Inside Out Money

Epizodes

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  173. Frugal vs. Cheap - How to Build Your Personal Spending Philosophy 26.07.2026 1h 10min

  There can be a fine line between frugal and cheap, but taking the time to define your own spending philosophy can help to sharpen that line. We tackle our own frugal versus cheap identity crises and define what it truly means to spend intentionally. We share specific examples of what we have trouble spending on and explore how fear and scarcity can turn a healthy money habit into pathological cheapness. By defining your own spending rules and evaluating your daily habits, you can confidently spend on what brings you joy while gracefully letting go of the rest.Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/173-frugal-vs-cheap-how-to-build-your-personal-spending-philosophy/
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  172. Mid-Year 2026 Expense Review - Broken bones, new roofs, and $130 airport meals 20.07.2026 1h 16min

  I can’t believe what we spent during the first half of 2026!? Our expenses have definitely added up and even surprised us, which is why we think tracking them is so important. We lay out all of our mid-year expenses and discuss unexpected life events, house repairs, and intentional shifts in daily habits that affect everyone's expenses. This is a fully transparent look at our real-life expenses and how we feel about them. Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/172-mid-year-2026-expense-review-broken-bones-new-roofs-and-130-airport-meals/
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  171. I Spent $9,000 on a Mindset Coach So You Don't Have To - How to Build an Unbreakable Relationship with Yourself 12.07.2026 1h 13min

  We often focus on the tactical side of wealth, but true financial independence requires mastering your mindset and building an unbreakable relationship with yourself. I recently made a massive investment in myself—dropping $9,000 for three months of coaching with mindset and lifestyle coach Cru Mahoney—and today I am pulling back the curtain to share exactly what I learned with you for free. We unpack why I felt stuck despite early retirement, the danger of outsourcing authority over your own life, and the power of radical self-respect. By exploring Cru’s extreme frugality, 5:00 a.m. wake-ups, and 2,900-day running streak, we uncover how tackling hard things and keeping daily promises to yourself creates a compounding effect that transforms both your mental and financial well-being.Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/171-i-spent-9000-on-a-mindset-coach-so-you-dont-have-to-how-to-build-an-unbreakable-relationship-with-yourself/
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  170. Waffle Week - On Walking Pads, Dupes, Telehealth, Whole Foods, HSAs, Sleepy Ties, and more 05.07.2026 1h 28min

  Welcome to another Waffle Week, where we ditch the agenda and just see where the financial conversation takes us. We cover the entire spending spectrum, from spending to saving and from pedicures to standing desks. Grab your favorite protein waffle and join us as we go on an n agenda-less adventure. Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/170-waffle-week-on-walking-pads-dupes-telehealth-whole-foods-hsas-sleepy-ties-and-more/
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  169. The choices we make and the ripple effects they have - Compounding your life and finances 28.06.2026 54min

  Every day we make decisions that seem isolated, but they actually send massive ripples through our long-term financial lives and overall well-being. From the friends we hang out with and the city we live in, to the partner we choose to navigate money with, your environment drastically shapes your wealth. Recognizing that you have agency over these decisions empowers you to stop feeling stuck, ditch the scarcity mindset, and start intentionally steering your life in the direction you actually want to go.Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/169-the-choices-we-make-and-the-ripple-effects-they-have-compounding-your-life-and-finances/
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  168. The Weird, Irrational Psychology of How We Spend - From $25 Airport Muffins to $12 Underwear 21.06.2026 1h 12min

  We like to think we make rational financial decisions, but the reality is our spending habits are heavily driven by weird, internal cognitive biases. Today, we unpack the completely subjective psychology of how we value money, from price anchoring to mental accounting. By exploring our own financial quirks—like happily splurging on vacation while refusing to buy a $25 airport muffin—we uncover how to align our habits with our true values. Developing a personal spending philosophy empowers you to stop sweating the small stuff and confidently put your dollars where they bring the most joy.Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/168-from-25-airport-muffins-to-12-underwear-the-weird-irrational-psychology-of-how-we-spend/
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  167. How We Automate and Track Our Expenses - Our Favorite Monarch Tips & Tricks 14.06.2026 1h 3min

  We share our best tips for using Monarch Money to track expenses, manage separate accounts, and keep our financial lives completely organized. We discuss how to remove the friction from budgeting and expense tracking and why a consistent approach beats perfection every time. Whether you are already a Monarch power user or just looking for a better system, we are breaking down the exact strategies that work for us.Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/167-how-we-automate-and-track-our-expenses-our-favorite-monarch-tips-tricks/
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  166. The Complicated Path to Wealth - Why the "Simple Path" Isn't Easy 07.06.2026 1h 17min

  In today’s complex world, society often complicates matters and exploits our desire for quick fixes. We must confront the truth: while the "simple path" to wealth may seem straightforward, it is anything but easy. Understanding the mathematics of wealth-building is simple, but mastering the necessary psychology and mindset can take years. The encouraging news is that by identifying these behavioral pitfalls and economic challenges, we can stay disciplined and focused on the boring yet proven path to building wealth. Embracing this journey is the key to achieving your financial goals.Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/166-the-complicated-path-to-wealth-why-the-simple-path-isnt-easy/
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  165. The 529 Dilemma: How Much Do You Actually Need to Save for College? 31.05.2026 1h 17min

  College is expensive, and I think we’re all wondering if we’re saving enough and what’s the “right” amount to save? We are influenced by what our parents did, what we feel we can afford, and a slew of other factors. Ultimately, we need to make a decision, have a plan, and start saving. We break down the actual costs of higher education and our individual perspectives on what is enough and how much we’ve each saved for our kids. And we remind you all that you have more flexibility than you think, especially with the recent SECURE 2.0 Act. Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/165-the-529-dilemma-how-much-do-you-actually-need-to-save-for-college/
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  164. The Math of "Worth It" - Is Comparison Shopping Worth the Time and Money? 24.05.2026 37min

  We break down the mechanics of comparison shopping to determine if it’s a high-value move or if you’re instead trading your limited life energy for pennies. We explore how to consider convenience and value without falling into the trap of decision fatigue. We share the tactical math behind the “worth it” threshold, along with specific tips and tricks to leverage comparison shopping efficiently and fruitfully. Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/164-the-math-of-worth-it-is-comparison-shopping-worth-the-time-and-money/
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  163. Billionaires Aren’t Better Than Us - The Wealth Ceiling 17.05.2026 1h 2min

  This episode promises to remind you what really matters in life. Billionaires might fly private, but they’re drinking the same Coke and scrolling the same iPhone as the rest of us. We explore the "wealth equalizers" that hit a quality ceiling regardless of your net worth, from the crunch of a Honeycrisp apple to the stream of a bidet. And while billions certainly come with some luxuries and advantages, they also carry heavy baggage and isolation.Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/163-billionaires-arent-better-than-us-the-wealth-ceiling/
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  162. Time Traveling to Improve Our Lives With Ginger From ChooseFI 11.05.2026 1h 20min

  Time travel may just be the ultimate behavioral finance hack. We explore the neuroscience of how our brains perceive our future selves and how we can leverage this understanding to our advantage. By utilizing psychology, we share actionable strategies to bridge the empathy gap, helping us make financial and lifestyle choices today that our future selves will genuinely appreciate.Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/162-time-traveling-to-improve-our-lives-with-ginger-from-choosefi/
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  161. Our 91% vs. 9% of Life: 4 Lessons from 4 Years of Early Retirement 03.05.2026 59min

  161. Our 91% vs. 9% of Life: 4 Lessons from 4 Years of Early RetirementThese are the four big lessons we’ve learned from four years of early retirement, and they are perhaps even more applicable to people still working. After spending 91% of our lives following the schedules of teachers, bosses, and corporate deadlines, we’ve finally completed four years of total autonomy—the exact duration of a high school or college experience. We break down the profound shifts that occur when you transition from 41 years of conditioning into a life of complete agency, revealing why it takes time to deprogram your brain. Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/161-our-91-vs-9-of-life-4-lessons-from-4-years-of-early-retirement/
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  160. Time Wealth and Second Chapters – The Ripple Effects of Leaving Corporate America 26.04.2026 49min

  It’s hard to believe that a year has passed since Andrew walked away from his high-stress corporate job. He’s now living a life filled with purpose, time, and a passion for custom bike fitting. Andrew opens up about how his life has transformed. You’ll hear about his massive drop in anxiety, the joy of having full control over his schedule, and how having a financial buffer helps him sleep soundly at night. Listen for insights, inspiration, and practical advice for anyone looking to redefine success and prioritize a fulfilling life. It might just help you take the first steps toward your own transformative journey.Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/160-time-wealth-and-second-chapters-the-ripple-effects-of-leaving-corporate-america/
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  159. Waffle Week - On Friendship, Money Dates, ChooseFI, Taxes, Rental Income, Expense Tracking, Reclaiming Your Mornings, and More 19.04.2026 1h 30min

  We talk about friendship, money dates, pelotons, open tabs, expense tracking, and so much more in the first and highly requested no-agenda episode. We also answer some listener questions and discuss standard vs. itemized deductions on your taxes, rental income as an early-retirement strategy, spending levels in early retirement, when Liz is going to retire, how we track our expenses, and more. And we might just explain to you what waffling means. Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/159-waffle-week-on-friendship-money-dates-choosefi-taxes-rental-income-expense-tracking-reclaiming-your-mornings-and-more/
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  158. The Science of Less - Why Subtraction Is the Ultimate "Less Is More" Strategy 12.04.2026 53min

  We truly believe less is more, and so we’re challenging ourselves to focus more on subtraction and less on addition. The financial industry and broader world want us to believe that complexity is a necessary evil and will even improve our financial situation, but it’s just not true. We often say comparison is the thief of joy, but so is complexity! One of the most powerful financial moves we can make is focusing on subtracting, reducing our wants, and truly buying into the idea that less is more. By treating complexity as the thief of joy, you can stop running on the hedonic treadmill and start designing a simpler, higher-impact financial life. Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/158-the-science-of-less-why-subtraction-is-the-ultimate-less-is-more-strategy/
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  157. Audit Your Influences - Why Your Financial Role Models Matter 05.04.2026 55min

  Who are your financial role models? Who we choose to emulate matters, and it’s important to avoid falling into a prestige trap. We are biologically hardwired to want to copy high-status individuals, even when these people often make poor choices and don’t emulate how we want to be in the world. We’re discussing our financial role models and why we want to be more like them. We also share some cautions to keep in mind when choosing your own financial role models. Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/157-audit-your-influences-why-your-financial-role-models-matter/
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  156. Treat Your Morning Like Your Money - The Power of Compounding Habits 30.03.2026 36min

  I used to consider sleeping in to be the ultimate flex, but I’ve learned the flex might actually be waking up. Creating a personal structure is a powerful gift you can give your future self. Greg and I discuss the surprising connection between your alarm clock and your bank account, exploring how getting your own routines in order naturally inspires your partner to do the same without sparking a defensive fight. By reframing waking up as a proactive commitment to yourself rather than a reactive, people-pleasing chore, you can reclaim your energy, overcome early retirement ennui, and build the daily scaffolding necessary for a truly wealthy life.Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/156-treat-your-morning-like-your-money-the-power-of-compounding-habits/
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  155. Willpower and Discipline Aren't the Answer, but This Is 22.03.2026 1h 8min

  We’ve been told all of our lives that willpower, discipline, and more inner fortitude are what we need to accomplish just about any goal, but what if it’s not? True financial freedom doesn't actually come from trying harder; it comes from situational agency and designing an environment where your money takes care of itself while you are busy living. We explore why willpower is the least effective tool in your kit and how high achievers simply experience fewer temptations because they have pushed away the distractions. By automating the path of least resistance and creating friction for your impulses, you can stop fighting your environment and start fixing your systems to fund the things you actually love.Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/155-willpower-and-discipline-arent-the-answer-but-this-is/
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  154. Buying Back Your Brain - Tactics to Exit the Overwhelm Loop 16.03.2026 49min

  Overwhelm is more than a feeling; it is a hidden financial variable that makes sound long-term decision-making biologically impossible. We explore the reality of overwhelm and how reactive spending and convenience taxes can cost us. We discuss tactical ways to downshift your nervous system, fight overwhelm, and regain control of your money and financial decisions. Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here:  https://www.insideoutmoney.org/154-buying-back-your-brain-tactics-to-exit-the-overwhelm-loop/