In this milestone episode of Stuff About Money They Didn’t Teach You in School, Erik Garcia, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™, and co-host Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC®, CLTC®, reflect on what they’ve learned after reaching 100 episodes of honest, practical money conversations.

This episode looks back at why the podcast started, the gaps in financial education that inspired it, and the themes that kept showing up again and again in conversations with clients, guests, and listeners. Erik and Xavier share the biggest money lessons reinforced over the past 100 episodes, the moments that challenged their thinking, and why behavior, mindset, and consistency matter far more than financial hacks or headlines. They also pull back the curtain on what it really takes to stay consistent, grow personally and professionally, and keep showing up for meaningful conversations about money.

Episode Highlights:

Xavier explains that his dress code changed in 2020 when he joined the firm after Erik's dad told him he could relax and wear polos instead of formal attire. (03:35)
Erik discusses his podcasting history, including 65 episodes of Building Us with Dr. Matt Morris during COVID, before starting Stuff About Money. (06:10)
Erik shares that the hardest part of podcasting isn't coming up with topics but maintaining consistency with recording every two weeks. (09:35)
Erik explains the podcast is part of their vision to resource people for wise financial decisions and reinforce behaviors that lead to success. (11:25)
Xavier highlights compounding interest as the most popular response when guests are asked what they wish they knew about money 20 years ago. (12:30)
Xavier recalls Billy Williams' advice that stuck with him: if you can't pay for it twice, you can't afford it. (19:50)
Erik discusses the responsibility of sharing information on the podcast since they're talking about money topics that could change people's lives. (24:20)
Erik explains he pushes back against giving prescriptive advice because personal finance is as much personal as it is finance. (26:10)
Erik shares three simple things to build wealth: spend less than you make, save as much as you can, and don't do anything foolish. (28:50)
Erik announces two future episode series ideas: interviewing faith leaders about money and exploring emotions like greed and fear that drive financial decisions. (31:15)
Xavier shares his key takeaway for listeners: if something is uncomfortable and hard, keep moving forward with intentionality instead of stopping. (33:15)
Erik and Xavier announce they'll start doing solo episodes beginning in February to share personal experiences and lessons independently. (37:00)

Key Quotes:

"Our vision here of the firm is to really resource people to make wise financial decisions. The podcast is part of that vision." - Erik Garcia, CFP®, BFA
"Most financial decisions are not made on spreadsheets. They're made with emotions." - Erik Garcia, CFP®, BFA
"If something is uncomfortable, it's hard, and if it's hard, keep moving forward. Don't stop doing what you're doing. Make it comfortable." - Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC, CLTC

Resources Mentioned: