Beyond Budgets Podcast

What happens when personal finance meets fun, adventure, and real-world wisdom? Deb Meyer sits down with Joe Saul-Sehy, the dynamic co-host of Stacking Benjamins and author of Stacked, to talk about money in a way only Joe can: light, insightful, and incredibly human. We explore how humor can disarm money fears, why emergency funds are really self-insurance, and how to approach disability and life insurance like a true risk manager. Joe also dives into how automation trumps discipline when building lasting financial habits. Plus, Joe shares insider tips from his passion project podcast, Stacking Adventures, highlighting how families can travel smart and turn everyday moments into unforgettable experiences. Episode Highlights: [2:10] Why humor is a powerful tool to make money approachable [6:00] How an emergency fund functions as "self-insurance" [6:30] The real ROI of cash reserves [15:00] What "own occupation" disability coverage really means and why most people miss it [22:07] How to evaluate life insurance options (term vs. permanent) without falling for industry bias Connect with Joe Saul-Sehy Stacking Benjamins Podcast Stacking Adventures Podcast, travel tips for adventurous families Joe's book Stacked: Your Super-Serious Guide to Modern Money Management Connect with Host Deb Meyer, CFP® Founder of WorthyNest®, helping faith-driven parents build financial plans that reflect their values. Download your FREE guide | Follow us on YouTube | Take the Financial Wellness Quiz

How do you move from financial survival mode to long-term stability when you're raising kids and navigating constant demands? In this episode of Beyond Budgets, Deb Meyer is joined by financial educator Chelsea Williams to explore how our earliest experiences shape our lifelong relationship with money and what parents can do about it. You'll learn why financial change is 80% mindset and only 20% technical, and how understanding your money story can unlock new possibilities for your family's future. Chelsea shares a practical framework that helps families create healthy financial habits by focusing on beliefs, not just budgets. They also discuss what most people don't realize: a child's core values and beliefs about money are formed mainly between the ages of 0 and 12. For parents of young kids, this is a critical window. The way we talk about spending, saving, and value can either plant seeds of fear or lay the foundation for confident financial decision-making later in life. Episode Highlights (09:05) Why mindset matters more than math when it comes to financial stability (10:16) How to identify and rewrite the limiting beliefs that may be holding you back (11:48) What to say (and not say) to your kids about money, especially around spending (24:04) A realistic way to set spending boundaries that align with your family values (25:05) Why most wealth is built slowly Whether you're managing finances solo or as a couple, and whether your kids are toddlers or teens, this conversation offers a hopeful and grounded approach to building financial peace—one decision at a time. Resources Mentioned MoneyMastery.work – Chelsea Williams' course, upcoming book, and podcast The Opposite of Spoiled by Ron Lieber – A helpful read on raising money-smart kids Connect with Host Deb Meyer, CFP® Founder of WorthyNest®, helping faith-driven parents build financial plans that reflect their values. Download your FREE guide | Follow us on YouTube | Take the Financial Wellness Quiz

What if your kids graduated from college knowing how to budget, invest, and avoid getting scammed? In this heartfelt and wide-ranging episode, Deb Meyer sits down with Tim Smith, Certified Financial PlannerTM, founder of Aurora Private Wealth, and co-host of The Financial Dad podcast. They explore the critical (and often missing) elements of financial education for young adults, especially creatives and entrepreneurs navigating money on their own. But the conversation doesn't stop there. Tim opens up about a massive fraud case he witnessed firsthand — involving $15 million stolen under his watch — and how that experience fueled his upcoming book. You'll also hear honest reflections on parenting, overcommitted families, building strong marriages, and redefining what "success" looks like in a pressure-filled world. This episode is a must-listen for parents who want to make smarter financial decisions. Episode Highlights (2:10) How schools are failing young adults in financial literacy (13:17) How to balance ambition with relationships, family, and self-care (21:48) How couples can divide financial responsibilities based on strengths (25:29) The real reasons behind investor fraud (and how to prevent it) (27:50) What "custody" means in financial advising, and why it matters Connect with Host Deb Meyer, CFP® Founder of WorthyNest®, helping faith-driven parents build financial plans that reflect their values. Schedule an Initial Meeting | Follow us on YouTube | Take the Financial Wellness Quiz

What if the best money conversations aren't really about money? In this episode of Beyond Budgets, Deb Meyer sits down with Carl Richards, author of Your Money: Reimagining Wealth in Simple Sketches, to explore how we can think more clearly and speak more kindly about money in our relationships. Carl shares why our views of money often clash with those closest to us, how comparison gets in the way of contentment, and what it means to align our values with financial decisions. This is a must-listen for anyone who wants to bring more clarity and calm into their financial life, especially parents trying to model healthy money habits for the next generation. In This Episode You'll learn: (2:32) Why spouses often see money differently, and how to navigate that with less tension (7:42) What "big hat, no cattle" means and how to stop comparing your life to others (14:03) Why values can conflict without being wrong, and how to live in that tension (17:28) The difference between investment returns vs. investor returns (a.k.a. "The Behavior Gap") (25:41) How to spend in a way that brings more joy and connection, not just more stuff About Carl Richard's Book Carl's new book, Your Money: Reimagining Wealth in Simple Sketches, comes out October 21 and is designed to be a "conversation grenade". It will help spark more meaningful dialogue with your spouse, kids, or friends around money. Want a free excerpt? 📧 Email hello@behaviorgap.com with "Friend of Carl" in the subject line to receive a preview. A Few Favorite Quotes "Your values aren't at war, they're in conversation." — Carl Richards "You don't have to resolve every money tension in your marriage. Sometimes the difference is the strength." — Deb Meyer Connect with Host Deb Meyer, CFP® Founder of WorthyNest®, helping intentional parents build financial plans that reflect their values. Schedule an initial meeting | Follow us on YouTube | Get your FREE family finance guide

Is financial prosperity a blessing or a spiritual trap? In this thought-provoking episode, Deb Meyer sits down with Deacon Christopher Warner to explore the moral and spiritual dimensions of wealth, giving, work, and responsibility. Whether you're Catholic, Christian, or simply curious about aligning money with your faith, this conversation offers deep insights into the tension between financial abundance and spiritual purpose. Discover how principles like subsidiarity, stewardship, and virtue can shape your family's financial life. Also, learn why budgeting and charitable giving are more than just numbers on a spreadsheet. Episode Highlights: (0:04) The moral tension between wealth, idolatry, and faithfulness (02:10) How the principle of subsidiarity empowers parents to lead family finances (07:37) Why charity begins at home and how giving is a matter of justice, not just generosity (11:38) A breakdown of four financial personalities: Givers, Hoarders, Consumers, and Spenders (12:26) The dangers of self-inflicted financial suffering and how to avoid it (22:28) Viewing work as a path to virtue (whether you're an entrepreneur, manager, or laborer) (24:20) Creative ways to teach financial responsibility through chores and entrepreneurship Resources & Mentions: Christopher Warner's Substack: wayofthefamily.com Book: Catholic Money by Christopher Warner Episode 37: Faith, Family & Finances with Compass Catholic Ministries Connect with Host Deb Meyer Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Download your Free Resource Website

What does it look like to steward your business and family with intentionality, especially when it's time to plan an exit? Entrepreneur and author Justin Goodbread joins host Deb Meyer to talk candidly about sacrifice, scaling, and what too many business owners get wrong when it's time to let go. Whether you're years away from selling or just starting to think about legacy, this conversation blends practical wisdom and deep faith in a way that resonates with purpose-driven parents and entrepreneurs alike. Exit planning isn't just about spreadsheets; it's about soul work. Whether your business is ready or not, ask: Am I emotionally and spiritually ready to step into what's next? Episode Highlights (00:03) - Navigating Work-Life Balance as a Family (12:41) - Entrepreneurial Lessons That Propel Success (18:01) - Maximizing Business Value Through Exit Planning (25:41) - Unlocking Success Through Coaching and Surrender (33:41) - Strategic Business Exit Planning Insights Related Episodes Ep. 16 – Maximizing Your Business Exit (Retirement planning for small biz owners) Ep. 27 – Breaking Free from Work-Centered Identity (with Jerome Myers) Connect with Guest Justin Goodbread JustinGoodbread.com | The Ultimate Sale, Your Baby's Ugly Justin's Podcast: DecaMillionaire Decoded Connect with Host Deb Meyer Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Download your Free Resource Website

As parents age, many of us find ourselves stepping into a new role: caregiver, advocate, and decision-maker. In this heartfelt and highly practical episode, Deb Meyer is joined by Erin Dwyer-Busch, elder care consultant and owner of the St. Louis location of Senior Care Authority. Erin shares her personal journey from pediatric speech therapist to trusted advisor for families navigating the complex world of senior care. Whether you're concerned about a parent's driving, exploring assisted living options, or unsure how to start the conversation about long-term care, Erin brings expert insights. This is a must-listen for parents who want to care for their own children while supporting aging loved ones, without compromising financial stability or emotional well-being. What You'll Learn: The signs it's time to move from aging in place to professional care How early planning leads to better choices, lower costs, and less stress during a crisis What most families get wrong about long-term care insurance and how to make smarter policy decisions The real costs of senior care today, including assisted living, memory care, and nursing homes How to navigate tough conversations like taking away the car keys "It's not about age, it's about skill and self-awareness. The sooner we plan, the more options we have." – Erin Dwyer-Busch Episode Highlights (00:00) - Elder Care Transitions and Health Diagnoses (05:28) - Navigating Elder Care Options and Driving (14:15) - Long-Term Care Options and Planning (25:23) - Senior Care Options and Financial Planning Connect with Erin & Her Team: 🔗 Senior Care Authority – St. Louis 📞 314-451-2255 Connect with Deb Meyer Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Download your Free Resource Website

Are you working hard to build a better life but worried you're sacrificing what matters most? In this episode, Chris Baden shares how he reshaped success around faith, family, and intentional entrepreneurship. As a husband, homeschool dad of three, and CEO of FlowChat, Chris brings wisdom from both the boardroom and the breakfast table. Here's what you will learn: ✅ How to raise financially confident kids without pressure or perfection ✅ The power of a family mission statement ✅ The "roots and wings" framework for raising grounded, independent kids ✅ How to shift from burnout to alignment by redefining your priorities ✅ Why cultivating skills is more important than forcing chores Whether you're parenting young kids or teens, running a business, or just trying to keep your head above water, this episode offers practical encouragement and meaningful mindset shifts. 🎧 Listen now and discover how to build a family legacy that lasts. (00:20) Prioritizing Focus and Balance (04:04) Building Wealth Across Generations (09:16) Building a Lifelong Marriage and Business (14:03) Teaching Problem-Solving and Leadership to Kids (19:49) Youth Media Company Financial Education (29:27) Lessons Learned From Business Failures (33:17) Entrepreneurship Challenges and Resilience 🔗 Connect with Chris Baden: Website: FlowChat.com | Instagram: @chrisbaden Connect with Deb Meyer Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Download your Free Resource Website