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In this week’s episode, I sat down with Joel Miller, a Certified Financial Planner™ and the founder of Flames Financial Planning, to break down the intimidating idea of financial planning into something approachable, doable, and even enjoyable. We talked all about how young adults can get started with building a financial plan, why it’s not just for the wealthy, and how small steps can create big results over time. Plus, I share a personal story about the chaos we experienced with my wife’s student loans and why it’s so important to advocate for yourself when things go sideways.

Joel brings great energy and practical wisdom to this conversation, making it a must-listen for anyone who's ever thought, "I'll start planning my finances later." Whether you're just starting out in your career or trying to figure out your next money move, this episode will give you the tools and mindset to get going now.

💰 This Week’s Money Talking Points:

1. How can you start building a financial plan?
2. What small area can you begin with?
3. How can sharing your financial plan with others help?

⏱️ Time Stamps:

[02:00] Skyler’s Story Time: The Nelnet Student Loan Nightmare

[07:00] What Is Financial Planning, Really?

[08:30] Taking One Step at a Time

[10:00] The Importance of Emergency Funds

[13:00] Gaining Confidence in Spending

[14:30] Sinking Funds as a Game-Changer

[17:30] Uniqueness of Every Financial Plan

[20:00] Financial Planning Isn’t Just for the Wealthy

[23:00] Written Goals = Real Progress

[26:00] Estate Planning for Young Adults

[29:00] Other Easy Wins: 401(k) Match, Roth IRA, Avoiding Car Debt

🔗 Resources & Mentions:

Flames Financial Planning: Learn more about Joel’s practice at https://flamesfp.com

Text Joel: 952-300-9632

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This week’s episode is packed with practical investing wisdom and a whole lot of tax-saving strategies. I sat down with Patrick Huey, CFP®, author, small business owner, and host of History Lessons for the Modern Investor, to break down the often-confusing world of tax-efficient investing. We tackled everything from Roth vs. traditional accounts to how to actually use a taxable investing account — and even touched on one of the most underrated tools out there: the HSA. Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been investing for years, this episode is all about helping you keep more of what you earn.

💰 This Week’s Money Talking Points:

1. How can you use a taxable investing account?
2. How do you open an IRA?
3. What should you invest in within your 401k?

⏱️ Episode Breakdown – Key Topics & Timestamps:

[04:30] Why taxes matter when investing – “It’s not what you make, it’s what you keep”

[05:30] Traditional 401ks and IRAs: benefits, downsides, and the hidden “partner” (the government)

[07:45] Who traditional accounts might still make sense for

[09:30] Why Roth IRAs are considered the “holy grail” of investing

[11:00] Building good investing habits early (yes, even $200/month matters!)

[13:30] Capital gains 101 – what they are and how they’re taxed

[15:00] What is a taxable investing account really, and why should you consider one

[17:45] Use ETFs instead for a more tax-efficient approach

[18:30] Capital gains harvesting – how to take advantage of the 0% tax bracket

[20:30] Using taxable accounts for medium-term goals like buying a home

[21:45] Asset location vs. asset allocation – understanding the difference

[23:00] All about HSAs – the triple-tax-advantaged powerhouse

[27:00] Why tax planning beats tax filing, and how to think ahead with your strategy

🔗 Resources & Mentions:

Patrick Huey’s Website: Victory Independent Planning

Patrick’s Podcast: History Lessons for the Modern Investor

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In this week's episode, I sat down with the Dr. Travis Parry to talk about one of the most game-changing aspects of your financial life—getting on the same page. Whether you’re married, engaged, or single and want to better understand your own money mindset, this episode is packed with tools and insights that will help you level up. We talk about understanding your money history, why shared goals matter more than shared bank accounts, and how regular communication can build deep financial intimacy.

Dr. Parry—author of Achieving Balance and Marry and Grow Rich, founder of the Make Time Institute, and father of eight—shares powerful stories and practical tools to help couples and individuals alike break through financial misalignment. If you’ve ever felt like you're speaking a different financial language than your spouse or just want to better align with your future goals, this one’s for you!

💰 Money Talking Points

1. What page are you trying to get to?
2. How would it feel to be in sync with your goals or your spouse?
3. What challenges need to be overcome to get on the same page?

🕒 Time Stamps & Key Conversations

[03:00] – What is a money history? How family origin influences your financial habits.

[05:00] – Scarcity vs. abundance mindset—how your beliefs about money shape your behavior.

[08:00] – Skyler shares a personal breakthrough in financial communication with his wife.

[09:00] – How communication (or lack of it) can make or break your financial life.

[13:00] – Financial infidelity and why trust is so crucial in money management.

[15:00] – Joint accounts vs. joint goals—what matters more for true alignment?

[18:00] – Setting up a system: Money Monday meetings, spending plans, and routines.

[23:00] – 3 big steps to get on the same page:

[30:00] – Final advice: Be a good steward of what you have now to prepare for more.

🔗 Links & Resources

📚 Travis’s Book – Marry and Grow Rich: marryandgrowrichbook.com

🌐 Make Time Institute (Travis’s site): maketimeinstitute.com

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Schedule a free Money Talk at https://moneytalk.show/chat

Get your free Money Talk resources at https://moneytalk.show/resources

Sign up for a free trial with MyBudgetCoach and select me as your money coach: https://www.mybudgetcoach.com/coaches/skyler-fleming

Find even more Money Talk at moneytalk.show/quick-links

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In this episode of Money Talk, we’re diving into the emotional side of money—because let’s be real, it’s not all about math. I’m joined by Egle Aleknaviciute, a wealth, business, and purpose strategist who brings a unique mix of financial expertise and emotional intelligence. We explore why saving can feel painful, how vision boards can actually boost your savings, and how to harness your emotions, not be controlled by them, when it comes to money. If you’ve ever struggled with guilt around spending or felt like saving was a loss, this one’s for you.

💰 Money Talking Points

1. What system can help take the pain out of savings for you?
2. How can a vision board help you?
3. What is your why with your money?

🕒 Key Time Stamps

• 03:30 – Automating your savings to reduce decision fatigue
• 06:00 – Emotions vs. logic: why emotion always wins
• 08:00 – Stock market fear, emotional triggers, and making smart choices
• 11:30 – Vision boards: how they connect your goals with your subconscious
• 13:00 – The magic of awareness and writing down your dreams
• 15:00 – How opportunities appear when you start dreaming
• 17:30 – Shifting beliefs and allowing yourself to enjoy your money
• 19:00 – Why your "why" is the foundation for financial focus
• 21:30 – Advertisement immunity: resisting marketing through purpose
• 23:00 – Logic justifies emotion—so control the emotion first

🔗 Links & Resources

• 🌐 Connect with Egle Aleknaviciute: www.egle-aleknaviciute.com
• 🎙️ Past Episodes Mentioned:
  • Whiteboards mentioned in the episode with the CoastFI Couple

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Sign up for my newsletter: https://money-talk.kit.com/64cbd24b05

Schedule a free Money Talk at https://moneytalk.show/chat

Get your free Money Talk resources at https://moneytalk.show/resources

Sign up for a free trial with MyBudgetCoach and select me as your money coach: https://www.mybudgetcoach.com/coaches/skyler-fleming

Find even more Money Talk at moneytalk.show/quick-links

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In this episode, we dive deep into the often intimidating and confusing world of health insurance. I brought on Christine MacLaren, an HR professional with over 25 years of experience and a certified budget coach, to help us understand this complex part of our financial lives. We break down key terms like premiums, deductibles, and co-insurance, explore the pros and cons of high deductible health plans (HDHPs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), and even touch on the lesser-discussed but vital topic of disability insurance. We also talk about COBRA, marketplace alternatives, and how picking the right (or wrong) insurance can be financially life-changing. If you’ve ever been overwhelmed by your benefits package or open enrollment season, this episode is for you!

💰 Money Talking Points:

1. What health insurance plan is right for you?
2. How can you use an HSA to minimize taxes?
3. Why is disability insurance important?

⏱️ Timestamps & Key Conversations:

• [02:00] – Skyler’s Story Time: Using credit cards smartly for a free trip to NYC
• [04:30] – Why health insurance is necessary and how it protects you financially
• [06:00] – Definitions breakdown: Premiums, Deductibles, Co-insurance, Out-of-Pocket Max, Copays
• [09:45] – When to take advantage of reaching your out-of-pocket max for planned care
• [11:30] – How HSAs work, how to use them smartly, and why they’re so powerful
• [18:00] – Should everyone choose an HDHP? When it's a good or bad fit
• [20:00] – What is COBRA and why it’s so expensive
• [22:00] – Why using your preventive care benefits matters
• [23:30] – Hidden wellness perks and employer incentives (smart scales, gym discounts, etc.)
• [24:30] – How picking the wrong plan can be financially devastating
• [27:00] – A powerful note on why disability insurance is a must-have

🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Christine MacLaren’s Website: https://breatheagainbudgets.com

Support the show

Sign up for my newsletter: https://money-talk.kit.com/64cbd24b05

Schedule a free Money Talk at https://moneytalk.show/chat

Get your free Money Talk resources at https://moneytalk.show/resources

Sign up for a free trial with MyBudgetCoach and select me as your money coach: https://www.mybudgetcoach.com/coaches/skyler-fleming

Find even more Money Talk at moneytalk.show/quick-links

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In this week's episode, we're diving into all the critical things you didn’t learn in school — from budgeting basics to building credit, paying taxes, and investing wisely. I’m joined by Rob Finlay, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Hey Dad, who shares some incredibly helpful insights for anyone navigating adult finances. Whether you’re just starting out or trying to get your budget back on track, this conversation will help you develop a financial foundation that actually works in real life. Plus, I share a little behind-the-scenes on why investing in yourself is always worth it.

💡 Money Talking Points:

1. How can tracking your expenses help you get started?
2. What’s something you wish you had been taught in school?
3. How can you avoid the early dangers of finance?

⏱️ Episode Breakdown + Timestamps:

• [03:30] What school didn’t teach us: adulting with money
• [04:30] Why budgeting is a path to financial freedom, not restriction
• [07:00] Compounding returns & balancing investing vs. debt payoff
• [09:00] Good interest vs. bad interest: How to make smarter choices
• [11:00] Rob’s take on investing vs. paying off debt
• [12:30] Smart credit card use + the truth about carrying a balance
• [15:00] Avoiding common financial traps and the role of financial literacy
• [16:30] Why understanding basic taxes is crucial
• [18:00] When and how to seek professional help with finances
• [19:00] Vetting your financial advice sources in the age of influencers
• [23:00] What financial freedom means to Rob and how to achieve it
• [24:30] First steps to getting out of debt and taking control
• [26:00] How tracking expenses helps you make better spending decisions
• [28:00] Final thoughts on financial literacy, opportunity, and getting started

🔗 Resources & Mentions:

• Rob Finlay’s Website & Book: robfinlay.com
• Text Skyler your money wins or questions! Link at the top of the show notes

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Sign up for my newsletter: https://money-talk.kit.com/64cbd24b05

Schedule a free Money Talk at https://moneytalk.show/chat

Get your free Money Talk resources at https://moneytalk.show/resources

Sign up for a free trial with MyBudgetCoach and select me as your money coach: https://www.mybudgetcoach.com/coaches/skyler-fleming

Find even more Money Talk at moneytalk.show/quick-links

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🎙️ Welcome to Money Talk - Episode 177

Hey Money Buddies! This week’s episode is a big one. I’ve got some exciting announcements, a fresh new look, and a reminder of why we’re here — to talk about money so we can all do better with it, together. I’m walking you through what’s new with the Money Talk Show, including our revamped website and a brand-new way to connect with me directly (yep, via text!). We also dive into what Money Talk is really all about, why having these conversations matters so much, and how you can start your own money talks today. Plus, I’m introducing a new segment called “Skyler’s Story Time” and share one of the big exciting things coming up in my life. Let’s get into it!

💰 This Week’s Money Talking Points

1. How do we benefit from talking about money?
2. What do we lose out on if we don’t talk about personal finances?
3. How can you start a money talk?

🕒 Episode Timestamps

[00:00] – Welcome + Rebranding Announcement 🎉

[01:30] – What is Money Talk, and why I started this podcast

[02:15] – The mission of Money Talk: Helping young adults get confident with their money

[03:00] – Introducing "Skyler’s Story Time"

[05:00] – Talking Point #1: How we benefit from talking about money

[07:00] – Talking Point #2: What we lose if we don’t talk about money

[09:00] – Talking Point #3: How to start a money talk

11:00 – My favorite money talk topic: Dreaming about big money goals 💭

12:00 – Wrap-up and reminder to start your own money talk this week!

🔗 Resources & Mentions

🌐 New Website: moneytalk.show

📱 Text Me Directly: Click the link in the show notes on your podcast app to send me a message!

🎁 Gift Card Giveaway: Text me within one week of this episode’s release to be entered to win a $10 gift card.

📚 Free Resource: The 7 Money Talking Points – Available under “Free Resources” on the site.

Past Guest Episodes Mentioned:

• Paul Merriman – Ep. 113
• Dana Miranda – Ep. 107 & 156
• The CoastFI Couple – Ep. 159

Thanks for tuning in, and as always, let’s keep talking about money so that we can all do better with money together. Can’t wait to hear what you think about the new look and updates — don’t forget to text me!

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Sign up for my newsletter: https://money-talk.kit.com/64cbd24b05

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Get your free Money Talk resources at https://moneytalk.show/resources

Sign up for a free trial with MyBudgetCoach and select me as your money coach: https://www.mybudgetcoach.com/coaches/skyler-fleming

Find even more Money Talk at moneytalk.show/quick-links

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I'm so excited you're tuning in to Money Talk! In this quick trailer episode, I’m giving you the inside scoop on how Money Talk was born, starting all the way back when I worked in a credit union call center. After seeing firsthand how a simple money conversation could change someone's financial future, I knew I wanted to keep the conversation going.

Since launching this podcast in September 2021, I've had the chance to chat with hundreds of guests, share countless money tips, and build an incredible community of young adults learning to manage their finances with more confidence.

Here at Money Talk, we believe talking about money shouldn’t be taboo — it should be a part of everyday life! Whether it's investing when you're young, managing debt after college, or just feeling less stressed about your money overall, you’ll find support, real advice, and accountability from your fellow Money Buddies right here.

💬 If you're ready to start having better conversations about money — and get better at managing it — you're in the right place. Let’s get talking!

Support the show

Sign up for my newsletter: https://money-talk.kit.com/64cbd24b05

Schedule a free Money Talk at https://moneytalk.show/chat

Get your free Money Talk resources at https://moneytalk.show/resources

Sign up for a free trial with MyBudgetCoach and select me as your money coach: https://www.mybudgetcoach.com/coaches/skyler-fleming

Find even more Money Talk at moneytalk.show/quick-links

"Upbeat Forever" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/