How to Money - Episode #1019: WE BACK - Frugal Fun, Travel Tips, & Sabbatical Takeaways

Release Date: August 6, 2025
Hosts: Joel and Ryan
Description: In this special episode, co-hosts Joel and Ryan return from their sabbatical to share their recent adventures, travel tips, and personal insights that align with the podcast's mission to provide accessible personal finance guidance.

1. Welcome Back from Sabbatical ([02:26] - [04:34])

Joel and Ryan kick off the episode by reintroducing themselves after a six to seven-week break. They humorously discuss the challenges of getting back into the podcasting groove, highlighting the natural hiatus that comes with taking time off.

Notable Quote:
Joel ([02:44]): "We're back. We're back from sabbatical."

2. Travel Experiences and Tips ([04:34] - [18:50])

a. Seattle Trip ([06:00] - [07:43])
Ryan recounts his visit to Seattle for his cousin's wedding, emphasizing the city's vibrant craft beer scene. Although he didn't explore many breweries due to time constraints, he praises the overall atmosphere.

Notable Quote:
Ryan ([06:18]): "Seattle is one of the great cities, not just in the U.S. but in the world."

b. Hawaii Adventure ([07:43] - [16:16])
The hosts share their experience in Hawaii, particularly highlighting cost-saving measures such as staying with friends and utilizing Costco for groceries. Ryan suggests that traveling to places where friends live can significantly reduce expenses.

Notable Quote:
Ryan ([06:55]): "To save money, go travel someplace where one of your friends lives so you can stay with them."

c. Northeast Road Trip ([07:44] - [10:40])
Joel and Ryan discuss their road trip to the Northeast, exploring breweries in Portland, Maine, and Hudson Valley Brewing in Beacon, New York. They emphasize the joy of discovering local breweries and the culinary experiences along the way.

Notable Quote:
Joel ([10:14]): "Kids all tried lobster for the first time. Yes. Oysters. That was in Boston..."

d. Money-Saving Strategies ([16:16] - [18:50])
A significant portion of their travels focused on frugal living. They highlight the benefits of shopping at Aldi and preparing homemade meals during road trips to avoid costly fast food options like Chick-fil-A. This approach not only saved money but also promoted healthier eating habits.

Notable Quote:
Joel ([17:24]): "We saved a ton of money... we're eating so much better. So much less expensive."

3. Home Projects and Family Time ([13:08] - [18:50])

While on sabbatical, Joel and Ryan dedicated time to home improvement projects and spending quality time with their children. Joel mentions working in the yard, while Ryan discusses organizing the garage and other household tasks.

Notable Quote:
Joel ([13:08]): "I was in the yard a ton... unloading mulch to far corners of our backyard."

4. Reflections on Sabbatical and Future Plans ([26:06] - [31:06])

The hosts delve into their personal growth during the sabbatical. Joel reflects on the challenges of taking a break, such as feeling restless and taking on home projects instead of truly relaxing. They both express a renewed appreciation for their podcast and the importance of balancing work with personal life.

Notable Quote:
Joel ([27:04]): "I definitely appreciate... the ability to bring money saving information and money investing information... to our listeners."

5. Reading and Personal Growth ([29:36] - [32:56])

Joel and Ryan share their current reading habits, with Joel tackling "The Brothers Karamazov" and Ryan reading Rick Rubin's book on creativity. They discuss how reading contributes to their personal and professional development, providing fresh perspectives for their podcast content.

Notable Quote:
Ryan ([30:08]): "I feel like I've been reading this for a month and I'm maybe halfway through."

6. Return to Podcasting ([37:10] - [40:21])

As they approach the end of the sabbatical, Joel and Ryan express excitement about resuming regular podcast episodes. They hint at upcoming topics, including the housing market and personal finance strategies, assuring listeners that the break has provided them with fresh insights and renewed passion.

Notable Quote:
Joel ([40:21]): "Hopefully maybe some folks took a break as well... it's time to get back on the horse."

7. Closing Remarks ([40:21] - End)

The episode concludes with final thoughts on rejoining the podcasting routine and expressing gratitude towards their listeners. Joel and Ryan reiterate their commitment to providing valuable personal finance content, encouraging listeners to stay tuned for future episodes.

Notable Quote:
Ryan ([40:21]): "And we want to help you navigate your personal finance waters. We'll continue that. We'll be back on Friday."

Key Takeaways:

• Frugal Travel: Utilizing resources like Costco and Aldi can significantly reduce travel expenses without compromising the quality of the experience.

• Balanced Break: Taking a sabbatical offers an opportunity for personal growth, family bonding, and recharging, but it's essential to strike a balance between relaxation and responsibilities.

• Continuous Learning: Engaging in reading and exploring new interests during breaks can provide fresh perspectives and enhance both personal and professional life.

• Returning with Renewed Passion: Stepping away from routine tasks can reignite passion for one's work, leading to improved content and enthusiasm upon return.

Note: This summary focuses solely on the main content of the episode, omitting all advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content segments as per the provided guidelines.