Real Money, Real Life ™

How do you align your money with your life so it feels meaningful—not just optimized? This episode breaks down money and life alignment in a way that finally makes sense. In this episode of Real Money, Real Life™, Linda Grizely sits down with Carl Richards, Certified Financial Planner™, author, and creator of The Sketch Guy column in The New York Times. Carl shares why money is never just math, how behavior drives financial decisions, and what it really looks like to connect your financial choices to what matters most in your real life. From simple sketches to powerful mindset shifts, this conversation strips away complexity and brings financial wellness back to clarity and intention. We Talk About: • How to align your money with your life in a practical way • Why financial decisions are driven by behavior, not optimization • The difference between "your money or your life" vs. "your money and your life" • Why complexity keeps people stuck in personal finance • How awareness—not budgeting—can improve spending habits • The role of emotions in financial decision-making • Why clarity matters more than perfect financial planning About Carl Richards: Carl Richards started The Sketch Guy column in The New York Times from the hills of Utah, crafting clear, relatable insights about money with just card stock and a Sharpie. The column ran weekly for a decade. This journey began when Carl applied for what he thought was a job as a "security guard," only to find out the ad actually said "securities." That slight misstep sparked a lifelong dedication to reshaping how we think about money. Since then, Carl has become a Certified Financial Planner™, built and sold a successful investment firm, and spoken at financial and investment events worldwide—from Australia to South Africa, the UK, and major economic centers across Europe, Canada, and the United States. His bestsellers, The Behavior Gap and The One-Page Financial Plan, have been translated into over ten languages and continue to resonate globally. Through his daily podcast, Behavior Gap Radio, which now has over 1,000 episodes and over one million downloads, Carl shares new perspectives on aligning our resources with what truly matters. His latest audio project, 50 Fires, backed by executive producers Chip and Joanna Gaines, explores the intersections of money and meaning with guests like Pete Holmes, David Whyte, Krista Tippett, and his favorite guest by far, his wife, Cori. Carl founded The Society of Advice, a community of financial planners dedicated to the craft of advice. They gather for a monthly online workshop and frequent retreats in Park City, Utah. In 2025, Carl will release a new book that, true to form, will be unlike anything seen in the personal finance section—and you better believe there will be sketches (97 of them, to be exact). When he's not exploring ideas about money, Carl, a Wilderness First Responder, can be found navigating Utah's high mountain ridges on foot, skis, or bike. Married to Cori since 1995, they have four kids, whom they consider their best friends. Connect with Carl: Buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Money-Reimagining-Wealth-Sketches/dp/1804091715 Bulk order: https://bulkbooks.com/products/your-money-reimagining-wealth-in-simple-sketches Instagram: https://instagram.com/behaviorgap LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thinkingcarl/ X: https://x.com/behaviorgap About Linda Grizely: Linda Grizely, CFP®, is a personal finance expert and financial wellness speaker who helps people build confidence and clarity with their money. She is the creator of the MeMoney™ Method, a mindset-first approach that helps people feel more in control of their financial decisions — without judgment or lecture. Linda focuses on blending the numbers and tactics (real money) with the human side of money (real life), helping individuals and organizations replace overwhelm with empowerment through practical, emotionally grounded financial education. She is the host of the podcast Real Money, Real Life™. Connect with Linda: Website: https://www.LindaGriz.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindagrizely Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelindagrizely LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-grizely YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LindaGrizely TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lindagrizely X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/LindaGrizely Resources/Freebies: What's Your Money Personality Quiz: https://bit.ly/MonPersQuiz What's Holding You Back from Financial Confidence Quiz: https://bit.ly/FinConfidQuiz Join Linda's Free Community: https://bit.ly/RealMoneyRealLifeCommunity Useful Personal Finance Checklists and Flowcharts: www.lindagriz.com/resources ℹ️ Important Disclosures: Real Money, Real Life™ is hosted and produced by Linda Grizely Ventures, LLC. Linda Grizely, CFP®, is an Investment Adviser Representative of Nectarine, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Linda Grizely Ventures, LLC is separate from and unaffiliated with Nectarine. The views expressed on this podcast are those of the individuals expressing them and do not necessarily reflect the views of Linda Grizely, Linda Grizely Ventures, LLC, or Nectarine. Guests on the podcast may express opinions or discuss financial strategies that are their own and should not be considered recommendations or personalized financial advice. This podcast is provided for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any securities or financial products. Listeners should consult their own financial, legal, or tax professionals regarding their specific situation. For additional disclosures, please visit: https://hellonectarine.com https://www.lindagriz.com/disclaimers

How to lower your monthly bills without earning more or working harder—this episode breaks down exactly how it works. If you've ever wondered why your bills keep creeping up, this conversation will help you understand how to lower your monthly bills and create immediate financial breathing room. Most people focus on earning more—but one of the fastest ways to improve financial wellness is by reducing what you're already spending. And the truth is, many people are overpaying on everyday bills without even realizing it. In this episode of Real Money, Real Life™, Linda Grizely sits down with Barry Gross, Founder of BillCutterz, to talk about how bill negotiation works, why "bill creep" happens, and how lowering fixed expenses can create instant cash flow without changing your lifestyle. 💡We Talk About: • how to lower your monthly bills without changing services • why most people are overpaying on cell phone, internet, and cable bills • what "bill creep" is and how it quietly increases your expenses over time • how bill negotiation works behind the scenes • how lowering fixed expenses improves financial wellness and cash flow • why controlling expenses is faster than trying to earn more income • how service providers decide when to offer discounts • how much money people typically save by negotiating bills Additional Note: For individuals, average savings are $400+ per bill annually, typically across 2–3 bills. BillCutterz works with businesses, too. Business savings are typically over $10,000 per business, with many sending 15+ bills and saving thousands on just one. About Barry Gross: Our featured guest today is a financial veteran with a remarkable 50 years of experience dedicated to helping individuals and businesses enhance their financial well-being by generating lasting, significant cash flow. With an educational foundation that includes a Bachelor of Business Degree in Marketing from the University of Houston, Barry spent ten years of his career as a Financial Planner and Asset Manager at the premier brokerage firm, E.F. Hutton. This invaluable experience enabled him to launch two highly successful companies. He has helped generate millions for customers throughout his career and holds a powerful philosophy on wealth creation: "Navigating financial success is not rocket science, but one does need to know the fundamentals of making and growing money." Additionally, Barry said, "The difference between financially successful people and those who struggle with their finances has nothing to do with how smart they are. Successful people embrace advice and guidance from people who are successful themselves." Currently, Barry is the Founder of BillCutterz, the industry-leading bill negotiation service he established 16 years ago. BillCutterz is designed to help customers lower their rates on monthly bills without changing their plan or service. This innovative service garnered national attention and has been featured on major media platforms, including ABC World News Tonight, CNBC, CNN, and Good Morning America. Mr. Gross stated, "Everyone is overpaying on their monthly bills, and it's our job and mission to lower the rates for those who are not already taking advantage of a service like ours. BillCutterz can and does put money right back in the pockets of its customers." Connect with Barry: https://billcutterz.com/?p=LINDAGRIZELY (this is an affiliate links, which means Linda may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you.) https://www.instagram.com/billcutterz_marketing/ https://www.facebook.com/BillCutterz/ About Linda Grizely: Linda Grizely, CFP®, is a personal finance expert and financial wellness speaker who helps people build confidence and clarity with their money. She is the creator of the MeMoney™ Method, a mindset-first approach that helps people feel more in control of their financial decisions — without judgment or lecture. Linda focuses on blending the numbers and tactics (real money) with the human side of money (real life), helping individuals and organizations replace overwhelm with empowerment through practical, emotionally grounded financial education. She is the host of the podcast Real Money, Real Life™. Connect with Linda: Website: https://www.LindaGriz.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindagrizely Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelindagrizely LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-grizely YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LindaGrizely TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lindagrizely X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/LindaGrizely Resources/Freebies: What's Your Money Personality Quiz: https://bit.ly/MonPersQuiz What's Holding You Back from Financial Confidence Quiz: https://bit.ly/FinConfidQuiz Join Linda's Free Community: https://bit.ly/RealMoneyRealLifeCommunity Useful Personal Finance Checklists and Flowcharts: www.lindagriz.com/resources Important Disclosures: Real Money, Real Life™ is hosted and produced by Linda Grizely Ventures, LLC. Linda Grizely, CFP®, is an Investment Adviser Representative of Nectarine, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Linda Grizely Ventures, LLC is separate from and unaffiliated with Nectarine. The views expressed on this podcast are those of the individuals expressing them and do not necessarily reflect the views of Linda Grizely, Linda Grizely Ventures, LLC, or Nectarine. Guests on the podcast may express opinions or discuss financial strategies that are their own and should not be considered recommendations or personalized financial advice. This podcast is provided for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any securities or financial products. Listeners should consult their own financial, legal, or tax professionals regarding their specific situation. For additional disclosures, please visit: https://hellonectarine.com https://www.lindagriz.com/disclaimers

Episode Description: Investment fraud red flags are often hidden in plain sight—and most people don't realize it until it's too late. This episode will help you understand what to look for before you invest so you can protect yourself with confidence. In this episode of Real Money, Real Life™, Linda Grizely sits down with James Brandolino, an expert in investment fraud prevention, to break down how investment fraud happens, the red flags investors often miss, and what you can do to protect yourself before handing over your money. James shares his firsthand experience—from working in the financial industry to committing fraud, serving time, and now helping others recognize the warning signs. This conversation brings a rare, behind-the-scenes perspective into how fraud begins, why it's often not intentional at first, and how it escalates over time. This episode is designed to help you feel more aware, more informed, and more confident asking the right questions when it comes to your money. When you know what to look for, you take away the fraudster's advantage. We Talk About: • Investment fraud red flags and how to identify warning signs early • Financial advisor misconduct, including switching and selling away • Why investment fraud often starts unintentionally and escalates over time • What due diligence actually looks like before and during an investment • How misleading illustrations and assumptions can impact decisions • Why people hesitate to question advisors—and how to move past that • What to watch for when investing in private or alternative investments About James Brandolino: Today, we're joined by James Brandolino, a leading expert in investment fraud prevention. What makes James uniquely qualified is his extraordinary journey from being an investment fraudster to a fraud prevention expert. After starting as a securities broker and later managing a hedge fund, James made the devastating decision to alter investor statements and cover trading losses with personal funds for over eight years, ultimately leading to a federal conviction and six-and-a-half years in prison. During his incarceration, he studied forensic accounting and analyzed investment fraud cases, transforming his firsthand knowledge of fraudulent tactics into a mission to protect others. Now he helps investors and organizations identify critical red flags and safeguard their assets from the very schemes he once perpetrated. Connect with James: https://www.investmentfraudsolutions.com/james-brandolino https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesbrandolino/ www.InvestigateBeforeYouInvest.com About Linda Grizely: Linda Grizely, CFP®, is a personal finance expert and financial wellness speaker who helps people build confidence and clarity with their money. She is the creator of the MeMoney™ Method, a mindset-first approach that helps people feel more in control of their financial decisions — without judgment or lecture. Linda focuses on blending the numbers and tactics (real money) with the human side of money (real life), helping individuals and organizations replace overwhelm with empowerment through practical, emotionally grounded financial education. She is the host of the podcast Real Money, Real Life™. Connect with Linda: Website: https://www.LindaGriz.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindagrizely Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelindagrizely LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-grizely YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LindaGrizely TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lindagrizely X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/LindaGrizely Resources/Freebies: What's Your Money Personality Quiz: https://bit.ly/MonPersQuiz What's Holding You Back from Financial Confidence Quiz: https://bit.ly/FinConfidQuiz Join Linda's Free Community: A space for real talk, fresh starts, and women who are done putting themselves last. https://bit.ly/RealMoneyRealLifeCommunity Useful Personal Finance Checklists and Flowcharts: www.lindagriz.com/resources ℹ️ Important Disclosures: Real Money, Real Life™ is hosted and produced by Linda Grizely Ventures, LLC. Linda Grizely, CFP®, is an Investment Adviser Representative of Nectarine, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Linda Grizely Ventures, LLC is separate from and unaffiliated with Nectarine. The views expressed on this podcast are those of the individuals expressing them and do not necessarily reflect the views of Linda Grizely, Linda Grizely Ventures, LLC, or Nectarine. Guests on the podcast may express opinions or discuss financial strategies that are their own and should not be considered recommendations or personalized financial advice. This podcast is provided for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any securities or financial products. Listeners should consult their own financial, legal, or tax professionals regarding their specific situation. For additional disclosures, please visit: https://hellonectarine.com https://www.lindagriz.com/disclaimers

Episode Description: How much life insurance do I need—and how does it fit into your overall financial planning? This episode breaks down life and disability insurance in a practical, financial wellness-focused way. How much life insurance do I need is one of the most common—and most misunderstood—questions in personal finance. In this episode of Real Money, Real Life™, Linda Grizely sits down with Peter Ciravolo to walk through how to think about life insurance and disability insurance without confusion, pressure, or overbuying. Insurance isn't about fear—it's about protecting your income, your independence, and the people who rely on you. This conversation focuses on how much life insurance you actually need, when disability insurance matters most, and how these decisions fit into a broader financial planning and financial wellness strategy. If you've been wondering how much life insurance you need, whether disability insurance is worth it, or how to approach insurance as part of your financial plan, this episode gives you a clear starting point. We Talk About: • how much life insurance you need based on income and financial goals • term vs permanent life insurance and why term is often the right fit • when you need life insurance (marriage, kids, debt, income protection) • when to get disability insurance and why it's often overlooked • how disability insurance protects your income if you can't work • why most people underestimate their risk of disability • how insurance fits into financial planning and financial wellness • when long-term care insurance comes into the conversation About Peter Ciravolo: Peter is a co-founder of BC Brokerage. BC Brokerage is licensed in all 50 states and helps fee-only planners implement insurance solutions for their clients' financial plans. We help with life, disability, long-term care, annuity, home, auto, umbrella, and business insurance. Outside of work, Peter resides in Miami, FL. Peter loves to travel (been to 40+ countries), golf, workout, cook, try new restaurants, and go out on his boat/fish. Connect with Peter: Website: www.bc-brokerage.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bc-brokerage/ About Linda Grizely: Linda Grizely, CFP®, is a personal finance expert and financial wellness speaker who helps people build confidence and clarity with their money. She is the creator of the MeMoney™ Method, a mindset-first approach that helps people feel more in control of their financial decisions — without judgment or lecture. Linda focuses on blending the numbers and tactics (real money) with the human side of money (real life), helping individuals and organizations replace overwhelm with empowerment through practical, emotionally grounded financial education. She is the host of the podcast Real Money, Real Life™. Connect with Linda: Website: https://www.LindaGriz.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindagrizely Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelindagrizely LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-grizely YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LindaGrizely TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lindagrizely X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/LindaGrizely Resources/Freebies: What's Your Money Personality Quiz: https://bit.ly/MonPersQuiz What's Holding You Back from Financial Confidence Quiz: https://bit.ly/FinConfidQuiz Join Linda's Free Community: A space for real talk, fresh starts, and women who are done putting themselves last. https://bit.ly/RealMoneyRealLifeCommunity Useful Personal Finance Checklists and Flowcharts: www.lindagriz.com/resources ℹ️ Important Disclosures: Real Money, Real Life™ is hosted and produced by Linda Grizely Ventures, LLC. Linda Grizely, CFP®, is an Investment Adviser Representative of Nectarine, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Linda Grizely Ventures, LLC is separate from and unaffiliated with Nectarine. The views expressed on this podcast are those of the individuals expressing them and do not necessarily reflect the views of Linda Grizely, Linda Grizely Ventures, LLC, or Nectarine. Guests on the podcast may express opinions or discuss financial strategies that are their own and should not be considered recommendations or personalized financial advice. This podcast is provided for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any securities or financial products. Listeners should consult their own financial, legal, or tax professionals regarding their specific situation. For additional disclosures, please visit: https://hellonectarine.com https://www.lindagriz.com/disclaimers

Episode Description Money decisions don't exist in a vacuum — they're deeply connected to how we see ourselves and what we believe we're capable of. In this episode of Real Money, Real Life™, Linda Grizely sits down with Amy Lenius to explore the three pillars of success — self-belief, self-worth, and consistency — and how they influence the way we approach personal finance, habits, and long-term growth. Amy shares practical frameworks for building belief in yourself, strengthening self-respect, and creating sustainable daily habits that compound into real transformation. Together, Linda and Amy connect these personal development concepts to money habits, financial confidence, and the small daily actions that build momentum over time. This conversation explores how mindset, identity, and habits shape the financial choices we make — and how small, intentional shifts can lead to meaningful change. We Talk About • The three pillars of success: self-belief, self-worth, and consistency • Why money habits are connected to mindset and identity • The "state, prove, self-assign" cycle for building self-belief • The self-worth pyramid and how boundaries impact confidence • How comparison can either inspire growth or undermine progress • The consistency framework for building habits that actually last • Why small, daily actions create long-term financial momentum About Amy Lenius Amy Lenius is the Director of Group Coaching at Next Level University, Professional Speaker, Event Coordinator, MC, and Next Level Certified Personal Development Coach. Connect with Amy https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/ About Linda Grizely Linda Grizely, CFP®, is a personal finance expert and financial wellness speaker who helps people build confidence and clarity with their money. She is the creator of the MeMoney™ Method, a mindset-first approach that helps people feel more in control of their financial decisions — without judgment or lecture. Linda focuses on blending the numbers and tactics (real money) with the human side of money (real life), helping individuals and organizations replace overwhelm with empowerment through practical, emotionally grounded financial education. She is the host of the podcast Real Money, Real Life™. Connect with Linda Website: https://www.LindaGriz.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindagrizely Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelindagrizely LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-grizely YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LindaGrizely TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lindagrizely X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/LindaGrizely Resources / Freebies What's Your Money Personality Quiz: https://bit.ly/MonPersQuiz What's Holding You Back from Financial Confidence Quiz: https://bit.ly/FinConfidQuiz Join Linda's Free Community: https://bit.ly/RealMoneyRealLifeCommunity Useful Personal Finance Checklists and Flowcharts: www.lindagriz.com/resources ℹ️ Important Disclosures: Real Money, Real Life™ is hosted and produced by Linda Grizely Ventures, LLC. Linda Grizely, CFP®, is an Investment Adviser Representative of Nectarine, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Linda Grizely Ventures, LLC is separate from and unaffiliated with Nectarine. The views expressed on this podcast are those of the individuals expressing them and do not necessarily reflect the views of Linda Grizely, Linda Grizely Ventures, LLC, or Nectarine. Guests on the podcast may express opinions or discuss financial strategies that are their own and should not be considered recommendations or personalized financial advice. This podcast is provided for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any securities or financial products. Listeners should consult their own financial, legal, or tax professionals regarding their specific situation. For additional disclosures, please visit: https://hellonectarine.com and https://www.lindagriz.com/disclaimers