HopeFilled Financial Podcast

I spent nearly $4,000 on my vehicles in ONE month—and it got me thinking about emergency funds, frugality, and whether expensive products actually deliver better value.   After paying for major vehicle maintenance and replacing worn tires, I was pressured to upgrade from an affordable budget tire to a much more expensive "top recommended" tire. Instead, I researched the difference between cheap and expensive tires, including tire ratings, safety, performance, and cost.   What I discovered was surprising: the more expensive tire offered a relatively small increase in performance for a dramatically higher price. In other words, you may be paying a lot more for the last 10% to 20% of additional performance. I have the receipts to prove it, too!   I also explain why unexpected expenses like this raise questions about Dave Ramsey's $1,000 starter emergency fund and whether that recommendation still makes sense in today's economy. This car horror story is the perfect example! Well, it would have been a horror story without my frugal savings allocation plan and my emergency fund.   Is buying the most expensive option actually safer? Or can the frugal choice deliver nearly the same utility for a fraction of the cost? What tire gives you the most bang for your buck?   #PersonalFinance #Frugality #Tires #CarMaintenance #EmergencyFund #DaveRamsey #MoneySavingTips   Links: https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tires/michelin-crossclimate2/p/149583 https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tires/pirelli-scorpion-as-4/p/189694 https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tires/phantom-c-sport/p/90946 https://toptirereview.com/michelin-crossclimate-2-vs-phantom-c-sport/   Please don't forget to like, share, and subscribe! Doing so helps us grow and share HopeFilled financial wisdom. We release a new episode every Tuesday! Subscribe if you don't want to miss our return! You can submit a question on our website (hopefilledfinancial.com) or message us on Facebook (@HopeFilledFinancial).   Disclaimer: This podcast serves as educational entertainment only. Any and all opinions relating to real estate, law, taxes, insurance, and/or securities investing that may be contained within this podcast should not be interpreted or implemented as recommendations nor advice. The opinions related to these topics – especially those regulated by state and/or federal entities – should never be taken as replacement for advice from a competent, licensed professional. HopeFilled Financial Coaching is not liable for any individual acting on any understanding of topics directly or indirectly related to real estate, legal practice, taxes, insurance, or investing even if an individual in question changed their understanding after listening to this podcast. All listeners are entirely responsible for seeking advice from licensed professionals before taking any action of their own.   Our Website: HopeFilledFinancial.com   Music: "Take Me Higher" by Jahzzar   Music Copyright License: This music is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, PO Box 1866, Mountain View, CA 94042, USA.

Not all debt is created equal! In this episode, I rank different types of debt from F to S tier, including mortgages, credit cards, BNPL, payday loans, auto loans, student loans, and more.   I break down the pros and cons of each type of debt, why some debt is far riskier than others, and why a traditional fixed-rate mortgage can actually be a relatively good form of debt—even if you're generally not a fan of borrowing.   Which debt deserves the top tier? And which debts should you avoid at all costs?   #Debt #PersonalFinance #DebtFree #Mortgages #CreditCards #BNPL #FinancialFreedom   Please don't forget to like, share, and subscribe! Doing so helps us grow and share HopeFilled financial wisdom. We release a new episode every Tuesday! Subscribe if you don't want to miss our return! You can submit a question on our website (hopefilledfinancial.com) or message us on Facebook (@HopeFilledFinancial).   Disclaimer: This podcast serves as educational entertainment only. Any and all opinions relating to real estate, law, taxes, insurance, and/or securities investing that may be contained within this podcast should not be interpreted or implemented as recommendations nor advice. The opinions related to these topics – especially those regulated by state and/or federal entities – should never be taken as replacement for advice from a competent, licensed professional. HopeFilled Financial Coaching is not liable for any individual acting on any understanding of topics directly or indirectly related to real estate, legal practice, taxes, insurance, or investing even if an individual in question changed their understanding after listening to this podcast. All listeners are entirely responsible for seeking advice from licensed professionals before taking any action of their own.   Our Website: HopeFilledFinancial.com   Music: "Take Me Higher" by Jahzzar   Music Copyright License: This music is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, PO Box 1866, Mountain View, CA 94042, USA.

Want to build a budget that actually WORKS? In this episode, I build a smart Excel budget from scratch and show you how to take control of your money with a practical, organized, and easy-to-use budgeting system. We start with the fundamentals of budgeting—how a budget should be organized, how the mechanics work, and why an intelligently designed budget can make managing your money easier. Then I build the spreadsheet step-by-step, using helpful Excel tips and tutorials to create a budget that is efficient, time-saving, user-friendly, and difficult to mess up. Whether you're new to budgeting or looking to improve your current system, this episode will help you understand how to build a practical monthly budget in Excel that can help you spend intentionally, save consistently, and move toward your HopeFilled Financial Future. Take control of your money. Build a budget that works. #Budgeting #ExcelBudget #PersonalFinance #MoneyManagement #BudgetTips #FinancialFreedom Please don't forget to like, share, and subscribe! Doing so helps us grow and share HopeFilled financial wisdom. We release a new episode every Tuesday! Subscribe if you don't want to miss our return! You can submit a question on our website (hopefilledfinancial.com) or message us on Facebook (@HopeFilledFinancial). Disclaimer: This podcast serves as educational entertainment only. Any and all opinions relating to real estate, law, taxes, insurance, and/or securities investing that may be contained within this podcast should not be interpreted or implemented as recommendations nor advice. The opinions related to these topics – especially those regulated by state and/or federal entities – should never be taken as replacement for advice from a competent, licensed professional. HopeFilled Financial Coaching is not liable for any individual acting on any understanding of topics directly or indirectly related to real estate, legal practice, taxes, insurance, or investing even if an individual in question changed their understanding after listening to this podcast. All listeners are entirely responsible for seeking advice from licensed professionals before taking any action of their own. Our Website: HopeFilledFinancial.com Music: "Take Me Higher" by Jahzzar Music Copyright License: This music is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, PO Box 1866, Mountain View, CA 94042, USA.

Struggling to save money? What if saving isn't selfish-but actually an act of gratitude and generosity? In this episode, I share a forgotten WWII message: "GIVE THANKS BY SAVING." Inspired by remarkable VE Day footage and WWII scrapbook clippings shared with Jay by Dr. Timothy Crack, we explore how the public was encouraged to save money selflessly. They were inspired to rebuild society, honor sacrifice, protect future generations, and avoid becoming a financial burden on others. If you've ever struggled to save because giving feels more meaningful than keeping, this forgotten wisdom may completely change the way you see saving, generosity, and your financial future. Saving isn't selfish. Sometimes, saving is how we act selflessly. This episode can change your view on money forever! Thank you for Dr. Timothy Crack for sharing this topic and for being a dedicated listener of the show. #savingmoney #PersonalFinance #Frugality #FinancialFreedom #WWIIstory #GiveThanksBySaving Please don't forget to like, share, and subscribe! Doing so helps us grow and share HopeFilled financial wisdom. We release a new episode every Tuesday! Subscribe if you don't want to miss our return! You can submit a question on our website (hopefilledfinancial.com) or message us on Facebook (@HopeFilledFinancial). Disclaimer: This podcast serves as educational entertainment only. Any and all opinions relating to real estate, law, taxes, insurance, and/or securities investing that may be contained within this podcast should not be interpreted or implemented as recommendations nor advice. The opinions related to these topics - especially those regulated by state and/or federal entities - should never be taken as replacement for advice from a competent, licensed professional. HopeFilled Financial Coaching is not liable for any individual acting on any understanding of topics directly or indirectly related to real estate, legal practice, taxes, insurance, or investing even if an individual in question changed their understanding after listening to this podcast. All listeners are entirely responsible for seeking advice from licensed professionals before taking any action of their own. Our Website: HopeFilledFinancial.com Music: "Take Me Higher" by labzzar Music Copyright License: This music is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/or send a letter to Creative Commons, PO Box 1866, Mountain View, CA 94042, USA.

"Mommy, who will take care of me if you and daddy die?" That question from my 4-year-old helped remind me why estate planning is an act of love. With a new baby on the way and our home paid off, my wife and I knew it was time to update our plan. In this episode, I share why and how we created a will and trust, how we're planning for our children if something happens to both of us, how we're handling our home and retirement accounts, and why we chose to involve a professional trustee. We also go into our unique life insurance plan and how well WilMaker & Trust worked for us! Estate planning doesn't have to be complicated or intimidating. If you have children, a home, retirement accounts, or people you love, this is a reminder to put your wishes in writing and protect the people who matter most. #EstatePlanning #WillAndTrust #FamilyFinances #FinancialPlanning #Parenting Link: www.willmaker.com Please don't forget to like, share, and subscribe! Doing so helps us grow and share HopeFilled financial wisdom. We release a new episode every Tuesday! Subscribe if you don't want to miss our return! You can submit a question on our website (hopefilledfinancial.com) or message us on Facebook (@HopeFilledFinancial). Disclaimer: This podcast serves as educational entertainment only. Any and all opinions relating to real estate, law, taxes, insurance, and/or securities investing that may be contained within this podcast should not be interpreted or implemented as recommendations nor advice. The opinions related to these topics - especially those regulated by state and/or federal entities - should never be taken as replacement for advice from a competent, licensed professional. HopeFilled Financial Coaching is not liable for any individual acting on any understanding of topics directly or indirectly related to real estate, legal practice, taxes, insurance, or investing even if an individual in question changed their understanding after listening to this podcast. All listeners are entirely responsible for seeking advice from licensed professionals before taking any action of their own. Our Website: HopeFilledFinancial.com Music: "Take Me Higher" by lahzzar Music Copyright License: This music is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/or send a letter to Creative Commons, PO Box 1866, Mountain View, CA 94042, USA

I hired a contractor to replace my home's siding. What followed was a $20,000+ contractor nightmare involving missed deadlines, poor communication, terrible workmanship, and mistakes that were simply covered up with caulk. After bringing in company executives and an independent inspector, we discovered major installation problems-including improperly spaced nails and improperly wrapped windows. The entire project eventually had to be redone. This is my contractor horror story and a cautionary tale for anyone considering a major home renovation or repair. If you're hiring a contractor, learn from my mistakes before signing the contract! #ContractorHorrorStory #HomeRenovation #Homelmprovement #Homeowners #Siding Please don't forget to like, share, and subscribe! Doing so helps us grow and share HopeFilled financial wisdom. We release a new episode every Tuesday! Subscribe if you don't want to miss our return! You can submit a question on our website (hopefilledfinancial.com) or message us on Facebook (@HopeFilledFinancial). Disclaimer: This podcast serves as educational entertainment only. Any and all opinions relating to real estate, law, taxes, insurance, and/or securities investing that may be contained within this podcast should not be interpreted or implemented as recommendations nor advice. The opinions related to these topics - especially those regulated by state and/or federal entities - should never be taken as replacement for advice from a competent, licensed professional. HopeFilled Financial Coaching is not liable for any individual acting on any understanding of topics directly or indirectly related to real estate, legal practice, taxes, insurance, or investing even if an individual in question changed their understanding after listening to this podcast. All listeners are entirely responsible for seeking advice from licensed professionals before taking any action of their own. Our Website: HopeFilledFinancial.com Music: "Take Me Higher" by labzzar Music Copyright License: This music is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/or send a letter to Creative Commons, PO Box 1866, Mountain View, CA 94042, USA.

Jay is BACK! After a successful first year teaching as an assistant professor, Jay has returned with new and exciting episodes that will now be seasonally produced. Starting in September, you can expect new episodes of the HopeFilled Financial Podcast every other Tuesday all the way through the end of April 2027. While the background, format, and schedule are all new, this is still the same show here to help you budget bravely and enjoy your HopeFilled Financial Future! Please don't forget to like, share, and subscribe! Doing so helps us grow and share HopeFilled financial wisdom. We release a new episode every Tuesday! Subscribe if you don't want to miss our return! You can submit a question on our website (hopefilledfinancial.com) or message us on Facebook (@HopeFilledFinancial). Disclaimer: This podcast serves as educational entertainment only. Any and all opinions relating to real estate, law, taxes, insurance, and/or securities investing that may be contained within this podcast should not be interpreted or implemented as recommendations nor advice. The opinions related to these topics - especially those regulated by state and/or federal entities - should never be taken as replacement for advice from a competent, licensed professional. HopeFilled Financial Coaching is not liable for any individual acting on any understanding of topics directly or indirectly related to real estate, legal practice, taxes, insurance, or investing even if an individual in question changed their understanding after listening to this podcast. All listeners are entirely responsible for seeking advice from licensed professionals before taking any action of their own. Our Website: HopeFilledFinancial.com  Music: "Take Me Higher" by Jahzzar Music Copyright License: This music is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/or send a letter to Creative Commons, PO Box 1866, Mountain View, CA 94042, USA.

We hoped to have many episodes created already in 2025, but life had other plans! Jay explains the exciting news that has slowed our progress on the podcast. Please stay tuned for more HopeFilled Financial Podcasts, but please be patient as we navigate this new season of life. See you next year?!  Please don't forget to like, share, and subscribe! Doing so helps us grow and share HopeFilled financial wisdom. Subscribe if you don't want to miss our return! You can submit a question on our website (hopefilledfinancial.com) or message us on Facebook (@HopeFilledFinancial).  Disclaimer: This podcast serves as educational entertainment only. Any and all opinions relating to real estate, law, taxes, insurance, and/or securities investing that may be contained within this podcast should not be interpreted or implemented as recommendations nor advice. The opinions related to these topics – especially those regulated by state and/or federal entities – should never be taken as replacement for advice from a competent, licensed professional. HopeFilled Financial Coaching is not liable for any individual acting on any understanding of topics directly or indirectly related to real estate, legal practice, taxes, insurance, or investing even if an individual in question changed their understanding after listening to this podcast. All listeners are entirely responsible for seeking advice from licensed professionals before taking any action of their own.  Our Website: HopeFilledFinancial.com Music: "Take Me Higher" by Jahzzar Music Copyright License: This music is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, PO Box 1866, Mountain View, CA 94042, USA.

Do you carry a redundant card in your wallet? Why? And how might you change your direct deposit to help you manage money more frugally? 00:00 – Intro 00:36 – Why We Carry a Debit Card We Don't Use 05:57 – How to Hack Your Direct Deposit and Cash Flow In the story today, Jay explains why he and his wife carry an extra debit card in their wallet that they never use. Have you ever been in a position where you couldn't access your money? What did you do about it? Let us know in the comments. The main topic is inspired by a conversation with Chris White from Wichita, KS - a financial advisor who utilizes Currents to improve client savings rates. Chris inspired Jay to share the unique strategy that flips direct deposit convention on its head. This process is a simple on that you can implement to better your financial life on you own in 2025. Would restructuring your direct deposit help you with your money habits and savings rate? If you would like to meet Chris to discuss the process or Currents, here is his booking link: https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/[email protected]?anonymous&ep=pcard&isanonymous=true As we close out the year, we will also be taking a break from weekly HopeFilled Financial Podcast episodes. Our goal will be to program an amazing 2025 season for you and to get ahead on our recording. We will be back! Please follow us on Facebook and X to make sure you don't miss when we come back. https://www.facebook.com/hopefilledfinancial.com https://x.com/HopeFilledCoach Please don't forget to like, share, and subscribe! Doing so helps us grow and share HopeFilled financial wisdom. We release a new full episode every Tuesday! Disclaimer: This podcast serves as educational entertainment only. Any and all opinions relating to real estate, law, taxes, insurance, and/or securities investing that may be contained within this podcast should not be interpreted or implemented as recommendations nor advice. The  opinions related to these topics – especially those regulated by state and/or federal entities – should never be taken as replacement for advice from a competent, licensed professional. HopeFilled Financial Coaching is not liable for any individual acting on any understanding of topics directly or indirectly related to real estate, legal practice, taxes, insurance, or investing even if an individual in question changed their understanding after listening to this podcast. All listeners are entirely responsible for seeking advice from licensed professionals before taking any action of their own. Our Website: HopeFilledFinancial.com Music: "Take Me Higher" by Jahzzar Music Copyright License: This music is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... or send a letter to Creative Commons, PO Box 1866, Mountain View, CA 94042, USA.

What does the goal of your financial journey look like?? What would you do if you didn't need to work for money? 00:00 – Intro 00:39 – Alton Brown Cuddled Me On Stage!? 09:05 – HopeFilled FootStep #8 - Live and Give the Dream In today's story Jay explains how he ended up being cuddled by Alton Brown on stage! What does this have to do with finance?? We promise there is a connection. Listen to find out. Also, share your favorite Good Eats episodes in thr comments. The main topic describes HopeFilled Financial FootStep #8 - Live and Give the Dream! Jay wants you to have a vision for yourself at this step before you even start your HopeFilled Financial FootSteps. What is your goal, your dream, your passion, what you would do if money were no obstacle? How would you live and give? Share your goals in the comments to inspire other listeners. And Merry Christmas! Please don't forget to like, share, and subscribe! Doing so helps us grow and share HopeFilled financial wisdom. We release a new full episode every Tuesday! Disclaimer: This podcast serves as educational entertainment only. Any and all opinions relating to real estate, law, taxes, insurance, and/or securities investing that may be contained within this podcast should not be interpreted or implemented as recommendations nor advice. The opinions related to these topics – especially those regulated by state and/or federal entities – should never be taken as replacement for advice from a competent, licensed professional. HopeFilled Financial Coaching is not liable for any individual acting on any understanding of topics directly or indirectly related to real estate, legal practice, taxes, insurance, or investing even if an individual in question changed their understanding after listening to this podcast. All listeners are entirely responsible for seeking advice from licensed professionals before taking any action of their own. Our Website: HopeFilledFinancial.com Music: "Take Me Higher" by Jahzzar Music Copyright License: This music is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... or send a letter to Creative Commons, PO Box 1866, Mountain View, CA 94042, USA.