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In this episode of Money Talk, we’re diving into the emotional side of money—because let’s be real, it’s not all about math. I’m joined by Egle Aleknaviciute, a wealth, business, and purpose strategist who brings a unique mix of financial expertise and emotional intelligence. We explore why saving can feel painful, how vision boards can actually boost your savings, and how to harness your emotions, not be controlled by them, when it comes to money. If you’ve ever struggled with guilt around spending or felt like saving was a loss, this one’s for you.

💰 Money Talking Points

1. What system can help take the pain out of savings for you?
2. How can a vision board help you?
3. What is your why with your money?

🕒 Key Time Stamps

• 03:30 – Automating your savings to reduce decision fatigue
• 06:00 – Emotions vs. logic: why emotion always wins
• 08:00 – Stock market fear, emotional triggers, and making smart choices
• 11:30 – Vision boards: how they connect your goals with your subconscious
• 13:00 – The magic of awareness and writing down your dreams
• 15:00 – How opportunities appear when you start dreaming
• 17:30 – Shifting beliefs and allowing yourself to enjoy your money
• 19:00 – Why your "why" is the foundation for financial focus
• 21:30 – Advertisement immunity: resisting marketing through purpose
• 23:00 – Logic justifies emotion—so control the emotion first

🔗 Links & Resources

• 🌐 Connect with Egle Aleknaviciute: www.egle-aleknaviciute.com
• 🎙️ Past Episodes Mentioned:
  • Whiteboards mentioned in the episode with the CoastFI Couple

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"Upbeat Forever" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

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In this episode, we dive deep into the often intimidating and confusing world of health insurance. I brought on Christine MacLaren, an HR professional with over 25 years of experience and a certified budget coach, to help us understand this complex part of our financial lives. We break down key terms like premiums, deductibles, and co-insurance, explore the pros and cons of high deductible health plans (HDHPs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), and even touch on the lesser-discussed but vital topic of disability insurance. We also talk about COBRA, marketplace alternatives, and how picking the right (or wrong) insurance can be financially life-changing. If you’ve ever been overwhelmed by your benefits package or open enrollment season, this episode is for you!

💰 Money Talking Points:

1. What health insurance plan is right for you?
2. How can you use an HSA to minimize taxes?
3. Why is disability insurance important?

⏱️ Timestamps & Key Conversations:

• [02:00] – Skyler’s Story Time: Using credit cards smartly for a free trip to NYC
• [04:30] – Why health insurance is necessary and how it protects you financially
• [06:00] – Definitions breakdown: Premiums, Deductibles, Co-insurance, Out-of-Pocket Max, Copays
• [09:45] – When to take advantage of reaching your out-of-pocket max for planned care
• [11:30] – How HSAs work, how to use them smartly, and why they’re so powerful
• [18:00] – Should everyone choose an HDHP? When it's a good or bad fit
• [20:00] – What is COBRA and why it’s so expensive
• [22:00] – Why using your preventive care benefits matters
• [23:30] – Hidden wellness perks and employer incentives (smart scales, gym discounts, etc.)
• [24:30] – How picking the wrong plan can be financially devastating
• [27:00] – A powerful note on why disability insurance is a must-have

🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Christine MacLaren’s Website: https://breatheagainbudgets.com

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Sign up for my newsletter: https://money-talk.kit.com/64cbd24b05

Schedule a free Money Talk at https://moneytalk.show/chat

Get your free Money Talk resources at https://moneytalk.show/resources

Sign up for a free trial with MyBudgetCoach and select me as your money coach: https://www.mybudgetcoach.com/coaches/skyler-fleming

Find even more Money Talk at moneytalk.show/quick-links

"Upbeat Forever" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

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In this week's episode, we're diving into all the critical things you didn’t learn in school — from budgeting basics to building credit, paying taxes, and investing wisely. I’m joined by Rob Finlay, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Hey Dad, who shares some incredibly helpful insights for anyone navigating adult finances. Whether you’re just starting out or trying to get your budget back on track, this conversation will help you develop a financial foundation that actually works in real life. Plus, I share a little behind-the-scenes on why investing in yourself is always worth it.

💡 Money Talking Points:

1. How can tracking your expenses help you get started?
2. What’s something you wish you had been taught in school?
3. How can you avoid the early dangers of finance?

⏱️ Episode Breakdown + Timestamps:

• [03:30] What school didn’t teach us: adulting with money
• [04:30] Why budgeting is a path to financial freedom, not restriction
• [07:00] Compounding returns & balancing investing vs. debt payoff
• [09:00] Good interest vs. bad interest: How to make smarter choices
• [11:00] Rob’s take on investing vs. paying off debt
• [12:30] Smart credit card use + the truth about carrying a balance
• [15:00] Avoiding common financial traps and the role of financial literacy
• [16:30] Why understanding basic taxes is crucial
• [18:00] When and how to seek professional help with finances
• [19:00] Vetting your financial advice sources in the age of influencers
• [23:00] What financial freedom means to Rob and how to achieve it
• [24:30] First steps to getting out of debt and taking control
• [26:00] How tracking expenses helps you make better spending decisions
• [28:00] Final thoughts on financial literacy, opportunity, and getting started

🔗 Resources & Mentions:

• Rob Finlay’s Website & Book: robfinlay.com
• Text Skyler your money wins or questions! Link at the top of the show notes

Support the show

Sign up for my newsletter: https://money-talk.kit.com/64cbd24b05

Schedule a free Money Talk at https://moneytalk.show/chat

Get your free Money Talk resources at https://moneytalk.show/resources

Sign up for a free trial with MyBudgetCoach and select me as your money coach: https://www.mybudgetcoach.com/coaches/skyler-fleming

Find even more Money Talk at moneytalk.show/quick-links

"Upbeat Forever" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/