Are you scratching your head trying to understand Gen Z's approach to…life? You're not alone! This week, we’re exploring the fascinating and sometimes frustrating world of Gen Z finances, why traditional financial advice often misses the mark with this generation, and what actually resonates with them.

Every generation thinks they had it hard. And to be fair, most of them did. But Gen Z? They’re becoming adults in a world that looks nothing like the one we grew up in. Between AI disrupting entire industries, the attention economy turning regular people into millionaires overnight, and inflation making rent feel like a luxury item, it's no wonder their financial expectations (and anxieties) are sky-high.

In this episode, we break down:

• Why traditional financial advice isn’t built for Gen Z’s reality
• The real reason they think they need $600K a year to be successful
• Budgeting vs. Earning: We debate whether traditional budgeting advice is still relevant in today's economy, or if Gen Z's focus on increasing income is the smarter approach.
• How careers, income, and investing have changed forever
• The biggest mistakes Millennials and Boomers make when advising them
• How this approach is different from hustle culture

And most importantly, we share what actually works: learning how to earn, invest, and live in a world where stability is no longer the default setting.

Whether you’re Gen Z trying to figure it all out, or just someone trying to understand them better, this episode is for you.

Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life.

Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by Forbes

If you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

This week, we’re talking about impact investing, which if we’re being honest, is a phrase we used to think was reserved for people who call their parents by their first names. Turns out, it’s one of the closest things we have to financial resistance (with receipts!).

This episode drops on the last Monday of Black History Month 2025, a month that, for once, felt less performative. Not because there wasn’t Black history being made, there was, just like there is every day of the year…but because the usual corporate spectacle was dialed down. The hashtags were quieter, the campaigns were fewer, and the message was clear.

But Black history isn’t something we just look back on, it’s something we build. And for more people than ever, that means thinking differently about where our dollars go, not just as consumers but as investors.

Here’s what we get into:

• Why politicians keep telling us to “mobilize” but rarely mention money
• The Target vs. Costco stock story that shows how companies respond when people start moving their money
• The difference between boycotting as a consumer and influencing as a shareholder
• How everyday investors now make up 25% of stock trading and why that matters
• Why ignoring your investments isn’t neutral and what it means to be intentional with your financial power

And because knowledge without action doesn’t change much, we’re also talking about real steps you can take. Kiersten shares her experience with Invest for Better Circles, a program that changed how she thinks about money and impact (and made her rethink her own investments in the process). Plus, if you’re a Black woman looking for a space to learn about this in community, there’s a new cohort designed just for us. Link below.

TAKE ACTION:

📌 Join the waitlist for the Shifting Wealth, Shaping Futures Circles for Black women
📌 Not a Black woman? No problem. Regular Invest for Better Circles are opening soon too

Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life.

Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by Forbes

If you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

Is the magic really gone, or are we just over it? This week's episode is a Quick Dip, where we're side-eyeing some old-school markers of success. We thought about calling this the "end of an era" edition but it might be too soon...you tell us!

Think childhood trips to Disney, that diamond ring you're 'supposed' to want, and even that climb up the corporate ladder. We're wondering if these traditions still mean what they used to in a world that's changing so fast. The data suggests something is changing, but this episode is less about having all the answers and more about starting some real convos about what matters to us.

First, we reference a recent Wall St. Journal article called “Even Disney is worried about the high cost of a Disney Vacation,” and talk about how rising costs are impacting families and challenging the park's cultural dominance.

Then, we tackle the diamond industry and the growing popularity of lab-grown alternatives that promise the same quality at a fraction of the price. Finally, we dissect the current state of the corporate world, and talk about the current record high CEO turnover rates and what they signal about the evolving relationship between workers and employers. This episode also features leaked audio where JPMorgan's CEO, Jamie Dimon, uses explicit language when speaking to his employees.

Key Takeaways:

• Manufactured Magic is Expensive: "Tradition" often comes with a hefty price tag, and it's time to question if the returns are worth the investment
• Ethical Consumption Matters: From lab-grown diamonds to supporting companies with values that align with our own, we have more power than ever to vote with our dollars
• Authenticity is the New Luxury: The pursuit of genuine experiences and personal meaning is replacing the need to acquire status symbols

Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life.

Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by Forbes

If you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

This week marks a significant milestone: our 200th episode of the rich & REGULAR podcast! In this episode, we’re taking a moment to reflect, not just on what we've built, but on the path we took to get here.

Here’s what we cover as we peel back the curtain on the podcasting process:

• Our most memorable/favorite episodes
• It's more than just talking; it's an investment. From the upfront costs of good equipment like decent mics and mixers to the ongoing financial decisions involved with hosting and editing, offering guidance on where to allocate resources
• Monetization strategies: We talk about why monetization isn't as simple as it sounds, and the various ways you can monetize a podcast while outlining our decision-making processes. You'll hear how we dealt with sponsored content and podcast networks, and why we passed on opportunities that compromised our integrity.
• Even without celebrity guests or elaborate setups, why creating a podcast that resonates and makes a difference is achievable with authenticity, dedication, and a willingness to learn is possible
• We share our experiences inside podcasting communities and discuss some of the invaluable insights from networking.

The episode is for aspiring podcasters who are just starting out or existing podcasters who are working hard to improve and grow. The important takeaways? Discoverability is HARD. Longevity requires dedication (so does building a community). And always, always remember to press record.

We appreciate all of your support, notes, comments, and ratings and reviews that help us extend our reach. We can't wait to share the journey of the next 200 episodes with you.

Links:

• Episode 172: Not just a diagnosis: A real talk about ADHD, money, and relationships
• Episode 72: Julien's vasectomy
• Episode 7: Financially Supporting a parent (our story)
• Episode 77: The shocking cost of funerals
• Episode 128: Short term trading vs. long term investing

Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life.

Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by Forbes

If you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

This week we’re talking about "late bloomers" — the "over 40, mid-life-ish, but don't-say-that-to-us" gang who are just now getting their financial life together.

This was a requested episode so we're skipping the generic "just do it" advice and getting into the nitty-gritty of what it actually takes to build wealth when you're not starting in your 20s. We're discussing the psychological hurdles, the structural roadblocks, and how to create a financial plan that works for you, no matter what age. If you're ready to say "enough" to feeling behind and start building your financial future, this episode is for you.

Here’s what we cover:

• Why people become late starters
• The importance of accepting your starting point (no, we're not gonna sugar coat it)
• How to let go of the "what ifs" and embrace your new path
• Rewriting the rules when traditional financial advice isn’t always the most helpful
• Adapting strategies for a shorter timeline and setting goals that are both realistic and motivating
• The surprising power of community and why you should become a good neighbor
• Why automation and technology are your friends, not your enemies
• A reminder that your tax dollars can be a source of real benefits

Take action:

• Help us out and leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform
• Join the discussion and leave a comment on any of our social platforms

Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life.

Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by Forbes

If you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

This week’s episode is all about shopping bans and the no-spend trend. This month our social media feeds have been flooded with one thing: people swearing off shopping. Like, really swearing it off.

We see everything from no-spend months, to shopping bans, and even boycotts. And we get it. After the consumerist frenzy of the holidays, that pull towards simplicity or a “less is more” approach almost feels…. revolutionary.

We've been covering this topic for years, and this "new" trend is like seeing an old friend get a new haircut and a different outfit. It looks like it’s changed, but it's got the same good bones. In this episode, we explain why cutting off all spending has become so popular, the hidden psychology behind it, and whether it's a genuine path to financial health or just another form of deprivation disguised as wellness.

Takeaways:

• Shopping bans aren't a one-size-fits-all solution. They can be helpful for some, but can also backfire if not approached thoughtfully.
• "Abstinence-only" approaches can lead to deprivation. It’s important to address the root cause of our spending.
• We have a consumption problem. The story about the clothing donations after the California fires highlights the scale of this problem.
• It’s about being intentional, not restrictive. We share a “glass of water effect” metaphor to help you reframe your relationship with spending
• Listen to the full episode for our 3-step approach to cutting back on spending. We give you the keys to reevaluating your habits this year (shout out to “listen to end” gang! #iykyk)

If you're tempted to swear off all shopping, or even if you're just curious about what's driving this trend, tune in

Links:

• Episode 95: No spend challenges
• Episode 189: Underconsumption isn’t a trend, it’s a lifestyle
• LA donation centers are overwhelmed by all the clothing donations

Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life.

Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by Forbes

If you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

This week, we’re dissecting the art of the modern scam. We've all experienced the subtle unease of a pitch that just doesn’t feel right, but in an era where the line between marketing and deceit is dangerously thin, it’s important to stay aware so you don’t get hoodwinked and bamboozled.

We Discuss:

• Why we need to stop confusing charm with legitimacy
• How corporations are now using MLM tactics
• Why companies who use hard-sells aren’t actually interested in your problems.
• Why financial fraud is about to hit an all time high and what to do about it.
• Why it's important to know the history of your "expert"
• How fake reviews and stock photography can get you into trouble
• Why anonymous instructors should raise a red flag
• That sometimes the product isn’t the product and it’s a recruiting tactic instead.
• And lastly how not having a password manager is as foolish as a newborn walking in the street (or at least that’s how Julien sees it).

Key Takeaways:

• The “free speech” era will unleash more digital scammers
• Learn to differentiate between a legitimate business and a scam, and where your responsibility lies in the purchase.
• Urgency is a primary tool of manipulation.
• Overly charismatic personalities and flashy presentations are not proof of legitimacy.
• You should be able to see who you’re giving money to, not just the brand's face.
• Real testimonials are verifiable, they’re not based on stock photography and manufactured bots.
• The best defense against manipulation is informed skepticism.
• That sometimes if you can buy a product, you’re being used to recruit.
• You must prioritize password changes and offline time as a preventative measure.

Links:

• Financial technology toolkit
• The five levels of hype

Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life.

Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by Forbes

If you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

This week, we're joined by entrepreneur, speaker, and author, Anthony O'Neal. You may know him from his incredibly popular YouTube channel or, maybe, from his previous book, "Debt-Free Degree." But Anthony's back with a new book called "Take Your Seat at the Table," which is all about taking control of your life, money, and future.

If you’re unfamiliar with his work, he’s not your typical financial guru. He’s a self-made entrepreneur who went from being homeless to building a 7-figure business, and he’s bringing his wisdom back to the communities that are systematically left out of the financial conversation.

This episode is for anyone tired of the same old financial advice and ready to take control of their future. Anthony challenges us to ditch the idea that wisdom comes solely from age and embrace the power of lived experience. He urges us to kill the comfort that's holding us back and encourages us to build our own tables and then invite in the people who truly align with our vision.

What we get into:

• The catch-up: We start this conversation like you would a chat with a good friend. We talk about what life is like now that his YouTube channel is booming, and we even get a little glimpse of his journey to find love
• Challenging the status quo: We dig into the question, "Why should I listen to him?" and explore what it means to gain wisdom from life experiences over traditional credentials
• Leaving comfort behind: We dissect why so many folks are stuck in comfortable situations when they're clearly meant for more
• Formal vs. practical learning: Now that he’s working on his MBA, Anthony shares his thoughts on the value of a formal education alongside "street smarts" and why that balance is key to success
• His new book, "Take Your Seat at the Table:" You can't have a financial conversation without addressing ownership, power, and the folks who have a seat at YOUR table. We talk about why kicking out the wrong people is just as important as inviting in the right ones.
• How his recent trip to Ghana reframed his perspective on the Black community and the role it plays in building wealth.
• The future of making money: We discuss using platforms like YouTube and podcasts to build a better economic future.

Links:

• Keep up with Anthony on his website, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok
• Get his new book: Take Your Seat at The Table: Live and Authentic Life of Abundance, Wellness and Freedom (Jan. 14, 2025)

Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life.

Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by Forbes

If you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow