Entries by

Ep 11-The Budget Category You DON’T Need #BudgetingBasics (Part 1)

In the 11th episode of the Heart of Money podcast, Austin Black and Bob Wessler initiated a three-part series on budgeting and personal finance. They discussed the significance of budgeting for financial success, and shared personal anecdotes highlighting common mistakes. They discussed real-time banking problems and the misunderstanding between account balance and actual wealth. They emphasized that without a proper grasp of personal finances and implementation of a budget, individuals may face issues like overdraft fees and unchecked spending. While they agreed that there’s no universal budgeting method, they recommended a consistent approach, focusing on essential expenses. They briefly advised against excessive spending on clothing and footwear. They concluded by recommending a free debt-free calculator to help track and quickly pay off debts.

Key Points and Quotes Highlighted:

Heart of Money podcast, Budgeting, Financial success, Money management (00:00:00 – 00:06:32)
In episode 11 of the Heart of Money podcast, Austin Black and Bob Wessler launched the first of their three-part series on budgeting and personal finance. They discussed the importance of budgeting as the foundation of financial success and shared amusing personal anecdotes emphasizing common budgeting mistakes. They intend to delve into their own past oversights to reveal valuable learning experiences. The conversation touched upon real-time banking issues, the confusion between account balance and actual wealth, and the negative implications of failing to maintain a budget. The hosts emphasized how an inadequate understanding of personal finances could lead to potentially harmful situations such as overdraft fees. The episode concludes on the note that, without a budget, individuals lack control over their finances, ultimately allowing money to control them instead.
Budgeting, Money Management, Expense Tracking, Personal Finance (00:06:32 – 00:23:52)
The conversation revolves around personal financial management, specifically budgeting. Both parties shared their experiences with budgeting, underscoring the importance of allocating each dollar to specific purposes. They suggested that this method, called zero-based budgeting, allows straightforward tracking of money expenditure. While they agreed that there’s no one-size-fits-all budgeting strategy, they emphasized that consistency and the prioritization of essential expenses are crucial. They also touched upon reducing clothing and footwear expenses, noting that unnecessary spending on these items can disrupt a budget. They concluded by encouraging listeners to try a free debt-free calculator to keep track of their debts and see how faster debt payment can be realized once they start paying attention to their spending.

Ready to take the next step in gaining control over your money? 

Download the “6 Secrets to Healthy Money Conversations” guide 
Register for my FREE masterclass “Financial Freedom Blueprint” here

Or

Schedule a FREE Discovery Call to determine if you would benefit from 1:1 coaching

Ep 13-Improving Your Mental Health Through Budgeting #BudgetingBasics (Part 3)

In episode 13 of the ‘Heart of Money’ podcast, hosts Austin Black and Bob Wessler discuss the importance of budgeting and view it as empowering rather than restricting. They assert through consistent budgeting, one can achieve financial security despite irregular incomes or unexpected expenditures. The hosts, who are also financial coaches, encourage listeners struggling with budgeting to seek help. They highly value the role of budgeting in financial success and suggest using a free debt-free calculator tool at Freedom Money to aid in tracking payments. Feedback is welcomed, and regular listeners are thanked for their support. The next meeting is scheduled for the following week.

Ep 10-The Millionaire Lie I Used to Believe #MoneyMythBusters (Part 4)

In the 10th episode of the Heart of Money Podcast, hosts Austin Black and Bob Wessler debunked the myth that one cannot become a millionaire. They conveyed that anyone can achieve this status through smart decision-making and good money management. Key strategies they highlighted included consistent long-term investing, utilizing company 401(k) plans, and maintaining a diversified investment portfolio. The hosts also touched on not investing solely in company stock. They wrapped up by encouraging listeners to invest wisely with a millionaire mindset, while sharing personal stories about setbacks and the difference between becoming a millionaire as a goal versus smart money management.

Ep 9 – Uncovering the Credit Card Rewards SCAM!! #MoneyMythBusters (Part 3)

In episode nine of the “Heart of Money” podcast, host Austin Black and guest expert Bob discuss the misconception surrounding credit card points as part of their “Money Mythbusters” series. The main focus of the discussion is on the minimal impact of credit card points on financial success. Bob advises against using credit cards solely for accruing points and benefits, advocating instead for responsible use of credit cards, such as timely payment of the full balance. While he acknowledges the potential to earn cash back, he points out that this should be done carefully to avoid excessive spending. He also highlights the potential pitfalls of using mobile wallets and other convenient payment methods which may encourage overspending. The episode concludes with an agreement that disciplined budgeting and spending are critical to avoid debt associated with credit card use.

Ep 8 – Why Tax Refunds are for Lazy People #MoneyMythBusters (Part 2)

In the eighth episode of the Heart of Money podcast, hosts Austin and Bob continue their ‘Money Mythbuster’ series, focusing on misunderstandings about tax refunds. They suggest that tax refunds are not advantageous long-term, likening them to interest-free loans to the government. The hosts recommend better financial strategies like adjusting withholdings or prudent saving for the self-employed. They stress that while accountants can assist with complex tax situations, simpler cases can be self-handled. The hosts emphasize personal responsibility and financial awareness as keys to financial success. Future discussions on credit card points were also hinted at.

Ep 7-Credit Score or Cash…Which Do You Choose? #MoneyMythBusters (Part 1)

“The Heart of Money” podcast, hosted by Austin, began a four-part series called “Money Mythbusters” with its seventh episode. The aim of the series is to dispel common myths, misconceptions, and misinformation about money that hampers individual financial freedom. In the discussed episode, Austin and guest Bob challenge the myth that a good credit score is essential for financial success, arguing instead that having enough cash and a clear track record of financial responsibility can allow successful financial navigation. They encourage young listeners to start saving early and to look into institutions offering manual underwriting services or alternatives to relying on credit scores. The next episode’s topic will spotlight tax refunds.

Ep 6-Are Your Friends Holding You Back From Winning?

During an episode of the Heart of Money podcast, Austin and Bob discuss the powerful influence of mindset on financial achievement. They emphasize the importance of having a disciplined, consistent mindset towards money and holding a clear perspective of opportunity costs, especially when incurring debts. The speakers also highlight the value of long-term financial planning and working diligently against short-term gratification. Importance of establishing a budget is also covered. They further caution against relying on unpredictable income sources like lotteries, emphasizing instead on strategic money management and conscious control of spending patterns. The speakers conclude by underlining the freedom and control brought by positive thinking, discipline, and supportive social surroundings.

Ep 5-How Your View of Money Will Dictate Your Financial Success (Part 2)

On the “Heart of Money” podcast, hosts Austin Black and Bob discuss the influence of money on personal and societal behavior, drawing from personal experiences. They concern themselves with the prevalent consumerist attitude and the habit of comparing oneself to others on the basis of material possessions. The hosts reiterate that money is merely a tool and should not be the source of happiness, often pointing out flawed consumer practices such as living paycheck to paycheck and incurring debt for purchases. They encourage listeners to make wise financial decisions, reminding them that contentment and financial peace come from within and not through impressing others.

Ep 4-How Your View of Money Will Dictate Your Financial Success (Part 1)

In the fourth episode of the Heart of Money podcast, hosts Austin Black and Bob Wessler highlighted different viewpoints people have about money’s role and purpose. Some perceive it as a tool or an opportunity, while others see it as just an object. They emphasized the importance of understanding how money works in order to make informed decisions for personal and family benefit. The hosts stressed the necessity of financial planning, budgeting, and responsible decision-making during investing. They also highlighted the importance of managing personal finances wisely, and that financial decisions should cater to personal situations, future planning, and individual contentment instead of societal pressures. They underscored the need for foresight in spending, citing the example of overpaying for a rented box. The episode concluded with a preview of the next discussion about consumer attitude and spending habits. The hosts also promoted an upcoming free financial training webinar.

Ep 3 – 20 Years and 2 Marriages Later…This is What I Learned (Part 2)

In today’s episode, we focus on Bob’s financial journey and his experiences over the past 20 years. Bob reflects on his background, including how money was viewed in his family and the influence of both frugality and financial knowledge from extended family members. He shares insights into his financial habits, including budgeting and tracking expenses since a young age, as well as the importance of being on the same page with his spouse regarding finances. We discuss the breaking points that lead individuals and couples to seek financial guidance and the significance of having a clear financial plan. The conversation emphasizes the importance of learning from mistakes, seeking help when needed, and understanding that financial struggles are common and not insurmountable.