Ep 15 - Should You Hire a Financial Advisor? (And 7 Things to Look For If You Do)
This might be the most common money question I get, and maybe even the most important: Should I hire a financial advisor? And right behind it: If so, how do I find a good one?In today’s episode, I’m not giving you a yes or no answer (sorry, not sorry). Instead, I’m walking you through a three-part framework to decide if you need an advisor—skill, will, and time—and then I’m sharing seven real-world filters for choosing the right one if you do.Because the truth is:Working with a financial advisor might be one of the smartest moves you’ll ever make.Or it might be an expensive, unnecessary distraction.The difference lies in what you need and who you choose.We’ll talk about:The difference between CFP®, CFA®, CPA, and the rest of the alphabet soupWhat being a “fiduciary” really means (and doesn’t mean)The myth of market-beating promises (run from those)Fee models that make sense—and those that don’tWhy credentials are clues, but not the whole storyHow investing is often more about behavior than brillianceThe one question you must ask every advisor: “How do you invest your own money?”And yes, I even compare hiring a financial advisor to dating—because, honestly, it is. This episode won’t give you a rubber-stamped answer, but it will give you something far more valuable: a lens to look through so you can make the call yourself.🎧 Whether you’re DIY-ing your financial life or just trying to figure out if the grass really is greener with professional help—this one’s for you.If you enjoy the show, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who’s wondering if they should “talk to someone” about their money.📩 And as always, you can sign up for the free newsletter at tylergardner.com for more clear, action-oriented financial education.
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Ep 14 - Dan Brigham - On Faith, Finance, and First Principles
He paid off $100K in debt and isn’t trying to sell you a thing — meet Dan the Budget Man.In a financial world cluttered with gurus, grifters, and gatekeepers, Dan Brigham (@budgeters_anonymous) is a breath of fresh air. No paywalls. No “six-figure side hustle” webinars. Just brutally honest content, bite-sized math on notecards, and a contagious belief that you can take control of your money — excuses not included.In this episode of Your Money Guide on the Side, we dive into the moments that shaped Dan’s mission, including his two-year journey out of over $100,000 in debt and why vulnerability—not credentials—is his currency of trust. We talk about his viral “Smart Guy vs. Dumb Guy” series, the backlash he gets over car payments (you’ve been warned), and why he thinks showing integrity is far more important than performing expertise.You’ll also hear us unpack:What makes people defensive about moneyWhy so many creators struggle with relevance and comparisonHow to stay grounded (literally and spiritually) when the work feels heavyThe reality behind Austin’s finance/media sceneAnd the books that actually changed our lives (spoiler: one’s still in print after 2,000 years)If you’re tired of being yelled at by the financial internet or just want to hear two humans wrestle with what it means to help others and still help themselves—this one’s for you.Listen wherever you get your podcasts. And don’t forget to subscribe if you’re into financial literacy, big questions, and small wins.
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Ep 13 - The Truth About Debt: How to Use It, Beat It, and Stop Feeling Bad About It
Is All Debt Bad? What the Wealthy Know That Most People Don’tDebt doesn’t have to be your enemy—and in this solo episode, Tyler Gardner breaks down how to make smarter decisions about debt, ditch shame, and leverage it as a tool for long-term wealth.Whether you’re currently drowning in high-interest credit cards, juggling student loans, or just debating whether to pay off your 3% mortgage early, this episode is your new north star for how to think clearly about debt. You’ll learn how to:✅ Decide whether to pay off debt or invest✅ Use a practical ranking system to tackle your debt (hello, Debt Emergency Scale!)✅ Think about opportunity cost like an investor✅ Understand the psychological weight of debt—and why some people sleep soundly with it while others spiral✅ Use the avalanche or snowball method depending on your own wiring✅ Flip the script: how leverage (yes, debt!) can be used strategically to build wealth the way entrepreneurs and investors do every dayPlus, Tyler shares a vulnerable reminder that debt isn't a moral failing—it's a part of modern life. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s clarity, action, and momentum.This one is personal. And powerful. And might just change the way you think about debt forever.
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Ep 12 - Andy Schneider - The Educator’s Guide to Money, College, and Real-World Finance
What happens when a former English teacher becomes a CFO—and decides to teach everyone around him how money actually works?In this episode, Tyler sits down with longtime friend and campmate Andy Schneider, a career educator and current CFO at an independent school, for a wide-ranging and deeply honest conversation about what we teach (and don’t teach) about money.Andy has worn a lot of hats—boarding school English teacher, PWC consultant, MBA grad, educational administrator—and he brings a rare combo of humility, humor, and clarity to the messy overlap between education, money, and life purpose.You’ll hear:Why Andy left the classroom—and why he came backHow business was “demystified” for him in the least expected wayWhat actually drives the cost of college (and why some schools won’t survive)The myth of the “money expert”—and how to choose who you trustWhat a CFO wishes more teachers asked him (but never do)🎙️ Plus:The uncomfortable truth about health insurance, school budgeting, and stock-picking competitions in high schoolsWhy college needs a Julliard-style reset for the modern worldAnd why Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel just might be the most important book you’ll ever readThis one’s for anyone navigating careers, family, and the growing pressure of financial decision-making in a world that feels increasingly complex and expensive. Whether you're saving for college or trying to explain your 401(k) to your teenager, this episode helps add clarity, confidence, and maybe even some joy to the process.📚 Education, meet real-world finance.🐶 Also: Tyler’s dogs make a guest appearance with some strong opinions on college tuition.🔍 Highlights & Resources:Book: The Psychology of Money by Morgan HouselConcept: Education vs. College (yes, there’s a difference)Tool: Why every good CFO keeps a whiteboard in their officeFramework: You don’t need to be a teacher to teach📬 Subscribe to Tyler’s newsletter for 3 weekly money insights: tylergardner.com 🎧 More episodes at Your Money Guide on the Side
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Ep 11 - The 3-Step Framework for Solving Any Financial Problem (That's Actually Worth Solving)
Have you ever said, “I’m just bad with money”?Yeah—me too. But what if the real issue isn’t your spending or saving or investing strategy... but your ability to name the actual problem in the first place?This solo episode is a follow-up to last week’s conversation with CFP® Victoria Ferguson, and it’s all about creating a personal framework that helps you stop spinning your wheels and finally make meaningful progress in your financial life.You’ll learn:Why most people never get past step one in solving their money problemsHow to stop drowning in to-do lists and prioritize the right thingA new lens for filtering financial advice (and spotting BS in a sea of influencers)🔍 Whether you’re overwhelmed by credit card debt, unsure how to retire, or simply tired of feeling like you’re doing everything but getting nowhere, this episode gives you the tools to:✅ Name the problem ✅ Prioritize the problem ✅ Solve the problem—without getting lost in the noisePlus:What Warren Buffett’s 25-5 Rule has to do with your financesThe Latin origin of the word “priority” (spoiler: it was never meant to be plural)Why vague financial advice is like shopping at Costco while hungryAnd how smoke alarms at 2 a.m. taught me more about problem-solving than any spreadsheet ever didIf you want clarity, confidence, and a simple way to move forward in your financial life—this episode is for you.🎯 Don’t just solve problems. Solve the right one.
Your go-to podcast for mastering money and investing. Hosted by Tyler Gardner, a trusted influencer with over 2.5M followers, Your Money Guide on the Side simplifies the complex, adds nuance to what seems simple, and connects you with the brightest minds in finance, investing, and business. Whether you’re just starting or leveling up, this is your one-stop resource to navigate your own finances with clarity, confidence, and a bit of fun. Let’s get you one step closer to where you need to be.
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