For Better and Worth

Ep 158: End the Year Strong, then Start the New Year Stronger

31 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As the year comes to a close, it's the perfect time to pause, reflect, and prepare for what lies ahead. In this episode, we explore the transformative...

Ep 157: Redefining Christmas

24 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we are diving deep into the magic and the madness of the holiday season. Christmas looks a little different around here these days. Gone ar...

Ep 156: The 50-Year Mortgage Trap

17 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you dreaming of homeownership or moving up in home but feeling priced out of the market? You've probably heard whispers about the "50-year mortgag...

Ep 155: Raising Financially Savvy Kids

10 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ready to give your children the ultimate head start in life? Want to make sure they grow into confident, capable, and financially savvy adults (and no...

Ep 154: Would YOU Survive a Government Shutdown?

03 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Imagine going 44 days without a paycheck. Would you survive it financially? This episode explores the financial lessons learned from the recent govern...

Ep 153: Thanksgiving Past and Present

26 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As Thanksgiving approaches, a wave of gratitude washes over us, reminding us of the countless blessings in our lives. In this truly special episode, w...

Ep 152: 4 Net Worth Milestones That Change Everything

19 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode dives into four game-changing net worth milestones that signal true financial progress. We're exploring the profound shifts in security, ...

Ep 151: Win with Money this Holiday Season

12 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ready to create unforgettable holiday memories without that nagging financial hangover? This episode isn't just about budgeting; it's your blueprint ...

Ep 150: Don't Just Spend It: Level Up Your Life with Extra Income

05 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What if your next bonus, tax refund, or unexpected cash windfall could be the very thing that propels you toward your biggest financial dreams? Most p...

Ep 149: The Ups and Downs of an "Almost" Empty Nest

29 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join us as we reflect on the three years since our youngest daughter left for college and how our "almost" empty nest has transformed our lives. This ...

Ep 148: Does Investing Need to Be Sexy to Work?

22 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Is the secret to long-term wealth a complicated, high-stakes strategy, or something far simpler? We often get drawn to the allure of "sexy" investing—...

Ep 147: How Many Accounts Do You Really Need?

15 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Is your bank account one giant pot of money for bills, savings, and spending? Or do you have so many accounts that you can't keep up with them all? It...

Ep 146: A Financial Advisor Helped Us Uncover Our Own Financial Blind Spots

08 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wonder what a financial advisor really tells you? In this candid episode, we pull back the curtain on our recent meeting with an independent fina...

Ep 145: When Fundraising is Both Awkward and Exhilarating

01 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever stepped out of your comfort zone for a cause you believe in, only to find it challenged your personal values? This episode dives into th...

Ep 144: Our Top 3 Money Mistakes People Make and How to Diffuse Them

24 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you sidestepping the biggest pitfalls on the path to financial freedom and a happy life? In this candid episode, we get real about the three most ...

Ep 143: The Experience Economy: Why Younger Generations Choose Moments Over Material

17 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we're talking Millennials and Gen Z versus Gen X and Baby Boomers. The financial priorities of each generation are WILDLY different! ...

Ep 142: From Apprehension to Embracing the New Milestone of 50

10 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast we discuss something I hadn't intended to make public. The calendar page turned, and suddenly, the month of my birthday was h...

Ep 141: Managing Costs After Kids Leave Home

03 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If your kids are out of the out and off the payroll (paying their own expenses) you have entered an empty nest. Your house is quiet, your schedule is ...

Ep 140: We Survived the Renovation!

27 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There's something magical about walking through a newly renovated home for the first time. The dust has settled, the contractors have packed up their ...

Ep 139: What We've Learned About Building a Love That Lasts 27 Years

20 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Marriage isn't a fairy tale—it's two imperfect people choosing to grow together through all of life's seasons. There will be times when you have to ...

Ep 138: The Surprising Ways AI Is Already Shaping Your Money Management

13 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When most people think of artificial intelligence, they picture futuristic robots or complex financial systems for major corporations. But AI has alre...

Ep 137: The Hidden Costs of Homeownership

06 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We were young and eager to become homeowners. We qualified, found the perfect house, and scraped together just enough for the down payment. But once w...

Ep 136: Did You Succumb to Amazon Prime Day?

30 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Online shopping makes it easier than ever to fill our carts with things we don't really need. This year's Amazon Prime Day was actually 4 DAYS not one...

Ep 135: Retire Ready: Smart Money Moves During Mid-Career

23 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Planning for retirement can feel overwhelming, especially when you're in your 40s and 50s. This stage of life often comes with competing financial dem...

Ep 134: Summer Fun Without Breaking the Bank

16 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Summer is a season of sunshine, adventure, and making family memories. But, let's face it—between vacations, camps, meals out, and attractions, summ...

Ep 133: What To Do When You Need a Financial Reset

09 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Life has a way of throwing curveballs when we least expect them. These challenges—whether they come as unexpected medical bills, job loss, or even t...

Ep 132: Build Wealth That Lasts For Generations

02 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Building generational wealth isn't just about accumulating a large amount of money—it's about establishing a financial foundation that can support y...

Ep 131: Is Car Debt Really Debt?

25 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

For many of us, owning a car with monthly payments feels as normal as paying rent or utilities. It's just how people buy cars, right? But what if acce...

Ep 130: Love in Transit: Juggling Work Travel and Relationships

18 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Work travel isn't easy on any relationship. Being apart meant missing daily routines together, the spontaneous laughter, the small but significant lit...

Ep 129: Did We Succumb to the Beyonce Effect?

11 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If there's one thing that consistently shakes up decision-making, it's Beyoncé. Her name alone seems to create a gravitational pull strong enough to ...

EP 128: Do We Renovate or Wait?

04 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we dive into a question that's been on our minds for a while now—should we renovate our bathrooms? It's not just about tiles, fixtu...

Ep 127: What "Got to Get Out" Taught Us About Beating Debt

28 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week on our podcast, we dove into an unexpected yet eye-opening connection between the hit reality show Got to Get Out and the process of getting...

Ep 126: To Swipe or Not Swipe: The Credit Card Dilemma

21 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Credit cards can be a game-changer for your finances—or a slippery slope into debt. In this encore episode, we take an in-depth look at the pros and...

Ep 125: We went to South Africa!

14 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week we are taking a much needed break from new episodes. One year ago today we were on our way to take our dream vacation in South Africa. Check...

Ep 124: Financial Support; Are You Helping or Hurting Your Adult Children?

07 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Supporting adult children financially can be a tough balancing act. How much support is too much? When does helping actually hurt? In this episode, we...

Ep 123: The Beyoncé Effect: How to Balance YOLO and Financial Responsibility

30 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When it comes to unforgettable moments, some experiences are worth contemplating twice. For us, being handed tickets to see Beyoncé in London FREE ce...

Ep 122: Faith Meets Finances

23 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Do you and your spouse share the same faith? How do your beliefs influence your financial decisions? When a couple's finances are guided by shared val...

Ep 121: Navigating Uncertainty with Financial Confidence

16 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The world feels more uncertain than ever, doesn't it? From unpredictable markets and rising costs to economic shifts and global inflation, there's no ...

Ep 120: Tackling Tax Time

09 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tax season doesn't have to be stressful—it can actually be an opportunity to improve your financial health! In this episode, we break down essential...

Ep 119: Credit Report Shake-Up 2025

02 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

One of the biggest money stressors is confronting the dreaded credit report—especially when it involves sharing it with a spouse. However, understan...

Ep 118: We Got Off Track!

26 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ever felt like you were crushing your budget, only to realize you've veered way off course? Same here! In this episode, we're getting real about how w...

Ep 117: Game Changer - Inside the NIL Hustle

19 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

You don't need to have a student-athlete in your life to appreciate the valuable lessons from the world of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals. Thes...

Ep 116: Building a Relationship Worth Investing In

12 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Relationships thrive when both partners feel valued and appreciated, but when life gets busy and priorities compete for attention, it's easy for your ...

Ep 115: Why You Need a "No Spend Challenge"

05 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

"Where does all our money go?" It's a question many households find themselves asking. Often, it's hard to pinpoint why our finances don't stretch as ...

Ep 114: Are Subscriptions Secretly Stealing From Your Goals?

26 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There's something so tempting—and oh so convenient—about subscriptions. Whether it's the thrill of binging your favorite shows or the joy of unbox...

Ep 113: Is a Long-Term Happy Marriage Possible?

19 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Marriage is a beautiful partnership, filled with love, compromise, and shared dreams. But let's be real—it's also a constant work in progress that r...

Ep 112: Don't Be Part of the 33%—Stick to Your New Year's Resolutions

12 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Did you know that 1/3 of Americans abandon their New Year's resolutions by the end of January? If you and your partner have financial goals or resolut...

Ep 111: How to Navigate Financial Uncertainty with a New Administration

05 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Preparing for the unexpected can feel overwhelming—especially when it comes to managing your finances during times of potential political or economi...

Ep 110: Unlocking the Power of Your 401(k)

29 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When it comes to retirement planning, the 401(k) can be a total game changer. It's not just another financial tool—it's your long-term money partner...

Ep 109: Invest Today, Thrive Tomorrow

22 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

"Where should I put my money?" It's a question many people face when planning for the future. The process can feel overwhelming, especially if you hav...

Ep 108: Budgeting Hacks to Stay on Track

15 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A budget is more than just a spreadsheet—it's a financial roadmap that brings clarity and purpose to your money. For couples, budgeting becomes a co...

Ep 107: Sacrifice: What are you willing to give up?

08 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What does sacrifice mean in the context of relationships and money? And why does it matter? These questions and more will be explored on this episode....

Ep 106: Teamwork Over Tension: How Couples Can Manage Finances as a Team

01 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Managing finances in a relationship can be one of the most challenging, yet rewarding, aspects of building a life together. In this candid conversatio...

Ep 105: How to Become a Millionaire Couple (Even If You Disagree Financially)

25 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Managing money as a couple isn't always easy, especially when you and your partner have different financial priorities or perspectives. But financial ...

Ep 104: Teamwork Pays Off; A Couple's Guide to Crushing 2025 Goals

18 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What's more exciting than joining forces with your partner to dream big, plan smart, and achieve your financial goals together? With 2025 just around ...

Ep 103: But It's For a Good Cause!

11 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you and your partner ever wondered how giving can strengthen your bond, align with your values, or even create a lasting impact outside your home...

Ep 102: Betting, Gambling, and Other Risky Financial Behaviors

04 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Money is a complex thing. It comes with responsibilities, decisions, desires, needs, and opportunities. At times, the temptation to take risks in the ...

Ep 101: Prepping for the Holidays Without Losing Focus

27 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and the holiday rush is officially here! Between gift shopping, holiday gatherings, and eating to our heart''...

Ep 100: Cheers to 100 Episodes and Two Years of Money Conversations

20 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join us in celebrating a huge milestone—our 100th episode! 🎉 As we reflect on this incredible podcasting journey, we share stories, laughter, and...

Ep 99: The Unspoken Truth About Final Expenses

13 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Let's be honest—this is a topic most people would rather avoid. However, we believe it's essential to discuss it. In this episode, we delve into a c...

EP 98: Emergency Funds for All; Because Life Doesn't Send Warnings Before the Plot Twist!

06 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we're diving into the lifesaver that is the emergency fund! We discuss why every young adult and college kid should have a financial ...

EP 97: Yep We're Money Nerds!

30 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, get the behind the scenes of our exhilarating experience at FinCon 2024. This was more than just a conference—it was a gathering of passi...

Ep 96: Financial Health for the Entire Family with PSECU

23 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Financial health is a goal many families strive for but often find challenging to achieve. That's where PSECU comes in, offering something for everyon...

Ep 95: The Holidays are Coming

16 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. Yet, for many couples, it can quickly become a whirlwind of stress and financial s...

Ep 94: What If You Lost It All?

09 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Imagine waking up one day to find that all your savings have vanished. It's a scenario many of us hope to never face, yet it's crucial to be prepared....

Ep 93: What if you won the lottery?

02 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we delve into the captivating question, "What if you won the lottery?" Join us as we explore how planning a "lottery date" could serv...

Ep 92: Keep the Relationship Alive

25 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

To celebrate Ericka's birthday and add some excitement to our relationship, we decided to have a role-play date! It was a fun and thrilling experience...

Ep 91: Is $1M Enough?

18 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

These days, it seems like everyone aspires to be a millionaire. This coveted figure symbolizes success, and currently, we're witnessing a surge in new...

Ep 90: In Sickness and In Health

11 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When you walk down the aisle and say "I do," no one anticipates the challenging moments that come with "in sickness and in health." That part can be t...

Ep 89: How to Thrive in the Sandwich Generation

04 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we explore the realities and challenges faced by the "Sandwich Generation." We are right in the middle of this phase of life. It involves t...

Ep 88: Is a Recession on the Horizon?

28 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we address a pressing question on many minds: Is a recession looming? Recently, the stock market suffered a dramatic one-day decline,...

Ep 87: Celebrating 26 Years of Marriage: The Highs, Lows, and Everything In-Between

21 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to our special 26th wedding anniversary episode! 🎉 In this heartfelt and candid chat, we reflect on over two and a half decades of marriag...

Ep 86: Can Giving Propel You Out of Debt?

14 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we tackle a common yet complex question that many people face while managing their finances: Should you continue to give and/or tithe...

EP 85: Your Kid is NOT an Olympian!

07 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the reality is, your kid isn't heading to the Olympics. Every year, countless parents invest thousands of dol...

Ep 84: Don't be a Financial Knucklehead

31 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It is easy to get stubborn about financial decisions. It's our money and what we do with it is very personal.  Plus, we don't want someone else to te...

Ep 83: Tik Tok made me buy it

24 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On this week's episode, we dive into the irresistible power of social media in shaping our shopping habits. Have you ever wondered how TikTok, Instagr...

Ep 82: Being Sick is EXPENSIVE!

17 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we dive deep into the financial burdens of being ill and explore strategies to manage both your health and your money effectively. Fr...

Ep 81: Is it Time to Upgrade your Ride?

10 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Transportation is essential, but the real dilemma is deciding how much to spend and when. In this episode, we invite you into our internal discussion ...

Ep 80: Revitalize Your Financial Goals and Finish the Year Strong

03 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we revisit the goals you set in January and reflect on your progress. We explore why goals often fall by the wayside and share strate...

Ep 79: Why Estate Planning Matters More Than You Think

26 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we tackle the crucial subject of estate planning and why it's essential for everyone, not just the wealthy. We discuss significant li...

Ep 78: What are you saving for?

19 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We're always told to save money, but do we really understand why? In this episode, we dive into the importance of saving and show you how to priorit...

Ep 77: Has Tipping Culture Gone Overboard?

12 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we explore how tipping has transformed over the years. Since COVID, tipping seems to be expected in more and more scenarios. With lif...

Ep 76: We took our DREAM vacation!

05 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we share the exhilarating experience of our dream vacation to South Africa. Join us as we discuss how spending all the money on this trip w...

Ep 75: You Have Not Because You Ask Not!

29 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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Ep 74: Does the Empty Nest Mean an Empty Bank Account?

22 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As your kids leave home, you might wonder about the impact on your finances. We're here to debunk myths and offer insights to consider.  We often ant...

Ep 73: Is Financial Contentment Possible?

15 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In a world overflowing with media; finding contentment with what we've got feels like an endless uphill battle.  We dive into the question... is it t...

Ep 72: The Bank of Mom and Dad

08 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, we explore a topic close to every parent's heart: the delicate balance of supporting our children while encouraging their independ...

Ep 71 The Great Debate: To Credit or Not to Credit?

01 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This episode tackles the complex world of credit cards, from their benefits to their pitfalls. We cover topics like smart spending habits, the dark si...

Ep 70: Do You Fall for the Amazon Trap?

24 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, we take a deep dive into the world of Amazon shopping, asking the critical question: Is Amazon a trap? Anyone who has experienced ...

Ep 69: Are Your Student Loans Forgiven?

17 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Millions of Americans are scrambling to get a piece of the student loan forgiveness programs currently being rolled out. Are you one of them? But so m...

Ep 68: I Got Scammed

10 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we're taking a transparent and personal look at the unsettling experience of financial security breaches. Even as a seasoned financia...

Ep 67: Turn up the Volume on Loud Budgeting

03 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Everybody's talking about it! Loud budgeting has taken over as a way to manage your money and let other's know what you are up to. This week we dive i...

Ep 66: Whose Money is it Anyway? The Quandary of Yours, Mine and Ours

27 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Do you often have these questions: Where should we put our money? Is my money OUR money? Should I stash some money? Where is all the money? These ques...

Ep 65: How to Overcome Budget Fatigue

20 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Budgeting consistently is hard.  There are times we simply don't feel like creating it, reviewing it, or sticking to it. But what do you do when you ...

Ep 64: Are You a Financial Optimist or Pessimist?

13 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How you view money is largely based on whether you typically take an optimistic or pessimistic point of view. Although neither perspective is right or...

Ep 63: Money Dates: How to Make Talking About Money Fun

06 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Many couples have a hard time talking about money with one another.  There are emotions, history, and maybe even feeling like you don't have enough t...

Ep 62: I Spent $150 on 50 Cent

28 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where your spending habits took a wild, somewhat comical turn? That's exactly the adventure Ericka embarke...

Ep 61: Unpacking How Love Languages Impact Your Finances

21 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

For years we have been fans of the Five Love Languages. The principles in this book have shaped how we work with each other in our marriage and in our...

Ep 60: Love Beyond Valentine's Day; Cultivating Year-Round Relationship Goals

14 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Social media is full of images of couples expressing their love and admiration for each other.  But does this picture represent true "relationship go...

Ep 59: Unmet financial expectations and other things couples don't say out loud...

07 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Navigating the tides of expectations within our closest bonds can be tricky. The weight of what's spoken, silent, or unrealistic can feel heavy if ign...