Afleveringen
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Car buying has become one of the most financially dangerous consumer experiences in modern life. In todayâs episode, weâre flipping the script.
Whether youâre buying or leasing, trading in or paying cash, Iâll walk you through the 10 timeless rules you must follow if you want to avoid getting taken for a rideâfinancially and emotionally. No guilt trips. No boomer advice. Just strategy, leverage, and power dynamics decoded.
And full disclosure: I love cars. I lease new ones every few years. Iâm not here to shame your joy. Iâm here to make sure that joy doesnât cost you $9,000 more than it should.
WHAT WE COVER:
Why you should never walk into a dealership firstâand what to do insteadThe email script that can save you thousands before you ever test driveWhy âWhat can you afford monthly?â is a trapâand how it costs you bigThe hidden revenue center called the âfinance officeâ (and how to say no)The floor plan secret that gives you leverage when buying in stockHow to use pre-approved financing as bait to beat the dealer at their own gameReal math on depreciationâand why some âinvestmentsâ are worth it anywayWhen leasing makes more sense than buying (and what to negotiate)How emotional timing ruins dealsâand how to buy before you need toThe best days of the year to buy, based on actual dealer incentivesPlus, why your car purchase might be one of the biggest financial decisions of your next five yearsâwhether you realize it or not.
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Kelley Blue Book average car prices (2024): $47,000+CFPB, NADA, JD Power, Bankrate statistics on car loans, dealer profit centers, and interest rate gamesHow to calculate a lease âmoney factorâ and negotiate like a proThe difference between buying a car and buying a feelingâand why that mattersJOIN THE CONVERSATION:
Have a question, a rant, or a car-buying story that others need to hear? Shoot me a note at [email protected]. I read every message.And if this show is helping you feel more powerful and prepared, the best way to say thanks is with a quick review. It helps the show grow and lets me keep delivering practical, real-world financial guidanceâwithout selling out.
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Sheâs been on Bloomberg. The New York Times. Yahoo Finance. But Madyâs real talent? Translating the chaos of markets and money into stories that make you feel seen. In this episode, we dive into everything from surviving the 2016 election newsroom to navigating the terrifyingly personal world of money and relationships. Mady opens up about growing up around volatility â both financial and emotional â and how it fuels her empathy-first approach to financial journalism today.
We talk about:
Why everyone, even billionaires, fears losing everythingHow to actually make money content more fun and accessibleWhat David Booth (yes, that billionaire) thinks you should do instead of stressing about a stock crashHow her background in political reporting shaped her calm, clear-eyed view of financial chaosThe most important account a woman can open (hint: it starts with âIâ and ends with freedom)And the number one piece of advice for men in relationshipsâyouâll just have to listen and find out!This is one of those rare conversations that gets behind the curtain of financial media and your own money story â and leaves you feeling a little smarter, a little braver, and a lot more equipped to have the hard conversations.
Interested in learning more about and/or following Mady Mills?
Instagram: @madymills
TikTok: @madymills
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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You've hit the million-dollar markânow what?
In this episode of Your Money Guide on the Side, we tackle the deceptively simple question: how should you invest a million dollars? This isnât about theoretical asset allocation or textbook strategies. Itâs about real lives, real goals, and real risk tolerance.
We meet three investorsâChad, Nina, and Margeâeach at very different life stages, each with a radically different approach to putting their wealth to work:
Chad Slater, the thrill-seeking ex-startup bro who wants asymmetry, optionality, and upside. His portfolio is bold, volatile, and aggressiveâglobal equities, venture capital, and yes, crypto.Nina Ellington, the grounded creative director turned Pilates instructor who wants growth without chaos. Her diversified, resilient mix of stocks, bonds, real estate, and alternatives prioritizes balance and autonomy over adrenaline.Marge Buttersworth, the sharp, independent retiree who wants reliability and peace of mind. Her income-focused portfolio features bond ladders, dividend stocks, and high-yield cash vehiclesâdesigned to pay her, not stress her.These are not just asset allocations. They are reflections of who these people are, what they value, and what they need their money to do for them.
đĄ Along the way, we explore key questions:
How soon will you need the money?How much risk can you stomach?Are you trying to grow, preserve, or withdraw from your portfolio?And if you stick around until the end, I share exactly how I invest my own moneyâno hype, no secretsâjust a simple, transparent walk through my personal allocation and why I chose it.
đ In this episode, youâll learn:
3 distinct investing strategies for $1M portfoliosHow risk tolerance, time horizon, and goals shape allocationThe truth about fees, diversification, and asset class correlationWhy your neighborâs portfolio has nothing to do with yoursHow to evaluate your definition of enoughđŹ Bonus: If this episode resonates, subscribe to my free weekly newsletter for deeper dives and personal stories at tylergardner.com
đïž Disclaimer: Iâm not your financial advisorâIâm your guide on the side. Everything here is for educational purposes only. Always do your own research and consider working with a fiduciary advisor who understands your unique circumstances.
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What if the only investment guide you ever needed... actually was?
This week, I sit down with personal finance legend Andrew Tobiasâbestselling author, Harvard Business School grad, long-time political advocate, and the brilliant mind behind The Only Investment Guide Youâll Ever Need. His book was literally the first financial text I ever read, and it remains one of the few I return to over and over againâfor its timeless principles, relatable tone, and surprising humor.
In this conversation, we cover:
The unlikely path from Slavic literature major to bestselling financial writerWhy âdonât be boringâ might be the best writing advice youâll ever getThe epic laundry list of startup investments that went very sideways (and what he learned from each)The true cost of chasing returns vs. chasing happinessWhy retirement isn't a finish lineâbut a lifestyle with the right peopleHis most embarrassing investing lossesâand how they became his favorite teaching toolsAndrew doesnât just teach people how to manage moneyâhe shows us how to think about it, with warmth, wit, and an honesty thatâs rare in finance.
đ§ If youâve ever wondered what makes financial advice stickâor how to build a life rich in meaning as well as moneyâthis episode is for you.
đ Subscribe, rate, and share if it resonates. And thank you for joining me on Your Money Guide on the Side.
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This might be the most common money question I get, and maybe even the most important: Should I hire a financial advisor?
And right behind it: If so, how do I find a good one?In todayâs episode, Iâm not giving you a yes or no answer (sorry, not sorry). Instead, Iâm walking you through a three-part framework to decide if you need an advisorâskill, will, and timeâand then Iâm sharing seven real-world filters for choosing the right one if you do.
Because the truth is:
Working with a financial advisor might be one of the smartest moves youâll ever make.Or it might be an expensive, unnecessary distraction.The difference lies in what you need and who you choose.
Weâll talk about:
The difference between CFPÂź, CFAÂź, CPA, and the rest of the alphabet soupWhat being a âfiduciaryâ really means (and doesnât mean)The myth of market-beating promises (run from those)Fee models that make senseâand those that donâtWhy credentials are clues, but not the whole storyHow investing is often more about behavior than brillianceThe one question you must ask every advisor: âHow do you invest your own money?âAnd yes, I even compare hiring a financial advisor to datingâbecause, honestly, it is.
This episode wonât give you a rubber-stamped answer, but it will give you something far more valuable: a lens to look through so you can make the call yourself.đ§ Whether youâre DIY-ing your financial life or just trying to figure out if the grass really is greener with professional helpâthis oneâs for you.
If you enjoy the show, donât forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend whoâs wondering if they should âtalk to someoneâ about their money.
đ© And as always, you can sign up for the free newsletter at tylergardner.com for more clear, action-oriented financial education.
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He paid off $100K in debt and isnât trying to sell you a thing â meet Dan the Budget Man.
In a financial world cluttered with gurus, grifters, and gatekeepers, Dan Brigham (@budgeters_anonymous) is a breath of fresh air. No paywalls. No âsix-figure side hustleâ webinars. Just brutally honest content, bite-sized math on notecards, and a contagious belief that you can take control of your money â excuses not included.
In this episode of Your Money Guide on the Side, we dive into the moments that shaped Danâs mission, including his two-year journey out of over $100,000 in debt and why vulnerabilityânot credentialsâis his currency of trust. We talk about his viral âSmart Guy vs. Dumb Guyâ series, the backlash he gets over car payments (youâve been warned), and why he thinks showing integrity is far more important than performing expertise.
Youâll also hear us unpack:
What makes people defensive about moneyWhy so many creators struggle with relevance and comparisonHow to stay grounded (literally and spiritually) when the work feels heavyThe reality behind Austinâs finance/media sceneAnd the books that actually changed our lives (spoiler: oneâs still in print after 2,000 years)If youâre tired of being yelled at by the financial internet or just want to hear two humans wrestle with what it means to help others and still help themselvesâthis oneâs for you.
Listen wherever you get your podcasts. And donât forget to subscribe if youâre into financial literacy, big questions, and small wins.
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Is All Debt Bad? What the Wealthy Know That Most People Donât
Debt doesnât have to be your enemyâand in this solo episode, Tyler Gardner breaks down how to make smarter decisions about debt, ditch shame, and leverage it as a tool for long-term wealth.
Whether youâre currently drowning in high-interest credit cards, juggling student loans, or just debating whether to pay off your 3% mortgage early, this episode is your new north star for how to think clearly about debt. Youâll learn how to:
â Decide whether to pay off debt or invest
â Use a practical ranking system to tackle your debt (hello, Debt Emergency Scale!)
â Think about opportunity cost like an investor
â Understand the psychological weight of debtâand why some people sleep soundly with it while others spiral
â Use the avalanche or snowball method depending on your own wiring
â Flip the script: how leverage (yes, debt!) can be used strategically to build wealth the way entrepreneurs and investors do every dayPlus, Tyler shares a vulnerable reminder that debt isn't a moral failingâit's a part of modern life. The goal isnât perfection. Itâs clarity, action, and momentum.
This one is personal. And powerful. And might just change the way you think about debt forever.
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What happens when a former English teacher becomes a CFOâand decides to teach everyone around him how money actually works?
In this episode, Tyler sits down with longtime friend and campmate Andy Schneider, a career educator and current CFO at an independent school, for a wide-ranging and deeply honest conversation about what we teach (and donât teach) about money.
Andy has worn a lot of hatsâboarding school English teacher, PWC consultant, MBA grad, educational administratorâand he brings a rare combo of humility, humor, and clarity to the messy overlap between education, money, and life purpose.
Youâll hear:
Why Andy left the classroomâand why he came backHow business was âdemystifiedâ for him in the least expected wayWhat actually drives the cost of college (and why some schools wonât survive)The myth of the âmoney expertââand how to choose who you trustWhat a CFO wishes more teachers asked him (but never do)đïž Plus:
The uncomfortable truth about health insurance, school budgeting, and stock-picking competitions in high schoolsWhy college needs a Julliard-style reset for the modern worldAnd why Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel just might be the most important book youâll ever readThis oneâs for anyone navigating careers, family, and the growing pressure of financial decision-making in a world that feels increasingly complex and expensive. Whether you're saving for college or trying to explain your 401(k) to your teenager, this episode helps add clarity, confidence, and maybe even some joy to the process.
đ Education, meet real-world finance.
đ¶ Also: Tylerâs dogs make a guest appearance with some strong opinions on college tuition.
đ Highlights & Resources:
Book: The Psychology of Money by Morgan HouselConcept: Education vs. College (yes, thereâs a difference)Tool: Why every good CFO keeps a whiteboard in their officeFramework: You donât need to be a teacher to teachđŹ Subscribe to Tylerâs newsletter for 3 weekly money insights: tylergardner.com
đ§ More episodes at Your Money Guide on the Side -
Have you ever said, âIâm just bad with moneyâ?
Yeahâme too. But what if the real issue isnât your spending or saving or investing strategy... but your ability to name the actual problem in the first place?
This solo episode is a follow-up to last weekâs conversation with CFPÂź Victoria Ferguson, and itâs all about creating a personal framework that helps you stop spinning your wheels and finally make meaningful progress in your financial life.
Youâll learn:
Why most people never get past step one in solving their money problemsHow to stop drowning in to-do lists and prioritize the right thingA new lens for filtering financial advice (and spotting BS in a sea of influencers)đ Whether youâre overwhelmed by credit card debt, unsure how to retire, or simply tired of feeling like youâre doing everything but getting nowhere, this episode gives you the tools to:
â Name the problem
â Prioritize the problem
â Solve the problemâwithout getting lost in the noisePlus:
What Warren Buffettâs 25-5 Rule has to do with your financesThe Latin origin of the word âpriorityâ (spoiler: it was never meant to be plural)Why vague financial advice is like shopping at Costco while hungryAnd how smoke alarms at 2 a.m. taught me more about problem-solving than any spreadsheet ever didIf you want clarity, confidence, and a simple way to move forward in your financial lifeâthis episode is for you.
đŻ Donât just solve problems. Solve the right one.
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What do you get when you combine a financial planner with the heart of a teacher and the boldness of a creator? You get Victoria Fergusonâtodayâs guest and a true money guide for the modern world.
Victoria is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERÂź who left a traditional finance career to create educational content full-time. Why? Because she knew more people needed clear, honest money guidanceâand that trust is built through storytelling, not spreadsheets.
In this episode, we talk about:
Why budgets are like dietsâand why most donât workWhat really makes someone a financial âexpertâThe emotional side of money most advisors ignoreHow to interview a financial advisor (with the questions that matter)Why money shame exists at every income levelAnd how to define your own goals before chasing anyone elseâs tacticsVictoria shares her best insights from years of working with high-net-worth clients, her decision to walk away from a stable paycheck, and what it really means to feel secure with moneyâregardless of your bank balance.
Whether youâre looking for a financial planner, trying to navigate online money advice, or just curious what it means to live in alignment with your values⊠this episode is for you.
đ§ Listen now to learn:
â How to find a CFPÂź whoâs a true fit for you
â Why understanding your values changes your money game
â The exact framework to use when you're overwhelmed by financial adviceConnect with Victoria
@financiallyvictoria | TikTok & Instagram
Mentioned in the show:
Fee-only fiduciaries (what that really means)Why where do you summer? is the wildest financial flexAnd why first principles matter for financial planningâ
đ§ Want more episodes like this? Subscribe to Your Money Guide on the Side wherever you get your podcasts and join Tylerâs weekly newsletter at tylergardner.com
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Most people spend their lives trying not to lose. The wealthy? They play to win.
In this solo episode, Tyler Gardner breaks down the asymmetry of opportunityâwhy one big win can outweigh dozens of small failures, and how our fear of loss keeps us from seeing the upside that could change everything.
Tyler takes you from Disneyâs acquisition of Pixar to Jeff Bezosâ âregret minimization framework,â unpacks the psychology of loss aversion, and explains why Monte Carlo simulations, the Kelly Criterion, and even barbell investing can help you make better decisions in life and money.
Youâll also learn:
Why we overweight risk and underweight opportunityHow only 4% of public companies have driven all net market gains (ASU study)What venture capital teaches us about failure and power lawsWhy the S&P 500 has never lost money over any rolling 20-year period (Fama/French)The exact 3-question framework the wealthy use to evaluate high-stakes decisionsWhether youâre building a business, investing for your future, or just trying to get out of your own way, this episode will help you rewire your decision-making process and start playing for upside.
đ§ Itâs not about taking reckless risksâitâs about taking the right ones.
đ Learn how to structure your decisions like a builder, not a hedger.â
For more insights, visit tylergardner.com, and subscribe to Tylerâs weekly newsletter for 3 actionable financial ideas every Sunday.
Follow Tyler on all platforms @socialcapofficial (IG + YT) and @socialcap (TT)
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This week on Your Money Guide on the Side, Iâm joined by the incredible Jessica Inskipâone of the sharpest, most grounded voices in modern investing. Jessica was the first female on Fidelityâs active trader desk, and you may have seen her breaking down complex strategies alongside Jim Cramer, or offering sharp, accessible takes on CNBC, Fox Business, Schwab Network, and Yahoo Finance.
In this episode, we unpack her journey from nearly becoming an engineer to becoming a nationally recognized voice in financial educationâand why she made the bold decision to give up her professional licenses in order to educate people where theyâre actually learning: on TikTok, Instagram, and her #1-ranked personal finance podcast, Market MakeHer.
Jessica shares the powerful story of how she pivoted careers after realizing that the people who needed the most helpâyoung investors learning from unverified sourcesâwerenât being reached due to compliance constraints. The tragic case of Alex Kearns, and the inability for licensed professionals to correct misinformation in real-time, was a tipping point. From that moment on, Jessica committed to bridging the gap between Wall Street and the everyday investor, even if it meant leaving behind the traditional career path.
We talk about how she built a media presence without compromising her authenticity, how she measures impact over virality, and why she believes good education, not flashy trends, is the antidote to financial misinformation online. She shares her approach to making complex topics like credit markets and macroeconomics accessibleâand the surprising (and sometimes frustrating) viral moments that have shaped her platform.
We also dive into:
How she transitioned from Merrill to full-time educator and creatorThe emotional and professional weight of giving up her Series licensesThe difference between being a financial expert and simply playing one on social mediaWhy compliance rules continue to keep great educators out of the creator economyHow she balances family life, media work, and her growing personal brandHer podcast, Market MakeHer, and how it became a trusted resource for tens of thousandsJessica also reflects on what success really means in a digital world that rewards metrics over meaning. Her answer? Itâs not about the followers. Itâs about the impactâthe emails, the DMs, the women who now feel confident speaking about bonds, credit markets, and earnings reports because someone took the time to meet them where they are.
We wrap by talking about her work with Jim Cramer, the power of representation in finance, and how sheâs planning a book that will finally explain the domino effect of marketsâfrom interest rates to consumer behaviorâin a way that actually makes sense.
Whether youâre an active investor, a new creator, or just someone trying to be smarter with your money, Jessica offers a masterclass in clarity, commitment, and courage. This conversation is packed with insights, humility, and heart.
đïž Take a listenâyou wonât just learn about markets. Youâll learn why voice, vision, and values matter more than ever in todayâs financial landscape.
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Bonds have been a staple in portfolios for decades, often hailed as the âsafeâ investment that brings stability and protects wealth. But what if I told you that this belief is outdated, and in many cases, dangerously misleading?
In todayâs episode, I take a hard look at why bonds are overrated, the risks most investors overlook, and whether they deserve a spot in your portfolio at all. While bonds can serve a purpose, blindly following the 60/40 portfolio mantra without questioning its effectiveness can be a costly mistake.
Weâll break down the three biggest risks of bonds and why they may not be as âsafeâ as you think:
â Interest Rate Risk â When rates go up, your bond values drop. Itâs that simple, and 2022 proved it when the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index suffered its worst year in history.
â Inflation Risk â Your 3% return isnât a real 3% return if inflation is running at 4-5%. Thatâs a recipe for losing purchasing power over time.
â Opportunity Cost â For every dollar you park in bonds, youâre missing out on investments with real growth potentialâwhether thatâs stocks, real estate, or other wealth-building assets.Many investors believe bonds guarantee stability, but I argue that true long-term financial security comes from growth, not just preservation. The reality? A well-diversified stock index fund has statistically near-zero risk of going to zero, while bonds can quietly eat away at your purchasing power.
So, do bonds ever make sense? Maybeâif youâre already financially set and just want to protect what you have. But for most investors, the classic advice to shift heavily into bonds at retirement may be one of the biggest financial missteps.
This episode isnât about hating bondsâitâs about thinking critically before defaulting to outdated strategies. Are you actually protecting your wealth? Or are you unknowingly holding yourself back?
đ Tune in now, challenge conventional wisdom, and decide for yourself.
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Back in 2003, I met Mike Taormina at the London School of Economics, never expecting we'd stay in touchâlet alone spend decades debating finance and traveling together. Fast forward, and Mike has become a powerhouse in fintech, co-founding Vault, CommonBond, and Alluvial, with a Wharton MBA and a CFA to back it up.
But credentials aside, what sets Mike apart is his ability to break down complex crypto and finance topics into something actually useful. In this episode, we dive into decentralized finance, separating the noise from real opportunities, and why blockchain tech is transforming financial transparency.
We also discuss personal investing, risk tolerance, debt, and why even a seasoned finance pro like Mike trusts a robo-advisor over DIY trading. Whether you're deep into crypto or just trying to make smarter financial moves, this conversation is packed with insights.
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In this week's episode, we explore our common tendency to react emotionally to political elections and their perceived impact on the stock market. I argue that changing investing habits based on external "noise," and it is noise to me, is nonsense; I only change investing habits when my own life or financial needs have changed. Emphasizing and drawing upon historical data, the show explores the market's long term patterns of growth, regardless of who is in office. In short, the market transcends our politics (in a way). Additionally, we explore the pitfalls of trying to time the markets based on politics, business cycles, or consumer sentiment. Finally, as always, we remember that it's normal to feel this way, and the moment of empathy comes form knowing that we all feel this way at times and need to remind one another to take a breath and focus on the long term plan.
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My guest this week, Patrick Wetherille, shares a little bit about his experience with optimizing life, managing empathy through start-up culture, and taking advantage of every opportunity to learn from and alongside business minds at every level. As the episode progresses, Patrick shares his thoughts on the importance of being able to work from anywhere and how that very freedom can often bring teams together and create optimized work cultures and production.
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In this episode, I explore the power of diversifying communication channels, income streams, and the irony of many people knowing they should diversify and yet their not quite being able to walk the same walk. When the TikTok "ban" occurred, I was left wondering why so many creators, all of whom discuss the power and importance of diversification on a daily basis, had not diversified their digital assets, as well, and considered their content as part of their overall portfolio.
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In this episode, I do my best to touch on the absolute musts of investing and controlling our emotions. Not only controlling our emotions, but knowing our emotions and our reactions to market volatility first-hand through experience. I attempt to highlight the importance of thinking slightly differently and distantly about the markets and taking a walk when we need to escape from the relentless noise that is encouraging us to panic and make choices that we will, ultimately, regret when the waters calm.
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I am thrilled to offer a brief glimpse into the "why" behind building out the podcast. The ability to add nuance, engage other minds, and learn from multiple voices intrigues me and hopefully will help add value to your life. This episode is primarily highlighting what this endeavor will aim to achieve and how each episode might help you move closer to where you need to be with your personal finances, your attitude towards money, and your ability to learn more each and every day and ultimately take control of your own finances.