Posts tagged FIRE movement
Her Mom Got a Devastating Diagnosis. Now What?

8/6/26: Jill and Mark discuss the spectacular collapse of the Situational Awareness hedge fund and what it reveals about today's AI-fueled investing boom.

They help a caller fighting back tears figure out how to balance three competing priorities: saving for retirement, paying for her children's college, and preparing to care for her mother following the diagnosis of a degenerative illness.

Plus: a reaction to billionaire Jeremy Grantham's outrageous advice that investors should ditch U.S. stocks altogether.

The Dangerous Mindset Holding Gen Z Back

8/4/26: A growing number of young Americans no longer believe that ambition and hard work lead to success. 

Jill Schlesinger, Mark Talercio, and special guest host Kayla Sabbagh of Greenspring Advisors explain why that mindset can become a self-fulfilling prophecy and why believing you have agency over your future is essential to both your financial success and your mental health.

Plus: they respond to a fiery YouTube comment about inheritance, family expectations, and leaving your money to charity.

Reality Check: You CAN Afford to Start a Family

7/30/26: Most Gen Z and millennials say the cost of raising a child feels financially out of reach and many don't believe they can start a family within the next five years.

Jill offers a reality check: if you want kids, don't let fear stop you. Joined by special guest host Kayla Sabbagh of Greenspring Advisors, Jill and Mark explain why raising kids in this economy is more achievable than you think.

Plus: 23-year-old Brianna, who still lives with her parents, calls in for guidance.

The Most Ridiculous Finance Influencer Advice Yet?

7/28/26: A 29-year-old who's been out of work for four years says he no longer believes in the American dream, or the stock market. Jill and Mark offer a reality check, a pep talk, and practical advice for getting back on track.

Plus: Jill and Mark dismantle the advice of "small business acquisition specialist" BenKellyOne, who instructs his followers to borrow money to buy an accounting firm without a CPA license as a way to generate extra income. 

Why Smart People Fall for Scams

7/23/26: Jill and Mark discuss a $50 million Ponzi scheme that ensnared dozens of investors with promises of big, risk-free returns. Then, they break down the emotional manipulation tactics scammers use to gain your trust and how to protect yourself as AI makes fraud more sophisticated and hard to spot than ever.

Plus: A burned-out caller is desperate for a career reset and wonders how long she can afford to coast on her savings before figuring out her next move.

Is the S&P 500 Worth It as an Investment?

7/21/26: Dating has become another casualty of inflation. A new study finds Millennials spend an average of $252 per date and Gen Z spends $205. Meanwhile, half of singles say they’re going on fewer dates or choosing cheaper activities.

Plus: A 30-year-old single woman is daunted by the exorbitant cost of freezing her eggs, and TikTok investor Raoul Pal dismisses the S&P 500’s 11% average annual return in favor of investing in Bitcoin.

HALF of Young Adults Still Live at Home

7/16/26: Half of American adults under 30 are now living with their parents. Is this the new normal, or just a temporary consequence of today’s housing market? Regardless, Jill advises young adults living at home to at least offer to chip in financially.

Plus: Mark explains why obsessing over minimizing taxes can lead to costly investing mistakes, and Jill shares her thoughts on how friends with different income levels should approach splitting the cost of dinners, vacations, and group outings.

They Left NYC for a $13,000 House in Italy

7/14/26: Cassandra and her husband made headlines after leaving New York City to buy a home in rural Italy for just $13,000. She breaks down what motivated the move, how she’s adjusted to life in a tiny mountain town, embraced a lower-cost lifestyle, and whether trading the conventional American dream for a simpler life abroad was worth it.

Plus: Jill and Mark explain what SpaceX’s inclusion in Nasdaq index funds actually means for investors, and why one TikToker’s recommended tax loophole is complete nonsense.

How to Get the Shopping High Without Spending a Dollar

7/9/26: “Dopamine sites” are on the rise in South Korea, allowing people to simulate the thrill of online shopping or food delivery without spending any actual money. Could this be the fix for compulsive spenders? 

Plus: Jill helps caller Danielle navigate a financial crossroads: after taking a pay cut to make work and life more manageable, she’s now facing higher-than-expected college costs for her child while trying to stay on track for retirement.

Starter Homes Are a Million Bucks Now

7/7/26: Starter homes now cost a million dollars in many parts of the country, leaving younger generations wondering whether homeownership is still a realistic goal. Jill asks whether buying a house should remain a cornerstone of the American dream, or if the idea itself has become outdated. 

Plus, caller questions: Dorian is feeling the financial strain of wedding season as travel costs, gifts, and pricey trips pile up. And Andrew, a brand-new dad, wants to know whether now is the right time to buy term life insurance.

Don’t Buy a House Together Until You Hear This

7/2/26: Caller Aaron has a family mess on his hands: his cousin bought a house with a girlfriend, they broke up, and now his cousin's credit is still tied to the property while the ex continues living there and refuses to refinance. Jill explains exactly what to do before buying a major asset with someone you're not married to.

Plus: Jill breaks down the new student loan landscape effective July 1, 2026, how parents and prospective students should navigate the new rules, and why taking on debt for college may not be worth it anymore.

Boomer Parents: It’s Time to Cough It Up

6/30/26: Bad news for the people hoping their parents die soon. 

Americans have been anxiously awaiting the so-called "great wealth transfer," where trillions of dollars are expected to pass down from Baby Boomers to their kids, but people are living longer and holding onto their assets.

Plus, caller questions: Toby asks whether sterling silver jewelry is actually a worthwhile investment, and Dave wants to know whether taking a pay cut to improve his quality of life is financially realistic.