The 401(k) Creator Reveals What No One Tells You About Retirement

Jacqueline Crider and Ted Benna discussed the origin and evolution of the 401k, with Ted Benna explaining his role in introducing employer matching and pre-tax employee contributions. They covered the 401k's shift from traditional pensions to individual control over savings and the importance of intentional retirement planning, including lifestyle considerations and financial budgeting. Other key talking points included the burden of student loan debt, the value of diverse career paths beyond traditional college, and the utility of the 401k for first-time home purchases, along with Ted Benna's "Radish Plan" for employee emergency savings.

Chapters

00:00 The Birth of the 401k
09:50 The Shift from Pensions to 401k
19:47 Planning for Retirement: The Importance of Intentionality
29:55 Navigating Financial Challenges in Today's Economy
40:07 Innovative Solutions for Financial Empowerment

Guest Contact Details:
Name: Ted Benna
Email: ted.benna@benna401k.com
Business: 401kbenna, LLC

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The Secret to Balancing Feminine Energy and Financial Strength

In this episode of Financial Mastery Simplified, host Jax Crider and guest Dana Hunter Fradella discuss the importance of women's empowerment, self-discovery, and financial independence. They explore how societal expectations can hinder personal fulfillment and the significance of aligning one's values with financial goals. Dana shares her journey of overcoming resistance and embracing change, emphasizing the role of community support in navigating life's challenges. The conversation highlights the power of self-mastery and the impact of financial literacy on creating a legacy for future generations.

Chapters

0:00 – Transforming Setbacks into Comebacks: Women’s Empowerment & Financial Mastery

1:20 – Identity Beyond Labels: Self-Discovery Framework for Fulfillment

3:31 – Perfectionism, Alcoholism, Recovery: A Midlife Awakening Story

6:16 – Money Mindset in a Consumer Culture: Scarcity vs. “Enough”

10:01 – College, Trade, or Pause? Choice Architecture for Teens & Parents

14:28 – Alignment in Finance: Logic + Spirit for Better Money Decisions

17:42 – Financial Feminism: Stop Outsourcing Power & Know Your Numbers

25:11 – Family Money Systems: Custodial Roths, 529s, HYSAs & 10% Giving

29:01 – Resistance & Belonging: Staying Aligned Under Family/Societal Pressure

43:09 – Self-Mastery Practice → Financial Mastery: Action Steps & Next Moves

Guest Contact Details:

Name: Dana Hunter Fradella

Email: girls.who.recover@gmail.com

Business: Girls Who Recover

Phone number: 5046101432

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How Depression Quietly Destroys Your Finances (And How to Heal)

In this episode of Financial Mastery Simplified, host Jax Crider delves into the intricate relationship between financial mastery, mental health, and spirituality. Drawing from her personal experiences with depression and ADHD, Jax explores how these factors influence financial behaviors and overall life fulfillment. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and intentional living as key components in achieving mastery over one's financial and personal life. The conversation also highlights the rising rates of depression in society and the role spirituality can play in overcoming mental health challenges. Jax encourages listeners to reflect on their own journeys and consider how they can reset their relationship with money for a more fulfilling life.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Financial Mastery and Personal Struggles

02:26 The Intersection of Mental Health and Financial Mastery

10:27 Finding Fulfillment in Financial Success

16:13 Self-Awareness and Spirituality in Mastery

24:22 Conclusion and Call to Action

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The Psychology Behind Poor Money Habits in 2026

In this episode of Financial Mastery Simplified, Jax Crider and John Donnelly discuss the importance of understanding money as a tool, the need for intentionality in financial planning, and the societal pressures that contribute to financial insecurity. They explore the role of education in career paths, the influence of parents in financial education, and the emotional aspects of managing money. The conversation emphasizes the significance of planning, accountability, and learning from financial setbacks, while also highlighting the importance of having real conversations about financial goals and the role of advisors in achieving financial success.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Financial Mindset

01:57 Understanding Money as a Tool

03:58 The Importance of Intentionality in Financial Planning

05:45 Breaking the Scarcity Mentality

07:36 Lessons from Personal Experiences and Books

09:48 The Impact of Social Media on Financial Perception

11:30 Education and Career Paths: Rethinking Success

13:38 Encouraging Individual Career Choices

15:32 Networking and Real Conversations for Career Growth

19:47 Leveraging Connections for Career Insights

21:47 The Importance of Financial Planning

24:47 Navigating Unexpected Financial Challenges

30:09 The Illusion of Control in Financial Decisions

33:40 The Role of Education in Financial Success

Guest Contact Details:

Name: John Donnelly

Business: SFMC Home Lending

Email: jdonnelly@sfmc.com

Phone number: 2148374787

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How Social Media Is Destroying Your Retirement Mindset

In this episode of Financial Mastery Simplified, host Jax Crider and guest John Kailunas II discuss the evolving landscape of retirement planning, emphasizing the importance of purpose, social connections, and effective communication in financial decisions. They explore how societal pressures and social media influence perceptions of success and fulfillment, and the need for individuals to create a mission statement for their retirement. The conversation also highlights the significance of legacy planning and the necessity of open discussions about finances within families to avoid misunderstandings and ensure that financial resources are used meaningfully.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Financial Mastery and Retirement Insights

02:50 The Changing Landscape of Retirement

05:29 Understanding Purpose in Retirement

08:31 The Impact of Loneliness in Retirement

11:28 Social Media's Influence on Retirement Planning

14:18 The Art and Science of Financial Planning

17:04 Building Relationships in Financial Services

18:50 Understanding Financial Responsibilities

21:06 The Importance of a Mission Statement for Retirement

24:33 Creating a Legacy Through Intentional Giving

29:03 Navigating Family Conversations About Money

33:43 Bridging Generational Gaps in Financial Literacy

Guest Contact Details:

Name: John Kailunas II

Business: Regal Holdings

Email: jkailunas@regalfin.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-kailunas-ii-966b5a7/

How Student Loans Secretly Sabotage Your Financial Future

In this episode, Jax Crider and Brian Eyster discuss the complexities of financial planning, particularly in relation to college funding. They explore the importance of early planning, the nuances of AP and dual credit courses, and the impact of student loans on financial futures. The conversation emphasizes the need for informed decision-making and the role of 529 plans, while also considering alternative education paths. Brian shares insights on navigating the financial aid landscape and the importance of having active conversations with children about their educational choices.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Financial Planning and College Funding

02:35 Navigating College Planning Challenges

05:29 The Importance of Research and Information

08:19 Understanding AP vs. Dual Credit Courses

11:00 The Financial Implications of College Decisions

13:52 Real-World Experiences and Lessons Learned

16:33 The Role of Parents in College Planning

19:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts on Financial Strategies

20:59 Understanding Financial Risks and 529 Plans

24:10 The Flaws in the Education System

28:04 The Impact of Student Loans on Financial Health

34:16 Navigating Debt and Financial Decisions

41:51 Empowering Financial Choices for Families

Guest Contact Details:

Name: Brian Eyster

Business: Essential Strategies, LLC

Email: brian.eyster@essentialstrategies.net

Phone number: 248-514-1476

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The Secrets to Smarter Money Management in 2025

In this episode of Financial Mastery Simplified, host Jax Crider and guest Ron Beckner discuss the importance of financial literacy and the need for individuals to understand how to use money as a tool. They explore the deficiencies in financial education, the significance of tailoring financial advice to individual needs, and the role of experts in navigating the complex landscape of taxes and investments. The conversation emphasizes the personal connection to money, the importance of goal setting, and the exploration of alternative investment options. Ultimately, they encourage listeners to define their own financial paths and seek fulfillment beyond societal expectations.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Financial Literacy

01:30 Understanding Money as a Tool

04:27 The Importance of Time and Tools

08:34 Navigating Information Overload

12:29 Understanding the Rules of the Financial Game

17:04 The Gray Areas of Financial Laws and Opportunities

19:33 Understanding Money: A Personal Journey

23:52 The Importance of Relatable Financial Guidance

27:34 Building Relationships with Financial Advisors

29:04 Exploring Alternative Investment Options

32:00 Defining Personal Financial Goals

35:23 Empowering the Working Class with Financial Knowledge

Guest Contact Details:

Name: Ron Beckner

Business: Peaks Integrity Wealth Management

Email: ron@peaks-integrity.com

Phone number: 7195817325

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The Truth About 401ks and Retirement Risks in 2025

In this episode of Financial Mastery Simplified, host Jax Crider speaks with financial expert Barry James Dyke about the complexities of retirement planning, the risks associated with investments, and the importance of financial education. They discuss the pitfalls of relying on traditional financial systems like 401ks and the need for individuals to take control of their financial futures through self-reliance and informed decision-making. Barry shares insights from his extensive experience in the financial services industry, emphasizing the importance of understanding the rules of the financial game and advocating for better education around investments and retirement planning.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Financial Mastery

02:40 Understanding Wall Street and Retirement Planning

05:14 The Risks of Arbitration and Investment

10:53 Collective Investment Trusts and Their Implications

15:59 The Reality of 401(k) Plans

21:07 The Importance of Expert Guidance

24:32 The Evolution of Alternative Investments

26:08 Retirement Preparedness in the U.S.

27:15 The American Savings Crisis

28:47 Consumer Culture and Financial Decisions

30:18 Predatory Lending Practices

31:36 The Role of Government in Financial Freedom

32:57 Healthcare Systems and Personal Freedom

35:12 Self-Reliance in Financial Matters

36:28 Asset Protection Strategies

39:30 Understanding State-Specific Financial Laws

40:23 Taking Small Steps Towards Financial Mastery

Guest Contact Details:

Name: Barry J. Dyke

Business: Castle Asset Management

Email: bdyke@camnh.com

Phone number: 603-929-7891

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