Meaning over Money
With 280+ episodes and a 5.0-star rating on Apple Podcasts, we provide concise, straight-to-the-point, short-form episodes centered around money...except it's not really about money.
In each episode, host Travis Shelton dives into cultural trends, current events, and behavioral nuances revolving around work and money. We often dive into topics such as investing, budgeting, relationships, behavioral science, careers, generosity, and much more. Are you ready to redefine the role work and money play in your life? More importantly, are you ready to be challenged toward a more meaningful life?
Most episodes are 10-20 minutes, conducted solo by host Travis Shelton, but we also bring in special guests who we believe can add value to our audience.
Listen along and share with a friend. Our followers aren’t shy about giving us feedback, so send us an e-mail or DM to ask questions, suggest topics, or challenge Travis’s perspective!
Archive
- March 2025
- February 2025
- January 2025
- December 2024
- November 2024
- October 2024
- September 2024
- August 2024
- July 2024
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- December 2022
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- July 2022
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- March 2022
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- December 2021
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- October 2021
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- August 2021
- July 2021
- June 2021
- May 2021
- April 2021
- March 2021
042 - The Teacher Myth
Teachers (and the teaching profession) get a bad rap in our culture, and we think it's unfair and unwarranted. Specifically, we want to address something we refer to as "the teacher myth." The narrative in our culture tells us teachers don't make much and will always be poor, thus discouraging current and future teachers from using their unique gifts to bless our children. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton explains why teachers have a better gig than we give them credit for, and why it matters. Travis coaches a lot of teachers, and honestly, most of them are absolutely crushing it on the financial front. If you're a teacher, or aspire to one day become one, we hope this episode sheds some positive light and provides encouragement. Lastly, thank you to all the teachers who are making a difference in this world!
You can find the Meaning Over Money podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, including:
If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where you can find us:
Online Course: www.meaningover.money (podcast listeners can get 25% off by using the promo code "podcast25")
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCasnj17-bOl_CZ0Cb9czmyQ
Instagram: www.instagram.com/meaning_over_money
Travis's Instagram: www.instagram.com/travis_shelton_
Travis's website: www.travisshelton.com
E-Mail Us: meaningovermoneypodcast@gmail.com
041 - Men vs. Women: The Fall-Out and Follow-Up
In episode 25, host Travis Shelton explained why he believes women are generally better at handling money than men. In that episode, he argues men are indeed more emotional with money, for two primary reasons: 1) men use money as a scorecard, and 2) pride and ego. We've received a lot of reactions and responses since that episode launching into the world. In today's episode, we share some of that feedback and answer some of the follow-up questions we received on the heels of that episode.
Episode 25 - Sorry Men, Women Are Better With Money: https://bit.ly/3yTJGGj
Thank you for listening!!! If this episode added value to you, it would mean the world to us if you would share with a friend or give us a rating/review.
You can find the Meaning Over Money podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, including:
If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where you can find us:
Online Course: www.meaningover.money (podcast listeners can get 25% off by using the promo code "podcast25")
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCasnj17-bOl_CZ0Cb9czmyQ
Instagram: www.instagram.com/meaning_over_money
Travis's Instagram: www.instagram.com/travis_shelton_
Travis's website: www.travisshelton.com
E-Mail Us: meaningovermoneypodcast@gmail.com
040 - Your Tone is the Tell
Have you ever asked someone a question where their words and their tone gave two completely different answers? In today’s episode, host Travis Shelton explains why this often happens when we talk about our jobs, why we often lie to ourselves, and how others can spot the real truth. This may sound like a trivial topic, but really engaging in this exercise has the potential to change everything!
Thank you for listening!!! If this episode added value to you, it would mean the world to us if you would share with a friend or give us a rating/review.
You can find the Meaning Over Money podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, including:
If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where you can find us:
Online Course: www.meaningover.money (podcast listeners can get 25% off by using the promo code "podcast25")
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCasnj17-bOl_CZ0Cb9czmyQ
Instagram: www.instagram.com/meaning_over_money
Travis's Instagram: www.instagram.com/travis_shelton_
Travis's website: www.travisshelton.com
E-Mail Us: meaningovermoneypodcast@gmail.com
039 - The Curse of Comparison
No matter how good we're doing in a particular area of life, there's one thing that always has the power to knock us down: comparing ourselves to others. Unfortunately, there's always going to be someone smarter, funnier, better looking, making more money, having more opportunities, and one step ahead of us. It's so easy for us to have a pity party and get frustrated. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton explains why the curse of comparison can stunt our progress, sabotage our journey, and steal our happiness. He talks about a client who recently celebrated the huge milestone of paying off $116,000 of debt in just over 1.5 years. Huge accomplishment! Their now-public story will surely elicit two different responses from people. Some will be motivated and inspired, while others will get struck by the curse of comparison. Here's one thing we know: if Ryan and Paige can do it, so can you! Don't let their achievements make you feel worse about yourself, but rather let their win fuel your upcoming win. Then fast forward a year or two, your story will inspire another wave of people to achieve their wins. We're all in this together!
Here's where you can find Ryan and Paige's debt payoff video
If this episode added value to you, it would mean the world to us if you would share with a friend or give us a rating/review. Thanks for listening!
You can find the Meaning Over Money podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, including:
If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where you can find us:
Online Course: www.meaningover.money (podcast listeners can get 25% off by using the promo code "podcast25")
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCasnj17-bOl_CZ0Cb9czmyQ
Instagram: www.instagram.com/meaning_over_money
Travis's Instagram: www.instagram.com/travis_shelton_
Travis's website: www.travisshelton.com
E-Mail Us: meaningovermoneypodcast@gmail.com
038 - How to Get Your Spouse Involved With Budgeting, and Why It's More Important Than You Think
"My spouse and I are on the same page with finances, but he/she isn't engaged with the budget." This is one comment we hear over and over. In fact, this is a very common trend in families today. Even for couples who budget and are on the same page, some spouses exclude themselves from the process and instead put all the trust and responsibility on the other spouse. Big mistake! In today's episode, host Travis Shelton discusses all the reasons it's important for both spouses to be involved with the budget process, the risks of not doing so, and shares 7 important things you can do to help get yours on board. This may seem like a silly topic, but it's oh so important!
If this episode added value to you, it would mean the world to us if you would share with a friend or give us a rating/review. Thanks for listening!
You can find the Meaning Over Money podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, including:
If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where you can find us:
Online Course: www.meaningover.money (podcast listeners can get 25% off by using the promo code "podcast25")
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCasnj17-bOl_CZ0Cb9czmyQ
Instagram: www.instagram.com/meaning_over_money
Travis's Instagram: www.instagram.com/travis_shelton_
Travis's website: www.travisshelton.com
E-Mail Us: meaningovermoneypodcast@gmail.com
037 - Staying At Home With Kids is Always a Choice
Young couples today are facing two really important questions: "Do we want one spouse to stay at home with the kids?", and "Can we afford for one spouse to stay at home with the kids?" The first question is a deeply personal one, and every couple needs to seek out the right answer for them. But the second question is a lie our culture tells us. Staying at home with kids isn't something we get to do if we are "lucky" or "fortunate". Rather, staying at home is a choice. It's always a choice. A very difficult, sacrificial choice. That's why there are couples making $500,000 who "can't afford" to do it, but other couples making $50,000 who can. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton unpacks the idea of staying at home as a choice, , and walks through some of the sacrificial decisions a couple may choose to make on their road to bringing one spouse home. It's rarely easy, but it's always worth it.
If this episode added value to you, it would mean the world to us if you would share with a friend or give us a rating/review. Thanks for listening!
You can find the Meaning Over Money podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, including:
If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where you can find us:
Online Course: www.meaningover.money (podcast listeners can get 25% off by using the promo code "podcast25")
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCasnj17-bOl_CZ0Cb9czmyQ
Instagram: www.instagram.com/meaning_over_money
Travis's Instagram: www.instagram.com/travis_shelton_
Travis's website: www.travisshelton.com
E-Mail Us: meaningovermoneypodcast@gmail.com
036 - More Income Won't Cure Your Financial Stress (Here's What Will!)
One of the stories we tell ourselves is that our financial stress would go away if only we made $____ more money. So we work, work, work, for that next raise or promotion. Then when it finally comes, the financial stress lingers. So we think to ourself, "ah, it must require $____ more to reduce the stress." Thus the cycle continues. Bad news: no amount of income can eliminate your financial stress. Good news: you already have the tools to reduce your stress today! In today's episode, host Travis Shelton explains why no amount of income will remove our financial stress, how even people who make tons of money face financial stress, and how each of us can make changes in our own life to reduce the stress.
If this episode added value to you, it would mean the world to us if you would share with a friend or give us a rating/review. Thanks for listening!
You can find the Meaning Over Money podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, including:
If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where you can find us:
Online Course: www.meaningover.money (podcast listeners can get 25% off by using the promo code "podcast25")
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCasnj17-bOl_CZ0Cb9czmyQ
Instagram: www.instagram.com/meaning_over_money
Travis's Instagram: www.instagram.com/travis_shelton_
Travis's website: www.travisshelton.com
E-Mail Us: meaningovermoneypodcast@gmail.com
035 - Hate Fridays, Love Mondays
Studies show 4PM on Sunday afternoon is the most depressing hour of the week. Our weekend is almost over, and we're starting to dread what tomorrow will bring. Sound familiar? Considering 70% of Americans either dislike or hate their jobs, there's a pretty good chance this idea of dreading Mondays may hit a bit close to home. Here's the good news: it doesn't have to be this way! In today's episode, host Travis Shelton discusses this counter-cultural idea of loving Mondays. It sounds odd, but it's possible. Each one of us has a choice to make, and not making a choice is still making a choice. After listening to today's episode, we hope it gives you some added perspective as you make yours.
If this episode added value to you, it would mean the world to us if you would share with a friend or give us a rating/review. Thanks for listening!
You can find the Meaning Over Money podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, including:
If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where you can find us:
Online Course: www.meaningover.money (podcast listeners can get 25% off by using the promo code "podcast25")
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCasnj17-bOl_CZ0Cb9czmyQ
Instagram: www.instagram.com/meaning_over_money
Travis's Instagram: www.instagram.com/travis_shelton_
Travis's website: www.travisshelton.com
E-Mail Us: meaningovermoneypodcast@gmail.com
034 - Don't Sweat the Small Things: Starbucks and Netflix Aren't What's Hurting You
We live in a culture that's obsessed with small things. "Quit buying those coffees", "you don't need that extra pair of shoes", "that concert is wasting money", "get rid of Netflix". We think this is ridiculous....and short-sighted. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton explains why we need to stop obsessing with the small things and start paying closer attention to the bigger decisions in life. Just a handful of key decisions can result in a multi-million dollar swing for most of us.....especially young adults. Oh yeah, and let's not give up those coffees, shoes, concerts, or Netflix along the way. After all, it's not about money......it's about meaning!
If this episode added value to you, it would mean the world to us if you would share with a friend or give us a rating/review. Thanks for listening!
You can find the Meaning Over Money podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, including:
If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where you can find us:
Online Course: www.meaningover.money (podcast listeners can get 25% off by using the promo code "podcast25")
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCasnj17-bOl_CZ0Cb9czmyQ
Instagram: www.instagram.com/meaning_over_money
Travis's Instagram: www.instagram.com/travis_shelton_
Travis's website: www.travisshelton.com
E-Mail Us: meaningovermoneypodcast@gmail.com
033 - Don't Judge Decisions Based On Outcomes
This is going to sound backwards, but we don't think decisions should be judged based on outcomes. Sometimes good decisions have bad outcomes.....and sometimes bad decisions have bad outcomes. Truth is, when we make a decision, all we can do is make the best decision with the information available to us at the time. Hindsight is always 20/20, so it can be easy to beat ourselves up and play woulda-shoulda-coulda. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton discusses this idea of separating decisions from their outcomes, sharing some examples, and exploring some of the negative consequences we will likely face down the road if we always judge decisions based on their outcomes.
If this episode added value to you, it would mean the world to us if you would share with a friend or give us a rating/review. Thanks for listening!
You can find the Meaning Over Money podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, including:
If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where you can find us:
Online Course: www.meaningover.money (podcast listeners can get 25% off by using the promo code "podcast25")
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCasnj17-bOl_CZ0Cb9czmyQ
Instagram: www.instagram.com/meaning_over_money
Travis's Instagram: www.instagram.com/travis_shelton_
Travis's website: www.travisshelton.com
E-Mail Us: meaningovermoneypodcast@gmail.com
032 - The Beauty (and Implications) of Not Having a Credit Score
We live in a culture that obsesses with credit scores and the idea of "building credit." We think it's ridiculous, unhealthy, and ultimately a fool's game. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton explains why he thinks we need to stop worrying about credit scores, why not having a credit score can be a good thing, and some of the implications (positive and negative) involved with choosing this route. Living life without a credit score isn't perfect....but it's worth it. Even if you ultimately disagree with us, we hope this gives you a different perspective to consider.
You can find the Meaning Over Money podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, including:
If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where you can find us:
Online Course: www.meaningover.money (podcast listeners can get 25% off by using the promo code "podcast25")
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCasnj17-bOl_CZ0Cb9czmyQ
Instagram: www.instagram.com/meaning_over_money
Travis's Instagram: www.instagram.com/travis_shelton_
Travis's website: www.travisshelton.com
E-Mail Us: meaningovermoneypodcast@gmail.com
031 - Why Pursuing Meaning is Better Than Pursuing Money
Let's talk about the elephant in the room. There's a common belief in our culture that we need to choose between pursuing meaning and pursuing money.....and conventional wisdom says to pursue meaning. Or if you identify with the FIRE movement, we're led to believe we should pursue money today so someday after we've selfishly hoarded enough money, we can pursue meaning. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton explains why we don't have to choose between meaning over money, why we should always choose meaning, why we should do it NOW, and why that decision often leads to more money anyway.
You can find the Meaning Over Money podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, including:
If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where you can find us:
Online Course: www.meaningover.money (podcast listeners can get 25% off by using the promo code "podcast25")
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCasnj17-bOl_CZ0Cb9czmyQ
Instagram: www.instagram.com/meaning_over_money
Travis's Instagram: www.instagram.com/travis_shelton_
Travis's website: www.travisshelton.com
E-Mail Us: meaningovermoneypodcast@gmail.com
030 - 12 Months for the Rest of Your Life
Sacrifice is hard! A sustained period of intense sacrifice is even harder! This is one of the main reasons why people are unable to gain meaningful traction in their finances and careers. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton explains how we can shift our perspective of sacrifice, and view it through a different lens. When we look at life in terms of seasons and wrap our head around the bigger picture of life, short periods of sacrifice become much more tolerable! A better life may be waiting for you on the other side of sacrifice. After all, you deserve better than normal!
You can find the Meaning Over Money podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, including:
If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where you can find us:
Online Course: www.meaningover.money (podcast listeners can get 25% off by using the promo code "podcast25")
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCasnj17-bOl_CZ0Cb9czmyQ
Instagram: www.instagram.com/meaning_over_money
Travis's Instagram: www.instagram.com/travis_shelton_
Travis's website: www.travisshelton.com
E-Mail Us: meaningovermoneypodcast@gmail.com
029 - Q&A Session #3: Financial Coaching Edition
We're coming at you with another Q&A session. This time, we answer questions about host Travis Shelton's experience as a financial coach. We share stories of the best and worst parts about coaching, the hardest advice to give, and some of the best accomplishments by his clients. He also reflects on a a few questions about his podcasting experience so far. We hope this episode adds value to your journey, and maybe even inspires a few people along the way. As always, please keep the questions coming!!!
You can find the Meaning Over Money podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, including:
If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where you can find us:
Online Course: www.meaningover.money (podcast listeners can get 25% off by using the promo code "podcast25")
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCasnj17-bOl_CZ0Cb9czmyQ
Instagram: www.instagram.com/meaning_over_money
Travis's Instagram: www.instagram.com/travis_shelton_
Travis's website: www.travisshelton.com
E-Mail Us: meaningovermoneypodcast@gmail.com
028 - You're Going to Make Mistakes....And That's OK!
Sometimes when we're trying to do this money stuff right, it can feel like so much pressure. Things like "what if I mess up?", "what if I make a mistake?", and "I'm scared to have a setback" start going through our head. Bad news: you are going to mess up, make mistakes, and have some setbacks." Good news: that's ok! We can't do this stuff perfect, and we most certainly will make mistakes along the way. On today's episode, host Travis Shelton discusses the fact we're all going to make mistakes, shares some real-life examples, and explains how we can handle them so they don't deflate our confidence and progress.
You can find the Meaning Over Money podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, including:
If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where you can find us:
Online Course: www.meaningover.money (podcast listeners can get 25% off by using the promo code "podcast25")
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCasnj17-bOl_CZ0Cb9czmyQ
Instagram: www.instagram.com/meaning_over_money
Travis's Instagram: www.instagram.com/travis_shelton_
Travis's website: www.travisshelton.com
E-Mail Us: meaningovermoneypodcast@gmail.com
027 - Be Careful Who You Follow
There's a well-known saying that goes something like this: you become the average of the five people you spend the most time with. This applies to in-person relationships, but we also believe it applies to online connections. One of our favorite things about young adults is their willingness and desire to absorb other people's ideas and perspectives in the name of personal growth. YouTube, IG, TikTok, books, etc. Some of these people are awesome, but many aren't. Some are flat-out toxic, and are leading people down a risky, dangerous, and oftentimes toxic road. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton discusses how we can discern who to follow, and perhaps more important, who NOT to follow.
You can find the Meaning Over Money podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, including:
If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where you can find us:
Online Course: www.meaningover.money (podcast listeners can get 25% off by using the promo code "podcast25")
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCasnj17-bOl_CZ0Cb9czmyQ
Instagram: www.instagram.com/meaning_over_money
Travis's Instagram: www.instagram.com/travis_shelton_
Travis's website: www.travisshelton.com
E-Mail Us: meaningovermoneypodcast@gmail.com
026 - The Secret Powers of Sinking Funds (As Always, It's Not About the Money!)
Whenever we try to do this money stuff well, especially budgeting, things seem to go pretty well until the moment it doesn't. And that moment is usually tied to an unexpected expense that hits us out of nowhere. We can have all the momentum in the world, then wham (!!!), something unexpected stops us in our tracks. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton explains how sinking funds can make a profound difference in both our finances and our psychology. We discuss what sinking funds are, why they matter, and how to easily implement them in your life. Even though this episode focuses more on the money side of the equation, it's not really about money. Money is NEVER about money!
You can find the Meaning Over Money podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, including:
If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where you can find us:
Online Course: www.meaningover.money (podcast listeners can get 25% off by using the promo code "podcast25")
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCasnj17-bOl_CZ0Cb9czmyQ
Instagram: www.instagram.com/meaning_over_money
Travis's Instagram: www.instagram.com/travis_shelton_
Travis's website: www.travisshelton.com
E-Mail Us: meaningovermoneypodcast@gmail.com
025 - Sorry Men, Women Are Better With Money
There are a lot of generalizations and stereotypes about the differences between men and women. Some are good, some are bad. When it comes to money, we think our culture has mislabeled and misidentified these gender-specific generalizations/stereotypes. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton shares his experiences working with hundreds of men, women, and couples, and tries to clarify common misconceptions. We also explore the question, "who handles money better....men or women?" As you can see from the episode title, Travis believes women inherently handle money better than men. However, it's probably not for the reasons you may think. The goal of this episode isn't to badmouth men, but rather to provide some insights that may help us all (including us men) do this money stuff better.
You can find the Meaning Over Money podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, including:
If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where you can find us:
Online Course: www.meaningover.money (podcast listeners can get 25% off by using the promo code "podcast25")
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCasnj17-bOl_CZ0Cb9czmyQ
Instagram: www.instagram.com/meaning_over_money
Travis's Instagram: www.instagram.com/travis_shelton_
Travis's website: www.travisshelton.com
E-Mail Us: meaningovermoneypodcast@gmail.com
024 - Q&A Session #2
We love your questions! In today's episode, host Travis Shelton answers some of the questions recently asked by you, the listeners. Here's a rundown of what you'll find:
1) How to deal with judgmental peers and family who criticize our financial and career choices.
2) Should we pursue advanced degrees?
3) Is buying a house always a good financial decision?
4) What's the difference between Dave Ramsey and Meaning Over Money?
You can find the Meaning Over Money podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, including:
If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where you can find us:
Online Course: www.meaningover.money (podcast listeners can get 25% off by using the promo code "podcast25")
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCasnj17-bOl_CZ0Cb9czmyQ
Instagram: www.instagram.com/meaning_over_money
Travis's Instagram: www.instagram.com/travis_shelton_
Travis's website: www.travisshelton.com
E-Mail Us: meaningovermoneypodcast@gmail.com
023 - EVERYONE Needs a Budget (Especially High-Income Earners)
Budgeting is typically viewed as something necessary for people who are doing somewhere between “bad” and “ok”. In today’s episode, host Travis Shelton explains why budgeting is important for everyone, but even more important for people who make good money. A good income + intentional budgeting = game over! People don’t know what they don’t know, so we are going to provide some real-life examples that will hopefully show you how much better you can do with a budget.
You can find the Meaning Over Money podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, including:
If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where you can find us:
Online Course: www.meaningover.money (podcast listeners can get 25% off by using the promo code "podcast25")
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCasnj17-bOl_CZ0Cb9czmyQ
Instagram: www.instagram.com/meaning_over_money
Travis's Instagram: www.instagram.com/travis_shelton_
Travis's website: www.travisshelton.com
E-Mail Us: meaningovermoneypodcast@gmail.com