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This episode features Stephen Dissette Investment Advisor Representative with Horter Investment Management https://www.stephenddissetteandassociates.com/ About Stephen Dissette: Stephen Dissette is an investment advisor representative with Horter Investment Management. He is a graduate of Northwestern University and served as an officer in the United States Navy. As a young boy, Stephen watched his grandfather work until his final days, unable to retire. His father also had to work into his 70's. This personal experience ignited Stephen's passion and desire to help guide pre-retirees and retirees towards their preferred financial future. Ricky introduces a conversation with Steven Dissette about saving and investing for children in an environment of higher inflation and rising education costs. The episode focuses on tax-advantaged accounts, including 529 plans and Coverdell accounts, as well as how account ownership can affect future financial aid eligibility.In this episode: Why investment returns need to outpace inflation to preserve future purchasing power.How college costs may be experiencing higher inflation than the broader economy.The role of 529 plans and Coverdell accounts in tax-advantaged education savings.Ricky’s experience trying to establish a new Trump account for his son, including the roadblocks he encountered.The difference between parent-owned and child-owned assets.Why ownership matters when a student completes the FAFSA and applies for federal financial aid.How the same $10,000 balance can have a different aid impact depending on whether it belongs to the parent or the student.A preview of a future episode covering contribution limits, account rules, and differences between education savings options.Timestamps:00:00 - Introducing Steven Deset and the topic of investing for children00:23 - Why higher inflation changes long-term investing decisions01:16 - The challenge of rising college costs and preserving purchasing power01:45 - Why education investing is increasingly important02:10 - 529 plans and Coverdell accounts explained at a high level02:38 - Ricky’s attempt to open a Trump account for his son03:40 - Comparing parent-owned and child-owned investment assets04:17 - How asset ownership affects FAFSA and financial aid04:47 - Transitioning to Steven’s discussion

In this episode, Ricky breaks down the difference between Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) in a simple, practical way. He explains when each account is useful, how they affect your taxes, and why they can be valuable parts of a personal finance strategy.What you’ll learn What FSAs and HSAs areHow FSAs and HSAs differWhy an HSA can be especially powerful for long-term savingsWhen an FSA might make sense for youA few common rules and quirks to know before choosing oneFSAs are usually “use it or lose it” accounts.Contributions come out of your paycheck and lower your taxable income.You generally need to spend the money during the year or you lose it.Some employers may contribute money to your FSA.FSAs can sometimes be used for specific purposes like dental or vision expenses.HSAs require a high-deductible health plan.High-deductible plans usually have lower monthly premiums, but you pay more out of pocket before insurance kicks in.HSAs offer a “triple tax advantage”:HSA funds can often be invested and left to grow over time.Unlike an FSA, HSA funds do not have to be spent each year.After age 65, HSA withdrawals can be taken for any purpose without penalty, though ordinary income tax may apply.Ricky’s book: Your Money JourneyKey takeawaysFlexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)Why this mattersRicky explains that HSAs can be especially useful for healthy people who want to save and invest for future healthcare costs, while FSAs can be a smart choice for predictable expenses like dental or vision care.Personal exampleRicky shares that his employer contributes to his HSA, and he also uses a dental FSA because he expects dental expenses during the year. He also notes that some FSA funds can sometimes be used for eye care.Final reminderThis episode is meant to be educational, not financial advice. As Ricky says, he’s a CPA, but not your CPA.Mentioned in this episode

Why Knowing Isn’t Doing: The Real Frugal Living ProblemIn this episode of The Frug Life, Ricky explores a common personal finance mystery: why do so many people know what they should do with money, yet still struggle to follow through? The answer, according to the episode, isn’t a lack of information — it’s behavior. From present bias to mental accounting to lifestyle creep, the discussion breaks down the psychological patterns that keep people from making frugal choices consistently.In this episode, Ricky digs into the gap between financial knowledge and financial action. He explains why most people already know the basics — spend less than you earn, save for retirement, avoid debt — but still struggle to actually do them.The episode highlights several behavioral forces that make frugal living difficult: Present bias: preferring rewards now over benefits laterMental accounting: treating money differently depending on where it came fromLifestyle creep: spending rises as income risesSocial comparison: measuring spending against the people around usSelf-attribution bias: crediting wins to skill and blaming losses on outside forcesRicky also reflects on the role of automation and systems, arguing that the best financial habits are the ones that make the easy choice the right choice. Along the way, he reacts to an AI-written draft of the episode and uses it to sharpen his own perspective on money, budgeting, and behavior.This episode is a thoughtful, self-aware look at why frugality is less about willpower and more about designing a life that supports better choices.- Why financial knowledge alone usually isn’t enough- How present bias makes saving feel harder than spending- The hidden danger of lifestyle creep- Why automation can reduce decision fatigue- How systems beat willpower in personal financeIf this episode helped reframe your thinking about money, share it with someone who is trying to build better financial habits.

Ever hear headlines about the Federal Reserve and tune them out? Those abstract percentages dictate the flow of your daily financial life. In this featured segment, Frank Clement, VP of Strategic Partnerships at America's Christian Credit Union, takes over the mic to break down what the Fed actually does—and why it matters for your wallet. Frank demystifies how the federal funds rate creates a ripple effect across the entire economy, shifting everything from your savings account yield to the cost of canned tuna. What you'll learn in this 10-minute segment: For Borrowers: How a shifting rate cycle can quietly add $700+ to a standard monthly mortgage payment. For Savers: Why high interest rates are the ultimate opportunity to lock in solid CD yields and build a cash cushion. For Ministries: How changing rate environments impact stewardship and the viability of church building projects. Connect with our guest: Take control of your financial stewardship at americaschristiancu.com. Want more Frugal Content? Follow me on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/thefruglife Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFrugLife/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_frug_life_podcast Or sign up for our Newsletter: http://www.thefruglife.com/p/join.html  Get a free stock when you sign up for WeBull and deposit $100. Use my link below: https://act.webull.com/i/TwIJ8klybvIo

Crossposting the 4th episode on my new Podcast, The Iced Frugal Hour In this episode of The Iced Frugal Hour, Ricky and Jackie explore the often overlooked realities of inflation rates, the rapid rise of AI and its implications for society, and the questionable use of emerging technology in everyday life. Tune in for a spirited discussion that breaks down complex topics into relatable insights, with practical takeaways on how these trends affect you. https://open.spotify.com/show/1RAXoL0fdw962adrcm453r

This is a special episode featuring two guests on side hustles. Guest one, Sasha: YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@YourFrugalFriend Website: https://yourfrugalfriendblog.com/ Guest two, Kevin: Website: https://kccapital.co.uk/ Want more Frugal Content? Follow me on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/thefruglife Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFrugLife/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_frug_life_podcast Or sign up for our Newsletter: http://www.thefruglife.com/p/join.html  Get a free stock when you sign up for WeBull and deposit $100. Use my link below: https://act.webull.com/i/TwIJ8klybvIo

I talk about stoicism and share some exciting news. Want more Frugal Content? Follow me on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/thefruglife Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFrugLife/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_frug_life_podcast Or sign up for our Newsletter: http://www.thefruglife.com/p/join.html  Get a free stock when you sign up for WeBull and deposit $100. Use my link below: https://act.webull.com/i/TwIJ8klybvIo

In this episode Arden talks about her journey to get out of debt! Pleaser also visit shesFinanciallyFree.com ShesFinanciallyFree.com/StarterKit

Episode Summary In this episode, we dive into a listener's question about how to invest in Bitcoin, gold, and silver. We explore the fundamental difference between buying a cash-generating asset (like a stock) and a speculative asset (like a precious metal or cryptocurrency). Whether you want to "swim in a pool of coins" like Scrooge McDuck or simply diversify your portfolio, the how depends entirely on your why. The "Why" Matters: Your investment strategy should be determined by your objective—are you looking for a short-term price play or a long-term hedge against the stock market? Ease of Access (ETFs): For most people, Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) are the fastest solution. They allow you to own a share of the asset's price without the hassle of guarding physical gold or managing digital wallets. Physical Ownership & Risks: Gold/Silver: Storing physical metal involves security risks, theft concerns, and the cost of safety deposit boxes. Bitcoin: Managing your own keys can be dangerous. Even veterans in the space since 2013 have lost access to funds due to lost backups. Speculation vs. Cash Flow: Unlike stocks, which produce dividends and cash flows, gold and Bitcoin are speculative. They only make money when you sell them to someone else at a higher price. The Scrooge McDuck Fantasy: While owning a vault of gold sounds cool in theory, the practical realities of storage and "hoarding" tendencies make it less appealing for many. "Owning gold isn’t free... It needs to be guarded. Likewise, Bitcoin needs to be custodied, and doing that costs money." Want more Frugal Content? Follow me on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/thefruglife Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFrugLife/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_frug_life_podcast Or sign up for our Newsletter: http://www.thefruglife.com/p/join.html  Get a free stock when you sign up for WeBull and deposit $100. Use my link below: https://act.webull.com/i/TwIJ8klybvIo

This Service is gone now unfortunately. ⁠https://heliummobile.com/⁠ Use my Code for a welcome bonus and to help support the show: 1APTSC4 Welcome to The Frug Life! In this episode, I reveal my secret to getting a $0-a-month phone plan with 3 GB of free data from Helium Mobile. This isn't a government plan or a work perk—it's a plan anyone can sign up for! I share why having a second, free plan is super valuable for preserving my primary data and how my dual-phone setup saved me when I thought I lost my phone on a flight to DC. Plus, find out how you can actually get paid in gift cards just for using the service! Want more Frugal Content? Follow me on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/thefruglife Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFrugLife/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_frug_life_podcast Or sign up for our Newsletter: http://www.thefruglife.com/p/join.html  Get a free stock when you sign up for WeBull and deposit $100. Use my link below: https://act.webull.com/i/TwIJ8klybvIo Music Credit The Purple Planet https://heliummobile.com/ Use my Code for a welcome bonus and to help support the show: 1APTSC4

I talk about saving money on fitness. Want more Frugal Content? Follow me on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/thefruglife Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFrugLife/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_frug_life_podcast Or sign up for our Newsletter: http://www.thefruglife.com/p/join.html  Get a free stock when you sign up for WeBull and deposit $100. Use my link below: https://act.webull.com/i/TwIJ8klybvIo Music Credit The Purple Planet Episode Summary Why pay a monthly fee to exercise when you could be accomplishing something productive at the same time? On this episode, Ricky challenges the conventional wisdom that you need a gym membership to get fit. He argues that the true "Frug Life" approach to fitness is embracing productive physical activity—tasks that get you a great workout while simultaneously improving your home, saving you money, or creating a valuable resource. Ricky shares how he's currently getting a killer workout by sawing and chopping overgrown trees in his backyard, turning muscle-building labor into free firewood and a cleaner property. This is the core of his "no gym" philosophy: your best fitness plan is already built into your life. The Problem with Gyms: Gyms are an ongoing expense that often goes unused, and they thrive on subscriber inactivity—the opposite of a frugal mindset. The Philosophy of Productive Activity: Don't separate activity from productivity. Find ways to move your body that result in a tangible, beneficial outcome (e.g., resources, savings, home improvement). Your Home is Your Gym: Ricky outlines several everyday activities that double as effective workouts: Yard Work: Sawing, pulling, bending, and digging in the yard or garden (results in produce, firewood, or a better property). Vigorous Cleaning: Deep cleaning your home or apartment (results in a clean space and a cardio session). Active Errands: Walking or biking instead of driving to the store (results in saved gas money and exercise). DIY Projects: Painting, building, and minor repairs (results in home improvements and strength training). The True Long-Term Cost: Frugal fitness saves you money in the short term (no membership fee) and the long term (better health, fewer medical bills). The benefits of cancelling unused subscriptions (like that gym membership!)

In this episode, we tackle the much-hyped "secret" to wealth, dissecting popular philosophies from books like Think and Grow Rich. We discuss why simply "thinking" about success isn't enough and instead argue that true wealth comes from a simple, three-part formula: earning, investing, and saving. This is the core promise of the Frug Life. Do and Grow Rich: The true secret to wealth isn't just about manifesting success with your mind. It's about building something of value that people are willing to pay for. This could be a quality product, a service, or even your labor as an employee. The Trifecta of Value: To succeed, you need a three-part approach: Create a great product or service. Get it in front of the right people. Provide value in a way that people will seek you out. The Power of Investing: Earning money is just the starting point. To truly build wealth, you need to put your money to work. We discuss how investing is a way of providing value in the form of capital, enabling companies to grow. Warren Buffett's Public Advice: While Buffett's own career was built on concentrated bets in a handful of stocks (like Berkshire Hathaway, American Express, and Coca-Cola), his public advice for most people is to invest in low-cost index funds. This is a solid strategy to achieve market-level performance. The Frugal Mindset: We touch on the philosophy of figures like Grant Cardone, but ultimately assert that for most people, controlling your spending is an easier and more reliable path to building wealth. Spending less and investing more is a foundational principle of The Frug Life. Want more Frugal Content? Follow me on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/thefruglife Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFrugLife/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_frug_life_podcast Or sign up for our Newsletter: http://www.thefruglife.com/p/join.html  Get a free stock when you sign up for WeBull and deposit $100. Use my link below: https://act.webull.com/i/TwIJ8klybvIo Music Credit The Purple Planet

In this episode, we dive into the investment philosophies of legendary investors Warren Buffett and his mentor, Benjamin Graham. We explore their approach to value investing, which focused on finding deeply discounted stocks. We also take a closer look at Graham's famous "net working capital" strategy, and how these methods led to Buffett's incredible success. Benjamin Graham & Value Investing: We'll discuss Graham's focus on buying stocks at prices significantly below their intrinsic value, particularly those selling for less than their net working capital. This forms the basis of value investing. The Efficient Market Hypothesis (EMH): We'll break down the two main forms of this theory: Weak Form EMH: The idea that past prices and trading volume don't help you predict future prices. We'll discuss why this suggests that technical analysis (using charts and graphs) doesn't work. Semi-Strong Form EMH: The idea that all publicly available information is already reflected in a stock's price. Warren Buffett's career, however, can be seen as a challenge to this idea, as he used fundamental analysis to achieve above-market returns. Referenced episode Rock Paper Scissors Trading https://open.spotify.com/episode/6wxGLf8YAPBjgKTBbjn8Ra?si=O6nJXeDhTjOj4DIjZAcW6g&nd=1&dlsi=89b90bb1554b436c Want more Frugal Content? Follow me on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/thefruglife Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFrugLife/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_frug_life_podcast Or sign up for our Newsletter: http://www.thefruglife.com/p/join.html  Get a free stock when you sign up for WeBull and deposit $100. Use my link below: https://act.webull.com/i/TwIJ8klybvIo Music Credit The Purple Planet

In this episode I talk about Binary options.  Link to the 2025 listener survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScLBn1d1iIN-8Xq_XhytYLf4AE1TTtOW-3oQZqEs5CSNI14-A/viewform Want more Frugal Content? Follow me on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/thefruglife Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFrugLife/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_frug_life_podcast Or sign up for our Newsletter: http://www.thefruglife.com/p/join.html  Get a free stock when you sign up for WeBull and deposit $100. Use my link below: https://act.webull.com/i/TwIJ8klybvIo Music Credit The Purple Planet

In this episode I talk about living Simply. Link to 2025 Listener Survey, win lunch on me! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScLBn1d1iIN-8Xq_XhytYLf4AE1TTtOW-3oQZqEs5CSNI14-A/viewform?usp=dialog https://www.townsends.us/ https://www.youtube.com/c/Bushradical https://moneyfortherestofus.com/ A similar themed episode where I talk about Bush Radical (and actually share a clip from it). https://open.spotify.com/episode/705gbYanlAZ9cZwHzc0ODH Want more Frugal Content? Follow me on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/thefruglife Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFrugLife/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_frug_life_podcast Or sign up for our Newsletter: http://www.thefruglife.com/p/join.html  Get a free stock when you sign up for WeBull and deposit $100. Use my link below: https://act.webull.com/i/TwIJ8klybvIo Music Credit The Purple Planet