Podcast
Real Life Planning Podcast
Hosted by Cynthia Meyer · EN
Real estate financial planners Cynthia Meyer & Vekevia Tillman-Jones explore practical steps for real estate investors to build financial freedom and make working for someone else optional.
24episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Clarity, Confidence, and Control with Kim Bridges
3w ago00:27:51Tap to summarizeIn Episode 92 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Cynthia Meyer, CFA®, CFP®, ChFC®, is joined by Dr. Kim Bridges, CFP®, CDFA®, CPWA®, RMA®, founder of Bright Women Financial, for a powerful conversation about financial clarity, career decisions, and long-term consequences that often go unexamined. From stepping out of the workforce to the hidden risks women face later in life, Kim shares both her personal journey and the lessons she now teaches clients.This conversation goes beyond numbers. It is about understanding trade-offs, staying engaged in your financial life, and making decisions today that protect your future options.This week on Real Life Planning Podcast:💡How did Kim Bridges’ unconventional career path shape her approach to financial planning? [00:01:02]💡What are the long-term financial risks of stepping out of the workforce? [00:04:39]💡How can families balance career, caregiving, and financial independence? [00:08:47]💡Why do so many financial plans fail later in life, especially for women? [00:12:55]💡What practical steps can you take now to build clarity, confidence, and control over your money? [00:17:34]Takeaway Quotes:“When you stop contributing to retirement and Social Security, the long-term impact is bigger than most people realize.” — Kim Bridges“Avoiding your financial reality does not change it. It only limits your options later.” — Kim BridgesConnect with Kim Bridges:Website: https://brightwomenfinancial.com/FacebookLinkedInConnect with Real Life Planning:FacebookLinkedInBigger PocketsXInstagramEmail: podcast@reallifeplanning.com The ReaL Life Planning Podcast is for educational purposes only. None of the information discussed is intended as investment, tax, accounting, or legal advice, nor as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, real property, or other securities or non-securities offering.The ReaL Life Planning Podcast is for educational purposes only. None of the information discussed is intended as investment, tax, accounting, or legal advice, nor as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, real property, or other securities or non-securities offering. Real Life Planning, LLC is an Investment Advisor registered with the States of New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, and California. All views, expressions, and opinions included in this communication are subject to change. This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy, or completeness of, any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. Our current disclosure brochure, Form ADV Part 2, is available for your review upon request, and on our website, REALLIFEPLANNING.COM.
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First Home to First Rental Strategy
3w ago00:06:17Tap to summarizeIn Episode 91 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Vekevia Tillman-Jones, CFP®, MBA, discusses the first-home-to-rental strategy, a practical approach that allows you to buy a primary residence today while keeping the option open to turn it into a rental later. This strategy is designed for people who want to build wealth without feeling stuck or overcommitted.From financing advantages to long-term flexibility, Vekevia explains how to think like a planner, not just a buyer, so your first home decision continues to work for you years down the line." You do not need certainty. You just need options.” - Vekevia Tillman-JonesThis week on Real Life Planning Podcast:💡What is the first-home-to-rental strategy and how does it work? [00:01:44]💡Why do primary residence loans make this strategy more accessible? [00:02:17]💡Why do you not need certainty to make a smart home buying decision? [00:03:02]💡What factors determine whether a home will work as a future rental? [00:03:22]💡What risks and planning considerations should you account for before making this move? [00:04:54]Takeaway Quotes:" Buying your first home is not just a transaction. It is a financial decision that affects everything else." — Vekevia Tillman-Jones" This is not about timing the market. It is about planning your life." — Vekevia Tillman-JonesConnect with Real Life Planning:FacebookLinkedInBigger PocketsXInstagramPinterestEmail: podcast@reallifeplanning.com The ReaL Life Planning Podcast is for educational purposes only. None of the information discussed is intended as investment, tax, accounting, or legal advice, nor as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, real property, or other securities or non-securities offering.The ReaL Life Planning Podcast is for educational purposes only. None of the information discussed is intended as investment, tax, accounting, or legal advice, nor as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, real property, or other securities or non-securities offering. Real Life Planning, LLC is an Investment Advisor registered with the States of New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, and California. All views, expressions, and opinions included in this communication are subject to change. This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy, or completeness of, any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. Our current disclosure brochure, Form ADV Part 2, is available for your review upon request, and on our website, REALLIFEPLANNING.COM.
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12 Questions You Ask Your Aging Parents (Especially if They Own Real Estate)
Mar 2000:16:48Tap to summarizeIn Episode 90 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Cynthia Meyer, CFP®, CFA®, ChFC® shares a practical framework for having important conversations with aging parents before an emergency forces them. Drawing from personal experience and years of financial planning work with families, she walks through twelve essential questions that can help adult children understand their parents’ wishes, financial structure, and real estate operations.“These conversations can feel uncomfortable, but they are one of the most meaningful gifts you can give your family.” — Cynthia MeyerThis week on Real Life Planning Podcast:💡What should you ask your parents about how they want to live as they age? [00:04:08]💡Where are your parents’ estate planning documents and who prepared them? [00:04:49]💡Who has financial and healthcare power of attorney if something happens? [00:06:03]💡What should you know about your parents’ rental properties and real estate business? [00:10:42]💡Who are the professional advisors and what support plans exist for later in life? [00:13:36]Takeaway Quotes:“Families spend years talking about growing wealth but often avoid talking about what happens later in life.” — Cynthia Meyer“Knowing your parents’ wishes ahead of time helps you make decisions with confidence during difficult moments.” — Cynthia MeyerConnect with Real Life Planning:FacebookLinkedInBigger PocketsXInstagramPinterestEmail: podcast@reallifeplanning.com The ReaL Life Planning Podcast is for educational purposes only. None of the information discussed is intended as investment, tax, accounting, or legal advice, nor as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, real property, or other securities or non-securities offering. Real Life Planning, LLC is an Investment Advisor registered with the States of New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, and California. All views, expressions, and opinions included in this communication are subject to change. This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy, or completeness of, any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. Our current disclosure brochure, Form ADV Part 2, is available for your review upon request, and on our website, REALLIFEPLANNING.COM.
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Owner-Occupied Loans, House Hacking, and the Rules You Need to Know
Mar 1200:07:56Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Vekevia Tillman-Jones breaks down the real guidelines behind owner-occupied loans so you can build wealth without accidentally crossing a line. From the one-year occupancy rule to the differences between FHA and conventional loans, she explains what lenders actually mean when they say you must “live in the property.”If you want to house hack the smart way and avoid costly mistakes, this episode walks through the key rules every investor should understand before buying.“Owner-occupied simply means you actually live there as your primary residence.” — Vekevia Tillman-Jones In Episode 89, we cover: 🏠 What does “owner-occupied” really mean to lenders? [00:01:12] 🏠 What is the one-year occupancy rule and how strictly is it applied? [00:02:17] 🏠 How do FHA and conventional loans differ for house hacking? [00:03:06] 🏠 When can you buy another home and keep the first one as a rental? [00:05:13] ⚖️ What counts as occupancy fraud and how can you avoid it? [00:06:04] Quotes “Owner-occupied does not mean you cannot rent out part of the property. That is exactly why house hacking exists.” — Vekevia Tillman-Jones“House hacking is a long-term wealth strategy, and understanding the rules protects your future self.” — Vekevia Tillman-JonesConnect with Real Life Planning:FacebookLinkedInBigger PocketsXInstagramPinterestEmail: podcast@reallifeplanning.com The ReaL Life Planning Podcast is for educational purposes only. None of the information discussed is intended as investment, tax, accounting, or legal advice, nor as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, real property, or other securities or non-securities offering. Real Life Planning, LLC is an Investment Advisor registered with the States of New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, and California. All views, expressions, and opinions included in this communication are subject to change. This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy, or completeness of, any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. Our current disclosure brochure, Form ADV Part 2, is available for your review upon request, and on our website, REALLIFEPLANNING.COM.
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Doubling Your Business in a Difficult Real Estate Market with Erin Bradley
Mar 400:32:16Tap to summarizeIn Episode 88 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Cynthia Meyer, CFA®, CFP®, ChFC®, sits down with author, speaker, and coach Erin Bradley, to discuss what it really takes to grow a real estate sales or mortgage business in a challenging real estate market. Erin shares how she went from financial rock bottom to scaling a thriving mortgage business and coaching community. This conversation is about mindset, systems, and building a business that supports your life instead of consuming it.“If you replace insecurity with curiosity, you will always find a way to be of value.” — Erin BradleyThis week on Real Life Planning Podcast:💡How did Erin go from financial rock bottom to nearly doubling her mortgage business? [00:02:04]💡What did the Go-Giver philosophy teach her about referrals and long-term growth? [00:05:10]💡Why does burnout happen, and how can you scale without becoming the bottleneck? [00:06:43]💡How can you shift from scarcity thinking to curiosity and contribution in a slow market? [00:15:01]💡What does it really mean to expect success and build systems before you are overwhelmed by growth? [00:26:05]Takeaway Quotes:“Most people are trying to power through from a place of fear. But contribution creates opportunity.” — Erin Bradley“Every new level of revenue requires you to become a different business owner.” — Cynthia Meyer“You are not stuck. You are just operating from a story that needs to be rewritten.” — Erin BradleyConnect with Erin Bradley:Website: https://www.pursuingfreedom.comInstagramLinkedInYouTubeFacebookConnect with Real Life Planning:FacebookLinkedInBigger PocketsXInstagramPinterestEmail: podcast@reallifeplanning.com The ReaL Life Planning Podcast is for educational purposes only. None of the information discussed is intended as investment, tax, accounting, or legal advice, nor as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, real property, or other securities or non-securities offering. Real Life Planning, LLC is an Investment Advisor registered with the States of New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, and California. All views, expressions, and opinions included in this communication are subject to change. This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy, or completeness of, any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. Our current disclosure brochure, Form ADV Part 2, is available for your review upon request, and on our website, REALLIFEPLANNING.COM.
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College Funding Strategy Lump Sum into a 529 Plan or a Rental Property
Feb 2400:16:55Tap to summarizeIn Episode 86 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Cynthia Meyer, CFP®, CFA®, ChFC® speaks about one of the biggest early parenting financial decisions: front-loading a 529 plan or using that same lump sum as a down payment on a rental property.Drawing from her own experience as both a rental property owner and a parent who funded 529 plans at birth, Cynthia walks through the math, tax rules, FAFSA implications, leverage opportunities, liquidity risks, and long-term wealth tradeoffs of both strategies. This episode is a masterclass in using time and compounding to your advantage." When you have a newborn, you have the most valuable resource in education planning, time.” - Cynthia MeyerThis week on Real Life Planning Podcast:💡Why the first year after your child is born is the most powerful time to invest for college [00:02:21]💡How 529 plans work, including tax benefits and flexibility if plans change [00:03:21]💡How a rental property can use leverage, cash flow, and appreciation to fund education [00:08:36]💡How FAFSA and CSS profile treat 529 plans versus rental properties [00:12:19]💡When to choose a 529 vs. real estate [00:14:38]Takeaway Quotes:" A lump sum invested at birth gives you 18 or 19 years of compound returns. Time is your best friend here."-Cynthia Meyer" Real estate might be passive for tax purposes, but it’s not passive in effort."- Cynthia MeyerConnect with Real Life Planning:FacebookLinkedInBigger PocketsXInstagramPinterestEmail: podcast@reallifeplanning.com The ReaL Life Planning Podcast is for educational purposes only. None of the information discussed is intended as investment, tax, accounting, or legal advice, nor as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, real property, or other securities or non-securities offering. Real Life Planning, LLC is an Investment Advisor registered with the States of New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, and California. All views, expressions, and opinions included in this communication are subject to change. This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy, or completeness of, any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. Our current disclosure brochure, Form ADV Part 2, is available for your review upon request, and on our website, REALLIFEPLANNING.COM.
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Can You Have a Property Manager While You're Still Living There?
Feb 2400:10:05Tap to summarizeIn Episode 87 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Vekevia Tillman-Jones, CFP®, MBA, tackles a question many house hackers ask quietly: Does it even make sense to pay for management if I’m on-site? With no judgment and no fluff, Vekevia explores when it’s smart, when it’s unnecessary, and how boundaries, energy, and lifestyle all factor into the decision." A property manager is not just for absentee landlords. It’s about systems and separation.” - Vekevia Tillman-JonesThis week on Real Life Planning Podcast:💡Why some house hackers consider hiring a property manager while living on-site [00:01:02]💡How a property manager creates systems, separation, and emotional distance [00:03:06]💡What property management fees actually cost, and how to decide if they’re worth it [00:04:39]💡Hybrid options: partial management, unit-only management, or delayed management [00:05:41]💡When hiring a manager doesn’t make sense, and how to think through the bigger picture [00:07:06]Takeaway Quotes:" Sometimes paying for support is like the smartest financial decision you can make. " — Vekevia Tillman-Jones" The best strategy is essentially one that fits your lifestyle and protects your energy and keeps you moving forward." — Vekevia Tillman-JonesConnect with Real Life Planning:FacebookLinkedInBigger PocketsXInstagramPinterestEmail: podcast@reallifeplanning.com The ReaL Life Planning Podcast is for educational purposes only. None of the information discussed is intended as investment, tax, accounting, or legal advice, nor as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, real property, or other securities or non-securities offering. Real Life Planning, LLC is an Investment Advisor registered with the States of New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, and California. All views, expressions, and opinions included in this communication are subject to change. This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy, or completeness of, any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. Our current disclosure brochure, Form ADV Part 2, is available for your review upon request, and on our website, REALLIFEPLANNING.COM.
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Don’t Let Your Down Payment Sit There Doing Nothing
Jan 2800:09:09Tap to summarizeIn Episode 85 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Vekevia Tillman-Jones, CFP®, MBA, gets real about a costly mistake too many future homeowners and house hackers make—leaving their down payment in a basic savings account earning next to nothing. She breaks down exactly how to earn more on your money without investing it, using smart, safe options like high-yield savings accounts." Good habits compound just like interest. So don't let your money sit on the sidelines.” - Vekevia Tillman-JonesThis week on Real Life Planning Podcast:💡Why your down payment savings shouldn’t sit in a low-interest account [00:01:34]💡How much more can you earn with a high-yield savings account? [00:02:51]💡Where can you compare rates and find the best options? [00:04:08]💡What should you consider before opening a new savings account? [00:06:02]💡How did Vekevia make her own home savings work smarter, not harder? [00:07:37]Takeaway Quotes:"A high-yield savings account is a smart middle ground. You're not gambling—but you're not settling for pennies either." — Vekevia Tillman-Jones"It’s not about the amount saved—it’s about being intentional with what you’ve got." — Vekevia Tillman-JonesConnect with Real Life Planning:FacebookLinkedInBigger PocketsXInstagramPinterestEmail: podcast@reallifeplanning.com The ReaL Life Planning Podcast is for educational purposes only. None of the information discussed is intended as investment, tax, accounting, or legal advice, nor as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, real property, or other securities or non-securities offering. Real Life Planning, LLC is an Investment Advisor registered with the States of New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, and California. All views, expressions, and opinions included in this communication are subject to change. This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy, or completeness of, any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. Our current disclosure brochure, Form ADV Part 2, is available for your review upon request, and on our website, REALLIFEPLANNING.COM.
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Important Student Loan Changes with Kathleen Boyd
Jan 2200:50:28Tap to summarizeIn Episode 84 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Cynthia Meyer, CFA®, CFP®, ChFC®, talks with Kathleen Boyd, CFP®, Certified Student Loan Professional (CSLP), and founder of Student Loan Savvy, who breaks down the new legislation that’s overhauling graduate and parent PLUS loans, income-driven repayment plans, and forgiveness programs. They talk through what students, parents, and advisors need to know right now to avoid costly mistakes and plan wisely for the future.“This bill is quietly one of the biggest student loan rewrites in decades.” — Kathleen BoydThis week on Real Life Planning Podcast:💡What impact do student loans have on long-term financial goals? [00:01:30]💡What is the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and what changes should borrowers expect? [00:3:02]💡How might graduate and parent PLUS loans change under the new legislation? [00:07:42]💡What should students and families do now to prepare for future changes? [00:13:18]💡What are the new forgiveness and income-driven repayment rules you should know? [00:18:22]💡What is the RAP Plan—and how does it differ from current options? [00:31:35]💡What myths about loan forgiveness are hurting borrowers? [00:42:19]💡What roles are no longer considered “professional” under new loan rules, and why does that matter? [00:48:30]Takeaway Quotes:"We can't just figure it out later. We need to be doing planning now.” — Kathleen Boyd" They may have an expensive private school in mind that's out of state. But you shouldn't jeopardize your own retirement by borrowing more than you can really afford." — Cynthia MeyerConnect with Kathleen Boyd:Website: Student Loan SavvyEmail: kathleen@studentloansavvy.comConnect with Real Life Planning:FacebookLinkedInBigger PocketsXInstagramPinterestEmail: podcast@reallifeplanning.com The ReaL Life Planning Podcast is for educational purposes only. None of the information discussed is intended as investment, tax, accounting, or legal advice, nor as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, real property, or other securities or non-securities offering. Real Life Planning, LLC is an Investment Advisor registered with the States of New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, and California. All views, expressions, and opinions included in this communication are subject to change. This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy, or completeness of, any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. Our current disclosure brochure, Form ADV Part 2, is available for your review upon request, and on our website, REALLIFEPLANNING.COM.
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Can You Afford a Home Today? Real Income Numbers You Need to Know
Jan 1400:08:17Tap to summarizeIn Episode 83 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Vekevia Tillman-Jones, CFP®, MBA, discusses the real math lenders use to qualify homebuyers — and what that means for your income, debt, and loan type. With relatable examples, honest talk, and no fluff, Vekevia walks through realistic income thresholds, mortgage scenarios, and tips to make homeownership more achievable—even with today’s prices." It's not that you're bad with money. It's not that you're failing. It's just that times have changed, and literally it's so much more expensive." — Vekevia Tillman-JonesThis week on Real Life Planning Podcast:💡How much income do you really need to buy a median-priced home today? [00:01:13]💡What’s the difference between front-end and back-end debt-to-income ratios? [00:03:00]💡Why does FHA financing often make the difference for first-time buyers? [00:06:15]💡How do lenders view adding a co-borrower on a mortgage? [00:05:30]💡What mindset shift do buyers need to navigate today’s market? [00:07:34]Takeaway Quotes:"Entry-level loans are stepping stones, not permanent labels.” –Vekevia Tillman-Jones" For a lot of first time home buyers, FHA is going to be the one that gets you in the door." — Vekevia Tillman-JonesConnect with Real Life Planning:FacebookLinkedInBigger PocketsXInstagramPinterestEmail: podcast@reallifeplanning.com The ReaL Life Planning Podcast is for educational purposes only. None of the information discussed is intended as investment, tax, accounting, or legal advice, nor as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, real property, or other securities or non-securities offering. Real Life Planning, LLC is an Investment Advisor registered with the States of New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, and California. All views, expressions, and opinions included in this communication are subject to change. This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy, or completeness of, any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. Our current disclosure brochure, Form ADV Part 2, is available for your review upon request, and on our website, REALLIFEPLANNING.COM.
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