39 - Understanding Your Paycheck: Gross vs. Net

39 - Understanding Your Paycheck: Gross vs. Net

Do you actually know where your hard-earned money goes before it hits your checking account? In this episode of "Making Sense of Your Cents," Daniel and Shanna tear open the grand mystery of your paystub to break down the fundamental mechanics of Gross vs. Net pay. We strip away the confusing payroll shorthand to reveal exactly how federal taxes, state withholdings, and mandatory protections eat into your earnings. Plus, we highlight the incredible tax-shielding power of voluntary workplace benefits like health premiums and retirement plans. Tune in for our actionable tip on running a personal "Paystub Audit" this week so you can uncover hidden payroll errors, understand your deductions, and claim your true take-home power!  Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2541464/fan_mail/new] Is your sensitive financial data sitting in an unsecured mailbox? Switching to e-Statements is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself from identity theft. Moving your records from the street into our high-security digital vault provides faster access, clears the clutter, and keeps your information safe.  Subscribe today, wherever you listen to your podcasts (Spotify, Apple Podcast, etc.) and send your questions to podcast@fcbtn.com.

38 - Investments 101: Building Long-Term Wealth

Are you ready to take the intimidation out of investing? In this episode of "Making Sense of Your Cents," Daniel and Shanna break down the foundational concepts of building long term wealth. We’re joined by special guest Clark Denton, Sr. Partner with Denton Financial Group, to discuss the practical side of investment planning. We cover the power of the employer 401k match, the difference between Traditional and Roth IRAs, and demystify the role of annuities in a modern retirement plan. Plus, we answer common questions about getting started in your 40s and share our actionable tip: The 1% Bump—an effortless strategy to supercharge your retirement growth. Tune in to turn investment confusion into a clear path forward!  Contact Clark Denton Denton Financial Group 9729 Cogdill Road #101 Knoxville, TN 37932 Phone: (865) 588-3533 https://www.dentonfinancialgroup.com/ [https://www.dentonfinancialgroup.com/] Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2541464/fan_mail/new] Is your sensitive financial data sitting in an unsecured mailbox? Switching to e-Statements is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself from identity theft. Moving your records from the street into our high-security digital vault provides faster access, clears the clutter, and keeps your information safe.  Subscribe today, wherever you listen to your podcasts (Spotify, Apple Podcast, etc.) and send your questions to podcast@fcbtn.com.

37 - Mid-Year Financial Review: The Halfway Mark

Are you on track to hit your financial goals for 2026? It’s officially the halfway mark of the year, which makes it the perfect time for a mid-year check-in. In this episode of "Making Sense of Your Cents," Daniel and Shanna walk you through a simple, four-step review process to ensure your money is still working toward the goals you set in January. We discuss why you should avoid waiting until December to address financial hurdles, how to perform a "Progress Audit" on your primary financial pillars, and how to proactively plan for the upcoming holiday season to avoid year-end panic. Tune in for our actionable tip on the 1% Bump to supercharge your savings, and get ready to finish the year stronger than you started!  Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2541464/fan_mail/new] Is your sensitive financial data sitting in an unsecured mailbox? Switching to e-Statements is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself from identity theft. Moving your records from the street into our high-security digital vault provides faster access, clears the clutter, and keeps your information safe.  Subscribe today, wherever you listen to your podcasts (Spotify, Apple Podcast, etc.) and send your questions to podcast@fcbtn.com.

36 - Life Insurance Basics: Term vs. Whole

Life insurance can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. In this episode of "Making Sense of Your Cents," Daniel and Shanna strip away the jargon to explain the fundamental differences between Term and Whole life insurance. We break down who each policy is designed for, why Term is often the best fit for young families, and how Whole Life insurance fits into long-term legacy planning. Plus, we answer common listener questions about how much coverage you actually need and whether it’s possible to have both. Tune in for an actionable tip on how to calculate your family’s coverage needs, and gain the peace of mind that comes with a solid plan!  Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2541464/fan_mail/new] Is your sensitive financial data sitting in an unsecured mailbox? Switching to e-Statements is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself from identity theft. Moving your records from the street into our high-security digital vault provides faster access, clears the clutter, and keeps your information safe.  Subscribe today, wherever you listen to your podcasts (Spotify, Apple Podcast, etc.) and send your questions to podcast@fcbtn.com.

35 - Teaching Kids (Under 12) About Money

How do you teach your kids about money without it becoming a chore? In this episode of "Making Sense of Your Cents," Daniel and Shanna break down the "Three-Jar System" for kids under twelve—an easy, visual way to introduce the concepts of spending, saving, and giving. We discuss why giving your kids the freedom to make small "money mistakes" now is the best way to prepare them for bigger financial decisions later. Plus, we answer common parent questions about chore-based allowances and the "24-hour rule" for impulse purchases, and we share our actionable tip: The Match Program—a simple strategy to supercharge your child's savings and show them the power of growth. Tune in to turn those kitchen table conversations into lifelong habits!  Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2541464/fan_mail/new] Is your sensitive financial data sitting in an unsecured mailbox? Switching to e-Statements is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself from identity theft. Moving your records from the street into our high-security digital vault provides faster access, clears the clutter, and keeps your information safe.  Subscribe today, wherever you listen to your podcasts (Spotify, Apple Podcast, etc.) and send your questions to podcast@fcbtn.com.