Investing can feel overwhelming with all the strategies, opinions, and noise out there. That’s why in this episode, I break down eight simple, time-tested rules of thumb that will help you cut through the confusion and make smarter decisions with your money. These aren’t rigid formulas—they’re practical guidelines to keep you on track whether you’re just getting started or fine-tuning your portfolio.

From understanding how long it takes your money to double, to calculating your “freedom number,” to knowing whether to prioritize retirement or college savings, these rules will help you create clarity and confidence in your financial journey.

Episode Timeline & Highlights

[0:00] – Introduction
[0:54] – Rule #1: The Rule of 72—how long it takes for your money to double
[2:00] – Rule #2: Why you’ll only need about 70% of your income in retirement
[2:46] – Rule #3: How to calculate your “freedom number” with the 4% rule
[3:11] – Rule #4: Safe withdrawal rates in retirement (why I lean conservative)
[3:52] – Rule #5: Net worth benchmarks by age and income
[4:33] – Rule #6: Asset allocation by age—and why risk tolerance matters more
[5:52] – Rule #7: Always take the 401(k) match—it’s free money
[6:32] – Rule #8: Child’s education vs. retirement (and why retirement comes first)

Key Takeaways

1. Money Compounds Faster Than You Think – Use the Rule of 72 to visualize long-term growth.

2. Retirement Needs Less Than You Earn Now – Strategic withdrawals and fewer expenses change the math.

3. Put Yourself First – You can borrow for college, but you can’t borrow for retirement.

Quotables

“You can get scholarships for school—but you can’t get scholarships for retirement.”
“Aim to have your investments double every ten years at a bare minimum.”
“Please don’t listen to anyone who says you can pull 12% from your portfolio. That’s a disaster waiting to happen.”

Links & Resources

• Learn more about BudgetDog Academy: https://budgetdog.com

• My book, The Roadmap to Financial Freedom: https://budgetdog.com/book

• Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/budgetdog

If this episode helped simplify investing for you, share it with a friend who needs these rules of thumb. And don’t forget to rate, follow, and review the podcast—it helps more people build wealth with confidence and clarity.

In this episode of Money on My Mind, I dive into 17 powerful budgeting rules of thumb that will give you a clear roadmap for managing your money—whether you’re just getting started or looking to refine your financial game.

From how much of your income should go toward a mortgage or rent, to the 50/30/20 rule, emergency funds, cars, student loans, and even how to handle windfalls, these are the guidelines that will keep you on track without overcomplicating things. I also share how these rules evolve as you build real wealth and why financial freedom often changes the “game” you’re playing.

This is practical, actionable advice that you can apply today to build discipline, avoid common money traps, and set yourself up for long-term success.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

00:53 Rule #1: Mortgage payment ≤ 25% of take-home pay (exceptions up to 30%)

03:01 Rule #2: Home price = 3–5x annual gross income

03:37 Rule #3: Refinance if rates drop ≥ 1%

04:20 Rule #4: Save 1% of home value annually for maintenance

05:10 Rule #5: Rent ≤ 25% of take-home pay

05:44 Rule #6: Pay off debt vs. invest: when each makes sense

06:55 Rule #7: Total debt ≤ 36% of gross income (DTI ratio)

07:22 Rule #8: Student loans ≤ starting salary

08:00 Rule #9: Cars: cash preferred, or follow the 20/4/10 rule

09:17 Rule #10: Lifetime cost of a car = 3x sticker price

11:11 Rule #11: Replace car when repairs > car’s value

11:46 Rule #12: Emergency fund = 3–6 months of expenses

12:52 Rule #13: The 50/30/20 rule: needs, wants, and savings/investments

13:35 Rule #14: The 30-day rule for big purchases

14:14 Rule #15: Food budget = 10–15% of gross income

15:10 Rule #16: Windfalls: spend 1–5% on fun, invest the rest toward goals

16:37 Rule #17: Estimate annual income: hourly wage × 2, add 3 zeros

17:32 Why these rules matter more in the beginning stages of wealth building

18:00 How financial freedom changes the rules beyond budgeting basics

21:53 Final thoughts: mastering each stage of wealth and knowing when to level up

Quotables

“If you can stay within these rules of thumb, you’re going to do really, really well—even if you’re not perfect.”

“A mortgage should be a blessing, not a curse.”

“Discipline is what separates those who win with money from those who struggle.”

Links

The Roadmap to Financial Freedom

https://budgetdogacademy.com/order-now

Budgetdog

https://budgetdog.com

In this episode, I share the story behind why I built BudgetDog and the mission that drives me every single day. From starting out $304,000 in debt as a 22-year-old CPA, to becoming a millionaire in seven years, I explain how personal finance systems transformed my life—and why I knew I had to share them with others.

This isn’t about quick fixes or get-rich-quick schemes. It’s about creating simple, automated systems that work for real families in the real world. I also talk about the deeper “why” behind my work—from my daughter Logan’s fight with Dravet Syndrome, to our family’s $1 million donation goal, to the long-term community we’re building through BudgetDog Academy.

Episode Timeline & Highlights

[0:00] – Introduction

[1:33] – My own financial struggles after college and the wake-up call that changed everything

[2:29] – How I paid off $304K in debt and built a millionaire net worth in just seven years

[3:06] – From sharing online casually to building a national bestseller and full-time business

[5:05] – Why our six-month roadmap works for families at every stage

[7:04] – The power of simplifying and automating your money systems

[9:24] – Why money matters when it comes to making an impact—especially in the fight against Dravet Syndrome

[13:29] – Reframing budgeting: not restriction, but aligning your money with your values

[16:15] – The hidden burden of decision fatigue—and how automation solves it

[18:16] – Why I pour into students even when it’s not the most “commercially profitable” choice

[23:32] – Why I don’t view other financial platforms as competition

[25:25] – Fatherhood, motivation, and building for the next generation

Key Takeaways

1. Systems Beat Discipline – Financial freedom comes from automation and simplification, not white-knuckled discipline.

2. Money Creates Impact – Wealth isn’t just about you; it’s fuel for making a bigger difference in the world.

3. Play the Long Game – Success—both financial and entrepreneurial—is a marathon, not a sprint.

Quotables

Links & Resources

• My book, The Roadmap to Financial Freedom: https://budgetdog.com/book

• Learn more about BudgetDog Academy: https://budgetdog.com

• Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/budgetdog

If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who needs encouragement on their financial journey. And don’t forget to rate, follow, and review the podcast—your support helps more families discover the path to freedom and impact.

In this episode of Money on My Mind, I break down why mastering money isn’t about complicated formulas or secret investment hacks—it’s about your relationship with money.

At its core, money is simple: spend less than you make, invest the difference, and let time compound your returns. But fear, guilt, shame, and identity conflicts often sabotage even the smartest strategies. I share how subconscious beliefs, childhood programming, and emotional barriers can keep you stuck in a cycle of avoidance and scarcity, and I give you practical steps to reset your money mindset for long-term success.

This conversation will challenge your beliefs, push you to confront your fears, and give you a framework for aligning your identity with abundance.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

00:37 How your emotions about money make it complicated

01:38 The 3-step playbook: spend less than you make, invest the difference, let time work

02:27 The role of fear, guilt, and mindset blocks in your relationship with money

05:12 The unknown factor: why people fear investing like they fear the “unknown villain” in a movie

07:02 Scarcity and procrastination: why people hoard money instead of investing

08:10 Subconscious programming and avoidance behaviors

10:40 Guilt and shame: linking mistakes with self-worth keeps people stuck

11:42 Why avoiding your budget or bank account makes the problem worse

13:03 Identity conflict: “I grew up poor, I’m not supposed to be rich”

16:06 How labels hold you back from achieving your financial goals

18:02 Victimhood vs. ownership: why externalizing blame disempowers you

21:40 Breaking from the matrix mindset and thinking independently about money

24:53 Personal story: saving every paycheck at McDonald’s, losing $1M in potential investments

28:35 Why environment and belief systems dictate results (Budget Dog Academy framework)

33:02 The two keys to success: focus and not giving up

36:00 Conviction, belief, and aligning your identity with your desired outcome

Quotables

“If you save money and don’t invest it, you are guaranteed to lose money through inflation.”

“You are your own problem, therefore you are your own solution.”

“Your confusion, fear, and avoidance—not money itself—are the real enemy.”

Links

The Roadmap to Financial Freedom

https://budgetdogacademy.com/order-now

Budgetdog

https://budgetdog.com/

Brennan Schlagbaum

https://www.instagram.com/budgetdog

In this episode, I sit down with one of BudgetDog Academy’s standout students, Kirk Hepker, to share his incredible transformation—from financial chaos and marital stress to millionaire status and lasting peace of mind. Kirk opens up about the struggles he and his wife faced with money, the constant tension in their relationship, and the breaking point that forced them to take control of their finances once and for all.

You’ll hear how BudgetDog Academy not only changed Kirk’s bank account but also reshaped his marriage, his kids’ financial awareness, and even his role as a leader in his extended family. His story proves what’s possible when you get on the same page, build systems, and surround yourself with the right community.

Episode Timeline & Highlights

[0:00] – Introducing Kirk: one of BudgetDog Academy’s most inspiring success stories

[2:05] – What led Kirk and his wife to finally join the Academy

[3:43] – How their kids are learning about money (including lemonade stand lessons)

[5:23] – The ripple effect: from marriage struggles to building family wealth together

[8:18] – Breaking down barriers and arguments around money

[10:05] – The financial mess that nearly derailed their relationship

[14:00] – The breaking point: almost losing a rental property deal

[18:18] – The investments that helped them build millionaire status

[21:10] – Why community and mentorship were the secret weapon

[23:46] – What happens after becoming a millionaire—navigating “what’s next”

Key Takeaways

1. Money & Marriage Are Tied Together – Financial disconnection creates emotional distance; alignment builds stronger teams.

2. Systems Create Wealth – From budgets to automated investments, systems remove chaos and drive results.

3. Community Accelerates Growth – Surrounding yourself with the right people pulls you up faster than going it alone.

Quotables

Links & Resources

• Learn more about BudgetDog Academy: https://budgetdog.com

• Connect with me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/budgetdog

If Kirk’s story inspired you, share this episode with someone who needs proof that transformation is possible. And don’t forget to rate, follow, and review the show—it helps more people find the clarity and community they need to win with money.

We’ve all told ourselves we just need more discipline—wake up earlier, spend less, invest more—but here’s the truth: discipline isn’t the real problem. In this episode, I reveal why discipline is overrated and why the real game-changer is building systems that do the heavy lifting for you.

I share the exact framework I’ve used in my own life and with thousands of BudgetDog Academy students to eliminate decision fatigue, rewire limiting beliefs, and set up automated systems that drive lasting results. If you’ve been white-knuckling your way toward financial goals only to burn out, this episode will help you finally flip the script.

Episode Timeline & Highlights

[0:00] – Why you don’t have a discipline problem—you have a clarity problem

[1:20] – James Clear’s truth: “You don’t rise to the level of your goals, you fall to the level of your systems”

[2:19] – Why willpower fails and systems win every time

[3:21] – Childhood story: how I unknowingly built my first system at age 6

[5:13] – Applying systems to finances, health, and even my daughter’s care

[6:22] – The belief → identity → environment → system → results framework

[8:30] – Why automation is the secret weapon for wealth building

[10:10] – The diet example: how removing friction points changed everything

[13:38] – Why identity drives behavior (and how to rewire it)

[15:35] – Three simple steps to build momentum: define, set up, and remove friction

[16:56] – Your first step: what system can you put in place today?

Key Takeaways

1. Discipline Isn’t Enough – Relying on willpower alone is a recipe for burnout. Systems create consistency.

2. Frameworks Drive Results – Beliefs shape identity, identity shapes environment, environment shapes systems, and systems create results.

3. Remove Friction, Add Automation – The easier you make good choices, the harder it becomes to fail.

Quotables

Links & Resources

• My national bestseller, The Roadmap to Financial Freedom: https://budgetdog.com/book

• Learn more about BudgetDog Academy: https://budgetdog.com

• Connect with me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/budgetdog

If this episode gave you clarity, share it with someone who’s stuck believing they just need more discipline. And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the show—your support helps more people break free from willpower traps and finally win with money.

“If I just made more money, everything would be fine.” Sound familiar? The truth is, your financial challenges likely have nothing to do with your income and everything to do with the scarcity script that was programmed into you long before you ever touched a dollar.

In this episode, I unpack how childhood lessons, cultural beliefs, and even well-intentioned advice can plant deep-seated money scripts that keep you stuck in fear, lack, and limitation. I share my own journey of breaking free from these beliefs—and the exact steps you can take to rewrite your financial story into one of confidence, abundance, and purpose.

Episode Timeline & Highlights

[0:00] – What the scarcity script is and how it quietly sabotages your financial life

[2:17] – Childhood programming: how small lessons shape lifelong money beliefs

[5:05] – Why “making more money” won’t fix a scarcity mindset

[6:27] – The hidden ways scarcity shows up: overspending, undercharging, avoiding budgets

[7:22] – Reframing guilt around charging your worth

[9:45] – How raising my prices actually led to better results for clients

[13:09] – Training your brain to look at ROI instead of cost

[14:21] – Why scarcity blocks more than income—it blocks your purpose

[16:07] – Step 1: Awareness—writing down the money phrases you grew up with

[16:40] – Step 2: Identity shift—building a new money identity statement

[21:56] – Step 3: Evidence rebuilding—celebrating small wins to build trust with yourself

Key Takeaways

1. Scarcity Is Learned, Not Truth – The money beliefs you inherited growing up are scripts, not reality—and they can be rewritten.

2. Abundance Unlocks Purpose – Letting go of fear-based money patterns isn’t just about earning more; it’s about living fully and giving freely.

3. Rewrite in Three Steps – Awareness, identity shift, and evidence rebuilding are the tools to break free from scarcity and build abundance.

Quotables

Links & Resources

• Learn more about BudgetDog Academy: https://budgetdog.com

• Book a call with my team: https://budgetdog.com

• Connect with me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/budgetdog

If this episode challenged you to think differently about money, share it with someone who needs to hear it. And don’t forget to rate, follow, and review the show—it helps more people break free from the scarcity script and step into abundance.

I thought I had it all figured out—steady career, financial security, and a clear path as a CPA at Deloitte. But deep down, I knew I was living someone else’s dream. In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of my biggest career pivot: leaving the corporate world to build BudgetDog from scratch. I share the surprising way I fell into accounting, the turning point that pushed me to walk away, and the emotional and financial hurdles I faced starting over from zero.

This isn’t just about career change—it’s about identity, courage, and redefining success on your own terms. If you’ve ever felt that pull to do something different but fear and security kept you frozen, my story will give you both the playbook and the push to take action.

Episode Timeline & Highlights

[0:41] - Why I became a CPA (and why it wasn’t really my plan)

[4:54] - The chance encounter that landed me at Deloitte

[5:11] - Realizing the work didn’t align with my purpose

[6:34] - The accidental birth of BudgetDog

[8:23] - The moment I knew I had a new calling

[11:03] - The emotional cost of reinvention

[12:11] - From steady paycheck to financial volatility

[14:27] - Proving doubters wrong (and the partner who mocked me)

[16:23] - Letting go of external validation

[20:28] - Redefining success to serve family and mission

[22:45] - Practical steps to prepare for a career pivot

[23:29] - Journal prompt to discover your true calling

Key Takeaways

1. Reinvention is Hard but Worth It – Changing careers means changing your identity, your habits, and how you handle fear.

2. Purpose Outweighs Prestige – External validation and titles won’t matter if the work doesn’t align with what truly fulfills you.

3. Prepare Before You Leap – Build an income bridge, test your idea, and ensure your pivot is both passionate and practical.

Quotables

Links & Resources

• Learn more about BudgetDog Academy: https://budgetdog.com

• Watch my story about leaving Deloitte: https://youtube.com (search “Deloitte BudgetDog”)

If this episode gave you the push to think differently about your career, please share it with a friend who needs to hear it. And don’t forget to rate, follow, and review the show—it helps more people take bold steps toward the life they want.