$1.8 Million Net Worth at 34 in Illinois | Ben Johnson

Emily Egashira grew her family’s net worth to $2.2 million by age 35. But her story didn’t start there. Growing up in poverty, Emily experienced financial instability firsthand and was determined to create a different future for her family. In this episode, we explore how she and her husband built wealth through intentional spending, consistent investing, and a shared vision for financial independence. Emily shares how they increased their household income from $120,000 to more than $400,000, paid off their mortgage in just three years, and built a seven-figure investment portfolio. We also discuss financial communication in marriage, raising a child with healthy money values, and using wealth as a tool to create freedom and generosity. If you've ever wondered how to build wealth without lifestyle inflation or how financial independence can create more options for your family, this conversation is for you. Want to build wealth and design a life around what matters most? Grab our book Own Your Time: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book In This Episode You'll Learn: How Emily grew her family's net worth to $2.2 million by age 35 Why monthly money meetings strengthened their marriage How they paid off a mortgage in just three years The role investing played in building a seven-figure portfolio How to balance generational wealth with raising grounded kids Why financial independence is really about freedom and flexibility Resources Mentioned: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyfrienditsem TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heyfrienditsem 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

What happens after you reach Coast FIRE? For years, you save aggressively, maximize retirement accounts, and build wealth with one goal in mind: hitting your investment goal. But once you arrive at Coast FIRE—Coast to Financial Independence and Relax Early—a new question emerges: Now what? In this episode, we answer a thoughtful listener question from Richard, who has built a seven-figure net worth with his wife but feels stuck in a sales career that’s wearing him down. We discuss how to actually act on Coast FIRE, the four career paths available after reaching the milestone, and how to use the financial strength you’ve built to create more freedom and margin in your life today. Then, we welcome back retirement expert Jesse Cramer to discuss an important and often-overlooked topic: Social Security benefits after divorce. We cover how spousal and survivor benefits work, eligibility requirements, common misconceptions, and what divorced spouses need to know when planning for retirement. What Coast FIRE really means beyond the calculators Four career paths to consider after reaching Coast FIRE Why more money isn't always the answer How to use your wealth to create more time freedom Social Security spousal benefits explained Social Security survivor benefits explained Divorce and Social Security eligibility rules Common Social Security claiming strategies for married couples Retirement planning considerations for divorced spouses RESOURCES Own Your Time: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book Coast FIRE Calculator: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/coast-fire-calculator Personal Finance for Long-Term Investors Podcast: https://bestinterest.blog/podcast Leave a Voicemail: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/voicemail Instagram: @marriagekidsandmoney LinkedIn: @AndyHillMKM CREDITS Host: Andy Hill Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Support: Michelle Ahmed Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What would it feel like to never make a mortgage payment again? In this episode, we talk with Bobby Richardson from New Jersey about how he and his wife Alexandra paid off their $242,000 mortgage in just 10 years and became completely debt free on their home. We discuss the emotional side of homeownership, the desire for certainty in an uncertain world, and why becoming mortgage free gave their family peace of mind. Bobby also shares the practical strategies they used to make it happen, including increasing their income, staying aligned as a couple, and maintaining an achievement mindset throughout the journey. If you’ve ever wondered whether paying off your mortgage early is worth it, this conversation will give you a transparent look at both the math and the meaning behind becoming mortgage free. RESOURCES Mortgage Payoff Calculator: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/calculators/mortgage-payoff/ Own Your Time: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book Barbell Financial (Bobby Richardson): https://www.barbellfinancial.com/ HOW WE MAKE MONEY + DISCLAIMER: This show may contain affiliate links or links from our advertisers where we earn a commission, direct payment or products. Opinions are the creators alone. Information shared on this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Marriage Kids and Money (www.marriagekidsandmoney.com) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. CREDITS: Host: Andy Hill Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Support: Michelle Ahmed Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Simone Stolzoff’s new book: How to Not Know - ⁠https://amzn.to/420WLhp⁠ (affiliate) Uncertainty is everywhere right now. From economic shifts and global conflict to career changes and parenting decisions, many of us are craving answers in a world that feels increasingly unpredictable. In this episode, we sit down with author and journalist Simone Stolzoff to discuss how we can become more comfortable with uncertainty instead of constantly trying to eliminate it. Simone shares insights from his new book, How to Not Know: The Value of Uncertainty in a World That Demands Answers, and explains why our obsession with certainty may actually be fueling anxiety. We discuss how technology has changed our tolerance for the unknown, why discomfort can lead to growth, and practical ways to build resilience in uncertain times. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by the future, this conversation will help you slow down, breathe deeper, and rethink your relationship with uncertainty. RESOURCES Own Your Time – Pre-order our first book today! 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 fast you can become mortgage free. RECOMMENDED RESOURCES (SPONSORS & AFFILIATES) Monarch Money – Best budget app for families & couples. Crew – HYSA banking built for families (Get an extra 0.5% APY with our partner link). GUEST RESOURCES Simone Stolzoff’s new book: How to Not Know - https://amzn.to/420WLhp HOW WE MAKE MONEY + DISCLAIMER This show may contain affiliate links or links from our advertisers where we earn a commission, direct payment or products. Opinions are the creators alone. Information shared on this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Marriage Kids and Money (www.marriagekidsandmoney.com) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. CREDITS Host: Andy Hill Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Support: Michelle Ahmed Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ben Johnson grew his family’s net worth to $1.8 million by age 34 through high income skills, consistent investing, and disciplined saving. In this episode, we discuss how Ben and his wife paid off $80,000 of debt in just two years, increased their household income from $110,000 to more than $250,000, and built a seven figure investment portfolio while raising two young daughters. We explore the power of tracking your net worth, investing in low cost index funds, and staying focused during the “messy middle” of family life. We also talk about why supply chain careers can be lucrative, how generosity plays a role in their financial plan, and why discipline matters more than motivation when building wealth. If you want practical guidance on increasing your income, growing your investments, and building long term family wealth, this episode is for you. 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 Ben and his wife paid off $80,000 of debt in two years Why increasing your income accelerates wealth building How they grew their net worth to $1.8 million by age 34 Their simple low cost index fund investing strategy Why tracking your net worth monthly matters How generosity and intentional living fit into their financial plan Resources Mentioned: Monarch Money to 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

Coast FIRE can be an incredible milestone, but what happens when the math, lifestyle, or motivation behind it starts to fall apart? In this episode, we talk with Bo Hanson, co-host of The Money Guy Show and partner/co-founder of Abound Wealth Management, about where Coast FIRE can go wrong and how families can avoid common mistakes. Bo shares why conservative assumptions matter, how lifestyle inflation can change your Coast FIRE numbers, and why it’s important to know what you’re actually moving toward before you take your foot off the gas. We also discuss marriage, kids, tax diversification, burnout, and how to build a financial plan that supports a fulfilling life today and tomorrow. RESOURCES The Money Guy Show – Free financial resources, calculators, and educational content from Bo Hanson and the Money Guy team. Marriage Kids and Money – Connect with Andy Hill and explore family finance resources. HOW WE MAKE MONEY + DISCLAIMER This show may contain affiliate links or links from our advertisers where we earn a commission, direct payment or products. Opinions are the creators alone. Information shared on this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Marriage Kids and Money (www.marriagekidsandmoney.com) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. CREDITS Podcast Artwork: Liz Theresa Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Support: Michelle Ahmed Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you reached Coast FIRE (Coast to Financial Independence and Relax Early)… but still can’t bring yourself to slow down? Today’s listener, Chris, is in that exact spot. At 36 years old with $860,000 invested, two young kids, and a strong financial foundation, he’s done the math. He knows he’s on track. But mentally, he can’t shake the feeling that if he stops investing, he’s falling behind. In this episode, we break down a 5-step approach to confidently step into Coast FIRE and start reclaiming your time today: • Why this isn’t a math problem — it’s a belief problem • How to validate your Coast FIRE number • The mindset shift from money investing → time investing • Why you don’t have to stop… just step down • How to use your financial freedom to improve your family life now Then, in the second half of the episode, we are joined by financial planner and author Jamie Bosse to discuss how to raise financially confident kids: • When to start teaching kids about money • Simple ways to introduce investing to tweens and teens • The best account options for kids (UTMA, Roth IRA, 529s & more) • How to guide kids away from speculation and toward long-term investing If you’ve ever thought, “I know I have enough… but I can’t slow down,” or you want to raise financially savvy kids — this episode is for you. 📘 Investing for Tweens by Jamie Bossehttps://amzn.to/41Q4lev 📘 Own Your Time by Andy Hillhttps://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book 🎤 Leave a question for the showhttps://marriagekidsandmoney.com/voicemail Instagram: @marriagekidsandmoney LinkedIn: @AndyHillMKM Podcast Credits: Host: Andy Hill Guest: Jamie Bosse Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Support: Michelle Ahmed Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Abhi Jain has built a $1.3 million net worth by age 38 through a combination of career growth, side hustles, and real estate investing. In this episode, Abhi shares how he went from a traditional employee mindset to accelerating his income through strategic job changes and multiple streams of income. After moving to the United States from India, he leaned into opportunity, developed new skills, and embraced discomfort to grow both professionally and financially. We talk about how he and his wife work together as a team, combining his corporate career in software engineering with her creative business to increase their household income. Abhi also breaks down how real estate became the foundation of his wealth, including buying fixer uppers, building rental income, and scaling his portfolio across multiple states. If you are looking to grow your income, invest in real estate, or build generational wealth for your family, this conversation offers both practical strategies and inspiring perspective. 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 Abhi built a $1.3 million net worth by 38 Why switching jobs can accelerate your income growth How side hustles can add significant income over time The basics of buying and renting out fixer upper properties How to think about generational wealth and financial independence The mindset shift from employee to wealth builder Resources Mentioned: Divine Studio Henna Business: https://divine-studio.net Monarch Money to 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

What does it take to reach Coast FIRE by your mid-30s and actually enjoy the freedom that comes with it? In this episode, we sit down with personal finance educator Liz Enriquez from Ambitious Adulting to discuss how she and her husband reached Coast FIRE with nearly $1 million invested by age 35. We break down the habits, mindset, and income strategies that helped them build wealth over nearly two decades, starting with small contributions and growing into a powerful investing system. Liz shares how growing up in an immigrant household shaped her money mindset, why she focused on maintaining a high savings rate early on, and how multiple income streams accelerated their progress. We also dive into the Canadian investing landscape, including TFSAs, RRSPs, and how to think about diversification across accounts. Now that they’ve reached Coast FIRE, Liz opens up about the emotional side of slowing down, reducing their savings rate, and designing a more flexible lifestyle. From her husband leaving a high-stress job to work part-time at a pizza shop to prioritizing time with their son, this conversation highlights what life can look like when your investments are working for you. If you’re working toward financial independence or wondering what happens after you hit your number, this episode will give you both the strategy and the perspective to keep going. Resources & Links Ambitious Adulting (Liz Enriquez): https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousadulting/Coast FIRE Calculator: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/calculators/coast-fire/Own Your Time (Andy’s Book): https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book Credits Host: Andy Hill Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Support: Michelle Ahmed Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When work starts to take over your life, it can impact more than just your schedule. It can affect your health, relationships, and overall happiness. In this episode, we interview psychologist and bestselling author Guy Winch to explore how to reclaim balance in a world that rewards overworking. We discuss why overworking has become so common, how it affects our mental and physical well-being, and what practical steps you can take to regain control. Guy shares simple, science-backed strategies to help you set boundaries, quiet your mind after work, and reconnect with the parts of your life that matter most. If you’ve ever felt like work is crowding out everything else, this conversation will help you reset, refocus, and build a healthier relationship with your time. Learn more in Guy’s latest book, Mind Over Grind → https://amzn.to/48zLic2 RESOURCES Own Your Time – Order my first book today! 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 fast you can become mortgage free. YouTube – Subscribe for free to watch videos of episodes and interviews. GUEST RESOURCE Mind Over Grind by Guy Winch – Break free from overwork and reclaim your time. HOW WE MAKE MONEY + DISCLAIMER This show may contain affiliate links or links from our advertisers where we earn a commission, direct payment or products. Opinions are the creators alone. Information shared on this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Marriage Kids and Money (www.marriagekidsandmoney.com) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. CREDITS Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Support: Michelle Ahmed Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices