Podcast Summary: The Carpool with Kelly and Lizz – Episode: EVERYTHING IS EXPENSIVE

Release Date: February 11, 2025

In the episode titled "EVERYTHING IS EXPENSIVE," hosts Kelly Stumpe and Lizz St. John delve into a variety of topics that resonate with millennial parents navigating the complexities of modern life. From financial decisions and home improvements to parenting challenges and car industry insights, Kelly and Lizz provide an engaging and relatable conversation filled with humor, practical advice, and personal anecdotes.

1. Streamlining Tax Filing with H&R Block

The episode kicks off with Kelly sharing her recent switch to H&R Block for handling taxes. She emphasizes the simplicity and efficiency of the process:

Kelly [00:01]: "I just switched to H&R Block in about one minute. All I had to do was drag and drop last year's return into H&R Block and bam."

Lizz echoes the sentiment, highlighting the ease of upgrading their tax game:

Liz [00:24]: "It's better with Block."

2. Navigating Homeownership and Pool Maintenance

Kelly and Lizz transition to discussing the challenges of maintaining their newly purchased home, particularly the pool. They describe the pool's initial poor condition and the decision-making process involved in its renovation:

Kelly [02:31]: "We bought a house that was in bad condition... the problem with this pool is it was a liner pool, which isn't great for longevity."

The sisters explain their solution to install a fiberglass insert, aiming to make the pool functional by summer:

Kelly [04:00]: "We decided to get a fiberglass insert... our goal is to be swimming by summer."

Lizz commends Kelly's patience and dedication to making their dream house work:

Liz [05:02]: "I'm so impressed by the patience that you have."

3. The Current Used Car Market and Pricing Concerns

Shifting gears to the automotive industry, Kelly expresses her concerns about the stabilizing inventory of new cars juxtaposed with the scarcity in the used car market. She reflects on her past predictions about this trend:

Kelly [07:17]: "It's crazy to see inventory stabilize on the new car side and still be so slim on the used car side. And like, I'm not an economist, but am I?"

Lizz adds her observations on the inflated prices of used cars, citing specific examples:

Kelly [08:04]: "Grayson sent me a video of a 2016 Ford Explorer... it was still like $18,000. I think that should be $10,000."

The discussion highlights the ongoing struggle parents face with rising car prices and limited options.

4. Parenting Challenges: Kids' Development and Household Management

Kelly and Lizz delve into the nuances of parenting, particularly focusing on their children's developmental stages and household organization. They share personal stories about their kids' play habits and developmental milestones:

Liz [16:13]: "Sloan is progressing at the normal state of a baby her age. I think that Libby's just on a different planet."

Kelly humorously reflects on her own parenting experiences, highlighting the differences between her children:

Kelly [18:53]: "Fred still can't talk. He just grunts."

The conversation underscores the importance of avoiding comparisons among siblings and embracing each child's unique pace.

5. Budget-Friendly and Healthy Eating Tips

Addressing the financial strains of dining out, Kelly and Lizz discuss strategies for maintaining a healthy diet without breaking the bank. They critique the high costs of drive-through meals and emphasize the benefits of home-cooked alternatives:

Liz [09:10]: "Why am I paying $15 for a drive-through?"

Kelly shares her approach to simplifying meals:

Kelly [10:23]: "We're having ground beef… like we're having ..."

They also provide a listener-submitted ground beef bowl recipe, offering a cost-effective and versatile meal option:

Liz [42:20]: "Here's a favorite ground beef go-to… Korean beef bowl."

6. Car Safety and CPST Certification Insights

A significant portion of the episode focuses on car safety, specifically the role of Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPST). Kelly recounts her experiences with CPST certification and community events:

Kelly [24:18]: "I had to go get my recertification for being a CPST."

She discusses the rewarding aspects of helping families install car seats, especially those in need:

Kelly [30:48]: "It's seriously rewarding to see a child driving safer than when they came to us."

Lizz shares her excitement about pursuing CPST certification, aiming to expand her knowledge and support:

Liz [31:40]: "I'm excited to be more knowledgeable and help out more."

7. Consumer Reports and Car Seat Safety Controversy

Kelly brings attention to a controversial Consumer Reports test on car seats, sparking a debate within the community about safety standards:

Kelly [33:09]: "Consumer Reports tested two infant seats, and the results were not great."

She questions the validity and implications of these tests, especially when they contradict NHTSA guidelines:

Kelly [35:22]: "Consumer Reports' tests aren't the same as NHTSA's... it's concerning."

Lizz emphasizes the importance of informed decision-making, urging listeners to consider multiple perspectives:

Liz [36:36]: "You have to have that information and make a decision for yourself."

The hosts aim to empower parents with knowledge rather than induce fear, fostering a balanced approach to car seat safety.

8. Car Mom Car of the Year Finalists

Highlighting a community-driven initiative, Kelly and Lizz announce the finalists for the "Car Mom Car of the Year." After engaging their audience's votes, the top four finalists are revealed:

Kelly [38:31]: "Top four finalists are the Chevy Traverse, Kia Carnival Hybrid, Lexus GX, and the Honda Odyssey."

They explain their rating system, focusing on individual car features rather than direct comparisons:

Kelly [39:31]: "We're looking at each car's individual capabilities and giving it a score based on that."

Lizz praises Kelly for embracing confidence and growth by taking on this significant endeavor:

Liz [40:26]: "I am so happy to see where the car mom has come."

9. Cooking Segment: Ground Beef Burger Bowl Recipe

Concluding the episode, Kelly and Lizz share a practical cooking segment featuring a ground beef burger bowl recipe submitted by a listener. They walk through the preparation steps, emphasizing simplicity and versatility:

Liz [42:20]: "Prepare white rice... whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes with garlic and beef."

Kelly showcases her enthusiasm for ground beef-based meals, aligning with her preference for budget-friendly and adaptable dishes:

Kelly [43:07]: "I'm such a ground beef girl… literally a Korean beef bowl."

Conclusion

Throughout "EVERYTHING IS EXPENSIVE," Kelly and Lizz offer a candid and engaging dialogue that addresses real-life challenges faced by millennial parents. Their blend of personal stories, expert insights, and practical tips provides listeners with valuable takeaways, all delivered with their characteristic humor and sisterly camaraderie.

Notable Quotes:

• Kelly [00:01]: "I just switched to H&R Block... my information is automatically there so I don't have to go digging around."

• Liz [00:24]: "It's better with Block."

• Kelly [07:17]: "I'm not an economist, but am I?"

• Kelly [08:04]: "That should be $10,000."

• Liz [31:16]: "I'm getting certified in Feb. I'm very excited to know more."

• Kelly [37:56]: "I'm always going to empower you. That's the information."

• Kelly [43:07]: "I'm such a ground beef girl."

This episode of "The Carpool with Kelly and Lizz" encapsulates the blend of automotive expertise and parenting wisdom that listeners have come to love. Whether you're navigating tax season, managing a household, or seeking the best car for your family, Kelly and Lizz provide insightful and relatable guidance every step of the way.