mattered: owning their time and prioritizing family.

Listeners will learn how Andy leveraged the power of budgeting, goal setting, and consistent 1% improvements—also known as the aggregation of marginal gains—to make life-changing progress. He breaks down how embracing the Coast FIRE method helped him step away from the corporate grind while still building wealth through the power of compound interest. Andy also discusses how, by the age of 40, he and his wife accumulated $500K in investments, which has grown to over $750K just by allowing it to grow passively—proof that FIRE works.

This episode is full of actionable insights for anyone feeling overwhelmed or stuck in their financial journey. Andy offers practical advice for those who don’t know where to start: understand your net worth, build a simple budget, and focus on small, incremental wins. He emphasizes that financial freedom is not about deprivation but about designing a life where you can thrive with purpose.

As a bonus, the two also bond over their love for karaoke, adding a personal and humorous touch that makes the episode as entertaining as it is educational. Andy wraps up the episode by sharing details about his upcoming book, Own Your Time: 10 Financial Steps to Put Your Family First and Escape the Corporate Grind—a step-by-step guide to achieving financial independence on your own terms.

👉 If you're looking for real talk on building wealth, reclaiming your time, and creating a joyful family life, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

📘 Pre-order Andy's book now and start your journey toward financial freedom today!

https://www.amazon.com/Own-Your-Time-Financial-Corporate/dp/1394342772

Marriage Kids and Money

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