Do you feel like your paycheck doesn’t stretch as far as it used to? You’re not alone — and you’re not wrong.

The truth is, you're probably making more than you did five years ago — and yet, you feel poorer. That’s not a budgeting issue. That’s inflation at work. In this video, we break down how $100,000 in 2020 is equivalent to $125,000 in 2025, and why a typical 3% raise leaves you $10,000 short of the buying power you need.

You’ll learn:

• Why your money feels like it’s evaporating

• How inflation has outpaced most salaries

• The myth of the “cost-of-living” raise

• What you can actually do to fight back

If your finances feel tight even though you’re earning more — you’re not broken. The system is.

But here’s the good news: you can still control how you earn, spend, and grow wealth. This episode is your wake-up call.

Subscribe for more brutally honest breakdowns on money, freedom, and the hidden forces shaping your future.

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If you are in need of a Financial Coach, don’t waste another day of being in debt, not planning for retirement, or simply wondering where your money went each month. Today is the day to take control of your finances and I can help, no issue is too big or too small. Contact me at https://www.thefinancialmirror.org/

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Thinking about co-signing a loan for a friend or family member? Stop and watch this first.

In this episode, we reveal the harsh truth behind co-signing — why it's one of the most financially dangerous decisions you can make, no matter how much you love or trust someone. You'll learn what really happens when you co-sign a loan, hear true stories of financial ruin, and understand the long-term emotional and legal consequences.

Most people believe they're just “helping” someone get approved. But co-signing makes YOU fully responsible for the debt. If the borrower misses payments or defaults, your credit score tanks — and your relationship may not survive either.

This is a must-watch for parents, partners, and anyone pressured to “just sign here.” We’ll also give you smarter alternatives to support someone financially without tying your name to their loan.

• Learn the risks

• Protect your credit

• Set healthy financial boundaries

  
  

Don’t co-sign until you know the facts. Protect your peace, your finances, and your future.

Subscribe for honest money talk, smart financial strategies, and the tough lessons no one teaches.

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If you are in need of a Financial Coach, don’t waste another day of being in debt, not planning for retirement, or simply wondering where your money went each month. Today is the day to take control of your finances and I can help, no issue is too big or too small. Contact me at https://www.thefinancialmirror.org/

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Are you really on track to retire a millionaire — or is that just a dream? In this powerful episode, we break down why becoming a millionaire is more achievable than ever, even on a modest income. Inspired by Dave Ramsey’s bold challenge to Americans under 40, we dive into the real math behind retiring with over $1 million — or even $11.6 million — by age 65.

You’ll learn the compound growth strategies that work, even if you're starting small. We’ll walk through the difference between investing $100 vs $1,000/month, the best habits of real-life millionaires, and what separates those who build wealth from those who never quite get there.

Whether you’re 25 or 45, it’s not too late to start building your financial future. We’ll show you how to leverage time, automate your investing, and avoid common money mistakes that drain your wealth potential. Plus, you'll hear wisdom from dozens of self-made millionaires on how they did it — and how you can too.

This isn't hype. This is your millionaire blueprint.

Start small. Stay consistent. Build wealth for life.

Like, subscribe, and comment below:

What’s your wealth goal in the next 10 years?

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If you are in need of a Financial Coach, don’t waste another day of being in debt, not planning for retirement, or simply wondering where your money went each month. Today is the day to take control of your finances and I can help, no issue is too big or too small. Contact me at https://www.thefinancialmirror.org/

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Wondering how much house you can actually afford? Forget what the bank tells you. Lenders base your mortgage approval on outdated debt-to-income ratios that ignore your real life—and that’s exactly how people end up house-poor. In this video, we break down the most accurate and financially sustainable way to calculate home affordability using a smarter method: the 25% rule.

Instead of relying on gross income or bank pre-approvals, we show you how to determine your home buying budget based on take-home pay—the money that actually hits your bank account. Our rule of thumb: Your monthly mortgage payment, PMI, homeowner's insurance, and HOA fees should never exceed 25% of your net income. This ensures you still have room for retirement savings, emergencies, vacations, and everyday living—without sacrificing your future.

We’ll walk you through:

o Why traditional mortgage advice is flawed

o The hidden dangers of lender-approved debt ratios

o The full breakdown of housing costs (and which ones matter most)

o How to budget for maintenance, taxes, and unpredictable repairs

o A real-world case study to show how this plays out in actual numbers

o Whether you should buy at all—or if renting and investing might be the better move

Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, someone relocating, or trying to figure out if it’s finally time to stop renting, this episode gives you real numbers, honest insights, and zero sales fluff.

Ready to stop guessing and start planning? Check out this episode before you make a home-buying decision that locks up your income for decades.

Don’t become house-poor. Buy smart. Live free.

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If you are in need of a Financial Coach, don’t waste another day of being in debt, not planning for retirement, or simply wondering where your money went each month. Today is the day to take control of your finances and I can help, no issue is too big or too small. Contact me at https://www.thefinancialmirror.org/

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Think you need 20% down to buy a house? Think again.

That outdated myth might be the reason you’re still renting. In this video, we break down exactly how your down payment affects the maximum home price you can afford, based on your budget, not someone else’s rulebook.

We walk through real mortgage math, using $1,500/month as our housing budget and today’s interest rates to show you what buyers with 20%, 10%, or 5% down can actually afford, including property taxes, insurance, and HOA dues.

Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, a millennial trying to break into the market, or just tired of saving toward an arbitrary number, this episode gives you clarity on:

• How much house can you afford at different down payment levels

• Why aiming for a 20% down payment isn't always necessary

• How lenders calculate what you can qualify for

• What to do if your current savings don’t match the home you want

• How to plan your next steps in a high-rate, high-price housing market

This is a no-fluff, numbers-based breakdown for real people who want real answers. If you’re buying a home in 2025, this is the episode you need to watch before setting your savings goal.

Subscribe to the channel for more empowering content on personal finance, investing, and self-improvement. Don't miss out on the opportunity to unlock your true financial potential and live a life of abundance. It's time to invest in yourself and create the future you deserve!

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If you are in need of a Financial Coach, don’t waste another day of being in debt, not planning for retirement, or simply wondering where your money went each month. Today is the day to take control of your finances and I can help, no issue is too big or too small. Contact me at https://www.thefinancialmirror.org/

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Money and dating: a modern love story—or a total red flag? In this episode, we unpack what really happens when love meets financial baggage. Would you date someone with $20,000 in credit card debt? What about $1,000? A new survey shows that for many, money matters a lot more than they admit. From red flags to green lights, financial honesty, and dealbreaker debt, we're digging into how finances affect dating in 2025—and what you can do to date smarter.

o How much debt is too much in a relationship

o Why Gen Z is more financially selective in dating

o Real signs of financial compatibility (it's not about income)

o How to talk about money without killing the mood

Drop a comment: What’s your biggest financial red flag or green flag in dating?

Subscribe for weekly episodes on love, money, mindset, and modern life.

Survey: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/data-undateable-debt

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If you are in need of a Financial Coach, don’t waste another day of being in debt, not planning for retirement, or simply wondering where your money went each month. Today is the day to take control of your finances and I can help, no issue is too big or too small. Contact me at https://www.thefinancialmirror.org/

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Renting vs. buying a home in 2025—what's actually smarter for your finances? With housing prices still high, mortgage rates fluctuating, and rent increasing in most cities, the question of “Should I rent or buy?” has never been more important—or more confusing.

In this episode, we break down the real math, the pros and cons, and the lifestyle questions you must answer before making a move. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a long-time renter, or somewhere in between, this episode gives you the clarity you need—without the pressure.

Here’s what we cover:

• Renting vs. buying in today’s market

• Why renting isn’t “throwing money away”

• When buying makes long-term financial sense

• Real-life cost breakdown of renting vs. buying

• The 5-point checklist to know if you're ready to buy

• Red flags to watch for before buying a home

• How to align your home decision with your financial goals
  

Thinking about buying a house in 2025? Or just tired of rising rent? Enjoy this episode before making a move—your wallet will thank you.

Got questions? Drop your situation in the comments and I might feature it in a future episode!

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If you are in need of a Financial Coach, don’t waste another day of being in debt, not planning for retirement, or simply wondering where your money went each month. Today is the day to take control of your finances and I can help, no issue is too big or too small. Contact me at https://www.thefinancialmirror.org/

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In this episode, we walk through the 7-question money quiz from FINRA's National Financial Capability Study — the test that reveals what most people don’t know about their own money.

We’re not just going over the correct answers — we’re breaking down:

o Why each question matters

o How it affects your everyday money decisions

o What core financial principle it reveals (like interest, inflation, debt, risk, or investing)

o How to actually apply it in your real life

Topics we cover:

o Compound interest explained (for saving AND for debt)

o How inflation destroys your savings

o Mortgages: 15 vs. 30 years

o Bonds vs. interest rates

o Diversifying investments

o Understanding risk & probabilities

o And more...

Whether you’re just starting your financial journey or trying to level up your money knowledge, this episode is your free financial education starter kit.

Subscribe to the channel for more empowering content on personal finance, investing, and self-improvement. Don't miss out on the opportunity to unlock your true financial potential and live a life of abundance. It's time to invest in yourself and create the future you deserve!

Articles Referenced:

- Quiz: ⁠https://money.com/adults-cant-pass-basic-money-quiz/?xid=applenews⁠

- Compound Interest: ⁠https://www.investor.gov/financial-tools-calculators/calculators/compound-interest-calculator⁠

- Bond Relationship: ⁠https://www.sec.gov/files/ib_interestraterisk.pdf⁠

- 15-year vs 30-year Mortgage: ⁠https://www.bankrate.com/mortgages/15-vs-30-year-mortgage/#differences⁠

Stock Returns:

- SPY: ⁠https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/SPY⁠

- INTC: ⁠https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/INTC⁠

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Facebook:⁠ https://www.facebook.com/thefinancialmirr0r⁠

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If you are in need of a Financial Coach, don’t waste another day of being in debt, not planning for retirement, or simply wondering where your money went each month. Today is the day to take control of your finances and I can help, no issue is too big or too small. Contact me at ⁠https://www.thefinancialmirror.org/⁠

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