Inside Out Money
Episodes
161. Our 91% vs. 9% of Life: 4 Lessons from 4 Years of Early Retirement
03 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 retirem...
160. Time Wealth and Second Chapters – The Ripple Effects of Leaving Corporate America
26 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 purpos...
159. Waffle Week - On Friendship, Money Dates, ChooseFI, Taxes, Rental Income, Expense Tracking, Reclaiming Your Mornings, and More
19 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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...
158. The Science of Less - Why Subtraction Is the Ultimate "Less Is More" Strategy
12 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 broa...
157. Audit Your Influences - Why Your Financial Role Models Matter
05 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
156. Treat Your Morning Like Your Money - The Power of Compounding Habits
30 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 po...
155. Willpower and Discipline Aren't the Answer, but This Is
22 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 i...
154. Buying Back Your Brain - Tactics to Exit the Overwhelm Loop
16 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Overwhelm is more than a feeling; it is a hidden financial variable that makes sound long-term decision-making biologically impossible. We explore the...
153. Return on Hassle - Escaping the Complexity Trap
09 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
People profit from complexity, but some of the most successful investors prioritize their return on hassle (ROH), even over their ROI. We dig into the...
152. Be Rich, Don’t Look Rich - The importance of Stealth Wealth
02 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
We explore the art of stealth wealth, avoiding lifestyle inflation and living below your means. Stealth wealth is the practice of maintaining a modest...
151. Listener Q&A with Andrew - Surviving Market Downturns, Pensions, Tax Savings, Timing the Market, Dollar Cost Averaging, Net Worth Calculations, 401k Rollovers, and more!
23 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Andrew and I answer your money questions, starting with Andrew's own real-time question: should he invest a lump sum all at once, dolla...
150. How to Save Thousands on Your Bills - Scripts, Whips, & Tips
16 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Maintaining your lifestyle doesn't have to come with a "Loyalty Tax" that rewards your silence with creeping costs. We explore how a few...
149. Voting With Your Dollars - Practical Ways to Align Your Spending With Your Values
09 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In a world that feels increasingly polarized, we explore how to use your capital as a tool for change without losing your mind or your net worth in th...
148. 2025 Expense Review Part 2 - The real cost of food, fitness, phones, and more!
02 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
We are continuing our annual expense review tradition by digging even deeper into our 2025 spending. In part two, we move beyond the totals to examine...
147. 2025 Expense Review Part 1 - From $93K to $192K, A Tale of Four Households
26 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Analyzing where every dollar goes provides the ultimate leverage for financial independence, and in this annual tradition, we’re pulling back the cu...
146. The Boring Middle - Stop Waiting for Retirement to Start Living
19 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The initial thrill of optimizing your budget and automating your investments eventually fades into a long, quiet stretch known as the "Boring Mid...
Generational Wealth: Give While You Live or Leave a Lump Sum?
12 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Show notes coming soon (I'm at campFI and the internet is bad!)
144. Financial goals that don’t suck - 7 traps to avoid
05 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
We often fall into the trap of setting financial goals that are destined to fail, so we’re exploring why some goal-setting attempts fail and how to ...
143. End of Year Pod Party - Layoffs, Corporate America, Downsizing, Simplicity, Time, Lesson Learned, and more!
29 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’re wrapping up 2025 with a "pod party," the whole co-host crew gathers to recap a year of peaks, pits, and lessons learned. We pull bac...
142. The One Choice that can save you millions
22 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Forget the complex spreadsheets and the endless debate over index funds; there is a single, overlooked choice that quietly dictates whether you will s...
141. The lazy genius way to improve your finances
15 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We explore how to improve your financial mindset and tactics by adopting the "Lazy Genius" approach from author Kendra Adachi. The core phil...
140. Financial Favorites: Our top accounts, hacks, purchases, index funds, and more!
07 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We share our favorite financial apps, surprising life hacks, money mantras and quotes we live by, and life-changing purchases. Also discover the credi...
139. Can I afford to take time off? Financial considerations for a sabbatical or career break
01 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We dive into a common listener question: Can I afford a career break or sabbatical? Career breaks for family, travel, burnout, or realignment are beco...
138. Want what you already have - Tactics to rewire your brain to want less
24 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Stop scrolling and start appreciating. This episode is a powerful flip-the-script moment on consumer culture, exploring how a mindset of wanting what ...
137. The 80/20 rule of money - Don’t let perfect be the enemy of the good
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We tackle one of the biggest mental roadblocks to wealth: the search for perfection that leads to over-optimization and analysis paralysis. If you’v...
136. The Art of Spending Money: Morgan Housel Book Review
09 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We are discussing Morgan Housel's new book, The Art of Spending Money, and exploring the psychological and practical challenges of how we spend mo...
135. The get rich quick trap - Why slow and boring wins the money race
03 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
People confuse luck for skill when it comes to investments. Your path to wealth isn’t a sprint; it’s a patient, consistent marathon. We tear down ...
134. Finding happiness through ancient wisdom, the Epicurus way
27 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Stop chasing the next big purchase and start finding genuine contentment. The world tells us that more money, more stuff, and a higher status equal ha...
133. Five ways to reset holiday expectations
19 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The holidays are meant to be about joy, but somewhere along the way, we've let them become a source of stress, guilt, and financial and emotional ...
132. The Art of the Return - Get your money back!
12 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This is your masterclass in returns and reclaiming your money with grace and strategy. We reveal why returns matter and how to turn a common headache ...
131. What is rebalancing and should I be doing it?
05 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sometimes, your investment portfolio needs a course correction to stay safe and on track with your personal allocation strategy. We tackle the essenti...
130. The Chimp Paradox: Why you spend when you know you shouldn’t
28 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wonder why you make financial decisions that go against your better judgment? This episode delves into The Chimp Paradox, a powerful psychologica...
129. Are you a HENRY? Escaping the traps so you can build wealth
21 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you earning big but feeling broke? You're not alone. Welcome to the world of the H.E.N.R.Y.—High Earner, Not Rich Yet. This growing demograp...
128. What is the good life? And how expensive is it?
14 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is the good life about luxury goods and expensive travel, or is it something much simpler yet profound? We dissect what a "good life" truly ...
127. Home warranties - A safety net or a money pit?
07 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are home warranties worth it? We answer this question and more. We break down how home warranties work, their pros and cons, and considerations for yo...
126. The Real L-Word - Why Limits are your new best friend
31 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Setting limits can get a bad rap, but limits are actually the key to a more joyful and abundant financial life. We redefine budgeting and setting limi...
125. The psychology of debt - How to stay motivated while paying off debt
25 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Let's make paying off debt a little more fun and a little less of a slog. We deep dive into the psychology of debt repayment and offer some of the...
124. Listener Q&A with Andrew - US vs. international investing, 457b plans, roth conversion ladders, when to stop contributing to your 401k, tracking HSAs expenses, and more!
18 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Andrew and I answer your money questions about the nitty-gritty of retirement planning, complexities of early retirement strategies, roth c...
123. A dopamine menu - 20 ways to feel good without spending money
10 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Next time you get the urge to make a purchase, try one of these things to get a free or low-cost dopamine hit. We’re exploring the science of dopami...
122. This is your brain on debt - Let’s stop normalizing debt
04 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Debt has become a quiet, accepted part of our lives, but what if we stopped seeing it as normal? We challenge the narrative that debt is an inevitable...
121. Mid-year spend review with Liz, Andrew, Erica, and Greg
27 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Four families share what they spent in the first half of 2025. We’ve had renovations, vacations, celebrations, donations, and more! Listen to find o...
120. The humility hack - how less ego can lead to more money
21 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Humility can be your most powerful financial tool, so learn how to check your ego and enhance your financial well-being. Cultivating and improving you...
119. The intersection of mental health and financial wealth
13 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We unpack the powerful, often perplexing, and always present link between your mental health and your personal finances. In a world of economic uncert...
118. Is more expensive better? When it pays to pay more.
07 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We explore the complex relationship between cost and quality, debating whether "more expensive is always better." We deep dive into the fasc...
117. How to make more money - career advice, asking for a raise, side hustles, and more
29 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Cutting expenses and being frugal can significantly boost your financial future, but it’s only one part of the wealth-building equation. Sometimes, ...
116. Our favorite financial books and podcasts, with a few surprising gems!
23 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The sheer volume of free and high-quality financial content accessible to us is truly impressive, yet it can also be incredibly overwhelming. That'...
115. Mind over money: How Stoicism can transform your finances with Kathleen from Minimalish Mom
15 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Think ancient philosophy has nothing to do with your bank account? Think again! This episode brings a powerful dose of Stoic wisdom to your modern fin...
114. The inside out approach to financial freedom
08 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever felt like you're climbing someone else's ladder, or that your financial decisions are driven by what everyone else is doing? This episode...
113. The real reasons you’re not improving your finances, and how to fix them
01 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ready to finally take control of your finances? We dive into the common roadblocks that hold us back from reaching our financial goals. Discover why y...
112. Withdrawal strategies in early retirement - A flexible strategy and account playbook to fund your retirement
25 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You've diligently saved and invested, and now comes the pivotal question: How do you live off those funds, especially in early retirement? We discuss ...
111. How to handle a windfall - protect your future fortune
18 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Whether it's a lottery win, an inheritance, or a work bonus, a windfall can feel like a dream come true, but mishandling it can quickly turn it in...
110. Raising financially responsible kids - Setting money expectations at every age
12 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Raising kids is tough, but raising financially responsible and aware kids is quite simple, and you can do it! This week, I am joined by a special teen...
109. Andrew's Big News - What's next and why it's not early retirement
05 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Buckle up for some exciting news from co-host Andrew! Andrew shares what is next for him after 25 years in Corporate America, and it might not be what...
108. Reclaim your time (and money) - Actionable strategies for the overwhelmed
28 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It takes time to improve your finances, and you're not alone if you feel like there’s never enough. We’re diving into the reality of time cons...
107. Finfluencers - Yuck! Wait!? Is that what we are?
20 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When I grew up, finding financial opinions and advice felt hard. Now we’re saturated with it, but is that a good thing!? We discuss the murky waters...
106. Find your FIRE - Lean FI, Fat FI, Coast FI, Barista FI, and more! Which FIRE is right for you?
13 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The concept of FIRE isn’t one-size-fits-all, so we dive into the various types of FIRE that have been popularized. The ability to name your type of ...
105. Why we keep buying stuff we don't need and how to do better
06 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Companies are using manipulative marketing tactics to keep us buying more and more. The endless consumption is becoming exhausting on our minds and ou...
*APRIL FOOLS* 104. Wealth Whispers - ASMR your way thru this financial checklist
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We heard ASMR is all the rage, so we’re excited to introduce you to Wealth Whispers. Enjoy the soothing voices of Maggie and Liz walking you through...
103. Borrowing boundaries - Financial etiquette for borrowing stuff, from money to mascara
31 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Borrowing and lending items with friends and family can be stressful, but we’re here to help you navigate it logically, without any drama, but maybe...
102. Beyond the Headlines: Making Sense of Inflation, Tariffs, and Your Investment Strategy
23 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Stock market volatility, job security concerns, high inflation, and tariffs dominate headlines, leaving us all uncertain. We break down key economic i...
101. 8 things to do to improve your finances, while you hurkle durkle
17 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After we explain what the heck “hurkle durkle” means, we share specific and actionable tactics for improving your finances while your hurkle durkl...
100. 💯 never felt so good, except for when you get laid off and other news, but still…yay!
10 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
All the co-hosts join as we celebrate the 100th Inside Out Money podcast episode. We have lots of news to share, from who just got laid off to what’...
099. Well this is awkward - Financial etiquette for sticky situations
03 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Navigating tricky money situations with friends, family, and coworkers can be awkward. We dive into financial etiquette, covering everything from spli...
098. How to use AI to improve your finances and life
24 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Did you know free AI tools can help you save money, earn money, and become more efficient in your day-to-day life? AI has some interesting capabilitie...
097. Our favorite FREE stuff, that’s not a scam
17 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
They say nothing in life is free, but that’s not entirely true, as there are many free apps, educational resources, software, books, podcasts, and m...
XOXO. A financial love letter
14 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
❤️ 💰This might just be the love letter you've always wished someone would write to you, and I'll read it aloud to you in this spe...
096. Tax Time Tips: Pay Less, Save More
10 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In a discussion about all things tax-related, we break down federal and state taxes and explain how tax brackets and income taxation work. We talk abo...
095. WTF is the dark web!? And how do I protect my identity and credit
03 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We delve into the dark web, explaining what it is and why it should matter to you. Most importantly, we share what you can do proactively and at no co...
094. Money tips you should ignore and what to do instead
27 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’ll help you navigate the maze of financial advice by highlighting which tips you should ignore, why, and what you should do instead. We discuss g...
093. Teen Talk: Social Media Ads and Smarter Spending Habits with a Special Teenage Co-host
20 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Social media companies spend millions to convince us to buy stuff, much of it things we don’t need. This week, I am joined by a special teenager co-...
092. Annual Spend Recap with Greg, Liz, Andrew, & Erica
13 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this special annual episode, join all the co-hosts as we reveal our 2024 spending habits in our detailed expense breakdown. From the biggest splurg...
091. How to build awesome habits and improve your financial wellness
06 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We kick off this new year with a discussion on how to improve your financial wellness so you’re thriving versus surviving. We discuss actionable ste...
090. End-of-year podcast party with all the co-hosts
30 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
All of the co-hosts join this end-of-year episode, and we share our peaks and pits, favorite purchases, financial regrets, wins, and our intentions fo...
089. The Gift Card Debate: Safe choice or worst gift ever?
23 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We debate whether gift cards are the best gift ever or an ongoing burden to the receiver. We also recommend creative and simple ways to make gift card...
088. Listener Q&A with Greg - managing difficult financial convos, FI feels unattainable, raising kids to spend intentionally, stress levels post-retirement, and more!
16 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Greg and I answer your money questions about relationships, difficult financial conversations, how we track our money, how we’re trying t...
087. Case Studies: Where to focus when you’re feeling behind? Investing, life insurance, and paying off your mortgage in your 70s?
09 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We review two listener case studies, share their financial situations and backgrounds, and answer their questions about how to move forward with their...
086. End-of-year money moves to finish the year strong
02 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Here are all the financial moves you should aim to finish before the end of the year to ensure you finish the year strong and set yourself up for succ...
085. Trick yourself into spending less money
25 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Psychology plays a significant role in our financial decisions, and we can use it to our advantage to trick ourselves into spending less money and sav...
084. Trump 2.0 and its impact on your finances
18 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In case you missed it, Trump won the 2024 election. We’re talking about the impact of Trump in office on your finances and how to prepare yourself. ...
083. Live for today or save for tomorrow?
11 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Some people are so focused and disciplined on reaching a FI or FIRE goal that they don’t enjoy the present. Others are so focused on living for toda...
082. Case Studies: How to get started when you’re stuck? Burnt out and how do I know when I have enough to retire?
04 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We review two listener case studies, share their specific financial situation and background, and answer their questions about how to move forward wit...
081. Listener Q&A - 401(k) vs. roth 401(k), Budgeting, Automation, Decluttering, Early Retirement, and more!
27 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, I’m answering your questions about 401Ks, Roth vs. regular 401Ks, how and where to save for future needs, where to park your money, early...
080. We’re all going to die, so let’s talk about life insurance
21 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We discuss everything you ever needed and wanted to know about life insurance. We share why life insurance is important even if you think you don’t ...
079. The new American Dream - Is it misunderstood or evolving?
13 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We explore the concept of the American Dream and how it has evolved over time. What we initially considered success in life isn’t quite how we would...
078. Take back the holidays - 8 ways to spend less this holiday season
06 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The holidays have evolved into a time of the year overly focused on consumerism and spending money, but we encourage you all to take back the holidays...
077. Listener Q&A - Debt, Savings, Windfalls, Deferred Compensation, Withdrawal Strategies, and more!
30 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, I’m answering your questions about debt, emergency savings, sudden windfalls, deferred compensation, withdrawal strategies, Andrew going ...
076. Investing terms you should know - ETFs vs. mutual funds, target date funds, expense ratios, dividends, market vs. limit orders, and more!
22 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Investing often seems more complicated than needed, so we’re explaining some key terms to help you better navigate the investing and financial world...
075. The cost of convenience - Is it worth it?
16 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In the tradeoff between your time and your money, we discuss whether it’s worth it to pay for convenience, from pre-cut food at the grocery store to...
074. An investing discussion: how to get started, are ESGs worth it, what to do when the market’s down, automating your investments, and more
09 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Investing feels overwhelming and complicated to many people, but it doesn’t need to be. It can be simple and easy to get started. Join us for a disc...
073. Grocery Savings Hacks: Where to shop, freezing food, and more!
01 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Groceries have been getting more expensive lately, but there are still plenty of simple, low-effort ways to save money on groceries. We share our best...
072. The best financial advice no one wants to take: Move your money to a high-yield savings account already!
26 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Everyone should keep their savings, emergency funds, and extra cash in a high-yield savings account (HYSA) to optimize their money. High-yield savings...
071. Listener Q&A - Boring middles, making FI friends, investment strategies, kids, and more
19 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, I’m answering your questions about early retirement, investing, raising financially literate kids, making like-minded friends, and more! ...
070. Save money by using what you already have
12 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This one thing can save you money, help the environment, declutter your house, and improve your mental health; it’s using the things you already hav...
069. Avoid these money mishaps and win long-term
05 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The key to growing long-term wealth is to spend less than you make and invest the difference, but there are also some money mistakes you should avoid....
068. Is life more expensive in early retirement?
28 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
People often say you’ll spend less in retirement, but who are these people, and is this true? We break down some common beliefs about retirement spe...
067. Two investment metrics you should understand - CAPE ratio and SORR
22 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Understanding the CAPE (Cyclically Adjusted Price-to-Earnings) ratio and SORR (Sequence of Returns Risk) matters if you’re investing in the stock ma...
066. Mid-year spend review with Liz, Andrew, and Greg
15 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Three families share what we spent in the first half of 2024. Who’s spending is the highest and lowest? And is there really a winner or loser!? We’...
065. Save money and the planet - Shopping secondhand for the win
08 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Secondhand products can save you money, save the planet, help others earn money, build community, and so much more! We encourage everyone to think sec...
064. Packing light and spending light while traveling
01 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Packing less and spending less while traveling abroad or domestically is possible and can make travel much more enjoyable! Travel a bit lighter and sp...
063. Number one early retirement metric: your savings rate
24 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It’s not about what you make, it’s about the difference between what you make and what you spend. If you know those two numbers you can calculate ...