The Mitten Dad Show

You've seen the four-circle ikigai diagram everywhere — on LinkedIn, in self-help books, in productivity courses. What you probably haven't heard is that it has almost nothing to do with the original Japanese concept.In this episode, Matt Tilmann breaks down what ikigai actually meant to the Okinawan elders who inspired the global bestseller, and why the version most creators are using is pointing them in the wrong direction. If you've ever hit a goal and felt nothing, this episode is for you.Three low-stakes experiments to find your real ikigai this week — no diagram required.What You'll LearnWhy the ikigai Venn diagram is a Western career framework, not Japanese philosophyWhat Okinawan elders actually described as their ikigaiThe "compass vs. map" distinction that reframes how you think about purposeWhy creators without a daily practice keep chasing algorithm shiftsThree practical experiments to discover your ikigai this weekResourcesFull newsletter issue + free 8-question ikigai starter PDF: https://mittendad.substack.com/p/what-ikigai-really-meansIkigai AI Prompt Pack ($9): https://mittendad.gumroad.com/l/ikigai-ai-prompt-packIkigai by Héctor García & Francesc Miralles: https://amzn.to/4xmJPRoThe 5 Types of Wealth by Sahil Bloom: https://amzn.to/4e6wJPfSponsors Mem Pro — AI-powered notes that learn how you think. 20% off your first three months with code MITTENDAD: https://mem.ai/?via=matthewEden — Personal AI assistant for busy people juggling work, side projects, and family. Free trial: https://eden.so?via=matt52Connect Newsletter: https://mittendad.substack.com All links: https://linktr.ee/mittendadIf this episode hit home, leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen — and share it with a creator friend who needs to hear this.

You muted the group text but kept mentally checking it. You accepted a calendar invite two months ago because Future You seemed capable. Now it's Friday, and your brain still has 37 tabs open.That's mental clutter — the invisible kind. You can't donate it or shove it in a closet. And it's exhausting, even when it looks completely normal from the outside.In this episode, I walk through Calm Infrastructure — a four-step system for getting mental clutter out of your head and into a structure your life can actually use. No perfect app required.What you'll learn:Why your brain is terrible at storage — and what it's actually built forThe difference between being busy and having attention with no homeThe four moves: Capture, Reduce, Schedule, ProtectWhy "later" is where tasks go to grow teeth — and how to fix itHow to rebuild your morning so you start from ownership, not reactionA 20-minute reset you can do right after this episodeTimestamps: 00:00 — Mental clutter: the invisible kind 01:30 — Why discipline isn't the problem — load is 02:24 — Your brain is terrible at storage 03:45 — Step 1: Capture 05:10 — Step 2: Reduce 07:00 — Step 3: Schedule 09:13 — Step 4: Protect 10:45 — Rebuilding your morning 12:30 — The 20-minute reset walkthroughResources:Weekly Reset TemplateRead the full article: Calm as Infrastructure on Mitten Dad MinuteIf this episode helped, leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or tap the rating on Spotify. On YouTube, like and subscribe.What's the loudest piece of mental clutter in your week right now? Drop it in the comments, or send a message to me here. 

Travel isn’t just about seeing new places — it’s about experiencing a different version of yourself. In this episode, Matt explores how travel temporarily clears mental clutter and reveals what we’re missing in daily life, offering practical questions to carry insights from trips into everyday routines.Key topics:The science behind the “vacation effect”: reducing cognitive load, digital intrusion, and role fatigueHow novelty activates dopamine and sharpens memory, making trips memorableThe importance of presence: how being fully in the moment reveals what truly mattersPersonal insights from Matt’s spring trip to Chicago: patience, slowing down, and missing the noiseThree honest questions to transform travel lessons into lasting habits:What felt good that I want more of at home?What disappeared that I can let go of?What small change can I implement now?Avoiding the trap of turning trips into fleeting memories; instead, using them as clues for intentional livingResources & Links:Oliver Burkeman - 4000 WeeksReadwise ReaderMitten Dad Minute NewsletterConnect with Matt:Linktree

If your days feel chaotic, it might not be a discipline problem — it might be an infrastructure problem. In this episode, we break down why chaos is really a systems failure, and what it takes to build calm back into your workflow.Key TopicsWhy context switching costs more than you think (40% of productive time lost; 23 minutes to recover from a single interruption)The Calm Infrastructure Stack: 5 compounding changes that reduce frictionHow externalizing cognitive load changes your creative capacityWhy defining your "on" hours is the highest-leverage infrastructure move most people skipKey TakeawaysCalm is the operational setup. The work follows from it.One consolidated system eliminates more friction than any productivity hack.Space between tasks isn't wasted time — it's what makes the next task possible.Chaos isn't a character flaw. It's a systems problem. And systems problems are fixable.ResourcesFull essay: Calm as Infrastructure — Mitten Dad MinuteGet 20% off Mem Pro for three months with promo code MITTENDAD!

Feeling like your career path looks like it was designed by someone with career ADHD? You're not alone—and you're definitely not broken. In this episode, we dive deep into why nonlinear careers are actually MORE valuable in 2025, not less. We'll explore why traditional "pick a lane and stick with it" advice was designed for a world that no longer exists, and how your scattered resume is actually a secret weapon waiting to be unleashed. By the end, you'll understand the T-shaped professional model and have a framework for turning your biggest career insecurity into your most compelling narrative.The myth of linear career success and why it's outdatedCareer change anxiety and how to overcome it The T-shaped professional model for explaining your diverse backgroundReframing your career narrative from scattered to strategicThe compound interest of confusion - how diverse experiences create unique valuePractical frameworks for networking conversations and interviews✅ Your zigzag career path isn't evidence that you're behind✅ The economy has changed, but we're still using the same old tired playbook✅ Every detour is data. Every wrong turn is skills acquisition✅ Stop trying to think your way to clarity. Start testing your way there✅ You're not scattered, you're T-shaped✅ Every seemingly random experience compounds into something more valuable✅ Your nonlinear path isn't a detour from success"You're not scattered, you're T-shaped.""We're all learning this together.""Your nonlinear path isn't a detour from success.""Your zigzag journey is writing a more interesting story than any straight line ever could."If you're on Spotify, be sure to vote in the poll!Great products:🧠 Kortex - Second brain writing app for connecting ideas across contexts📱 Typefully - Craft and schedule authentic thought leadership content📧 Newsletter: Get more perspective-shifting content delivered weekly💼 Linktree: Connect and share your nonlinear success storiesIdentify one "detour" you've been viewing as lost timeWrite down three skills you developed during that period Practice connecting your experiences in one conversation this weekStop measuring yourself against someone else's timelineRemember: Your zigzag journey isn't writing a consolation story—it's writing a more interesting one.Be sure to leave a five star review on Apple Podcasts if this resonated with you, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Everyone’s talking about mental health—but who’s actually doing the work?In today’s fast-paced episode, I’m breaking down 5 big stories that go beyond awareness and into real action:✈️ Delta Airlines faces backlash after a woman is removed mid-panic attack🧠 UCLA students launch a peer support movement that’s changing campus culture🏈 The NFL puts real money behind therapy and addiction recovery🧍‍♂️ Parents unknowingly miss the signs of anxiety in teens🌲 Nature walks get scientific backing for reducing anxiety by 25%If you want a hit of clarity and calm in under 5 minutes, this one’s for you.💡 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:Why Gen Z might be the boldest mental health advocates yetWhat public institutions are doing right (finally)The easiest no-cost change to reduce stress starting todayAnd the one parenting question I swear by🛠️ Helpful Links & Resources:🔗 Subscribe to Daily Refill (3-minute daily newsletter)🔗 Join Mitten Dad Minute (weekly deep dives)🔗 Start your newsletter with Beehiiv — Free Trial + 20% Off📱 Listen & Subscribe on Spotify🍎 Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts👋 Let’s Connect:Liked this format?💬 Message me via @MittenDad or reply to the poll below on Spotify.🎧 Found a story that hit home? Tell me which one in the comments.Thanks for listening to The Mitten Dad Show.New episodes drop multiple times a week to help you slow down, breathe, and refill your mental cup. See you in the next one!

Episode Summary:Ever had those nights when you finally sit down to work on your passion project, only to feel completely drained? You’re not alone. In this episode of The Mitten Dad Show, host Matt Tilmann dives into the realities of creativity when exhaustion takes over. From the late-night battles with your inner critic to finding small sparks that keep you going, Matt shares honest reflections and practical advice to help busy parents and professionals push through those tough moments.Key Takeaways:​The Myth of the Perfect Moment: Why waiting for the perfect burst of energy is unrealistic—and how to create despite feeling spent.​Mini-Rituals That Matter: Discover the small habits that signal your brain it’s time to create, even when you’re tired.​Your Sacred Space: Why having a dedicated corner or space—no matter how cluttered—can help you shift into creative mode.​Progress in Tiny Moments: The importance of showing up, even if it’s just for five minutes. Scribbles today might turn into inspiration tomorrow.Featured Tool Mentioned:​Hypefury: Matt’s secret to staying consistent with content creation without losing valuable hours. Try it for free here.Special Listener Offers:​Interested in kickstarting your podcast journey? ​​Matt’s Podcast Script Assistant GPT for ChatGPT users helps take the guesswork out of scripting and planning. Listeners can enjoy a 30% discount using promo code MITTENDAD. Grab it here.​Spotify listeners, we want to hear from you! What sparks your creativity when you’re on empty? Participate in the poll and drop your thoughts in the comments—your story could be the boost another listener needs.Connect with Matt:​Stay updated with upcoming episodes, parenting tips, and creative inspiration. Follow Matt at his Linktree and Substack.Closing Thought:Remember, creativity doesn’t always come with fanfare. Sometimes, it’s showing up when the tank is empty that makes the biggest difference.Join Matt in this candid episode and discover how to keep moving forward, even when it feels like a fight. Listen now and be inspired to reclaim those small, meaningful moments of creativity.If you'd like to support the efforts of the podcast, please consider becoming a paid subscriber for less than a cup of brand-name coffee a month, and get a shoutout on a future episode!

Welcome back to another episode of The Mitten Dad Show! Imagine taking the words you write and transforming them into auditory learning experiences—seamlessly.  That’s exactly what Google’s ⁠NotebookLM⁠ is doing, and it’s rapidly changing how we consume and interact with written content. For my birthday, I recently shared 40 quotes that I found inspirational to ⁠celebrate my 40th birthday in a recent newsletter issue⁠.  So with that, I decided to test this new AI technology by taking the text that I recently shared in my newsletter and seeing how NotebookLM could bring them to life with two hosts that do a deep dive into each of the quotes. Honestly, my mind is kind of blown. Without further ado, have a listen and see what you think of this new technology. If you’re listening on ⁠Spotify⁠ be sure to leave a comment, or send a message to me over on ⁠Substack⁠ or my ⁠Linktree⁠, and let me know what you think! Enjoy!

Welcome back to another episode of The Mitten Dad Show! Imagine taking the words you write and transforming them into auditory learning experiences—seamlessly.  That’s exactly what Google’s NotebookLM is doing, and it’s rapidly changing how we consume and interact with written content. For my birthday, I recently shared 40 quotes that I found inspirational to celebrate my 40th birthday in a recent newsletter issue.  So with that, I decided to test this new AI technology by taking the text that I recently shared in my newsletter and seeing how NotebookLM could bring them to life with two hosts that do a deep dive into each of the quotes. Honestly, my mind is kind of blown. Without further ado, have a listen and see what you think of this new technology. If you’re listening on Spotify be sure to leave a comment, or send a message to me over on Substack or my Linktree, and let me know what you think! Enjoy!

In this episode of The Mitten Dad Show, Matt Tilmann explores the often-overlooked phenomenon of “Missing Days” in content creation. Inspired by Ryder Carroll, the creator of the Bullet Journal method, Matt shares how shifting your perspective on those days away from your creative work can enhance your process and reduce stress. Whether you’ve missed a day, a week, or longer, this episode offers practical tips on reconnecting with your creative spark without the guilt.Tune in to learn why missing days might make you a better creator and how you can turn these moments into opportunities for growth.Ready to take your creative process to the next level? Subscribe to Matt’s newsletter for more insights, tips, and exclusive content: Join the Newsletter. Also, be sure to check out my Linktree for more content and ways to connect!Don’t forget to subscribe to The Mitten Dad Show and share your thoughts on how you handle your “missing days” if you're listening on Spotify and be sure to leave a comment!

Feeling overwhelmed by mental clutter? Tune into this week’s episode of "The Mitten Dad Show," where Matt Tilmann shares the powerful technique of a brain dump to clear your mind and enhance focus. Discover how unloading your thoughts can lead to increased productivity, reduced stress, and a surge in creativity. Perfect for parents and anyone juggling the demands of busy lives. Don't miss out—subscribe now to get smart, actionable tips that you can apply today! In This Episode, You'll Learn: What a brain dump is and how it differs from other forms of note-taking. Recognizable signs that suggest you might need to perform a brain dump. Step-by-step instructions on how to effectively clear your mind. Tips for making brain dumping a beneficial habit in your daily routine. Special Offer: Ready to organize your thoughts and tasks even more efficiently? Check out the Bullet Journal, the ultimate tool for keeping your life on track. As a listener of "The Mitten Dad Show," you get an exclusive 10% discount! Just visit Bullet Journal and use the code "MATTHEWTILMANN" at checkout. Listen and Subscribe: Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast to stay updated with the latest tips and stories. Join Matt every week for more insights on managing life’s chaos with grace and humor.

Ever feel like you're juggling too many balls, and you're just one slip away from dropping them all?It's 5 PM—you've missed another workout, dinner isn't thought of yet, and your inbox is overflowing. As days roll into weeks, the stress builds, perhaps turning into sleepless nights and missed moments with family.What if you could rearrange things to close each day with a sense of accomplishment and still have time to cherish those who matter most? Instead, imagine ending your day knowing everything's in place for tomorrow. Listen in for more on how to get things back on track. If any of the episode resonates with you, if you could consider subscribing to the podcast, and leaving a five star review, it's one of the best and free ways to support me, and the growth of the podcast! Certainly, if you choose to monetarily subscribe, I would be most appreciative as well, and would be more than happy to give your podcast or business a shoutout on a future episode! The podcast has over 21K listens, and over 300 followers on Spotify! Thank you for your continued support!

Welcome back Mitten Dad Show listeners! For this episode's topic, I share a recent shared experience I've had with my oldest daughter while waiting for her school bus. I think you'll appreciate it and if you have kids, I encourage you to do the same and stay curious! And even if you don't have kids, I would equally encourage you always to be open to the world around you! If you're on Spotify, be sure to answer the interactive Q&A! Here's the link to the X/Twitter post I referenced. If you're on that platform and could drop me a like/follow on that post, I would be most appreciative! Also, I mentioned in the episode, that if you're interested in being a part of a future episode, reach out to me on my Linktree! I'm all about community, and certainly, if you have any shared experiences you've had with your kids, let me know, as I'd love to give you a shout-out! Finally, if you decide to become a paying subscriber to the Mitten Dad Show, let me know via Linktree, and I would be happy to not only give you a segment with any copy you'd like read but certainly happy to direct anyone to your site, business, etc! I have over 21K plays, and over 350 Spotify listeners, so would love to help you expand your reach! Thank you as always for listening, and look forward to talking to you again soon and for subscribing! Stay curious!

“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience." - Eleanor Roosevelt We just wrapped up our family summer vacation, and while it was still fresh, I wanted to do a quick episode talking about the power of gifting experiences for our children, and the impact it not only has on them but us. If listening on Spotify I would invite you to take part in the Q&A and Poll, but if listening on another platform, I would love to hear what has been your favorite experience that you still remember to this day. Was it a favorite family vacation? A Broadway show? A game? A camping trip? Let me know at my website or visit my Linktree for additional ways to reach out! I would love some engagement on this! With that, summer is wrapping up, and if you're still in need of school supplies, make sure to check out our partners at Amazon for some great deals! Thank you as always for your support, and be sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on future episodes and share the podcast as well, as it really helps with our reach!

In this episode, we dive into the world of unexpected career transitions. Matt shares his own journey, from obtaining a degree in theatre to working in finance, and invites listeners to share their unique career paths. Key Topics: Unexpected Career Transitions: A personal account of our Matt's journey from theatre to finance, and an open invitation for listeners to share their experiences. The Value of Diverse Backgrounds: How different fields like theatre, sports, or science can contribute unique perspectives and skills in the world of finance or business in general. Community Stories: We're looking for your stories. Have you transitioned from an unrelated field into finance or changed fields entirely from one to the other? What was your journey like? Connect with us. Special Promotion: Our affiliate, Stokastic.com, offers professional tools to help you navigate the world of daily fantasy sports as well as season-long. As a listener of the Mitten Dad Show, you can get 50% off a week or a month of Stokastic+ by clicking here and using promo code SCORE. Stay Connected: For more information on today's episode, to share your stories, or to connect, be sure to visit my Linktree for links to my social platforms, blog posts, and other offers. Your support means the world! Don't forget to subscribe! Never miss an episode of the Mitten Dad Show. Hit that subscribe button and join us on this journey of life, parenthood, and all the unexpected turns.

Tired of living in a cluttered space? In this episode of The Mitten Dad Show, host Matt Tilmann shares seven essential steps to help you master the art of decluttering. Based on our popular article at mittendad.com, we'll walk you through the entire decluttering process, from setting goals to making decluttering a habit. Matt also discusses the benefits of decluttering, and overcoming common obstacles, and answers listener questions about dealing with sentimental items and gifts. With this informative episode, prepare to transform your home into a functional, stress-free environment! Key Takeaways: 7 steps to master decluttering The benefits of a clutter-free environment How to overcome decluttering obstacles Quick tips for decluttering success Listener questions and helpful tips Don't forget to subscribe to The Mitten Dad Show for more home improvement tips, parenting insights, and lifestyle advice. And visit our blog at mittendad.com for more helpful content. Happy decluttering! #decluttering #organizing #minimalism #TheMittenDadShow #podcast Our Thanks To Today's Partners: We're thrilled to have Stokastic.com as our sponsor. Stokastic offers an innovative platform for all of your daily fantasy sports needs that empowers you to make better lineup decisions. Save 25% on your first month with code "STOKASTIC25" when you sign up through our link. Declutter your finances with one of our favorite personal budgeting apps, You Need a Budget, and get a FREE 34 day trial to check it out! AI seems to be all the rage these days regarding content creation. Get 10,000 credits to check out Jasper AI here and a free trial! Need to crank out content in a hurry? Then check out Content at Scale, and get 20% additional credits when you sign up today! Finally, check out Amazon's ever-changing list of best-selling kitchen storage accessories here for more decluttering inspiration. Thank you for listening, and for your support!

Over on the Mitten Dad website, I recently posted about a series of tweets that had gone viral, where the original poster had mentioned how every time she would ask dads for their email addresses for party invitations for her three-year-old, they would always provide the email addresses of their partner instead. Why was that? Tune in for more, and be sure to send a voice memo in with how your family organization planning gets handled, and any tips you may have if this topic struck a chord for you! It might get featured on a future episode! Or if you'd prefer to share a non-audio story, reach out over at Twitter!  As always, thank you for listening and be sure to check out the latest posts at Mitten Dad! Our thanks to Stokastic.com for their support of today's episode - home of the #1 team in projections and tools in daily fantasy sports!

Welcome to The Mitten Dad Show! Formerly known as The Script-Notes Show, since I last published an episode, a few things have gone on, such as a new addition to our family, and the pandemic has put many things in perspective. I switched it to Mitten Dad as an homage to my home state of Michigan, giving the content a Midwest flair. But also because, as many out there know, your perspective on life changes as a parent when you become. While I still expect much to revolve around some of my favorite personal finance, business, technology, and sports topics, I wanted to add another layer to parenting. As dads (and dad figures), I believe we all have something to contribute, even if we don't always realize it. My goal is to build a community that allows others to join in and share life's stories, life moments, tips, skills, and more. I would love for this to be a place for listeners to tune into as a hub for that. So much great content and material get lost, and I want to highlight some of that here.  So with that, if you would like to share, contribute a story, or a life's moment of your own, definitely reach out to me over at MittenDad.com or through Anchor, be sure to leave a voice memo! Thank you for listening, and be sure to like, follow and subscribe, and leave a five-star review if able, as it's a huge help to expand the reach!

There’s no denying that this has been a trying time worldwide, with everyone having to deal with the coronavirus crisis in their own way. However, one thing that I don’t think gets mentioned enough is the mental toll it might be taking on everyone, particularly those in the healthcare industry. Other podcasts have been having listeners call in with their stories, giving them a chance to vent, and in doing so, it seems like it can be very healing. Yes, this is normally a podcast geared toward personal finance, and business news and tips, but it’s also about the journey through life as well. Our script. So I want to have this episode be a chance for anyone listening to leave a voice message through the Anchor app (be sure to check out the link in the show notes), to vent about whatever you would like. Do you have a story about the virus has affected you, that you might like to share? Any tips, information and the like that might be able to help others? Are you a healthcare professional that would like to share what we can do to help ease the burden? I want to hear from you. So be sure to leave a voice message, or email me at [email protected], and I would love to include you in a compilation in an upcoming episode. Stay safe everyone, and help flatten the curve to help our fellow citizens, and those around the world.

Welcome to another episode of The Script-Notes Show!  We got back into the swing of things with a new blog post about the new Form W-4 for 2020, as well as some financial and business news to get you going for the week ahead.  Enjoy, and as always, thank you for listening, and be sure to subscribe wherever you're listening!  Also, we are still taking financial resolutions for the coming year and would love to hear them! Our thanks to Audible!

Welcome to a brand new year and Episode 50!  I know I’ve been on hiatus a bit due to work travel and our family’s forthcoming arrival. So with that, thought this would be a great time to ask for your resolutions, particularly from a financial sense!  Please leave a voicemail with the link below, or feel free to send an email to [email protected]! If you have your own podcast, be sure to leave that as well and would love to feature you with your resolutions!  Make sure to subscribe to our Facebook page too at https://facebook.com/ScriptNote.  Happy New Year!

When it comes to money, sometimes you just can’t beat plain old common sense. Today’s episode features some good tips to keep in mind for your financial life. Today's episode is also brought to you by Undebt.it, one of the best tools available for helping you to get out of debt!

While the economy as a whole may be in question on a daily basis, one thing that may be getting some clarity this fall is gas prices.    Have you started using GasBuddy yet?  If not, it's a great way to be able to keep up to date on the latest prices at the pump.  Now, with their Pay With GasBuddy Card, you can also find additional savings at the pump, including occasional deal alerts like an additional 21 cents off per gallon!  And if you shop online frequently, you can also add to your savings.  I personally use it, and it's a great way to be able to put some more money back in your wallet.  Check it out here today, and use the code "EB5NW5R".  Let me know if you have any questions!  Have a great week!

Earlier today, the yield curve inverted, which previously has always been a sign leading up to a recession. I wanted to talk about a post from MarketWatch that I thought had some good information about it. Opinions seem to vary about what this might portend to, however, it should still be something to keep an eye on, especially over the next month or so. Always be sure to seek the advice of your investment professional should you have further questions. 

Hot off the heels of the Equifax Data Breach Settlement, yesterday it was announced by Capital One that a hacker may have compromised information from 100 million applications.  This episode covers some tips and steps you can take if you think you may have been affected.    Looking for some entertainment for your upcoming road trip?  Check out Audible - get a free book and 30 day trial today!  Get $100 in delivery fee credit when you place your first order with Postmates! Are there any topics you'd like to hear more about?  I'd like to hear your thoughts, so if you have a moment to take the poll located here, it would be greatly appreciated! Thanks for listening to The Script-Notes Show! If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to leave a review and subscribe! For more, be sure to check out script-notes.com.  Additional Links  Capital One Data Breach - What You Need To Know from USA Today  Washington Post - Capital One Data Breach Affects 100 Million Applications

“If you think it’s hard to meet new people, try picking up the wrong golf ball.” – Jack Lemmon I shared this quote today on the blog, and thought it was very appropriate for many aspects of life.    Frequently I like to share quotes from the site BrainyQuote, on Instagram, mainly because I like that so many quotes can have so many different meanings to different people.  Today’s stuck out to me though. Yes, there’s a bit of good ol’ Jack Lemmon humor behind it, but it got me thinking more about the times in life when we’ve “picked up the wrong golf ball,” only to have it lead to even better moments.   What about you? Have you had any moments like this in your life? Let’s hear them! Remember to utilize the voice messages link below, and you might get a shout out on a future episode! 

Lately I’ve become more intrigued by the concept of financial freedom or financial independence, and the varying forms that that can take on when it comes to personal finance. I’m in the midst of reading Grant Sabatier’s Financial Freedom, and it has really brought back to life the concept of “a penny saved is a penny earned.”  Given Anchor has now made voice messages more accessible to users of other podcast platforms (see link below in show notes), I would love to take this opportunity to put it to use and have you share what financial freedom means to you! Is it getting out of debt? Traveling the world? Pursuing your passion that you haven’t had time for? Have you reached financial independence? If so, let me know, and I’d be more than happy to share your thoughts in a future episode! Or if you’d prefer to email, just send an email to [email protected]. Have you been to the blog lately?  Articles this week have included a couple of ideas to make some money this summer, including garage sale flipping tips and starting your own business reselling items on Amazon.  On the topic of financial freedom, you'll also see some great financial security tips as well.  Make sure to check those out! Finally, Happy Father's Day to all Dads, Dads to be and Dads yet to be out there.  As a Dad myself, I can honestly say there is no greater joy than time spent with your little one.  That's truly the gift that keeps on giving.  Of course, if you're still in need of some last minute gift ideas, check out this guide from Amazon.   Have a great weekend!

Do you sometimes feel like your smartphone has become the boss of you, versus it actually being a tool for you to use?   I recently happened upon a Medium article, titled “How To Configure Your iPhone To Work for You, Not Against You.”  The post is a bit of a lengthy read, but the author recognized this and decided to break it up into three sections, based on how far you wanted to go.  The post was from late 2018, so it is fairly up to date for the latest iteration of iOS.   As a bit of a segue then, Anchor recently rolled out an update to their Voice Messages feature, available anywhere on web or mobile.  You may have heard about the new feature in an ad read, but basically the feature allows listeners to submit one minute voice messages to podcast creators, by clicking the link below in the notes here.  You used to have to download the app, but not anymore!   Anchor does state, "to ensure everyone has a great experience on Anchor, we do not permit anonymously sent Voice Messages — senders will need to sign up or log into an Anchor account in order to send a message, so you can see who it’s coming from." So with that, what are your thoughts about the state of our smart phone usage?  What 'hacks' do you use to limit your screen time, increase productivity and more?  Leave a voice message and I'll include it on a future episode! Finally, if you follow along on Instagram, you'll see I frequently like to share quotes for the day.  I'd like to start integrating that into the podcast to wrap up episodes, and to encourage engagement.  To get the ball rolling, let's use a quote attributed to Benjamin Franklin, "beware the little expenses.  A small leak will sink a great ship."  What's your take?  What little expenses have you eliminated?   As always, if you'd prefer not to leave a voice message, but want to participate, send a message via the site!      

A couple weeks ago, Apple made one of its largest forays into services, a change from their usual events regarding new hardware products or OS updates.  While the changes to their TV offerings and News app were widely suspected, there was one announcement that raised some curiosity.  Apple announced their  own credit card, the Apple Card. Our thanks to Audible as well for sponsoring the show.  If you'd like a 30 day trial and a free book, be sure to click here. As always, thank you for listening, and we'd love to hear your feedback about the Apple Card!  Be sure to send an email to [email protected] and please consider our Listener Support feature below as well!  Supporters will get shoutouts in future episodes.  If listening on Apple Podcasts, please be sure to rate the show as it will help us to further spread the word.

Social media.  Bank accounts.  Subscriptions.  Credit cards.  You name it, you probably have a log in for it.  Here’s food for thought though.  While none of us ever want to ponder what might happen after we leave this mortal coil, there will be those left behind that may have the inevitable task of needing to handle your finances, log ins and more.  The question is, do you have all this documented?  More than likely not.  Enter the My Lifetime Financial Organizer - listen in for more! Also, while most would argue that it would make a lot more sense to pay off your debt first, particularly if it’s a high interest credit card debt, could a case be made to also increase your savings as well? Finally, Starbucks is rolling out changes to their rewards program in participating locations.  Do you think you'll visit the chain more?  Less?  What are some of your other favorite loyalty programs?  Send a comment with your thoughts! It's spring, and with that can come some rainy days inside.  So why not curl up with Audible and get a free day 30 trial and book today?   As mentioned, Anchor has a great listener support feature - and if you make a contribution, you'll get a shout out on the show as well as the chance to be a co host if interested!  If you have a small business with a product or service that saves consumers time and money, we'd love to highlight you!

I recently wrote a piece about the web app dollareighty.com, and how it can really help expedite your social media strategy, particularly when it comes to Instagram.  The main goal is that you're leaving your "two cents" on posts that are within your niche or brand, but nothing "spammy." Actual, meaningful posts.  Listen in for more, and how this might be able to help you. Also, the podcast has a new website!  I'm really excited about its initial features and launch, with more to come down the road!   Finally, I'd like to ask are there more topics you'd like to hear about?  How can I help you?  Contact us and let us know!   Have a great weekend!

Does it ever feel like you have a “case of the Mondays”? Does the weekend ever feel like it flies by “way too fast”? If that sounds familiar, you’re definitely not alone for one thing. What about though, if it was just a matter of changing your mindset about the weekend, that could potentially make weekends a little more tolerable? Listen in for more. Our thanks to this week’s sponsor – Audible. Get a free 30 day trial, and a book of your choice when you click here today.   Finally, have you heard about the FI/RE Movement, a hot phrase within the personal finance circle lately? What’s your take? Leave a voice message if listening in via Anchor, otherwise, send a message to our Facebook page or Instagram with your thoughts! The premise of retiring early may sound nice to everyone, but it certainly has its critics, as well as books singing its praises. Thank you listeners for your time, and certainly if there are additional topics you might like to hear about, let us know. And certainly if you would ever like to be a part of the podcast, and would enjoy sharing your take and time and money saving tips, we’d love to hear it! 

From the blog this week, we shared an article about a recent survey from Bankrate that says that 3 in 10 Americans have more credit card debt than emergency savings.  Which leads to the question, what are your financial priorities?  Is it saving?  Paying down debt first?  Saving, then paying down debt?  Send an email and let us know! Finally, make sure to follow along on social on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, as deals and savings will be shared there that don't always make it to the site or podcast in time - such as this week's eHarmony deal for Valentine's Day! Sponsored by: Audible - Get a free audiobook with a 30-day trial.

Usually there a couple things that go together with the Super Bowl. Food and ads. In recent years, Super Bowl ads have come under fire for being lame and boring, with only a select few making the cut of being memorable. So in today’s episode, I would like to pose the question, have the ads lost their way from a creative standpoint? Or is it because our attention spans have evolved, and thus marketers have tried to do the same?   On Instagram, I shared the quote, “marketing is enthusiasm transferred to the customer.” I am curious to know what you think about this, especially if you are in business or marketing. Or even if you’re a general consumer, what marketing techniques work to get you excited about a product or service? What has been successful for you and your business or product? If you’re listening on the Anchor app, be sure to leave a voice message with your thoughts, or send an email to [email protected] and would love to feature your take in a future episode!  On the site this week, I shared a post about tips for making sure your car remains in top shape for winter, as well as some additional ways you can pad your Acorns account. As a reminder, if you would like to consider becoming a friend of the show, and receiving a subsequent shout out, please consider our Listener Support feature!   Make sure to follow along on social on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, as deals and savings will be shared there that don't always make it to the site or podcast in time due to being time sensitive! Have a great week!

Welcome to another episode of The Script-Notes Show! Have you gotten your credit card bill from your holiday shopping yet?  Want to avoid a repeat of this come this December?  Then start budgeting now!   If your credit card habits got the best of you, I highly recommend checking out Tally.  Check their post out here for more, and then get a $20 gift card here should you decide to sign up! Finally, you've probably heard about the Cash app on other podcasts.  Did you know though that with their Cash Card feature, you can actually add boosts to get additional savings at other retailers, like 10% off Taco Bell?  Get $5 to get started! As always, thank you for listening to the show, and if you like what you hear, please reshare and retweet!  Have a great weekend.

While the shipping deadline for online shopping might have come and gone by now for Tuesday, there's still one idea available that could be the gift that keeps on giving.   Remember the days of giving paper stock certificates?  Gone are those days (for the most part), and now with the digital age, we have Stockpile.  From their About Us page:  A few Christmases ago, our founder, Avi, thought it would be neat to give his nieces and nephews some stock in their favorite companies instead of more stuff. But the ones he wanted to give — Apple and Google — were too pricey, and the process was such a hassle that he gave up and bought more toys. He couldn’t get the idea out of his mind, though, and figured there had to be a way. And that’s how Stockpile was born.  If you are interested in getting started with $5 of stock, just shoot me an email at [email protected], and I'll gladly refer you!   Also, gift cards to just about anywhere can make great last minute ideas.  Websites like Raise.com can offer a great way to do some last minute saving on gift cards.  I would also recommend checking out Amazon for gift card ideas as well as Gift Card Granny. Certainly as a shameless plug, if there's a Dad in your family you could use another t-shirt, we have a great offering as well. As this will probably be the last episode until after Christmas, I would like to wish everyone out there a very happy holiday, Merry Christmas, and may you share the gifts of love and joy, and feel them as well. Remember, giving presence is the best gift of all.   Thank you as always for listening!

While it seems like the drum beat of retailer woes continue, it can also be a great time for consumers to save quite a bit of money at retailers like Lowe's, Sears and more! 

Welcome to Episode 30! There’s no denying how popular the low carb diet has become lately. If there’s one thing that we know how to do this time of year, it’s eat. A lot. It doesn’t have to be that way though. You can still find plenty of delicious recipes to make without blowing your caloric budget out of the water. If you’re resolving to eat better in the new year, or know of loved ones or friends who may wish to do the same, check out the blog for a round up of some of the best selling low carb and keto cookbooks!

For this episode, we have a blog roundup of recent posts, including a link to post about how you can perfect your holiday photography. We also have tips about how to save for college, and finally a great story about how the latest Apple Watch feature may have saved someone’s life. Check out those stories and more over at the blog.  If you haven’t had a chance yet, make sure to listen to our last episode about how to win free Blue Apron!  Finally, it can be hard to find a great gift idea for your loved ones at this point of the year. Amazon has a great gift guide, as well as a section for items that have been ordered as gifts. If you’re in need of ideas, I would be more than happy to help as well!  Have you been to our store section yet?  Make sure to use the code SCRIPTPOD at checkout for free shipping! This is for podcast listeners only!  I also highlight trading platform, TastyWorks. As a numbers guy, I appreciate the fact that they highlight the probability of your making a profit on your trade, and with all of the ups and downs lately, it’s a great way to be able to figure out your chances. Check them out here.  As always, thank you for your time and for listening. Our listenership continues to increase, and we appreciate the continued support! Hopefully we’ve been able to save you some time and money along the way!

As a way of thanking our listeners, wanting to give back, and perhaps save you some time in the kitchen this holiday season, we have four Blue Apron promo codes to give away!  All you need to do is head to our Instagram page, follow, and then leave a comment with the hashtag mentioned in the episode!  We’ll leave this open for a week to give everyone enough time to listen to the episode and comment. Then after 9 pm EST on 12/13, four winners will be randomly chosen. Just so you are aware, Blue Apron requires an email address be used as part of the referral program.  Don’t worry, I won’t sign you up for any lists, etc. Of course, you may get something from Blue Apron, and then after that, it’s up to you to decide if you’d like to continue with the service. Open to residents of the US, and not sponsored by Blue Apron or Instagram, or other show sponsors. Hopefully though it will save you a little bit of time and effort this month with some pretty delicious recipes!

In an effort to save some time, for this episode, we recap some of the headlines that were added to the blog this week.  This time of year can mean a time for going out to eat, and needing to pay your friends back, so make sure you don't leave them hanging by using Square's simple and easy to use Cash app. Get $5 to get started today. Also, make sure to follow along on our Facebook page as we will frequently share deals and savings, when time doesn't allow for a blog post!

After taking a break for the holidays, we take a moment to realize the importance of "be here now," when it comes to this time of year, and the impact it can have not just on yourself, but your loved ones. Spending on gifts can also be an anxiety ridden time for everyone. But it doesn't have to be - make sure you don't let debt get the best of you with some tips on how to save money at Christmas.  Start your YNAB Free Trial today. 

Just a PSA that if your state allows early voting, you may want to look into it, due to potential bad weather creeping across the country this week. Make sure you plan accordingly!  Also, I put up a post with additional voting information you might find useful, including discount codes on Uber, Lyft and Lime, in case you should need transportation assistance to the polls. If you haven't voted already, there's still plenty of time to read up on candidates and proposals for making an informed decision. The best voter is an informed one. How will that potential candidate's votes affect you directly? Or, if they're already elected, how have their votes affected you, as well as the lives of others? Lastly, just go vote, and have fun! There's no reason just because it's a mid term that turnout has to be low.

Happy Halloween! So here’s sort of a scary story to share for today…  A recent article mentioned that many college students didn’t want to vote, citing it was “too much of a hassle” to send back in their ballots mainly because they couldn’t find stamps. They can easily be had from the Post Office’s website, local locations, and more often than not, your local grocery store.  Also, if you’re still unsure about where to vote, make sure to check out sites like vote.org for the latest information, and what you might need on election day. Also, if you need an absentee ballot, many locations will allow you to request this online, almost up until this Saturday. Regardless of what side of the aisle you’re on, be an informed voter. This election is worth your hassle.  Be sure to check out our shirts for dads, and get an early start on your holiday shopping! 

Tuesday was a major deadline in many states to register to vote. Make sure to check and confirm your voter registration at vote.org if you haven't already as more deadlines are coming up! Even if you think you're registered, it can't hurt to make sure everything is up to date.  Here is the link for deadlines. 

You've probably heard of the envelope budgeting system, where once you get paid, you put actual cash into different categorized envelopes. However, as you may have seen from a recent viral story, make sure those envelopes aren't anywhere near a paper shredder.  Home automation is becoming quite popular, and a great way to get started is with the Philips Hue Light Bulbs. Today, Amazon is running a deal for $10 off the Color Ambiance product (it is available via Amazon Prime.)  As always, thank you for listening. We're almost at 1500 downloads! If there is anything you'd like to hear more about, ways to save, and more, email me at [email protected] as I'd love to hear from you!

I don’t have enough time. There’s not enough time in the day. Who has time for that? Do those statements and questions sound familiar to you? I recently reposted an Instagram from Gary Vaynerchuk at our handle, where he said, “oh you have time, you just picked something else.” Granted, we’re all going to have different schedules and different priorities when it comes to time management. We’re all looking for life “hacks” to improve our lives. Look on Pinterest, run a Google search, and frequently you’ll see many a post a site with a plethora of ways to get things done, or improve productivity.  I’d like to open this up. What are your time management strategies? How do you find time to accomplish your priorities in the day? What are your thoughts on the above quote? If you’re listening on the Anchor platform, leave us a voice message, otherwise send an email to [email protected] and we’d be glad to share in a future episode. As always, thanks for listening!

Wow! It's hard to believe that what started as a leap of faith has now blossomed into over 1,000 downloads! Also, it's our 20th episode! That said, if your TV hasn't told you already with a litany of ads, election season is upon us. While you'll mainly hear about the "hot" topics, there are many an item getting voted on in Congress that you might not even know about. Enter Countable. Get clear, concise summaries of bills going through Congress, see what others think, then take action. Telling your reps how you feel is easier than ever with email and now video messages. Make your democracy more responsive! Visit countable.us to join today! Apps are also available in the Apple App Store as well as Google Play!  Thank you for your continued support, and if you like what you hear, please consider supporting the show via listener support! There might even be a shout out in it for you!

Jobs with the search engine giant can be tough to land. But recruiters from the company share some resume writing tips that just might be able to not only help you land a job with them, but potentially score a dream job with the company you've had your eye on.  Good luck on your next interview!  Follow along on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook!  Get $15 off your first order of $60 or more at Boxed.com today!

At the time of this recording, it’s September 11th in the U.S., and with a potentially devastating hurricane headed for the East Coast, I wanted to take this episode to reflect upon acts of kindness.  This morning, I shared to my social media platforms, a quote I found attributed to Aesop: “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” I would love to hear your favorite story about acts of kindness. Please check out the social media handles above and like, comment, retweet and share with your story as well as share this episode. Leave a voice message if you’re listening on Anchor, or email me at [email protected], and I would love to read and share it in another episode. Let’s get some positive vibes going today and in the coming days. You never know what positive impact your story may have, be it one, or many. As always, thank you for listening.