Financial Strides

09 What We Actually Do

From SEC registration and fiduciary duty to fee structures and client service, Kim and Emily finally answer the question listeners have been waiting for: what do they actually do? This episode pulls back the curtain on what it means to be a Registered Investment Adviser, and why that distinction should matter to anyone choosing a financial professional.

08 Taxable Brokerage Accounts

You've maxed your retirement accounts and paid down debt. Now what? Kim and Emily explain taxable brokerage accounts—the final, unlimited bucket where your post-tax dollars work for you. Discover why “taxable” doesn't mean what you think, how capital gains actually work, and why this account might be your secret weapon for early retirement, big purchases, or a European vacation.

07 Deep Dive into Retirement Accounts

Confused by retirement account acronyms? Kim and Emily demystify IRAs, Roth IRAs, 401(k)s, and Roth 401(k)s, explaining exactly how each account works, their tax advantages, and—most importantly—how these accounts work together to maximize your retirement savings. Bonus: a farmer's market seed analogy that finally makes the tax difference crystal clear.

06 Your New Year's Financial Checklist

New Year brings the perfect opportunity for a financial tune-up. Kim and Emily break it down into manageable steps. Learn how to pull your free annual credit report (the only official source is annualcreditreport.com), what to do if you find errors, and how credit monitoring services can catch problems before they snowball. Discover why your insurance review matters more than you think—especially after finishing that basement or welcoming a new family member—and why listing beneficiaries on every possible account is their obsession. Plus, learn which year-end deadlines you can't miss and why catching up on back taxes is worth tackling now.

05 The Waterfall Savings Method (Part 2)

Where does your tax bracket send you next? Kim and Emily continue their waterfall savings framework, diving deep into maximizing 401(k)s, understanding the powerful benefits of Roth accounts, and navigating tax-advantaged savings strategies. Learn when to prioritize reducing taxable income versus building tax-free growth, plus why automation is the secret to making your waterfall work effortlessly.