Car buying has become one of the most financially dangerous consumer experiences in modern life. In today’s episode, we’re flipping the script.

Whether you’re buying or leasing, trading in or paying cash, I’ll walk you through the 10 timeless rules you must follow if you want to avoid getting taken for a ride—financially and emotionally. No guilt trips. No boomer advice. Just strategy, leverage, and power dynamics decoded.

And full disclosure: I love cars. I lease new ones every few years. I’m not here to shame your joy. I’m here to make sure that joy doesn’t cost you $9,000 more than it should.

WHAT WE COVER:

• Why you should never walk into a dealership first—and what to do instead
• The email script that can save you thousands before you ever test drive
• Why “What can you afford monthly?” is a trap—and how it costs you big
• The hidden revenue center called the “finance office” (and how to say no)
• The floor plan secret that gives you leverage when buying in stock
• How to use pre-approved financing as bait to beat the dealer at their own game
• Real math on depreciation—and why some “investments” are worth it anyway
• When leasing makes more sense than buying (and what to negotiate)
• How emotional timing ruins deals—and how to buy before you need to
• The best days of the year to buy, based on actual dealer incentives

Plus, why your car purchase might be one of the biggest financial decisions of your next five years—whether you realize it or not.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Kelley Blue Book average car prices (2024): $47,000+
• CFPB, NADA, JD Power, Bankrate statistics on car loans, dealer profit centers, and interest rate games
• How to calculate a lease “money factor” and negotiate like a pro
• The difference between buying a car and buying a feeling—and why that matters

JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
Have a question, a rant, or a car-buying story that others need to hear? Shoot me a note at socialcapconnect@gmail.com. I read every message.

And if this show is helping you feel more powerful and prepared, the best way to say thanks is with a quick review. It helps the show grow and lets me keep delivering practical, real-world financial guidance—without selling out.

She’s been on Bloomberg. The New York Times. Yahoo Finance. But Mady’s real talent? Translating the chaos of markets and money into stories that make you feel seen. In this episode, we dive into everything from surviving the 2016 election newsroom to navigating the terrifyingly personal world of money and relationships. Mady opens up about growing up around volatility — both financial and emotional — and how it fuels her empathy-first approach to financial journalism today.

We talk about:

• Why everyone, even billionaires, fears losing everything
• How to actually make money content more fun and accessible
• What David Booth (yes, that billionaire) thinks you should do instead of stressing about a stock crash
• How her background in political reporting shaped her calm, clear-eyed view of financial chaos
• The most important account a woman can open (hint: it starts with “I” and ends with freedom)
• And the number one piece of advice for men in relationships—you’ll just have to listen and find out!

This is one of those rare conversations that gets behind the curtain of financial media and your own money story — and leaves you feeling a little smarter, a little braver, and a lot more equipped to have the hard conversations.

Interested in learning more about and/or following Mady Mills?

Instagram: @madymills

TikTok: @madymills

You've hit the million-dollar mark—now what?

In this episode of Your Money Guide on the Side, we tackle the deceptively simple question: how should you invest a million dollars? This isn’t about theoretical asset allocation or textbook strategies. It’s about real lives, real goals, and real risk tolerance.

We meet three investors—Chad, Nina, and Marge—each at very different life stages, each with a radically different approach to putting their wealth to work:

• Chad Slater, the thrill-seeking ex-startup bro who wants asymmetry, optionality, and upside. His portfolio is bold, volatile, and aggressive—global equities, venture capital, and yes, crypto.
• Nina Ellington, the grounded creative director turned Pilates instructor who wants growth without chaos. Her diversified, resilient mix of stocks, bonds, real estate, and alternatives prioritizes balance and autonomy over adrenaline.
• Marge Buttersworth, the sharp, independent retiree who wants reliability and peace of mind. Her income-focused portfolio features bond ladders, dividend stocks, and high-yield cash vehicles—designed to pay her, not stress her.

These are not just asset allocations. They are reflections of who these people are, what they value, and what they need their money to do for them.

💡 Along the way, we explore key questions:

• How soon will you need the money?
• How much risk can you stomach?
• Are you trying to grow, preserve, or withdraw from your portfolio?

And if you stick around until the end, I share exactly how I invest my own money—no hype, no secrets—just a simple, transparent walk through my personal allocation and why I chose it.

📌 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• 3 distinct investing strategies for $1M portfolios
• How risk tolerance, time horizon, and goals shape allocation
• The truth about fees, diversification, and asset class correlation
• Why your neighbor’s portfolio has nothing to do with yours
• How to evaluate your definition of enough

📬 Bonus: If this episode resonates, subscribe to my free weekly newsletter for deeper dives and personal stories at tylergardner.com

🎙️ Disclaimer: I’m not your financial advisor—I’m your guide on the side. Everything here is for educational purposes only. Always do your own research and consider working with a fiduciary advisor who understands your unique circumstances.