Midday Money Show

You are 33% more likely to meet your goal if you: 1. Write it down. 2. Review it weekly. 3. Share it with a friend.   You make the list. I'll bring the friends. We're transforming money through an accountability project and you're invited.   I'm also bearing my soul about why the podcast has been slacking lately. I guess I need some accountability too! Let's work on this together.

My friend released an interesting article highlighting people who used blogging as an accountability technique to help themselves dump a massive amount of debt.   I reached back into the Midday Money Show archives to pull out conversations from some of them who've joined me as guests in the past.   Accountability just may be your secret ingredient.

Inspired by a segment on the PBS New Hour about a growing trend among people nearing retirement. We're not saving. We're not preparing for a time when our income may drop significantly. Even if you want to work and can, you may find it hard to find suitable employment. While a discussion about what those who are in that stage of life can and should do, this podcast is all about avoiding financial fragility.

We have a chance to dig in and learn from an expert who's interviewed over 200 couples and honed in on what it takes to create a successful marriage - beginning with the finances. When the money is right, you can focus on being happy.   We discuss: Tips for couples to create more financial options in their lives The one thing most of her guest do to retire early How couples can reboot their finances Essentials that couples need to succeed in the area of finances The worst question you can ask your spouse when it comes to financial goals How to encourage your spouse and create common financial goals

Have you heard of turnkey real estate investment firms? These firms find properties, get tenants, and turn the keys and profit over to you. I'm a real estate investor and would love to add more properties, but finding reliable property management is going to be a key factor in my ability to grow. So I was happy to chat with Clayton Morris of Morris Invest and learn some helpful tricks of the trade. Whether you work with a turnkey operation and build your portfolio on your own, this is a great interview with useful ideas for investors at every level.

Faith and finances should be a natural connection. However, too many people of faith are struggling financially and not able to build wealth and leave a inheritance to their children's children - as the bible suggests. Debt is a major factor of concern for most African-Americans regardless of income level. We have too much, but this doesn't have to be a permanent scenario. dFree Global Foundation is tackling the gap in financial education in the Black community head one. The executive director, Tamika Stembridge, discusses the impact and what we can do to prosper individually and as a community.

A conversation with relationship and financial experts to delve into tips for couples to create a smart approach to managing money. Finances is a leading cause of stress and blamed for most divorces. When you're money is right, that's one less thing for couples to fight about. Take heed and insulate your marriage or relationship from common pitfalls that ensure couples.

Today’s guest also highlighted his brand of accountability that helped him kick butt and dump debt. Phil Risher graduated with $30K in student loans. But he got focused and didn’t let those student loans become a permanent fixture. This story is for students, parents of students, or just those who think I’ll never get out of debt – it can’t be done. I’m here to say, after repaying 107K in debt – debt freedom is possible. You  just might need a little accountability.

Why does the Jewish community outpace the rest of our country in terms of wealth attainment? Are there secrets that they operate by which the rest of us don't know about? If money has a spiritual nature as Rabbi Daniel Lapin asserts, you may be missing out without the right tools.   This is an interesting conversation with a financial guru who's spent a lifetime teaching others how to prosper financially.

72% of Americans experience financial stress at least once during the month. I spoke with a range of experts to figure out what we can do to minimize the money related stress. Stress can inhibit progress toward financial goals. Give yourself a mental break and refocus without money-related stress.  

Rebecca Neale is the Personal Finance Lawyer. She practices in MA, but is spending her afternoon helping up grasp the basic elements of a good estate plan. You might wonder if this is something you can DIY? Rebecca addresses the pros and cons. End of life conversations are never rosy, but necessary to have a plan in place so that you loved ones don't have to stress over implementing your wishes in the case where you can't speak for yourself.

I took the #BankingReimagined tour from Capital One in March and was introduced to a whole new way to bank in this digital, disconnected environment we live. Capital One's tour made me think about how I bank. Have you given your bank choice much thought. Here are 5 areas you should review when deciding if your bank is the best choice or when choosing a new one. Capital One is leading a new trend that make have you rethinking how you bank. It's pretty cool.   Thank you Capital One for sponsoring this post! This is a paid endorsement. All opinions are my own and were not directed by Capital One.  To learn more about Capital One, visit www.capitalone.com/cafes OR www.capitalone.com/bankingreimagined

The McFaddens exuded all the trappings of a successful life. However, they were struggling with credit card debt behind closed doors. A challenge issued by their pastor became a light bulb moment. Now they are free to focus on their dreams. Tracey and Wendell McFadden first shared their in-progress debt story in 2012. After accepting a challenge to pay off all of their credit cards before the end of 2012 from their pastor, this couple engaged in a Financial Peace University bible study to work on eliminating their consumer debt. - See more at: http://debtfreedivas.org/2015/debt-free-to-follow-your-dreams/#sthash.lu4DJ434.dpuf Tracey and Wendell McFadden first shared their in-progress debt story in 2012. After accepting a challenge to pay off all of their credit cards before the end of 2012 from their pastor, this couple engaged in a Financial Peace University bible study to work on eliminating their consumer debt. - See more at: http://debtfreedivas.org/2015/debt-free-to-follow-your-dreams/#sthash.lu4DJ434.d

Sounds like a noble gesture. Right? Well, Alan Corey turned that goal into a reality. The suburban Atlanta native was not known for any special skills. He did not invent the latest Internet craze. However, this author, part-time entrepreneur, and reality TV show regular was a bona fide millionaire by his 29th birthday. He joins the Debt Free Divas to discuss his unconventional journey to millionaire status and the hilarious book, A Million Bucks by 30. This isn't your granddad's personal finance book.

Why you should run, not walk away from a request to cosign. Here are helpful alternative to help friends and family in a financial bind instead of risking your financial well-being.

A look at what financial independence is and how you and I can take steps to make that happen while we are young enough to enjoy it. I speak with Todd Tressider, the Financial Mentor, and Mindy Jenson of Bigger Pockets to get their experience achieving financial independence.

We have over 20 personal finance experts assembled to help you start the New Year off right. Learn from the masters on everything from budgeting to boosting your income to investing. I spoke with two women who made incredible strides paying off credit card debt. They took different paths, but ultimately landed at a place of debt freedom. Lynnette Khalfani-Cox is a nationally recognize speaker and financial educator. She is The Money Coach and she's a speaker for our summit. LaTisha Styles started YoungFinances.com to chronicle her journey out of debt and ended up becoming a highly successful digital entrepreneur. Here is your preview of what to expect in the upcoming New Year New You Financial Summit.

I was interviewed during the BadA** Moms Summit by Business Coach, Rebecca Lynn Bolgna about how paying off debt helped me pursue my dream of building a business away from the 9-5 hustle.

Jordan Goodman is a consumer journalist who spent 18 years educating American as a writer with Money Magazine. His latest book, Master Your Debt, is the focal point of our conversation as we talk about ways to save money during the Christmas season. Jordan also shares tips for keeping your personal information safe and avoiding identity theft. Learn from this expert and save more money while celebrating in style.

Effrem Jackson has 12 years of experience in the financial services industry. However, we focus on the three years it took him and his wife to pay off $40,000 of consumer debt. Toward the end of their journey, they experience a potentially life-changing course of action that was confirmation that debt freedom is a wise lifestyle of choice.