Buying your next car doesn't have to wreck your finances. In this episode we sit down with Christian, car industry insider and lifelong car enthusiast to break down how to buy smart in today's used car market. From why new cars are a bad idea in your 20's to what mileage actually means, red flags on Carfax, maintenance myths, and why oil changes matter more than you think!

1:43 Mid 20's should you be buying used or new?

6:20 Best models to purchase

9:00 Why it's best to trade in at under 100k miles

13:05 It's important to get your oil changed

16:00 Tire rotation scam or important?

19:25 Brick and Mortar car shopping or online like Carvana?

21:00 Warranties scam or not?

22:00 4wd or Awd?

25:00 Hyundai's and Kia's

"Advice is Optional" is a conversational podcast. The insights we share are personal opinions, not professional advice, and are intended to foster understanding, not to substitute expert guidance. Remember to consult qualified professionals for any medical, legal, or psychological concerns.

Gage shares a real-time life update, he and his partner, Sarah, have decided to move in together which moves the convo towards fears, finances, and logistics… eventually bringing in one of Gage's famous spreadsheets. This episode reminds you that growth isn't perfect, and the advice is always optional.

Something good to say? Leave a review or give us a shout out on social media. We would totally appreciate it!

Interested in your own Coaching Session with Kristal? click on https://kristalfiorentino.com/life-101/

Highlights:

1:00 Gage's update on moving in with his partner, Sarah

4:02 Moving in with a significant other should be treated more than if just moving in with a friend

8:01 Gage and Sarah consider if their 'big pictures' align

9:13 Life saving marriage advice from Kristal

11:10 Who had more reservations about moving in Gage or Sarah?

19:43 What happens now?

20:39 Gage wants to make a list of pet peeves

26:27 Advice

"Advice is Optional" is a conversational podcast. The insights we share are personal opinions, not professional advice, and are intended to foster understanding, not to substitute expert guidance. Remember to consult qualified professionals for any medical, legal, or psychological concerns.

Gage and Kristal take on workplace dress codes, professional expectations, and the unwritten rules no one ever explains. What begins with Gage's frustration over having to get a haircut turns into a debate about comfort versus professionalism, generational differences, and the hidden power dynamics behind "looking the part."

Something good to say? Leave a review or give us a shout out on social media. We would totally appreciate it!

Interested in your own Coaching Session with Kristal? click on https://kristalfiorentino.com/life-101/

Highlights:

0:48 Gage's luxurious mane is gone! But why?

3:49 Do we perform differently when we dress differently?

5:44 Gage's take on performance with a dress code

6:28 Kristal roasts Gage about his hair

13:27 Does what you wear change how others view us?

15:18 Gage's advice: look homeless for your mom- you may get a few pairs of pants out of it

"Advice is Optional" is a conversational podcast. The insights we share are personal opinions, not professional advice, and are intended to foster understanding, not to substitute expert guidance. Remember to consult qualified professionals for any medical, legal, or psychological concerns.

AIO welcomes special guest Hannah, Gage's mentor in bartending and managing. Hannah speaks of navigating alcohol safely and thoughtfully—especially for women. From pacing drinks and ordering smarter, to social pressure, bartender etiquette, mocktails, and staying aware in bar settings, this conversation blends real-life bar experience with mindset and self-trust. Honest, and informative, this episode reminds listeners that you can enjoy the scene without losing yourself in it.

This podcast may include conversations and recipes that reference alcohol. All alcohol-related content is intended for adults 21 years of age or older. Please enjoy responsibly and in accordance with your local laws. The views shared are for informational purposes only.

For the drink recipes that Gage and Hannah recommend click here:

https://kristalfiorentino.com/mocktail-recipes/

Highlights:

0:58 Meet Hannah

2:55 Precautions women can take when in a social scene with alcohol

6:25 How to get help from the bartender if you are in a weird situation

11:42 What does ABV stand for?

14:07 CBD infused cocktails

16:31 Biggest pet peeves as a bartender

18:26 The important question to ask about the margarita

20:13 Are we safer getting a bottled beer than a draft beer?

25:52 Fav recipes

31:33 Products to detect if your drink has been spiked

"Advice is Optional" is a conversational podcast. The insights we share are personal opinions, not professional advice, and are intended to foster understanding, not to substitute expert guidance. Remember to consult qualified professionals for any medical, legal, or psychological concerns.

Gage needs a side hustle and what should've been easy turns into a lesson in humility. AI hiring, ego checks, and shifting mindset. Kristal and Gage talk about knowing your worth, staying grounded, and trusting that everything works out for the best.

Something good to say? Leave a review or give us a shout out on social media. We would totally appreciate it!

Interested in your own Coaching Session with Kristal? click on https://kristalfiorentino.com/life-101/

Highlights:

1:18 Gage needs a low-stress side gig in the summer

2:48 Ego is part of Gage's charm?

9:06 The application process is weird, hello AI companion

9:53 Is over-qualification really a Thing?

10:55 Kristal reminds Gage that this isn't new—and that it's really a mindset issue

14:38 Always take an interview. Period.

17:41 Kristal's advice and The Four Agreements

"Advice is Optional" is a conversational podcast. The insights we share are personal opinions, not professional advice, and are intended to foster understanding, not to substitute expert guidance. Remember to consult qualified professionals for any medical, legal, or psychological concerns.

Gage and Kristal dive into the meaningful parts of maintaining friendships as life shifts, schedules get busy, and miles grow between them. They explore how friendships evolve over time, why reaching out can feel intimidating, and the different ways each generation stays connected — from video games to intentional heartfelt texts. Whether you're trying to reconnect, maintain your circle, or simply feel less alone in the struggle, this conversation is for you.

Something additional to consider: Games Are Good for You – Trailer

Something good to say? Leave a review or give us a shout out on social media. We would totally appreciate it!

Interested in your own Coaching Session with Kristal? Click on https://kristalfiorentino.com/life-101/

Highlights:

1:09 Gage asks how many friends does Kristal keep up with

5:56 Gage talks about how he still talks with his friends from Granby through video games and how much he is knows about their lives

13:50 How Gage felt embarrassed catching up with people

15:13 Kristal's advice

18:58 Taking it personal doesn't help

19:21 Gage throws the gender card… AWKWARD

21:12 Kristal mentions sibling-ships

Advice is Optional" is a conversational podcast. The insights we share are personal opinions, not professional advice, and are intended to foster understanding, not to substitute expert guidance. Remember to consult qualified professionals for any medical, legal, or psychological concerns.

Gage actually asks for advice and this episode catches a real time, raw conversation about expectations, maturity, money, communication, and navigating the genuine next step in a relationship.

Something good to say? Leave a review or give us a shout out on social media. We would totally appreciate it!

Interested in your own Coaching Session with Kristal? Click on https://kristalfiorentino.com/life-101/

Highlights:

01:07 The text: how it all started

04:19 A sick gaming room is not good enough reason to move into together

05:02 Gage reflects on how he is different than he was at 19

09:45 Gage asks Kristal how did she know when the right time was to move forward?

20:01 There is a BPO in everything

22:16 Kristal's advice

"Advice is Optional" is a conversational podcast. The insights we share are personal opinions, not professional advice, and are intended to foster understanding, not to substitute expert guidance. Remember to consult qualified professionals for any medical, legal, or psychological concerns.

Our favorite special guest Ellie is back—and things get ruff! Gage and Ellie have very different takes on this topic, so buckle up and get ready to duck…shots are definitely fired in this episode.

Find us @adviceisoptional on TikTok and IG for pictures of all the animals mentioned in this episode.

Other helpful links from this episode:

Helps homeless dogs to be matched with people with disabilities

https://foreverinmyheartfoundation.org/

Rights to Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)https://www.hud.gov/helping-americans/assistance-animals

Considering adoption or other ways to get involved with animals www.petfinder.com/adopt-or-get-involved/

Something good to say? Leave a review or give us a shout out on social media. We would totally appreciate it!

Interested in your own Coaching Session with Kristal? click on https://kristalfiorentino.com/life-101/