The Consumerism Commentary Podcast
By Consumerism Commentary
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Podcast Description
The Consumerism Commentary Podcast is a radio show from a premier personal finance blog, Consumerism Commentary. Website founder Flexo and hosts Tom Dziubek and Jay Frosting talk with guests about money management, getting out of debt, budgeting, consumer issues, investing, and the economic issues that touch individuals in the United States and all over the world.
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Podcast 161: My Mother Was a Mail Order Bride | Today on the Consumerism Commentary Podcast, Tom Dziubek speaks with Aloysa, founder of the personal finance website My Broken Coin about how her mother came to America by becoming a mail order bride. She talks about the decision to find an overseas husband, what the search process was like, the risks involved and how the decision turned out. Aloysa also talks about how she came to America and how the transition from the former Soviet Union affected her spending habits. Consumerism Commentary Podcast My Mother Was a Mail Order Bride: S07E05 / 187 jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $('#wp_mep_1').mediaelementplayer({ m:1 ,features: ['playpause','current','progress','duration','volume','tracks','fullscreen'] ,audioWidth:400,audioHeight:30 }); }); Download – RSS – iTunes Table of contents [00:00] Introduction from Tom Dziubek [00:38] Interview with Aloysa – [00:51] Life in Lithuania – [02:17] Becoming a mail order bride – [04:02] Risky business – [05:06] The costs involved – [06:59] The types of people who solicit mail order brides – [09:33] The dating process – [10:33] What could happen if a marriage doesn’t work – [11:32] Achieving American citizenship – [13:02] Aloysa’s mom finds her husband – [15:58] The husband’s first visit to Lithuania – [18:50] Their current marital status – [19:10] Aloysa comes to America – [20:07] Personal finances: going from communism to capitalism [25:04] End We always welcome feedback from listeners. If you have any comments for this episode or for any other, or if you have suggestions for future episodes, please leave us comments here or email us at podcast at this domain name. Theme music by Mindcube. Podcast 161: My Mother Was a Mail Order Bride is a post from: Consumerism Commentary | 5/20/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Podcast 160: The Rich and the Rest of Us | Today on the Consumerism Commentary Podcast, Jay Frosting and Luke Landes talk with Tavis Smiley, host of Tavis Smiley on PBS. With Dr. Cornel West, Tavis Smiley is the co-author of The Rich and the Rest of Us: A Poverty Manifesto. The interview in today’s podcast was scheduled to include Cornel West as well, but a court appearance prevented him from participating. They discuss the causes and possible solutions of the growing problem of poverty in America, which Tavis says is a threat to democracy itself. Read this Consumerism Commentary article for more discussion about poverty with Tavis Smiley. Consumerism Commentary Podcast The Rich and the Rest of Us: S07E04 / 160 jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $('#wp_mep_2').mediaelementplayer({ m:1 ,features: ['playpause','current','progress','duration','volume','tracks','fullscreen'] ,audioWidth:400,audioHeight:30 }); }); Download – RSS – iTunes Table of contents [00:00] Introduction from Jay Frosting [00:33] Interview with Tavis Smiley – [01:08] How many Americans are affected by poverty – [04:03] Who poverty affects and why – [06:55] The social safety net and austerity – [10:26] The role of education – [13:58] How to fix poverty [18:33] End We always welcome feedback from listeners. If you have any comments for this episode or for any other, or if you have suggestions for future episodes, please leave us comments here or email us at podcast at this domain name. Theme music by Mindcube. Podcast 160: The Rich and the Rest of Us is a post from: Consumerism Commentary | 5/13/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Podcast 159: The 7% Solution | Today on the Consumerism Commentary Podcast, Jay Frosting speaks with John Graves, author of The 7% Solution: You Can Afford a Comfortable Retirement. They discuss the unique challenges baby boomers face when planning for retirement. Consumerism Commentary Podcast The 7% Solution: S07E03 / 159 jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $('#wp_mep_3').mediaelementplayer({ m:1 ,features: ['playpause','current','progress','duration','volume','tracks','fullscreen'] ,audioWidth:400,audioHeight:30 }); }); Download – RSS – iTunes Table of contents [00:00] Introduction from Jay Frosting [00:33] Interview with John Graves – [00:44] The four money lessons baby boomers probably already know – [03:08] 40% of people close to retirement aren’t prepared – [04:19] Make the most of your last years of work and put off Social Security income – [06:12] Look at income sources aside from a typical salary – [07:11] Managing your own portfolio vs. using a financial advisor – [10:34] How to research stocks and be a value investor – [14:21] This system isn’t right for everybody – [15:34] Health is more important than wealth – [17:35] Giving back through volunteer work [18:17] End We always welcome feedback from listeners. If you have any comments for this episode or for any other, or if you have suggestions for future episodes, please leave us comments here or email us at podcast at this domain name. Theme music by Mindcube. Podcast 159: The 7% Solution is a post from: Consumerism Commentary | 5/6/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Podcast 158: Kimberly Palmer, Palmer’s Planners | Today on the Consumerism Commentary Podcast, Jay Frosting and Luke Landes talk with Kim Palmer, author of Generation Earn and creator of Palmer’s Planners. Consumerism Commentary discussed Palmer’s Planners recently. In the interview, Jay, Luke, and Kim discuss household financial planning for right-brained thinkers and money issues for young people and women. Consumerism Commentary Podcast Palmer’s Planners: S07E02 / 158 jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $('#wp_mep_4').mediaelementplayer({ m:1 ,features: ['playpause','current','progress','duration','volume','tracks','fullscreen'] ,audioWidth:400,audioHeight:30 }); }); Download – RSS – iTunes Table of contents [00:00] Introduction from Jay Frosting [00:33] Interview with Luke Landes and Kim Palmer – [00:49] Overview of Palmer’s Planners for right-brained thinkers – [03:15] Break down your overall strategy into low-level tactics – [04:18] Selling on Etsy to find more visually-focused customers – [06:10] Traditional publishing vs. self-publishing – [10:17] Becoming a mother inspired new planners and ways of working – [11:39] Does HBO’s “Girls” reflect real attitudes about money? – [15:53] Understand student loan rules and keep up with changes – [17:37] Trends among women’s salaries and priorities [21:10] End We always welcome feedback from listeners. If you have any comments for this episode or for any other, or if you have suggestions for future episodes, please leave us comments here or email us at podcast at this domain name. Theme music by Mindcube. Podcast 158: Kimberly Palmer, Palmer’s Planners is a post from: Consumerism Commentary | 4/29/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Podcast 157: Credit Card Application Fees | Today on the Consumerism Commentary Podcast, Jay Frosting and Flexo talk with Matt Schulz, Vice President of Content for InvestingAnswers.com. They discuss the implications of a recent legal ruling that excludes credit card application fees from the limit on fees that credit card issuers can charge within the first year. Consumerism Commentary Podcast Credit Card Application Fees: S07E01 / 157 jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $('#wp_mep_5').mediaelementplayer({ m:1 ,features: ['playpause','current','progress','duration','volume','tracks','fullscreen'] ,audioWidth:400,audioHeight:30 }); }); Download – RSS – iTunes Table of contents [00:00] Introduction from Jay Frosting [00:33] Interview with Flexo and Matt Schulz – [00:49] Challenging the 25% fee limit specified in the Credit CARD Act – [06:00] Will application fees be more pervasive now? – [07:14] Are these fees limited to those with bad credit? – [09:18] A very high interest rate is worse than almost any other option – [12:34] The CFPB is still hearing public comments on this decision – [13:41] Application fees aren’t refundable and don’t guarantee credit – [14:21] The CFPB is trying to get more done before a possible Executive Branch change (addressing Republican criticisms of the bureau) – [18:33] Reduction in debt is part frugality and part banks reducing credit [20:02] End Update: We were mistaken during the recording regarding whether First Premiere refunds its application fee. Here’s what the terms and conditions say: “Right to Reject: You may still reject this plan, provided you have not used the Credit Account or paid a fee after receiving a billing statement. If you do reject the plan, you are not responsible for any fees or charges, including any Processing Fee(s) paid prior to receipt of your Account Opening Disclosures. Any such Processing Fee(s) previously paid will be refunded upon rejection of the plan.” It also says this: “Refund Disclosure: We will refund your Processing Fee and initial fees (those fees that are billed at the time of account opening) if (1) you have not used your Card for a Purchase or Cash Advance; and (2) you have not paid a fee after receiving a billing statement. We will refund any partial payment of the Processing Fee if you do not open your Credit Account within 85 days of approval. We will refund any Credit Limit Increase Fee charged to your Credit Account if you notify us, within 30 days of the date of the Periodic Statement on which it appears, that you do not wish to have the credit limit increase. This will result in a reversal of the credit limit increase. Except as described in this paragraph, these fees are non-refundable.” Here are the link for the terms and conditions. We always welcome feedback from listeners. If you have any comments for this episode or for any other, or if you have suggestions for future episodes, please leave us comments here or email us at podcast at this domain name. Theme music by Mindcube. Podcast 157: Credit Card Application Fees is a post from: Consumerism Commentary | 4/22/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Podcast 156: Financial Intelligence | Today on the Consumerism Commentary Podcast, Jay Frosting speaks to Joe Knight, co-author of Financial Intelligence: An Illustrated Guide to Knowing What the Numbers Really Mean. They discuss why and how employees in non-financial roles should learn to read financial statements, largely because accounting relies on a lot of educated guesses and biases. Consumerism Commentary Podcast Financial Intelligence: S06E25 / 156 jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $('#wp_mep_6').mediaelementplayer({ m:1 ,features: ['playpause','current','progress','duration','volume','tracks','fullscreen'] ,audioWidth:400,audioHeight:30 }); }); Download – RSS – iTunes Table of contents [00:00] Introduction from Jay Frosting [00:34] Interview with Joe Knight – [00:48] Get a good working knowledge of how to read statements – [02:29] Why approach financial statements education through a comic book? – [03:53] Teaching through story-telling, including the fraud at WorldCom – [09:33] Accounting relies on guessing and biases (“cooking the books”) – [15:24] Many companies fail a basic finance test – [17:10] Three things that improve companies: training, access to financial data, and profit-sharing – [19:25] What is and isn’t in the graphic novel version – [20:02] Why Wall Street is increasingly focused on cash flow [22:12] End We always welcome feedback from listeners. If you have any comments for this episode or for any other, or if you have suggestions for future episodes, please leave us comments here or email us at podcast at this domain name. Theme music by Mindcube. Podcast 156: Financial Intelligence is a post from: Consumerism Commentary | 4/15/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Podcast 155: The Work Revolution | Today on the Consumerism Commentary Podcast, Jay Frosting talks with Julie Clow, author of The Work Revolution. They talk about differing energy cycles, ditching time cards & meetings, and measuring impact instead of employee activities. Consumerism Commentary Podcast The Work Revolution: S06E25 / 155 jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $('#wp_mep_7').mediaelementplayer({ m:1 ,features: ['playpause','current','progress','duration','volume','tracks','fullscreen'] ,audioWidth:400,audioHeight:30 }); }); Download – RSS – iTunes Table of contents [00:00] Introduction from Jay Frosting [00:32] Interview with Julie Clow – [00:42] Work is now global and 24/7, leading to over-saturation – [04:25] We shouldn’t use rules leftover from assembly line businesses – [06:26] Questioning assumptions about schedules, time cards and meetings – [08:06] Work doesn’t need to seem unpleasant – [11:10] Julie’s quiz to determine how poorly your business rates on a freedom scale – [17:18] Measuring impact instead of activities – [21:41] Implementing a Results-Only Work Environment as a startup vs. as an existing business – [22:40] Employee freedom leads to more responsibility and accountability – [25:07] Humans have different energy cycles [29:15] End We always welcome feedback from listeners. If you have any comments for this episode or for any other, or if you have suggestions for future episodes, please leave us comments here or email us at podcast at this domain name. Theme music by Mindcube. Podcast 155: The Work Revolution is a post from: Consumerism Commentary | 4/8/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Podcast 154: The Psychology of Wealth | Today on the Consumerism Commentary Podcast, Bryan J Busch talks with Dr. Charles Richards, author of The Psychology of Wealth. They discuss many aspects of the brain’s conscious and unconscious affects on spending and saving. Consumerism Commentary Podcast The Psychology of Wealth: S06E24 / 154 jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $('#wp_mep_8').mediaelementplayer({ m:1 ,features: ['playpause','current','progress','duration','volume','tracks','fullscreen'] ,audioWidth:400,audioHeight:30 }); }); Download – RSS – iTunes Table of contents [00:00] Introduction from Bryan J Busch [00:33] Interview with Dr. Charles Richards – [00:45] The Family Operating System, its influence and how it works – [03:15] Examining your background and values – [03:50] The Singer sewing machine’s new way of buying – [05:37] The U.S. moved from owning what you need to putting luxuries on credit – [07:07] Are we doing it wrong? – [08:48] Your core values might just be hand-me-downs – [11:21] Moderate advice for solving debt problems – [14:02] Self-esteem’s influence on wealth, and increasing it through generosity [16:42] End We always welcome feedback from listeners. If you have any comments for this episode or for any other, or if you have suggestions for future episodes, please leave us comments here or email us at podcast at this domain name. Theme music by Mindcube. Podcast 154: The Psychology of Wealth is a post from: Consumerism Commentary | 4/1/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Podcast 153: Life Happens | Today on the Consumerism Commentary Podcast, Bryan J Busch talks with Mitch Weiss, author of Life Happens: A Practical Guide to Personal Finance from College to Career (available from Amazon.com on the Kindle). They discuss many of the topics young people need to know in order to avoid the pitfalls of personal finance. Consumerism Commentary Podcast Life Happens: S06E23 / 153 jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $('#wp_mep_9').mediaelementplayer({ m:1 ,features: ['playpause','current','progress','duration','volume','tracks','fullscreen'] ,audioWidth:400,audioHeight:30 }); }); Download – RSS – iTunes Table of contents [00:00] Introduction from Bryan J Busch [00:34] Interview with Mitch Weiss – [00:45] What are young people not being taught about finances? – [02:13] Student loans are a big problem right now – [04:10] A reasonable amount to borrow for college – [06:59] We should learn and teach more about acquiring and protecting credit – [09:16] What young people need to know about checking accounts, ATMs, and fraud – [17:56] Smart choices about health insurance – [21:26] Be open minded and polite when asking for discounts or a higher salary – [25:18] Employees shouldn’t be distracted by money worries [27:03] End We always welcome feedback from listeners. If you have any comments for this episode or for any other, or if you have suggestions for future episodes, please leave us comments here or email us at podcast at this domain name. Theme music by Mindcube. Podcast 153: Life Happens is a post from: Consumerism Commentary | 3/25/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Podcast 152: LearnVest | Today on the Consumerism Commentary Podcast, Bryan J Busch talks with Ainslie Simmonds, Chief Marketing Officer of LearnVest. They discuss the free and paid features of LearnVest, how people are using the service and what sets it apart from other methods of financial planning. Consumerism Commentary Podcast LearnVest: S06E21 / 176 jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $('#wp_mep_10').mediaelementplayer({ m:1 ,features: ['playpause','current','progress','duration','volume','tracks','fullscreen'] ,audioWidth:400,audioHeight:30 }); }); Download – RSS – iTunes Table of contents [00:00] Introduction from Bryan J Busch [00:34] Interview with Ainslie Simmonds – [00:45] Overview of LearnVest – [01:02] Why focus on women as an audience? – [02:05] LearnVest’s free educational products – [03:51] Connecting accounts and budgeting – [05:23] What LearnVest users like and want more of – [07:24] Different options for paid planning services – [08:18] Courses: a more involved boot camp – [08:47] How does working at LearnVest affect employees? – [10:15] LearnVest vs. investment firms – [12:11] High-quality content from classically trained journalists – [13:11] Future plans for LearnVest.com [14:32] End We always welcome feedback from listeners. If you have any comments for this episode or for any other, or if you have suggestions for future episodes, please leave us comments here or email us at podcast at this domain name. Theme music by Mindcube. Podcast 152: LearnVest is a post from: Consumerism Commentary | 3/18/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Podcast 151: ValueMyStuff, Double the Difference | Today on the Consumerism Commentary Podcast, Bryan J Busch talks with Patrick van der Voorst, founder of ValueMyStuff, and Tom Dziubek speaks with Ralph Pinto from Chase about their participation in the Drive to End Hunger campaign. Consumerism Commentary Podcast ValueMyStuff / Chase Double the Difference: S06E21 / 178 and 168 jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $('#wp_mep_11').mediaelementplayer({ m:1 ,features: ['playpause','current','progress','duration','volume','tracks','fullscreen'] ,audioWidth:400,audioHeight:30 }); }); Download – RSS – iTunes Table of contents [00:00] Introduction from Bryan J Busch [00:41] Interview with Patrick van der Voorst – [00:55] How ValueMyStuff works – [01:44] What are people asking for values of? – [02:23] People appraise things for selling and insurance – [03:04] Why art is considered an investment – [04:54] Comparing other investments to precious metals – [05:36] Patrick’s predictions for values going up – [07:24] Why certain items lose value overnight – [08:58] Valuable works of art as part of a retirement portfolio – [10:34] Older computers and iPods are now collectors’ items – [11:33] How to get the best estimate at ValueMyStuff.com [13:17] Interview with Ralph Pinto – [13:26] Chase’s Drive to End Hunger Campaign with AARP Visa Card – [15:19] Older Americans and food insecurity – [16:05] Success of the AARP Visa Card campaign – [17:07] Chase’s involvement and components – [18:45] Why older Americans donate more to charity – [19:42] Signing up for the AARP Visa Card – [20:28] Making donations directly to the campaign – [21:02] Partnership with AARP and NASCAR [21:56] End We always welcome feedback from listeners. If you have any comments for this episode or for any other, or if you have suggestions for future episodes, please leave us comments here or email us at podcast at this domain name. Theme music by Mindcube. Podcast 151: ValueMyStuff, Double the Difference is a post from: Consumerism Commentary | 3/11/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Podcast 150: The Big Retirement Risk | Today on the Consumerism Commentary Podcast, Bryan J Busch talks with Erin Botsford, author of The Big Retirement Risk. They discuss myths that Wall Street perpetuates about itself and Erin’s plan for a more sensible retirement portfolio. Consumerism Commentary Podcast The Big Retirement Risk: S06E20 / 150 jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $('#wp_mep_12').mediaelementplayer({ m:1 ,features: ['playpause','current','progress','duration','volume','tracks','fullscreen'] ,audioWidth:400,audioHeight:30 }); }); Download – RSS – iTunes Table of contents [00:00] Introduction from Bryan J Busch [00:32] Interview with Erin Botsford – [00:44] How Erin learned that money buys choices – [03:48] The old retirement models don’t work anymore – [05:21] Myths about Wall Street – [07:35] Don’t rely on “What’s Your Number?” – [08:49] How the housing market crash was predicted – [10:46] Lifestyle Driven Investing: hierarchical retirement planning – [15:57] Erin’s advice about typical and atypical insurance – [17:48] Annuities and U.S. Treasuries are a good option for guaranteed income [19:08] End We always welcome feedback from listeners. If you have any comments for this episode or for any other, or if you have suggestions for future episodes, please leave us comments here or email us at podcast at this domain name. Theme music by Mindcube. Podcast 150: The Big Retirement Risk is a post from: Consumerism Commentary | 3/4/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Podcast 149: Trends in Financial Planning | Today on the Consumerism Commentary Podcast, Bryan J Busch talks with Flexo and Michael Kitces, Director of Research for Pinnacle Advisory Group. They discuss how online money management tools compare to personalized financial planning and other trends in the changing field of financial advice. Consumerism Commentary Podcast Trends in Financial Planning: S06E19 / 149 jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $('#wp_mep_13').mediaelementplayer({ m:1 ,features: ['playpause','current','progress','duration','volume','tracks','fullscreen'] ,audioWidth:400,audioHeight:30 }); }); Download – RSS – iTunes Table of contents [00:00] Introduction from Bryan J Busch [00:32] Interview with Michael Kitces – [01:00] Different career paths toward financial planning – [03:40] Personal advice vs. online money software with advice components – [06:59] Clearing up the dizzying array of professional designations – [10:11] Where do the advisors’ suggestions come from? – [12:47] Typical clients, and how to attract more by making planning more accessible – [18:38] How can the industry appeal more to young clients? – [24:51] Finding the right planner for you – [27:26] Attracting young would-be planners [30:42] End We always welcome feedback from listeners. If you have any comments for this episode or for any other, or if you have suggestions for future episodes, please leave us comments here or email us at podcast at this domain name. Theme music by Mindcube. Podcast 149: Trends in Financial Planning is a post from: Consumerism Commentary | 2/26/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Podcast 148: Capital One Merger With ING Direct | Today on the Consumerism Commentary Podcast, Bryan J Busch talks to John Taylor, president and CEO of the National Community Reinvestment Coalition. They talk about the benefits and drawbacks of Capital One merging with ING Direct USA, and how the Federal Reserve Bank is treating this merger. Consumerism Commentary Podcast CapitalOne Merger With ING Direct: S06E19 / 148 jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $('#wp_mep_14').mediaelementplayer({ m:1 ,features: ['playpause','current','progress','duration','volume','tracks','fullscreen'] ,audioWidth:400,audioHeight:30 }); }); Download – RSS – iTunes Table of contents [00:00] Introduction from Bryan J Busch [00:33] Interview with John Taylor – [00:46] The merger between CapitalOne and ING Direct is not a done deal – [01:50] Ongoing criticism of the merger – [03:40] CapitalOne’s risk increases with its size – [06:56] What could change for ING Direct customers? – [09:41] How the Dodd-Frank bill affected this merger – [11:35] The free market needs to be paired with fairness – [13:12] Privacy may play too big a role in such mergers – [15:17] What can ING Direct employees expect to see change? – [16:14] The Fed should require more transparency – [18:00] Capital One made a $180B pledge that may be ignored – [18:49] The Federal Reserve Bank has taken small steps toward serving the public [20:49] End We always welcome feedback from listeners. If you have any comments for this episode or for any other, or if you have suggestions for future episodes, please leave us comments here or email us at podcast at this domain name. Theme music by Mindcube. Podcast 148: Capital One Merger With ING Direct is a post from: Consumerism Commentary | 2/19/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Podcast 147: Dollars and Uncommon Sense | Today on the Consumerism Commentary Podcast, Bryan J Busch talks to Steve Repak, author of Dollars and Uncommon Sense. They discuss shifting your thinking so that you can develop the traits necessary to keep more of your money. Consumerism Commentary Podcast Dollars and Uncommon Sense: S06E17 / 171 jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $('#wp_mep_15').mediaelementplayer({ m:1 ,features: ['playpause','current','progress','duration','volume','tracks','fullscreen'] ,audioWidth:400,audioHeight:30 }); }); Download – RSS – iTunes Table of contents [00:00] Introduction from Bryan J Busch [00:33] Interview with Steve Repak – [00:45] Changing your principles, priorities, and plans – [02:07] Setting aside time to focus on finances – [04:20] Creating realistic plans – [05:17] Common traits among people who have money – [09:26] Why people are compelled to spend all that they can – [10:23] The Uncommon Sense way to buy a car – [12:41] Building savings – [15:23] There’s no good debt – [16:30] How much tuition is too much? – [17:28] The 10-10-80 rule [20:36] End We always welcome feedback from listeners. If you have any comments for this episode or for any other, or if you have suggestions for future episodes, please leave us comments here or email us at podcast at this domain name. Theme music by Mindcube. Podcast 147: Dollars and Uncommon Sense is a post from: Consumerism Commentary | 2/12/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Podcast 146: Buying a House In Your Early 20s | Today on the Consumerism Commentary Podcast, Tom Dziubek talks to MD, founder of the personal finance website Studenomics. MD talks with Tom about topics such as his inspiration for Studenomics, how he got through college without having to pay off student loans, and also about things that people in their early twenties need to consider if they’re thinking about buying a home. Consumerism Commentary Podcast Buying a House In Your Early 20s: S06E16 / 173 jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $('#wp_mep_16').mediaelementplayer({ m:1 ,features: ['playpause','current','progress','duration','volume','tracks','fullscreen'] ,audioWidth:400,audioHeight:30 }); }); Download – RSS – iTunes Table of contents [00:00] Introduction from Tom Dziubek [00:36] Interview with MD – [00:53] MD’s inspiration for Studenomics – [02:22] The focus of Studenomics – [03:14] MD’s college years – [03:53] Starting off at a community college – [06:00] The start of the blog – [08:31] Paying for college – [13:32] Buying a home in your early 20s: Income considerations – [15:26] Considering your savings – [16:37] Taking into account your relationship status – [18:42] The need to be somewhat handy – [20:51] MD’s current projects [23:53] End We always welcome feedback from listeners. If you have any comments for this episode or for any other, or if you have suggestions for future episodes, please leave us comments here or email us at podcast at this domain name. Theme music by Mindcube. Podcast 146: Buying a House In Your Early 20s is a post from: Consumerism Commentary | 2/5/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Podcast 145: Protecting Individual Finances in a Marriage | Today on the Consumerism Commentary Podcast, Tom Dziubek talks to Jenny Kerr, founder of The Jenny Pincher. Jenny talks with Tom about how married women can better prepare themselves financially for a divorce. Some of the items she discusses are keeping individual checking accounts, knowing where the money is and being prepared to start a new job. Consumerism Commentary Podcast Protecting Individual Finances in a Marriage: S06E15 / 172 jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $('#wp_mep_17').mediaelementplayer({ m:1 ,features: ['playpause','current','progress','duration','volume','tracks','fullscreen'] ,audioWidth:400,audioHeight:30 }); }); Download – RSS – iTunes Table of contents [00:00] Introduction from Tom Dziubek [00:38] Interview with Jenny Kerr – [00:49] Jenny’s inspiration for article – [03:15] Individual bank accounts – [05:34] The need for a joint account – [06:13] Funding the individual account – [07:33] The individual account for emergency access – [08:57] Know where the money is – [10:27] Keeping your resume current – [12:06] Part-time work – [14:21] Understanding the necessities – [15:24] Knowing what benefits are tied to your spouse – [16:40] Identifying policies your spouse could benefit from [19:13] End We always welcome feedback from listeners. If you have any comments for this episode or for any other, or if you have suggestions for future episodes, please leave us comments here or email us at podcast at this domain name. Theme music by Mindcube. Podcast 145: Protecting Individual Finances in a Marriage is a post from: Consumerism Commentary | 1/29/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Podcast 144: Best Things to Buy During Winter | Today on the Consumerism Commentary Podcast, Bryan J Busch talks to Andrea Woroch, consumer savings expert. They discuss when and why it can be smarter to shop for certain items during the winter. Consumerism Commentary Podcast Best Things to Buy During Winter: S06E17 / 170 jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $('#wp_mep_18').mediaelementplayer({ m:1 ,features: ['playpause','current','progress','duration','volume','tracks','fullscreen'] ,audioWidth:400,audioHeight:30 }); }); Download – RSS – iTunes Table of contents [00:00] Introduction from Bryan J Busch [00:33] Interview with Andrea Woroch – [00:51] Big appliances – [02:42] Christmas wrapping, decorations and lights – [03:18] Using and selling gift cards – [05:06] Linens and bedding – [05:45] Motorcycles – [06:28] Suits, prom dresses and spring formal dresses – [08:28] Video games and TVs, and consider ditching cable for a Roku player – [12:55] Winter coats and winter sport essentials – [13:50] Jewelry – [14:58] Furniture – [15:45] Don’t shop for the current season at the beginning of the season [16:36] End We always welcome feedback from listeners. If you have any comments for this episode or for any other, or if you have suggestions for future episodes, please leave us comments here or email us at podcast at this domain name. Theme music by Mindcube. Podcast 144: Best Things to Buy During Winter is a post from: Consumerism Commentary | 1/22/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Podcast 143: Tax Law Changes in 2012 | Today on the Consumerism Commentary Podcast, Bryan J Busch talks to Kathy Pickering, Executive Director of H&R Block’s Tax Institute. They discuss the difference between smart investments vs. emotional decisions, the importance of financial planning, and how most people are better off just buying an index fund and ignoring investment gurus. Consumerism Commentary Podcast Tax Law Changes in 2012: S06E13 / 169 jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $('#wp_mep_19').mediaelementplayer({ m:1 ,features: ['playpause','current','progress','duration','volume','tracks','fullscreen'] ,audioWidth:400,audioHeight:30 }); }); Download – RSS – iTunes Table of contents [00:00] Introduction from Bryan J Busch [00:34] Interview with Kathy Pickering – [00:48] Do an annual review of life changes – [01:26] Extending the Payroll Tax Holiday – [02:43] Federally declared disasters and casualty losses – [04:39] Energy efficiency credit (check the list at energystar.gov) – [05:51] American Opportunity Credit for college students, tuition and fees deductions, and the Lifetime Learning Credit – [08:16] Tax credits for adoption – [11:10] Credit for some plug-in cars – [12:10] Brokers are now required to report cost basis of the sale of stocks and securities – [12:59] Health care reform affects on individual and small business taxes – [17:59] Expired hiring credits – [18:55] Changes to be aware of for 2013 – [21:31] E-filing is heavily encouraged and improved [23:56] End We always welcome feedback from listeners. If you have any comments for this episode or for any other, or if you have suggestions for future episodes, please leave us comments here or email us at podcast at this domain name. Theme music by Mindcube. Podcast 143: Tax Law Changes in 2012 is a post from: Consumerism Commentary | 1/15/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Podcast 142: New Year’s Resolutions | Today on the Consumerism Commentary Podcast, Tom Dziubek talks to Consumerism Commentary founder Flexo about New Year’s resolutions. Flexo discusses several tips to addressing New Year’s resolutions including performing an honest self-assessment, setting goals that are meaningful to you and breaking them down into more manageable chunks. Consumerism Commentary Podcast New Year’s Resolutions: S06E12 / 167 Download – RSS – iTunes Table of contents [00:00] Introduction from Tom Dziubek [00:35] Interview with Flexo – [00:46] New Year’s resolutions – [02:05] Setting the wrong resolutions – [03:00] Self reflection and assessment – [05:42] Setting meaningful resolutions – [07:43] Staying away from “S.M.A.R.T.” goals – [09:02] Creating smaller goals – [10:51] Rewarding yourself – [12:44] Visualizing your goals – [15:00] Taking action – [16:43] Tom’s & Flexo’s resolutions [21:19] End We always welcome feedback from listeners. If you have any comments for this episode or for any other, or if you have suggestions for future episodes, please leave us comments here or email us at podcast at this domain name. Theme music by Mindcube. Podcast 142: New Year’s Resolutions is a post from: Consumerism Commentary | 1/8/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Podcast 141: The Behavior Gap | Today on the Consumerism Commentary Podcast, Bryan J Busch and Flexo speak with Carl Richards, author of the book The Behavior Gap. They discuss the difference between smart investments vs. emotional decisions, the importance of financial planning, and how most people are better off just buying an index fund and ignoring investment gurus. Carl has offered ten 8×10 prints of one of his most relevant sketches to Consumerism Commentary readers and listeners. The sketch explains who to determine what issues are the most important, whether in financial planning or in life. It is a Venn diagram emphasizing the intersection of things that matter and things you can control. The print is on high-quality, thick card stock. Here’s how to get a free 8×10 print of the napkin sketch In order to receive a free print, email book@behaviorgap.com with a subject line indicating you’re participating in the giveaway from Flexo or Consumerism Commentary, and include in the email a proof of purchase. The proof can be a copy of your order notice from Amazon, a picture of your receipt, or anything else that shows you’ve purchased the book. Carl’s team will contact the first ten people directly to ensure the prints find their way to the winners’ hands. Consumerism Commentary Podcast The Behavior Gap: S06E11 / 166 jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $('#wp_mep_20').mediaelementplayer({ m:1 ,features: ['playpause','current','progress','duration','volume','tracks','fullscreen'] ,audioWidth:400,audioHeight:30 }); }); Download – RSS – iTunes Table of contents [00:00] Introduction from Bryan J Busch [00:33] Interview with Carl Richards – [00:57] Explaining financial planning through napkin sketches – [02:45] The behavior gap between smart investments and emotional decisions – [05:08] Past performance really doesn’t predict future results – [09:13] Start with a plan instead of a product – [12:39] Paying off debt is a great investment, maybe even before funding a 401(k) – [16:21] Follow Warren Buffet’s advice and buy an index fund – [21:25] Ignore all investment gurus – [23:42] More money doesn’t solve money problems – [25:31] Financial plans are much less important than the process of creating one and being flexible with them – [27:17] Tools for avoiding making financial mistakes [31:15] End Free Webinar Carl is also presenting a free webinar on building the perfect investment on January 5th at 3 p.m. Eastern time. We always welcome feedback from listeners. If you have any comments for this episode or for any other, or if you have suggestions for future episodes, please leave us comments here or email us at podcast at this domain name. Theme music by Mindcube. Podcast 141: The Behavior Gap is a post from: Consumerism Commentary | 1/1/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Podcast 140: Kidworth | Today on the Consumerism Commentary Podcast, Tom Dziubek talks to Rudy DeFelice, founder of the financial management tool for children and parents, Kidworth. Rudy discusses several topics about Kidworth including what it does, what inspired him to found it, as well as how Kidworth can help children save towards different financial goals. Consumerism Commentary Podcast Kidworth: S06E10 / 165 jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $('#wp_mep_21').mediaelementplayer({ m:1 ,features: ['playpause','current','progress','duration','volume','tracks','fullscreen'] ,audioWidth:400,audioHeight:30 }); }); Download – RSS – iTunes Table of contents [00:00] Introduction from Tom Dziubek [00:37] Interview with Rudy DeFelice – [00:49] Inspiration for Kidworth – [01:22] What Kidworth does – [01:53] Using Kidworth – [02:59] Saving, spending and sharing – [04:29] Telling friends and family – [06:25] Choosing the gift – [06:59] Making the contribution – [08:46] Combining a physical gift with a contribution – [13:48] Children using the website – [14:31] How Kidworth makes money – [16:19] Changing monetary behaviors [18:44] End We always welcome feedback from listeners. If you have any comments for this episode or for any other, or if you have suggestions for future episodes, please leave us comments here or email us at podcast at this domain name. Theme music by Mindcube. Podcast 140: Kidworth is a post from: Consumerism Commentary | 12/25/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Podcast 139: Buying and Owning a Mac: Secrets Apple Doesn’t Want You to Know | Today on the Consumerism Commentary Podcast, Bryan J Busch talks to Jonathan Zschau, author of the book Buying and Owning a Mac: Secrets Apple Doesn’t Want You to Know. They discuss the staggering frequency of commercials in daily life, how it’s easier to avoid than resist the temptation to shop, and the convincing argument that money and possessions don’t make people any happier. Consumerism Commentary Podcast Buying and Owning a Mac: Secrets Apple Doesn’t Want You to Know: S06E09 / 163 jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $('#wp_mep_22').mediaelementplayer({ m:1 ,features: ['playpause','current','progress','duration','volume','tracks','fullscreen'] ,audioWidth:400,audioHeight:30 }); }); Download – RSS – iTunes Table of contents [00:00] Introduction from Bryan J Busch [00:34] Interview with Jonathan Zschau – [00:46] The right time to buy a new Mac, and good reasons to choose an older model – [06:16] AppleCare isn’t a good idea for everyone – [11:25] Methods for preventing theft or retrieving a stolen device – [15:17] Never hesitate to ask Apple to fix a problem – [19:27] When does the Lemon Law come into play? [22:54] End We always welcome feedback from listeners. If you have any comments for this episode or for any other, or if you have suggestions for future episodes, please leave us comments here or email us at podcast at this domain name. Theme music by Mindcube. Podcast 139: Buying and Owning a Mac: Secrets Apple Doesn’t Want You to Know is a post from: Consumerism Commentary | 12/18/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Podcast 138: Gen Y Capital Partners | Today on the Consumerism Commentary Podcast, Tom Dziubek talks to Scott Gerber, co-founder of the startup accelerator and investment company Gen Y Capital Partners. Scott talks about the mission of Gen Y Capital Partners, their relationship with the Young Entrepreneur Council and their recent partnership with the White House on their “Pay as You Earn” program. Consumerism Commentary Podcast Shiny Obects: S06E08 / 164 jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $('#wp_mep_23').mediaelementplayer({ m:1 ,features: ['playpause','current','progress','duration','volume','tracks','fullscreen'] ,audioWidth:400,audioHeight:30 }); }); Download – RSS – iTunes Table of contents [00:00] Introduction from Tom Dziubek [00:37] Interview with Scott Gerber – [00:50] Gen Y Capital Partners – [02:32] The Young Entrepreneur Council – [04:10] Gen Y entrepreneurs as a target audience – [05:17] The market sectors being targeted – [05:58] Being an entrepreneur in today’s economy – [07:12] Who should be an entrepreneur – [09:42] Funding for entrepreneurs – [11:18] Finding capital – [13:19] Applying for funding with Gen Y – [14:08] Funding in exchange for business equity – [14:56] Partnership with the White House – [18:25] Accomplishments so far [21:00] End We always welcome feedback from listeners. If you have any comments for this episode or for any other, or if you have suggestions for future episodes, please leave us comments here or email us at podcast at this domain name. Theme music by Mindcube. Podcast 138: Gen Y Capital Partners is a post from: Consumerism Commentary | 12/11/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Podcast 137: Shiny Objects | Today on the Consumerism Commentary Podcast, Bryan J Busch talks to Dr. James Roberts, author of the book Shiny Objects. They discuss the staggering frequency of commercials in daily life, how it’s easier to avoid than resist the temptation to shop, and the convincing argument that money and possessions don’t make people any happier. Consumerism Commentary Podcast Shiny Obects: S06E07 / 162 jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $('#wp_mep_24').mediaelementplayer({ m:1 ,features: ['playpause','current','progress','duration','volume','tracks','fullscreen'] ,audioWidth:400,audioHeight:30 }); }); Download – RSS – iTunes Table of contents [00:00] Introduction from Bryan J Busch [00:33] Interview with Dr. James Roberts – [00:45] According to science, happiness doesn’t increase with spending or owning things – [04:16] The media encourages us to shop, and it’s effective – [05:12] Instead of being frugal or wasteful, try to be unconflicted – [07:10] Commercials, product placements and unrealistic portrayals of life – [09:48] Credit cards make you overestimate your available wealth – [12:12] Perceived obsolescence – [15:31] Several ways to avoid temptation instead of resisting it – [21:39] Convince yourself that money and possessions won’t make you happier [22:46] End We always welcome feedback from listeners. If you have any comments for this episode or for any other, or if you have suggestions for future episodes, please leave us comments here or email us at podcast at this domain name. Theme music by Mindcube. Podcast 137: Shiny Objects is a post from: Consumerism Commentary | 12/4/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Podcast 136: Becoming a Landlord | Today on the Consumerism Commentary Podcast, Tom Dziubek talks to Paula Pant, journalist, entrepreneur and founder of the personal finance website Afford Anything. Paula talks about several landlord-related topics, including what to look for when purchasing a property, how tenants see properties different than landlords and the kind of work a landlord should expect. Consumerism Commentary Podcast Becoming a Landlord: S06E06 / 161 jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $('#wp_mep_25').mediaelementplayer({ m:1 ,features: ['playpause','current','progress','duration','volume','tracks','fullscreen'] ,audioWidth:400,audioHeight:30 }); }); Download – RSS – iTunes Table of contents [00:00] Introduction from Tom Dziubek [00:36] Interview with Paula Pant – [00:54] Owning rental properties – [01:51] Analyzing a property’s profitability – [03:04] Expenses involved – [04:08] Things to look for in a property – [05:19] Renting to professionals – [06:54] The affect of the number of rental units – [08:39] Paula’s experience – [10:19] Fixer-uppers and meeting the needs of the tenant – [12:25] The costs of fixing up a house – [16:40] Income tax implications – [19:26] Being a landlord – [21:54] Finding good tenants – [23:05] What tenants look for – [23:38] Tasks to outsource [28:17] End We always welcome feedback from listeners. If you have any comments for this episode or for any other, or if you have suggestions for future episodes, please leave us comments here or email us at podcast at this domain name. Theme music by Mindcube. Podcast 136: Becoming a Landlord is a post from: Consumerism Commentary | 11/27/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Podcast 135: Discardia | Today on the Consumerism Commentary Podcast, Bryan speaks with Dinah Sanders, author of Discardia: More Life, Less Stuff. Discardia is a holiday, a philosophy, and now a book that explains why life is more stressful as a result of having too much stuff, or the wrong kind of stuff. The book is filled with advice and soundproof logic that can help you make room for awesomeness. Consumerism Commentary Podcast Discardia: S06E05 / 157 jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $('#wp_mep_26').mediaelementplayer({ m:1 ,features: ['playpause','current','progress','duration','volume','tracks','fullscreen'] ,audioWidth:400,audioHeight:30 }); }); Download – RSS – iTunes Table of contents [00:00] Introduction from Bryan J Busch [00:33] Interview with Dinah Sanders – [00:45] Discardia’s origin – [02:37] Being in the mood for cleaning – [03:41] Have more by getting rid of stuff – [05:35] Why we keep stuff we don’t use – [07:25] Finding a favorite place to reconnect with yourself – [11:06] Clean in chunks, not stacks – [14:31] Releasing potential with an empty drawer – [16:36] Financial motivation for making a happier home – [18:31] Avoid retail therapy – [20:22] Keeping stuff because of guilt – [23:19] Selling vs. donating – [24:24] Deciding which books to keep – [28:01] End We always welcome feedback from listeners. If you have any comments for this episode or for any other, or if you have suggestions for future episodes, please leave us comments here or email us at podcast at this domain name. Theme music by Mindcube. Podcast 135: Discardia is a post from: Consumerism Commentary | 11/20/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Podcast 134: Budgetable | Today on the Consumerism Commentary Podcast, Tom Dziubek talks to Ryan Bales, founder and CEO of the personal finance website and software Budgetable. Ryan talks about how he founded Budgetable with his brother, how the software works and what he feels are the shortcomings of traditional budgeting methods. Consumerism Commentary Podcast Bank Transfer Day: S06E04 / 159 jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $('#wp_mep_27').mediaelementplayer({ m:1 ,features: ['playpause','current','progress','duration','volume','tracks','fullscreen'] ,audioWidth:400,audioHeight:30 }); }); Download – RSS – iTunes Table of contents [00:00] Introduction from Tom Dziubek [00:36] Interview with Ryan Bales – [00:48] The founding of Budgetable – [04:06] Shortfalls of existing budget software – [04:50] How Budgetable works – [05:50] Budgetable’s user interaction – [11:08] Failures with current budgeting methods – [13:23] Using Budgetable – [14:01] Smart phone app plans – [14:21] The Financial Blogger Conference [16:56] End We always welcome feedback from listeners. If you have any comments for this episode or for any other, or if you have suggestions for future episodes, please leave us comments here or email us at podcast at this domain name. Theme music by Mindcube. Podcast 134: Budgetable is a post from: Consumerism Commentary | 11/13/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Podcast 133: Laughing at Wall Street | Today on the Consumerism Commentary Podcast, Bryan talks to Chris Camillo, author of Laughing at Wall Street: How I Beat the Pros at Investing (by Reading Tabloids, Shopping at the Mall, and Connecting on Facebook) and How You Can, Too. Chris advises avoiding standard Wall Street advice and focusing on social networks, personal shopping research and pop culture for discovering investment ideas. Consumerism Commentary Podcast Bank Transfer Day: S06E03 / 158 jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $('#wp_mep_28').mediaelementplayer({ m:1 ,features: ['playpause','current','progress','duration','volume','tracks','fullscreen'] ,audioWidth:400,audioHeight:30 }); }); Download – RSS – iTunes Table of contents [00:00] Introduction from Bryan J Busch [00:33] Interview with Chris Camillo – [00:51] Technical analysis and fundamental analysis – [04:49] 401(k) plans – [07:17] Finding money for investing – [09:26] Missing Snapple – [11:11] Information arbitrage – [14:40] Applying the scientific method – [18:42] Rewarding your network of helpers – [19:42] Performing analysis research – [22:52] Investment ideas surround us every day – [25:33] End We always welcome feedback from listeners. If you have any comments for this episode or for any other, or if you have suggestions for future episodes, please leave us comments here or email us at podcast at this domain name. Theme music by Mindcube. Podcast 133: Laughing at Wall Street is a post from: Consumerism Commentary | 11/6/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Podcast 132: Bank Transfer Day | Today on the Consumerism Commentary Podcast, Bryan speaks with Kristen Christian of Bank Transfer Day about why she got tens of thousands of people to agree to move to a credit union. They discuss why banks keep adding fees after posting significant profits, clearing up misconceptions about who can join a credit union, how to find one and what to expect. Consumerism Commentary Podcast Bank Transfer Day: S06E02 / 160 jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $('#wp_mep_29').mediaelementplayer({ m:1 ,features: ['playpause','current','progress','duration','volume','tracks','fullscreen'] ,audioWidth:400,audioHeight:30 }); }); Download – RSS – iTunes Table of contents [00:00] Introduction from Bryan J Busch [00:34] Interview with Kristen Christian – [00:46] Bank Transfer Day goals – [01:24] Involvement with Bank Transfer Day – [01:57] Credit unions vs. neighborhood banks – [05:01] Why banks are adding fees – [08:07] Benefits of credit unions – [09:53] November 5 – [12:19] How to switch from a bank to a credit union – [13:48] Responsible lending and lower interest rates – [15:22] Causing a disturbance – [16:48] End We always welcome feedback from listeners. If you have any comments for this episode or for any other, or if you have suggestions for future episodes, please leave us comments here or email us at podcast at this domain name. Theme music by Mindcube. Podcast 132: Bank Transfer Day is a post from: Consumerism Commentary | 10/30/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Podcast 131: The $60K Project | Today on the Consumerism Commentary Podcast, Bryan and Flexo talk with Sarah from The $60K Project about how she and her partner Mike paid off many thousands in debt in less than a year, what they learned along the way, and what they want to do now that they can afford to take some risks. Consumerism Commentary Podcast The $60K Project: S06E01 / 156 jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $('#wp_mep_30').mediaelementplayer({ m:1 ,features: ['playpause','current','progress','duration','volume','tracks','fullscreen'] ,audioWidth:400,audioHeight:30 }); }); Download – RSS – iTunes Table of contents [00:00] Introduction from Bryan J Busch [00:34] Interview with Flexo and Sarah – [00:53] Living paycheck to paycheck, starting the $60K Project – [04:08] Pay off $60,000 in just ten months – [05:10] Choosing debt payoff goals – [07:04] Higher education expenses – [08:45] Emotional aspect of paying off debt – [10:48] Creating a website about paying your debt – [12:46] Switch from debt repayment to saving – [14:26] Creating a 12 step program – [15:39] Drawbacks while cutting costs – [16:12] The 12 Steps to Financial Freedom – [25:34] Financial freedom after paying off debt – [28:29] End We always welcome feedback from listeners. If you have any comments for this episode or for any other, or if you have suggestions for future episodes, please leave us comments here or email us at podcast at this domain name. Theme music by Mindcube. Podcast 131: The $60K Project is a post from: Consumerism Commentary | 10/23/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Podcast 130: Richard and Linda Eyre, The Entitlement Trap | On today’s Consumerism Commentary Podcast, Tom Dziubek speaks with Richard and Linda Eyre, authors of the book The Entitlement Trap: How to Rescue Your Child with a New Family System of Choosing, Earning, and Ownership. Richard and Linda discuss several concepts in the book including the definition of entitlement, the five family laws and reversing the behavior of a spoiled child. Consumerism Commentary Podcast #130 Richard & Linda Eyre, The Entitlement Trap: S05E26 / 155 jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $('#wp_mep_31').mediaelementplayer({ m:1 ,features: ['playpause','current','progress','duration','volume','tracks','fullscreen'] ,audioWidth:400,audioHeight:30 }); }); Download – RSS – iTunes Table of contents [00:00] Introduction from Tom Dziubek [00:36] Interview with Richard and Linda Eyre – [00:54] Definition of entitlement – [01:54] The measurability of entitlements – [02:46] The difference between generations – [04:15] Instant and delayed gratification – [05:52] Nurturing self-esteem – [06:58] Valuing effort over results – [09:12] Giving children “ownership” – [11:47] When children can perceive ownership – [13:54] Five family laws – [14:53] Positive reinforcement and entitlement – [19:32] Money and the “family bank” – [22:28] Avoiding focusing too much on money – [23:14] Reversing bad behavior in children – [26:18] Helping children set goals [29:52] End We always welcome feedback from listeners. If you have any comments for this episode or for any other, or if you have suggestions for future episodes, please leave us comments here or email us at podcast at this domain name. Theme music by Mindcube. Podcast 130: Richard and Linda Eyre, The Entitlement Trap is a post from: Consumerism Commentary | 10/16/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Podcast 129: Financial Blogger Conference, Betterment | Today’s Consumerism Commentary Podcast features two interviews. In the first segment, Tom Dziubek talks with Philip Taylor from PT Money: Personal Finance and Consumerism Commentary founder Flexo about this year’s Financial Blogger Conference. In the second segment, Tom speaks with Jon Stein, founder and CEO of the online investing service Betterment. Jon discusses recent survey results about how young people have been financially planning for the future as well as Betterment’s new financial planning tool. Consumerism Commentary Podcast #129 Financial Blogger Conference; Betterment’s New Financial Goal Tool: S05E25 / 154 & 153 jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $('#wp_mep_32').mediaelementplayer({ m:1 ,features: ['playpause','current','progress','duration','volume','tracks','fullscreen'] ,audioWidth:400,audioHeight:30 }); }); Download – RSS – iTunes Table of contents [00:00] Introduction from Tom Dziubek [00:43] Interview with Phillip Taylor and Flexo – [00:59] The 2011 Financial Blogger Conference – [01:54] The choice of Chicago – [02:37] The conference itinerary – [04:00] Funding and sponsors – [06:04] Attendees of the event – [07:00] The Plutus Awards – [09:23] What happens in Chicago stays in Chicago – [11:31] Flexo flies first class [14:42] Interview with Jon Stein, Betterment – [14:58] Explaining Betterment – [16:04] Expected return on investment – [17:47] Betterment’s survey on people’s financial planning – [20:32] Betterment’s goal-based investment tool – [22:30] Future plans for Betterment [24:12] End We always welcome feedback from listeners. If you have any comments for this episode or for any other, or if you have suggestions for future episodes, please leave us comments here or email us at podcast at this domain name. Theme music by Mindcube. Podcast 129: Financial Blogger Conference, Betterment is a post from: Consumerism Commentary | 10/9/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Podcast 128: What to Ask the Person in the Mirror | Today on the Consumerism Commentary Podcast, Bryan talks with Robert Steven Kaplan, the author of What to Ask the Person in the Mirror. Rob Kaplan has spent his life studying leadership and the qualities of a great leader. He and Bryan discuss the three questions any organization needs to ask itself before it can succeed, and the best ways to coach the people on your team. Consumerism Commentary Podcast #128 What to Ask the Person in the Mirror: S05E24 / 152 jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $('#wp_mep_33').mediaelementplayer({ m:1 ,features: ['playpause','current','progress','duration','volume','tracks','fullscreen'] ,audioWidth:400,audioHeight:30 }); }); Download – RSS – iTunes Table of contents [00:00] Introduction from Bryan J Busch [00:34] Interview with Robert Steven Kaplan – [00:49] The MBA Oath – [03:16] Definition of leader – [04:35] Being willing to keep learning – [05:00] Vision, priorities, and coaching – [07:52] Apple Inc. – [09:44] Creating a learning environment – [12:08] Why people quit – [14:53] Coaching’s effect on the bottom line – [16:07] Hiring great people – [19:17] Designing the organization and hiring differently – [20:49] People’s great potential to learn and adapt – [24:34] End We always welcome feedback from listeners. If you have any comments for this episode or for any other, or if you have suggestions for future episodes, please leave us comments here or email us at podcast at this domain name. Theme music by Mindcube. Podcast 128: What to Ask the Person in the Mirror is a post from: Consumerism Commentary | 10/2/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Podcast 127: Your Stronger Financial Future | Today on the Consumerism Commentary Podcast, Bryan talks with Mike Egan, the author of Your Stronger Financial Future. In the book, Mike details several popular myths about social security, saving, and investments, and then explains the truth about each one, giving the reader solid knowledge and formulas about how much to save for retirement. Consumerism Commentary Podcast #127 Your Stronger Financial Future: S05E23 / 151 jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $('#wp_mep_34').mediaelementplayer({ m:1 ,features: ['playpause','current','progress','duration','volume','tracks','fullscreen'] ,audioWidth:400,audioHeight:30 }); }); Download – RSS – iTunes Table of contents [00:00] Introduction from Bryan J Busch [00:33] Interview with Mike Egan – [00:47] Misconceptions – [02:37] Social Security isn’t a ponzi scheme – [07:37] Raising the retirement age – [10:11] Contributions to Social Security? – [11:40] Retirement savings – [14:05] Good debt as an investment – [15:48] 7-year mortgages – [17:31] Emergency fund – [23:12] End We always welcome feedback from listeners. If you have any comments for this episode or for any other, or if you have suggestions for future episodes, please leave us comments here or email us at podcast at this domain name. Theme music by Mindcube. Podcast 127: Your Stronger Financial Future is a post from: Consumerism Commentary | 9/25/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Podcast 126: Wealth: Is It Worth It? | Today on the Consumerism Commentary Podcast, Bryan talks with Truett Cathy, the founder and CEO of Chick-fil-A, about his book Wealth: Is It Worth It?. Truett lived through the Great Depression and worked behind a counter until he started Chick-fil-A when he was 46. Never comfortable borrowing money, he now believes in giving generously to charity, and that you always get back what you give away. Consumerism Commentary Podcast #126 Wealth: Is It Worth It?: S05E22 / 150 jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $('#wp_mep_35').mediaelementplayer({ m:1 ,features: ['playpause','current','progress','duration','volume','tracks','fullscreen'] ,audioWidth:400,audioHeight:30 }); }); Download – RSS – iTunes Table of contents [00:00] Introduction from Bryan J Busch [00:36] Interview with S. Truett Cathy – [00:58] Is wealth having enough to take care of your family? – [01:59] Victory is what you do with the money, not the fact that you have it – [04:17] Make donations anonymously – [05:06] Tithing – [05:40] The Golden Rule in business – [09:00] Being brought up during the Great Depression – [10:15] Keeping Chick-fil-A employee turnover low – [11:16] How wealth is worth it – [13:08] The right amount to give away – [16:22] Being prepared for the slow times – [17:13] End We always welcome feedback from listeners. If you have any comments for this episode or for any other, or if you have suggestions for future episodes, please leave us comments here or email us at podcast at this domain name. Theme music by Mindcube. Podcast 126: Wealth: Is It Worth It? is a post from: Consumerism Commentary | 9/18/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Podcast 125: Underwater Mortgages | Today on the Consumerism Commentary Podcast Tom Dziubek speaks with Gerri Detweiler, personal finance expert at Credit.com, about her series of articles dealing with underwater mortgages. Gerri goes into detail about each of the six options including home loan refinances & modifications, doing a short sale and declaring bankruptcy. Consumerism Commentary Podcast #125 Underwater Mortgages: S05E21 / 149 jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $('#wp_mep_36').mediaelementplayer({ m:1 ,features: ['playpause','current','progress','duration','volume','tracks','fullscreen'] ,audioWidth:400,audioHeight:30 }); }); Download – RSS – iTunes Table of contents [00:00] Introduction from Tom Dziubek [00:35] Interview with Gerri Detweiler – [00:46] The criteria for someone to be considered “underwater” – [02:19] Stay and pay – [04:43] Emergency home owner loans – [05:20] Refinancing a mortgage & the HARP program – [06:52] Home loan modification & the HAMP program – [09:16] The popularity of home modifications – [11:38] Short sales – [13:59] Cancellation of debt and its affect on your income taxes – [16:21] Walking away from a mortgage – [19:59] Declaring bankruptcy – [22:37] Misconceptions about bankruptcy – [23:43] Credit rating recovery after a bankruptcy [27:20] End We always welcome feedback from listeners. If you have any comments for this episode or for any other, or if you have suggestions for future episodes, please leave us comments here or email us at podcast at this domain name. Theme music by Mindcube. Podcast 125: Underwater Mortgages is a post from: Consumerism Commentary | 9/11/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Podcast 124: First-Time Credit Defaulters | Today on the Consumerism Commentary Podcast Tom Dziubek speaks with Deron Weston, Principal, U.S. Banking and Securities at Deloitte Consulting, about Deloitte’s recent survey on first-time credit defaulters. Deron explains what constitutes a “first-time defaulter” and discusses several topics relating to them such as major causes of defaulting, the bank’s overall response to the defaulters and the different products banks have been offering them to help them recover their credit rating. Consumerism Commentary Podcast #124 Deloitte’s Survey on First-Time Credit Defaulters: S05E20 / 148 jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $('#wp_mep_37').mediaelementplayer({ m:1 ,features: ['playpause','current','progress','duration','volume','tracks','fullscreen'] ,audioWidth:400,audioHeight:30 }); }); Download – RSS – iTunes Table of contents [00:00] Introduction from Tom Dziubek [00:38] Interview with Deron Weston – [00:50] The people sampled in this survey – [02:29] Defining a first-time defaulter – [03:12] The differences between the two Deloitte surveys – [04:02] The credit groups affected the most – [04:48] Major reasons for people defaulting – [06:09] The connection between unemployment and health care – [07:50] Customer service experiences & relationship with their banks – [11:31] Products being offered by banks to help customers improve their credit rating – [12:40] Poor response to secured credit cards – [14:03] New reports about fewer delinquencies [16:51] End We always welcome feedback from listeners. If you have any comments for this episode or for any other, or if you have suggestions for future episodes, please leave us comments here or email us at podcast at this domain name. Theme music by Mindcube. Podcast 124: First-Time Credit Defaulters is a post from: Consumerism Commentary | 9/4/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Podcast 123: Mint.com’s New Bill Reminder Feature | Today on the Consumerism Commentary Podcast, Tom Dziubek talks with Mint.com‘s Vice President of Product, Aaron Forth, about Mint’s new bill reminder feature. Aaron also discusses ways the smartphone app can help you acquire a more accurate bank account balance and also talks about what savings and spending trends they’ve seen. Consumerism Commentary Podcast #123 Mint’s New Bill Reminder Feature: S05E19 / 147 jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $('#wp_mep_38').mediaelementplayer({ m:1 ,features: ['playpause','current','progress','duration','volume','tracks','fullscreen'] ,audioWidth:400,audioHeight:30 }); }); Download – RSS – iTunes Table of contents [00:00] Introduction from Tom Dziubek [00:36] Interview with Aaron Forth – [00:46] The Mint.com service – [03:09] Bill reminders – [06:31] Tracking customers who have problems paying bills – [07:19] Using data to help improve the service – [08:16] Tracking spending and saving behaviors – [09:39] Other new features at Mint / adding manual transactions – [13:50] New projects in the works [15:17] End We always welcome feedback from listeners. If you have any comments for this episode or for any other, or if you have suggestions for future episodes, please leave us comments here or email us at podcast at this domain name. Theme music by Mindcube. Podcast 123: Mint.com’s New Bill Reminder Feature is a post from: Consumerism Commentary | 8/28/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Podcast 122: Living Large in Lean Times | Today on the Consumerism Commentary Podcast, Bryan talks with professional penny-pincher Clark Howard about some of the more than 250 ways to save money from his new book, Living Large in Lean Times. Bryan and Clark discuss car purchases and insurance, saving on printer ink, college loans, getting free medications and the many new ways to enjoy music online. Consumerism Commentary Podcast #122 Television of the Future: S05E18 / 143 jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $('#wp_mep_39').mediaelementplayer({ m:1 ,features: ['playpause','current','progress','duration','volume','tracks','fullscreen'] ,audioWidth:400,audioHeight:30 }); }); Download – RSS – iTunes Table of contents [00:00] Introduction from Bryan J Busch [00:32] Interview with Clark Howard – [00:53] Buying a new car – [05:07] Amica car insurance – [07:45] College education savings plans – [09:24] Extending the life of printer ink – [11:55] Music streaming and sharing services – [16:17] Prescription medications – [20:33] Effect of the S∧P downgrade – [23:08] Starting saving – [23:53] End We always welcome feedback from listeners. If you have any comments for this episode or for any other, or if you have suggestions for future episodes, please leave us comments here or email us at podcast at this domain name. Theme music by Mindcube. Podcast 122: Living Large in Lean Times is a post from: Consumerism Commentary | 8/21/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Podcast 121: Adam Levin, The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau | Today on the Consumerism Commentary Podcast, Tom Dziubek speaks with Adam Levin, co-founder of Credit.com and former director of the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs about the new federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Adam discusses the goals of the bureau, how it’s an improvement over what was in place before, and some of the challenges that it needs to overcome. Consumerism Commentary Podcast #121 Adam Levin, The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: S05E17 / 146 jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $('#wp_mep_40').mediaelementplayer({ m:1 ,features: ['playpause','current','progress','duration','volume','tracks','fullscreen'] ,audioWidth:400,audioHeight:30 }); }); Download – RSS – iTunes Table of contents [00:00] Introduction from Tom Dziubek [00:36] Interview with Adam Levin – [00:50] The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau – [01:48] How it’s different from what was previously in place – [03:17] The priorities of the CFPB – [04:53] Financial literacy & creating new policies vs. enforcing the old ones – [07:48] Elizabeth Warren vs. Richard Cordray as director – [12:43] Republican criticisms of the bureau – [17:58] The CFPB’s effectiveness [22:13] End We always welcome feedback from listeners. If you have any comments for this episode or for any other, or if you have suggestions for future episodes, please leave us comments here or email us at podcast at this domain name. Theme music by Mindcube. Podcast 121: Adam Levin, The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is a post from: Consumerism Commentary | 8/14/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Podcast 120: Television of the Future | Today on the Consumerism Commentary Podcast, Flexo turns the tables and interviews the podcast host Bryan J Busch about his so-called “Television of the Future.” Bryan developed a moral objection to paying for cable, because it also includes advertising, and you can’t pay for just the channels that you want, so a little over a year ago he canceled the cable, but still manages to watch all the shows that he likes through the Internet, on a normal TV screen (video of his set-up). Most of them are even through legitimate channels. Flexo talks to Bryan about how the decision changed his viewing habits, what he misses and what he doesn’t miss, and whether television is just a huge time-drain away from more productive activities. Consumerism Commentary Podcast #120 Television of the Future: S05E16 / 145 jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $('#wp_mep_41').mediaelementplayer({ m:1 ,features: ['playpause','current','progress','duration','volume','tracks','fullscreen'] ,audioWidth:400,audioHeight:30 }); }); Download – RSS – iTunes Table of contents [00:00] Introduction from Flexo [00:34] Interview with Bryan J Busch – [00:55] Is watching television just a drain on your resources? – [03:19] What’s the role of entertainment in modern life? – [05:24] Changes to the TV of the Future hardware in the last year – [07:34] What about shows that you can’t find (legitimately) through the Internet? – [09:44] How has the software changed in the last year? – [11:09] Finding new shows without a TV guide or ads for shows – [12:03] Are you still saving $70 a month, and does the eight-day delay force spoilers on you? – [14:05] Special features and true high-definition are mostly still limited to DVDs and Blu-Ray – [16:53] Multiple reactions to the Netflix price hikes – [19:34] Leaving cable TV on all the time might influence spending behavior – [21:22] Will the ability to skip normal ads lead to more product placements? – [23:06] Is the TV industry making the same mistakes that record companies made ten years ago? – [24:04] What do you do with the extra free time? [27:18] End We always welcome feedback from listeners. If you have any comments for this episode or for any other, or if you have suggestions for future episodes, please leave us comments here or email us at podcast at this domain name. Theme music by Mindcube. Podcast 120: Television of the Future is a post from: Consumerism Commentary | 8/7/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Podcast 119: Leslie Dawson, IRS Innocent Spouse Relief | Today’s guest on the Consumerism Commentary Podcast is Leslie Dawson, partner of the accounting firm Glenn & Dawson and member of the California Society of CPAs. Leslie talks to Tom Dziubek and discusses the IRS’s waiver of the two-year waiting period for people applying for a certain type of innocent spouse relief. Leslie and Tom also discuss what an “innocent spouse” is, the criteria needed for innocent spouse relief and also the difference between an “innocent” spouse and an “injured” spouse. Consumerism Commentary Podcast #119 Leslie Dawson, IRS Innocent Spouse Relief: S05E15 / 143 jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $('#wp_mep_42').mediaelementplayer({ m:1 ,features: ['playpause','current','progress','duration','volume','tracks','fullscreen'] ,audioWidth:400,audioHeight:30 }); }); Download – RSS – iTunes Table of contents [00:00] Introduction from Tom Dziubek [00:36] Interview with Leslie Dawson – [00:50] Explaining an innocent spouse – [02:16] Innocent spouse relief – [03:26] The frequency of innocent spouse relief – [06:34] The criteria that people must meet – [07:48] Whether spouses benefit from relief if couple still files jointly – [09:22] The relief process – [11:10] How far back the IRS can go & seeking tax counsel – [13:08] Keeping yourself from becoming an innocent spouse – [14:24] Online resources – [15:58] Handling of outstanding cases – [16:12] “Innocent” spouse vs. “injured” spouse [19:02] End We always welcome feedback from listeners. If you have any comments for this episode or for any other, or if you have suggestions for future episodes, please leave us comments here or email us at podcast at this domain name. Theme music by Mindcube. Podcast 119: Leslie Dawson, IRS Innocent Spouse Relief is a post from: Consumerism Commentary | 7/31/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Podcast 118: Consequences of Extreme Couponing | Today’s guest on the Consumerism Commentary Podcast is consumer savings expert Andrea Woroch. Andrew frequently appears on television to speak about retail trends and provide advice for shoppers to break bad buying habits. Visit her website for more information. Andrea talks with Consumerism Commentary Podcast host and produce Bryan J Busch about the negative effects and deceptive production of the “Extreme Couponing” TV show and how stores have been compelled to change their policies to stop aspiring extreme couponers from clearing shelves and causing a ruckus in the checkout aisles. They also discuss year-round coupon tips and other ways to save in the supermarket. Consumerism Commentary Podcast #118 Extreme Couponing Part II: S05E14 / 142 jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $('#wp_mep_43').mediaelementplayer({ m:1 ,features: ['playpause','current','progress','duration','volume','tracks','fullscreen'] ,audioWidth:400,audioHeight:30 }); }); Download – RSS – iTunes Table of contents [00:00] Introduction from Bryan J Busch [00:34] Interview with Andrea Woroch – [00:50] Is the “Extreme Couponing” TV show giving normal coupons a bad name? – [04:22] How are stores changing their policies as a result, especially with stacking? – [06:45] What if I can’t find the coupon policy on the store website? – [07:28] Is the “extreme couponing party” over? – [09:34] People are stealing newspapers more often just for coupons – [10:14] Andrea’s advice for finding and dealing with coupons responsibly (e.g. Cellfire and Coupon Sherpa) – [14:18] What is up to the store manager’s discretion? Always read the fine print and check for expiration dates. – [16:42] Tactics for saving in addition to coupons [19:47] End We always welcome feedback from listeners. If you have any comments for this episode or for any other, or if you have suggestions for future episodes, please leave us comments here or email us at podcast at this domain name. Theme music by Mindcube. Podcast 118: Consequences of Extreme Couponing is a post from: Consumerism Commentary | 7/24/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Podcast 117: Yaron Samid, BillGuard | Today’s guest on the Consumerism Commentary Podcast is Yaron Samid, founder and CEO of the personal finance security service BillGuard. Yaron talks to Tom Dziubek and discusses how BillGuard works, fraudulent credit and debit card transactions, how BillGuard detects these potentially fraudulent transactions and how it notifies their customers. Consumerism Commentary Podcast #117 Yaron Samid, BillGuard: S05E13 / 140 jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $('#wp_mep_44').mediaelementplayer({ m:1 ,features: ['playpause','current','progress','duration','volume','tracks','fullscreen'] ,audioWidth:400,audioHeight:30 }); }); Download – RSS – iTunes Table of contents [00:00] Introduction from Tom Dziubek [00:36] Interview with Yaron Samid – [00:49] About BillGuard – [01:26] Card fraud – [02:58] How BillGuard learns about potential fraud – [06:00] Other examples of fraud or unexpected charges – [07:44] How and when BillGuard notifies people – [10:44] Tricks used by unscrupulous merchants – [13:41] Getting help getting refunds – [15:11] Never use your debit card to reserve hotels or rent cars – [18:14] BillGuard’s security – [19:03] BillGuard’s funding [21:05] End We always welcome feedback from listeners. If you have any comments for this episode or for any other, or if you have suggestions for future episodes, please leave us comments here or email us at podcast at this domain name. Theme music by Mindcube. Podcast 117: Yaron Samid, BillGuard is a post from: Consumerism Commentary | 7/17/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Podcast 116: Meet a Thousandaire | Today’s guest on the Consumerism Commentary Podcast is Kevin McKee, a personal finance blogger who uses humor to educate young people at Thousandaire.com. Flexo and Bryan talk to Kevin about the costly mistakes that forced him to learn how to manage his money, whether student loans are good debt or bad debt, and why he makes music videos and movie parodies to explain finances. Consumerism Commentary Podcast #116 Meet a Thounsandaire: S05E12 / 139 jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $('#wp_mep_45').mediaelementplayer({ m:1 ,features: ['playpause','current','progress','duration','volume','tracks','fullscreen'] ,audioWidth:400,audioHeight:30 }); }); Download – RSS – iTunes Table of contents [00:00] Introduction from Bryan J Busch [00:34] Interview with Kevin McKee – [00:51] What is a thousandaire? – [01:56] Why young people have different attitudes toward money – [03:43] Kevin’s financial mistakes – [07:52] Engineering education influence on financial decisions – [09:30] Kevin’s novel definition of good debt – [12:15] Blogging for a young audience – [14:56] Talking about money shouldn’t be taboo – [17:17] The five steps to becoming a thousandaire – [18:56] Kevin’s custom budget spreadsheet vs. mint.com [19:57] End We always welcome feedback from listeners. If you have any comments for this episode or for any other, or if you have suggestions for future episodes, please leave us comments here or email us at podcast at this domain name. Theme music by Mindcube. Podcast 116: Meet a Thousandaire is a post from: Consumerism Commentary | 7/10/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Podcast 115: LaFoy Thomas, Generational Wealth | Today on the Consumerism Commentary Podcast, Tom Dziubek speaks with LaFoy Thomas, attorney, investor and author of the book Generational Wealth: Business & Investing Guide to Building an Empire. LaFoy discusses the concept of financial sophistication and many other topics such as economic indicators, REITs (real estate investment trusts) and how to understand financial statements. Consumerism Commentary Podcast #115 LaFoy Thomas, Generational Wealth: S05E11 / 138 jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $('#wp_mep_46').mediaelementplayer({ m:1 ,features: ['playpause','current','progress','duration','volume','tracks','fullscreen'] ,audioWidth:400,audioHeight:30 }); }); Download – RSS – iTunes Table of contents [00:00] Introduction from Tom Dziubek [00:36] Interview with LaFoy Thomas – [00:50] Financial sophistication – [02:24] LaFoy’s financial background – [04:10] Economic indicators – [05:12] Understanding the GDP report – [06:21] The employment report – [07:07] Weekly jobless claims report – [07:53] Retail sales report – [08:20] Consumer price index – [09:02] Existing home sales report – [09:50] S&P Case-Shiller Home Price Index – [10:37] Where you can find these reports – [11:22] Real estate as an investing strategy – [13:08] Getting home loans – [14:39] The 1031 exchange – [15:54] REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) – [16:38] Reading financial statements – [17:26] The balance sheet – [17:39] The income statement – [18:28] The Four P’s – [20:35] Sole proprietorship and other business entities – [23:09] Setting up an LLC [24:52] End We always welcome feedback from listeners. If you have any comments for this episode or for any other, or if you have suggestions for future episodes, please leave us comments here or email us at podcast at this domain name. Theme music by Mindcube. Podcast 115: LaFoy Thomas, Generational Wealth is a post from: Consumerism Commentary | 7/3/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Podcast 114: Summer Cooling Tips, Steve Rosenstock, EEI | Today on the Consumerism Commentary Podcast, Tom Dziubek speaks with Steve Rosenstock of the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) about tips to cool your house in the summer. Steve discusses many ways to cool your house down, including giving your air conditioning unit a checkup, using a programmable thermostat and several cheap and easy methods which people may not have considered before. Consumerism Commentary Podcast #114 Summer Cooling Tips, Steve Rosenstock, EEI: S05E10 / 141 jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $('#wp_mep_47').mediaelementplayer({ m:1 ,features: ['playpause','current','progress','duration','volume','tracks','fullscreen'] ,audioWidth:400,audioHeight:30 }); }); Download – RSS – iTunes Table of contents [00:00] Introduction from Tom Dziubek [00:37] Interview with Steve Rosenstock, EEI – [00:51] Insulation – [03:36] Cheap ways to make your home more energy efficient – [07:41] Keeping a second refrigerator in the garage – [09:40] Consider replacing an older air conditioner – [11:00] Caulking and weather stripping – [12:11] Replacing windows & the federal tax credit – [16:03] Fluorescent bulbs – [21:35] Using programmable thermostats – [24:00] Using fans – [24:53] Checking your local utility’s website [27:00] End We always welcome feedback from listeners. If you have any comments for this episode or for any other, or if you have suggestions for future episodes, please leave us comments here or email us at podcast at this domain name. Theme music by Mindcube. Podcast 114: Summer Cooling Tips, Steve Rosenstock, EEI is a post from: Consumerism Commentary | 6/26/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Podcast 113: The Money Couple, Scott & Bethany Palmer | Today’s guests on the Consumerism Commentary Podcast are Scott and Bethany Palmer, also known as The Money Couple. The Money Couple talks about many topics in their book, First Comes Love, Then Comes Money: A Couple’s Guide to Financial Communication such as financial infidelity, money personalities and how couples can better understand each others’ money quirks in order to have a happier relationship. Consumerism Commentary Podcast #113 The Money Couple, Scott & Bethany Palmer: S05E09 / 136 jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $('#wp_mep_48').mediaelementplayer({ m:1 ,features: ['playpause','current','progress','duration','volume','tracks','fullscreen'] ,audioWidth:400,audioHeight:30 }); }); Download – RSS – iTunes Table of contents [00:00] Introduction from Tom Dziubek [00:34] Interview with The Money Couple – [00:50] How Scott and Bethany met – [01:26] How soon financial discussions came into their relationship – [02:33] Financial infidelity – [03:39] Financial infidelity in Scott & Bethany’s relationship – [05:41] Having a financial relationship – [07:49] Transparency in a financial relationship – [09:25] Financial infidelity vs. sexual infidelity – [13:27] The money personalities – [16:49] Whether people with different personalities can have a successful relationship – [21:50] When a couple should start discussing finances – [23:35] Financial philosophies that Scott and Bethany have disagreed on – [25:13] Fighting fair – [27:55] The Financial Infidelity Quotient – [28:54] The stress that health issues can place on a relationship [33:56] End We always welcome feedback from listeners. If you have any comments for this episode or for any other, or if you have suggestions for future episodes, please leave us comments here or email us at podcast at this domain name. Theme music by Mindcube. Podcast 113: The Money Couple, Scott & Bethany Palmer is a post from: Consumerism Commentary | 6/19/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Podcast 112: Megan Wurm, Money Matters Ambassador | Today’s guest on the Consumerism Commentary Podcast is Megan Wurm, the 2011 teen ambassador for the Money Matters: Make it Count program operated by the Schwab Foundation and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Flexo joins Bryan on this follow-up to Episode 100, when Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz introduced us to the program which Megan won, granting her a $5,000 scholarship for college. Even more impressively, Megan was able to take the skills she learned and save up enough for a car and an iPad. Megan even got to meet Senator Harry Reid and tour the east coast to help promote financial literacy. Flexo, Bryan and Megan also discuss findings from the Schwab Foundation’s 2011 Teens and Money Survey. Consumerism Commentary Podcast #112 Megan Wurm, Money Matters Ambassador: S05E08 / 138 jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $('#wp_mep_49').mediaelementplayer({ m:1 ,features: ['playpause','current','progress','duration','volume','tracks','fullscreen'] ,audioWidth:400,audioHeight:30 }); }); Download – RSS – iTunes Table of contents [00:00] Introduction from Bryan J Busch [00:35] Interview with Flexo and Megan Wurm – [00:57] Money Matters – [02:03] Megan’s role as ambassador – [03:18] Financial priorities change from age 14 to 18 – [05:30] How Megan taught herself and her parents how to budget – [07:22] Spending with a debit card – [08:19] How adults can reach teens about money matters – [09:59] Teens know less than they think they now – [11:41] Naturally inclination to spend more? – [12:42] Having a job and trying to save for college – [13:18] Megan’s overall plan to pay for college and books – [15:11] Mobile phone family plans – [15:54] Advice for teens and their parents who want to learn about money management [18:13] End We always welcome feedback from listeners. If you have any comments for this episode or for any other, or if you have suggestions for future episodes, please leave us comments here or email us at podcast at this domain name. Theme music by Mindcube. Podcast 112: Megan Wurm, Money Matters Ambassador is a post from: Consumerism Commentary | 6/12/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| Total: 50 Episodes |
Customer Reviews
One of the more interesting and professionally produced financial podcasts out there.
A lot of personal finance bloggers are putting out podcasts these days, but not many of them are able to put one together that sounds as professional and that holds your attention as well as this one does. Flexo and Tom put out consistently good material, interesting interviews, and solid financial tips. Definitely one of the podcasts on my short list, and one I listen to most every week. Great job guys!
Episode 7
It's very telling that so many people live paycheck to paycheck. That is only justified for those with insufficient income, and sufficient income is a lower amount than many people think. It's so important to live within one's means, which in turn increases one's means tremendously, if made a habit. I enjoyed Linsey's commentary on frugality. It's really an individual thing based on values, as to what to be frugal with, what is essential/important/desirable and what is not. We use paper towels. I wish my husband didn't use them as though they are free. I like having everything we need, and convenience, but I am not as wasteful as my hubby in certain areas. I like top quality everything at lowest price, which to me means Brawny paper towels on sale. When I get especially ticked off at the overuse, I'll buy the junk paper towels based on price. I don't like wasting the good stuff, and I don't even waste the junky ones. Doing that is not great savings, but I'm not going to use cloth and create laundry, which is more expensive in terms of time and money. I use a calendar online, and other tools, but don't use Quicken, Mint or any of those. I do online banking, but our financial management is on paper, with every expense tracked daily and accounting done monthly.
Great morning commute listen
Love this podcast. Great listening for a morning commute to work each week. Only wish they would clean up the audio a bit, seems to over compressed. But they are still working it out. Only 7 episodes out when I wrote this review so I am sure when you read this review that audio issue will be ironed out. BTW, Been listening to Tom since eReport days. That was criminal WSJ killed that podcast segment. Good luck guys. Ed Walsh
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- Category: Investing
- Language: English
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