Up Your Average

83: Home Maintenance Tips Every New Homeowner Needs with Expert Repairman Micah Langmaack

Buying a home is exciting—but many new homeowners quickly realize there are hidden responsibilities and unexpected expenses nobody prepared them for.  In this episode of the Up Your Average Podcast, Doug sits down with expert repairman Micah Langmaack to break down a practical homeowner checklist designed to help first-time buyers and aspiring homeowners avoid costly mistakes. From home maintenance basics to common repair issues, this conversation covers the real-world things every homeowner should know before problems become expensive emergencies. Whether you recently bought a home, are preparing to buy one, or simply want to stay ahead on home improvement projects, this episode delivers straightforward, actionable advice. You’ll learn about: • Common home repairs homeowners overlook • Easy maintenance habits that save money • Small issues that turn into major expenses • Interior home improvement priorities • What to expect after buying a house • How to prepare financially for homeownership If you want a simple homeowner roadmap that makes owning a home less overwhelming, this episode is for you. 👉 Work with us: https://www.gimbalfinancial.com

82: Simple Brain Science That Can Change Your Life with Dr. Lee Warren

What if the biggest thing holding you back isn’t your past, but how your brain learned to respond to it? In this episode, neurosurgeon Dr. Lee Warren breaks down how neuroscience, trauma, and mental health intersect and why lasting change doesn’t come from rewriting your story, but from rewiring your brain. We explore a powerful idea: you don’t need a different life, different parents, or different circumstances to heal. You need to learn how your brain actually works and how to operate it differently. Dr. Warren shares practical insights from years in the operating room and his work helping people overcome depression, anxiety, and trauma. This includes a fresh perspective on antidepressants, emotional resilience, and what he calls “self-brain surgery”—a process of intentionally reshaping your thinking patterns. If you’ve ever felt stuck in cycles of anxiety, depression, or reactive thinking, this conversation offers a grounded, science-backed path forward. Key Topics: • Neuroscience and mental health explained simply • Trauma vs. coping: what really drives your struggles • Rethinking antidepressants and brain chemistry • How to rewire your brain through daily habits • The connection between thoughts, behavior, and identity If you’re ready to think differently and take control of your future, this is where it starts. 👉 Work with us: https://www.gimbalfinancial.com

81: How to Enjoy Your 40s and Still Retire Strong

Your 40s are a unique season of life, full of energy, opportunity, and motion. In this episode, Keith and Doug talk through why this decade can feel like a “sweet spot.” You have more experience, more discernment, and often more financial stability, but at the same time, life is moving faster than ever. Your kids are growing up, your responsibilities are expanding, and your time and attention are being pulled in multiple directions. One of the biggest ideas we unpack is simple but powerful: nothing gets better without attention. That applies to your finances, your health, your relationships, and your family life. And in your 40s, when everything is in motion, it becomes critical to step back and ask: What actually needs my attention right now? We also walk through what this decade often looks like in real life, especially for families. From youth sports to changing family dynamics, your role begins to shift. You’re no longer just leading your family, you’re often following where your kids’ interests and lives are taking you. This conversation is about recognizing that reality, taking inventory, and being intentional with how you move forward.  If you want help bringing clarity and structure to your 40s so you can enjoy it and stay on track financially, we’re here to help. Work with us at https://www.gimbalfinancial.com.

80: What Actually Matters in Your 20s (It's Not What You Think)

A lot of people waste their twenties and it’s not because they lack ambition. It’s because they’re focused on the wrong things. In this episode, Keith and Caleb break down what actually matters in your 20s. And it’s probably not what you’ve been told. It’s not just about making more money, chasing status, or waiting until everything feels “perfect” before making big life decisions. Instead, they explore a different framework: one built on purpose, intentional living, and the habits that quietly shape your future. From how you think about marriage and having kids, to how you spend your time and money, your twenties set the trajectory for everything that follows. If you’re feeling pressure to keep up, delay decisions, or “figure it all out later,” this conversation will challenge that thinking and give you a more grounded, long-term perspective. What you’ll learn: * Why purpose matters more than income early on * The real impact of marriage on your life and finances * Why kids may be a blessing—not just an expense * How contentment can outperform high income * The hidden cost of wasting time in your 20s * Simple financial habits that build long-term wealth Work with us at https://www.gimbalfinancial.com.

79: Is Modern Financial Planning Missing the Point?

Financial planning has evolved in ways most families don’t fully understand. In this episode, Keith and Doug break down the 60-year evolution of financial planning, from relationship-driven advice in the 1960s to today’s metrics-obsessed world of 401k balances, market headlines, and financial gurus. Along the way, they unpack how major events like market crashes, media influence, and cultural shifts have reshaped what people think financial advice should be. But here’s the deeper question: Has modern financial planning drifted too far from what actually matters? If you’ve ever wondered whether today’s financial advice truly aligns with your family’s long-term goals—not just your portfolio—this conversation will challenge your perspective. What we break down: • How financial planning worked in the 1960s vs today • The impact of major market events on investor behavior • Why media and fear cycles shape financial decisions • The rise of financial gurus and simplified advice models • What affluent families should prioritize instead This episode is especially relevant for families with significant assets who want a more intentional, values-driven approach to wealth. Work with us at https://www.gimbalfinancial.com.