Emotional Balance Sheet with Paul Fenner

Imagine trying to find your way in the dark without a light.  Even if you have a plan, do you have a light to help show you the way? Our purpose and values are the light that helps to guide us along our lives and weaves itself into our financial plans.  Our resident therapist expert, Dr. Jennifer Dragonette, helps us explore how deeply our emotions and core values influence financial decisions, especially as we transition through various life stages. Dr. Jen shares a fascinating exercise to help you quickly identify your core values, providing a clear lens through which you can assess and make financial choices that resonate with what truly matters to you.  We also discuss the how confidence, fear, and intentionality play critical roles in managing finances effectively. Whether you're grappling with aligning financial actions to your life values or simply curious about understanding the barriers to your personal goals, this episode offers compelling perspectives and practical tools to help navigate your financial and emotional landscape. Please enjoy my conversation with Dr. Jennifer Dragonette. Connect with Paul Contact Paul here or schedule a time to meet with Paul here. For resources discussed in this episode, visit tammacapital.com/podcast. Follow Paul on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. And feel free to email Paul at pfenner@tammacapital.com with any feedback, questions, or ideas for future guests and topics.

Have you ever set a goal and wondered why is this really important to me?  Or did you set an objective and lose your motivation while trying to achieve it?  I welcome back to the show Professor Ayelet Fishbach, Eric J. Gleacher Distinguished Service Professor of Behavioral Science and Marketing at the University of Chicago.  Ayelet is a motivation scientist and author of Get it Done: Surprising Lessons from the Science of Motivation.  Ayelet is also known as the godmother of motivation!  Ayelet sheds light on the low correlation between wealth, happiness, and success and emphasizes the importance of knowledge over sheer willpower.  We discuss the role of situational awareness and the art of reframing to navigate obstacles and stay on track with your goals.  Throughout the conversation, Ayelet shares actionable strategies for reframing discomfort as growth, anticipating obstacles, and continuously refining our understanding of what drives us.  Whether you're facing financial decisions or personal growth challenges, we identify strategies to help you align your goals with your life's purpose.  Please enjoy my conversation with Professor Ayelet Fishbach.  Connect with Paul  Contact Paul here or schedule a time to meet with Paul here.  For resources discussed in this episode, visit tammacapital.com/podcast.  Follow Paul on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.  And feel free to email Paul at pfenner@tammacapital.com with any feedback, questions, or ideas for future guests and topics.

By the time this episode is released, I sure hope we have an answer to who won the 2024 presidential election. I wanted to take a few minutes to explain my strategy of how I have handled this current election cycle, highlighting what I have done and, more importantly what I have not done. While tuning out the noise of the election is hard, patience and long-term strategies must win out vs. over-reactive decision-making based on political outcomes.  Market performance is not solely dictated by what party is in power but rather by fundamental company performance and economic indicators. I encourage you to focus on your financial plan and the best ways to achieve it through our spending, savings, and investment strategies. Connect with Paul Contact Paul here or schedule a time to meet with Paul here. For resources discussed in this episode, visit tammacapital.com/podcast. Follow Paul on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. And feel free to email Paul at pfenner@tammacapital.com with any feedback, questions, or ideas for future guests and topics.

Dr. Teryn Clarke – Building Healthy Habits: Overcoming Fear and Anxiety Through Tiny Changes Do you ever wonder why fear takes over when trying to gain traction when it comes to your physical or financial health? Dr. Teryn Clake, our resident neurologist expert, is back to discuss why negative feedback loops are stronger than positive ones, making change difficult. Making changes is challenging due to the conflict between the primitive "lizard brain" (focused on immediate gratification) and the human prefrontal cortex (capable of long-term planning).  Successful habit formation requires a three-pronged approach: resetting mindset, implementing tiny habits, and providing self-rewards.  With insights from books like "Atomic Habits" by James Clear, Dr. Teryn explains how tiny, incremental changes can lead to significant, lasting improvements.  Additionally, we cover how visualizing long-term success and using practical tools like habit trackers can help solidify new behaviors. Listen as we uncover strategies for overcoming fear to harness the benefits of time and compounding in health and finances. Please enjoy my conversation with Dr. Teryn Clake. Connect with Paul Contact Paul here or schedule a time to meet with Paul here. For resources discussed in this episode, visit tammacapital.com/podcast. Follow Paul on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. And feel free to email Paul at pfenner@tammacapital.com with any feedback, questions, or ideas for future guests and topics.

Every day, we are surrounded by our emotions.  But how can we use our emotions as information rather than be bullied by them? Our resident therapist expert, Dr. Jennifer Dragonette, joins us once again to discuss the concept of emotions as information and explore how our feelings significantly impact our financial decisions, careers, and overall life choices. Dr. Jen shares practical techniques to navigate powerful emotions like fear and anger, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness, grounding, and understanding our values.  She also introduces the concept of agency, helping us recognize that we have more control over our lives than we might realize. Whether you're dealing with a career setback, relationship challenges, or just seeking to improve your emotional intelligence, this conversation offers invaluable insights and actionable advice.  We also highlight the crucial role of a supportive inner circle and how to effectively utilize our emotions to make better decisions and move forward. Please enjoy my conversation with Dr. Jennifer Dragonette. Connect with Paul Contact Paul here or schedule a time to meet with Paul here. For resources discussed in this episode, visit tammacapital.com/podcast. Follow Paul on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. And feel free to email Paul at pfenner@tammacapital.com with any feedback, questions, or ideas for future guests and topics.

If you haven't heard, a presidential election is happening this year.  This often leads to a topic of conversation or a series of questions about what will happen to the stock market, depending on who wins. In this episode, I dive into why politics should stay out of your portfolio.  Why time invested in the market is better than trying to time the market.  And there is data that squarely proves this concept. This is the first episode that might be better to watch/listen to on our YouTube channel as I utilize various charts to illustrate that investment success isn't tied to whether a Republican or Democrat is in office but rather to consistently staying invested over time. There is actionable advice for navigating the emotional roller coaster of investing, especially in politically charged times.  My objective with this conversation is to equip you with the knowledge to stay focused on long-term financial health, regardless of who occupies the White House. Connect with Paul Contact Paul here or schedule a time to meet with Paul here. For resources discussed in this episode, visit tammacapital.com/podcast. Follow Paul on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. And feel free to email Paul at pfenner@tammacapital.com with any feedback, questions, or ideas for future guests and topics.

Dr. Teryn Clarke is back with us to delve into a topic affecting our health in surprising ways: seed oils.  Have you ever wondered about the hidden impacts of common cooking oils on your brain and overall well-being?  Dr. Clarke explains what seed oils are, where they come from, and how they contribute to inflammation—a key factor in diseases like Alzheimer's. In this episode, you'll gain clarity on which oils to avoid, discover healthier alternatives for your cooking, and understand how processed foods are a major source of these oils.  We also address the significant role inflammation plays in chronic diseases and provide practical action steps to help you reduce your intake of harmful oils. We also discuss how small changes can make a big difference in your health journey.  Stay with us as we explore the science and offer actionable insights to promote your brain health and overall wellness! Please enjoy my conversation with Dr. Teryn Clarke. Connect with Paul Contact Paul here or schedule a time to meet with Paul here. For resources discussed in this episode, visit tammacapital.com/podcast. Follow Paul on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. And feel free to email Paul at pfenner@tammacapital.com with any feedback, questions, or ideas for future guests and topics.

I am often asked how families master planning for vacation from a financial and experience standpoint.  Jill Benedict, a seasoned travel agent who runs a unique travel agency, emphasizes that vacations aren't just about booking trips—they are about creating memorable experiences that align with personal and financial goals. Jill shares her insights on navigating family cruises, optimizing vacation costs, and making the most of the trip experiences.  I have personally found that working with someone like Jill makes vacation planning less stressful while creating some unexpected enjoyable moments.  Jill sheds light on the benefits of using a travel agent, from saving money to accessing exclusive perks, and how her hands-on travel experiences inspire her clients. Life is full of transitions, so we delve into Jill's journey from corporate marketing to running her own successful travel agency.  Jill shares personal stories highlighting the significance of supportive relationships and the true essence of balancing life's emotional and financial aspects in travel and life. Please enjoy my conversation with Jill Benedict. Connect with Paul Contact Paul here or schedule a time to meet with Paul here. For resources discussed in this episode, visit tammacapital.com/podcast. Follow Paul on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. And feel free to email Paul at pfenner@tammacapital.com with any feedback, questions, or ideas for future guests and topics.

You have more power and control than you realize, has become a powerful theme emerging from my recent planning sessions with families.  In this episode, we'll explore how taking control of your emotional and financial well-being can profoundly impact your life.  Drawing insights from my own experiences and the wisdom of expert guests like neurologist Dr. Taryn Clark and psychologist Dr. Jennifer Dragonette, we'll discuss practical ways to focus on the positive aspects of life and harness your inner strength. Why is this conversation so important?  Because your emotional decisions impact your financial decisions, and your financial decisions impact your emotions! Whether you're navigating career challenges, relationship hurdles, or financial uncertainties, this episode is a reminder that you have more power than you think to shape your future. Connect with Paul Contact Paul here or schedule a time to meet with Paul here. For resources discussed in this episode, visit tammacapital.com/podcast. Follow Paul on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. And feel free to email Paul at pfenner@tammacapital.com with any feedback, questions, or ideas for future guests and topics.

How do you have money conversations with your spouse or partner?  And just as important, what are you trying to achieve by having them? Today, we're diving deep into the intricate dance of relationships, communication, and money with our resident therapist, Dr. Jennifer Dragonette.  We explore the importance of understanding each other's upbringing and values, particularly hot-button topics like finances. Dr. Jen stresses how curiosity can replace fear in these conversations while sharing techniques to bridge communication gaps and foster empathy by delving into each other's painful stories and experiences. Fear and shame frequently serve as roadblocks to open communication, but Dr. Jen offers insights on how vulnerability and openness can help break down these barriers, leading to a stronger, more intimate connection. Together, we'll discuss practical strategies like regular "walk and talk" sessions and financial date nights to keep the lines of communication open and reduce anxiety around tough conversations. Please enjoy my conversation with Dr. Jennifer Dragonette. Connect with Paul Contact Paul here or schedule a time to meet with Paul here. For resources discussed in this episode, visit tammacapital.com/podcast. Follow Paul on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. And feel free to email Paul at pfenner@tammacapital.com with any feedback, questions, or ideas for future guests and topics.

Dr. Teryn Clarke – Unlocking Brain Health: The Power of Time-Restricted Eating I am excited to have Dr. Teryn Clarke join us once again.  Dr. Clarke also sheds light on the power of mindful and balanced eating over restrictive diets, sharing her insights from her research and personal experiences.  We'll discuss practical tips for implementing time-restricted eating, including Dr. Clarke's meal timing and composition recommendations, ways to identify true hunger, and the importance of consulting doctors for personalized fasting schedules. Throughout the episode, Dr. Clarke and I share our journeys with time-restricted eating and highlight the significance of empathy, grace, and trial-and-error in making sustainable lifestyle changes.  Additionally, Dr. Clarke touches upon her new book, "Brain Health Action Plan," and how starting healthy habits early can yield long-term benefits, much like college and retirement savings. So, whether you're looking to enhance your brain health, improve your eating habits, or simply understand the science behind time-restricted eating, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice.  Please enjoy my conversation with Dr. Teryn Clarke. Connect with Paul Contact Paul here or schedule a time to meet with Paul here. For resources discussed in this episode, visit tammacapital.com/podcast. Follow Paul on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. And feel free to email Paul at pfenner@tammacapital.com with any feedback, questions, or ideas for future guests and topics.

Can you find trust and comedy within the highly personal and emotional arena of financial planning? Tom McCarthy has built a successful 24-year career in the mortgage industry based on trust, doing what is in the best interests of his clients, and with a little comedy.  Tom shares his unique perspective on the current housing market, including the impact of fluctuating interest rates, while providing valuable insights for potential homebuyers navigating mortgage decisions in this environment. Buying a home or going through a refinance of an existing loan is often an extremely emotional process.  After a 15-year hiatus from the comedy industry, Tom shares how his passion for two completely different industries interweaves together to help build lasting client relationships.  By the end, you'll have a fresh take on the housing market and a newfound appreciation for taking chances in life and career.  Tom's wit and optimistic outlook shine through, especially when discussing the joys of his work, his supportive spouse, and parenting his two children. Please enjoy my conversation with Tom McCarthy. Connect with Paul Contact Paul here or schedule a time to meet with Paul here. For resources discussed in this episode, visit tammacapital.com/podcast. Follow Paul on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. And feel free to email Paul at pfenner@tammacapital.com with any feedback, questions, or ideas for future guests and topics.

Episode description not available.

How do you find harmony between your personal and professional lives?  Do emotions such as fear hold you back from finding your unique purpose? Dr. Benjamin Ritter rejoins us as we discuss his new book, "Becoming Fearless, 65 Strategies to Journey from Self-Doubt to Self-Mastery." Ben and I dive deep into the importance of focusing not just on our financial well-being but also on our emotional well-being.  Ben shares strategies from his book for creating space for personal and professional growth, including time blocking and how it can help us prioritize the things that truly matter in our lives. Identifying obstacles that can stand in our way is critical to our ability to move forward and cultivate a mindset of fearlessness and resilience.  Ben and I also discuss the idea of "never having too much work to do" as a way to manage our workload more effectively and find a better balance between our work and personal lives. So whether you're a high-achieving professional looking to redefine your approach to success or simply someone who wants to live a more fulfilling and purposeful life, there are actionable items to take away from this discussion. Please enjoy my conversation with Dr. Benjamin Ritter. Connect with Paul Contact Paul here or schedule a time to meet with Paul here. For resources discussed in this episode, visit tammacapital.com/podcast. Follow Paul on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. And feel free to email Paul at pfenner@tammacapital.com with any feedback, questions, or ideas for future guests and topics.

Are you frustrated with your current job but aren't taking the first step you know you need to make to implement a positive change? Carrie Schochet, executive recruiter and founder of Purple Squirrel Advisors, rejoins us as we navigate career challenges and changes.  We dive deep into the importance of networking and making meaningful connections, even in unexpected places.  A concept we explore is "net giving" as opposed to simply "networking," drawing inspiration from the book "The Go-Giver" by Bob Burg. We also tackle the fear and uncertainty many individuals face when considering a career change, particularly when receiving counteroffers from their current employers.  Carrie shares her personal experience with this situation and emphasizes the significance of understanding one's purpose and level of commitment to one's job. There are multiple challenges to managing career dissatisfaction within dual-income families.  We cover the crucial role of communication and support when seeking job changes or transitioning careers.  Carrie offers valuable advice on utilizing LinkedIn discreetly to signal interest to recruiters without alerting current employers.    Please enjoy my conversation Carrie Schochet. Connect with Paul Contact Paul here or schedule a time to meet with Paul here. For resources discussed in this episode, visit tammacapital.com/podcast. Follow Paul on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. And feel free to email Paul at pfenner@tammacapital.com with any feedback, questions, or ideas for future guests and topics.

Ep.153 – Two Pieces of Data Tells the World About You What if I told you that only two pieces of data would tell me everything I needed to know about you?  Could you guess what they would be? These two data points show where your money goes and how you prioritize your time.  I'll explore how understanding these elements can help align your spending and scheduling with your core values and life goals.  Whether it's uncovering your financial patterns or evaluating how you allocate your time, small tweaks can lead to significant improvements in finding harmony between your financial and emotional life.  Connect with Paul Contact Paul here or schedule a time to meet with Paul here. For resources discussed in this episode, visit tammacapital.com/podcast. Follow Paul on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. And feel free to email Paul at pfenner@tammacapital.com with any feedback, questions, or ideas for future guests and topics. Resources Featured in This Episode: The Gap and the Gain - Navigating Purpose The Longest Relationship You Will Ever Have Reducing Friction to Change Behaviors Follow the Show And Never Miss an Episode Follow the show on Apple Podcast |Podurama | Amazon Music | Spotify

Whether you're a parent looking for guidance on supporting your child through the college planning process or a high school student trying to figure out your own path, this episode is packed with relatable insights and practical advice from a student's perspective. 19-year-old Megan Brissette shares her journey from developing her college list to transitioning socially and academically into her freshman year at Michigan State University.  You'll get a front-row seat to the challenges, surprises, and triumphs that come with this major life milestone. Megan and I dive deep into the importance of open communication between parents and kids regarding college planning, especially finances.  We discuss strategies for affording college, the value of setting clear expectations, and the pride that comes with contributing to your education.  Megan also opens up about the social challenges of leaving high school friendships behind and the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone in college. Get ready to take some notes as we share our wisdom on making the leap from high school to higher education. Please enjoy my conversation with Megan Brissette. Connect with Paul Contact Paul here or schedule a time to meet with Paul here. For resources discussed in this episode, visit tammacapital.com/podcast. Follow Paul on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. And feel free to email Paul at pfenner@tammacapital.com with any feedback, questions, or ideas for future guests and topics. Follow the Show And Never Miss an Episode Follow the show on Apple Podcast |Podurama | Amazon Music | Spotify

When does a cost stop being an expense and start being an investment? The answer to this question is part of a broader search for helping people identify and develop their purpose and supporting objectives, not solely from a financial perspective but more from a personal and lifestyle perspective. Ultimately, the transition from expense to investment often involves a shift in mindset.  It requires thinking beyond immediate gratification and considering the long-term impact of your decisions. The secret to determining when a cost stops being an expense and becomes an investment is that there isn't a formula to calculate.  You can put a value on your time, but how much value do you put on doing the things in life you really want to do? Connect with Paul Contact Paul here or schedule a time to meet with Paul here. For resources discussed in this episode, visit tammacapital.com/podcast. Follow Paul on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. And feel free to email Paul at pfenner@tammacapital.com with any feedback, questions, or ideas for future guests and topics. Resources Featured in This Episode: Emotional Decision Making How to Lose Time and Money Understanding the Link Between Life Transitions and Financial Planning Follow the Show And Never Miss an Episode Follow the show on Apple Podcast |Podurama | Amazon Music | Spotify

When you think of the word productivity, what is your first thought? Today, we're diving into a fascinating discussion on productivity, but not in the way you might expect. Recently, I had a conversation with one of my clients about what it means to raise productive children and the challenges parents face in this endeavor. Whether you have one child or several, the struggle to balance keeping them active and not overwhelming them is a familiar one. In this episode, I'll share my personal experiences with my four kids and the insights I've gathered from working with numerous families. We'll discuss the importance of helping our children find their intrinsic motivation and the potential pitfalls of over-scheduling. As always, I'm eager to hear your thoughts and strategies on this topic. Let's get started! Connect with Paul Contact Paul here or schedule a time to meet with Paul here. For resources discussed in this episode, visit tammacapital.com/podcast. Follow Paul on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. And feel free to email Paul at pfenner@tammacapital.com with any feedback, questions, or ideas for future guests and topics. Resources Featured in This Episode: Dr. Tracy Dennis-Tiwary – Parents & Kids Working Together to be Better Digital Citizens Cathy Adams – Parenting With No Age Limits Ben Feller – Big Problems, Little Problems; A Father & Son Journey

We are taking a break to spend time with friends and family this week as we celebrate the 4th of July holiday. Be sure to check out our 150th episode from last week, where I highlight some of my favorite conversations over the past four years of hosting the show.   You can access that show here to find an episode I am sure you will love. Connect with Paul Contact Paul here or schedule a time to meet with Paul here. For resources discussed in this episode, visit tammacapital.com/podcast. Follow Paul on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. And feel free to email Paul at pfenner@tammacapital.com with any feedback, questions, or ideas for future guests and topics. Want more? Check out all of our past episodes by following the show using the links HERE.