rich & REGULAR with Kiersten and Julien Saunders

Divorce is rising across all generations and has nearly doubled since 1990. The numbers are no small potatoes: 50% of couples today file for divorce. Divorce is expensive - you can lose significant wealth between lawyer fees, alimony, and the general splitting of assets.  Julien and Kiersten delve into the controversial topic of prenuptial agreements in this episode. Prenuptial agreements, or “prenups,” can dictate how assets are allocated, debts will be paid, and children will be raised. Kiersten wryly observes that without a prenup, it’s a bit like building an IKEA chest without directions. Prenups are about planning for the unexpected, almost like marriage insurance. However, as vital as they are, there is a stigma around them. Follow along as the Saunders explore the ins and outs of prenups and how they ultimately might be, and Kiersten says, “the most romantic thing.” ---- Learn more at richandregular.com, purchase Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away by Kiersten and Julien Saunders and follow on Instagram @richandregular. Support Rich & Regular by sharing and rating it five stars on Apple Podcasts. Check out their video podcast “Cashing Out” on YouTube. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you love to travel? Have you considered investing in a timeshare? The Saunders discuss the value of timeshares versus regular resort rates. Kiersten used to manage the lead funnel of a timeshare directly, and Julien also dealt with timeshares as a portion of his previous work, so the Saunders both have boots-on-the-ground insights to provide. Timeshares have a complicated, polarizing reputation. Those who love them, love them, and those who hate them, hate them. There are two types to invest in, deeded and right-to-use timeshares. While timeshares might be easier for wealthier people to swing, it’s not impossible for a sensible investor if it meets their needs. Discover the pros and cons of investing in a sold good like timeshares and why salespeople get a reputation for being pushy. Listen in as Kiersten and Julien suggest some strategies to implement for whatever stage of timeshare ownership you’re at - acquiring a timeshare, rescinding an offer, and getting out of your contract.   Learn more at richandregular.com, purchase Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away by Kiersten and Julien Saunders and follow on Instagram @richandregular. Support Rich & Regular by sharing and rating it five stars on Apple Podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Rich & Regular podcast, The Saunders answer the question: why should you join AARP? According to the myAARPmedicare website, the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) is “the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organisation dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age." While it used to have an age limit of 55 and over, AARP now allows members aged 18 and up.  So why is joining AARP a wise financial choice? A membership appeals to people across generations because of the amazing perks, discounts, and coupons offered across multiple industries and budget ranges. These categories include travel, finances, insurance, shopping, groceries, restaurants, technology, entertainment, transportation, home, real estate, and health and wellness. The organization also has a loyalty program, top-notch members-only content, and lobbying and giving back initiatives to assist seniors.    Learn more at richandregular.com, purchase Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away by Kiersten and Julien Saunders and follow on Instagram @richandregular. Support Rich & Regular by sharing and rating it five stars on Apple Podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is the 100th episode of “Rich & Regular,” which explores life at the intersection of money! Today we investigate the question, “Are ‘collectibles’ investments?” From limited edition Legos, comic books, stamps, alcohol, sneakers, art, jewelry, and sports memorabilia, Kiersten and Julien explore if sinking money into collections of material items is worthwhile. Many collectibles do have appreciating value, yes. The Saunders present some of the challenges acquiring and maintaining collectibles and offer their two cents on what to consider when investing in collectibles and how to make sure you protect your collection - or at least how to get reimbursed if something does happen. Learn more at richandregular.com, purchase Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away by Kiersten and Julien Saunders and follow on Instagram @richandregular. Support Rich & Regular by sharing and rating it five stars on Apple Podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What’s the difference between mutual funds and EFTs (Exchange Traded Funds)? This week on the rich & REGULAR podcast, Kiersten and Julien ask registered investment advisor Rich Compson (Fidelity) this question and more.  Rich explains how direct indexing works, where you own a portion of all the stocks in an index, like the S&P 500. This enables you to have more personal preferences when investing, focusing on companies that reflect social or environmental values, for example. Rich also talks starting simple with investing, fractional shares, how portfolios work, and offsetting tax gains and losses.   Learn more at richandregular.com, purchase Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away by Kiersten and Julien Saunders and follow on Instagram @richandregular.  Support rich & REGULAR by sharing and rating us five stars on Apple Podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Has tipping culture gotten out of control? The typical American spends about $700 a year tipping in restaurants. And that’s just at restaurants. Tipping is often expected in hair salons and spas and for hotel housekeeping and valet service. But the rise of mobile payment technology and fast-casual restaurants have changed who we tip and how much. And there has been a push to move away from tipping altogether. This week, Kiersten and Julien dive into the messy conversation of tip culture. They outline AARP suggestions on what to tip for everything from buffet restaurants to electricians and plumbers. As well as how tipping has become gamified with some restaurants and delivery services requesting gratuities up front. They discuss questions like do you tip on the pre-tax amount or the total bill? And is a gift for a teacher a tip?  Mentions: Tipped by Barbara Sloan    Learn more at richandregular.com, purchase Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away by Kiersten and Julien Saunders and follow on Instagram @richandregular.  Leave us a tip! Support rich & REGULAR by rating and reviewing on Apple Podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coupons no longer just come as junk in the mail, but have taken new forms online with promo codes, cashback offers, and more. Credit cards can be used to find discounts, especially with apps, like the AMEX app which provides savings at local restaurants, hotels, and more. Loyalty programs and email lists are also good sources of coupon offers. Today, Kiersten and Julien discuss tips and hacks for taking advantage of these modern coupons. They talk about what to watch out for with offers, tactics to stop impulse spending, taking advantage of gift card promotions, and how to save on travel, activities, groceries, and more.  Mentions: Choose FI podcast Camel Camel Camel website and browser extension Rakuten Ibotta Swagbucks.com Coupons.com Savings.com Cardcash.com Giftcash.com Raise.com clipkard.com Learn more at richandregular.com, purchase Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away by Kiersten and Julien Saunders and follow on Instagram @richandregular. Support rich & REGULAR by sharing and rating us five stars on Apple Podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As inflation continues to rise, cell phone bills remain a top concern for many people trying to keep their finances in check. But with the constantly changing world of mobile devices, there are now more opportunities than ever to reduce this monthly expense. Join rich & Regular hosts Kiersten and Julien Saunders, in this must-listen episode as they explore the world of cell phone bills and offer expert tips and tricks for saving money. From negotiating with providers to finding the best plans, this episode will give you the power to take control of your cell phone bills and put more money back in your pocket. Discover simple and effective ways to reduce your cell phone costs without sacrificing quality!   Learn more at richandregular.com, purchase Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away by Kiersten and Julien Saunders and follow on Instagram @richandregular.  Support rich & REGULAR by sharing and rating us five stars on Apple Podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever tried to do a no spend challenge? It may seem intimidating but can be done in a way that’s tailored to your spending habits. Today, Kiersten and Julien provide all the options available for your challenge. You can focus on just one weekend a month if your spending gets out of control on weekends. Or go for a whole month of financial detox.  Create a motivational goal by deciding where the unspent money from your challenge will go, such as towards a travel fund or paying off credit card debt. They also provide tips on when to schedule a challenge during the year, or even according to the weather. As well as taking it to the next level, by earning money or learning new skills while doing a no spend challenge.  Resources: The Year of Less: How I Stopped Shopping, Gave Away My Belongings, and Discovered Life Is Worth More Than Anything You Can Buy in a Store by Cait Flanders Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear Roundup App Learn more at richandregular.com, purchase Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away by Kiersten and Julien Saunders and follow on Instagram @richandregular.  Support rich & REGULAR by sharing and rating us five stars on Apple Podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re in a repossession frenzy; they’re on the rise while many people are hurting financially. This week, Kiersten and Julien Saunders explain how repossessions work and how the industry is currently operating, with fewer repo companies in business and higher demand.  Kiersten and Julien discuss how to know when your car is stolen, towed, or has been repossessed. They talk about solutions if you find yourself on the bad side of a deal and unable to make payments, including what to be aware of, deficiency amounts, loan modifications, and adjusting the loan terms. They also get into how to get the best deal when selling or buying a car.    Learn more at richandregular.com, purchase Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away by Kiersten and Julien Saunders and follow on Instagram @richandregular.  Support rich & REGULAR by sharing and rating us five stars on Apple Podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.