Tag: Budgeting
Lifestyle Creep: How to Handle It Without Breaking the Bank (Ep. 8)

Lifestyle Creep: How to Handle It Without Breaking the Bank (Ep. 8)

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Lifestyle creep can sneak up on anyone, leading to financial stress despite increased income.

How can you balance enjoying your earnings while securing your financial future? What are the key triggers and how can you manage them effectively?

In this episode, Aaron Buchner from Cactus dives into the intriguing world of lifestyle creep, exploring how incremental lifestyle upgrades can impact your financial stability. 

You’ll learn about recognizing and managing lifestyle inflation, understanding its triggers beyond just pay raises, and finding a balance between enjoying the present and saving for the future.

Aaron discusses: 

  • Understanding lifestyle creep and its broader triggers
  • Practical ways to manage lifestyle inflation
  • Balancing current enjoyment with future financial security
  • The importance of personal priorities in financial planning
  • And more!

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8 Ways You Can Cover Your Ass (Ep. 5)

8 Ways You Can Cover Your Ass (Ep. 5)

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Building wealth is something everyone focuses on but focusing on how to keep that wealth and your financial plans on track is something that few focus on.  

You have worked hard for all of this wealth, to see it all go away can hurt. 

In this episode, Aaron Buchner explores the essential concept of “covering your ass” (CYA) in financial planning, offering insights into practical steps you can take to ensure your financial security and stability. 

From life insurance to emergency funds, Aaron breaks down how these strategies can help you enjoy life now and protect your future. 

Aaron discusses: 

  • The importance of life insurance in safeguarding your financial plans and supporting your loved ones.
  • Critical illness and disability insurance and how they provide a safety net during unforeseen health challenges
  • The value of diversification in investments to minimize risk and enhance long-term financial growth
  • Why having an emergency fund is crucial and how to effectively manage it for unexpected expenses
  • The importance of having a will and naming beneficiaries
  • Why you should constantly monitor and rebalance your investments 
  • And more!

Connect with Aaron Buchner: 

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Why It’s Okay to Spend Money on What Makes You Happy (Ep. 2)

Why It’s Okay to Spend Money on What Makes You Happy (Ep. 2)

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Ever wonder if that daily coffee run is really what’s stopping you from achieving your financial goals?

In this episode, Aaron Buchner dives deep into the concept of spending on what makes you happy—even if it’s $200 on vinyl records—while debunking the myth that small indulgences like coffee are sabotaging your financial future. 

You’ll hear personal anecdotes, practical tips on balancing joy with sensible spending, and how to identify and cut out “stupid stuff” that doesn’t add value to your life.

Aaron discusses: 

  • Why the “latte factor” isn’t the real culprit behind financial struggles
  • The importance of spending money on what truly brings you joy
  • How to balance short-term happiness with long-term financial goals
  • Practical advice on setting a budget that allows for fun while staying financially healthy
  • And more!

Connect with Aaron Buchner: 

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