The Happy Meter: Recent Episodes
Justin Garritt
Welcome to The Happy Meter podcast, where Kevin and Justin, two full-time teachers and best friends, discuss strategies to balance financial wellness and personal happiness. We have different passions, interests, spending habits, and financial burdens, but purposeful thinking, intentional budgeting, travel hacks, and a clear sense of what moves our individual “Happy Meters” has put us on a path to achieve the impossible: Retire on a humble salary after living our lives to the fullest!
#16: Real Estate Basics
Justin and Kevin welcome John Downes, Mortgage Loan Originator from Sierra Pacific Mortgage in Lutherville, MD. John breaks down the basics of a mortgage, must-have information for first time homebuyers, the players in the real estate business, and the math around refinancing.
John’s contact information is:
Email: john.downes@spmc.com
Mobile app link:https://myloan.sierrapacificmortgage.com/dr/c/e4vma
Web link: https://myloan.sierrapacificmortgage.com/borrower/signup/john.downes@spmc.com
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The Happy Meter is brought to you by Garritt Financial Solutions LLC
Garritt Financial Solutions is an independent, fee-only fiduciary supporting Educators, Healthcare Professionals, and First Responders with comprehensive financial planning and investment services to enable those who are most self-sacrificing to enjoy a retirement they deserve! Set up a free discovery call at: http://www.GarrittFinancialSolutions.com
The information in this podcast is educational and general in nature, and does not take into consideration the listener’s personal circumstances. Therefore, it is not intended to be a substitute for specific, individualized financial, legal, or tax advice. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate qualified professional prior to making a final decision.
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone. Garritt Financial Solutions LLC makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis.
#15: 403b’s: Learning to bWise with Daniel Otter, PhD
Justin and Kevin welcome Daniel Otter, founder of the financial literacy nonprofit 403bwise, to the Happy Meter Podcast! Daniel discusses the history of 403b investments and explains how to evaluate choices and avoid pitfalls.
Here is a link to https://403bwise.org/
Here is a link to Dan and Scott’s Teach and Retire Rich podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teach-retire-rich-talking-teacher-retirement-savings/id186294653
Here is a link to Dan’s book: https://teachandretirerich.com/
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The Happy Meter is brought to you by Garritt Financial Solutions LLC
Garritt Financial Solutions is an independent, fee-only fiduciary supporting Educators, Healthcare Professionals, and First Responders with comprehensive financial planning and investment services to enable those who are most self-sacrificing to enjoy a retirement they deserve! Set up a free discovery call at: http://www.GarrittFinancialSolutions.com
The information in this podcast is educational and general in nature, and does not take into consideration the listener’s personal circumstances. Therefore, it is not intended to be a substitute for specific, individualized financial, legal, or tax advice. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate qualified professional prior to making a final decision.
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone. Garritt Financial Solutions LLC makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis.
14: Happy Teacher Revolution founder Danna Thomas
The Happy Meter is proud to welcome Danna Thomas, founder of the Happy Teacher Revolution and alumna of Teach for America, Baltimore.
Danna Thomas is a former Baltimore City Public School teacher turned founder of a global initiative to support the mental health and wellness of educators. Her organization, Happy Teacher Revolution, is on a mission to increase teacher happiness, retention, and professional sustainability by providing educators with the time and space to heal, deal, and be real about the social-emotional demands they face on the job. Danna served as the national spokeswoman for the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) Maryland and the “Music for Mental Health” campaign. She is the recipient of the 2019 Johns Hopkins Community Hero Award and the 2019 winner of the Johns Hopkins Social Innovation Lab. Danna’s favorite forms of self-care include playing backgammon, community hot yoga, and rocking out on the saxophone.
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The Happy Meter is brought to you by Garritt Financial Solutions LLC
Danna Thomas is a former Baltimore City Public School teacher turned founder of a global initiative to support the mental health and wellness of educators. Her organization, Happy Teacher Revolution, is on a mission to increase teacher happiness, retention, and professional sustainability by providing educators with the time and space to heal, deal, and be real about the social-emotional demands they face on the job. Danna served as the national spokeswoman for the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) Maryland and the “Music for Mental Health” campaign. She is the recipient of the 2019 Johns Hopkins Community Hero Award and the 2019 winner of the Johns Hopkins Social Innovation Lab. Danna’s favorite forms of self-care include playing backgammon, community hot yoga, and rocking out on the saxophone.
The information in this podcast is educational and general in nature, and does not take into consideration the listener’s personal circumstances. Therefore, it is not intended to be a substitute for specific, individualized financial, legal, or tax advice. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate qualified professional prior to making a final decision.
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone. Garritt Financial Solutions LLC makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis.
#13: Lessons from Redwood National Park
Justin describes walking around Redwood National Park in California and the many financial Happy Meter lessons that can be found there.
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The Happy Meter is brought to you by Garritt Financial Solutions LLC
Garritt Financial Solutions is an independent, fee-only fiduciary supporting Educators, Healthcare Professionals, and First Responders with comprehensive financial planning and investment services to enable those who are most self-sacrificing to enjoy a retirement they deserve! Set up a free discovery call at:http://www.GarrittFinancialSolutions.com
The information in this podcast is educational and general in nature, and does not take into consideration the listener’s personal circumstances. Therefore, it is not intended to be a substitute for specific, individualized financial, legal, or tax advice. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate qualified professional prior to making a final decision.
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone. Garritt Financial Solutions LLC makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis.
Episode 12: Investment 101
Kevin and Justin discuss the basics of Investing, touching on concepts like Stocks and Bonds, and discussing goal-based investment strategies.
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The Happy Meter is brought to you by Garritt Financial Solutions LLC
Garritt Financial Solutions is an independent, fee-only fiduciary supporting Educators, Healthcare Professionals, and First Responders with comprehensive financial planning and investment services to enable those who are most self-sacrificing to enjoy a retirement they deserve! Set up a free discovery call at:http://www.GarrittFinancialSolutions.com
The information in this podcast is educational and general in nature, and does not take into consideration the listener’s personal circumstances. Therefore, it is not intended to be a substitute for specific, individualized financial, legal, or tax advice. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate qualified professional prior to making a final decision.
#11: Pop Quiz
In their Season 2 opening, Justin challenges Kevin with a pop-quiz recap of the lessons from the first 10 episodes.
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The Happy Meter is brought to you by Garritt Financial Solutions LLC
Garritt Financial Solutions is an independent, fee-only fiduciary supporting Educators, Healthcare Professionals, and First Responders with comprehensive financial planning and investment services to enable those who are most self-sacrificing to enjoy a retirement they deserve! Set up a free discovery call at:http://www.GarrittFinancialSolutions.com
The information in this podcast is educational and general in nature, and does not take into consideration the listener’s personal circumstances. Therefore, it is not intended to be a substitute for specific, individualized financial, legal, or tax advice. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate qualified professional prior to making a final decision.
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone. Garritt Financial Solutions LLC makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis.
#10: Personal Goal Setting
Justin and Kevin discuss goal setting, sharing several personal areas of growth or improvement and the various strategies and methods they employ to achieve them.
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The Happy Meter is brought to you by Garritt Financial Solutions LLC Garritt Financial Solutions is an independent, fee-only fiduciary supporting Educators, Healthcare Professionals, and First Responders with comprehensive financial planning and investment services to enable those who are most self-sacrificing to enjoy a retirement they deserve! Set up a free discovery call at: www.GarrittFinancialSolutions.com
The information in this podcast is educational and general in nature, and does not take into consideration the listener’s personal circumstances. Therefore, it is not intended to be a substitute for specific, individualized financial, legal, or tax advice. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate qualified professional prior to making a final decision.
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone. Garritt Financial Solutions LLC makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis.
#9: A Police Officer’s Journey to Financial Independence
Justin and Kevin welcome Officer Mike Miller, an old friend of Justin’s, to discuss his path from spender to saver. Mike shares hard-learned lessons and Happy Meter memories as his journey toward financial independence continues.
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The Happy Meter is brought to you by Garritt Financial Solutions LLC
Garritt Financial Solutions is an independent, fee-only fiduciary supporting Educators, Healthcare Professionals, and First Responders with comprehensive financial planning and investment services to enable those who are most self-sacrificing to enjoy a retirement they deserve! Set up a free discovery call at:http://www.GarrittFinancialSolutions.com
The information in this podcast is educational and general in nature, and does not take into consideration the listener’s personal circumstances. Therefore, it is not intended to be a substitute for specific, individualized financial, legal, or tax advice. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate qualified professional prior to making a final decision.
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone. Garritt Financial Solutions LLC makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis.
#8: Snapshot of Retirement Accounts
Justin and Kevin address the different pathways available to retirement savers in achieving their goals, analyzing the benefits of several retirement accounts and demonstrating the combined power of Happy Meter philosophy, budgeting, and compound interest.
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The Happy Meter is brought to you by Garritt Financial Solutions LLC
Garritt Financial Solutions is an independent, fee-only fiduciary supporting Educators, Healthcare Professionals, and First Responders with comprehensive financial planning and investment services to enable those who are most self-sacrificing to enjoy a retirement they deserve! Set up a free discovery call at: http://www.GarrittFinancialSolutions.com
The information in this podcast is educational and general in nature, and does not take into consideration the listener’s personal circumstances. Therefore, it is not intended to be a substitute for specific, individualized financial, legal, or tax advice. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate qualified professional prior to making a final decision.
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone. Garritt Financial Solutions LLC makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis.
#7: Retirement Philosophies
Justin and Kevin discuss different perspectives on retirement and, perhaps more importantly, financial independence timelines. Specifically, they discuss the 30-year process versus the much more aggressive Retire-Early process.
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The Happy Meter is brought to you by Garritt Financial Solutions
LLC Garritt Financial Solutions is an independent, fee-only fiduciary supporting Educators, Healthcare Professionals, and First Responders with comprehensive financial planning and investment services to enable those who are most self-sacrificing to enjoy a retirement they deserve! Set up a free discovery call at: http://www.GarrittFinancialSolutions.com
The information in this podcast is educational and general in nature, and does not take into consideration the listener’s personal circumstances. Therefore, it is not intended to be a substitute for specific, individualized financial, legal, or tax advice. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate qualified professional prior to making a final decision.
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone. Garritt Financial Solutions LLC makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis.
#6: Advice to Our Younger Selves
Justin and Kevin reminisce about key lessons learned, sharing stories and distilling the most essential bits of Happy Meter life advice they could give to their younger selves.
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The Happy Meter is brought to you by Garritt Financial Solutions LLC Garritt Financial Solutions is an independent, fee-only fiduciary supporting Educators, Healthcare Professionals, and First Responders with comprehensive financial planning and investment services to enable those who are most self-sacrificing to enjoy a retirement they deserve! Set up a free discovery call at: http://www.GarrittFinancialSolutions.com
The information in this podcast is educational and general in nature, and does not take into consideration the listener’s personal circumstances. Therefore, it is not intended to be a substitute for specific, individualized financial, legal, or tax advice. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate qualified professional prior to making a final decision.
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone. Garritt Financial Solutions LLC makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis.
#5: Financial Advisors: Making Your Choice
Justin and Kevin explore the different kinds of financial advisors, evaluating their strengths and weaknesses, and sharing advice on how to pick your best guide on the path to financial wellness.
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The Happy Meter is brought to you by Garritt Financial Solutions LLC
Garritt Financial Solutions is an independent, fee-only fiduciary supporting Educators, Healthcare Professionals, and First Responders with comprehensive financial planning and investment services to enable those who are most self-sacrificing to enjoy a retirement they deserve! Set up a free discovery call at: http://www.GarrittFinancialSolutions.com
The information in this podcast is educational and general in nature, and does not take into consideration the listener’s personal circumstances. Therefore, it is not intended to be a substitute for specific, individualized financial, legal, or tax advice. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate qualified professional prior to making a final decision.
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone. Garritt Financial Solutions LLC makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis.
#4: Financial Wellness: The Basics
Before truly building wealth, what steps should people follow? Kevin and Justin break down how to create a budget, handle debts, and build an emergency fund.
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The Happy Meter is brought to you by Garritt Financial Solutions LLC
Garritt Financial Solutions is an independent, fee-only fiduciary supporting Educators, Healthcare Professionals, and First Responders with comprehensive financial planning and investment services to enable those who are most self-sacrificing to enjoy a retirement they deserve! Set up a free discovery call at: http://www.GarrittFinancialSolutions.com
The information in this podcast is educational and general in nature, and does not take into consideration the listener’s personal circumstances. Therefore, it is not intended to be a substitute for specific, individualized financial, legal, or tax advice. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate qualified professional prior to making a final decision.
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone. Garritt Financial Solutions LLC makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis.
#3: Applying Happy Meter During Covid-19
In the midst of so much insecurity, market instability, and personal restriction, how do you keep balancing your life, your duties, and your Happy Meter? What changes, if any, should we make to our budgets during a pandemic?
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The Happy Meter is brought to you by Garritt Financial Solutions LLC
Garritt Financial Solutions is an independent, fee-only fiduciary supporting Educators, Healthcare Professionals, and First Responders with comprehensive financial planning and investment services to enable those who are most self-sacrificing to enjoy a retirement they deserve! Set up a free discovery call at: http://www.GarrittFinancialSolutions.com
The information in this podcast is educational and general in nature, and does not take into consideration the listener’s personal circumstances. Therefore, it is not intended to be a substitute for specific, individualized financial, legal, or tax advice. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate qualified professional prior to making a final decision.
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone. Garritt Financial Solutions LLC makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis.
Episode #2: The Magic of Compounding Interest
In this episode, Kevin and Justin discuss the benefits of small changes, both personally and financially, that can lead to significant benefits through compounding interest.
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The Happy Meter is brought to you by Garritt Financial Solutions LLC
Garritt Financial Solutions is an independent, fee-only fiduciary supporting Educators, Healthcare Professionals, and First Responders with comprehensive financial planning and investment services to enable those who are most self-sacrificing to enjoy a retirement they deserve! Set up a free discovery call at: http://www.GarrittFinancialSolutions.com
The information in this podcast is educational and general in nature, and does not take into consideration the listener’s personal circumstances. Therefore, it is not intended to be a substitute for specific, individualized financial, legal, or tax advice. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate qualified professional prior to making a final decision.
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone. Garritt Financial Solutions LLC makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis.
Episode #1: Welcome to the Happy Meter
Two best friends, Kevin and Justin, begin discussing The Happy Meter: a device meant to help people determine their most motivating priorities, joys, and passions on a balance with financial wellness. In this episode, we discuss our paths into teaching, friendship, and financial wellness.
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The Happy Meter is brought to you by Garritt Financial Solutions
LLC Garritt Financial Solutions is an independent, fee-only fiduciary supporting Educators, Healthcare Professionals, and First Responders with comprehensive financial planning and investment services to enable those who are most self-sacrificing to enjoy a retirement they deserve! Set up a free discovery call at: http://www.GarrittFinancialSolutions.com
The information in this podcast is educational and general in nature, and does not take into consideration the listener’s personal circumstances. Therefore, it is not intended to be a substitute for specific, individualized financial, legal, or tax advice. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate qualified professional prior to making a final decision.
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone. Garritt Financial Solutions LLC makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis.