28. Holiday Hacks + Mistletoe

10/28/22 • 45 min

“The Fiscal Firecrackers” want to help you create a memorable ho-ho-holiday that won’t ho-ho-hurt your bank account. Galia shares treasured tips to set your financial intention early (so you don’t have a painful holiday hangover in January), find valuable ways to save 20% to 30% on gifts (both online + in stores), buying in bulk and many more ideas that won’t cost you a penny. Susan suggests giving the creative, thoughtful gifts of experiences rather than tangible items and shares memorable examples - like a surprise best friend fly-in (using mileage points) and her priceless call from a famous country singer.

Previous Episode

27. Saving For College

Got kids? Or maybe you don’t have kids, but are thinking about having kids? Or maybe you don’t plan to have kids, but have kids in your life whom you love? Paying for college can be a huge source of stress unless you plan for it well in advance. Galia explains why parents should prioritize their own retirement first - then their kids’ college. She lays out 529 plans, UGMA plans and prepaid college savings programs. She also explains which plan is right for you, which investments to choose and what to do with those investments if your child doesn’t end up going to college. Susan shares her love of free bank snacks, her vivid memory of receiving her college acceptance letter, her various college jobs that helped put her through school, how she wanted to start saving for her son’s college education even before he was born and why “Airplane” is one of the best movies of all time.

Next Episode

29. Money Doesn’t Grow on Christmas Trees: Holiday Travel Hacks

Many of us spend a lot of time, energy and money on two other traditions besides gift giving at the holidays - travel and special gatherings with loved ones. In this episode, we share tips on how to save (not lose) money on your holiday travel, great websites to follow for deals, why fall leaves from your yard make better centerpieces than cornucopias and more. Susan reveals her true feelings about driving friends/family to the airport, her pet peeve airplane snack and the secret food she keeps in her purse during holiday travel.