Tell Your Boss I Quit!

Is It The Right Time To Buy a Home- Or Wait It Out?

If you’ve ever wondered: “Should I spend this money now or keep saving?” “Are home prices too high to buy right now?” “Should I wait for rates to drop?” “What if I regret this purchase later?” …then this episode is for you. You don’t need a perfect plan—you just need a thoughtful one. We also talk about how to plan for the unexpected, build in flexibility, and avoid making impulsive decisions that could derail your bigger financial goals. Whether you’re thinking about upgrading your current home, buying your first place, or downsizing after the kids move out, this conversation will help you approach it with more clarity and less stress. We even dig into the power of journaling your way through big decisions and why comparing yourself to your neighbors, friends, or siblings is a surefire way to lose track of what actually matters to *you*. If you’re in a season of financial decision-making, this one’s for you.

The Retirement Plan You’ll Actually Stick With

Avoiding the Mid-Year Financial Slump: A Practical Guide

We’re halfway through the year, which means it’s the perfect time to hit pause and check in on your financial goals. Are you on track? Falling behind? Maybe even ahead of schedule? In this episode, we break down why a mid-year financial review is so important and how you can use this checkpoint to course-correct, optimize your cash flow, and set yourself up for a strong finish to the year. From rethinking big purchases to keeping lifestyle creep in check, we cover the mindset shifts and practical strategies that can make all the difference. Whether you're realizing you need to adjust your savings plan or you’re in a better financial position than expected, this conversation will help you navigate the second half of the year with clarity and confidence. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ Why mid-year is the best time to assess your financial progress (before it’s too late) ✅ The common financial pitfalls people overlook and how to avoid them ✅ How to separate big one-time expenses from regular spending (so they don’t wreck your budget) ✅ The "I’ll figure it out later" trap—and how to stop making financial decisions based on emotion ✅ How to reassess your financial goals when you're ahead of schedule (yes, that happens too!) ✅ Smart tax planning strategies to implement now, instead of scrambling in December Key Takeaways:

The Power of Journaling: How to Set, Track, and Prioritize Financial Goals

Most people set financial goals at the start of the year with the best intentions, but what happens when new priorities arise, life throws unexpected expenses your way, or you lose momentum halfway through?   In this episode, we dive into the power of journaling—not just as a tool for goal-setting, but as a system for accountability, tracking progress, and making smarter financial decisions over time.   We discuss:   Why writing down your goals turns ideas into measurable, achievable steps How to track financial progress and adjust for real-life changes The difference between setting goals and actually prioritizing them Why most financial conversations focus too much on investments—and what actually matters more How to create financial flexibility without feeling like you’re constantly starting over     If you’ve ever struggled to stick with your financial goals or wondered how to stay accountable throughout the year, this episode will give you the tools to stay on track.

Journaling Your Way To Financial Confidence

  In this episode, I dive into the underestimated power of a financial journal. It’s more than just numbers on a page—it’s about clarity, confidence, and taking control of your money. We talk about how tracking your spending month-to-month can reveal patterns, uncover opportunities, and help you make smarter decisions. Whether you’re saving for a down payment, planning for retirement, or just trying to avoid lifestyle creep, a journal is your roadmap. I share stories of people who transformed their finances by simply writing things down, and why even with all the tech tools at our fingertips, there’s still no substitute for this old-school method. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: – Why a journal beats any app for understanding your spending. – How tracking your expenses can turn fear into financial confidence. – The importance of assigning purpose to every dollar—so it doesn’t slip away. – How to plan for big expenses (like kids, holidays, or retirement) without derailing your goals. Key Moments: – [00:43] Relating to my mom’s relentless checkbook balancing and why that discipline matters. – [01:09] Why knowing your monthly spending is the first step to real financial clarity. – [06:22] How to assign purpose to your dollars and avoid lifestyle creep. – [13:17] The transition from paying daycare or tuition to saving those funds for long-term goals. – [25:45] Real-life examples of how journaling helps people live more comfortably in retirement. Why You Should Listen: This episode is for anyone who feels like they’re spinning their wheels financially or struggling to keep up with shifting goalposts. By the end, you’ll see how a journal can be the simple, yet powerful tool you need to get back on track and stay there. Enjoy the show, and don’t forget—your financial future starts with the small habits you build today.                 Any opinions are those of Peter Gutekunst and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Raymond James is not affiliated with Peter Gutekunst.  Every investor’s situation is unique and you should consider your investment goals, risk tolerance and time horizon before making any investment. Prior to making an investment decision, please consult with your financial advisor about your individual situation.