This week on the pod we’re answering your questions! 1 - How do I justify going on vacation while I still have student loans? 2 - Should I pay for an addition with a home equity loan or by draining my emergency fund? 3 - Is the rental car insurance provided by my credit card a good option? 4 - How can I drop PMI early? 5 - What should I do with my Roth IRA that is currently with a high cost brokerage?

And if you have a question for us, we’d love for you to submit your own via HowToMoney.com/ask

During this episode we enjoyed a Liquid Stardust by Surly Brewing- a big thanks to our friends at Surly for donating this beer to the show! And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Help us to spread the word to get more people doing smart things with their money!

Best friends out!

 Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

This week on the pod we’re answering your questions! 1 - How do I justify going on vacation while I still have student loans? 2 - Should I pay for an addition with a home equity loan or by draining my emergency fund? 3 - Is the rental car insurance provided by my credit card a good option? 4 - How can I drop PMI early? 5 - What should I do with my Roth IRA that is currently with a high cost brokerage?And if you have a question for us, we’d love for you to submit your own via <a href="https://www.howtomoney.com/ask/">HowToMoney.com/ask</a>During this episode we enjoyed a Liquid Stardust by Surly Brewing- a big thanks to our friends at Surly for donating this beer to the show! And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and give us a quick review in <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-money/id1337718773?mt=2">Apple Podcasts</a> or wherever you get your podcasts. Help us to spread the word to get more people doing smart things with their money!Best friends out! Learn more about your ad-choices at <a href="https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com">https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com</a>

Best friends Joel and Matt are the co-hosts of How to Money which is all about providing the knowledge & tools that normal folks need to thrive in areas like debt payoff, DIY investing, and crucial money tricks that will provide continuous help along your journey. We believe that access to unbiased and jargon-free personal finance guidance is more necessary than ever before. When you handle your money in a purposeful, thoughtful way that works for your lifestyle, you can really start living a rich life.

How to Money

Ask HTM - Going on Vacation While Still in Student Loan Debt, Paying for a Home Renovation, and Credit Card Auto Rental Insurance #136

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/f610e309-3bb1-4818-8edc-ae32003a4e46/transcript

Time for a Friday Flight- our little sampling of the week’s best financial news and what it means for your personal finances. There are a lot of headlines out there, but we boil them down to specific takeaways that will allow you to kick off the weekend informed and help you to get ahead with your money. In this episode we explain some relevant and helpful stories like:
Foldable iPhone Duo
$5k dividend checks
529 hacking
Hollowed-out home ec
Post-penny economy
Gen Zers carrying balances
Are platinum cards worth it?
Bogus investment advisors
Sucky stock/poor pickers
Hot cars under $20k (hint: probably a Toyota or Honda)
New Rav4 turning heads
Gas prices
Hypermiling to 83 mpg

 

Want more How To Money in your life? Here are some additional ways to get ahead with your personal finances:
YouTube: You thought you’d never see it… the How To Money channel over on YouTube - LIKE and SUBSCRIBE!
Credit card perks: Check out our favorite credit cards that we use to maximize rewards and optimize our spending.
Other money nerds: Find a thriving community of fellow money nerds by joining the HTM Facebook group!
Newsletter: Sign up for the weekly HTM newsletter. It’s fun, free, & practical.
Money Gears: knowing what to do with your money is crucial to your personal finance journey.
MG7: and maybe you’re well on your way to financial independence but you’re looking for some financial reassurance, that’s when heading over to HowToMoney.com/Advisor and getting matched with a highly vetted financial advisor makes sense.

 

And please help us to spread the word by letting friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular listener, and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Help us to change the conversation around personal finance and get more people doing smart things with their money!

 

Best friends out!

Time for a Friday Flight- our little sampling of the week&rsquo;s best financial news and what it means for your personal finances. There are a lot of headlines out there, but we boil them down to specific takeaways that will allow you to kick off the weekend informed and help you to get ahead with your money. In this episode we explain some relevant and helpful stories like:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Foldable iPhone Duo</li>
<li aria-level="1">$5k dividend checks</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2026-08-27/roth-ira-savers-are-hacking-529-accounts-into-a-wealth-building-tool">529 hacking</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://commongoodmag.com/home-ec-in-this-economy/?">Hollowed-out home ec</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2026/08/26/cash-rounding-credit-card-surcharges-penny-production-ends.html">Post-penny economy</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2026/08/27/this-is-one-of-the-worst-credit-card-habits-41percent-of-cardholders-do-it.html">Gen Zers carrying balances</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.wsj.com/personal-finance/high-end-credit-cardholders-find-its-harder-to-get-their-moneys-worth-b10d3bc7?mod=hp_lead_pos4">Are platinum cards worth it?</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.barrons.com/advisor/articles/sec-charges-38-investment-advisor-firms-with-bogus-filings-90dadadb?mod=hp_BARRONSADVISOR_1">Bogus investment advisors</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.wsj.com/finance/investing/stock-picking-funds-are-performing-as-poorly-as-ever-fee28e30?mod=mhp">Sucky stock/poor pickers</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2026/09/01/used-cars-under-20000-sell-quickly-tradeoffs.html">Hot cars under $20k (hint: probably a Toyota or Honda)</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2026/09/01/toyota-rav4-dealer-inventory.html">New Rav4 turning heads</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.wsj.com/business/energy-oil/record-fuel-prices-pose-fresh-challenge-for-trump-ahead-of-midterms-fb433718">Gas prices</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://archive.ph/jc6YY">Hypermiling to 83 mpg</a></li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Want more How To Money in your life? Here are some additional ways to get ahead with your personal finances:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">YouTube: You thought you&rsquo;d never see it&hellip; the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@HowToMoneyPod">How To Money channel over on YouTube</a> - LIKE and SUBSCRIBE!</li>
<li aria-level="1">Credit card perks: Check out <a href="https://go.nextcard.com/tkfe5ek-htmpodcast">our favorite credit cards</a> that we use to maximize rewards and optimize our spending.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Other money nerds: Find a thriving community of fellow money nerds by joining the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1623670287732189">HTM Facebook group!</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Newsletter: Sign up for the weekly <a href="https://www.howtomoney.com/newsletter/">HTM newsletter</a>. It&rsquo;s fun, free, &amp; practical.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Money Gears: knowing <a href="https://www.howtomoney.com/start-here/">what to do with your money</a> is crucial to your personal finance journey.</li>
<ul>
<li aria-level="2">MG7: and maybe you&rsquo;re well on your way to financial independence but you&rsquo;re looking for some financial reassurance, that&rsquo;s when heading over to <a href="http://www.howtomoney.com/advisor">HowToMoney.com/Advisor</a> and getting matched with a highly vetted financial advisor makes sense.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
&nbsp;
And please help us to spread the word by letting friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you&rsquo;re not already a regular listener, and&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-money/id1337718773?mt=2">give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts</a> or wherever you get your podcasts. Help us to change the conversation around personal finance and get more people doing smart things with their money!
&nbsp;
Best friends out!

Friday Flight - 529 Hacking, Hollowed-Out Home Ec, & Sucky Stock Pickers #1191

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/be707a06-6efc-456c-bbb9-b4c1013ec193/transcript

Spain. Vietnam. Tanzania. Georgia… the one in Europe of course. Ever catch yourself daydreaming about building a life somewhere far beyond the borders of the US? There’s a lot to love about living here. But for many, the pull to see more of the world never really goes away. What’s fascinating is that moving abroad isn’t just a lifestyle decision, it can be a financial one too. Different countries come with different costs, and entirely different ways of thinking about work, money, community, and quality of life. Our guest today is Richelle, founder of Move Abroad Coach. She’s spent more than 12 years living across half a dozen countries and has helped over 3,000 people navigate the leap overseas. Through that work, she’s gained a unique perspective on how where you live can dramatically shape your life and finances… often in ways most people never stop to consider. Today, we’re talking about the real pros and cons of leaving your home country behind: the money, the mindset shifts, the tradeoffs, and the opportunities. Specific topics include:
Why Rochelle splurges on personal growth
Her first move abroad was a major learning experience
Moving abroad can be a financial strategy
It’s not a vacation… it’s real life in a new place
Remote work and self-employment make the move easier
Digital nomad visas open up more options
Healthcare can be far more affordable overseas
Families can absolutely move abroad too
Fit matters more than fantasy
And check out her Move Abroad Bootcamp!

Can’t get enough How To Money? Here are some additional ways to get ahead with your personal finances:
Cashback credit cards: Check out our favorite credit cards that we use to maximize rewards and optimize our spending.
Other money nerds: Find a thriving community of fellow money nerds by joining the HTM Facebook group!
Newsletter: Sign up for the weekly HTM newsletter. It’s fun, free, & practical.
Money Gears: knowing what to do with your money is crucial to your personal finance journey.
MG7: and maybe you’re well on your way to financial independence but you’re looking for some financial reassurance, that’s when heading over to HowToMoney.com/Advisor and getting matched with a highly vetted financial advisor makes sense.

 

And please help us to spread the word by letting friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular listener, and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Help us to change the conversation around personal finance and get more people doing smart things with their money!

 

Best friends out!

Spain. Vietnam. Tanzania. Georgia&hellip; the one in Europe of course. Ever catch yourself daydreaming about building a life somewhere far beyond the borders of the US? There&rsquo;s a lot to love about living here. But for many, the pull to see more of the world never really goes away. What&rsquo;s fascinating is that moving abroad isn&rsquo;t just a lifestyle decision, it can be a financial one too. Different countries come with different costs, and entirely different ways of thinking about work, money, community, and quality of life. Our guest today is Richelle, founder of <a href="https://moveabroadcoach.com/">Move Abroad Coach</a>. She&rsquo;s spent more than 12 years living across half a dozen countries and has helped over 3,000 people navigate the leap overseas. Through that work, she&rsquo;s gained a unique perspective on how where you live can dramatically shape your life and finances&hellip; often in ways most people never stop to consider. Today, we&rsquo;re talking about the real pros and cons of leaving your home country behind: the money, the mindset shifts, the tradeoffs, and the opportunities. Specific topics include:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Why Rochelle splurges on personal growth</li>
<li aria-level="1">Her first move abroad was a major learning experience</li>
<li aria-level="1">Moving abroad can be a financial strategy</li>
<li aria-level="1">It&rsquo;s not a vacation&hellip; it&rsquo;s real life in a new place</li>
<li aria-level="1">Remote work and self-employment make the move easier</li>
<li aria-level="1">Digital nomad visas open up more options</li>
<li aria-level="1">Healthcare can be far more affordable overseas</li>
<li aria-level="1">Families can absolutely move abroad too</li>
<li aria-level="1">Fit matters more than fantasy</li>
<li aria-level="1">And check out her <a href="https://moveabroadcourse.com/?am_id=joellarsgaard9738">Move Abroad Bootcamp</a>!</li>
</ul>
Can&rsquo;t get enough How To Money? Here are some additional ways to get ahead with your personal finances:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Cashback credit cards: Check out <a href="https://go.nextcard.com/shau19-htmomny">our favorite credit cards</a> that we use to maximize rewards and optimize our spending.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Other money nerds: Find a thriving community of fellow money nerds by joining the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1623670287732189">HTM Facebook group!</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Newsletter: Sign up for the weekly <a href="https://www.howtomoney.com/newsletter/">HTM newsletter</a>. It&rsquo;s fun, free, &amp; practical.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Money Gears: knowing <a href="https://www.howtomoney.com/start-here/">what to do with your money</a> is crucial to your personal finance journey.</li>
<ul>
<li aria-level="2">MG7: and maybe you&rsquo;re well on your way to financial independence but you&rsquo;re looking for some financial reassurance, that&rsquo;s when heading over to <a href="http://www.howtomoney.com/advisor">HowToMoney.com/Advisor</a> and getting matched with a highly vetted financial advisor makes sense.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
&nbsp;
And please help us to spread the word by letting friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you&rsquo;re not already a regular listener, and <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-money/id1337718773?mt=2">give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts</a> or wherever you get your podcasts. Help us to change the conversation around personal finance and get more people doing smart things with their money!
&nbsp;
Best friends out!

The Financial Case for Moving Abroad w/ Richelle Gamlam #1190

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/d1c55dff-7365-46f9-8973-b4a3013a1f4e/transcript

We’re kicking off the week by answering your listener questions! And if you have a question that you’d like for us to answer on the show, we’d love for you to submit your own via HowToMoney.com/ask , send us your voice memo. Regardless of how random or bizarre you might think it is, we want to hear it!

 

1 - Other people's money: Is financing more of our new home the best way to get the lowest rate?

2 - $300,000 windfall: Help me to efficiently drain an inherited 401k and invest for the long haul!

3 - Vanguard digital advisor: I’m 29, living in Brooklyn, and saving up for a house - is a robo advisor necessary?

4 - Money Gear 7: We’ve turned our 30 year mortgage into a 12 year - how should we celebrate?

5 - Backdoor Roth: I make too much to contribute to a Roth IRA so is a backdoor worth it?

 

Want more How To Money in your life? Here are some additional ways to get ahead with your personal finances:
YouTube: You thought you’d never see it… the How To Money channel over on YouTube - LIKE and SUBSCRIBE!
Credit card perks: Check out our favorite credit cards that we use to maximize rewards and optimize our spending.
Other money nerds: Find a thriving community of fellow money nerds by joining the HTM Facebook group!
Newsletter: Sign up for the weekly HTM newsletter. It’s fun, free, & practical.
Money Gears: knowing what to do with your money is crucial to your personal finance journey.
MG7: and maybe you’re well on your way to financial independence but you’re looking for some financial reassurance, that’s when heading over to HowToMoney.com/Advisor and getting matched with a highly vetted financial advisor makes sense.

Please help us to spread the word by letting friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular listener, and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Help us to change the conversation around personal finance and get more people doing smart things with their money!

 

Best friends out!

We&rsquo;re kicking off the week by answering your listener questions! And if you have a question that you&rsquo;d like for us to answer on the show, we&rsquo;d love for you to submit your own via <a href="https://www.howtomoney.com/ask/">HowToMoney.com/ask</a> , send us your voice memo. Regardless of how random or bizarre you might think it is, we want to hear it!
&nbsp;
1 - Other people's money: Is financing more of our new home the best way to get the lowest rate?
2 - $300,000 windfall: Help me to efficiently drain an inherited 401k and invest for the long haul!
3 - Vanguard digital advisor: I&rsquo;m 29, living in Brooklyn, and saving up for a house - is a robo advisor necessary?
4 - Money Gear 7: We&rsquo;ve turned our 30 year mortgage into a 12 year - how should we celebrate?
5 - Backdoor Roth: I make too much to contribute to a Roth IRA so is a backdoor worth it?
&nbsp;
Want more How To Money in your life? Here are some additional ways to get ahead with your personal finances:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">YouTube: You thought you&rsquo;d never see it&hellip; the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@HowToMoneyPod">How To Money channel over on YouTube</a> - LIKE and SUBSCRIBE!</li>
<li aria-level="1">Credit card perks: Check out <a href="https://go.nextcard.com/tkfe5ek-htmpodcast">our favorite credit cards</a> that we use to maximize rewards and optimize our spending.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Other money nerds: Find a thriving community of fellow money nerds by joining the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1623670287732189">HTM Facebook group!</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Newsletter: Sign up for the weekly <a href="https://www.howtomoney.com/newsletter/">HTM newsletter</a>. It&rsquo;s fun, free, &amp; practical.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Money Gears: knowing <a href="https://www.howtomoney.com/start-here/">what to do with your money</a> is crucial to your personal finance journey.</li>
<ul>
<li aria-level="2">MG7: and maybe you&rsquo;re well on your way to financial independence but you&rsquo;re looking for some financial reassurance, that&rsquo;s when heading over to <a href="http://www.howtomoney.com/advisor">HowToMoney.com/Advisor</a> and getting matched with a highly vetted financial advisor makes sense.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
Please help us to spread the word by letting friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you&rsquo;re not already a regular listener, and <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-money/id1337718773?mt=2">give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts</a> or wherever you get your podcasts. Help us to change the conversation around personal finance and get more people doing smart things with their money!
&nbsp;
Best friends out!

Ask HTM - Buying With Other People's Money, Vanguard Digital Advisors, & Money Gear 7 Celebrations #1189

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/e1b5c191-2ce4-43e2-ac87-b4b201589a18/transcript

Ask HTM - Going on Vacation While Still in Student Loan Debt, Paying for a Home Renovation, and Credit Card Auto Rental Insurance #136

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