Financially Free Era by SLP Wealth

Childcare expenses have completely outpaced normal inflation, and it’s one of the biggest financial shocks new families face. We're talking real numbers and honest conversations about costs that can make you sweat. It’s not just expensive daycare. We're sharing creative strategies and money-saving hacks that actually work, plus exploring how to weave these massive expenses into your overall financial plan without losing your mind.

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We’re diving into the latest money stories making headlines, like the drama unfolding at Kroger, changes in airline travel costs, and the impacts of spiking healthcare premiums in California. We swap personal stories, from travel mishaps to a power-washing scam, and unpack how corporate scandals might hit your day-to-day expenses.

Plus, we break down what Disney and Hulu’s upcoming merger could mean for your streaming budget.

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What can reality TV teach us about money? Turns out… a lot. We’re using Secret Lives of Mormon Wives as a jumping-off point to talk about how influencers get paid, why 1099 income is so unpredictable, and what it takes to manage money when your paychecks don’t look the same every month. If you’re a high-income professional with fluctuating bonuses, freelancing on the side, or just curious how people survive when their income is all...

Ever feel like money advice is either painfully boring or way too complicated? We get it. That’s why we decided to have a little fun and roast some of the worst financial moves people keep falling for. If you’ve ever signed up for a gym membership you barely used, bought furniture on a “0% APR” deal, or took out a seven-year car loan that outlasted your actual love for the car — this one’s for you. You’ll laugh, you’ll cringe, and ...

With the end of 2025 fast approaching, now’s the time to brush up on what the “Big Beautiful Bill” means for your charitable giving and education planning. If you’ve ever wondered how to squeeze the most out of your donations or whether that Goodwill slip really counts, you’ll want to tune in. We walk through the new rules on charitable deductions, why high earners need to pay extra attention, and how simple moves like “bunching” y...

Most of us live in blissful denial about natural disasters — until the unthinkable happens. But here's what separates those who recover quickly from those who struggle for years: having a solid financial strategy in place before catastrophe strikes. Financial planner Scotty McDonald, CFP®, CSLP®, joins us to go beyond basic emergency funds to explore in-depth wealth protection strategies.

We discuss the nuances of insurance coverag...

Getting a letter from the IRS is enough to make anyone’s stomach drop. But before you panic, take a breath. Chief tax officer Sim Terwilliger, CFP®, CSLP®, joins us to break down what those notices mean, why they’re often less scary than they look, and the exact steps to take if one shows up in your mailbox.

You’ll learn the most common IRS notices (and the ones that actually need urgent attention), how to make sense of the dense t...

Ever feel like you’re stuck between wanting to enjoy life now and knowing you should be saving for the future? It’s a tug-of-war that doesn’t magically disappear when you start making more money. Financial planner Jake Courtney, CFP®, CSLP®, joins us today to talk about how to find that sweet spot between spending today and saving for tomorrow, whether you earn $100k or $1M a year.

You’ll learn why your savings rate matters more th...

The One Big Beautiful Bill is an 887-page piece of legislation, and it's got something for everyone. We’re unpack...

Inspired by a recent family trip and Meagan’s mom’s uncanny ability to have fun on a budget, we’re talking about how to make the most of your time, money, and community resources without overspending. We explore creative ways to enjoy life on a budget, from free local experiences to smart use of rewards programs and everyday perks. You’ll walk away with ideas for saving money, having fun, and finding value in the little things that...

Financial headlines lately sound almost too crazy to be true, but a few matter for your wallet. We're talking about how meme coins like Fartcoin (yes, that's a real thing) can help you qualify for a mortgage, what Tesla's stock movements mean for investors, and why the end of the penny could cost you more money. You’ll also learn how “Buy Now, Pay Later” apps are about to mess with your credit score, why used car prices are about t...

Wondering if AI can help you manage your money smarter? We’re talking about how AI tools like ChatGPT can boost your financial life, and where they’re likely to steer you wrong. Learn practical ways to use AI for tasks like budgeting, organizing your accounts, and saving time, while still knowing when you need a real human advisor to look out for your best interests. Plus, we’ve got some bonus insider intel from Sim’s husband, who’...

We’re not judging. But after digging into a few too many cluttered portfolios lately, we figured it’s time to tal...

We need to talk about some major — and frankly, troubling — student loan news coming out of Congress. The H...

Got a taxable brokerage account… or thinking about opening one? Then this episode’s for you. We’re joined by Sim Terwilliger, CFP®, CSLP®, to explore what these accounts are, how they work, and why they can be a smart tool for building long-term wealth. Learn how they compare to IRAs and 401(k)s and when a taxable brokerage account might make the most sense, whether you’re saving for early retirement, preparing for a potential stud...

Ever feel guilty for spending money, even when it’s on something meaningful? Like that family vacation you saved ...

Merging lives often means merging finances, but how do you do it without stepping on toes? Jake Courtney, C...

When it comes to money, it's easy to get ahead of yourself. Sometimes that means prioritizing the wrong goal at the wrong time. We're playing a game of “This or That” — should you save or invest first? Pay off debt or grow your wealth?  Contribute to an HSA or a Roth IRA? While the right answer always depends on your situation, we'll talk through how to think about your priorities, what foundational steps shouldn’t be skipped, and ...

This week on the Financially Free Era podcast, we’re talking about retirement—not the dream version (palm trees, pickleball, and piña coladas), but the steps you should be taking today to actually make that dream happen.
Inspired by Meagan’s father-in-law officially retiring last week (!), this episode is your go-to retirement starter pack. Whether you’re 30 or 60, wondering if you’re behind or ahead, or just trying to figure out w...