Tired of feeling like your money vanishes into thin air? In this episode of The Unconventional Investor, we shatter the myth that budgeting is about deprivation. Discover how understanding your spending empowers you to make smarter financial choices, focus on big wins like lower loan payments, and prepare for those pesky irregular expenses, all to make your life a whole lot easier. Stop guessing, start knowing.

Planning Your Legacy After the SECURE Act

The SECURE Act changed how inherited IRAs work, potentially affecting your heirs' taxes. Learn how to adjust your savings strategy to minimize their tax burden. We'll cover the 10-Year Distribution Rule, the increased importance of Roth IRAs for tax-free income, and strategies for IRA withdrawals or alternatives like life insurance to secure your heirs' future.

Maximize Tax Savings with Employee Benefits

Got employee benefits? Corina Vakira Delugos, MBA, EA, a financial expert with over 25 years of experience, shows you how to use them for major tax savings. She explains how to leverage Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for dependent care and healthcare, emphasizing the "triple tax benefits" of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) when paired with high-deductible plans. Corina also covers the advantages of Employee Stock Purchase Plans (ESPPs), like buying company stock at a discount for tax advantages. Listen for more smart tax tips!

Tired of Tax Season Stress?

Ever picked a tax preparer only to regret it later, facing unexpected bills or poor service when IRS issues hit? You're not alone. Many people choose an advisor without asking the right questions.

To help, we spoke with Corina Delugos, MBA, EA, a financial services expert with 25+ years in tax, mortgage, and insurance planning. Corina shared essential tips for choosing the right tax professional.

Here are 3 key takeaways:

Understand Their Specialization: Not all CPAs handle personal taxes. Ask about their qualifications and the types of clients they typically serve to ensure they fit your needs.

Communication & Transparency: Clarify how they communicate and what they expect from you. Discuss their availability and pricing upfront.

Proactive Tax Planning: Choose a professional who thinks ahead. Proactive tax planning can save you thousands and make filing smoother.

Ever feel overwhelmed by all the financial advice out there? For years, I haven't been able to recommend many books, but that changed with No Worries: How to Live a Stress-Free Financial Life by Jared Dillian.

This book cuts through the noise with just three key principles to focus on, so you can forget the rest.

It has easy-to-manage strategies you only need to check on once a year. 

If you and your partner/spouse have difficulty talking about money, this episode is for you. Ed Coambs, CFP® and Certified Financial Therapist shares tips on ways to truly hear what your spouse is saying and find a way forward in financial conversations. 

Struggling to save for your dreams? Financial freedom might not be about that fancy car. In this episode, we chat with award-winning investor and author Anne Lester of "Your Best Financial Life: Save Smart Now for the Future You Want."

Many individuals earning six-figures struggle to make ends meet. Join us with financial coach, Ericka Young, as we explore why this happens, the stress that can come with increased income, and solutions to alleviate financial challenges.

We also speak to the benefits of implementing a coaching program in the workplace. Discover how this not only aids employees in managing their finances but also contributes to employee retention.