Episodes

Ever wondered how to ensure your financial plan remains rock-solid, no matter who's in office? In this episode Jessica and Brandon discuss strategies to safeguard your finances against the unpredictability of political shifts. With President Biden stepping down from reelection, they break down the potential financial impacts and explain why a robust financial plan is crucial for weathering any political storm. Discover the importance of long-term investing and hear their take on why emotional re...

What would you do if you suddenly received a $600,000 settlement check? For Haley and Justin Brown-Woods, hosts of the "Price of Avocado Toast" podcast, it was the beginning of a journey from windfall to wake-up call. After blowing through $600K they also found themselves in $220,000 in debt. Tune in as they disclose their earliest money memories, shaped by a scarcity mindset, and the emotional whirlwind that accompanied managing such a large sum of money. They share how these experiences propel...

Is buying a home in today’s market a wise move, or is renting a more practical choice? Discover the answer in this episode, where Jessica and Brandon unpack the complexities of the current housing landscape. From challenging the traditional motivations for homeownership, to a comparison of past and present market conditions, they highlight the financial hurdles first-time buyers face, using real-life examples that expose the reality of skyrocketing home prices and stagnant wage growth. Equip you...

*This episode originally aired January 15, 2023. Gain the upper hand in today's chaotic mortgage market with tips from David Cain, a top 1% mortgage banker in the US, with over 20 years of experience. As a trusted friend and exceptional professional, David joins Jessica and Brandon to shed light on the intricacies of securing a mortgage. Don't miss this episode filled with valuable insights and tools to help you face the challenges of the housing market head-on. To apply to be a guest on the s...

*This episode originally released on June 1, 2023 In loving memory of Reverend Sharonda Coleman-Singleton. Content Warning: This episode makes reference to the Charleston, SC shooting in 2015. In this very special episode, Jessica and Brandon sit down with Chris Singleton, whose mother was murdered in a racially motivated mass shooting in Charleston, SC on June 17, 2015. They discuss tragedy, loss, grief, recovery and triumph. Learn how Chris turned his pain into fuel, to become an inspiratio...

Ever felt a twinge of doubt when your financial advisor speaks? Trusting your gut could save you from bad advice. In this episode, Jessica and Brandon discuss the signs that indicate when something is off and emphasize the importance of clear communication with your advisor. From misallocating funds to ignoring personal circumstances, they bring you real-life examples to help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure your financial strategy aligns with your unique goals and life stage. Tune in to equ...

Raising children can be one of the most financially challenging endeavors you'll ever undertake. Tune in as Jessica and Brandon discuss the critical importance of having a solid financial foundation before embarking on parenthood. From often-overlooked expenses of pregnancy and childbirth in the United States, to health insurance and daycare costs, they dive into the obvious and more hidden costs of parenthood. Tune in for an eye-opening discussion designed to help prepare you for the comprehen...

This episode originally aired May 15, 2023. Tune in as Jessica and Brandon interview Mandi Woodruff-Santos aka Mandi Money, who is a globally recognized career expert, founder of the MandiMoney Makers™️, and co-host of the 3-time WEBBY award winning podcast, Brown Ambition. Through her online career coaching community, she is on a mission to help women of color achieve their wildest financial and career ambitions. If you’re ready to learn more about negotiating your next salary, want to stop se...

Have you ever been floored by the reality of your spending habits? That's exactly what happened to Jessica and Brandon, during a long overdue money meeting. Join them in this episode as they share the shock, the strategies, and the solutions that followed this revelation. They discuss the ins and outs of conducting effective financial check-ins with your partner, spotlighting the importance of keeping an eye on those pesky small expenses that can derail your financial dreams. This conversation r...

Picture this: a nurse with a wanderlust spirit and a knack for problem-solving takes on the systemic challenges of healthcare, turning them into opportunities for innovation, advocacy and entrepreneurship. In this episode, Jessica and Brandon sit down with Registered Nurse, Naomi Corbi, who started a medical consulting business during the pandemic. Her role has since expanded into working with her husband who founded SAFE, a bespoke, comprehensive security solutions firm, as the Director, Busi...

Planning the perfect Disney vacation can feel like an overwhelming task, which is why Jessica and Brandon put their most recent Disney cruise in the hands of Courtney Gibson, Senior Planner with Pixie Travel Co, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. Courtney made their trip seamless and kept it in budget. If you’ve been thinking about going on a Disney vacation, then this episode is for you. Learn the benefits of working with a travel agent, navigating the cruises, hotels and parks and planning...

Navigating the waters of mortality isn't a journey to embark on alone; that's why Jessica and Brandon crafted a heartfelt discussion to guide you through this delicate topic. Available for download, this guide is designed to help you arrange your affairs with kindness and foresight. Jessica and Brandon discuss the importance of open dialogues about death and the tangible steps you can take to prepare, including legal documentation and financial planning, to ensure a smoother transition for thos...

In this special episode, Jessica and Brandon joined forces for a live recording with Cisco Systems and their Connected Black Professionals Employee Resource Organization. From wealth building strategies to demystifying the complexities of savings plans, retirement, and the ever-evolving world of cryptocurrency, Jess and Brandon break down financial planning into digestible insights. This conversation is a detailed 30k foot view into the world of finance and proper financial planning. You’ll lea...

Ever wondered who can open a 529 college savings plan and reap the benefits of tax-free growth for education costs? In this episode, Jessica and Brandon peel back the layers of this powerful tax advantaged savings tool. They dive into the recent changes that make 529 plans more flexible than ever, illustrating how they can be a game-changer for your family's educational funding—whether it's for a traditional college route or alternative educational paths, like vocational school. Getting a head ...

This episode originally aired on March 1, 2023. The gender pay gap is a calculation that reflects the fact that, on average, women are paid less than men. In 2020, that was 83 cents to every dollar. Women of Color, per usual, get an even smaller piece of the pie. Black women were paid 64%, and Hispanic women (of any race) were paid 57% of what white non-Hispanic men were paid (according to a study conducted by the Women’s Bureau in tandem with the U.S. Census Bureau). What’s worse is that the ...

Naseema McElroy is a published author and the founder of Financially Intentional, a platform about personal finance and living life intentionally. In this episode, she speaks to Jessica and Brandon about how taking control of her finances has enabled her to overcome bankruptcy, divorce, and break the cycle of living paycheck to paycheck. She shares her lessons along her path to help others benefit from the freedoms of financial independence. Outside of encouraging people to get their financial...

In this episode you will embark on an enlightening journey with Emily Grey, founder of The Flourish Market, as Jessica and Brandon dissect the multifaceted saga of a Wall Street girlie turned million-dollar entrepreneur. From the prestigious corridors of Wall Street to the colorful landscape of conscious retail, they dive in to the significance of community, risk-taking, and genuine connection in the realm of business. Uncover how an unwavering resolve and a dance injury detour led to the birth ...

Ever feel like the U.S. tax system is a labyrinth designed to confuse mere mortals? Fear not! Join Jessica and Brandon Norwood as they unravel the mysteries of tax brackets and decode how W2 income really works. *This episode was recorded in 2023 and references the 2023 tax brackets. Please review the current brackets for up-to-date information. If you’d like to leave us a question to be answered during future episodes, you can do so at Speakpipe. You can email us at: thesugardaddypodcast@gma...

Talking to your parents about money, and their retirement plan can be a daunting task. The reality is, if you don't do it while they are cognitively well and able, you will pay the price: in stacks of paperwork, lack of necessary information, and potentially, years of probate to settle their estate. Understanding what your parents' have as part of their retirement, can be a safeguard to ensure that YOU are not THEIR retirement plan. Tune in as Jessica and Brandon candidly untangle the complexit...

Losing your job can feel like a knockout punch, but what if it's actually setting you up for the next round of your career? We're peeling back the layers of unemployment after a layoff, arming you with the strategies and mindset needed to turn this tough time into a launchpad for success. Step into our ring as we coach you through the emotional impact of job loss, the smart way to handle your finances when the paychecks stop, and how to keep your professional edge sharp. Whether it's reassessing...

Embarking on an adoption journey is a tale of love, resilience, and the complex interplay of emotions and finances. in this episode, Jessica and Brandon sit down with Lauren and James Barrett, to discuss their adoption journey. They share their deeply personal experience from deciding on adoption to handling the financial impact. Lauren opens up about her brain aneurysm, the effects such conditions have on pregnancy and family planning, and the subsequent journey through infertility treatments. ...

Ever find yourself wondering why your credit score went down, but you just paid off a credit card in full? In this episode, Jessica and Brandon demystify what makes up your credit score, and how to improve it. From utilization to account length and credit mix, they will discuss the five factors that make up your credit score. They lay out the dos and don'ts, like why you might want to think twice before cutting ties with your old credit accounts and why adding a child as an authorized user can b...

Welcome to Season 3 of The Sugar Daddy Podcast. In this episode, Jessica and Brandon dive into exciting new updates rolling out in 2024, like new episodes launching the first three Wednesday’s of each month, shorter more targeted finance episodes, new incredible guests and a YouTube channel launch. They also highlight five easy ways you can start the year on a financially sound foot with easy to implement, practical tips. From debt consolidation to budgeting, saving and boosting your retirement,...

Imagine a world where managing money as a couple is as sweet and simple as a Sunday morning in a Maroon 5 music video. That's the dream, right? This conversation aims to make that dream a reality. Tune in as Jessica and Brandon sit down with Ginger and Willis, a married millennial couple, as they share their journey of aligning their views on finances, the impact of emotions on money decisions, and their strategies for keeping their financial goals on track. This episode tackles everything from ...