Marriage Kids and Money: Personal Finance for Families

Hosted by Andy Hill

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591

Latest episode

Nov 2026

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EN-US

About the show

The Marriage Kids and Money Podcast will strengthen your family tree and help you live financially free. We work to help you build the life of your dreams!  Each week, award-winning Family Finance Coach Andy Hill shares wealth-building tips that help parents and couples to design their ideal lifestyle. Learn how to get on track with your finances, work toward financial freedom, and even build generational wealth.  Knowing community makes for a happier future, Andy interviews millionaire parents, couples who have reached financial independence, or other money pros so listeners get a well-rounded perspective.  With over 400 episodes and counting, you are sure to find an episode to help you. Show topics include strategies on becoming debt free, how to invest simply, setting your kids up for success, and living more generously.  Don’t just take our word for it! Marriage Kids and Money has been hailed as a top podcast by US News and World Report.  Join the family wealth-building conversation by listening to our top-rated personal finance podcast today!

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60 recent

November 11, 202636 min

$1.2M Net Worth at 34 in Texas | Dan Brigham

Want to track your net worth like Dan? Check out Monarch Money: ⁠https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/monarchmoney (affiliate link - get 50% off Monarch Core w/ code MKMONEY) Dan Brigham went from $97,000 in debt to a $1.2 million net worth in his mid-30s. Now, he's using that financial freedom to spend more time with his family and pursue work he actually enjoys. In this episode, we sit down with Dan, creator of Budgeters Anonymous, to explore how he paid off nearly six figures of debt in just two years, grew his income through tech sales, and invested more than 50% of his earnings to build lasting wealth. We also break down his family's $1.2 million net worth, including index funds, retirement accounts, real estate, and cash savings. Dan shares how discovering Coast FIRE changed his perspective on money and gave him the confidence to leave his corporate career. If you're looking to become debt-free, build a seven-figure net worth, or create more flexibility for your family, this conversation offers practical strategies and inspiration for your journey. Want to build wealth and design a life around what matters most? Grab my book Own Your Time: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book In This Episode You'll Learn: How Dan paid off $97,000 in debt in two years How he grew his income from $55,000 to more than $350,000 in tech sales The investing and saving habits that helped him reach a $1.2 million net worth How Coast FIRE can create more career and family flexibility Why his family keeps $80,000 in emergency savings How he and his wife balance entrepreneurship, parenting, and building wealth His advice for creating a career that supports your lifestyle instead of controlling it Resources Mentioned: Budgeters Anonymous (Dan Brigham): https://www.instagram.com/budgetersanonymous/ Spent Well Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1q6RcbEpO3Yiyax1uF6pOt?si=d05054eaa7fa4425 Monarch Money (track your net worth): https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/monarchmoney Leave a voicemail for the show: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/voicemail Podcast Credits: Host: Andy Hill Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Support: Michelle Ahmed Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

November 4, 202638 min

Where Does All My Money Go? 5 Ways to Take Back Control

Why does it feel like we're making good money, but never getting ahead? Between groceries, housing, childcare, insurance, and everyday family expenses, it's easy to wonder where all our hard-earned money goes. In this episode of Marriage Kids and Money, we're sharing 5 practical ways to take back control of our spending, create more breathing room in our budgets, and make our money work harder for our families. Then, we're joined by Maggie Tinsley from The Traveling Tinsleys to explore how families can use credit card points and miles to travel more affordably. From earning rewards on everyday purchases to booking flights and hotels with points, Maggie shares how we can create memorable family vacations without breaking the bank. The goal isn't to stop spending money. It's to spend intentionally on the things that matter most. Part 1: Where Does All My Money Go? 5 Ways to Take Back Control Why even six-figure families can feel like they're living paycheck to paycheck How to understand our actual take-home income and give every dollar a job The Family Big Four: Housing, Transportation, Food, and Childcare How reducing major expenses by just 10% could free up thousands each year Why social media, online shopping, and lifestyle inflation can quietly drain our budgets How Andy discovered more than $1,600 in annual savings by reviewing unused subscriptions Planning ahead for irregular expenses like holidays, car repairs, and summer camps Simple ways to find extra money this weekend Part 2: Travel More for Less with Maggie Tinsley: How credit card points and miles can make family travel more affordable Why we should never spend more than normal just to earn rewards The difference between everyday credit card rewards and welcome bonuses Why flexible points can be more valuable than airline-specific rewards Beginner-friendly credit cards and rewards strategies How Maggie's family used points for flights and hotels on their trip to Italy Important changes in the points and miles world How to keep travel rewards simple, organized, and financially responsible Resources: Monarch Money: Track our spending, review subscriptions, and manage our family finances in one place. https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/monarchmoney: Use code MKMONEY for 50% off your first year of Monarch Core. The Traveling Tinsleys: Learn more about Maggie's family travel strategies, points and miles tips, and beginner resources. https://www.instagram.com/the_traveling_tinsleys/ Travel Freely: A tool mentioned in the interview for organizing credit cards, tracking rewards, and managing important dates. https://travelfreely.com/ Marriage Kids and Money: More resources to help us build family wealth and own our time. https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/ Maggie Tinsley is the creator behind The Traveling Tinsleys. She's a mom of two, works full-time in advertising, and helps families discover practical ways to make travel more affordable through credit card points and miles. Through her family's experiences, Maggie shares how thoughtful planning and responsible rewards strategies can help us create more travel memories with our kids. Marriage Kids and Money: Website: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/ Instagram: @marriagekidsandmoney Facebook: @marriagekidsandmoney LinkedIn: @AndyHillMKM Maggie Tinsley Instagram: @the_traveling_tinsleys Credits: Host: Andy Hill Guest: Maggie Tinsley Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Support: Michelle Ahmed Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

October 28, 202627 min

Coast FIRE with $300k by 38 in Texas | Caleb Macias

How This Family Reached Coast FIRE in Their 30s With $300,000 Invested What if you could stop aggressively saving for retirement in your 30s and spend more time enjoying life with your kids? In this episode of Marriage Kids and Money, we sit down with Caleb Macias, a firefighter from Texas who reached Coast FIRE with his wife, Virginia, while still in their 30s. With approximately $300,000 invested, a firefighter pension, and rental real estate, Caleb and Virginia have built a financial foundation that could allow them to enjoy more freedom today while still preparing for retirement. We explore how they built their wealth through consistent investing, living on one income, and making intentional spending decisions. Caleb also shares how reaching Coast FIRE has shifted their priorities from accumulating more money to creating meaningful experiences with their children. In this episode, we discuss: How Caleb and Virginia reached Coast FIRE in their 30s with $300,000 invested How their investments could grow to approximately $1.7 million without additional contributions Why living on one income helped them build wealth while raising a family How Roth IRAs, HSAs, a firefighter pension, and rental properties fit into their retirement strategy Simple ways to save money through thrifting, secondhand shopping, and intentional spending Why Coast FIRE can help families prioritize time with their kids today instead of waiting until traditional retirement How they're teaching their children about investing, relationships, and generational wealth We also discuss an important question: What's the point of building wealth if we don't have the time to enjoy it with the people we love? Whether we're just starting our financial independence journey or approaching Coast FIRE ourselves, Caleb's story reminds us that financial freedom isn't only about retiring early. It's about creating more choices and making the most of the time we have. Resources: Coast FIRE Calculator: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/calculators/coast-fire/ Own Your Time: 10 Financial Steps to Put Your Family First and Escape the Corporate Grind: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book Caleb Macias on Instagram (First Responder Finance): https://www.instagram.com/firstresponder.finance/ Credits: Host: Andy Hill Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Support: Michelle Ahmed Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

October 21, 202628 min

How to Become Procrastination Proof | Jon Acuff

Jon Acuff's Book: Procrastination Proof - ⁠https://amzn.to/4slpnMT (affiliate) Are you putting off important financial decisions, career changes, or personal goals? Procrastination can cost us more than just time. It can keep us from building wealth, strengthening our relationships, and creating the lives we truly want. In this episode, we welcome bestselling author Jon Acuff, author of Procrastination Proof: Never Get Stuck Again, to explore why we procrastinate and how to finally take action. We discuss practical strategies for overcoming procrastination with investing, family finances, career decisions, and parenting. Jon also shares his four-step framework for turning dreams into action and explains why discipline is about making tomorrow easier today. If you've been waiting for the perfect moment to make a change, this conversation will help you get started. Resources: Jon Acuff's Book: Procrastination Proof - https://amzn.to/4slpnMT Jon Acuff's Free Procrastination Quiz — Discover your procrastination tendencies and what might be holding you back. Own Your Time — Discover 10 financial steps to put your family first and escape the corporate grind. MKM Coaching — Get one-on-one support with your family finance journey. Coast FIRE Calculator — Find out when you can slow down or stop investing for retirement. YouTube — Watch more family finance videos and interviews. RECOMMENDED RESOURCES: Monarch Money — Budgeting for families and couples. Credits: Host: Andy Hill Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Support: Michelle Ahmed Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

October 14, 202628 min

$700k Net Worth at 38 in Texas | Sami Womack

Sami Womack and her husband have built a $730,000 net worth in their late 30s, all while raising three children and living primarily on one income. But their financial journey wasn't always this successful. Just 10 years ago, they were struggling with nearly $490,000 in debt, overdrafted bank accounts, and the stress of living paycheck to paycheck. In this episode, we explore how Sami and her husband completely transformed their finances by downsizing their home, paying off debt, budgeting consistently, and investing in simple index funds. We also discuss how they've grown their investment portfolio to nearly $600,000 and why their ultimate goal is to retire Sami's husband at age 50. From living in a 600-square-foot rental home to building generational wealth for their three daughters, Sami's story reminds us that financial independence isn't about having the biggest house or the fanciest cars. It's about creating more time with the people we love. In This Episode, We Discuss: How Sami's family went from $490,000 in debt to a $730,000 net worth Why downsizing to a 600-square-foot home changed everything How they've built nearly $600,000 in investments with a mostly single-income household Their simple approach to budgeting, index funds, and automated investing How they balance enjoying life today with saving for early retirement Their plan to retire Daniel at 50 and build generational wealth for their daughters Want to build wealth and design a life around what matters most? Check out our book Own Your Time: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book Resources Mentioned: Sami Womack's Website, The Sunny Side Up Life: https://www.asunnysideuplife.com/ Sami's Free Budget Audit, Financial Coaching, and Resources: https://www.asunnysideuplife.com/links Sami on Instagram: @asunnysideuplife Podcast Credits:Host: Andy HillEditor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Management: Michelle Ahmed Carpe Diem. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

October 7, 202629 min

Can I Afford to Work Part-Time?

Can you afford to work part-time? And how do you know when you’ve saved enough for retirement? In this episode, we answer two listener questions that get to the heart of what financial freedom can actually look like for families. First, we hear from Sarah, who is expecting her first child and considering moving from full-time work to part-time. We walk through four questions families can use to decide whether working less is financially realistic, including understanding your true monthly expenses, evaluating your financial foundation, accounting for benefits and healthcare, and deciding what that extra time is worth to your family. We also share how we gradually moved toward part-time work in our own family and why financial independence doesn’t necessarily have to come before you start owning more of your time. Then, we hear from Matt, who has spent years aggressively investing for retirement but is wondering when enough is actually enough. We discuss how to define a comfortable retirement lifestyle, use Coast FIRE projections to understand whether you’re on track, and recognize the opportunity cost of continuing to invest every available dollar for future you. Because building wealth matters. But so does using the wealth you’ve already built to create a better life today. Resources: Boldin Retirement Planner:https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/boldinBuild your retirement plan, test different scenarios and see whether you’re on track. Try Boldin for free. (Affiliate partner) Coast FIRE Calculator:https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/calculators/coast-fire/ Own Your Time:https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book Leave Us a Voicemail:https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/voicemail Credits: Host: Andy HillEditor: Johnny SohlPodcast Support: Michelle Ahmed Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

September 30, 202631 min

Mortgage Free in Indiana on a $675k Home | Ericka Young

What would life feel like if your mortgage payment disappeared for good? Ericka Young and her husband, Chris, recently became mortgage-free after paying off their $271,000 mortgage in just under 14 years. Along the way, they balanced their mortgage payoff goal with raising two daughters, paying for college, traveling, renovating their home with cash, and continuing to invest for their future. We talk with Ericka about why becoming mortgage-free was about more than maximizing returns. For their family, it meant peace of mind, freedom of choice, and changing their family tree. We also explore why they chose a 15-year mortgage, how they handled the temptation to upgrade to a more expensive home, and what they're doing with their money now that the mortgage is gone. What We Discuss: How Ericka and Chris paid off a $271,000 mortgage in under 14 years Why choosing a 15-year mortgage helped keep their goal on track How they balanced home renovations, travel, college costs, and mortgage payoff Why they saved extra cash in a high-yield savings account before deciding where to use it How increasing their income helped support their long-term financial goals Why peace of mind mattered more to them than making the mathematically optimal choice How they're teaching their daughters about homeownership, debt freedom, and generational wealth What they're doing with their money now that they're mortgage-free Ericka's first step for families who want to calculate their own mortgage-free date Resources: 🏠 Mortgage Payoff Calculatorhttps://marriagekidsandmoney.com/calculators/mortgage-payoff/ 📘 Own Your Time by Andy Hillhttps://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book/ 🎙️ For Better & Worth Podcasthttps://forbetterandworth.com/ Podcast Credits: Host: Andy HillPodcast Editor: Johnny SohlPodcast Support: Michelle Ahmed Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

September 23, 202626 min

How to Successfully Negotiate a Raise at Work | Attia Qureshi

Never Settle by Attia Qureshi: Learn practical persuasion and negotiation skills to help you confidently ask for what you want - https://amzn.to/46hLVFN (Amazon affiliate) Asking for a raise can feel uncomfortable, but avoiding the conversation could cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars over your career. In this episode, we sit down with negotiation expert and Never Settle author Attia Qureshi to learn how to confidently ask for a raise at work. We discuss why so many of us struggle to talk about money, how to research what we're worth, and why preparation can make us more confident negotiators. Attia also walks us through what to say during the conversation, why we shouldn't negotiate against ourselves, and how to turn "no" into "not yet." Plus, we explore why negotiation isn't about winning at someone else's expense. Done well, it can create more value for everyone involved. RESOURCES: Attia Qureshi – Learn more about Attia, Never Settle, and her negotiation resources. MKM RESOURCES: Own Your Time – Discover 10 financial steps to put your family first and escape the corporate grind. MKM Coaching – Get 1-on-1 support with your family finance journey. Coast FIRE Calculator – Find out when you can slow down or stop investing for retirement. Mortgage Payoff Calculator – See how quickly you could become mortgage free. Marriage Kids and Money on YouTube – Subscribe to watch our latest videos and interviews. CREDITS: Editor: Johnny Sohl Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

September 16, 202621 min

$700k Net Worth at 29 in Michigan | Chris Leigh

Chris Leigh and his wife have grown their net worth to $700,000 by age 29, all while building careers as public school teachers. In this episode, we talk with Chris, the personal finance educator behind Everyday Finance 101, about the habits and decisions that helped his family build wealth at a young age. Chris shares how he and his wife grew their combined income from around $100,000 to roughly $180,000, paid off student loans and car debt, invested consistently, and built nearly $1 million in assets. We also discuss building wealth as a married couple, increasing your income as a teacher, investing for early retirement, and why tracking your spending may be even more important than choosing the perfect investment. If you're working toward your first $100,000, $500,000, or $1 million net worth milestone, Chris's story is a great reminder that starting early, communicating with your spouse, and consistently managing your money can make a huge difference over time. Want to build wealth and design a life around what matters most? Grab my book Own Your Time: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book In This Episode You'll Learn: How Chris and his wife built a $700,000 net worth by age 29 How two teachers grew their combined income to around $180,000 Why getting on the same financial page with your spouse matters How they paid off student loans and car debt Why Chris uses Roth IRAs, 457 plans, a brokerage account, and an HSA How 457 plans can help teachers pursuing early retirement Why tracking your spending is one of Chris's most important wealth-building habits How starting early can give you more freedom later in life Resources Mentioned: Own Your Time: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book Everyday Finance 101: Find Chris Leigh on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube @everydayfinance101 Monarch Money (Get 50% off your first year of Monarch Core): https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/monarchmoney Leave a voicemail for the show: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/voicemail Podcast Credits: Host: Andy HillEditor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Support: Michelle Ahmed Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

September 9, 202639 min

Pay Off the Mortgage or Invest? What Should Come First

Should you invest your extra money or use it to pay off your mortgage early? In this episode, we tackle that question from Brian, a 35-year-old dad with two kids and an extra $1,000 per month. His ultimate goal isn't simply building the biggest net worth possible. He wants to work less and spend more time with his family. We walk through a practical path that prioritizes building a strong financial foundation, reaching Coast FIRE, working toward mortgage freedom, and ultimately using that financial flexibility to create more time, space and margin. We also answer a question from a 40-year-old listener with $700,000 invested for retirement who wonders: Can you actually save too much for retirement? We explore how Coast FIRE can help us determine when we may have enough invested for the future, why time has an opportunity cost too, and how pulling back on retirement contributions could allow us to enjoy more of our lives today. And to close things out, Calvin Hill joins us for another Money Quiz! We talk investing, the difference between making more money and making more time, and the surprising amount of money generated by the company behind his favorite game, Clash Royale. RESOURCES: Boldin:https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/boldin Coast FIRE Calculator:https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/calculators/coast-fire/ Nectarine (Advice-Only Financial Advisors):https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/nectarine Leave us a voicemail:https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/voicemail CREDITS: Host: Andy Hill, AFC® Podcast Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Support: Michelle Ahmed Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices