The podcast that helps you build a clear financial plan so you can feel confident and in control of your money.

Episodes

99
July 30, 2025

99: Follow the Money in Your Marriage with Forensic Accountant Tracy Coenen

Money secrets can wreck marriages—and cost you everything in divorce. In this episode, Forensic Accountant, Tracy Coenen, reveals how spouses hide assets (think offshore accounts, hidden income, even billionaires fighting over private jets) and how she uncovers the truth. Tracy’s 25+ year career as a forensic accountant gives her a unique lens into corporate fraud, white-collar crime, and high-stakes divorce battles. In this episode she shares: How to spot signs your partner might be hiding m...
98
July 23, 2025

98: Rip & Rant: Insider Trades, Tone-Deaf Tips & Financial Gaslighting

Ever wonder how politicians like Nancy Pelosi and Marjorie Taylor Greene grow millionaire-level wealth while you're getting hit with overdraft fees? In this episode, Jess and Brandon expose the shady world of insider stock trades, slap-on-the-wrist fines, and the double standards baked into the system. Then they’re coming for out-of-touch celebrity financial “advice” that sounds more like satire. If you’re tired of money tips that ignore real-life struggles, this one’s for you. Let’s talk powe...
95
July 16, 2025

97: How to Pick a Credit Card That Actually Works for You

Still swiping your debit card? You could be earning serious rewards instead. In this episode, Jessica and Brandon unpack how they use credit cards as intentional tools to build value—whether that’s free travel, cashback, or everyday perks that actually make life easier. They explain how to choose cards based on what you’ll actually use, not what sounds flashy. For Jessica and Brandon, travel rewards are the priority—like the $1,500 they saved on a family trip to Panama using points from just on...
95
July 9, 2025

96: Spencer Howard on Unlocking Luxury Travel Through Credit Card Strategy

What if luxury travel wasn’t just for the 1%? In this episode, travel rewards expert Spencer Howard reveals how everyday spending can unlock first-class flights, champagne service, and global adventures—without going into debt. You’ll learn: The 3 strategic approaches to credit card rewards (and which one fits your lifestyle) How to maximize point value by avoiding the biggest rookie mistake Why premium cabins aren't just comfortable—they’re career-building Whether you're a points newbie or...
95
July 2, 2025

95: How to Build—and Defend—Your Credit Like a Pro

Think your credit score is just a number? Think again. In this episode, we break down the five key components of your FICO score—and why they matter more than you think. Learn how to: Boost your score with smart, strategic moves (not guesswork) Avoid the myths that hurt more than help (yes, we’re looking at you, Dave Ramsey) Protect yourself from identity theft with simple, overlooked security steps Your credit score doesn’t define you—but it does define your financial options. Tune in to t...
94
June 25, 2025

94: Is Putting Medical Bills on a Credit Card a Mistake?

Medical debt affects over 100 million Americans, but many don't realize the financial consequences of how they choose to pay it. In this episode, Jessica and Brandon break down why using a credit card for medical expenses can turn a manageable bill into long-term financial damage. You’ll learn: The key differences between medical debt and consumer debt—and why it mattersHow credit card payments erase crucial protections for medical billsSmarter ways to handle unexpected medical expensesWhethe...
93
June 18, 2025

93: Writing Our Own Rules: Details of our Post-Nuptial Agreement

Most couples unknowingly agree to their state’s version of a prenup when they sign a marriage license. But what if you could rewrite the rules to actually reflect your values? In this episode, Jess & Brandon share why they created a post-nuptial agreement after nine years of marriage—not as a plan for divorce, but as a blueprint for how they handle money, co-parenting, and conflict with intention. They walk through how they worked with attorney Aaron Thomas to build a post-nup that protects th...
92
June 11, 2025

92: From Undocumented to Financially Free: Charly Stoever’s Money Journey

*This episode contains profanity and may not be suited for children under age 13 Charly Stoever has worn many hats—undocumented immigrant, stockbroker, money coach, and global adventurer. In this raw and inspiring conversation, they unpack how a childhood shaped by financial uncertainty led to a life of intentional wealth-building. From a full ride to Wellesley to living on Peace Corps stipends, Charly eventually found their money “aha moment” in a simple stock market chart—leading to a career...
91
June 4, 2025

91: APR, APY, WTF? The Jargon That’s Keeping You Broke

Financial jargon isn’t just annoying—it’s expensive . Banks bank on the fact that most people don’t really know what terms like APR, APY, and amortization actually mean. That confusion? It could be costing you thousands. This episode breaks down the alphabet soup of money terms that keep smart, successful people stuck. No jargon. No fluff. Just the knowledge banks hope you never Google. Visit prenups.com/sugardaddy to learn more about fair prenups that help couples plan for a healthy fina...
90
May 28, 2025

90: Rewriting Your Money Story with Financial Therapist Wendy Wright

Your money story isn’t just about numbers—it’s about emotions. In this powerful episode, financial therapist Wendy Wright unpacks why 80–90% of our financial decisions are emotionally driven —and how your earliest money memories are likely still shaping your current habits. You’ll learn: How to spot hidden money patterns rooted in childhood A simple reframe that helps couples stop fighting about "money" Why debt often triggers shame—and what to do about it How to start healing your relat...
89
May 21, 2025

89: Money and Mental Health: How Finances can Affect Your Wellbeing

May is Mental Health Awareness Month—and Jess and Brandon are talking about one of the biggest, most ignored triggers of anxiety and depression: money stress. Financial pressure doesn’t just hurt your bank account—it hijacks your sleep, your self-worth, and your ability to think clearly. In this episode, they unpack the debt-stress spiral, why even high earners aren’t immune, and how shame keeps so many people silently suffering. If you’ve ever avoided your account balance or felt like you’re f...
88
May 14, 2025

88: How Financial Advisors Help With Real Life—Not Just Your Portfolio

Think financial advisors just pick stocks? Think again. In this episode, Jess and Brandon unpack what really makes an advisor invaluable—hint: it’s not yelling into phones like Wolf of Wall Street. From planning maternity leave and budgeting for braces to navigating tough talks with aging parents, great advisors help you make money decisions that align with your life, not just your portfolio. And sometimes? Their job is reminding you it’s okay to spend the money you’ve saved. If you want peace...
87
May 7, 2025

87: Why Waiting to Invest Is Keeping You Broke

Think you need to be debt-free or have a fat savings account before you invest? That myth is keeping you broke. In this episode, Jess and Brandon break down why starting now—even with just $5—is more powerful than waiting for the "perfect" moment. They call out outdated advice that tells you to wait, and show you how to grow wealth while paying off debt. You’ll learn why index funds are your low-risk, high-impact secret weapon, and exactly how to start investing—even if you're overwhelmed or ...
86
April 30, 2025

86: Rethinking Your 6 Month Emergency Fund

Layoffs, inflation, and rising costs are rewriting the rules of emergency savings. In this episode, Jess & Brandon break down why the old "3-month cushion" no longer cuts it—and what you actually need instead. You’ll learn: Why experts now recommend a 12-month emergency fund How to separate wants vs. needs when calculating your savings target Why investments ≠ emergency savings (and what to do instead) 5 practical strategies to build your fund faster—without burnout How to turn a daunting ...
85
April 23, 2025

85: Building a Seven-Figure Hands Off Business with Trina Julian

What do free lunch money, a horse, and a seven-figure landscaping company have in common? Trina Julian. In this episode, Jess and Brandon dive into how Trina built Country Girl Gardens from a $10K side hustle into a seven-figure business—all with one goal in mind: freedom. From day one, she designed her company to run without her, documenting every process, system, and role. So when a horseback riding accident sidelined her, the business kept thriving—thanks to her standard operating procedures...
84
April 16, 2025

84: Six Figures and Still Struggling: The $250K Middle Class Trap

Money that once supported entire families now barely covers daycare costs, leaving many six-figure earners wondering: Is $250,000 the new middle class? Jess and Brandon are tackling this financial reality shift head-on, exploring why high incomes don't stretch as far as they used to. Ready to break free from the high-income trap? Tune in for an honest conversation about navigating today's complex financial landscape and what you can do to stretch your dollar Visit prenups.com/sugardaddy to lea...
83
April 9, 2025

83: How to Handle Money with Kia Commodore

In this episode, you’ll get to meet Kia Commodore, the 26-year-old financial literacy powerhouse who's changing how young people in the UK think about money. As founder of Pennies to Pounds and author of "How to Handle Money" (HarperCollins), Kia is tackling a startling reality: the average financial literacy age in the UK is just nine years old. Join Jess and Brandon as they discuss Kia's journey from early money lessons, to running her first business and the lessons in between that helped sha...
82
April 2, 2025

82: How to Make Your Kids Millionaires

In this episode, Jess and Brandon dive into strategies to build significant wealth for your children through early and consistent investing, leveraging the incredible power of compound interest. In this episode we discuss: • Educational accounts like 529 plans • Custodial investment accounts (UTMAs) • Custodial Roth IRAs • How business owners can employ their children for tax advantages Visit prenups.com/sugardaddy to learn more about fair prenups that help couples plan for a healthy financial...
March 26, 2025

REWIND: How Your Income Actually Gets Taxed

In this episode, Brandon and Jess break down the mechanics of tax brackets and discuss how the progressive tax system is widely misunderstood, often leading to make costly financial mistakes. If you've ever worried about taking a raise because it’s going to push you into a "higher tax bracket" or assumed your entire income gets taxed at your highest rate, then this conversation will transform your understanding of how taxation actually works. Whether you're early in your career or an establishe...
81
March 19, 2025

81: Money Moves for Stay at Home Moms with Jenni Sisson

Jessica and Brandon sit down with finance writer and stay at home mom, Jenni Sisson. They discuss her journey from being a stay-at-home mom to personal finance writer while explaining how mothers can build wealth, protect their financial futures, and find fulfillment both within and beyond their parenting roles. In this episode we talk about about: -The market value of a SAHMs unpaid labor and hidden opportunity costs - Financial protections and considerations for SAHMs -Side hustles and per...
80
March 12, 2025

80: Should You Trust AI to Replace Your Financial Advisor?

Financial planners and AI tools can coexist to provide better service, with each bringing different strengths to the financial planning process. In this episode Jess and Brandon discuss the rise of robo-advisors and how they compare (and don’t) to comprehensive financial planning. In this episode we discuss: • How AI excels at portfolio management • How budgeting apps use AI to categorize transactions and provide spending insights • How comprehensive financial planning differs from simple inve...
79
March 5, 2025

79: A Fast-Track To Your PMP: 30 Days to Certification with Tamara McLemore

Discover how to fast track your career by obtaining the PMP certification in weeks, instead of the traditional 6-8 months, with Tamara McLemore's innovative Boot Camp. In this episode, Jess and Brandon dive into the importance of this credential, how it can significantly increase your salary, and the experiences Tamara has gathered throughout her career. Whether you’re considering the PMP or not, this episode is filled with career advice to help you level up at any stage. What you’ll learn abou...
78
Feb. 26, 2025

78: Why We Decided on a Post-Nuptial Agreement

After almost nine years of marriage, Jess and Brandon decided to get a postnuptial agreement. In this episode, they dive into the process of creating their post-nuptial agreement, their experience, and the crucial conversations every couple should have about their finances. In this episode: - Discussing the importance of post-nuptial agreements - Unpacking insights from their attorney about preparing for the unexpected - Examining family dynamics and financial planning - Sharing their perspecti...
77
Feb. 19, 2025

77: Rip & Rant on DE&I, Relationship Disconnects and Etiquette

In this episode, Jess and Brandon tackle the critical issue of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) in the current socio-political climate, debunking myths and misconceptions surrounding these initiatives. They emphasize the importance of understanding DE&I as a framework that benefits everyone, while urging personal reflection on inherent biases. Brandon also challenges the men who are resisting financial advising, when their spouses are clearly asking for help and looking for support. Las...