In this week's episode of Money Talk, I sat down with Daniel Rodgers, an award-winning author, financial educator, and early retiree, to dive deep into what financial independence really takes. Daniel spent 20 years leading complex programs at Microsoft and Google before achieving early retirement, and now he’s teaching others how to create work-optional lives. We explored everything from the realities of calculating your financial independence number to the emotional side of leaving your 9-to-5, making this a must-listen for anyone chasing financial freedom.

Whether you’re just starting your first job, feeling stuck in debt, or already dreaming about your early retirement date, this episode will give you both the tools and the mindset to start building a life where work becomes optional. Daniel brings powerful insights on compounding, spending with intention, and how reclaiming your time can completely change your happiness and relationships.

💰 This Week’s Money Talking Points

1. Is financial freedom available for everyone?
2. What does work optional really mean?
3. What are some misconceptions about early retirement?

🔗 Resources & Mentions:

• Find Daniel online at www.escapetheclock.com/subscribe
• Escape the Clock (Book) – Daniel’s award-winning guide to financial freedom and early retirement

⏱ Time Stamps:

[05:42] The power of starting early and letting compound interest work for you

[10:15] What “work optional” really means for your lifestyle

[11:56] Misconceptions and emotional realities of early retirement

[20:19] How to start calculating your personal financial independence number

[37:05] Why running the numbers can calm money anxiety and create clarity

[41:15] The one thing Daniel wishes he had known when starting his financial freedom journey

Support the show

Check out Financial Planning for Young Adults on Spotify

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

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

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/

Want to be a guest on Money Talk? Send Skyler Fleming a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1636686037273x290834786321762400

In this week’s episode, I sat down with Jeffrey Panik, an experienced financial planner and the founder of Balance Wealth Partners, to talk all about building a lifelong financial plan that actually works. Jeff brings nearly 25 years of experience helping people balance their financial obligations with living a happy, intentional life. Together we break down why starting sooner matters, how to create a financial life inventory, and how to set yourself up for success no matter where you’re starting from.

Whether you’re just stepping into adulthood, trying to get a handle on student loans, or finally thinking about retirement down the line, this episode will give you the mindset and small, practical steps to start now. We talk about creating habits that stick, tackling debt without shame, understanding the role of insurance, and how talking about money with others can clear the “financial fog” so many of us feel.

💰 This Week’s Money Talking Points

1. How important is a plan for our money?
2. Why does money seem overwhelming?
3. How can talking about money help calm the overwhelm?

🔗 Resources & Mentions:

• Jeffrey Panik: Learn more about Jeff’s work and access his Financial Life Inventory Plan at jeffreypanik.com
• Jeff’s Books: Resources for young adults and pre-retirees to build and implement financial plans (linked on his website)
• Balance Wealth Partners: Jeff’s firm specializing in intentional financial planning

⏱ Time Stamps:

[00:02:23] Why having a financial plan is essential for success

[00:04:53] The benefits of starting early and building healthy habits

[00:06:38] Why money feels overwhelming and clearing the “financial fog”

[00:10:46] What a Financial Life Inventory Plan is and how to start one

[00:17:16] Small steps, automation, and building lasting financial habits

[00:20:31] The crucial role of insurance in protecting your financial plan

[00:23:40] Managing debt, student loans, and avoiding the financial spiral

[00:28:39] How financial planning and learning from mistakes can transform your future

Support the show

Check out Financial Planning for Young Adults on Spotify

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

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

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/

Want to be a guest on Money Talk? Send Skyler Fleming a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1636686037273x290834786321762400

In this week's episode of Money Talk, I sat down with Chris Pollard, a US Army veteran, West Point graduate, and principal of Great Path Planning, to talk all about how to confidently spend the money you’ve worked so hard to save. Chris brings over 15 years of experience in retirement income planning, tax strategy, and wealth management, and he shares how to break free from the scarcity mindset so you can live a purposeful, secure life with your money.

Whether you’ve always felt nervous about spending, or you’re wondering when it’s safe to stop hyper-saving, this conversation will give you tools to align your money with your values, ditch the guilt, and finally enjoy the life you’re building. We cover everything from mindset shifts and automation tips to building confidence in your spending decisions.

💰 This Week’s Money Talking Points

1. How important is confident spending?
2. Why should we focus on more than just saving money?
3. How can someone ever be ok with spending money?

🔗 Resources & Mentions:

• Connect with Chris Pollard: chris.pollard@greatpath.com
• Great Path Planning: https://greatpathfp.com/
• Chris Pollard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-pollard-mba-cfp®-ea-1b9a4b1b/overlay/contact-info/

⏱ Time Stamps:

[02:15] Why confident spending creates more freedom

[05:09] Moving beyond black-and-white saving and spending

[10:00] Scarcity mindset and how it holds us back

[14:00] Aligning your spending with your values

[19:15] Community, connection, and using money as a tool

[27:00] Automating spending in retirement to reduce fear

[35:00] Building agency and trusting your adaptability

[40:39] Final takeaways: enjoying life along the way

Support the show

Check out Financial Planning for Young Adults on Spotify

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

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

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/

Want to be a guest on Money Talk? Send Skyler Fleming a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1636686037273x290834786321762400

In this week’s episode of Money Talk, I sat down with Grace Del Rey, a financial strategist, sound healer, and founder of SGBS Consulting and the Saving Grace Money Method. Grace blends practical business strategy with mindset and energy work to help people heal their relationship with money, release financial stress, and build wealth from the inside out. Together, we tackled the big topic of money shame, including why it happens, how to confront it, and how to move forward with confidence.

Whether you’ve been stuck in credit card debt, living paycheck to paycheck, or simply feeling weighed down by guilt over past financial choices, this episode will give you the tools and encouragement to shift your mindset and start building momentum. We talk about creating buffers, breaking free from money pits, and using affirmations and self-worth to turn your mindset into a financial superpower.

💰 This Week’s Money Talking Points

1. What are some common financial pain points?
2. How can we confront financial shame?
3. How can money shame impact everyone regardless of financial status?

🔗 Resources & Mentions:

• Grace Del Rey – SGBS Consulting: Learn more about Grace’s work and her programs like Love Yourself Rich at https://sgbsconsulting.com

⏱ Time Stamps:

[00:03:10] Common financial pain points: credit card traps, subscriptions, and lifestyle creep

[00:07:40] Breaking the cycle: why building a small cash buffer is a game-changer

[00:14:20] How money shame impacts everyone

[00:18:00] Concrete steps to get out of credit card debt and regain control

[00:21:38] Building optimism and using mindset shifts and affirmations

[00:27:10] Money as a mirror of self-worth and the importance of setting your value

[00:31:01] Why community and conversations can accelerate your financial progress

Support the show

Check out Financial Planning for Young Adults on Spotify

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

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

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/

Want to be a guest on Money Talk? Send Skyler Fleming a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1636686037273x290834786321762400

In this week’s episode of Money Talk, I sat down with Brittany Flammer, a certified financial coach, mom of five, and spreadsheet-loving budgeting pro, to explore how FinTech can actually make managing your money easier. Brittany went from living close to the poverty line with five kids to building an $800,000 net worth, and now she helps others start and stick with budgeting. Together, we tackled budgeting apps, automation, credit-building tools, and even full DIY financial planning strategies with approachable tips for any stage of your money journey.

💰 This Week’s Money Talking Points

1. What is your favorite budgeting app?
2. What’s the biggest struggle you have with FinTech?
3. Do you prefer pen and paper or a digital app?

🔗 Resources & Mentions:

• Connect with Brittany Flammer: brittanyflammer.com
• Budgeting Tools Mentioned: Google Sheets, EveryDollar, Monarch Money
• Banking & Savings Tools: Ally Bank (Buckets), SoFi (Vaults & Relay), Wealthfront (Categories)
• Financial Planning & Tracking: Empower (formerly Personal Capital), Projection Lab
• Estate Planning: Trust & Will
• Credit Building & Monitoring: Chime Secured Card, WalletHub, AnnualCreditReport.com
• Flat-Fee and Advice-Only Planning: Hello Nectarine, Advice-Only Network

⏱ Time Stamps:

[02:29] Brittany’s favorite budgeting method and why spreadsheets still win

[04:18] Biggest struggles people face with FinTech apps

[06:19] Pen & paper vs. digital budgeting—what actually works

[14:49] Beyond budgeting: high-yield savings, estate planning, and identity protection

[22:28] Where beginners should start with budgeting and tracking spending

[26:00] Tools and strategies for starting to invest

[30:37] Building credit and protecting your identity with smart tools

Support the show

Check out Financial Planning for Young Adults on Spotify

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

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

Want to be a guest on Money Talk? Send Skyler Fleming a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1636686037273x290834786321762400

In this week’s episode of Money Talk, I sat down with Rebecca Herbst, a financial literacy advocate, early retiree, and founder of Yield and Spread, to talk about generosity and giving beyond the holiday season. We dove into how you can create a mindset of generosity, build habits that make giving natural, and even give in ways that fit your financial independence journey. Rebecca brings a thoughtful and empowering perspective on using your money as a tool for good without derailing your own financial goals.

Whether you’re just starting your path to financial independence, in the thick of wealth-building, or already enjoying early retirement, this episode will help you reframe generosity, overcome the fear of giving, and start making a real impact. You’ll walk away with practical steps to start small, give consistently, and feel confident that your money is doing meaningful work.

💰 This Week’s Money Talking Points

1. What does generosity mean to you?
2. How can you be generous without lots of money?
3. How has giving impacted your life?

🔗 Resources & Mentions:

• Yield and Spread: Learn more about Rebecca’s nonprofit and the Philanthropy Pledge at yieldandspread.org/moneytalk
• The Life You Can Save by Peter Singer: https://www.thelifeyoucansave.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/The_Life_You_Can_Save_eBook.pdf
• Philanthropy Calculator: See how giving impacts your FI timeline at Yield and Spread

⏱ Timestamps:

[02:08] Rebecca defines generosity and the three ways to give

[04:00] Reframing scarcity mindset and realizing your global wealth

[08:00] Starting small and building a giving habit you won’t miss

[12:00] Moving from fear to confidence in charitable giving

[16:10] Creating a simple system to make generosity automatic

[24:00] The personal finance community’s next evolution: generosity

[28:00] How to continue giving long after the holidays

[32:30] Rebecca’s journey: FI, early retirement, and growing into generosity

[40:10] The power of community and seeing others live it out

Support the show

Check out Financial Planning for Young Adults on Spotify

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

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

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/

Want to be a guest on Money Talk? Send Skyler Fleming a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1636686037273x290834786321762400

In this week's episode of Money Talk, I sat down with Anthony Weaver, host of the About That Wallet podcast, to dive into his BIKE Method for managing money. Anthony grew up experiencing financial hardship, and now he’s on a mission to help people simplify their finances and feel confident with their money. Together, we break down how to use the BIKE Method. Budget, Income, Knowledge, and Execution to create a solid foundation and start moving toward real financial freedom.

Whether you’re just starting to get serious about your money, looking for ways to grow your income, or trying to figure out why your financial plans keep stalling, this conversation will give you the tools and encouragement to take small, meaningful steps forward. Anthony shares personal stories, practical tips, and a mindset shift that makes managing money feel doable—no matter where you’re starting from.

💰 This Week’s Money Talking Points

1. Why is talking about money important?
2. Why should people consider creating content around personal finance?
3. Are budgets important?

🔗 Resources & Mentions:

• About That Wallet Podcast: https://www.aboutthatwallet.com/

⏱ Timestamps:

[00:02:01] Why talking about money is really about better communication

[00:08:06] Breaking down the BIKE Method: Budget, Income, Knowledge, Execution

[00:09:00] Budgeting as the foundation and how it protects against emergencies

[00:14:52] The role of income and shifting from a scarcity to abundance mindset

[00:17:35] Building knowledge to spot opportunities and avoid costly mistakes

[00:24:02] Execution: Taking small, confident steps to build real momentum

[00:33:02] Why progress beats perfection and the importance of giving yourself grace

In this week’s episode of Money Talk, I sat down with Mike Turner, a real estate entrepreneur, author, and educator with over 20 years of experience building wealth through real estate. Mike brings a fresh, practical take on how to get started without betting the farm, the mistakes to avoid, and why he now focuses on manufactured homes and partnership-based investing to create real passive income streams.

Whether you’re just curious about real estate or ready to take your first step, this episode will help you see investing in a new light. We break down REITs versus direct investing, why debt can be so risky, and how to start building income streams that aren’t tied to your time.

💰 This Week's Money Talking Points:

1. What excites you about real estate investing?
2. Why does real estate seem so daunting?
3. How does real estate impact someone’s wealth

🔗 Resources & Mentions:

• Mike Turner Life: Learn more about Mike’s work, resources, and free investment club at https://miketurnerlife.com
• Financial Planning for Young Adults: My new podcast to help young adults start their financial journey—linked in the show notes

⏱ Time Stamps:

[04:05] The excitement of building income streams and financial freedom

[08:00] Why real estate feels so risky—and the dangers of leverage

[13:30] REITs vs. direct real estate investing: where to start

[16:11] Mike’s low-risk strategy: affordable housing and manufactured homes

[21:10] Partnering instead of borrowing to remove risk

[28:00] The importance of networking and finding mentors in real estate

[33:10] Common mistakes new investors make and how to avoid them

[36:17] Mike’s biggest lesson: building income not tied to your time

Support the show

Check out Financial Planning for Young Adults on Spotify

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

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

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/

Want to be a guest on Money Talk? Send Skyler Fleming a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1636686037273x290834786321762400