Fiscal Firehouse

Jon and Louie are diving headfirst into sports betting, prediction markets, and the wild world of risk, reward, and questionable financial decisions. So grab your lucky jersey, trust your gut, and let’s see if today’s picks pay off. 

In this episode of The Fiscal Firehouse, we break down one of the most important tools in your financial toolkit: the emergency fund. We cover what it is, when you should actually use it, and how to steadily build it.  You’ll also learn where to keep your emergency fund so it stays accessible, safe, and working for you.Site for evaluating high yield savings accounts: https://www.depositaccounts.com/savings/

Jon and Louie dive into why teaching your kids about money early can be one of the most powerful financial decisions you ever make. From 529 plans, Roth IRAs, custodial accounts, and the new Trump Accounts, we’ll walk through practical ways to start investing for your child’s future goals. If you’re building wealth at the firehouse and at home, this episode is for you. Dave Ramsey Smart Saver Bank for Kids: https://www.amazon.com/Ramsey-Press-Smart-Saver-Bank/dp/1942121938Money Savvy Piggy Bank: https://www.moneysavvy.com/products/money_savvy_pig.htmlMoney Scripts book: Mind Over Money: Ted and Brad Klontz: https://www.amazon.com/Mind-over-Money-Overcoming-Disorders/dp/038553101X 529 College Savings Plans: College Invest: https://www.collegeinvest.org/first-step/Fidelity Youth Brokerage Account: https://www.fidelity.com/go/youth-account/overview?imm_pid=124015078522&immid=100884_SEA&imm_eid=ep1268837510600&utm_source=GOOGLE&utm_medium=paid_search&utm_account_id=5320447233&utm_campaign=YAC&utm_content=124015078522&utm_term=fidelity+youth+account&utm_campaign_id=100884&utm_id=13125989008&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=13125989008&gbraid=0AAAAAD7OUhJxxqJvZscldGAfiQH1eBUPn&gclid=CjwKCAiAwNDMBhBfEiwAd7ti1IdL0tBVTN0WUlIarfhuZSpHQcNgmtil-qe-5RWuOAUMaF4FYB2BmxoCBTIQAvD_BwE

 In today’s episode of Fiscal Firehouse, we’re laying the groundwork for strong financial momentum heading into 2026 by building healthy, sustainable money habits. Drawing inspiration from Atomic Habits by James Clear, we break down how small, consistent actions can lead to big financial wins over time. You’ll learn how to design your environment, simplify your systems, and stay consistent even when motivation fades. If you’re ready to stop relying on willpower and start building habits that actually stick, this episode is for you. 

In this episode of The Fiscal Firehouse, Jon and Louie dive into a topic firefighters ask about all the time: taxable brokerage accounts. They break down what a brokerage account is, how it compares to retirement accounts like the 457, and when it actually makes sense to use one. From tax treatment and flexibility to common mistakes and real-world examples, they unpack the pros and cons in plain language. If you’ve ever wondered where a brokerage account fits into your overall financial plan, this episode brings clarity without the jargon. 

Welcome to The Fiscal Firehouse, a podcast dedicated to improving the finances of professional firefighters. Today we’re diving into the fantasy we’ve all had — hitting the lottery. But before you start spending your millions, we’ll explore the real question: what’s the difference between being rich and being wealthy? Because in the fire service and in life, it’s not just about how much you make — it’s about how long it lasts.

Welcome back to the Fiscal Firehouse, where we connect national politics to the realities of the fire service. Today we’re unpacking Donald Trump’s idea of “One Big Beautiful Bill,” a sweeping proposal that promises to combine major reforms into one package. We’ll look at what it could mean for firefighters, especially the push for no tax on overtime pay and how that impacts our paychecks, families, and future security. 

Welcome to the Fiscal Firehouse. In today's episode, we're breaking down good debt versus bad debt, the emotional tool debt can take, and the real risks hiding behind those shiny new truck loans.  We'll also cover how credit scores work, why they matter, and what you can do to improve your credit worthiness - so grab your coffee and a 6mg ZYN and get ready to start your journey to becoming debt free.

Welcome to the Fiscal Firehouse.  A podcast dedicated to professional firefighters.  On todays episode, Jon & Louie interview the Fire Chief of West Metro Fire Rescue, Don Lombardi.  Chief Lombardi shares his knowledge and experience acquired over 33 years in the fire service.  Chief Lombardi discusses the importance of labor/management relationships, the importance of financial literacy, and also the influence that firefighter culture has on personal finance.

Welcome to the Fiscal Firehouse.  A podcast dedicated to professional firefighters.  On todays episode, Jon & Louie will discuss the most recent volatility in the stock market.  They will discuss if this stock market decline is different from all the others.  Jon & Louie will offer 5 strategies to help investors keep and remain invested.  These strategies will help investors remain resilient in tough economic times.

Welcome to the Fiscal Firehouse.  A podcast dedicated to professional firefighters.  On todays episode, Jon & Louie will discuss the defined benefit pension plan administered through the Fire and Police Pension Association of Colorado (FPPA).  Part two of today’s episode will cover different options within the defined benefit plan.  Jon & Louie will discuss deferred retirement, the DROP plan, survivorship options and purchasing service credit.https://www.fppaco.org/PDF/pubs-handouts/SRP-DB-Brochure.pdf 

Welcome to the Fiscal Firehouse.  A podcast dedicated to professional firefighters.  On todays episode, Jon & Louie will discuss the defined benefit pension plan administered through the Fire and Police Pension Association of Colorado (FPPA).  Part one of today’s episode will cover how the pension plan is funded (contributions) and how to determine your defined benefit. Jon & Louie will also discuss the different retirement options with the defined benefit plan.   https://fppaco.org/PDF/pubs-handouts/SRP-DB-Brochure.pdf

Welcome to the Fiscal Firehouse.  A podcast dedicated to professional firefighters.  On todays episode, Jon & Louie will talk about social security.  They will discuss how to become eligible for social security, claiming options, and spousal benefits.  Lastly, Jon & Louie will discuss the signing of the Social Security Fairness Act and what this means for firefighters.   

Welcome to the Fiscal Firehouse.  A podcast dedicated to professional firefighters.  On todays episode, Jon & Louie will talk about their families holiday traditions. Jon & Louie will answer several listener questions including; Should I buy pension years? Should I file my own taxes? Health insurance analysis, and should I contribute to a Roth or Traditional 457? Lastly, we will give an update on the Social Security Fairness Act the one of the most significant retirement legislation that affects firefighters in the past 40 years. 

Welcome to the Fiscal Firehouse.  A podcast dedicated to professional firefighters.  On todays episode, Jon & Louie will talk about their favorite supplemental retirement vehicle: the 457.  In this episode you will learn about the power of the 457 and how it can be your ticket to financial freedom.  Jon & Louie will discuss contribution limits, distribution strategies, and answer the age old question "should I contribute to a traditional or roth 457?"

Welcome to the Fiscal Firehouse.  A podcast dedicated to professional firefighters.  On todays episode Jon & Louie will do a deep dive on FSA's (flexible spending accounts) & HSA's (health savings accounts).

The Fiscal Firehouse welcomes their first guest, Reed Norwood, L1309 Secretary Treasurer.  Reed will give a report on the 57th IAFF Convention along with explaining how your union dues are being allocated. The second half of the episode, Jon and Louie will discuss the three pillars of financial independence and why it is so critical to setting you up for future financial success.

Welcome to the Fiscal Firehouse.  A podcast dedicated to our brothers and sister of L1309.  In todays podcast Jon & Louie will open-up about their goals and objectives with the Fiscal Firehouse.  Your co-hosts will also discuss their passion surrounding personal finance and what are members can expect in future episodes.