Episodes

Today we're exploring a topic that excites many and mystifies others:Credit Cards. Learn how to make your credit cards work for you! From understanding the perks to making sense of rewards, we'll guide you through the ins and outs of maximizing your credit card benefits. Whether you're a seasoned cardholder or just starting out, this episode is packed with insights to help you leverage your credit cards effectively. Mary Beth and Neela give insight into how they use their credit cards to maximiz...

Today, Mary Beth is joined by Abacus advisor, Emily Benedetto to discuss financial planning for families with young kids. Emily brings a wealth of knowledge and practical advice for young parents grappling with the new financial responsibilities that come with expanding their family. Mary Beth and Emily discuss everything from managing emergency funds, life insurance, the importance of discussing money openly, to how to save for your children's future. Whether you're expecting your first child o...

In today's episode, Mary Beth and Neela demystify the world of investing. They explore the crucial differences between saving and investing, underscore the importance of starting early to take full advantage of compound interest, and explain why diversification is your best defense against market volatility. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting out, this episode will equip you with the knowledge to make wise investment decisions and set you on the path to financial security. Get r...

In today's episode, Mary Beth Storjohann, CFP® and Neela Neela Hummel, CFP® dive into common misconceptions and hidden truths about retirement planning. They unpack quotes and beliefs about retirement, investing, and saving, providing clarity on important financial concepts that directly impact your retirement future. Tune in to see if you know which of these sayings are true and which ones are lies! For additional resources, information, and a full transcript of the episode, visit our website....

In today's episode, Mary Beth Storjohann, CFP® and Neela Neela Hummel, CFP® explore the concept of financial freedom and how to know if you're on track to achieve it. They discuss the different interpretations of financial freedom, retirement planning, the FIRE movement (Financial Independence, Retire Early), the impact of savings and investment on achieving financial freedom, and the importance of having a diversified financial portfolio. They also touch upon the psychological aspects related t...

On this episode of If Money Were Easy, Mary Beth Storjohann and Neela Hummel unpack the emotional fabric of financial planning through the lens of a journey both personal and common - infertility. Together, they explore the emotional and financial complexities of fertility treatments, the importance of setting a budget, the different financing options available, and how to navigate the intersection of monetary investment and deeply personal choices within the journey of starting a family. Join t...

Today we dive into the nuances of personal finance, challenge financial stereotypes, and explore how they might be influencing your relationship. In this episode, Mary Beth Storjohann and Neela Hummel discuss the common stereotypes around money management within relationships and share their personal experiences about how these assumptions have played out in their lives. They tackle a variety of themes from the ingrained idea that 'money is a man's work,' to who should handle the investing, to t...

Today, Neela and Mary Beth delve into their personal journeys and the financial wisdom they've amassed since their early twenties. From Neela's credit card reckoning post-studying abroad to Mary Beth's strategic dance with student loans, they'll discuss the crucial early steps they wish they'd taken, like the timely kick-off of a Roth IRA and strategies for building personal wealth. Along the way, they'll tackle the gender gaps in entrepreneurship, unravel the mysteries of paychecks and taxes, a...

In today's episode, Kahne Krause joins Mary Beth and Neela to talk about the power of female communities. They discuss the strength of solidarity in women's lives, and understanding the power of investment strategy, particularly for women. They talk about the gender confidence gap and the unique challenges and opportunities women face in their financial lives. They also explore the transformative power of community in wealth and investing, and the importance of dialogue and reflection in buildin...

Join us today as hosts Mary Beth and Neela dive into the powerful role of the female consumer in today's economy. They discuss the significant impact women have on spending and how they are increasingly aligning their financial choices with their values. From supporting female-led content like the Barbie movie and Taylor Swift's tour to making solo travel and home purchases, women are taking charge of their spending decisions. The hosts also explore the concept of the "pink tax" and the importan...

Generosity isn't just about the dollars—it's the intention, impact, and legacy we build. In this episode, we're exploring what's at the heart of charitable giving. Mary Beth and Neela discuss the transformative power of donor-advised funds, and share their personal journeys of turning philanthropy into a family affair. They also untangle how to choose causes that align with values while making sure your financial house is in order first. No matter where you're starting, there's a path for you to...

Today we are joined by Shruti Dhalwala, Vice President of Advisory at Acceleration Community of Companies where she co-leads public relations and strategy for the agency's PepsiCo business. In this episode we will dive deep into the tapestry of financial communication and unravel the power dynamics that shape the narratives of business and personal branding. Shruti brings invaluable insight on the stories behind successful public relations, guiding us through the nuanced game of information in o...

On this episode of If Money Were Easy, Mary Beth and Neela are joined by their colleague and fellow partner at Abacus, Gabe Brenner, CFP® to discuss teaching children about the true value of money. They explore the hands-on "three jars method," also known as Spending, Saving, and Sharing Jars, navigating allowance, and the importance of allowing kids to make financial mistakes early in life. The three of them talk about the balance between autonomy and guidance, from tactile cash handling to dig...

Today, Mary Beth and Neela delve into the intricacies of the gender risk tax and the glass cliff phenomenon. They unpack these widespread challenges, delving into their repercussions for women in the corporate world and propose practical approaches to surmounting them. From dissecting the subtleties of risk assessment to unveiling the eye-opening statistics surrounding the glass cliff, Mary Beth and Neela illuminate the truths and offer guidance on how women can effectively navigate and prosper ...

Today we're joined by Abacus' co-CIOs, Lindsey Woodward, MBA, CFP® and Matt Rivera, CFA, CFP®, to discuss how the fourth quarter of last year turned out and how the markets and economy ultimately performed in 2023. Despite predictions of recession and high inflation, the market defied the odds, ending on a high thanks to disciplined investing. Mary Beth and Neela will talk with Lindsey and Matt about why interest rates change, what can cause them to go up or down, and how that can affect you. Li...

Welcome to a new year and a new season of the If Money Were Easy podcast. On today's episode Mary Beth and Neela dive deep into how to set yourself up for a financially strong year. They discuss the power of realistic goal setting, the smart habits that help you save effortlessly, and how investing in your mental health and relationships can bolster your finances. They share personal insights, reevaluate their own financial strategies, and even discuss making this year about finding balance over...

As we wrap up 2023 with this final episode of the year, Neela Hummel and Mary Beth Storjohann discuss what it looks like as a day in the life of a CEO. They discuss their daily routines, challenges they face, and what about their roles as CEOs lights them up. They talk about the balances they try to find throughout their weeks and the importance of establishing and keeping boundaries. Join us today to wrap up 2023! For additional resources, information, and a full transcript of the episode, vis...

On this episode of If Money Were Easy, we explore the journeys with alcohol, the rise of the sober curious movement, and the financial and personal impacts of alcohol consumption. From the day-to-day cash flow savings to the long-term impact on health care expenses, we examine the holistic effects of alcohol on our lives. With mindfulness and intentionality at the forefront, we explore the financial and personal considerations of alcohol consumption, offering valuable insights for listeners look...

Today we're diving into an important topic, one that's often overlooked: the strength of your financial boundaries. We'll discuss the benefits of separate health insurance and retirement plans for dual-income couples, the significance of aligning your spending with your personal values, and the influence of societal pressure on our financial decisions. We'll also delve into big costs, like housing, transportation, childcare, and health insurance. Additionally, we'll address the complex task of p...

In today's episode, Mary Beth and Neela build out the topic of renovating your home in an eco-conscious way. Neela shares her expertise and passion for creating a sustainable living space as she's currently experiencing a renovation. She explains why eco-conscious home renovation is important – not just for the environment, but also for the health and well-being of your family. She highlights the environmental impact of real estate and discusses how the materials and energy used in construction,...

Welcome back to another episode of the If Money Were Easy podcast. Today, Mary Beth and Neela dive into some financial items to check in on before the end of the year. They explore what to focus on when creating a 2024 budget and what to account for when eyeing future spending. They also discuss how to approach your charitable giving, understanding your "why", and help define which causes are truly meaningful to you. As the year end approaches, be sure to listen to this episode and help keep you...

In this episode, we delve into the world of financial planning as a solo business owner. Our guest, Ariel Ward, is experienced in helping small business owners navigate the complex world of finance to make smart decisions that ensure both personal and business success. With a focus on providing permission, managing risks, and strategic planning, Ariel explores timely topics like business budgeting, retirement planning, insurance, and estate planning. She also sheds light on the challenges faced ...

Neuroscientists, psychologists, and experts have examined it, while other professionals have speculated and pursued the truth. Today, we delve into the age-old question: Can wealth genuinely make you happy? In this episode, we examine the correlation between money and happiness, explore happiness beyond financial means, and look at the factors that contribute to a truly happy life such as human connection, relationships, and experiences over material possessions. We'll also explore the psycholog...

Licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Joy Lere joins us to explore the profound impact that difficult times have on individuals and how they can navigate their ongoing challenges. She sheds light on the various cognitive changes and sacrifices made by people during the pandemic – particularly mothers – and how its lasting effects continue to shape lives. Dr. Lere also explores developing more emotional awareness, the toll that constant stress and the fight-or-flight response takes on our bodies and...