Imagine the power of world-class musicians bringing classical music into spaces where hope and beauty are often distant memories. In this episode, I recount my moving experience attending a concert inside a prison, organized by the Looking at the Stars Foundation. As the music filled the room, it created a profound sense of connection and transform…

Andy Hill is an award-winning blogger, podcaster, Youtuber and family finance coach. All under the brand of 'Marriage, Kids, and Money’, his primary focus is helping families build wealth and happiness. He shares his inspiring story of going from a $50,000 negative net worth to achieving financial independence and now living his best 'Coast FI' lif…

Dr. Anita Collins, who I consider the global godmother of music advocacy, has been working for six years on a simplified music advocacy method. This distilled, efficient method is now available and is designed to empower musicians and educators everywhere to confidently and effectively advocate for music education. Infuse these steps into your work…

This episode explores the intricate and confusing world of Medicare with leading expert Danielle Roberts. Danielle is founding partner at Boomer Benefits, an agency that has helped thousands of ordinary Americans learn and navigate their entry into Medicare since 2005. She's also author of the bestselling book '10 Costly Medicare Mistakes You Can't…

From the intimate power of live performances to unique community partnerships, discover how chamber music nourishes both the soul and the community. I share my incredible experience with ProMusica Minnesota, a world-class chamber music ensemble in Southern Minnesota. Hear tips on attending these transformative concerts and how joining a music organ…

Cris Gawlik sold all her possessions in 2019 to travel the world, and in this episode she shares her fascinating nomadic journey. Learn how she utilizes geo-arbitrage, manages her finances on the go, and maintains strong social connections across the globe. She gives us insights into how she handles banking, health insurance, and taxes while living…

Sara Auster is a world-renowned sound therapist and author of “Sound Bath: Meditate, Heal and Connect Through Listening.” We explore the profound effects of sound baths, from their ability to promote healing and mindfulness to their growing recognition in the wellness world. Sara shares her journey into sound therapy, how sound affects the mind and…

Subscribe and Watch on YouTube Join host Bill and guest Diana Falck as they explore the intersection of community resilience and getting involved. In the wake of a recent crisis in Western North Carolina and East Tennessee, the duo highlights local relief efforts and community collaboration. Then in this special 100th episode, we get back to the ba…

Fall is here, and just like we cozy up with warm sweaters and comfort food, our playlists can provide warmth, tranquility, and mental recalibration. A curated fall playlist eases us into autumn, grounds us, and helps us fully experience the present season. Like a soft sweater for your soul, find out how music can be the perfect companion for the cr…

In this special two-part episode we unveil the 'Wealthy Custodian,' Jeff York (from episode 74 & 76), and take a deep dive into the world of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). Jeff joins as co-host along with Bill and Jackie (our HSA Maven) to share how they supersized thier HSAs and discovered how powerful they can be on the path to FI. This comprehe…

Can art, nature, and movement be just as powerful as medicine? In this episode, I’m joined by solutions-focused journalist Julia Hotz, author of The Connection Cure. We explore how social prescribing—using nonmedical resources like music, service, and belonging—can improve mental and physical health. Julia shares the science behind this approach, r…

This heartfelt episode dives into the incredible story of Krista and Ed. From growing up in poverty to facing financial insecurity as adults, this resilient couple shares their journey of overcoming adversity and finding hope in the FIRE movement. Discover how a deep bond of love, open communication, strategic planning, and an unwavering spirit led…

Discover how cultural and creative cross-training fuels artistic innovation, from Paul McCartney’s legendary approach to staying inspired, to my recent experience at Zip Zap Circus’ mind-blowing MOYA production. Discover how the fusion of music, acrobatics, and storytelling creates a powerful blend of entertainment and social impact—reminding us th…

Former award-winning teacher turned educator on financial literacy and relationships, Brian Page discusses the concept of 'Modern Husbands' and the importance of viewing marriage as a partnership. Learn about his innovative Marriage Toolkit, designed with insights from over 30 experts, and discover practical tips on managing money, home, careers, a…

Whether you're a musician or simply a lover of life, the Alexander Technique offers tools that can be utilized by anyone looking to bring more ease, clarity, and joy to all they do in life. This time-tested and research-proven awareness and movement discipline offers holistic solutions to common obstacles with mind-body awareness techniques that ar…

Join hosts Bill and Jackie as they delve into a profound conversation with Vicki Robin, co-author of 'Your Money or Your Life.' Vicki discusses the concept of 'enoughness' as a spiritual practice and the fulfillment curve, offering insights into how recognizing enough can lead to a more satisfying life. The dialogue covers financial independence, t…

Ever wondered what really drives your favorite musicians? In this episode, we pull back the curtain on musician biopics and documentaries, revealing how these captivating films deepen our connection to music, inspire creativity, and uncover the hidden stories behind the songs we love. You'll also learn the film theme that haunted me as a child! Joi…

Join Bill and Jackie in an engaging conversation with Vicki Robin, co-author of the best-selling book 'Your Money or Your Life'. Vicki shares her insightful philosophy on financial independence, community resilience, and the power of frugality. She discusses her journey from active community building to aging with purpose on Whidbey Island, and how…

In this episode, we're joined by the renowned Dr. Daniel Levitin, neuroscientist, musician, and bestselling author. We dive into his brand-new book, I Heard There Was a Secret Chord: Music as Medicine. Dr. Levitin reveals why he wrote the book, how he chose the title, his definition of music, and this new book’s relationship to his earlier best-sel…

Subscribe and Watch on YouTube Kristy Shen and Bryce Leung are the dynamic duo behind the Millennial Revolution blog and movement. In this insightful episode, Kristy and Bryce discuss their journey from house-hunting to achieving Financial Independence (FI) and retiring in their early 30s. They delve into why they chose to reject traditional housin…

Discover how music unites us, celebrates diversity, and keeps traditions alive. Attending a vibrant cultural event with a friend highlighted for me music's strength and ubiquity in connecting us to our cultural roots. Music provides a vehicle to preserve heritage and celebrate our diverse identities, and music serves as a bridge to cultural heritag…

Subscribe and Watch on YouTube Meet Nadia and Nicole, the Wealth Twins! Raised by a single mother in New York City's toughest projects, these twin sisters overcame obstacles to graduate from Columbia University, work on Wall Street, and ultimately achieve early retirement. In this episode, they recount experiences from 9/11 and the 2008 financial c…

Taylor Ullom has deep and extensive personal and familial ties with the military – and with music. Taylor is a US Air Force veteran who has dedicated herself to promoting mental health awareness and alternative therapies like music for enhancing the lives of veterans and military families. She shares her powerful journey and personal experiences th…

Subscribe and Watch on YouTube Joe Saul-Sehy of Stacking Benjamins joins the show to discuss financial planning, overcoming debt, and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people. Joe shares his personal journey of financial mismanagement as a young financial planner, the principles behind the efficient frontier, and his thoughts on…

Discover a simple hack to infuse your everyday routine with joy! In this episode, I share how creating personalized ringtones from your favorite songs can bring smiles to your face and those around you. From practical efficiency to sparking fun conversations, this tip is a game-changer. Links and notes related to this episode can be found at https:…

Subscribe and Watch on YouTube Bill and Jackie sit down with 'Jay,' an anonymous guest who shares his incredible journey from a military and police background to achieving financial independence by the age of 39. Jay discusses his experiences on the SWAT team and as an undercover detective, and the mental health challenges that came with his career…

What is the recipe for good sleeping music, especially for those living with dementia (and their caregivers)? This conversation with Duke researcher Dr. Darina Petrovsky offers a behind-the-scenes look at active, current research on music as a non-pharmacologic sleep intervention, as well as characteristics of sleep-inducing music and how music can…

Meet David and Stephen Baughier, twin brothers and prominent figures in the Financial Independence community. David, a 20-year Navy veteran and founder of Fiology, and Stephen, creator of CampFI, share their financial journeys from early money lessons to becoming community leaders. David, Stephen, Bill, and Jackie discuss the impact of life events,…

Susan Cain's insightful book explores why sad music resonates deeply with us, why it can be a motivating force, and how we can transform pain into creativity, healing, and connection. Through personal stories, research, and reflections, she examines the beauty in bittersweet moments, powerful ideas on turning sorrow into a creative offering, and re…

Today we dive deep into the stock market with special guest, Brian Feroldi. As a financial educator, YouTuber, and author of “Why Does the Stock Market Go Up?”, Brian shares his wisdom on the long-term growth of the S&P 500, the significance of stock market indices, and the nuances of volatility and investment strategies. Bill, Jackie, and Brian di…

Coro Health's innovative therapeutic music services are revolutionizing care for individuals with dementia, Alzheimer's, and other conditions. David Schofman, Co-Founder and CEO of Coro Health, describes their groundbreaking Music Prescription Builder and compelling evidence from clinical trials showing significant reductions in agitation, depressi…

Subscribe and Watch on YouTube Amy Weinland Daughters is an award-winning author and keynote speaker, who joins Bill and Jackie to chat about the powerful impact of handwritten letters in the digital age. Amy shares her unique journey of reconnecting with an old friend, leading to an inspiring project of writing 580 letters to her Facebook friends.…

While there are a million ways that music can enhance a wedding experience, here are a few ways that music enhanced my mother-of-the-bride experience. Discover tips to turn each element of the event into an elevated moment, even those necessary "chores" that could easily turn into forgettable items on the to-do list. Make each step of the journey a…

Subscribe and Watch on YouTube Chris Mamula, a former physical therapist who achieved early retirement at 41, shares his journey from financial mistakes to becoming a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and a prominent voice in the FIRE movement. Discover practical tips on budgeting, saving during peak earning years, and utilizing retirement calculat…

Here is the second half of Bill and Jackie’s conversation with Mindy and Scott on the BiggerPockets Money Podcast. They dig into the practical steps on how to start your financial journey as a late-starter. Enjoy! 🔗 Connect with us Buy CUtFI a coffee Record a message for CUtFI Thank you to our sponsors: Personal Finance Club (Use code CUTOFI to get…

The Star Spangled Banner is the nickname of our flag, but it’s also the title of our national anthem. What should we know about how our national song came to be, and what makes it unique among national anthems around the world? Links and notes related to this episode can be found at https://mpetersonmusic.com/podcast/episode186 Connect with us: New…

Tae Kim, also known as the Financial Tortoise online, is a former U.S. Army captain, MBA graduate, and finance director turned successful personal finance YouTuber. He shares his journey from being $105,000 in student debt to achieving financial security and discovering the Financial Independence movement. Tae chats with Bill and Jackie about his e…

Bill and Jackie were invited to join Mindy and Scott on the BiggerPockets Money podcast to go through a step-by-step process of how to get started on the path to financial independence as a late-starter, a topic highly relevant to their audience. Take a listen to this week's part one and then tune in next week for part two! 🔗 Connect with us Buy CU…

Learn why I reluctantly listened to a country song and the surprising impact it had on a minor holiday. Discover the power of music to help us more fully experience connecting family moments. Elevate your next milestone moment, whether it's a vacation, family reunion, move to a new home, or first day of school. Links and notes related to this episo…

Meet Aaron Thomas, an attorney, founder of Prenups.com, and author of the book "The Prenup Prescription." In perfect time for wedding season, Aaron chats with Bill and Jackie about how a proper prenup can not only protect but improve your relationship. As a former divorce attorney who helped hundreds of clients secure favorable settlements, Aaron s…

Today we're rerunning our episode with Jonathan Clements who is a dear personal friend and a friend of our community. He recently posted on his blog, HumbleDollar, about his final lap around the sun yesterday. Let’s send him our love. 🔗 Connect with us Buy CUtFI a coffee Record a message for CUtFI Thank you to our sponsors: Personal Finance Club (U…

Amy Camie has been a pioneer in researching the role music plays in healing our bodies, particularly for cancer patients. Amy had the chance to apply her work in her own life when she herself was diagnosed with cancer. A therapeutic harpist, Amy shares resources to support the immune system, impact healing, and increase brainwave function for those…

Kyle Landis-Marinello is a practicing attorney specializing in environmental and energy law. Bill and Jackie dive deep with Kyle into topics such as socially responsible investing, student loan forgiveness, and his book, Personal Finance and Investing: How Anyone can Make More, Spend Less, and Invest Wisely. We also learn about Kyle’s unique financ…

Join us as we explore the magic of seeing your community with fresh eyes. In this episode, we share tips on how to uncover hidden gems right in your neighborhood. Hear about our recent move, the surprising treasure discovered at our new local library, and how programs like smARTpass can open doors to amazing cultural experiences. Whether you’ve jus…

Meet the dynamic duo, Alan and Katie Donegan! The Donegans, known for their Rebel Finance School and Rebel Business School, share their insights on living an extraordinary life, both financially and personally. From defining what “extraordinary” means on an individual level to the importance of financial independence and entrepreneurship, Alan and …

Aubrey Bergauer helps organizations optimize the business side of the arts: grow audiences and donor bases, build relevance and visibility, utilize technology to elevate and extend the brand, and ultimately generate the revenue needed to sustainably fund the art that’s produced. Discover how Aubrey doubled the audience and quadrupled the donor base…

Donna Peterson is a retired supervisory special agent and joins Bill and Jackie to cover the essential topic of internet and financial security. Drawing from her extensive background in combating cybercrime with the FBI, Donna shares her expert advice on how to secure personal and financial information against common hacks, the importance of two-fa…

Capture the essence of the season and immerse yourself in the magic of summer with your own well-crafted sunshine playlist! From bright, energetic tunes to laid-back island vibes, nostalgic favorites, and patriotic anthems, discover how music can set the tone, elevate your summer adventures, and create lasting memories. Join me as we explore the so…

Christine Benz is the Director of Personal Finance and Retirement Planning at Morningstar. Christine shares her extensive insights into retirement planning, emphasizing the flexibility and adaptability of the 4 percent guideline over the rigid 4 percent rule. She discusses the value of variable withdrawal strategies, the importance of personalizing…