The Wealth and Income Podcast

Episode 249 - The 800K Pivot: How One Couple Built Freedom Without Lifestyle Creep

What happens when your income doubles—but your stress does too? In this powerful real-world case study, we walk through the journey of “Bob and Sue,” a high-earning couple navigating family, rising income, and the toll of burnout. Instead of falling into lifestyle inflation, they took a radically different path—one that prioritized freedom, flexibility, and future-proofing their financial plan. 

This episode dives into the psychology of money, the hidden cost of pressure-driven careers, and what it looks like to build a plan that lets you choose to work—not have to. If you’ve ever wondered how to make smart financial decisions in the peak earning years, avoid lifestyle creep, and set yourself up to slow down without stepping away—this is your blueprint. 

 

Listen in to discover: 

• Why deferring income isn’t always the smartest tax strategy
• The mindset shift that changes everything about work and money
• What real financial freedom looks like for a high-income family

If you see yourself in this story—you’re not alone. This is where strategy meets possibility. 

Episode 248 - Test Drive Your Dreams

What if your dream life isn’t actually your dream? In this episode, we explore the powerful concept of test-driving your dreams before committing to big life changes. From buying lake houses to manual-transmission sports cars, our hosts share personal stories, client experiences, and honest realizations about what brings real joy, energy, and purpose. It's a thought-provoking dive into understanding what we truly want—and how to figure that out before we spend the money.

Episode 247 - How One Couple is Planning to Retire by 50—Without Sacrificing Their Lifestyle

What does it really take to retire early—and still live fully today? In this episode, we dive into the financial strategy of a high-earning couple in their 30s determined to retire by 50—not to stop working, but to start living intentionally. Learn how they’re building wealth, avoiding lifestyle inflation, and designing a future filled with travel and creative pursuits.

 

If you're aiming for financial independence, this case study is packed with actionable insights on optimizing income, avoiding lifestyle creep, and aligning your spending with your long-term goals.

Episode 246 - Spicy Markets & Steady Strategies: How to Handle Volatility Without Losing Your Cool

Markets got spicy—and not in the fun way. After a turbulent few days on Wall Street, Mary Lyons, The Wealth Woman, and Eric Alexander break down what’s really happening in the markets—and what investors should keep in mind when fear kicks in. From circuit breakers to emotional decision-making, they explore how to stay grounded through market swings, manage portfolio risk, and keep your long-term strategy on track.

Episode 245 - How Much Insurance Is Enough?

In this episode of the Wealth and Income Podcast, hosts Mary, Lyons, The Wealth Woman, and Eric Alexander explore a critical but often overlooked aspect of financial planning: protection first—discussing why safeguarding wealth is just as essential as growing it.

Learn how life insurance, financial security strategies, and the concept of "human economic value" can protect your loved ones and ensure long-term stability. Whether you're new to financial planning or reevaluating your strategy, this episode provides actionable insights to help you build a solid financial foundation.

Tune in now to master the protection first mindset and achieve true financial peace of mind.

Rewind: Episode 238 - EY Shows How Traditional Planning Is Flawed

Join us as we review an article from Ernst and Young that demonstrates the power of a retirement plan focused on income and multiple asset classes coordinated together.

E&Y Article: How insurance and investments can improve financial wellness

Episode 244 - How to Get on The Same Page About Money

Mary Lyons, The Wealth Woman, and Eric Alexander discuss key conversations to have with your significant other when it comes to money. Part financial education, part therapy, these points will help you avoid common pain points and provide tools to navigate disagreements to find alignment and eliminate a key source of stress for many couples. 

Episode 243 - Three Questions for Your Advisor

This week, we explore three essential questions you should be asking your advisor—are you leaving money on the table? Mary Lyons, The Wealth Woman, and Eric Alexander reveal key financial oversights that many advisors miss, potentially costing you valuable income opportunities.

Episode 242 - Time Management Beyond Productivity

In this episode, hosts Mary Lyons and Eric Alexander are back with transformative insights gained from Oliver Burkeman's book, 4,000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals. They explore the concept of time management beyond productivity, emphasizing how life's finite nature necessitates intentionality in choosing what truly matters. Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, they touch on themes like strategic neglect, the pitfalls of hustle culture, aligning actions with values, and finding joy in missing out (JOMO). They advocate for a balanced approach to life and financial planning that prioritizes fulfillment and meaningful living over mere accumulation of wealth.

Rewind: Episode 117 - Money Dynamics Between Couples with Dr. Ryan Holliman

Ahead of Valentine's Day this week, we're revisiting our discussion about money dynamics between couples, focused on how you can learn to speak openly and honestly about money — with Dr. Ryan Holliman, owner and clinician at Dallas Psychotherapy, PLLC.