Episodes

Send a text If you feel like homeownership is out of reach, you’re not imagining it. In this episode, we break down why buying a home today is drastically harder than it was for previous generations and why this has nothing to do with lattes, avocado toast, or bad budgeting. We walk through real numbers, personal experiences, and the structural changes that reshaped the housing market after 2008. We talk about: How home prices have outpaced incomeWhy this isn’t a personal finance failureThe r...

Send us a text If you've ever been confused about mutual funds, ETFs, and individual stocks, this episode is your beginner-friendly breakdown. Jessica and Brandon cut through the noise to explain what each investment type really is, how they work, and how to choose what’s right for your goals. From 401(k)s to robo-advisors to picking your own stocks, this episode helps you avoid costly mistakes and invest with clarity. You’ll learn: The pros and cons of mutual funds, ETFs, and stocksHow fees ...

Send us a text A woman finds out she’s still the beneficiary on her ex-husband’s life insurance policy, years after their divorce. He’s since remarried and had a child. When he passes away unexpectedly, she’s notified she’ll receive $100,000. Now the new wife is asking for the money… for their child. In this episode, Jessica and Brandon break down the emotional, financial, and legal sides of this viral dilemma. You’ll hear: Why updating your beneficiaries is crucialWhether it’s morally wrong ...

Send us a text Are you managing money together, or living in two separate financial worlds? In this episode, Jessica and Brandon get real about a problem nearly every couple faces: one partner handling finances while the other stays out of the loop. That disconnect causes confusion, stress, and even resentment. We break down: Why this common imbalance happensThe hidden risks of not sharing financial insightHow Monarch Money can change the way you see and plan your money togetherReal life wins...

Financial planning isn’t a one-size-fits-all game. Life happens in seasons, and your money should move with them. In this episode, Jessica and Brandon break down the 4 major financial seasons, Building, Stability, Stretch, and Harvest, and help you identify which one you’re in right now. We’re talking real-life money shifts, mindset changes, and how to give yourself grace when your financial plan needs to adapt. Whether you're stacking cash, raising kids, recovering from setbacks, or preparing...

Start the new year off right with a clear, actionable financial plan. In this episode, Jessica and Brandon walk you through five key money moves to make in January, from setting financial goals and reviewing your budget to building a debt payoff strategy and automating your savings. Whether you're managing money solo or with a partner, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you take control of your finances and build wealth in 2026. What You'll Learn: How to set measurable, achie...

Before you set another New Year’s resolution or budget goal, hit pause and reflect. In this episode, Jessica and Brandon walk you through the exact steps to do a personal money audit that sets you up to win in 2026. Whether you're feeling behind or just want a clearer plan, this episode is your financial reset. We cover: How to review your income, expenses, debt, and savings from 2025 The 6 key money numbers you need to know Tools and automations that make your financial life easier How to s...

Most people think their money problems come from a lack of budgeting. But what if the real issue is emotional? In this powerful episode, Jessica and Brandon sit down with Aja Evans, LMHC, a licensed financial therapist and author of Feel Good Finance, to break down 5 surprising signs you might need financial therapy. We talk about: The link between money trauma and poor financial decisions Why budgeting alone doesn’t break bad habits How emotional avoidance shows up in your bank account Wha...

Most couples don’t break up because of infidelity — they break up over money. And worse? They never saw it coming. In this episode, we’re breaking down the 5 biggest money mistakes that silently sabotage relationships… and how to actually fix them. We’re joined by Heather and Douglas Bonaparth, the real-life couple behind the new book Money Together: How to Find Fairness in Your Relationship and Become an Unstoppable Financial Team. From navigating breadwinner role shifts, to recovering from r...

Are you walking blind when it comes to your finances? In this episode, Jessica and Brandon are going back to basics because too many people are waking up to financial realities way too late. They're breaking down why it’s so dangerous not to know where your money is, how your bills are being paid, or even what accounts exist. Whether you're married, partnered, or handling things solo, this episode will give you the tools and mindset shift to take back control. We cover: The hidden risks of no...

Ever wonder how someone with a full-time job builds serious wealth on the side? In this episode, we meet Ray Tran, a Brooklyn-based middle school teacher who has built a real estate portfolio of 583 units—all while still teaching financial literacy. We dive into: The mindset shift that led Ray from saving to investing How he started with just one property and scaled up The truth about passive income (and what most people get wrong) How he teaches financial literacy to middle schoolers and a...

What would you do with a $1,200 stimulus check? When Ellie was broke, newly divorced, and raising four kids out of her mom’s house, she made one powerful decision — to invest that stimulus check into herself. Fast forward: she’s now built a multi-million dollar business empire, helped 50,000+ women, and opened a café in Senegal. In this episode, we dive into: How she stretched $1,200 into an LLC, website, and first productThe moment her $15 course made $10K, then $1MBusiness credit vs persona...

Most people blow through inheritance money in just a few months. In this episode, Jessica and Brandon break down the 5-step plan to make sure a $50K windfall actually improves your life, instead of disappearing into lifestyle creep, bad investments, or impulsive spending. ✅ What to do in the first 90 days ✅ How to protect and grow sudden money ✅ Why most people get windfalls wrong ✅ Common traps with taxes, family, and fake friends Whether you inherited $50K, got a surprise bonus, or won big —...

Health insurance costs are climbing, and this year’s open enrollment feels tougher than ever. Premiums are up, deductibles are higher, and plans seem designed to confuse you. In this episode, Jess and Brandon walk through how to actually compare your options by looking at total yearly cost, not just the monthly premium. You’ll learn how to plan for high-cost years with surgeries or pregnancies versus lower-cost preventive years, and how to understand how network changes, prescriptions, and hidd...

In this powerful episode, Jess and Brandon sit down with Ange Matthews, a first-generation investor and founder of The Happy Happy Method, who went from making $40K a year and battling six-figure debt to building seven-figure passive wealth. No trust fund, no finance degree, just side hustles, value investing, and mindset shifts that changed everything. You’ll learn: How Ange invested while still in debt, and why she doesn’t believe in being debt-free before building wealth What the 2008 crash...

Confused about Roth vs Traditional IRAs? You're not alone. In this episode, Jess and Brandon break down the pros, cons, and real-world impact of choosing a Roth IRA versus a Traditional IRA for your retirement game plan. Learn how taxes, income levels, and long-term growth factor into the decision, and why the right choice could save you thousands down the road. We cover: – How Roth and Traditional IRAs actually work – Which one fits different income brackets – Tax implications now vs late...

In this episode, Jessica and Brandon dive into a tricky but essential question: How soon should you bring up money when you're dating? They unpack why money often feels taboo, share tips to start the conversation without tension, and explore real‐life stories about financial expectations, backgrounds, and values. Whether you're in your 20s, 30s, or beyond, you’ll get tools to help you be curious, open, and intentional in your relationships. What You’ll Learn: How early is “too early” vs. “too l...

What If You Could Completely Transform Your Finances in Just 180 Days? Forget overnight success stories and overwhelming budgets, this episode is about real, lasting change. Jess and Brandon are breaking down a six-month financial reset plan that shows you exactly how to take control of your money, no matter where you're starting. They’ll walk you through: The first step everyone skips (but shouldn't): Getting crystal clear on where your money is goingThe tools that simplify your entire...

Feel like investing is only for finance bros and math nerds? You’re not alone and this episode is about to change that. We’re joined by Chloé Daniels, the powerhouse behind Clobare Money, who’s helped over 300,000 people ditch financial fear and start investing the lazy way. Chloe’s journey is all-too-relatable: from believing “girls are bad with money” to loaning an ex $50K, she’s made the mistakes so you don’t have to. She breaks down investing in a way that actually makes sense—no jargon, n...

GoFundMe should never be your family’s financial plan. In this episode Jess & Brandon break down why life insurance is a non-negotiable part of smart financial planning, no matter your age, income, or relationship status. They share a powerful, heartbreaking story of a brilliant friend who passed away at 38, leaving behind a wife and young child with no coverage, and no financial protection. It’s a harsh wake-up call and a reminder that life can change in an instant. Here’s what you’...

For many families, the decision to become a stay-at-home parent isn’t really a choice, it’s the result of America’s broken childcare system. Daycare costs can swallow an entire paycheck, but leaving the workforce carries hidden financial risks that can last for decades. In this episode, Jess & Brandon explore: How career gaps impact your resume and earning power Why retirement savings and Social Security shrink when you’re out of the workforce The power imbalances that can emerge in single-i...

What does true financial freedom look like for women? Bola Sokunbi, founder of Clever Girl Finance, shares her journey from witnessing women in crisis—arriving at her family’s doorstep with nothing but suitcases—to building one of the largest personal finance platforms for women in the U.S. Raised in Nigeria, Bola absorbed early money lessons from her parents and watched her mother’s determination change the trajectory of their family. After being dismissed by a financial advisor who question...

In this episode, Jess and Brandon tackle the misconception of taxes, corporate greed and the new twist in retirement planning: cryptocurrency in your 401(k). The path to financial security lies in addressing the real economic challenges: demanding fair compensation, understanding the true value of your work, and sticking with sound, proven financial principles. If you want to stop falling behind and start building real financial security, this episode is your wake-up call. Watch this episode ...

Your income and investment returns matter—but nothing predicts your financial freedom more than your savings rate. Yet, most Americans save only 3–5% of their income, a level that almost guarantees they’ll have to work far longer than they’d like. In this episode, Jess & Brandon reveal why your savings rate is the true driver of wealth and how it works regardless of income level. They share real examples of modest earners who retired as millionaires—and why high-income professionals often fall ...