The 401(k) Playbook

Open Enrollment Panic: Picking the Right Health Plan

Open enrollment season is approaching, and somehow health insurance terms still sound like they were designed to confuse us on purpose. Don't panic!! In this episode, we’re breaking down how to actually choose the right health insurance plan in plain English. We cover deductibles, copays, HMOs vs. PPOs, high-deductible health plans, HSAs, and how to think through what plan actually makes sense for your life and budget. Whether you’re picking benefits for the first time, getting off your parents’ insurance soon, or just tired of choosing a plan at random every year, this episode will help you feel way more confident heading into open enrollment.

The 401(k) Playbook

On this episode of WNOTU we’re breaking down your 401(k), because “just contribute to it” is not enough information. We break down: * how employer matching actually works * how much you should be contributing * Roth vs. pre-tax contributions * and how to choose investments without feeling overwhelmed If you’ve ever opened your 401(k) portal and immediately wanted to close the tab… this episode is for you. The information in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as financial advice. I’m a Certified Financial Planner™, but I’m not your planner- so please consult a professional who knows yourunique situation before making any financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Viewsexpressed are my own and do not reflect the views of Bethesda Financial Advisors, LLC.

Credit Cards: How to Use Them WISELY

Credit cards get a bad reputation, but when used intentionally, they can be one of the most powerful financial tools in your wallet. In this episode, we’re talking about why credit cards matter, how they help you build credit, protect your purchases, and unlock valuable perks like cash back and travel rewards. We’ll break down the real benefits, the real risks, clear up common misconceptions, and talk about how to use credit cards confidently and responsibly. Whether you’re new to credit or looking to better understand how it fits into yourfinancial life, there is something here for everyone. Resources to explore: * Looking for a deeper dive into credit card rewards and points strategies? Check out Frequent Miler [https://frequentmiler.com/] or ThePoints Guy [https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/cash-back/?aid=0b3e2739&tid=de345fc70ace4eeea4f5228511911561&propertyid=50279] *  Best Cash Back Credit Cards [https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/cash-back/?aid=0b3e2739&tid=de345fc70ace4eeea4f5228511911561&propertyid=50279] * Best Travel Credit Cards [https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/travel/?aid=0b3e2739&tid=b0bd5324bfea4d7095dffa2eeaf5a714&propertyid=50279] Source citation (U.S. Credit Card Debt Data): According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s Quarterly Report on Household Debt and Credit, total outstanding **U.S. credit card balances reached about $1.23 trillion in the third quarter of 2025.

Saving When You Don't Make Bank

Saving money can feel impossible when you’re not making a huge salary, especially with rising costs and everyday expenses. In this episode, we talk about how to save when money feels tight, why traditional budgeting rules don’t always fit real life, and how to build better habits without guilt or perfection. We cover practical strategies like tracking your spending, paying yourself first, adapting the 50/30/20 rule, managing debt, and finding small ways to create breathing room, even if saving 20% feels out of reach. This episode is all about realistic expectations, progress over perfection, and building a system that works for you. If you’re trying to save, live your life, and not feel behind all at once, this one’s for you. SOURCES The Economic Policy Institute (EPI) Family Budget Calculator provides detailed estimates of what it actually costs to live modestly in U.S. metro areas. EPI Family Budget Calculator Overview & Documentation [https://www.epi.org/resources/budget/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Independent analyses using data inspired by EPI estimate that a single adult in the U.S. might need roughly ~$106,000-$107,000 per year before taxes to livecomfortably by the 50-30-20 standard. Study: Income Needed to Live Comfortably in Every U.S. City(2025) [https://www.kksa-am.com/2025/12/01/how-much-do-you-need-to-earn-to-live-comfortably-in-every-u-s-city-2025-data-study/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports median weekly earnings — which can be multiplied by 52 to estimate annual wages. For example, the median weekly earning for full-time workers was roughly $1,159 in recent data. BLSMedian Weekly Earnings of Full‑Time Workers (2024) [https://www.bls.gov/cps/cpsaat39.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Historical rental data show that U.S. median rents have risen sharply from 2015 to 2025, with estimates of around a 54% increase over that period — meaning average rent costs are up well over half from ten years ago. Rent Inflation & U.S. Median Rent Data (2015–2025) [https://innago.com/investing-is-rent-outpacing-inflation/?utm_source=chatgpt.com]

Planning with Purpose: Setting Your 2026 Financial Goals

In this episode, I’m tapping into my inner yoga instructorto bring you a conversation focused on setting a clear intention for the year ahead and breaking down how to turn that intention into financial goals that feel realistic, flexible, and aligned with your life. We’ll talk through what makes a good financial goal, the steps to take toward achieving it, and practical tips for staying consistent through the inevitable ups and downs of the year. Whether you’re focusing on saving, investing, paying down debt, or simply building more confidence around your finances, this episode will help you head into 2026 with clarity, intention, and a plan you can actually stick with.