Modern Family Finance Podcast

Prenuptial agreements are one of those topics that many couples know they should talk about—but often avoid. They’re frequently misunderstood, associated with extreme wealth, or seen as unromantic. In reality, prenups can be one of the most thoughtful, practical tools modern couples use to protect themselves and each other.In this episode of the Modern Family Finance Podcast, I sit down with Katie Burke, a San Francisco–based family law attorney, to unpack what prenups (and postnups) really do, who they’re for, and why they matter—especially in California.

How do Bay Area families use credit card rewards to take unforgettable trips—without hurting their credit or getting overwhelmed?In this episode of the Modern Family Finance Podcast, Jenni sits down with Kerry Durkin of Carrie’s Points, Unpacked to break down how busy families can turn everyday spending into meaningful travel using credit card rewards.Kerry shares how her family used points to book bucket-list trips like Italy and Europe, why rewards travel isn’t just for extreme “travel hackers,” and how families can get started with simple, realistic strategies.

In today’s episode, we’re diving into estate planning—one of the most essential and most often overlooked parts of building a secure financial future. It’s not just about what happens when you're gone—it’s about protecting the people you love and making sure your wishes are honored when it matters most.For women, LGBTQ+ families, singles, and unmarried couples, the stakes can be even higher. The default rules don’t always reflect our lives or our values—which makes thoughtful, proactive planning all the more important.That’s why I’m so excited to welcome Jaime Santos of Santos Walding to the podcast. Jaime is a seasoned estate planning attorney based in the San Francisco Bay Area. A proud East Bay native and a graduate of Berkeley Law, she brings over 20 years of experience in estate planning, business law, and tax strategy. She does it all—and what drives her is helping people protect their families and their futures.

In today’s episode, we’re diving into a critical question: What do you do when you don’t have children—or family nearby—to advocate for you as you age?Whether you’re single, child-free, part of the LGBTQ+ community, or simply navigating complex family dynamics, this episode is for you. My guest is Mia Owsley, a licensed professional fiduciary and founder of Mia’s Fiduciary Services which serves the San Francisco Bay Area. Mia is a true advocate for those needing financial management, estate planning, and care coordination, ensuring that her clients wishes are honored, even when they cannot advocate for themselves.Show notes: https://www.modernfamilyfinance.com/how-to-plan-for-the-future-when-youre-on-your-own-or-without-family-nearby/

In this engaging discussion, time management coach Alexis Haselberger shares her journey from personal challenges, including ADHD, to helping others master productivity. She emphasizes balancing ambition with well-being, offering practical tips for prioritizing tasks and setting realistic goals. Alexis highlights the importance of outsourcing tasks and shares innovative strategies for better work-life balance. Listeners will gain insights into developing routines that support independence in teenagers while enhancing their own efficiency and satisfaction.

In this episode of the Modern Family Finance podcast, we talk Bay Area real estate with Dan Risman-Jones of Ascend Realty. Dan is an incredible resource with deep expertise in the San Francisco Bay Area housing market, specializing in San Francisco, Alameda County, Marin, and San Mateo. In today’s episode, we’ll dive into everything from Bay Area market trends and navigating mortgage rates to retirement planning and financial strategies for modern families.

In this episode of the Modern Family Finance podcast, I’m diving into the exciting world of international living. As a financial planner based in the San Francisco Bay Area, I love helping women and LGBTQ professionals navigate their financial goals. Having lived in Europe and Asia for years at a time myself, I’m a huge advocate for the benefits of international living—not just for the adventure, but also as a way to reach financial independence faster.I often hear from clients who want to live abroad but aren’t sure how to secure residency or citizenship in another country. That’s why I’ve invited Jon Green, director at Latitude Consultancy, to join me. Latitude has helped over 6,000 people obtain second passports or residency permits in 20 countries, and Jon is here to share his expertise.

Today, we have the pleasure of discussing tax-saving tips for high-income earners with Gio Bartolotta. Gio is the co-founder of GoJo Accountants and is pioneering a tech-savvy tax advisory firm. What's particularly fascinating about Gio is that he defies the stereotype of a traditional CPA. He has masterfully integrated his professional practice with his personal lifestyle, allowing him to pursue his passion for traveling around in his RV with his wife.Show notes: https://bit.ly/tax-strategies-for-high-incomeWebsite: www.modernfamilyfinance.com

In this episode, we focuses on career and life transitions, addressing questions like discovering one’s true calling, reclaiming identity after a career break, and making significant career changes. We have a great conversation with Tracy Crothers, a former public interest attorney who transitioned to a life coach. Tracy shares her journey of discovering her true calling and how she now helps others navigate life’s transitions with resilience and purpose.Show notes: https://bit.ly/show-notes-empowering-transitions

In this podcast episode I talk about money and relationships with one of my favorite couples, John and David Auten Schneider. My wife and I have had the pleasure of becoming friends with them after getting to know them through their content at the Debt Free Guys website and the Queer Money podcast. John and David help LGBTQ people and their allies live fabulously, not fabulously broke. Today’s podcast centers around the topic of “Money with your Honey” as relationships and finances are undoubtedly intertwined. We discuss how couples can effectively manage their finances while strengthening their bond. Show notes: https://www.modernfamilyfinance.com/money-with-my-honey-how-to-manage-finances-as-a-couple/