Podcast · Business

Money On My Mind

by Brennan Schlagbaum · English · Business

From $300k+ in debt to Millionaire status by 30 years old, I have realized the power of a budget. At 23, I was in a dreadful position, but I knew that the only person that could change that was ME! I dug deep and put together a financial plan that changed my life forever. Now I am debt free and ju

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 17 min
Latest: 14 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

14 Oct 2026 · 15 minNew

The Money Mistakes That Keep High Earners Stuck

Episode Description Many people believe that opening a retirement account means their money is automatically invested. But that's not always the case. In this episode of The Budgetdog Breakdown, Brendan answers listener questions about overlooked 401(k) investments, index funds versus real estate, and building a financial system that works for people who struggle with traditional budgeting. The conversation also explores the trade-offs between income and quality of life, helping a stay-at-home spouse feel financially equal, and figuring out how to reduce working hours when your health is…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

S2 · E27 · 7 Oct 2026 · 20 min
Making More Money Won't Fix Your Finances
Making more money doesn't automatically solve your financial problems. In this episode of The Budgetdog Breakdown, Brendan answers questions about Roth conversions after a job loss, what to do after maxing out retirement accounts, paying off a mortgage versus investing, and why high-income earners can still feel like they're barely getting ahead. The conversation explores how a lower-income year can potentially create an opportunity for a Roth conversion, why financial planning needs to be based on individual goals, and how to think about balancing investing with debt payoff. Brendan also…
S2 · E26 · 30 Sep 2026 · 22 min
The Retirement Accounts You're Probably Using Wrong
Saving for retirement is only part of the equation. In this episode of The Budgetdog Breakdown, Brendan answers listener questions about retiring at 50, Roth conversion ladders, tax-efficient investing, asset location, and the HSA's role in retirement planning. The conversation begins with the importance of building flexibility across pretax, Roth, and taxable accounts. Brendan explains how having too much money concentrated in one tax bucket can create challenges when it's time to withdraw, and walks through the concept of Roth conversion ladders for people retiring before traditional…
S2 · E25 · 23 Sep 2026 · 9 min
Stop Chasing Gold: The Investment Advice You Actually Need
Where you put your money depends on what you're trying to accomplish. In this episode of The Budgetdog Breakdown, Brendan answers listener questions about saving for a newborn, quarterly taxes for freelancers, round-up investing apps, saving for a house, bond ladders, and investing in gold. The conversation explores the differences between 529s and UPMAs, why financial goals should determine where you allocate your money, and why short-term goals require a different approach to risk than long-term investing. Brendan also explains why simple strategies can sometimes make more sense than…
S2 · E11 · 16 Sep 2026 · 22 min
The Real Reason You Still Feel Broke Even When You Earn More
Making more money doesn't always create a greater sense of financial security. In this episode of The Budgetdog Breakdown, Brendan answers real listener questions about teaching children financial literacy, investing without emotion, achieving financial independence, and why people can earn significantly more money than their parents while still feeling financially behind. The conversation explores why financial education needs to become part of everyday family life, how parents can teach children about money through simple conversations, and why financial confidence comes from education and…
S2 · E23 · 9 Sep 2026 · 18 min
The "Boring" Investment Strategy That Could Make You Rich.
Episode Description Many people believe successful investing means finding the next big opportunity. The reality is that chasing what's popular can make building wealth much harder. In this episode of The Budgetdog Breakdown, I answer real listener questions about the Mega Backdoor Roth, simplifying investment portfolios, inheriting an IRA, dividend investing, whole life insurance, selling investments, and the growing hype around AI and tech ETFs. We discuss why more funds don't necessarily mean better diversification, why chasing dividend yield can create unnecessary tax drag, why certain…
S2 · E22 · 2 Sep 2026 · 8 min
5 Money Questions You Need to Answer to Build Wealth
Many people believe making more money will automatically solve their financial problems. The reality is that without understanding your cash flow, more income can simply mean more opportunities to spend. In this episode of The Budgetdog Breakdown, I answer real listener questions about avoiding payday loans, figuring out how much to invest, managing U.S. investments while living abroad, cutting unnecessary subscriptions, and talking about money while dating. We discuss why cash flow is the foundation of your financial plan, how to prioritize your investment goals, why small recurring…
S2 · E21 · 26 Aug 2026 · 11 min
You Have Enough Money… So Why Do You Still Feel Broke?
Many people believe that having more money will finally make them feel financially secure. The reality is that there may never be a number that feels like enough. In this episode of The Budgetdog Breakdown, I answer real listener questions about paying off credit card debt, investing a large inheritance, helping adult children without spoiling them, charitable giving, and the deeper psychology behind feeling broke even when you have plenty saved. We discuss why using retirement accounts to eliminate debt can be costly, how to approach investing a lump sum, when a donor-advised fund makes…
S2 · E20 · 19 Aug 2026 · 11 min
Stop Chasing Money: What Actually Builds Wealth
Many people believe building wealth means optimizing every dollar. The reality is that not every financial decision deserves your time and energy. In this episode of The Budgetdog Breakdown, I answer real listener questions about moving for a lower cost of living, planning for final expenses, managing inherited investments, credit card rewards, and deciding whether crypto belongs in your portfolio. We discuss why money shouldn't dictate your life, how to think about the value behind inherited assets, why chasing credit card points can be a distraction, and how the mindset behind an…
S2 · E20 · 12 Aug 2026 · 10 min
Life Insurance Isn't Enough: The Financial Protection Most People Forget
Many people think financial planning is mostly about investing and saving money. The reality is that some of the biggest financial decisions happen before you ever invest a dollar. In this episode of The Budgetdog Breakdown, I answer real listener questions about protecting your income with disability insurance, combining finances before marriage, understanding the backdoor Roth IRA, deciding whether to pay off your car early, and determining how much a wedding should really cost. We discuss why protecting your ability to earn is so important, how couples can create a shared financial…
S2 · E18 · 5 Aug 2026 · 17 min
College or Retirement First? How to Make Smarter Financial Decisions
Many people believe building wealth is about making the perfect financial decision. The reality is it's about making the right decisions in the right order. In this episode of The Budgetdog Breakdown, I answer real listener questions about saving for college, prioritizing retirement, budgeting with unpredictable income, buying a home while investing, and overcoming the trap of comparing your finances to everyone else's. We discuss why retirement should usually come before college savings, how self-employed individuals can build a reliable budget, why financial comparison is one of the…
S2 · E17 · 29 Jul 2026 · 16 min
Why You Feel Guilty Spending Money (And the Biggest Investing Mistake People Make)
Many people believe feeling guilty about spending money means they're being financially responsible. The reality is often the opposite. In this episode of The Budgetdog Breakdown, I answer real listener questions about money guilt, investing during market downturns, building wealth with small monthly investments, managing bonuses, and having healthier financial conversations with your spouse. We discuss why confidence comes from having a financial plan, why trying to time the market rarely works, how consistent investing builds long-term wealth, and why your relationship with money often…
S2 · E16 · 22 Jul 2026 · 17 min
Why More Money Doesn't Always Make You Happier
Many people believe earning more money will solve all of their financial stress. The reality is often the opposite. In this episode of The Budgetdog Breakdown , I answer real listener questions about money mindset, financial planning, rebuilding after setbacks, saving for major life goals, and creating better financial habits. We discuss why your relationship with money matters more than your income, how to recover after divorce, why having no savings isn't the end of your story, and how building simple systems creates long-term financial freedom. Money isn't just about math. It's about…
S2 · E15 · 15 Jul 2026 · 24 min
Your Money Problem Isn't Your Income
Making more money won't fix unhealthy money habits. In this episode of The Budgetdog Breakdown , Brendan answers listener questions about emotional spending, investing, financial anxiety, money conflicts in marriage, scarcity mindset, and recovering after credit card debt. You'll learn why financial success depends on understanding your psychology just as much as understanding your numbers, and how simple systems can help you make better financial decisions with confidence. Episode Timeline and Highlights 00:19 Emotional spending and the psychology behind it 03:46 How to know if you're…
S2 · E14 · 8 Jul 2026 · 21 min
The Hidden Cost of Becoming the Highest Earner in Your Family
What happens when you're the most successful person in your family—and everyone knows it? In this episode of The Budgetdog Breakdown , I answer a listener's question about handling financial expectations from family members while continuing to build wealth. We discuss why setting boundaries isn't selfish, how income transparency can sometimes create unnecessary pressure, and why protecting your financial future allows you to help others from a position of strength. Money isn't just math. It's relationships, emotions, and boundaries. Episode Timeline and Highlights 00:00 Why wealthy people…
S2 · E13 · 1 Jul 2026 · 15 min
Why Knowing About Investing Isn't Enough
Most people don't struggle with money because they lack information. They struggle because they never build a system. In this episode of The Budgetdog Breakdown , I answer real listener questions covering retirement planning for self-employed entrepreneurs, relationship challenges around money, hidden investment fees, building a step-by-step investing strategy, and overcoming analysis paralysis. We also explore one of the biggest problems in personal finance today: consuming endless financial content without ever taking action. Knowledge matters. But execution changes your life. Episode…
S2 · E12 · 24 Jun 2026 · 16 min
Why Smart People Still Struggle With Money EP 12
Why Your Financial Problems Might Actually Be Psychological Most people spend years trying to fix their money. Few spend time understanding why they behave the way they do with money in the first place. In this episode of The Budgetdog Breakdown, I answer listener questions about retirement planning for parents, investing versus saving, financial behavior passed down through generations, money conflicts in relationships, and the guilt that often comes with building wealth. We explore why financial success is often less about spreadsheets and more about psychology, identity, and the stories…
S2 · E10 · 18 Jun 2026 · 13 min
The Real Reason You're Still Stressed About Money
Why More Money Doesn't Always Solve Your Money Problems Most people think financial stress disappears when income goes up. The reality? Many people earn more than ever and still feel anxious, overwhelmed, or stuck. In this episode of The Budgetdog Breakdown, I answer listener questions about money trauma, lifestyle inflation, real estate investing, raising financially confident kids, and what to do after paying off debt. We explore why financial success is often less about math and more about psychology, behavior, and the systems you build around your money. Episode Timeline and Highlights…
S2 · E10 · 10 Jun 2026 · 26 min
Why You Don't Need 10 Income Streams to Get Rich
Do You Really Need Multiple Income Streams to Build Wealth? Social media has convinced people that building wealth requires doing everything at once. Real estate. Stocks. Crypto. Businesses. Private equity. Side hustles. But is that actually true? In this episode of The Budgetdog Breakdown, I answer listener questions about wealth building, pensions, co-signing loans, emergency funds, workplace spending pressure, and the role that education, access, and investing play in long-term financial success. We break down the difference between active income and passive income, why most people…
S2 · E9 · 3 Jun 2026 · 9 min
The Real Reason You're Struggling With Money
The Real Reason You're Struggling With Money Most people think they have a money problem. More often than not, they have a behavior problem. In this episode of The Budgetdog Breakdown, I answer listener questions covering financial anxiety, investing mistakes, debt, marriage, estate planning, and what to do once major financial goals have been achieved. We discuss why people avoid looking at bills, how emotions impact investing decisions, why paying bills is not enough to build wealth, and the importance of protecting your family with proper planning. This episode is about replacing fear…
S2 · E7 · 27 May 2026 · 24 min
Can't Afford Life After Buying a Home? Do This Instead Ep. 7
Why High Earners Still Feel Financially Stressed Making more money does not automatically solve financial anxiety. In this episode of The Budgetdog Breakdown, I answer real listener questions covering house poverty, retirement investing, market volatility, emergency funds, financial psychology, and how couples can get aligned with money. We break down the math behind mortgage affordability, why so many people panic during market drops, how childhood experiences shape your financial behavior, and what it actually takes to feel financially secure. This episode is about building systems that…
S1 · E7 · 21 May 2026 · 15 min
Pay Off Debt or Max Your Roth? The Answer Most People Get Wrong | The Budgetdog Breakdown S01 E07
Wealthy people aren't wealthy because they win every day. They use systems that make losing hard. In this episode, Brennan Schlagbaum (former Deloitte CPA, financially free at 32) answers listener questions on building real wealth with money you already have. Brennan breaks down whether Bitcoin belongs in a 21 year old's portfolio, the exact investment framework he teaches inside Budgetdog Academy (the 15% rule, the checklist before touching crypto), and why a $140K earner can still have no clue where their money goes. He walks through the three document system every household needs: a…
S1 · E6 · 13 May 2026 · 15 min
High Income But Still Broke? Why Your Daily Wins Don't Build Wealth | Answering your Dms
Why do so many people still feel stressed about money… even while making six figures? In this episode of The Budgetdog Breakdown, we answer real listener questions covering investing, retirement accounts, financial advisors, tax strategy, and building a financial system that actually creates peace of mind. We cover: • Why financial anxiety usually comes from lacking a system • The hidden cost of ignoring your 401(k) investments • How to think about financial advisors and insurance products • The ideal investing account order for building wealth • 529 plans vs taxable brokerage accounts • How…
S2 · E5 · 29 Apr 2026 · 33 min
Your Financial Advisor Is Costing You $2.1 Million | Answering The Most Asked Questions On My IG.
What's the right life insurance? Should you be using an HSA? Is a 529 really the best way to invest for your kids? In this episode of The Budgetdog Breakdown, we answer real listener questions covering some of the most important and most misunderstood areas of personal finance. From avoiding expensive financial products… to building tax-efficient investment strategies… to navigating major life decisions like inheritance or starting a business, this episode is all about clarity. We cover: • Term life vs whole life insurance • How HSAs create triple tax advantages • Smart ways to invest for…
S2 · E4 · 22 Apr 2026 · 23 min
EP 04: Why Couples Who Avoid Money Talks Stay Broke Forever | The Budgetdog Breakdown
Is 100K a year not enough anymore? In this episode of The Budgetdog Breakdown, we answer real listener questions from people navigating some of the most common and stressful financial situations today. From feeling broke on a six-figure income… to raises that don't change anything… to wondering if it's too late to build wealth in your 40s this episode breaks down the math behind what's really going on. We cover: • Lifestyle creep and why income alone won't fix your finances • How small changes can compound into millions over time • What "financial freedom" actually means (and how to…
S2 · E3 · 15 Apr 2026 · 14 min
EP 03: 6 Money Questions That Keep You Broke (Answered)
Why Making $100K Still Feels Like You're Broke A six figure income used to mean financial security. Today, it often feels like just getting by. In this episode of The Budgetdog Breakdown, I answer five real questions from listeners navigating common financial challenges. From high earners with nothing left at the end of the month, to raises that disappear, to wondering if it is too late to build meaningful wealth. We break down the math behind lifestyle creep, investing later in life, defining financial freedom, and what it actually takes to retire early. This episode is about replacing…
S2 · E2 · 8 Apr 2026 · 18 min
EP 2: Q&A Show
Answering the Real Money Questions People Are Afraid to Ask After launching The Budgetdog Breakdown, hundreds of questions came in and a pattern became clear. Most people are stuck between knowing what they should do and actually doing it. In this episode, I answer six real questions covering investing, debt, behavior, and communication. We talk about starting investing later in life, why stock picking rarely works, how to evaluate your retirement accounts, and why debt keeps coming back even after progress. We also get into the harder conversations, including when debt consolidation makes…
1 Apr 2026 · 25 min
Ep 1: Q/A Show
How to Tell If You Are Growing Or Just Drifting Most people assume that if something feels hard, it must be working. But not all pain leads to progress. In this episode, I break down how to distinguish between growth and misalignment, and why clarity is the foundation of every meaningful decision. We walk through how to define your core goals, simplify your focus, and build systems that allow you to move forward without constant stress. We also talk about how to reset when you feel overwhelmed and how to evaluate whether your current path is actually aligned with what you want. If you feel…
S2 · 25 Mar 2026 · 25 min
Discomfort vs Misalignment: How to Know the Difference (and What to Do About It)
How to Tell If You Are Growing Or Just Drifting Most people assume that if something feels hard, it must be working. But not all pain leads to progress. In this episode, I break down how to distinguish between growth and misalignment, and why clarity is the foundation of every meaningful decision. We walk through how to define your core goals, simplify your focus, and build systems that allow you to move forward without constant stress. We also talk about how to reset when you feel overwhelmed and how to evaluate whether your current path is actually aligned with what you want. If you feel…
S2 · 18 Mar 2026 · 31 min
BONUS EP 2 : Why Complex Portfolios Underperform (And the Data Proves It)
Why Complex Portfolios Underperform Simple Ones Most investors believe that more complexity leads to better results. More funds, more strategies, more adjustments. But the data shows the opposite. In this episode, I break down why complex portfolios consistently underperform and how simplicity leads to better long term outcomes. We walk through SPIVA data on active managers, research on investor behavior, and studies showing how fees, turnover, and strategy switching quietly destroy returns. We also discuss why asset allocation matters far more than individual fund selection and how simple…

About Money On My Mind

Money On My Mind is a English business podcast from Brennan Schlagbaum. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Brennan Schlagbaum
Language: English
Category: Business
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 17 min
Latest episode: 14 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1739837834
Rights: 2024

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