Episode 30 - SALT Caps, EV Credits, and Tax Tips: Planning for 2025

It’s that time of year – when we need to start thinking ahead to 2025!

In this special episode, Deb Meyer shares year-end tax planning strategies following the recent election. Highlights include:

2025 Tax Landscape: Potential extensions to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, changes to state and local tax (SALT) deduction limits, and strategic timing for estimated tax payments.
Electric Vehicle Credits: Tips on maximizing the $7,500 EV credit in 2024 and considerations for foreign car purchases ahead of tariff changes.
Small Business Tax Planning: Importance of year-end projections, managing estimated taxes, and finding a proactive CPA.
Additional Tax-Smart Strategies

Episode 29 - Capturing Memories That Matter with Ryan Koral

Looking to strengthen your financial partnership with your spouse? Download our free resource, 4 Key Questions for Financial Check-Ins. This guide provides simple, stress-free conversation starters to help couples get on the same page about money, plan for future expenses, and dream together.

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In this episode, Ryan Koral and host Deb Meyer explore the intersection of storytelling, finances, and family values. Whether it’s teaching kids about money, preserving memories with video, or having productive financial conversations with your spouse, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

Episode 28 - Money and Meaning: Embracing Stewardship and Generosity

Celebrate the first anniversary of the Beyond Budgets® podcast!!

Join host Deb Meyer as she dives into faith-driven money management inspired by the Compass Catholic Retreat. Discover how to break emotional attachments to material possessions and embrace God-honoring financial stewardship. Through engaging stories and lessons from the parable of the talents, learn to balance worldly desires with spiritual wisdom. Plus, explore advanced charitable giving techniques and the importance of spiritual guidance. Tune in for practical tips, and follow us for more inspiring financial insights!

Episode 27 - Breaking Free from Work-Centered Identity

In this episode of Beyond Budgets, host Deb Meyer is joined by exit strategist and Dream Catchers podcast host Jerome Myers to unpack the complex journey of redefining yourself after big life changes like selling a business or retiring. Together, Deb and Jerome explore the “founder's exit paradox”—the often-overlooked psychological challenges that come with moving on from a career-focused identity—and what it takes to build a fulfilling life based on who you are, not just what you do.

Jerome shares powerful insights on how to separate your self-worth from your job title, offering practical steps to discover and use transferable skills, build meaningful relationships, and keep growing in new ways post-career. This episode dives into balancing health and wealth, maintaining well-being, and finding lasting purpose beyond work. Whether you’re planning your next chapter or in the middle of a transition, this conversation is full of strategies to help you move forward with clarity, confidence, and fulfillment.

Episode 26 - Aligning Faith and Finances: Biblically Responsible Investing

Unlock the secrets of faith-based investing with Deb Meyer in this enlightening episode, "Aligning Faith and Finances: A Guide to Biblically Responsible Investing." Perfect for Christian and Catholic parents, this episode explores how to harmonize your financial goals with spiritual values.

Discover the "avoid, engage, and embrace" framework and the Business 360 approach by Eventide, a leader in ethical investing. Learn about creating faith-based portfolios and explore top-tier companies like Eventide, Ave Maria, and Guidestone. Whether you're a seasoned investor or a newbie, this episode offers insights for values-driven investing.

Episode 25 - How to Build a Fulfilling Career and Financial Future

In this episode of Beyond Budgets, we’re thrilled to welcome Crystal Ware, a former Fortune 500 corporate leader and attorney who made the bold leap into entrepreneurship. Crystal shares her journey of transitioning from the corporate world to running a small business, driven by the desire for more flexibility, time with family, and personal fulfillment.

Listeners will gain deep insights into:

The importance of aligning your career with personal values and family goals.
Practical strategies for handling financial responsibilities in marriage, including the benefits and drawbacks of joint versus separate accounts.
Tips for saving for long-term financial goals like children’s education.
How to manage a career transition from corporate America to entrepreneurship.
The challenges of wearing multiple hats as a small business owner.

This episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration for anyone considering a career shift or looking to balance professional success and personal fulfillment. Don’t miss it!

Episode 24 - Building Wealth through Strategic Investments

Ready to transform your financial future? Hear a deeply personal story about Deb Meyer’s hard-hitting lessons gained from her first investment during the tech bubble burst. Learn the critical importance of diversification among other investment pillars and the hazards of emotionally charged decision-making. We'll dissect the pitfalls of market timing and the often misleading influence of financial media, emphasizing the necessity of maintaining a long-term perspective and a clear financial plan.

Determine how to craft an effective asset allocation strategy by understanding the diverse behaviors of equities, bonds, real estate, and commodities. With insights into the Federal Reserve's interest rate maneuvers and their effects on various financial instruments, this episode equips you with the knowledge to build a resilient and balanced investment portfolio.

Listen now to elevate your confidence as an investor!

Episode 23 - Transforming Family Culture with Kimberly Amici

What happens when a Manhattan career woman swaps skyscrapers for suburbia and discovers a new kind of creativity?

Join us on Beyond Budgets® as we welcome Kimberly Amici, the mastermind behind Build Your Best Family, who shares her extraordinary journey from designer and architect in the bustling city to a mom redefining family culture through faith and daily acts of creativity. Kimberly's story illuminates how she integrates values into everyday life, transforming routine activities like cooking and travel into meaningful family experiences. She provides invaluable insights into encouraging children to think outside the box while crafting a purposeful and enriching family environment.

We also discuss the importance of creating a stable and positive family atmosphere, using tools like Family Culture Discussion Sheets to identify and live by core values. Kimberly’s wisdom and personal anecdotes highlight how simplifying daily priorities can help families truly thrive by establishing a sense of belonging and stability.

Don’t miss this enriching conversation with Kimberly, full of practical tips and heartfelt stories to help you build your best family.

Episode 22 - Adventures in Relocating and Homeownership

Moving cross-country is not just about packing boxes but navigating a maze of expenses and unexpected hurdles. When my family decided to leave Florida for Missouri, we faced surprising costs and tough choices. In this episode of Beyond Budgets, Deb shares how her family balanced the hefty quotes from national moving companies with more affordable, creative options like PODS and regional businesses. Discover the practical tips she learned along the way, including hiring a local young entrepreneur and managing holiday schedules to ensure a smooth transition for her kids.

But the adventure didn’t stop there. Buying a house in Missouri came with its own set of challenges and surprises. From replacing windows and an old water heater to unforeseen plumbing issues, Deb candidly discusses the realities of unexpected homeownership expenses. Reflecting on our choice to buy a home after just one in-person inspection, she highlights the pros and cons, emphasizing the stability renting can offer during such significant life changes.

Episode 21 - Charting Financial Success Through Family Bonds

What does it take to successfully merge family values with financial planning? On this episode of Beyond Budgets®, we have the pleasure of speaking with Brian Haney, CEO and co-founder of the Haney Group. Brian takes us through the unique dynamic of running a family-owned business alongside his father and brother.

From balancing the intricate relationships within the family to leveraging their diverse skill sets, Brian shares valuable insights that could benefit anyone considering a family venture. Hear his compelling journey from aspiring journalist to financial professional, illustrating how following his passion led to the formation of a thriving financial practice.

We also demystify the rising costs of long-term care insurance and discuss strategic planning to manage these expenses effectively. Packed with actionable advice and real-world examples, this episode serves as a comprehensive guide for securing your financial future and protecting your loved ones.

Episode 20 - Making Smart Life Insurance Decisions

Have you ever wondered if your life insurance policy secures your family's future or if it’s just another bill to pay?

Join me, Deb Meyer, on this critical episode of the Beyond Budgets® podcast as we unravel the complexities of life insurance. We'll explore the emotional and financial dimensions of choosing the right life insurance, using relatable comparisons like renting versus owning a home to explain term and permanent policies.

In this episode, we dig into the specifics of term life insurance, emphasizing cost-effective premiums, as well as universal and whole life insurance. Gain valuable insights on determining the right amount of coverage based on factors like career stage, number and ages of children, and household expenses.

Tune into this episode to equip yourself with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your family's financial security.

Episode 19 - The Secrets to Balancing Business Success and Family Life

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Robert and Kay Lee Fukui, co-founders of i61 Inc., cohosts of the Thriving in Tandem podcast, and authors of the book Tandem. They share invaluable strategies for balancing business success and family life.

Robert recounts his transition from Fortune 500 company sales roles to small business consulting, emphasizing the importance of working smarter rather than harder. Kay Lee reflects on her entrepreneurial upbringing and the toll relentless work hours took on family relationships. Together, they provide practical advice on succeeding professionally while preserving family time.

We also discuss tips to improve business profitability, prioritize relationships, and create sustainable wealth. This episode is a must-listen for married parents seeking harmony in their professional and personal lives.

Episode 18 - Turning Dreams into Reality with Values-Based Financial Planning

Making a life-changing move is never easy, especially when leaving a place you've called home. On this episode of Beyond Budgets®, I share the poignant journey my family and I are undertaking as we transition from the sunny beaches of Florida back to Missouri.

This episode also presents a comprehensive guide to values-based financial planning. We dive deep into a six-step process to help you achieve financial goals while staying true to your core values. From gathering self-knowledge and setting realistic yet ambitious goals to analyzing your financial situation and consulting a financial advisor, you'll find practical advice tailored to larger financial milestones and simpler, more immediate goals.

Whether you're contemplating a major life change or simply looking to align your finances with your deepest values, this episode offers invaluable insights and inspiration.

Episode 17 - Unlocking Financial Freedom with Brian Tibbs

Can you truly achieve financial freedom by shifting your mindset? Guest Brian Tibbs, a seasoned real estate investor and author of The HACKER Method, believes you can. Brian shares how the allure of consumerism often leads people astray and how his experiences living overseas offered him a fresh perspective on achieving genuine wealth. In this episode, Deb and Brian unpack the vital differences between consumer and investor mindsets and why the latter is crucial for building long-term financial stability.

Have you heard of the 50-40-10 budgeting strategy? By allocating 50% of your income to essential and enjoyable expenses, 40% to investments, and 10% to charitable giving, this strategy aims to foster financial independence and nurture a sense of social responsibility. We delve into how this budget can help parents like you eliminate large debts, reinvest profits, and positively impact the world.

Taking risks in investing can be daunting, but Brian explains how measured risks in stocks and real estate can lead to substantial long-term gains. Tune in to learn how these actionable steps can help you rethink your financial choices and pave the way toward financial freedom.

Episode 16 - Maximizing Your Business Exit: Retirement Planning for Small Business Owners

Unlock the secrets to a seamless business exit strategy that secures your financial future, as we journey through the pivotal steps of detaching from a business you've nurtured. With my expertise in tax compliance and succession planning, alongside insights from the Exit Planning Institute, this episode arms you with the essential knowledge to gracefully navigate the intersection of retirement and the sale of your small business. From the emotional complexities tied to parting with your enterprise to actionable tactics for aligning your fiscal ambitions with the realities of the market, I've got you covered.

Prepare to empower yourself with a skill set designed to mitigate tax repercussions and enhance your quality of life, while also understanding the critical role of a value advisor in steering your strategy. Whether you're close to retirement or seeking to align your business with your family's financial dreams, this discussion is tailored to help you step confidently into your next chapter with a team of experts guiding the way.

Episode 15 - Mastering Marital Finances: From Budgeting to Tax Planning

Unlock the secrets of financial harmony in marriage with insights from financial experts Deb Meyer and her special guest, Den Murley, a Certified Financial PlannerTM and Certified Financial Behavior Specialist®. They delve into the dynamic world of couples' finances, shattering the myth of the spender-saver binary and advocating for a stronger foundation of mutual understanding. Discover how to navigate shared versus separate accounts, illuminating the path to financial unity and individual autonomy within a relationship.

You'll learn to reframe the adage “we can’t afford it” to an enlightening explanation your kids can easily understand. This journey of self-discovery and communication about money is the key to breaking long-standing negative financial patterns.

This episode is also a strategic conversation on tax planning and retirement. It offers guidance through the current tax landscape and shares tactics for thoughtfully timing income recognition. Join Deb and Den for this comprehensive guide to family financial planning, where managing emotions and creating a legacy take center stage.