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.
Read MoreIn this episode of Beyond Budgets®, Deb shares a personal story that hits home—navigating the unexpected cost of her son's surgery, even with insurance. That real-life experience opens the door to a bigger conversation: what are your options when traditional health insurance doesn't fit?
Whether you're between jobs, self-employed, or considering early retirement, Deb breaks down:
What healthcare sharing plans really are—and what they're not
The trade-offs of COBRA vs. marketplace insurance
Why premiums have jumped 47% over the last decade
What to know about pre-existing conditions, preventive care, and reimbursement delays
Her own experience using MediShare during a family sabbatical
Plus, Deb dives into smart open enrollment decisions for those with traditional employer plans—HSA vs. FSA, high-deductible plans, and avoiding costly dental surprises (hello, braces).
Read MoreMoney is more than just paying bills and saving for the future—it’s a tool for living out your values and making a lasting impact. As part of the weeklong event Podcasthon, we’re highlighting Compass Catholic Ministries, a nonprofit dedicated to helping families approach money with wisdom, generosity, and faith.
Join us as Camila Gonzalez shares practical ways to align your finances with your values, get out of debt, and build a strong financial foundation—without feeling overwhelmed.
Read MoreUncertainty is a constant, but how we react to it makes all the difference. In this episode of Beyond Budgets®, we dive into today’s shifting economic and political landscape—including tariffs, job losses, and market trends—and what they could mean for your finances. More importantly, we’ll explore timeless financial principles that can help you stay steady, no matter what’s happening in the world.
Read MoreDid you know that half of investment advisor clients think they’re getting comprehensive advice, but only 11% actually are? In this episode, Deb Meyer sits down with Stephen Tanenbaum, founder of Rainbook, a platform dedicated to bringing transparency to financial advising. Stephen shares how Rainbook helps parents evaluate their advisors, uncover hidden fees, and make sure they’re getting real value from their financial relationships.
Read MoreChoosing a financial advisor is a big decision that can shape your family’s financial future. In this episode of Beyond Budgets®, Deb Meyer breaks down how to evaluate advisors and find the right fit for your unique goals and values. Whether you’re new to financial planning or transitioning to another advisor, this episode equips you with the knowledge and confidence to make an informed choice.
Read MorePlanning for college can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode of Beyond Budgets, host Deb Meyer sits down with Ann Garcia, CFP®, also known as "The College Financial Lady." Ann is the author of How to Pay for College and a mom of twins who recently graduated debt-free. She combines her professional expertise with personal experience to share strategies that will help you save money and reduce stress during the college planning process.
Whether your child is years away from applying or you’re in the thick of FAFSA forms and scholarship deadlines, this episode will leave you feeling more confident and equipped to navigate the journey.
Read MoreWhat’s on your bucket list? Whether exploring far-off destinations, creating stronger family bonds, or getting your finances in shape, this episode is your guide to dreaming big and making it happen.
Host Deb Meyer shares how a simple New Year’s Eve conversation about bucket lists sparked fresh ideas for setting goals that truly matter.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
The surprising link between financial health and overall well-being.
How stress in one area can ripple into another—and what to do about it.
A three-step framework for financial wellness: shift your mindset, adjust the plan, and center yourself with prayer.
Ready to make 2025 your best year yet? Tune in for stories, strategies, and a fresh perspective on achieving balance and purpose.
Read MoreDid you know parents are the best leaders?
In this episode, Dr. Jim Salvucci shares his transformative journey from an English professor to a corporate leader, emphasizing the universal essence of leadership rooted in integrity and soft skills. Jim reflects on how early leadership roles in Boy Scouts and his father's servant leadership model shaped his values-driven approach.
Whether you’re a parent looking to embrace personal growth, self-awareness, or the moral philosophy of leadership, this episode is for you! Also, don’t forget to follow Jim’s blog and podcast, On Leading with Greatness, on Substack.
Read MoreIt’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
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.
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.
Read MoreCelebrate 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!
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.
Read MoreUnlock 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.
Read MoreIn 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!
Read MoreReady 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!
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