The 3rd Decade Podcast

In this episode, Nikita is joined by former professional athlete turned CFP®, Jeff Locke, to explore a surprising truth: when it comes to money, pro athletes and everyday earners are playing the same game—just with different stakes.From locker rooms to living rooms, the financial challenges are more alike than you might think. Jeff shares firsthand stories from his time in professional sports, revealing how even high earners struggle with overspending, credit, family expectations, and the pressure to “keep up.” Along the way, he and Nikita break down the core financial principles that apply to everyone—no matter your income.They dive into the fundamentals that never change: building an emergency fund, following a smart investing order, and avoiding lifestyle creep. They also unpack the unique realities athletes face—like short career windows, sudden wealth, and high-risk investment pitches—and what those extremes can teach the rest of us.At the heart of the conversation is one key idea: financial success isn’t about how much you make—it’s about behavior, discipline, and systems that support your goals.Whether you’re managing a steady paycheck or navigating more variable income, this episode offers practical, actionable lessons to help you build a more secure financial future—without getting caught up in comparison or complexity.Resources:Jeff Locke's LinkedInStart here: Build your financial foundation Protect yourself first: Emergency fund basics 

Nikita Wolff is joined by Uziel Gomez, CFP®, AFC®, and founder of Primeros Financial, as he shares the personal experiences that inspired his mission to serve communities traditionally left out of the financial conversation. Together, they explore what makes “primeros” such a powerful and overlooked demographic, why advisors should be paying attention, and the importance of grace, celebration, and embracing the strengths that come from a first-gen upbringing. Tune in for a thoughtful, energizing conversation between two changemakers tackling financial inequity from different angles. Find Uziel on Social Media:LinkedInWebsiteInstagram

Money can bring couples closer—or quietly build tension over time. In this episode, Nikita & Adam Van Deusen dive into one of the biggest relationship questions: Should we combine our finances? And if so, what's the best approach for us?They explore the three main approaches couples take (fully combined, partially combined, or fully separate), break down the pros and cons of each, and share tips for navigating this conversation with curiosity and mutual respect. You’ll also hear practical tools and ideas—from budget apps to financial agreements—to help you and your partner stay on the same page.Whether you’re just moving in or years into a long-term partnership, this episode is your guide to building trust and making money work together.Resources:Common Cents: Bank Account Structure and Couples’ Relationship DynamicsMoney for Couples (By Ramit Sethi)

They say money can’t buy happiness… but is that really true? In this episode, Nikita & Adam Van Deusen explore the complicated relationship between money and well-being — from what the research says to how our everyday spending choices shape our joy.They break down findings from landmark studies, explore the difference between emotional well-being and life satisfaction, and ask a deeper question: Are you spending your money in a way that aligns with the life you actually want?You’ll also hear how money can reduce stress and increase freedom—but only if you’re intentional with how you use it. From prioritizing experiences over stuff to giving generously and buying back your time, they share practical ways to use money as a tool for more meaning and happiness.Resources:Income and emotional well-being: A conflict resolvedHappy Money: The Science of Smarter Spending

In this episode, Nikita & Katherine Chatmon (3rd Decade Volunteer Mentor), discuss how a scarcity mindset & trauma around money impact our financial beliefs, progress, and wellbeing. This discussion includes: how it shows up, root causes, and ways to heal/rewrite your money script.Resources:"Money Story" worksheet downloadFinancial Archetype Quiz

In this episode, Nikita & Katherine Chatmon (3rd Decade Volunteer Mentor), discuss lifestyle creep. We all experience some amount of this as our income rises, but this episode covers: personal examples, how to recognize when it's happening, why it matters, prevention techniques, and ways to manage it. Resources:Avoiding Lifestyle Creep (Presentation by Kohler Credit Union)NerdWallet – What Is Lifestyle Creep and How Can You Avoid It?Book: Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin & Joe Dominguez The Minimalists (blog, podcast, and Netflix documentary)r/BuyItForLife

In this Episode, Nikita welcomes Co-founder & CEO of Waterlily, Lily Vittayarukskul, on to discuss the need for Long-Term Care Planning. Lily's professional path was redirected after she experienced first-hand the financial and familial stress that long-term care costs put on her family when her family member became ill. In this episode, they discuss what average costs are for care, what types of care may be needed in old age, why it matters, and ways to plan for its potential financial impact.Lily's company uses AI to help analyze your own likelihood for needing care, and which type of insurance policy may be most suitable for you. Resources:WaterlilyWaterlily WaitlistGenworth Cost of Care SurveyLongTermCare.gov

Nikita is joined by Adam Van Deusen (Volunteer Mentor & CFP®) for a discussion on the steps you can take for a higher credit score. Furthermore, this episode covers:What a credit score isWhat makes up a credit scoreAccessing credit reportsMythsResources:Annual Credit ReportFICO

Nikita is joined by Adam Van Deusen (Volunteer Mentor & CFP®) for a discussion on how a person can make money on credit cards and dip their toes into the world of "travel hacking". Furthermore, this episode covers:Who is a good candidate for these strategiesTypes of credit card rewardsCategories of spendingSign-up bonusesWhen/if to cancel or downgradePremium cardsTravel perks beyond free flightsPitfalls to avoidResources:Frequent Miler BlogSkyscannerPointsYeah

Nikita & Joe'Mar discuss the importance of solid financial planning when it comes to having or starting a family. Each brings their own perspective (Nikita: inviting 2 new members for the first time; Joe'Mar: having 2 older children).In this episode, they discuss:Short & long-term goal settingValues-based budgetingTracking income & expenses, and adjusting when neededDifferent levels of mixed financesReducing & avoiding debtBuilding an appropriately sized emergency fundHealth insurance529 plans & UTMA accountsResources:Infant Expense SheetWhat's the real cost of having a baby? (Two Cents: YouTube)UTMA vs 529: Which Investing Account is Better? (YouTube Video)Financial Transitions That Come with Marriage (3rd Decade Podcast)Combining Finances (3rd Decade Podcast)Financially Literate Homes (Part 1) (3rd Decade Podcast)Financially Literate Homes (Part 2) (3rd Decade Podcast)Monthly Budgeting Template3rdDecade.org

Nikita & Joe'Mar demystify life insurance by discussing what type of policies are out there, as well as which policies to avoid. Furthermore, this episode covers:What factors affect your premiumsHow to find a good insurance companyCalculating the amount needed for a policyResources:Life Insurance Calculator (Spreadsheet)Life Insurance Calculator (Bankrate Online Calculator)Life Insurance Policy ComparisonInsurance Company Ratings3rdDecade.org

In this solo episode, Nikita covers the basics of stocks & bonds; how they are traded & the relative risks associated with investing in them. If you already understand the basics of investing, consider sharing this podcast with a friend or family member who could use a little primer.

Join Nikita for a conversation with Diana, the founder of All The Colors. Diana is a CFP© and Registered Life Planner™, and uses her personal values to drive her work as a money coach to financially empower others, with a particular focus on supporting women of color who are entrepreneurs. 

Join Nikita for a conversation with 3rd Decade Alumni, Kyle Mittan, on a discussion around his history with budgeting (or lack thereof) and how he became the diligent budgeter that he is today. We hope if you've been procrastinating on using a budget that this episode inspires you to get started. Some resources if you're interested in YNAB include:YNAB's YouTube ChannelThe "Get Started" PlaylistTheir Guide to Using YNAB on a Bi-Monthly Pay ScheduleTheir Guide on Sinking FundsTheir Guide on Managing Fluctuating ExpensesYNAB also offers a great selection of written guides, organized by topic, that anyone can use for free regardless of their subscription status. 

Join 3rd Decade Alumni, Rose (she/her) & Nikita (she/her) for a heartfelt conversation around the positive impact that budgeting has had in Rose's life. As a former "checking-balance-budgeter", Rose shares how building this habit into her life has actually allowed her to think less about money, and has also enabled her to support the causes near to her heart and create a meaningful impact. For anyone interested in connecting with Rose, you can do so here. 

In today's episode, Nikita speaks with Mary Cantor & Jacob Wingate, two of 3rd Decade's Alumni, on the financial transitions that come with marriage. Merging two adult's financial lives can be a significant challenge in a new marriage. Mary and Jacob share openly about their individual financial upbringings, how that impacted their relationship with money in adulthood, and ultimately what they've done to come together to form a healthy relationship around shared finances that honors their individual interests as well as their strengths.

3rd Decade Alum, Sarah Ventre, shares in detail how she hustled her way through unpaid internships & temp jobs in her 20s and ultimately built herself a successful career in the audio journalism and production industry. If you need inspiration or someone to relate to if you're currently walking that path, look no further.  To find more of her work, you can visit her website at sarahventre.com

Join Nikita & Nina as they discuss the many factors to consider when determining what car to buy (and whether to seek a new or used car). When making a purchase, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons of both options to ensure that you make the right decision for your needs and budget. We'll give you some guidelines to determine what you can afford, as well as some thoughts on how your values, needs, and priorities might influence the decision. We'll explore the benefits of buying new, including the warranty and the peace of mind that often comes with a new purchase. We'll also consider the advantages of buying used, such as lower prices and the potential for finding a car that can be worked on outside of a dealership.Ultimately, the decision to buy new or used comes down to personal preference and individual circumstances. Join us as we explore the factors to consider when making this decision, and how to ensure you make the best choice for your needs and budget.

Join Nikita & Nina (3rd Decade's Arizona Serve VISTA Program & Operations Coordinator) as they discuss alternatives to a 4-year degree after high school. In this episode, they discuss:# of Americans affected by student loansAlternative paths into college (community college)Tech SchoolsWork alternativesAmeriCorps& more workplace readiness items

In this episode, Nikita discusses how our upbringing informs our money mindset, and ways that (if this is holding us back), we can use budgeting to help us improve it. She goes over 5 different methods for budgeting, and speaks personally on value-based spending as well, and how budgets can serve as a way to give ourselves the permission to spend when we tend to save every penny out of anxiety. To respond directly to anything in this episode, you can write to Nikita at [email protected]

In this episode, Nikita covers all the basics of understanding investing. Many people struggle to differentiate different account names and tax treatment. This is a great starting place to build a solid foundation in your investment knowledge.Topics covered:What we consider "investing for retirement"Account types (401(k), 403(b), 457(b), IRA, Roth IRA)Tax-treatment (Roth vs. Traditional)General guidelines for how much to investNotoriously low-fee custodians

Join Nikita for this mini-episode on choosing the college that's right for you. In this episode, she discusses different factors to consider when making your selection. Including things like: college credentials, networking, location, cost, resources, and more. 

Nikita Wolff is joined by 3rd Decade graduate, Leroy Adams, to discuss how he's changing generational money habits within his own family. Throughout this episode, they discuss:Leroy's backgroundExpensive mistakesHow he's tackling these conversationsOvercoming shameTips on getting started& a lot in-between!

Nikita Wolff is joined by Cayla Vertreese, a 3rd Decade graduate,  and a 21 year old recent graduate of Northwest Missouri State University. Cayla received her Bachelors in Human Services and Minor in Psychology. Following her college graduation in May of 2021, she moved to Mesa, Arizona where she currently works for Mindfulness First, a nonprofit that offers scientifically-informed programs based on trauma-informed Mindful Awareness and Social-Emotional Learning which equitably support children, educators, and communities with tools to manage stress and navigate life’s challenges.In this episode, they discuss mental health, coping mechanisms, mindfulness, breathing methods, and much more. More specifically, Cayla shares some of the tools she uses in managing anxiety around finances. Resources:National Suicide Prevention LifelineCrisis Text Linemindfulnessfirst.org4-second box breathingSTOPMindful finance routineDan Siegel - Flipping Your LidCitations:National Emergency in Child and Adolescent Mental HealthAdvisory on Protecting Youth Mental Health1 in 5 Americans will experience a mental illness in a given year

Nikita is joined by Co-Hosts Mary Rossi & Nolan DiFrancesco from Your World, Your Money, a podcast produced by the Global Thinking Foundation, which is a nonprofit focused on building a world free from economic abuses, where accessible, informed, and equitable economic participation is available to all.In this episode, we cover:How economic abuse is definedWho we see suffering from it most commonlyWays this might show up in intimate partner relationshipsBarriers for getting outWhat changes would benefit the "system"How to help a loved oneHow to get help if you find yourself in this situationResources:National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233National Network to End Domestic Violence

Nikita is joined by Co-Hosts of Black & Brown Make Green Podcast, Natasha & Damian Carrillo. In this episode, we learn more about their own finance story, talk about what generational wealth can mean, and discuss how to talk to your children about finances. 

Joe'Mar Hooper is 3rd Decade's new Executive Director. He joins our team with 20 years of leadership experience in government and the non-profit sector.  In his role with 3rd Decade, he will be charged with overseeing the delivery of 3rd Decade's mission, while ensuring the overall health of the organization.  Together, Joe'Mar & Nikita discuss his journey here, the vision he has for 3rd Decade, and some more about his background and how it shaped his passion for 3rd Decade's mission. Joe'Mar's email is: [email protected]

Welcome to Season 2!Join our new host Nikita Wolff & Co-Worker Nicole as they discuss behavioral finance; particularly what the main components of it are and how we can avoid falling into common psychological traps. In this episode, they discuss:Mental AccountingHerd BehaviorThe Emotional GapAnchoringSelf-AttributionConfirmation BiasThe Relativity TrapIrrational ExuberanceThe Superiority Trap

Join Scott Bennett & Jennifer Edwards as they discuss some of the expected changes with PSLF (Public Service Loan Forgiveness). In this episode, they go over:Who this does and doesn't apply to.The types of loans that can apply for PSLF.What the specific (positive) changes are.This is the final episode in this season, as well as Scott Bennett's final podcast episode as our host, as he is embarking on a new adventure in a role as a Financial Advisor with TCI Wealth. Stay tuned for new episodes in Spring 2022.

Join Scott & Nikita for this off-beat episode, sharing some of the best & worst financial advice received by those who are part of the 3rd Decade community. Some topics covered in this episode pertain to:Student LoansPaying down debt vs investingCredit Cards"Looking" richSpeculative investmentsSocial SecurityFIRESetting it & forgetting itPaying for cars in cashMaxing out retirement accountsSigning up for our beloved program (awwwww!)We hope you enjoy this episode & feel a sense of relief that you are far from the only one who's heard some outrageous financial advice (and that there really are people out there that give good advice, too!).

In this episode, Scott & Nikita discuss at a high level what the differences are between "Term" and "Whole" Life Insurance policies. This episode covers:Larger-scale differencesWho might benefit from Whole Life InsuranceThe premium differences between "Term" & "Whole"Why most of our students are better suited for "Term Life Insurance" policies How "Whole Life Insurance" builds in an investing component Our recommendation is to consult with a "fee-only" advisor if you are looking for personalized guidance on this, since they would not be earning commissions on what they sell to you. 

In this short solo episode, Nikita goes over the topic of combining (or not combining) finances in a relationship. She goes over common approaches to navigating finances in a partnership, and what experts tend to agree on as the "best approach".Additionally, Nikita covers how to navigate joint finances if one partner isn't working (especially in cases of raising children), when incomes are lopsided, and the logistics of how to split things equitably rather than equally. You may see this change for yourself & your relationship over time, but this episode covers some questions that might help lead you towards the answer that's right for you in this season of life.  

In this episode, Scott discusses what 529 Plans are. Some topics covered:BenefitsLimitationsHow to navigate your options

3rd Decade Program Manager, Nikita Wolff & Lead Financial Mentor, Jennifer Edwards discuss the dilemma between renting or buying (depending on your situation). In this episode, they cover:Tax benefits (or the myth of them to the common tax payer)Hidden costsThe 5% rule as an easy way to find equivalent rents/mortgagesRecommended Debt to Income Ratios (that are more sensible than industry standards)General advice to future homeownersPros & Cons of both renting & buyingWe hope this episode serves as a resource to show you that owning a home is not the right choice for everyone, and that you don't need a home to be financially successful. 

In this episode, Scott & Nikita discuss refinancing. Often times refinancing is sold as a "no brainer" if you can lower your monthly payment. There are, however, some additional aspects to consider.Including, but not limited to:If you used a first-time home buyers program with special clausesWhat your closing costs on the new loan will beHow long you want to be in the houseIf you're investing your extra money now or just spending more and extending your loanIf you're evaluating this decision for yourself, these tools may be useful:Loan Comparison Excel TemplateRefinance Comparison Calculator

In this episode, Scott discusses Rollover IRAs: what they are, when they're relevant, & their benefits. Common reasons for establishing a Rollover IRA are:Consolidating where your accounts are heldLower fees than 401ksMore control over your moneyIf you have an old retirement account from a previous job, you may want to consider this for yourself. Scott points out some of the things to keep on your radar, how to start this process, and the benefits of doing a "direct transfer" to a Rollover account to avoid any potential penalties or taxes. 

Join Scott Bennett & Dan Otter for today's episode on 403bwise; an organization that Dan founded to help K-12 educators navigate and make the best of a very flawed 403b system. In this episode, they discuss different resources available, things to look out for in your plan, and questions to ask your plan administrators - insights that can be applied to not just 403b's, but all employer sponsored plans.403bwise.org

Join Scott Bennett & veterinarian Dr. Sarah Neuser as they discuss some of the costs associated with owning pets, in addition to how you can minimize certain expenses through preventative care. Additionally, Dr. Neuser goes over some of the benefits of holding Pet Insurance, as well as what to look for when price shopping and selecting your plan. 

As a sequel to our last episode, Part 2 focuses on a conversation between Jennifer Edwards & Nikki Wolff. They discuss how she addressed these subjects in her own home, when she introduced certain concepts, and what she learned along the way. 

Join us today for part one of a two-part podcast on Financially Literate Homes. 3rd Decade's Lead Financial Mentor, Jennifer Edwards, made financially literacy a big part of her children's upbringing. For this episode, her 3 children came on to discuss what this looked like for them growing up, how it's shaped them, and what they plan to implement in their own families some day. For our next episode, you will hear Jennifer share her personal insights behind why she did what she did, when she began the conversation, and much more. 

Join Scott and Nikki as they converse with 3rd Decade team member, Nicole, about how she's incorporated no-spend challenges into her life, as well as other ways she and her husband have financially, mentally, and physically challenged themselves and made discretion a huge part of their lives. A few notes from Nicole:A no-spend month isn’t a replacement for tracking your spending and setting a proper budget, but it is one way to see just how much of your spending is ‘discretionary’ which roughly translated means unnecessary.Ask yourself what your motive is for the no-spend challenge and approach it with the right mindsetPrepare in advance and communicate well with your partner/household (or any family/friends who may be affected)A resource that may help in getting started (especially for those who aren't already used to cooking at home):The 4 hour Chef List of free activities to do:Go for a hikeLook for free local eventsSchedule “play dates” for the kids at the housePlay card gamesPlay board gamesGo to the beachRead a bookGo to a state parkCamp in the backyardRide bikesGo to the libraryDeep cleanDeclutter the houseDo a craft project

Join Nikki for a short episode on Grocery Budgeting; a common topic that comes up in financial discussions. Topics covered in this episode include: general guidelines for how much to spend on food, reducing food waste, and ways to reduce costs. Resources:Mr. Money Mustache - Killing Your $1000 Grocery BillUSDA Cost of Food ChartHow Much Should I Budget for Groceries Each Month?Budget Friendly Meal Plans

Join Scott Bennett & Sam Swift as they reflect on this last year. Sam shares openly how even he had a moment of doubt in 2020, and how he was able to get his mind back on course and look at the data to ease the anxiety many of us were experiencing. Ultimately proving once again that staying the course serves the patient people well. 

Join Scott Bennett & Nikki Wolff as they discuss the intersection between minimalism and finances. Nikki discusses how she defines minimalism, as well as a few of the misconceptions about it. They share their team member Nicole's philosophy surrounding goal setting and discuss how someone might be able to determine what their values are and how that might affect the way they spend their money. 

Scott, Nikki & Bob discuss current trending events in the stock market to bring clarity to what’s happening, as well as to answer some questions many of us might be asking ourselves.

Join Scott Bennett & Nikita Wolff as they discuss negotiating bills, including: ways to prepare for it, personal stories, and strategies for doing so. 

Join Nikita Wolff & Scott Bennett as they discuss having children and how to financially plan for it. Nikita takes over as host for this episode to give Scott an opportunity to share his first-hand experience as a parent to 2 children. In this episode, they discuss:-What they had in place beforehand that made them feel ready-Saving up ahead of time-The surprising expenses-Ways to reduce some of the "expected" costs of growing your family-Engaging in free services-529 plansResources:SavingForCollege.comVanguard 529 Plan

Join Scott Bennett (Executive Director at 3rd Decade) and Ashley Ilardo (Regional Director at Dimensional Fund Advisors) as they discuss 3rd Decade's new partnership with Dimensional Fund Advisors. In this episode, Ashley & Scott discuss the history of Dimensional, how this partnership will roll out, why we decided to partner together, how we align, and where we're expanding to in the coming months.To learn more about Dimensional, visit:https://us.dimensional.com/

Join Scott Bennett and Jennifer Edwards as they discuss ways to approach the decision of furthering your education, especially as it pertains to taking out student debt. Jennifer suggests different ways to help hone in on the direction you'd like to go, as well as if it's experience and knowledge, or a specific credential that will help you meet your goals. Audio correction: 29:13 "I feel sad when I see situations where somebody graduates with a degree that didn't have a lot of value in the workplace, and they're made promises that you can take these [loans] out and you can have any kind of life you want right out of *college*"Resources:https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/https://www.edx.org/https://www.coursera.org/https://www.udemy.com/https://moneythink.org/our-work/decided/https://www.peacecorps.gov/volunteer/university-programs/https://www.nationalservice.gov/programs/americorps/segal-americorps-education-award/use-your-education-awardhttps://www.military.com/education/money-for-school/tuition-assistance-ta-program-overview.htmlhttps://www.estudentloan.com/blog/10-companies-will-help-pay-college

Join Scott and Nikki as they co-host this episode focused on making the decision to buy a house. One of the common questions we receive is "what are some indicators for me to know when I'm in a good place to buy a home?"Some of the additional topics addressed in this episode are:First-time home buyers programs (pros & cons)The true cost of home ownershipThe inevitable unplanned home expenseThings to have in order prior to making the decision to purchaseWho to take advice fromPMI