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
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082 - Best Life Advice We've Ever Received #2
In episode 79, host Travis Shelton shared five of the best pieces of life advice he's ever received. After receiving a lot of positive feedback from that episode, we're giving you the next five! Many of you have shared your best advice as well, so we will definitely feature yours on a future episode. Speaking of, we want to hear from you! Please share with us some of the best life advice you've ever received. We'd love to hear it!
In episode 79, host Travis Shelton shared five of the best pieces of life advice he's ever received. After receiving a lot of positive feedback from that episode, we're giving you the next five! Many of you have shared your best advice as well, so we will definitely feature yours on a future episode. Speaking of, we want to hear from you! Please share with us some of the best life advice you've ever received. We'd love to hear it!
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
081 - The Power of Not Having Excuses
There's one thing that will stop progress before it even has a chance to start: an excuse! We all have them. It's easy to point to our excuses and use it to justify not doing something. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton discusses his young friend Olivia and her recent accomplishment of paying off $37,000 of student loan debt in just 20 months.....all happening during her first two years of teaching (yes, $37,000 of debt payoff as a single teacher!). Olivia didn't do anything special.....she just didn't have any excuses. We hope this episode inspires you and can be a starting point to something really, really awesome in your journey!
There's one thing that will stop progress before it even has a chance to start: an excuse! We all have them. It's easy to point to our excuses and use it to justify not doing something. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton discusses his young friend Olivia and her recent accomplishment of paying off $37,000 of student loan debt in just 20 months.....all happening during her first two years of teaching (yes, $37,000 of debt payoff as a single teacher!). Olivia didn't do anything special.....she just didn't have any excuses. We hope this episode inspires you and can be a starting point to something really, really awesome in your journey!
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
080 - Year-End Lookback and Review (with Cole Netten)
Wow, what a year!?! In March, we thought it would be fun to start a podcast. 9 months and 80 episodes later, here we are! It's been a fun and educational ride, to say the least. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton and producer (and Meaning Over Money co-founder) Cole Netten reflect back on how all this happened, discuss the most popular and controversial episodes, share their most surprising learnings about starting a podcast, and give a sneak peek to what 2022 will bring. Thanks so much to everyone who listened, shared, provided feedback (or criticism), and encouraged us along the way. It means the world to us! Happy New Year.....see you in 2022!
Wow, what a year!?! In March, we thought it would be fun to start a podcast. 9 months and 80 episodes later, here we are! It's been a fun and educational ride, to say the least. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton and producer (and Meaning Over Money co-founder) Cole Netten reflect back on how all this happened, discuss the most popular and controversial episodes, share their most surprising learnings about starting a podcast, and give a sneak peek to what 2022 will bring. Thanks so much to everyone who listened, shared, provided feedback (or criticism), and encouraged us along the way. It means the world to us! Happy New Year.....see you in 2022!
Most Popular Episodes:
005 - Planned Impulsiveness
006 - Comfortable Being Uncomfortable
011 - Money & Happiness: It's Not What You Think
020 - Go, Do Weird Things
057 - Travis Reacts to TikTok on Dave Ramsey Car Payment Rant
Most Controversial Episodes:
019 - Robinhood and the Gamification of Investing
025 - Sorry, Men, Women Are Better With Money
031 - Why Pursuing Meaning is Better Than Pursuing Money
035 - Hate Fridays, Love Mondays
037 - Staying At Home With Kids is Always a Choice
042 - The Teacher Myth
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
079 - Best Life Advice We've Ever Received #1
During a recent coffee date discussion, host Travis Shelton's friend Kylie suggested we do an episode about the best life advice we've ever received. At first, it didn't seem like there was any connection between this idea and the general concept of Meaning Over Money. But after some contemplation, it actually aligns perfectly! After all, this is meaning OVER money! In today's episode, Travis shares the first five pieces of advice that changed the trajectory of his life. We will have a few more episodes on the subject, and we want to hear yours. What is the best life advice you've ever received? Send us a voice memo to be featured on a future episode!
During a recent coffee date discussion, host Travis Shelton's friend Kylie suggested we do an episode about the best life advice we've ever received. At first, it didn't seem like there was any connection between this idea and the general concept of Meaning Over Money. But after some contemplation, it actually aligns perfectly! After all, this is meaning OVER money! In today's episode, Travis shares the first five pieces of advice that changed the trajectory of his life. We will have a few more episodes on the subject, and we want to hear yours. What is the best life advice you've ever received? Send us a voice memo to be featured on a future episode!
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
078 - What You Need to Start a Business: Almost Nothing!
There's a narrative in our culture that says we need a lot of money to start a business. And we are lucky to have it, or we need to go borrow it. The other narrative told to people is they need to create an LLC in order to start their business. Both of these are lies, and in many cases can create artificial hurdles that prevent someone from starting what could be an amazing business. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton explains why we probably need far less than we think to start a business. If you're thinking about starting a business (big or small) and you're intimidated by these things, this episode is for you! There's never going to be a perfect time and we'll never have it all figured out.....so just start now!
There's a narrative in our culture that says we need a lot of money to start a business. And we are lucky to have it, or we need to go borrow it. The other narrative told to people is they need to create an LLC in order to start their business. Both of these are lies, and in many cases can create artificial hurdles that prevent someone from starting what could be an amazing business. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton explains why we probably need far less than we think to start a business. If you're thinking about starting a business (big or small) and you're intimidated by these things, this episode is for you! There's never going to be a perfect time and we'll never have it all figured out.....so just start now!
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
077 - "Beautiful On the Outside, Rusting On the Inside"
Do you ever look at someone in your life, see how wealthy and put together they are, and get a bit jealous? Well fear not, it's often not what it seems. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton discusses his experience seeing what's behind the curtain for families who seemingly have it made. Spoiler alert: it's not usually what you'd expect. Some people put so much effort (and money) into portraying a certain image, it hinders their ability to actually have financial stability. However, this isn't about pointing the finger at others. We each need to look in the mirror and ask ourselves how we're going to handle our own life and our own finances.
Do you ever look at someone in your life, see how wealthy and put together they are, and get a bit jealous? Well fear not, it's often not what it seems. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton discusses his experience seeing what's behind the curtain for families who seemingly have it made. Spoiler alert: it's not usually what you'd expect. Some people put so much effort (and money) into portraying a certain image, it hinders their ability to actually have financial stability. However, this isn't about pointing the finger at others. We each need to look in the mirror and ask ourselves how we're going to handle our own life and our own finances. If (and that's a big if) we can stop caring about what others think about us, do the right thing for the right reasons, and set a strong foundation, we can set ourselves up for decades to come. And as always, it's not about the money. Money is never about the money.....it's always about something bigger!
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
076 - Navigating Major Life Changes as a Young Adult (with Kate Netten)
In an impromptu interview, host Travis Shelton sits down with Kate Netten to discuss navigating major life changes as a young adult. Kate is the wife of Cole Netten, co-founder of Meaning Over Money. In just a short 7-month timespan, Cole and Kate experienced four significant life changes that rocked their understanding of "normal". In today's episode, Kate discusses how they made some of these decisions, how they stayed healthy and focused through it, and how it's changed them as people and as a couple. We also discuss how people who may be afraid to step into a major change can navigate the fear, uncertainties, and struggles that go hand-in-hand with any meaningful change. It's never easy, but it IS worth it!
In an impromptu interview, host Travis Shelton sits down with Kate Netten to discuss navigating major life changes as a young adult. Kate is the wife of Cole Netten, co-founder of Meaning Over Money. In just a short 7-month timespan, Cole and Kate experienced four significant life changes that rocked their understanding of "normal". In today's episode, Kate discusses how they made some of these decisions, how they stayed healthy and focused through it, and how it's changed them as people and as a couple. We also discuss how people who may be afraid to step into a major change can navigate the fear, uncertainties, and struggles that go hand-in-hand with any meaningful change. It's never easy, but it IS worth it!
How you can get connected with Kate:
Kate & Kal Co: https://www.kateandkalco.com/
Kate & Kal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kateandkalco/?hl=en
Kate's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kate.netten/?hl=en
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
075 - Parents, Your Kids Deserve Better (On Sending Kids to College Without Student Loan Debt)
Recently, host Travis Shelton had the opportunity to host a workshop for parents and teens on the topic of launching young adults into the world without student loan debt. Rampant student loan debt is crushing this young generation, crushing aspirations, dreams, and opportunities with it. We believe young adults deserve better than this. However, many of us had to feel the burden of college debt ourselves. It sucks and we've had to figure it out. With that in mind, here's a profound thought: our kids deserve better than what we had to go through. Just because we had to experience the bondage of student loans, it doesn't mean our children have to. In today's episode, we discuss the various nuances of this idea, why it matters, and how to take steps to give our children a future they deserve.
Recently, host Travis Shelton had the opportunity to host a workshop for parents and teens on the topic of launching young adults into the world without student loan debt. Rampant student loan debt is crushing this young generation, crushing aspirations, dreams, and opportunities with it. We believe young adults deserve better than this. However, many of us had to feel the burden of college debt ourselves. It sucks and we've had to figure it out. With that in mind, here's a profound thought: our kids deserve better than what we had to go through. Just because we had to experience the bondage of student loans, it doesn't mean our children have to. In today's episode, we discuss the various nuances of this idea, why it matters, and how to take steps to give our children a future they deserve. Also, please hear this. We aren't saying every parent has a responsibility to pay for their children's college. Far from it. Rather, we argue parents have a responsibility to help their children create and execute a plan to go to college without debt.
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
074 - Life Gets More Complicated AFTER the Debt is Gone
Paying off debt is simple. If there is extra money each month, there's only one place it goes: to the debt! It's a tough journey to become debt-free, but it's also a very simple one. Something happens when we get out of debt. We think life will get easier and simpler. Truth is, it becomes more complicated. Instead of having one very clear option on what to do with extra cash, the world opens up and there are so many amazing opportunities in front of us. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton explains this odd phenomenon of life getting harder when it should be getting easier, and how to embrace the amazing opportunities in front of us. Being debt-free is awesome, but not always as simple as we might imagine.
Paying off debt is simple. If there is extra money each month, there's only one place it goes: to the debt! It's a tough journey to become debt-free, but it's also a very simple one. Something happens when we get out of debt. We think life will get easier and simpler. Truth is, it becomes more complicated. Instead of having one very clear option on what to do with extra cash, the world opens up and there are so many amazing opportunities in front of us. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton explains this odd phenomenon of life getting harder when it should be getting easier, and how to embrace the amazing opportunities in front of us. Being debt-free is awesome, but not always as simple as we might imagine. All that being said, it's worth it! So let's make the best of the situation to pursue work that matters and find meaning in all we do!
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
073 - 'Tis the Season to Exercise Your Giving Muscle
We love generosity! We believe all year long is a season to give, but the holidays tend to be the time where many people start to think about generosity. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton discusses why it's so important to exercise what he refers to as the "giving muscle." After all, generosity isn't something we do, but rather who we are. That may not feel like your reality today, but by practicing and exercising our giving muscle, we can work our way up to so much more generosity than we ever imagined. After you listen to this episode, we hope you are inspired to find some pretty amazing giving opportunities in this season and beyond.
We love generosity! We believe all year long is a season to give, but the holidays tend to be the time where many people start to think about generosity. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton discusses why it's so important to exercise what he refers to as the "giving muscle." After all, generosity isn't something we do, but rather who we are. That may not feel like your reality today, but by practicing and exercising our giving muscle, we can work our way up to so much more generosity than we ever imagined. After you listen to this episode, we hope you are inspired to find some pretty amazing giving opportunities in this season and beyond.
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
072 - Do the Hard Thing!
The culture tells us to pursue the easy path, the comfortable path, the path of least resistance. We choose the comfortable path in our careers, in our relationships, in our money.....everywhere! In today's episode, host Travis Shelton talks about how a recent speaking engagement affirmed once again how doing the hard thing ALWAYS wins! Comfort is the enemy of progress. It can often feel like some people are born to do hard things and some aren't. We believe it's an acquired taste and a learned skill. It just takes practice and repetition, and soon enough doing hard things becomes the normal thing.
The culture tells us to pursue the easy path, the comfortable path, the path of least resistance. We choose the comfortable path in our careers, in our relationships, in our money.....everywhere! In today's episode, host Travis Shelton talks about how a recent speaking engagement affirmed once again how doing the hard thing ALWAYS wins! Comfort is the enemy of progress. It can often feel like some people are born to do hard things and some aren't. We believe it's an acquired taste and a learned skill. It just takes practice and repetition, and soon enough doing hard things becomes the normal thing.
Coldwater Foundation: www.coldwaterfoundation.org
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
071 - We Just Hit Record High Debt - You Deserve Better Than Normal
The culture tells us to pursue the easy path, the comfortable path, the path of least resistance. We choose the comfortable path in our careers, in our relationships, in our money.....everywhere! In today's episode, host Travis Shelton talks about how a recent speaking engagement affirmed once again how doing the hard thing ALWAYS wins! Comfort is the enemy of progress. It can often feel like some people are born to do hard things and some aren't. We believe it's an acquired taste and a learned skill. It just takes practice and repetition, and soon enough doing hard things becomes the normal thing.
As we move further and further away from 2008's Great Financial Crisis, memories fade and a younger generation has risen to adulthood. With that comes mountains of new debt.....record levels of debt! In today's episode, host Travis Shelton discusses some of the newly released information about household debt and shares his thoughts on the situation. Just like 2008 and every meaningful recession before it, so many people will get crushed in due time. Lucky for you, you don't have to be one of them! There's a better way, and 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
070 - 5 Signs You Should Get a Different Job
The idea of changing jobs is scary! Especially when it feels secure. Especially when it pays well. Especially when you've been there a long time. But many of you need to leave your job yesterday. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton shares the 5 signs you might need to get a different job. You may relates to some of these and haven't even considered them signs. Why? Because they're so common in our culture it just feels normal. This episode is going to hit pretty close to home for some, and we encourage you to at least give it can honest consideration. Which ones can you relate to?
The idea of changing jobs is scary! Especially when it feels secure. Especially when it pays well. Especially when you've been there a long time. But many of you need to leave your job yesterday. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton shares the 5 signs you might need to get a different job. You may relates to some of these and haven't even considered them signs. Why? Because they're so common in our culture it just feels normal. This episode is going to hit pretty close to home for some, and we encourage you to at least give it can honest consideration. Which ones can you relate to?
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
069 - "Is it ok to NOT Find Meaning in My Work?"
One really deep question we often get asked is, "is it ok NOT to find meaning in my work if I have meaning outside my work?" The short question, is of course, yes. We aren't here to tell people what to do and everyone needs to find their own way in this crazy life. However, we think people deserve better. It's awesome to have meaning (lots of meaning!) outside of work! But why not have both? In today's episode, host Travis Shelton explains why you don't have to choose between meaning in work or outside of work. If we can find meaning in both, it significantly compounds our joy, our purpose, and the fulfillment we get each and every day.
One really deep question we often get asked is, "is it ok NOT to find meaning in my work if I have meaning outside my work?" The short question, is of course, yes. We aren't here to tell people what to do and everyone needs to find their own way in this crazy life. However, we think people deserve better. It's awesome to have meaning (lots of meaning!) outside of work! But why not have both? In today's episode, host Travis Shelton explains why you don't have to choose between meaning in work or outside of work. If we can find meaning in both, it significantly compounds our joy, our purpose, and the fulfillment we get each and every day.
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
068 - Just Because Advice "Works", It Doesn't Mean It's Good Advice
Often, people will share financial advice and conclude with the line, "well, it worked for me." It's great if a certain way of doing things "works" for someone, but it doesn't mean it's good advice. In today's social media world, bad advice is flying at us left and right, disguised as sound wisdom. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton rants about this cultural phenomenon and provides some tips on how to assess whether or not to apply the advice you're hearing (including the advice coming out of his own mouth).
Often, people will share financial advice and conclude with the line, "well, it worked for me." It's great if a certain way of doing things "works" for someone, but it doesn't mean it's good advice. In today's social media world, bad advice is flying at us left and right, disguised as sound wisdom. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton rants about this cultural phenomenon and provides some tips on how to assess whether or not to apply the advice you're hearing (including the advice coming out of his own mouth).
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
067 - Investing, Even When Things Get Weird
After a decade of the stock market going up, up, and up, people are starting to see the end of the run is coming. Well, the wise people are anyway. After all, there are lots of things to be nervous about in our country and our economy. With that naturally comes the question, "well then, what should we be doing to prepare?" In today's episode, host Travis Shelton unpacks this question and explains some of the risks and perceived risks we face.
After a decade of the stock market going up, up, and up, people are starting to see the end of the run is coming. Well, the wise people are anyway. After all, there are lots of things to be nervous about in our country and our economy. With that naturally comes the question, "well then, what should we be doing to prepare?" In today's episode, host Travis Shelton unpacks this question and explains some of the risks and perceived risks we face. In short, there are two groups of people: 1) those who are invested simply and broadly who shouldn't worry one single bit, and 2) those who think they are smart by buying and selling individual investments.....who should be worried a lot! When this market crashes, many people will get crushed. Ironically, the "smart" ones who think they know what they are doing will likely be the biggest casualties.
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
066 - We ALL Need a Team: We Aren't Meant To Do This Alone
In our culture, we tend to put a lot of value on independence, self-sufficiency, and individual achievements. So much so that it can oftentimes breed a sentiment that we SHOULD do it all on our own. Life, money, career, parenting.....you name it. It can be a lonely road, but luckily it doesn't have to be! In today's episode, host Travis Shelton explains why he believes this is a false and destructive narrative. Instead, each one of us should spend some of our time, energy, and humility assembling a team of people around us. After all, we can't be experts at everything. When we take a different approach and are willing to bring people alongside us to help us on our journey, life looks (and feels) so much different. We are so very grateful for the people on our teams, and we hope maybe you'll consider building (or expanding) your team after listening to this episode.
In our culture, we tend to put a lot of value on independence, self-sufficiency, and individual achievements. So much so that it can oftentimes breed a sentiment that we SHOULD do it all on our own. Life, money, career, parenting.....you name it. It can be a lonely road, but luckily it doesn't have to be! In today's episode, host Travis Shelton explains why he believes this is a false and destructive narrative. Instead, each one of us should spend some of our time, energy, and humility assembling a team of people around us. After all, we can't be experts at everything. When we take a different approach and are willing to bring people alongside us to help us on our journey, life looks (and feels) so much different. We are so very grateful for the people on our teams, and we hope maybe you'll consider building (or expanding) your team after listening to this episode.
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
065 - Shedding the Lies of the Hustle Culture
If you're a young adult, you've likely been exposed to the hustle culture that permeates Instagram and TikTok. You know, go, go, go, more money, more money, more money. This never-ending pursuit of hustling for more. Then, it goes one of two directions: a) glorifying having more stuff and a fancier lifestyle, or b) glorifying an early retirement and a life of leisure. Both are as equally toxic in our perspectives.
If you're a young adult, you've likely been exposed to the hustle culture that permeates Instagram and TikTok. You know, go, go, go, more money, more money, more money. This never-ending pursuit of hustling for more. Then, it goes one of two directions: a) glorifying having more stuff and a fancier lifestyle, or b) glorifying an early retirement and a life of leisure. Both are as equally toxic in our perspectives. It shouldn't be about grinding our life away in the pursuit of more stuff or a life of leisure. The net result of this online culture is its making many people feel like they are "lazy" if they don't work 12-hour days or work 6 days a week, or if they don't have multiple side businesses, or if they have less stuff than their neighbors. We believe this phenomenon is shifting our perspective of work, balance, materialism, and the role money plays in our lives.
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
064 - Don't Let Health Insurance Steal Your Dreams
Aside from fear, the perceived availability of health insurance is the #1 reason why people abandon their dreams. Yes, health insurance is important.....vitally important!!! But we oftentimes let health insurance dictate our career decisions without considering the bigger picture or the alternative options. It's a tragedy health insurance is tied to our employment in modern America, but we can't just let it rule our decisions. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton discussed how we got here, offers some alternative ways to approach health insurance, and discusses how he helps clients assess their various health insurance options.
Aside from fear, the perceived availability of health insurance is the #1 reason why people abandon their dreams. Yes, health insurance is important.....vitally important!!! But we oftentimes let health insurance dictate our career decisions without considering the bigger picture or the alternative options. It's a tragedy health insurance is tied to our employment in modern America, but we can't just let it rule our decisions. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton discussed how we got here, offers some alternative ways to approach health insurance, and discusses how he helps clients assess their various health insurance options. We certainly aren't going to solve our nation's medical crisis, but we can get a little bit better making decisions for our own family's medical needs.....and maybe hold onto our dreams in the process!
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
063 - Investing In Memories: Twenty One Pilots Edition
As Travis's mentor Dr. Gary Hoag always says, we need to invest in mission and memories. Recently, Travis and his wife celebrated their 12-year wedding anniversary with a quick trip to Chicago to attend a Twenty One Pilots concert at the United Center. Aside for ranting about how amazing Twenty One Pilots is, Travis discusses the fact this 27-hour trip cost $1,000.....yikes! It's important for us to recognize the importance of memories, stop dwelling about money, and why there are broader implications in our finances and relationships. Money is NEVER about money....it's always about something bigger.
As Travis's mentor Dr. Gary Hoag always says, we need to invest in mission and memories. Recently, Travis and his wife celebrated their 12-year wedding anniversary with a quick trip to Chicago to attend a Twenty One Pilots concert at the United Center. Aside for ranting about how amazing Twenty One Pilots is, Travis discusses the fact this 27-hour trip cost $1,000.....yikes! It's important for us to recognize the importance of memories, stop dwelling about money, and why there are broader implications in our finances and relationships. Money is NEVER about money....it's always about something bigger.
Side note: If you get a chance to experience the Twenty One Pilots Takeover Tour, please do yourself a favor and buy your tickets now! Unreal!!!
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
Full Transcript:
I have a confession to make. This weekend, my wife and I went on a 27-hour anniversary trip to Chicago. That's not my confession. My confession is we spent $1,000 on a 27-hour anniversary trip to Chicago. I want to unpack this because I was telling somebody about this the other day, and they looked at me as if I was absolutely insane.
As they shared with me their feedback on my decision to spend $1,000 on a 27-hour trip to Chicago, I was starting to think, this is worth talking about. Let's hash this out because I think there's something there.
So first, let me explain. My wife has been a huge Twenty One Pilots fan for many years. I am not in any shape or form, and don't even know their music. So over the last one to two months, my wife has been playing it a lot for our little kids. They were four and now they've just turned five. Now my little kids love Twenty One Pilots and my wife, Sarah loves Twenty One Pilots.
Sarah was looking and saw that Twenty One Pilots would be at the United Center on our 12-year anniversary. She said, “Travis, can we go?” I said, “Absolutely! Let's do it. We just have to find a babysitter.” We start thinking about the logistics and thus the planning begins.
We start to look for tickets for the show. We're talking about what kind of tickets Sarah wants. She had some preferences. So we ended up spending about $400 bucks on two tickets to Twenty One Pilots…a band that I didn't even really know.
And, by the way, can I just add a side note? I am now a huge Twenty One Pilots fan. I started listening a little before this trip, and I have a theory that live performances will either expose people for not having talent, or it will shine a light on how ridiculously talented somebody is. And I gotta tell you, I can not believe how talented Twenty One Pilots are. It's mind boggling.
As I listened to their album, their albums can't capture how talented they are. So I am sold, I've been converted to Twenty One Pilots fan. If you're listening and are a huge fan, that was awesome. That was truly an incredible show. Okay. End of tangent.
All right. So, we bought two tickets to Twenty One Pilots and now we needed to find a babysitter. One of our trusted babysitters, she agreed she was going to babysit which ended up costing us about 350 bucks. Now that sounds insane. Like, why would you pay a babysitter 350 bucks? Well, because we're not paying a babysitter 350 bucks, we're investing 350 bucks in our marriage.
And because it's a young babysitter that we care deeply about, we're investing in her. So I was more than happy to pay that because it mattered. It was an investment into my marriage so of course it was worth it.
Then the concert got over late, and so we had a hotel room in Chicago. We had gas, and we had some food. We left late morning on Saturday and we got home early afternoon on Sunday.
It literally costs $1,000 for a 27-hour anniversary trip. And I look at that and I say, “that's the biggest bargain ever.” Why? Because as my friend, Dr. Gary Hoag says, we need to “put our money into missions and memories.”
And as you know, I love generosity. I love missions, but this was for memories. My wife and I had a blast. She needed to get away. She was burned out and she loved it. She freaking loved it and I did, too. We just had a great time together.
I wish I could say we were rested when we got back. We weren't. We were more exhausted than ever, and she actually had to turn around and leave town the day we got back. So we were definitely not rested, but the memories that we created on our 12-year anniversary, nobody can ever take that away from us.
Several years from now, if it weren't for this podcast, I wouldn't even remember how much we paid for that trip. That will fade away because ultimately money doesn't matter. Handling it well does. And I would make the argument that was an amazing investment into my marriage.
Now a lot of people would say, “Well, Travis, if you invested a thousand dollars at blah, blah, blah percent, over this many years, you would have this much money.” I don't care. Yes. We need to invest. Yes. We need to save. But this was about creating memories with my wife.
It's important. It has to be important. If we lose sight of that, and all we do is dwell on the money, we dwell on the math, we dwell on the finance, we're going to lose out on something so truly important to us.
So I thought that story was worth sharing because we all have our own versions of that. I'm not telling everybody to go spend all their money on a Twenty One Pilots concert. That's not what I'm saying, but find what adds value to your marriage. Because mission and memories are what matters. Go enjoy, create those memories, build those relationships, because that's ultimately what matters.
If we're talking about meaning over money, relationships, our marriages, being a good parent, being a good husband, being a good wife, those things. Man, a lot of people feel guilt….deep, profound guilt when spending money on those things. Some people feel guilty buying a pair of jeans or a new phone, or even going out to dinner. There's a deep guilt that comes with some of this stuff.
I think we've got to shake it. We've got to shake it. I have a young client, we just started working together, and she texted me saying, “Hey, Travis, I feel like I'm trying to beat my budget by cutting out all the fun. I feel like if I can cut back on all the fun stuff that I budgeted and have more extra at the end of the month, I've won. I know that's not true because I listened to the podcast.”
She said that she and I have talked about this enough that she knows that it's not true, but she says she can't shake it. Now she's going to shake it and she's going to succeed. But she recognizes the power that these feelings have on us. Even when she knows it's important to spend on things that add value to her life and create memories, it's still hard.
If that's you, I just want to say you got this. Give yourself grace along the way. It's not going to be perfect and you're not going to break it overnight. You're going to break it with one small purchase at a time.
One decision to invest in memories and in relationships. One small decision. Yes, with time you can overcome this, but don't feel like you need to conquer the world overnight. You're not going to, and if we think we're going to, and then we fail, we feel defeated and we just give up. Don't give up. This is too important.
Go invest in the things that matter.