Millennial Money Moves

Every great financial plan starts with one simple step: knowing your numbers. In this episode, we walk through two real-life examples of how to take control of your finances by first understanding how much money is coming in and where it’s going out.You’ll learn how to:Track income and expenses with claritySpot spending patterns that could hold you backFind opportunities to pay yourself firstBuild a budget that actually works for your lifestyleIf you’ve ever felt like money slips through your fingers or you’re not sure where to start, this episode gives you a clear and practical starting point. Confident money moves don’t begin with fancy investments—they begin with knowing your numbers.

Many investors believe the secret to wealth is finding the “right” stock at the “right” time. The truth? Even professional advisors and Wall Street pros can’t consistently pick winners. In this episode of Millennial Money Moves, we break down why stock picking is more gambling than strategy, why most people underperform the market trying to do it, and what smarter, evidence-based approaches can actually help you grow long-term wealth.Whether you’ve tried chasing hot stock tips, or you’ve wondered if you need to be picking individual companies to succeed, this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and a better strategy for your future.Link to study that Kenny mentions: https://blogs.wpcarey.asu.edu/20240805-asu-study-stock-market-winners-uncovers-some-surprises

Do you really need a financial advisor?If you’re a millennial juggling student loans, career growth, saving for a home—or just trying to figure out if you're on track—this episode is for you.In this episode of Millennial Money Moves, we dive into 10 powerful questions every millennial should be asking their financial advisor to take control of their money, reduce taxes, and build long-term wealth.Top 10 Questions:1. How do I balance paying off debt with saving and investing?2. Am I on track for retirement, and what should I be doing now?3. Should I contribute to a Roth or traditional account?4. What should I do if I want to buy a home in the next few years?5. How can I reduce my taxes now and in the future?6. What investment strategy fits my goals and risk tolerance?7. Am I properly insured?8. How can I build wealth outside my 401(k)?9. What financial habits should I focus on now?10. How will my financial plan adjust as life changes?Whether you're working with an advisor now or just thinking about it, these questions will help you get more value, more clarity, and more confidence in your financial future.

You've probably heard the advice: “Don’t invest it all at once, dollar cost average instead.” But does spreading your money out over time actually reduce risk and improve returns? In this episode, Sean & Blake break down the numbers behind dollar cost averaging vs. lump sum investing and the results might surprise you. We’ll explore when DCA makes sense, when it doesn’t, and why blindly following this strategy could cost you in the long run.If you're serious about making smarter, data-driven investment decisions, this one's a must-listen.

Thinking about how to pay for your child's education without drowning in student loans? In this episode, Sean & Blake break down the 529 plan, one of the most powerful and tax-efficient ways to save for future education expenses. You'll learn how these plans work, who they’re for, the tax benefits, what counts as a qualified expense, and how recent rule changes have made 529s even more flexible. Whether you’re a new parent or just playing catch-up, this is your roadmap to smarter college savings.

In this episode of Millennial Money Moves, we’re breaking down five of the most common (and costly) money mistakes people make—and how to avoid them. From expensive car payments to purchasing annuities, these missteps can quietly sabotage your financial future. Whether you’re just getting started or already building wealth, these tips can help you stay on track and grow with confidence.

Thinking about buying a home? Curious if the mortgage you have is right for you? This episode breaks down everything you need to know — from FHA vs. conventional loans to navigating high interest rates, monthly payments, and mortgage insurance. Tune in for real talk on affording a home in today’s market and how to unlock homeownership without blowing your budget.Sean Babin and Blake Bandani sit down with Jamie Fernandez, an experienced mortgage broker to unpack the American Dream of homeownership.Jamie Fernandez - [email protected], 602-419-9688

You’ve seen the headlines: “Top 10 Stocks of the Year!” or “5-Star Funds to Buy Now!” But here’s the truth—investing in what’s recently done well often leads to disappointing long-term results. In this episode of Millennial Money Moves, we’re joined by Kenny Gatliff, CFA® and busting the myth of “track record investing” and digging into why chasing past winners, whether it’s hot stocks or 5-star Morningstar funds, can actually leave your portfolio worse off.We break down:✅ Why past performance is a terrible predictor of future returns✅ The surprising data behind Morningstar ratings and their lack of predictive power✅ The psychology of performance chasing (and how to fight FOMO)✅ Smarter ways to invest for long-term growthIf you’ve ever been tempted by a shiny 5-star fund or a top-performing ETF, this episode is your wake-up call.

In this episode Sean is joined by Jeff Rusin and Matthew Awai, owners of Advisor Tech Partners, who are building businesses from the ground up. From early struggles and late-night hustle to breakthrough moments and hard-earned lessons, they share what it really takes to grow something meaningful in today’s competitive landscape.You’ll hear candid insights on mindset, mistakes, wins, and the realities no one talks about. Whether you’re just starting out or deep in your own journey, this conversation offers fresh perspective, inspiration, and some serious real talk from both sides of the founder experience.

Should you buy gold? Gold has dazzled investors for centuries—but is it truly the safe-haven asset it’s made out to be? In this episode, we talk with Kenny Gatliff, CFA® and strip away the shine and dig into the truth behind gold’s role in a modern investment portfolio. You’ll learn how gold stacks up against inflation, stocks, and market volatility, and whether it deserves a place in your strategy—or if it’s just glittery distraction. Whether you’re a die-hard gold bug or a skeptical investor, this one’s for you.👉 Tune in to find out:Does gold actually protect you in a crisis?What history says about gold returns vs. stocksHow much gold (if any) you really need in your portfolio

Ever feel like everyone else got the money manual except you? In this episode of Millennial Money Moves, we're breaking down the finance basics you should’ve learned in school.We cover:💸 What a stock actually is (without the jargon)📈 How bonds work and why they matter📅 Target date funds—what they are and how they fit into your 401(k)📊 The building blocks of smart investingWhether you're just getting started or brushing up on the fundamentals, this crash course will give you the confidence to make smarter money moves.

The headlines are screaming, the markets are tumbling, and your portfolio’s looking rough — so… what now?In this episode of Millennial Money Moves, Sean and Blake break down what to do when stocks are in free fall. Whether you're a new investor or a seasoned one feeling the heat, we’ll talk about smart strategies for navigating volatility, how to keep your emotions in check, and what opportunities might actually emerge from the chaos.

Running a business is more than just great ideas and hustle — the real power move is knowing your numbers. In this episode, Blake and Sean sit down with Dale Schafer who has build a financial planning company that specializes in working with business owners. We're breaking down the financial must-dos for entrepreneurs who want to stop winging it and start running their business like a CEO.

Not all financial advisors are created equal! In this episode of Millennial Money Moves, we break down what a fiduciary is, why it matters, and how to avoid advisors who may not have your best interests at heart. We’ll walk you through the key questions to ask, red flags to watch for, and how to confidently choose a financial advisor who truly puts your financial future first. Whether you're just starting to invest or looking for a new advisor, this episode will give you the knowledge you need to make a smart, informed decision.

In this episode, Sean and Blake dive into a lively debate on one of the biggest retirement planning questions: Is pretax or ROTH money the smarter choice? They break down the pros and cons of deferring taxes now versus paying them upfront and explore advanced strategies like ROTH conversions and Mega Backdoor ROTH contributions. Tune in for a clear, insightful discussion that will help you decide which approach aligns best with your financial future!

Sean and Blake talk a little tariffs and how they may affect your investments. They also breakdown everything you need to know about maximizing your 401(k) for long-term wealth. Whether you're just getting started or have been contributing for years, they’ll help you determine if you’re on track to meet your financial goals—and what adjustments you can make to secure your future.

Sean sits down with Kenny Gatliff, CFA®, to break down the key differences between investing and speculating. Many people believe that simply buying a few stocks is how investing is done—but is that really the case? In this episode, Sean and Kenny explore essential investing principles to help you determine whether you're truly investing or just speculating with your hard-earned money.

On this inaugural episode of Millennial Money Moves, Sean & Blake dive into their backgrounds, sharing their journey through the financial industry and what makes them uniquely equipped to help you build a strong financial foundation.