How to Money Ask HTM - Marriage Goals Over Investing, SS Survivor Benefits at Age 30, & Best Cars for New Mamas #1120
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Mar 30, 2026 Listeners ask about balancing wedding spending versus investing and whether marriage should wait for perfect finances. The show tackles Social Security survivor benefits compared to term life insurance. They explain rules around claiming a child for dependent care FSAs and filing tactics. Practical car advice for new parents and smart ways to handle a six-figure inheritance with medical uncertainty are covered.
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Buying Nearly New Shoes On eBay Saved Big
- Joel bought nearly-new trail running shoes on eBay for about a third of retail to avoid landfill waste and save money.
- He found virtually unworn older-model shoes by checking seller photos of the soles and sizing.
Prioritize A Three Month Emergency Fund
- Boost your emergency fund to about three months of expenses before increasing long-term investing.
- Joel and Matt recommend moving from $6,000 toward a 3-month buffer since you're renters with no kids and just paid off loans.
Open A Roth IRA Next
- Open and fund a Roth IRA after your emergency fund because it provides tax diversification and flexible access to contributions.
- Matt and Joel note Roth contributions can act as a backup emergency source and protect against high 457 fees.
