Episode 42 - Real Talk about Marriage, Money & Misunderstandings

Marriage is both a gift and a challenge. Whether your relationship is in a season of ease or strain, this episode offers practical encouragement rooted in timeless values. Host Deb Meyer also shares a personal example of how forgiveness, not perfection, builds a lasting partnership.

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Episode 41 - How to Plan Senior Care Without Breaking the Bank

As parents age, many of us find ourselves stepping into a new role: caregiver, advocate, and decision-maker. In this heartfelt and highly practical episode, Deb Meyer is joined by Erin Dwyer-Busch, elder care consultant and owner of the St. Louis location of Senior Care Authority. Erin shares her personal journey from pediatric speech therapist to trusted advisor for families navigating the complex world of senior care.

Whether you're concerned about a parent’s driving, exploring assisted living options, or unsure how to start the conversation about long-term care, Erin brings expert insights. This is a must-listen for parents who want to care for their own children while supporting aging loved ones, without compromising financial stability or emotional well-being.

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Episode 40 - Big Tax Refund? Surprise Bill? Here's What to Know

You filed your taxes. And now you’re either breathing a sigh of relief… or wondering why you owe more than expected.

CPA, Certified Financial Planner™, and host Deb Meyer shares top lessons from the 2024 tax season, especially for busy parents and small business owners. If you got a refund, you’ll learn how to make the most of it. Deb explains why it might not be your tax preparer’s fault and how to plan better next year if you owe.

Plus: a simple framework to help you decide what to do with any financial windfall — from tax refunds to bonuses or unexpected gifts.

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Episode 39 - How to Raise Money-Smart Kids with Chris Baden

Are you working hard to build a better life but worried you’re sacrificing what matters most?

In this episode, Chris Baden shares how he reshaped success around faith, family, and intentional entrepreneurship. As a husband, homeschool dad of three, and CEO of FlowChat, Chris brings wisdom from both the boardroom and the breakfast table.

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Episode 38 - Healthcare Sharing vs. Insurance: Which Saves You More?

In this episode of Beyond Budgets®, Deb shares a personal story that hits home—navigating the unexpected cost of her son's surgery, even with insurance. That real-life experience opens the door to a bigger conversation: what are your options when traditional health insurance doesn't fit?

Whether you're between jobs, self-employed, or considering early retirement, Deb breaks down:

  • What healthcare sharing plans really are—and what they're not

  • The trade-offs of COBRA vs. marketplace insurance

  • Why premiums have jumped 47% over the last decade

  • What to know about pre-existing conditions, preventive care, and reimbursement delays

  • Her own experience using MediShare during a family sabbatical

Plus, Deb dives into smart open enrollment decisions for those with traditional employer plans—HSA vs. FSA, high-deductible plans, and avoiding costly dental surprises (hello, braces).

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Episode 37 - Faith, Family, & Finances - A Better Way to Manage Money

Money is more than just paying bills and saving for the future—it’s a tool for living out your values and making a lasting impact. As part of the weeklong event Podcasthon, we’re highlighting Compass Catholic Ministries, a nonprofit dedicated to helping families approach money with wisdom, generosity, and faith.

Join us as Camila Gonzalez shares practical ways to align your finances with your values, get out of debt, and build a strong financial foundation—without feeling overwhelmed.

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Episode 36 - Why Uncertainty Doesn't Have to Derail Your Financial Plan

Uncertainty is a constant, but how we react to it makes all the difference. In this episode of Beyond Budgets®, we dive into today’s shifting economic and political landscape—including tariffs, job losses, and market trends—and what they could mean for your finances. More importantly, we’ll explore timeless financial principles that can help you stay steady, no matter what’s happening in the world.

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Episode 35 - Investing Smart: How to Avoid Hidden Fees & Find the Right Advisor

Did you know that half of investment advisor clients think they’re getting comprehensive advice, but only 11% actually are? In this episode, Deb Meyer sits down with Stephen Tanenbaum, founder of Rainbook, a platform dedicated to bringing transparency to financial advising. Stephen shares how Rainbook helps parents evaluate their advisors, uncover hidden fees, and make sure they’re getting real value from their financial relationships.

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Episode 34 - 10 Key Questions to Ask When Hiring a Financial Advisor

Choosing a financial advisor is a big decision that can shape your family’s financial future. In this episode of Beyond Budgets®, Deb Meyer breaks down how to evaluate advisors and find the right fit for your unique goals and values. Whether you’re new to financial planning or transitioning to another advisor, this episode equips you with the knowledge and confidence to make an informed choice.

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Episode 33 - College Funding Secrets Every Parent Needs to Know

Planning for college can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode of Beyond Budgets, host Deb Meyer sits down with Ann Garcia, CFP®, also known as "The College Financial Lady." Ann is the author of How to Pay for College and a mom of twins who recently graduated debt-free. She combines her professional expertise with personal experience to share strategies that will help you save money and reduce stress during the college planning process.

Whether your child is years away from applying or you’re in the thick of FAFSA forms and scholarship deadlines, this episode will leave you feeling more confident and equipped to navigate the journey.

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Episode 32 - Bucket Lists, Balance, and Building Wellness

What’s on your bucket list? Whether exploring far-off destinations, creating stronger family bonds, or getting your finances in shape, this episode is your guide to dreaming big and making it happen.

Host Deb Meyer shares how a simple New Year’s Eve conversation about bucket lists sparked fresh ideas for setting goals that truly matter.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

  • The surprising link between financial health and overall well-being.

  • How stress in one area can ripple into another—and what to do about it.

  • A three-step framework for financial wellness: shift your mindset, adjust the plan, and center yourself with prayer.

Ready to make 2025 your best year yet? Tune in for stories, strategies, and a fresh perspective on achieving balance and purpose.

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Episode 31 - Embracing Leadership as a Moral Imperative

Did you know parents are the best leaders?

In this episode, Dr. Jim Salvucci shares his transformative journey from an English professor to a corporate leader, emphasizing the universal essence of leadership rooted in integrity and soft skills. Jim reflects on how early leadership roles in Boy Scouts and his father's servant leadership model shaped his values-driven approach. 

Whether you’re a parent looking to embrace personal growth, self-awareness, or the moral philosophy of leadership, this episode is for you!  Also, don’t forget to follow Jim’s blog and podcast, On Leading with Greatness, on Substack.

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Episode 30 - SALT Caps, EV Credits, and Tax Tips: Planning for 2025

It’s that time of year – when we need to start thinking ahead to 2025!

In this special episode, Deb Meyer shares year-end tax planning strategies following the recent election. Highlights include:

  1. 2025 Tax Landscape: Potential extensions to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, changes to state and local tax (SALT) deduction limits, and strategic timing for estimated tax payments.

  2. Electric Vehicle Credits: Tips on maximizing the $7,500 EV credit in 2024 and considerations for foreign car purchases ahead of tariff changes.

  3. Small Business Tax Planning: Importance of year-end projections, managing estimated taxes, and finding a proactive CPA.

  4. Additional Tax-Smart Strategies

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Episode 29 - Capturing Memories That Matter with Ryan Koral

Looking to strengthen your financial partnership with your spouse? Download our free resource, 4 Key Questions for Financial Check-Ins. This guide provides simple, stress-free conversation starters to help couples get on the same page about money, plan for future expenses, and dream together.

Download the Free Resource

In this episode, Ryan Koral and host Deb Meyer explore the intersection of storytelling, finances, and family values. Whether it’s teaching kids about money, preserving memories with video, or having productive financial conversations with your spouse, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

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Episode 28 - Money and Meaning: Embracing Stewardship and Generosity

Celebrate the first anniversary of the Beyond Budgets® podcast!!

Join host Deb Meyer as she dives into faith-driven money management inspired by the Compass Catholic Retreat. Discover how to break emotional attachments to material possessions and embrace God-honoring financial stewardship. Through engaging stories and lessons from the parable of the talents, learn to balance worldly desires with spiritual wisdom. Plus, explore advanced charitable giving techniques and the importance of spiritual guidance. Tune in for practical tips, and follow us for more inspiring financial insights!

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Episode 27 - Breaking Free from Work-Centered Identity

In this episode of Beyond Budgets, host Deb Meyer is joined by exit strategist and Dream Catchers podcast host Jerome Myers to unpack the complex journey of redefining yourself after big life changes like selling a business or retiring. Together, Deb and Jerome explore the “founder's exit paradox”—the often-overlooked psychological challenges that come with moving on from a career-focused identity—and what it takes to build a fulfilling life based on who you are, not just what you do.

Jerome shares powerful insights on how to separate your self-worth from your job title, offering practical steps to discover and use transferable skills, build meaningful relationships, and keep growing in new ways post-career. This episode dives into balancing health and wealth, maintaining well-being, and finding lasting purpose beyond work. Whether you’re planning your next chapter or in the middle of a transition, this conversation is full of strategies to help you move forward with clarity, confidence, and fulfillment.

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