We dive into a common listener question: Can I afford a career break or sabbatical? Career breaks for family, travel, burnout, or realignment are becoming increasingly common, and we wholeheartedly support the idea. However, the financial and mental preparation required for taking time off extends far beyond just checking your savings account balance. We provide essential, step-by-step guidance on all the considerations to thoughtfully answer this question, including your emergency fund, medical insurance, rehireability, planning for the worst-case scenario, navigating debt, and more. Learn how to create a financial plan that ensures you enter your break from a position of financial strength and confidence.

Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/139-can-i-afford-to-take-time-off-financial-considerations-for-a-sabbatical-or-career-break/

Stop scrolling and start appreciating. This episode is a powerful flip-the-script moment on consumer culture, exploring how a mindset of wanting what you already have is one of the most transformative financial tools you might be overlooking. It’s not about giving up everything; it’s about gaining perspective on the abundance already in your life—from a secure home to a full pantry. Discover how shifting your focus to gratitude can quiet the cycle of wanting more, reduce financial anxiety and debt, and even rewire your brain for greater happiness and contentment. You'll get actionable steps to embrace this mindset and free yourself from the never-ending treadmill of buying the next "thing".

Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/138-want-what-you-already-have-tactics-to-rewire-your-brain-to-want-less/

We tackle one of the biggest mental roadblocks to wealth: the search for perfection that leads to over-optimization and analysis paralysis. If you’ve ever frozen up while trying to find the absolute best investment or budgeting tool, you're not alone. We break down the 80/20 rule of money, arguing that the simple, boring choices are the real secrets to financial progress, not chasing tiny advantages. Stop letting the fear of imperfection cost you years of compounding growth; simplicity is often better than perfection.

Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/137-the-80-20-rule-of-money-dont-let-perfect-be-the-enemy-of-the-good/

We are discussing Morgan Housel's new book, The Art of Spending Money, and exploring the psychological and practical challenges of how we spend money to maximize happiness and utility. We dive into the core concepts of the book, contrasting the typical financial focus on accumulation with the crucial art of mindful spending. We discuss how our individual life experiences deeply influence our money stories, leading to the insight that "all behavior makes sense with enough information." The discussion includes a debate on whether spending is driven by genuine utility or simply the desire to impress others, and the powerful role of managing expectations as a key to increasing contentment and wealth.

Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/136-the-art-of-spending-money-morgan-housel-book-review/

People confuse luck for skill when it comes to investments. Your path to wealth isn’t a sprint; it’s a patient, consistent marathon. We tear down the seductive fantasy of getting rich quickly, and reveal why those instant-success pitches are almost always traps preying on your fears of missing out and your desire to get rich quickly. We share why we embrace the boring basics and how, when it comes to money, the simplest, most consistent strategy is truly the best one.

Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/135-the-get-rich-quick-trap-why-slow-and-boring-wins-the-money-race/

Stop chasing the next big purchase and start finding genuine contentment. The world tells us that more money, more stuff, and a higher status equal happiness, yet we only feel more anxious and unfulfilled. Enter the ancient philosopher Epicurus, who flips the script on modern consumerism. We discuss how the Epicurean pursuit of tranquility and freedom from pain is the shortest, most reliable path to happiness and financial independence.

Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/134-finding-happiness-through-ancient-wisdom-the-epicurus-way/

The holidays are meant to be about joy, but somewhere along the way, we've let them become a source of stress, guilt, and financial and emotional strain. We’ve all felt the pressure to overspend, over-commit, and keep up with picture-perfect social media feeds. We offer a practical antidote to the madness, with five actionable ways to reset your holiday expectations using an "inside out" approach that prioritizes your peace and financial well-being. Learn how to identify your true core values and use them as a simple filter to cut back on time, money, and emotional spending that doesn't align with your goals. We also provide clear, direct scripts for navigating the awkward "gift-free" conversation, setting necessary boundaries with family.

Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/133-five-ways-to-reset-holiday-expectations/

This is your masterclass in returns and reclaiming your money with grace and strategy. We reveal why returns matter and how to turn a common headache into a financial win. We go beyond the simple act of taking something back and share how to approach shopping with an "exit strategy" and that things are often negotiable. Listen to some of our craziest return stories and discover the creative ways you can advocate for yourself and your money.

Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/132-the-art-of-the-return-get-your-money-back/