If Money Were Easy

Why doesn’t having money necessarily feel good? In this episode, Mary Beth and Neela explore the complex emotions tied to wealth—whether it's guilt over having more, shame around not having enough, or discomfort with financial privilege. They unpack how money can affect identity, belonging, and relationships, and share tools to help you reframe your money story, build financial confidence, and align your wealth with yo...

When love blooms later in life, so do important money questions. In this episode of If Money Were Easy, Mary Beth and Neela discuss the financial realities of dating, cohabiting, and marrying after 40.

Inspired by the idea of the "Golden Bachelorette," they explore how second (or third) chapters can bring new challenges and new opportunit...

When it comes to financial planning, insurance is an important piece of the puzzle. In this episode of If Money Were Easy, Mary Beth and Neela are joined by Mark Maurer, CFP®, President and CEO of Low Load Insurance Services (LLIS), to break down the complexities of disability and life insurance and shed light on what to consider when deciding what plan might be appropriate for you.

They discuss why so many people tend to avoid thi...

Selecting a financial advisor can be a process, especially given the wide range of titles, credentials, and compensation models in the industry. In this episode, co-hosts and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professionals Mary Beth Storjohann and Neela Hummel outline the factors to consider when choosing an advisor who aligns with your financial goals and values.

They explore the distinctions between various a...

What happens to your money when interest rates go up or down?

Join Mary Beth and Neela as they dive into the complex world of interest rates and the different ways they can impact your finances – from mortgages and savings accounts, to credit cards and business loans. They explore how the Federal Reserve's adjustments influence both the economy and individual financial decisions, and offer some historical ...

How can you step into 2025 with compassion — and maybe even a little ease — in a world full of uncertainties? In this Season 3 kickoff episode, hosts Mary Beth Storjohann and Neela Hummel share thoughtful strategies for navigating both financial and emotional transitions as the new year gains momentum.

Focusing on presence and personal values, they explore the benefits of setting realistic, meaningful inte...

If Money Were Easy is back! Season 3 begins on March 19th, and we couldn’t be more excited.

Not only can you expect more of the honest money (and life) discussions we can’t get enough of, but Season 3 has a new look and will be posted as video episodes on YouTube if you want some visuals with your finance banter. 

Make sure you're following the show wherever you’re listening so you don’t miss any updates. And don’t forget to sign u...

In this episode special guest, Spencer Sherman, a celebrated financial advisor, author, and co-founder of Abacus Wealth Partners, shares his insights on integrating mindfulness into money management.  Spencer explains that practicing gratitude can help with decision-making by reducing the tendency to ruminate over negative experiences. He discusses human survival wiring, which naturally directs attention to potential t...

Today’s episode dives into the financial aspirations and strategies for the next ten years as both hosts reflect on reaching the milestone age of 40. They explore the importance of investing in community and relationships beyond family ties, the excitement of aging with close friends, and nurturing valuable relationships despite busy schedules. They also address common financial anxieties, the concept of feeling behind...

What are the unique financial and societal challenges that young men face today? From the significance of developing strong social and emotional skills to understanding the difference between investing and gambling, Mary Beth and Neela offer actionable insights and personal anecdotes. The hosts discuss societal pressures on young men during their "grind years," emphasizing the value of patience and face-to-face social ...

Today's episode features a special guest who brings a wealth of experience both professionally and personally. Kathryn Peyton, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ with Abacus Wealth Partners since 2016, joins us to share her invaluable insights on managing the role of an executor. We'll dive into Kathryn's personal journey, where she combines her professional expertise with real-life experiences, such as caring for her agin...

In this episode, we discuss money lessons for our daughters and explore the crucial role of financial awareness, the importance of self-reliance, and the evolving financial roles of women in society. We'll share personal anecdotes, discuss historical contexts, and emphasize the importance of modeling positive financial behaviors for the next generation. We believe that money isn't just a tool for daily transactions—it'...

In today's episode, we explore the often-misunderstood topic of prenuptial agreements (prenups). Joining us today is our esteemed guest, Terri Steen, an experienced family law attorney and mediator who has been practicing family law in Los Angeles since 2009. We'll explore the phases of prenuptial agreements, their impact on communication and empathy in relationships, and what makes for successful prenup negotiations. ...

While not always an easy conversation to have, talking and preparing for the death of a loved one is incredibly important. On this week’s episode, we’re joined by Jana Davis, a financial advisor at Abacus Wealth Partners, who specializes in working with octogenarians and people in their later chapters of life. Jana’s approach to financial planning is rooted in empathy and radical candor, making sure that elderly client...

Today, we're diving into a topic that can make or break a business—tax planning for entrepreneurs. In this episode, we’re excited to have Tiffany Vaught join us. Tiffany is not just any CPA; she’s a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®) for small business owners, the CEO of Incurio, LLP, and the co-founder of Something Artists. With her entrepreneurial spirit and extensive experience, Tiffany brings a wealth of knowl...

In today's episode, we tackle a significant question: Is Homeownership Still Part of the American Dream? It’s a complex topic, influenced by changing economic landscapes, psychological factors, and the ever-evolving housing market. We'll explore the benefits and challenges of homeownership, discuss current market conditions, and offer practical advice for those considering whether to own real estate as part of their fi...

Raising kids takes a village. As the old saying goes, it really does take a community to support parents, especially in this day and age of over-scheduled lives and demanding careers. Having a tribe you can lean on makes all the difference. In this episode, Mary Beth and Neela get real about their own experiences relying on their village. They touch on topics such as the importance of building a community, learning how...

Today, we’re joined by a special guest, Daria Victorov, who is a financial advisor at Abacus Wealth Partners, and specializes in working with young professionals in tech and those who have come into wealth at a young age. Join us as we dive into the topic of financial planning for young inheritors. We'll explore the unique challenges and opportunities faced by those who come into wealth early in life, and Daria will sh...

In today's discussion, we're diving into the world of artificial intelligence and its implications for consumers. We’re joined by Gabe Brenner, a financial advisor at Abacus Wealth Partners, who shares his perspective on the integration of AI tools in financial planning and everyday life. Gabe will walk us through the potential and practical uses that AI holds, from boosting productivity to navigating complex informati...