Money Confidential: Recent Episodes
Real Simple
Money Confidential, a new podcast from Real Simple, explores the many aspects of money: making it, saving it, investing it, giving it, spending it and—sometimes, hardest of all—talking about it. Each week, Stefanie O’Connell Rodriguez, a nationally recognized money expert, delves into your (confidential) money problems and delivers smart, practical, and completely doable solutions that will help you work toward your ultimate financial goals. She cuts through the confusion of investing beyond your 401(k), eases the overwhelming pressure of paying off student debt while saving for the future, and even tackles the stress that comes with mixing money and relationships (Is it really OK to keep money secrets from your partner?!). This is the place to come for real talk about money—and real solutions that actually work.
This week we’re revisiting conversations we’ve had with four past expert guests about the most common things people overlook when purchasing a home, as well as all the hidden costs of homeownership – to help you prepare for one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make - buying a home.
For more info visit realsimple.com/moneyconfidentialpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Real estate prices are extremely high, and now mortgage rates are also rising. Has first-time homeownership ever felt more out of reach? On this week’s episode, host Stefanie O’Connell Rodriguez talks to Dr. Daryl Fairweather, chief economist at real estate brokerage Redfin, about what today’s housing market means for prospective buyers, plus whether it makes more sense to buy or rent right now. For more info visit realsimple.com/moneyconfidentialpodcast
Money Confidential is produced by: Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez Mickey O'Connor - Senior Editorial Director, Real Simple Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer Jenny Snyder - Audio Producer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Is it possible to take on major financial responsibilities such as buying a new home while you’re still paying down debt? Is now even a good time to buy a home? This week’s guest, a 39-year-old aspiring homeowner living in Iowa City, Iowa, is struggling with whether t homeownership is right for her because of these questions and more. For advice, host Stefanie O’Connell Rodrgiuez turns to author Mindy Jensen, who is also the host of The Bigger Pockets money podcast and a licensed real estate agent.
For more info visit realsimple.com/moneyconfidentialpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Is now really a good time to be investing? With prices going up and the stock market falling, how should you adjust your financial plans and investing strategy? Stefanie sits down with Katie Gatti Tassin, host of the Money with Katie podcast, to find out.
For more info visit realsimple.com/moneyconfidentialpodcast
Money Confidential is produced by: Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez Mickey O'Connor - Senior Editorial Director, Real Simple Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer Jenny Snyder - Audio Producer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Once you’ve paid off your debt, established an emergency fund, and started investing for retirement, you’ve got your financial fundamentals in place - but is it enough to afford the future you want for yourself? And if not, what should you do next? This week, Stefanie interviews Certified Financial Planner Douglas Boneparth about how to prioritize your savings and investments and what to consider after you’ve maxed out your retirement accounts.
For more info visit realsimple.com/moneyconfidentialpodcast
Money Confidential is produced by: Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez Mickey O'Connor - Senior Editorial Director, Real Simple Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer Jenny Snyder - Audio Producer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It’s frustrating when you’re not getting what you want out of your career, whether it’s money, meaning, or in the case of this week's listener, both. So what do you do next? Give up the security of a steady paycheck to pursue your passions? Or stick it out and hope that someday you’ll make more money -- and if that’s a possibility, what can you do to try to make it happen? On this episode, host Stefanie O’Connell Rodriguez turns to Terri Trespicio, author of Unfollow Your Passion: How to Create a Life that Matters to You, for answers.
For more info visit realsimple.com/moneyconfidentialpodcast
Money Confidential is produced by: Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez - Host/Producer Mickey O'Connor - Senior Editorial Director, Real Simple Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer Jenny Snyder - Audio Engineer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The wealth gap between young married couples and their single counterparts has more than doubled since 2010. It’s expensive being single, and inflation is making it even harder to manage rising costs on a single income. This week, Stefanie interviews writer Anne Helen Petersen about the rising costs of being single in America. For more info visit realsimple.com/moneyconfidentialpodcast
Money Confidential is produced by: Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez Mickey O'Connor - Senior Editorial Director, Real Simple Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer Jenny Snyder - Audio Producer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
More than half of American workers say they’re behind on their retirement savings, and 46% expect to retire with debt. Stefanie interviews Joe Saul-Sehy, personal finance expert and author, about how we can prepare our finances and our lifestyles for this retirement reality. For more info visit realsimple.com/moneyconfidentialpodcast Money Confidential is produced by: Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez Mickey O'Connor - Senior Editorial Director, Real Simple Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer Jenny Snyder - Audio Producer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Stefanie talks to a listener who is the first in her family to live, work and build her wealth in the United States, and the impact that has on her relationship with both her money and her family. Personal finance author Berna Anat weighs in with how to manage the unique financial considerations for immigrants, first- and second-generation Americans.
Money Confidential is produced by: Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez Mickey O'Connor - Senior Editorial Director, Real Simple Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer Jenny Snyder - Audio Producer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As prices rise on everything from food to housing, your paycheck may not be going as far as it used to. So how can you or should you bring up inflation in your next salary negotiation? Stefanie turns to career coach and co-host of The Brown Ambition podcast Mandi Woodruff-Santos for answers.
Money Confidential is produced by: Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez Mickey O'Connor - Senior Editorial Director, Real Simple Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer Jenny Snyder - Audio Producer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Is now really a good time to be investing? With prices going up and the stock market falling, how should you adjust your financial plans and investing strategy? Stefanie sits down with Katie Gatti Tassin, host of the Money with Katie podcast, to find out.
Money Confidential is produced by: Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez Mickey O'Connor - Senior Editorial Director, Real Simple Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer Jenny Snyder - Audio Producer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What’s the real cost of having a baby? And how can you prepare for it? Host Stefanie O’Connell Rodriguez interviews Reshma Saujani, founder and CEO of Girls Who Code and Marshall Plan for Moms, about the impact of parenthood on your personal finances, and what we can do to prepare our money and our careers for one of life’s most expensive milestones.
Money Confidential is produced by: Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez Mickey O'Connor - Senior Editorial Director, Real Simple Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer Jenny Snyder - Audio Producer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Alicia, a 49-year-old school psychologist and mother of two children, is juggling multiple money goals following her recent divorce: furnishing her new home, paying off debt, helping her college-aged kids pay their tuition, and building up her savings. Host Stefanie O’Connell Rodriguez and attorney and wealth expert Tasha Cochran lay out a step-by-step plan to help Alicia and others like her get their financial lives in order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It’s one thing to split expenses, but when you get married, what should you combine? What should you keep separate? And beyond the budget, what do your joint financial plans need to include? This week, host Stefanie O’Connell Rodriguez gets answers from Erin Lowry, author of the Broke Millennial series, including Broke Millennial Talks Money: Scripts, Stories, and Advice to Navigate Awkward Financial Conversations.
Money Confidential is produced by: Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez Mickey O'Connor - Senior Editorial Director, Real Simple Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer Jenny Snyder - Audio Producer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Once you’ve paid off your debt, established an emergency fund, and started investing for retirement, you’ve got your financial fundamentals in place - but is it enough to afford the future you want for yourself? And if not, what should you do next? This week, Stefanie interviews Certified Financial Planner Douglas Boneparth about how to prioritize your savings and investments and what to consider after you’ve maxed out your retirement accounts. If you have a money story or question to share, you can send us an email at money.confidential@realsimple.com. You can also leave us a voicemail at (929) 352-4106.
Money Confidential is produced by: Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez Mickey O'Connor - Senior Editorial Director, Real Simple Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer Jenny Snyder - Audio Producer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Buying your first home is already a major money milestone—but having to do it on your own in an uncertain housing market can make it feel even more overwhelming. In this episode, host Stefanie O’Connell Rodriguez interviews real estate expert and mortgage lender Nicole Rueth about how to navigate the home-buying process as a single person - including the options and alternatives available to single buyers who fear being priced out of this hot housing market.\ If you have a money story or question to share, you can send us an email at money.confidential@realsimple.com. You can also leave us a voicemail at (929) 352-4106.
Money Confidential is produced by: Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez Mickey O'Connor - Senior Editorial Director, Real Simple Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer Jenny Snyder - Audio Producer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
When Julia’s marriage ended she did not expect to lose half of her savings. Now that she’s thinking about getting remarried, Julia wants to protect herself financially and is considering asking her partner for a prenuptial agreement. Host Stefanie O’Connell Rodriguez sits down with Beatrice Leong, a divorce and family law attorney, to discuss what Julia, and all couples considering marriage, need to know about getting a prenup. If you have a money story or question to share, you can send us an email at money.confidential@realsimple.com. You can also leave us a voicemail at (929) 352-4106. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Student loan debt can make you feel like you’re never going to get ahead, especially when your total student loan balance is hundreds of thousands of dollars - as it is for this weeks' listener. In this episode host, Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez, interviews Melissa Jean-Baptiste, the founder of Millennial in Debt, about her journey of paying off $102,000 of debt, and her strategies for anyone else trying to do the same.
Money Confidential is produced by: Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez Mickey O'Connor - Senior Editorial Director, Real Simple Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer Jenny Snyder - Audio Producer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fertility treatments like IVF and IUI are expensive, and for most Americans, not covered by insurance. Not to mention, there are no guarantees, making it difficult to know how much these treatments will ultimately cost. This week on Money Confidential, we talk about how to pay for the fertility treatments you need and navigating a financial plan in the midst of so many unknowns.
Money Confidential is produced by: Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez Mickey O'Connor - Senior Editorial Director, Real Simple Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer Jenny Snyder - Audio Producer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Real estate prices are insanely high, and now mortgage rates are also rising. Has first-time homeownership ever felt more out of reach? On this week’s episode, host Stefanie O’Connell Rodriguez talks to Dr. Daryl Fairweather, chief economist at real estate brokerage Redfin, about what today’s housing market means for prospective buyers, plus whether it makes more sense to buy or rent right now. Money Confidential is produced by: Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez Mickey O'Connor - Senior Editorial Director, Real Simple Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer Jenny Snyder - Audio Producer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week we are going to hear from three past expert guests who know what it’s like to balance the needs of their children (like paying for college) with their own, sometimes competing, financial needs (like saving for retirement). Learn how these experts find balance while also educating their children about spending and saving money early on. If you have a money story or question to share, you can send us an email at money.confidential@realsimple.com. You can also leave us a voicemail at (929) 352-4106. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode Summary: You want to travel, but you’re not sure if you can afford to - at least not without guilt or fear of jeopardizing your other financial goals. In this episode, host Stefanie O’Connell Rodriguez speaks with founder of Pennywise Traveler, Angel Trihn, about practical ways to save on travel. And how to build your travel spending into your financial plans alongside the rest of your money goals.
Money Confidential is produced by: Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez- Host/Producer Mickey O'Connor - Senior Editorial Director, Real Simple Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer Jenny Snyder - Audio Producer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It’s frustrating when you’re not getting what you want out of your career, whether it’s money, meaning, or in the case of this week's listener, both. So what do you do next? Give up the security of a steady paycheck to pursue your passions? Or stick it out and hope that someday you’ll make more money -- and if that’s a possibility, what can you do to try to make it happen?
On this episode, host Stefanie O’Connell Rodriguez turns to Terri Trespicio, author of Unfollow Your Passion: How to Create a Life that Matters to You, for answers.
Money Confidential is produced by: Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez - Host/Producer Mickey O'Connor - Senior Editorial Director, Real Simple Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer Jenny Snyder - Audio Engineer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Money Confidential from Real Simple is back with your real money stories, struggles, and secrets. When it comes to finances, we know it’s not just about the money, it’s about what the money means for you. Each week, host Stefanie O’Connell Rodriguez talks to a listener about their money problems, and gets real answers from financial experts. Because we all have money secrets. We just need more space to talk about them. This is the place for real talk about money, and real solutions that actually work. New episodes drop every Monday, starting May 16th. Follow Money Confidential wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
More than half of Americans say they are living paycheck to paycheck -- including this weeks’ listener, a 39-year-old college professor who, despite having a high income, is struggling to stick to a budget. For help, Stefanie interviews Alison Baggerly, the founder of Inspired Budget, about the practical financial and emotional strategies our listener can use to break free of the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle for good. If you have a money story or question to share, you can send us an email at money.confidential@realsimple.com. You can also leave us a voicemail at (929) 352-4106. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Budgeting isn’t a fun concept--it fact, for many of us, it’s incredibly off-putting. We tend to associate budgeting with denying ourselves of everything we enjoy. This week, however, you’ll hear from three previous guests who offer a fresh perspective on budgeting as a way to afford what you really want, without feeling deprived at all. Tune in, and get ready to look at budgeting in a whole new way.
If you have a money story or question to share, you can send us an email at money.confidential@realsimple.com. You can also leave us a voicemail at (929) 352-4106. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Investing is an excellent way to grow your own personal wealth. But when it comes to filing your taxes when you have investments, there are certain things you need to know–so you don’t end up with penalties like this week’s listener, Lorraine, did back in 2019. For advice, host Stefanie O’Connell Rodriguez turns to Kristin Myers, editor-in-chief of The Balance, and Caleb Silver, editor-in-chief of Investopedia.
Dealing with debt? Buying a house? Getting married? Confused about investing? Planning for retirement? If you have a money story or question to share, you can send us an email at money.confidential@realsimple.com. You can also leave us a voicemail at (929) 352-4106. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this week’s episode, we meet Daria, a Brooklyn-based listener who’s currently finalizing her divorce from her husband. Like every other major life event, divorce changes the way in which you should file your taxes. For advice on how to get your taxes right after a divorce, host Stefanie O’Connell Rodriguez turns to Kristin Myers, editor-in-chief of The Balance, and Caleb Silver, editor-in-chief of Investopedia. They’ll also delve into everything you need to know when filing your taxes after retirement.
Dealing with debt? Buying a house? Getting married? Confused about investing? Planning for retirement? If you have a money story or question to share, you can send us an email at money.confidential@realsimple.com. You can also leave us a voicemail at (929) 352-4106. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Milestone moments such as getting married, buying a home, or having children can change the way you file your taxes as much as they can change your life. But it’s important to know all the implications of making a change so you don’t run into trouble like this week’s listener did. Gretchen thought she was making all the right decisions by filing separately from her husband–then was slapped with penalties from the government. For advice on filing taxes after several major life events, host Stefanie O’Connell Rodriguez turns to Kristin Myers, editor-in-chief of The Balance, and Caleb Silver, editor-in-chief of Investopedia.
Dealing with debt? Buying a house? Getting married? Confused about investing? Planning for retirement? If you have a money story or question to share, you can send us an email at money.confidential@realsimple.com. You can also leave us a voicemail at (929) 352-4106. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tax laws change constantly, and your taxes only become more complicated the older you get. In fact, many times, people just don’t realize what they don’t know. This week’s listener, for example, settled a debt–without understanding the tax implications–and lost most of her tax refund as a result. So when should you do your own taxes, and when should you consider calling a professional? For guidance, host Stefanie O’Connell Rodriguez turns to personal finance experts, Kristin Myers, editor-in-chief of The Balance, and Caleb Silver, editor-in-chief of Investopedia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
For many people, taxes are intimidating. After all, slip-ups can have serious consequences. Take this week’s guest, a 40-year-old public service worker based in Washington, DC, who wound up with a massive bill from the IRS after adjusting her tax withholding to pay down debt quicker and not filing taxes for two years. To help you avoid tax mistakes and maximize benefits–and ensure you’re up to date on all that changed for 2021–host Stefanie O’Connell Rodriguez turns to Kristin Myers, Editor-in-Chief of The Balance, and Caleb Silver, Editor-in-Chief of Investopedia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Everyone pays taxes, yet it’s a complicated process that many of us don’t fully understand. As one Utah-based listener learned the hard way, one simple oversight is all it takes to get a big bill from the IRS, instead of your anticipated refund. In this episode, host Stefanie O’Connell Rodriguez tackles all the essentials with Caleb Silver, editor-in-chief of Investopedia, and Kristin Myers, editor-in-chief of The Balance, including what each tax form means, how to claim deductions (and find out what you qualify for), how to handle charitable donations, when to expect your refund, how to avoid scams, and so much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Season 2 of Money Confidential is back with Taxes in Ten, a six-episode mini-season covering your top tax questions. Host and nationally recognized money expert, Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez is teaming up with personal finance experts, Kristin Myers, editor-in-chief of The Balance, and Caleb Silver, editor-in-chief of Investopedia, to talk about everything from doing your own taxes, to the specific tax considerations of different life stages. Taxes in Ten starts February 21. New episodes every Monday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How do you talk about money in your relationship when the fact that you earn more than your partner is a constant source of underlying tension? Stefanie talks to a 26-year-old woman based in Chicago who out earns her boyfriend by $35,000 a year, as well as financial expert Farnoosh Torabi, who reveals how breadwinning women can maximize fulfillment at work, at home, and in their financial lives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week we’re revisiting conversations we’ve had with four past expert guests about the most common things people overlook when purchasing a home, as well as all the hidden costs of homeownership – to help you prepare for one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make - buying a home. If you have a money story or question to share, you can send us an email at money.confidential@realsimple.com. You can also leave us a voicemail at (929) 352-4106. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Taking control of your finances is challenging for many people, but for this week’s listener, a 40-year-old Virginia man, ADHD and bipolar diagnoses complicate the situation even more. Host Stefanie O’Connell Rodriguez turns to licensed therapist Amber Hawley for strategies to effectively manage your money while also dealing with mental health challenges. If you have a money story or question to share, you can send us an email at money.confidential@realsimple.com. You can also leave us a voicemail at (929) 352-4106. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week we meet a 38-year-old father based in Queens, New York, who has spent tens of thousands of dollars on home repairs and renovations over the past two years. Frustrated by all the time and money he’s spent on a place that isn’t his family’s forever home, our listener asks: Should we sell and move elsewhere, even though we’ve only lived in our place for two years? Host Stefanie O’Connell Rodriguez turns to full-time real estate investor, J Scott, for answers. If you have a money story or question to share, you can send us an email at money.confidential@realsimple.com. You can also leave us a voicemail at (929) 352-4106. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Managing your own financial future can be a scary and overwhelming process. For many people, becoming a parent adds a new layer of complexity and anxiety to the process. Our guest, a 36-year-old first time father living in Austin, Texas, is struggling to find balance in his financial planning with the added expenses and time commitments of raising a baby with his wife. For help, host Stefanie O’Connell Rodriguez speaks with Dasha Kennedy, founder of financial education platform, TheBrokeBlackGirl.com, about how she found her footing raising a child while managing her finances. If you have a money story or question to share, you can send us an email at money.confidential@realsimple.com. You can also leave us a voicemail at (929) 352-4106. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How do you pay off expenses from your past while also making smart investments for your future? This week’s guest, a 26-year-old living in New York City, is struggling with this dilemma right now. To help her, and others like her, host Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez interviews viral TikTok money coach Delyanne Barros about how to strike the right balance between your financial obligations and your goals for the future, as well as easy strategies for growing your money (no matter how much you have). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How do you indulge in time out with friends while also paying off debt and saving for emergencies? That’s the conundrum this week’s guest, a 28-year-old Mississippi native living in New York City, is trying to solve. Host Stefanie O’Connell Rodriguez interviews YouTube star, Aja Dang, about her experience of paying off $200,000 of debt in just two years--without sacrificing her monthly budget for facials. If you have a money story or question to share, you can send us an email at money.confidential@realsimple.com. You can also leave us a voicemail at (929) 352-4106. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Many of us would love to create generational wealth for our family, but that desire can leave us feeling overwhelmed. Our guest this week, a 39-year-old woman from the Bronx, recently purchased her first home in the Atlanta suburbs after struggling with the grief of losing loved ones during the pandemic. She now grapples with how to secure her own financial future, while also building an inheritance for her children. For help, host Stefanie O’Connell Rodriguez speaks with author and personal finance expert Kiersten Saunders about the difficulties of balancing personal financial needs with the dreams of leaving wealth to our family. If you have a money story or question to share, you can send us an email at money.confidential@realsimple.com. You can also leave us a voicemail at (929) 352-4106. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Saving for major life events in the future is one thing, but how do you prepare financially when you have several milestones happening at the same time? Our guest this week, a 32-year-old woman based in Chicago, is currently planning her wedding, but also wants to buy a home and start a family in the near future. To help her prepare financially, host Stefanie O’Connell Rodriguez talks to personal finance expert Sahirenys Pierce about how to prioritize financial goals and create systems that support those priorities. If you have a money story or question to share, you can send us an email at money.confidential@realsimple.com. You can also leave us a voicemail at (929) 352-4106.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Christina, a 32-year-old healthcare worker in Reno, Nevada, is struggling to pay off her five-figure credit card debt while also supporting her children and helping her mother financially. To offer guidance to Christina and others like her, host Stefanie O’Connell Rodriguez interviews financial coach Cindy Zuniga-Sanchez about how she balanced paying off $215,000 of debt while offering financial assistance to her own family. If you have a money story or question to share, you can send us an email at money.confidential@realsimple.com. You can also leave us a voicemail at (929) 352-4106. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
After owning (and selling) a home in Philadelphia, this week's guest is questioning whether she ever wants to own a home again. Her biggest dilemma: Will renting for the rest of her life help or hurt her financial wellness long-term? For advice, Stefanie turns to Shang of SaveMyCents.com. If you have a money story or question to share, you can send us an email at money.confidential@realsimple.com. You can also leave us a voicemail at (929) 352-4106. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What happens when you or a loved one passes away without a will? This weeks’ guest, a 26-year-old based in Texas, found out when his mother passed away a few years ago. So far, he’s spent over $15,000 of his own money, depleting his savings, and borrowing against his 401(k), to settle the estate--and it looks like he’ll have to spend tens of thousands more to complete the process. For advice, host Stefanie O’Connell Rodriguez turned to Cameron Huddleston, author of Mom and Dad, We Need to Talk: How to Have Essential Conversations with Your Parents About Their Finances. If you have a money story or question to share, you can send us an email at money.confidential@realsimple.com. You can also leave us a voicemail at (929) 352-4106. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week we are going to hear from three past expert guests who know what it’s like to balance the needs of their children (like paying for college) with their own, sometimes competing, financial needs (like saving for retirement). Learn how these experts find balance while also educating their children about spending and saving money early on. If you have a money story or question to share, you can send us an email at money.confidential@realsimple.com. You can also leave us a voicemail at (929) 352-4106. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A 28-year old social media manager wants to quit her job and turn her growing side hustle into a full-time business, but to do it, she has to stop overspending. Host Stefanie O’Connell Rodriguez and personal finance expert Bola Sokunbi share practical strategies for managing the root causes of overspending, including-the impulse buys and emotional spending that many of us are doing to cope with the pandemic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
More than half of Americans say they are living paycheck to paycheck -- including this weeks’ listener, a 39-year-old college professor who, despite having a high income, is struggling to stick to a budget. For help, Stefanie interviews Alison Baggerly, the founder of Inspired Budget, about the practical financial and emotional strategies our listener can use to break free of the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle for good. If you have a money story or question to share, you can send us an email at money.confidential@realsimple.com. You can also leave us a voicemail at (929) 352-4106. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week we meet Louise, a 64-year-old marketing manager from New Jersey who was laid off during the pandemic. Although she is nearing retirement age, Louise is worried that she hasn’t saved enough money for the years ahead. . To help Louise prepare for that future, Stefanie talks to Jill Schlesinger, a Certified Financial Planner and CBS News Business Analyst.
If you have a money story or question to share, you can send us an email at money.confidential@realsimple.com. You can also leave us a voicemail at (929) 352-4106. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week we meet Grace, a 46-year-old single mother from Northern Arizona who is struggling to set boundaries with her siblings who continue to borrow money from her without paying it back. To help Grace find a way to hold onto her money--without jeopardizing her relationships with her family--Stefanie interviews Marsha Barnes, founder of The Finance Bar, a company dedicated to helping people achieve financial wellness.
If you have a money story or question to share, you can send us an email at money.confidential@realsimple.com. You can also leave us a voicemail at (929) 352-4106. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Is it possible to take on major financial responsibilities such as buying a new home while you’re still paying down debt? Is now even a good time to buy a home? This week’s guest, a 39-year-old aspiring homeowner living in Iowa City, Iowa, is struggling with whether t homeownership is right for her because of these questions and more. For advice, host Stefanie O’Connell Rodrgiuez turns to author Mindy Jensen, who is also the host of The Bigger Pockets money podcast and a licensed real estate agent. If you have a money story or question to share, you can send us an email at money.confidential@realsimple.com. You can also leave us a voicemail at (929) 352-4106. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week we are going to hear from three past expert guests who know what it’s like to deal with thousands of dollars of debt. Learn how they tackled their own student loans, credit cards, and car loans and how you can do the same. If you have a money story or question to share, you can send us an email at money.confidential@realsimple.com. You can also leave us a voicemail at (929) 352-4106. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How do you pay off expenses from your past while also making smart investments for your future? This week’s guest, a 26-year-old living in New York City, is struggling with this dilemma right now. To help her, and others like her, host Stefanie O’Connell Rodrgiuez interviews viral TikTok money coach Delyanne Barros about how to strike the right balance between your financial obligations and your goals for the future, as well as easy strategies for growing your money (no matter how much you have). If you have a money story or question to share, you can send us an email at money.confidential@realsimple.com. You can also leave us a voicemail at (929) 352-4106. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How do you save for your children’s future when you’re overwhelmed with debt? This week’s guest, a 40-year-old mom of two children who lives in Columbus, Ohio, is struggling with the pressures of paying off her husband’s significant college loans--and what that debt means for her children’s future. For advice, host Stefanie O’Connell Rodrgiuez turns to Ron Lieber, “Your Money” columnist for the New York Times and author of The Price You Pay For College: An Entirely New Roadmap for the Biggest Decision Your Family Will Ever Make. If you have a money story or question to share, you can send us an email at money.confidential@realsimple.com. You can also leave us a voicemail at (929) 352-4106. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Caroline, a 26-year-old tech worker who was schooled on the importance of salary negotiation in college, shares how her own salary negotiation backfired--despite, by all accounts, doing everything right. To help Caroline and other women in the workforce, Claire Wasserman, founder of Ladies Get Paid, an online network that champions the professional and financial development of women, reveals practical strategies you should keep in mind when approaching any salary negotiation, and how to protect your self-worth, no matter your salary. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How do you indulge in time out with friends while also paying off debt and saving for emergencies? That’s the conundrum this week’s guest, a 28-year-old Mississippi native living in New York City, is trying to solve. Host Stefanie O’Connell Rodriguez interviews YouTube star, Aja Dang, about her experience of paying off $200,000 of debt in just two years--without sacrificing her monthly budget for facials. If you have a money story or question to share, you can send us an email at money.confidential@realsimple.com. You can also leave us a voicemail at (929) 352-4106. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
You know you need to save for retirement, but how do you get started when you’re still paying off student loan debt? or perhaps you don’t even have access to an employer 401k account because you’re trying to launch a business - like today’s featured listener. To get you on the right track no matter what your saving situation is, and break down how saving for retirement has changed since your parents and even grandparents were planning their retirement, Stefanie talks to investing expert Amanda Holden and Real Simple features editor Brandi Broxson about The New Rules of Retirement. If you have a money story or question to share, you can send us an email at money.confidential@realsimple.com. You can also leave us a voicemail at (929) 352-4106. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week you’ll hear real talk from three previous guests who are experts on what it takes to successfully manage money in a relationship. Tune in to hear pro tips on setting money boundaries with your partner, navigating major income differences in a relationship, asking your partner for a prenup, and more--nothing is too taboo. If you have a money story or question to share, you can send us an email at money.confidential@realsimple.com. You can also leave us a voicemail at (929) 352-4106. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The number of births in the United States dropped to its lowest point for the fifth consecutive year—and that was before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. For women like this weeks’ listener—a 33-year-old woman living in New York City—money is a major factor in deciding when (or whether) to have children, especially given the rising costs of necessities like housing, healthcare, and childcare. Host Stefanie O’Connell Rodriguez interviews Alyssa Davies, author of The 100 Day Financial Goal Journal, for her advice on making decisions around family planning, and what that means for how we manage our money. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Buying a home still feels like a cornerstone of the American Dream for so many of us, but what happens when you spend most of your savings to achieve that dream and wind up regretting your purchase? This week on Money Confidential, we talk to Nina, a 32-year-old living in the Pittsburgh area who is struggling with home buyer’s remorse--and has no idea what to do about it. For answers, host Stefanie O’ Connelll Rodriguez turns to Jannese Torres-Rodriguez, a personal finance expert who has been through this situation herself. If you have a money story or question to share, you can send us an email at money.confidential@realsimple.com. You can also leave us a voicemail at (929) 352-4106. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How do you plan your dream wedding without spending more than you can actually afford? Host Stefanie O’Connell Rodriguez speaks to Jessica Bishop, founder of the Budget Savvy Bride, about setting (and sticking to) a wedding budget that honors your wedding day priorities while keeping your spending in check, so you have money left over for your future financial goals (whether that includes buying a home, having a baby, starting a new business, or something else). If you have a money story or question to share, you can send us an email at money.confidential@realsimple.com. You can also leave us a voicemail at (929) 352-4106. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Budgeting isn’t a fun concept--it fact, for many of us, it’s incredibly off-putting. We tend to associate budgeting with denying ourselves of everything we enjoy. This week, however, you’ll hear from three previous guests who offer a fresh perspective on budgeting as a way to afford what you really want, without feeling deprived at all. Tune in, and get ready to look at budgeting in a whole new way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
When Julia’s marriage ended she did not expect to lose half of her savings. Now that she’s thinking about getting remarried, Julia wants to protect herself financially and is considering asking her partner for a prenuptial agreement. Host Stefanie O’Connell Rodriguez sits down with Beatrice Leong, a divorce and family law attorney, to discuss what Julia, and all couples considering marriage, need to know about getting a prenup. If, like Julia, you have a money story or question to share, you can send us an email at money.confidential@realsimple.com. You can also leave us a voicemail at (929) 352-4106. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A 32-year-old woman based in London considers telling her boyfriend she’s back in debt after he helped pay off her credit card three years ago. Stefanie talks to financial psychologist Dr. Brad Klontz about the challenges of navigating money in relationships, and what secrets (if any) are ok to keep. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The high cost of healthcare is not something many of us think about--unless we become seriously sick. Olivia was shocked to be diagnosed with cancer at the age of 34. The New York City-based small business owner received over a million dollars in treatment and was left with thousands of dollars in medical bills, despite having health insurance. To help Olivia and others struggling with debt from medical care, host Stefanie O’Connell Rodriguez sits down with Marshall Allen, an investigative journalist at ProPublica and author of the new book Never Pay the First Bill: And Other Ways to Fight the Health Care System and Win, to discuss how to best navigate America’s costly and complex healthcare system.
If, like Olivia, you have a money story or question to share, you can send us an email at money.confidential@realsimple.com. You can also leave us a voicemail at (929) 352-4106. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sometimes our money mistakes can have a lingering impact on our financial future. Hannah, a 28-year-old living in the midwest, tried to resolve her debt and improve her credit score only to be scammed in the process. For Hannah, and everyone who can relate to her situation, host Stefanie O’Connell Rodriguez speaks with financial attorney Leslie Tayne about finding solutions to your debt that won’t make the problem even worse.
If, like Hannah, you have a money story or question to share, you can send us an email at money.confidential@realsimple.com. You can also leave us a voicemail at (929) 352-4106. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week, Elaine, a 29-year-old listener from Queens, New York, is completely overwhelmed by her massive student loan debt, and is struggling to balance her goal of becoming debt free with all her other financial goals, from buying a house and starting a family to saving for retirement. To help Elaine--and everyone else out there struggling with a similar problem--get on track, host Stefanie O’Connell Rodriguez and personal finance expert Lynnette Khalfani-Cox delve into how to manage paying student loans off without becoming overwhelmed, including balancing student loan repayment so that it doesn’t get in the way of realizing your dreams of meeting other financial and life goals. If you have a money story or question to share, you can send us an email at money.confidential@realsimple.com. You can also leave us a voicemail at (929) 352-4106. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A 28-year-old on the corporate career track asks if now is the right time to walk away from the financial security of a steady paycheck to pursue an entrepreneurial dream. Host Stefanie O’Connell Rodriguez talks to money expert Paco de Leon about what ‘enough’ money means when we’re talking about starting a business — in a pandemic no less. If you have a money story or question to share, you can send us an email at money.confidential@realsimple.com. You can also leave us a voicemail at (929) 352-4106. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on Money Confidential we meet a 39-year-old mom from Illinois who feels stuck in a cycle of financial feast or famine. Host Stefanie O’Connell Rodriguez and money expert Tiffany Aliche ‘The Budgetnista’ walk through the practical steps that our guest--and everyone else who can relate with her struggles--can use to become more financially savvy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How do you prioritize your money goals when you don’t even know where to begin? Blake, a 27-year-old East Coaster feels overwhelmed by all the advice out there about what he should be doing with his money in order to get on the path to financial success. To help Blake and everyone like him, host Stefanie O’Connell Rodriguez talks to money expert Paula Pant about strategies for fighting financial FOMO, defining what you want, and creating a plan to afford it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Alicia, a 49-year-old school psychologist and mother of two children, is juggling multiple money goals following her recent divorce: furnishing her new home, paying off debt, helping her college-aged kids pay their tuition, and building up her savings. Host Stefanie O’Connell Rodriguez and attorney and wealth expert Tasha Cochran lay out a step-by-step plan to help Alicia and others like her get their financial lives in order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Christina, a 32-year-old healthcare worker in Reno, Nevada, is struggling to pay off her five-figure credit card debt while also supporting her children and helping her mother financially. To offer guidance to Christina and others like her, host Stefanie O’Connell Rodriguez interviews financial coach Cindy Zuniga-Sanchez about how she balanced paying off $215,000 of debt while offering financial assistance to her own family. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Caroline, a 26-year-old tech worker who was schooled on the importance of salary negotiation in college, shares how her own salary negotiation backfired--despite, by all accounts, doing everything right. To help Caroline and other women in the workforce, Claire Wasserman, founder of Ladies Get Paid, an online network that champions the professional and financial development of women, reveals practical strategies you should keep in mind when approaching any salary negotiation, and how to protect your self-worth, no matter your salary. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week, we meet Kayla, a 35-year-old single mother from Nashville who is stretching her income to cover everything from her mortgage to her son’s preschool tuition - while also trying to pay off debt and save for the future. To help Kayla and all the other single parents in her situation, Stefanie talks to financial expert and fellow single mom, Bridget Casey, about prioritizing and balancing it all - financially and emotionally. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week, Elaine, a 29-year-old listener from Queens, New York, is completely overwhelmed by her massive student loan debt, and is struggling to balance her goal of becoming debt free with all her other financial goals, from buying a house and starting a family to saving for retirement. To help get Elaine--and everyone else out there struggling with a similar problem--get on track, host Stefanie O’Connell Rodriguez and personal finance expert Lynnette Khalfani-Cox delve into how to manage paying student loans off without becoming overwhelmed, including balancing student loan repayment so that it doesn’t get in the way of realizing your dreams of meeting other financial and life goals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
You know you need to save for retirement, but how do you get started when you’re still paying off student loan debt? or perhaps you don’t even have access to an employer 401k account because you’re trying to launch a business - like today’s featured listener. To get you on the right track no matter what your saving situation is, and break down how saving for retirement has changed since your parents and even grandparents were planning their retirement, Stefanie talks to investing expert Amanda Holden and Real Simple features editor Brandi Broxson about The New Rules of Retirement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How do you talk about money in your relationship when the fact that you earn more than your partner is a constant source of underlying tension? Stefanie talks to a 26-year-old woman based in Chicago who outearns her boyfriend by $35,000 a year, as well as financial expert Farnoosh Torabi, who reveals how breadwinning women can maximize fulfillment at work, at home, and in their financial lives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A 28-year-old social media manager wants to quit her job and turn her growing side hustle into a full-time business, but to do it, she has to stop overspending. Host Stefanie O’Connell Rodriguez and personal finance expert Bola Sokunbi share practical strategies for managing the root causes of overspending, including-the impulse buys and emotional spending that many of us are doing to cope with the pandemic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A 28-year-old on the corporate career track asks if now is the right time to walk away from the financial security of a steady paycheck to pursue an entrepreneurial dream. Host Stefanie O’Connell Rodriguez talks to money expert Paco de Leon about what ‘enough’ money means when we’re talking about starting a business — in a pandemic no less. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A 32-year-old woman based in London considers telling her boyfriend she’s back in debt after he helped pay off her credit card three years ago. Stefanie talks to financial psychologist Dr. Brad Klontz about the challenges of navigating money in relationships, and what secrets (if any) are ok to keep. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on Money Confidential we meet a 39-year-old mom from Illinois who feels stuck in a cycle of financial feast or famine. Host Stefanie O’Connell Rodriguez and money expert Tiffany Aliche ‘The Budgetnista’ walk through the practical steps that our guest--and everyone else who can relate with her struggles--can use to become more financially savvy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Money Confidential is a new podcast from Real Simple about our money stories, struggles, and secrets. When it comes to money, it can feel like everyone else has it all figured out, and you’re the only one with questions. So where do you go to talk about mistakes you’ve made, or to admit what you don’t know about money matters? Each week, host Stefanie O’Connell Rodriguez talks to a listener about their real money problem, and gets real answers from financial experts. Because we all have money secrets. We just need more space to talk about them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices