Money Guy Show – "10 Things to Do Before 2025 Ends"

Hosts: Brian Preston and Bo Hanson
Date: October 17, 2025

Episode Overview

In this lively and informative episode, Brian and Bo break down the "10 Things to Do Before 2025 Ends" to fast-track your wealth-building and bring clarity to your finances. Drawing on their signature "Financial Order of Operations," they provide actionable steps—ranging from cash management and debt triage to maximizing tax-advantaged accounts and embracing abundance goals—to help you get ahead before the new year. With personal anecdotes, memorable analogies, and practical benchmarks, this guide is perfect for listeners seeking to boost their financial confidence and efficiency as 2025 draws to a close.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Have Your Cash in Order

[02:31]

• Cash is "so important it’s not just one step...it’s actually steps one and four" in their system.
• Make sure you have enough cash to cover your highest deductible (health, auto, home).
• Ensure your emergency fund is fully funded (3–6 months of living expenses in liquid cash).
• Be strategic: “Just because you have to have cash does not mean that it cannot still be working for you.” – Bo [03:31]
• Move idle cash into interest-bearing accounts (3.5–4% returns are attainable now).

2. Snag All the Free Money: Employer Match & ESPP

[03:58]

• Contribute enough to max out your employer 401(k) match—don’t leave free money behind.
• Vanguard data: 25% of people miss their full match (be sure you aren’t one).
• ESOPs/ESPPs also count as free money via discounts or favorable stock pricing.
• “Take advantage of this huge opportunity.” – Brian [04:51]

3. Defeat High-Interest Debt

[08:05]

• Track net worth annually to identify and target liabilities.
• Credit card debt is “no go land...high interest debt” and should be eliminated. [10:02]
• Dismiss 0% transfer games as a “fool’s errand.” [10:02]
• Benchmarks for "high interest:"
  • Auto loans: >10% in 20s, >9% in 30s, >8% in 40s. [11:25]
  • Student loans: >6% in 20s, >5% in 30s, >4% in 40s. [12:18]
• 23/8 rule: 20% down payment, 3 years max term, 8% of income for cars. “Think Corolla, not Land Cruiser.” [11:25]

4. Maximize Tax-Free Dollars: HSAs and Roth IRAs

[13:07]

• Contribute to HSA if eligible (limits for 2025: $4,300 single / $8,550 family) and let it grow (invest, don’t just spend).
• Analyze open enrollment each year; do the math to compare real out-of-pocket costs and employer incentives.
• Roth IRAs: $7,000/year limit (plus $1,000 catch-up for 50+), with income phase-outs ($236,000 for MFJ, $150,000 for single).
• If ineligible for direct Roth, consider backdoor Roth strategies but “measure twice, cut once.” – Brian [18:43]
• “These [are] your gateway into tax free millionaire.” – Brian [16:59]

5. Maximize Employer-Sponsored Retirement Accounts

[18:56]

• 2025 limits: $23,500 for 401(k)/403(b); $31,000 with catch-up (50+); unique super-catch-up for ages 60–63.
• Maxing out salary deferrals can unlock additional tax credits or move you to a lower bracket; consult a professional if needed.
• “If you’re already at 25% savings, not necessarily [must you max out],” shift to step 7 (hyper-accumulation). [21:37]

6. Step Into Hyper-Accumulation—Finish the Drill

[25:14]

• Hyper-accumulation (step 7): Start strategizing how and when you’ll use your investments.
• After-tax brokerage accounts offer flexibility and unique tax advantages (capital gains, dividends).
• “Maximum amount of flexibility...no penalties for early access.” – Brian [27:51]
• Example: In 2025, AGI under $48,350 (single) or $96,700 (married) can mean 0% capital gains tax. [28:41]

7. Set Abundance Goals & Prepay Expenses (Step 8)

[29:28]

• Once 25% savings is met, direct surplus into 529s for college, custodial Roth IRAs, or UGMAs for children’s future milestones.
• Also the phase for larger purchases: vacations, vehicles, even real estate investing.
• “This is when you get to actually potentially...increase your lifestyle.” – Brian [30:42]
• “Abundance for one person might not be the same thing...and that’s okay.” – Bo [33:01]

8. Consider Prepaying Low-Interest Mortgage (Step 9)

[33:55]

• Once truly established (age 45+, surplus assets), prepaying a low-rate mortgage can be a "de-risk" move, not an optimization.
• Brian shares, “Yes, it was in 2025 that I have now mortgage free. You guys have celebrated with me...” [35:41]
• Respect the order of operations and your stage of life: “The wealth multiplier for a 32 year old is completely different than it is for somebody who's 50 years of age.” – Brian [35:41]

9. Refresh Your Commitment to Giving and Generosity

[35:41]

• Review your charitable goals, considering donor-advised funds, appreciated security donations, and bunching deductions.
• "Is there something you can donate? Not only will you help someone out, but you’ll...lower your income taxes.” – Brian [36:34]
• Don’t neglect smaller scale generosity; declutter and donate clothing or items, too.

10. Assess If You Need a Professional Copilot

[37:16]

• Life and finances are more complicated at higher dollar amounts.
• Consider partnering with a fiduciary advisor if you feel overwhelmed or want to maximize complex decisions.
• “You don't have to go alone. You don't have to figure things out for the first time. There's actually a better way to do money.” – Brian [38:24]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Credit card use is a okay, but credit card debt, no way.” – Brian [10:02]
• “Think Corolla, not Land Cruiser.” – Brian [11:25]
• “Just because you have to have cash does not mean that it cannot still be working for you.” – Bo [03:31]
• “[Roth IRAs are] your gateway into tax free millionaire.” – Brian [16:59]
• “This is when you get to actually potentially...increase your lifestyle.” – Brian [30:42]
• “Abundance for one person might not be the same thing...and that’s okay.” – Bo [33:01]
• “You don't have to go alone. You don't have to figure things out for the first time.” – Brian [38:24]

Segment Timestamps for Reference

• 00:59 – Setting up: Why mid/late year planning matters
• 01:32 – “You don’t have to wait for new year’s change” mindset
• 02:31 – Cash management principles & deductibles
• 03:58 – Getting the employer match & free money
• 08:05 – Tracking net worth; triaging debt
• 10:02 – Debt “hot takes”: why all credit card debt is high interest
• 13:07 – Tax-free and tax-advantaged accounts (HSA, Roth IRA)
• 18:56 – Maxing employer retirement; salary deferral numbers
• 25:14 – Step 7 hyper-accumulation explained
• 29:28 – Abundance & prepaid future expenses
• 33:55 – Low-interest mortgage prepaying; respecting order of ops
• 35:41 – Generosity & giving at year-end
• 37:16 – When to bring in a professional advisor

Final Thoughts

Brian and Bo’s “10 Things to Do Before 2025 Ends” delivers a clear, motivational map for financial well-being, blending both practical tactics and philosophy to empower listeners to act before the calendar flips. Their approach ensures each dollar is optimized—from cash safety nets to abundance planning—while keeping the tone fun, supportive, and, above all, focused on helping everyday financial “mutants” thrive.