The Happy Money Podcast – Financial Wellness & Money Mindset

Gino Barbaro, Michael Barbaro
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Financial health & money mindset with Gino & Michael Barbaro. Real-world tips on budgeting, debt, saving, investing, and real estate to grow wealth and reduce money stress.

  1. FEB 12

    Is Food Eating Your Paycheck

    In this episode of the Happy Money Podcast, hosts Gino and Michael Barbaro discuss the financial implications of food choices, particularly the costs associated with fast food and takeout. They emphasize the importance of cooking at home as a means to save money and improve health. The conversation covers practical strategies for meal planning, cooking skills, and creating a healthier food environment. The hosts encourage listeners to view eating out as a treat rather than a habit and to take control of their food choices to enhance their financial well-being. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Happy Money and Food Costs 02:34 The Impact of Fast Food on Finances and Health 05:48 Learning to Cook: A Path to Financial Freedom 08:36 Building Cooking Skills and Foundations 11:34 Meal Planning and Time Management Strategies 17:35 Tracking Spending and Making Healthier Choices 19:49 The Value of Quality Dining Experiences     Personal finance, Relationships, Faith, Health & Wellness - it’s all overwhelming and there’s no clear map to guide you. 🗺️ But what if there was?  Visit our website to start your transformation. Your journey to a fuller, more vibrant life is just a click away: https://barbaro360.com/  Join our free Skool community and connect with a fast-growing network of like-minded individuals: https://www.skool.com/barbaro360  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    19 min
  2. Rich Is a Number. Wealthy Is a System.

    JAN 21

    Rich Is a Number. Wealthy Is a System.

    In this episode, Michael and Gino Barbaro break down the critical difference between having a Rich Mindset (looking the part) and a Wealthy Mindset (owning the time). We explore the 5 Key Differences that separate the two. Learn why making six figures often leads to living paycheck to paycheck due to "lifestyle creep," and how to shift your focus from earning income to buying assets that pay for your lifestyle. Key Takeaways: ✅ Cash Flow vs. Paycheck: The rich focus on the size of the paycheck; the wealthy focus on the yield of their assets. ✅ Produce vs. Consume: The rich upgrade their lifestyle before they can afford it. The wealthy buy assets first, and let the assets pay for the luxury car. ✅ Debt as a Tool: Rich people use debt for consumption (liabilities); wealthy people use debt for leverage (business/assets). ✅ Time & Leverage: You cannot work 24 hours a day. Wealthy people stop trading time for money and start using leverage (OPM and other people's time) to scale. ✅ The 3-Month Test: If your income stopped today, would you be okay? The wealthy mindset prioritizes peace and security over flashiness. Let's Connect! Question of the Day: Be honest: If your active income stopped today, how long could you survive on your current assets? Let us know in the comments! 👇 Personal finance, Relationships, Faith, Health & Wellness - it’s all overwhelming and there’s no clear map to guide you. 🗺️ But what if there was?  Visit our website to start your transformation. Your journey to a fuller, more vibrant life is just a click away: https://barbaro360.com/  Join our free Skool community and connect with a fast-growing network of like-minded individuals: https://www.skool.com/barbaro360  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    25 min
  3. Investing vs. Speculation: Why You Might Be Gambling With Your Money (The Great Debate)

    JAN 8

    Investing vs. Speculation: Why You Might Be Gambling With Your Money (The Great Debate)

    Gino and Michael go head-to-head on a fundamental financial question: What is the actual difference between an Investment and a Speculation? Gino argues that true investing requires cash flow, long-term ownership, and value creation—meaning that "Fix and Flipping" houses or buying non-dividend stocks is actually just speculating. Michael pushes back, arguing that control, research, and business building (like E-commerce) count as investing, even without immediate cash flow. We break down the criteria for building long-term wealth versus just trying to make a "quick buck," and why understanding the difference is the key to compounding your net worth. Key Takeaways- ✅ The Cash Flow Criteria: Why Gino believes an asset must pay you while you hold it to be considered a true investment. ✅ The "Fix and Flip" Myth: Why flipping homes is a job or a speculation, but not a wealth-building investment strategy. ✅ Control vs. Chaos: The difference between betting on market behavior (Speculation) and controlling the outcome through systems and value (Investing). ✅ Rich vs. Wealthy: Speculation can make you rich quickly (and lose it quickly), but investing is designed to compound wealth over decades. ✅ The Intent Factor: How your timeline and goals determine if you are an investor or a gambler. Question for you: Whose side are you on? Do you consider "Fix and Flipping" real estate an Investment or a Speculation? Let us know in the comments below! Personal finance, Relationships, Faith, Health & Wellness - it’s all overwhelming and there’s no clear map to guide you. 🗺️ But what if there was?  Visit our website to start your transformation. Your journey to a fuller, more vibrant life is just a click away: https://barbaro360.com/  Join our free Skool community and connect with a fast-growing network of like-minded individuals: https://www.skool.com/barbaro360  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    25 min
  4. The Investment You Didn't Want (But Needed) 💸 | Teaching Kids to Invest

    12/25/2025

    The Investment You Didn't Want (But Needed) 💸 | Teaching Kids to Invest

    In this episode, Gino and Michael Barbaro revisit that pivotal moment. Michael shares the anger he felt seeing his bank account drop to nearly zero, and the realization that followed when the monthly checks started rolling in. They discuss why "skin in the game" is the best teacher, how to use peer influence for good, and a simple framework for parents to teach their kids about money without being overbearing. We also break down simple financial concepts like Gross vs. Net Income using a farm analogy (eggs and honey!) to make it relatable for kids. Key Takeaways: ✅ The Marshall Amp Story: The battle between immediate gratification (buying a toy) vs. delayed gratification (investing for cash flow). ✅ Peer Influence: Why kids often listen to outside mentors more than their own parents, and how to use that to your advantage. ✅ Skin in the Game: Michael explains why losing money or seeing a bank balance drop teaches you more than any book ever could. ✅ The "Why" Matters: Smart people have answers; wise people ask the right questions. How Michael’s questions about the investment led to better KPIs for the business. Let's Connect! Question of the Day: What is one purchase you made as a teenager that you wish you had invested instead? Let us know in the comments below! 👇 Personal finance, Relationships, Faith, Health & Wellness - it’s all overwhelming and there’s no clear map to guide you. 🗺️ But what if there was?  Visit our website to start your transformation. Your journey to a fuller, more vibrant life is just a click away: https://barbaro360.com/  Join our free Skool community and connect with a fast-growing network of like-minded individuals: https://www.skool.com/barbaro360  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    21 min
  5. Why You Still Feel BROKE (Even With a Big Paycheck) 💸 | Parkinson's Law Explained

    12/11/2025

    Why You Still Feel BROKE (Even With a Big Paycheck) 💸 | Parkinson's Law Explained

    We explore Parkinson’s Law—the idea that your spending rises to meet your income—and how the "dopamine rush" of buying new things keeps us trapped in a scarcity mindset. From the power of charitable giving to the importance of tracking your "monthly burn rate," this episode gives you the mental frameworks to stop feeling broke and start building a legacy. Key Takeaways: 🔸 Parkinson’s Law: Why earning more money often leads to spending more money, leaving you feeling just as broke as before. 🔹 The Dopamine Trap: Understanding why we buy things we don't need (like that flat-screen TV) for a fleeting rush, and how to pause before purchasing. 🔸 Scarcity vs. Abundance: How giving money away (even when you think you can't afford it) can actually break the cycle of feeling poor. 🔹 The Power of Vision: The story of the swimmer in the fog and why you need a clear financial "shoreline" to keep going. Question of the Day: If you received a $20,000 raise tomorrow, what is the first thing your gut tells you to do with it? Let us know in the comments below! 👇 Personal finance, Relationships, Faith, Health & Wellness - it’s all overwhelming and there’s no clear map to guide you. 🗺️ But what if there was?  Visit our website to start your transformation. Your journey to a fuller, more vibrant life is just a click away: https://barbaro360.com/  Join our free Skool community and connect with a fast-growing network of like-minded individuals: https://www.skool.com/barbaro360  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    22 min
  6. Insurance, Budgets & Car Loans: What We ACTUALLY Agree With Dave Ramsey On

    11/20/2025

    Insurance, Budgets & Car Loans: What We ACTUALLY Agree With Dave Ramsey On

    On this episode of The Happy Money Podcast, we explore the core concepts from Dave Ramsey that resonate with us, starting with the crucial importance of a term life insurance policy for family protection. We break down the power of budgeting (or having a "spending plan") to plug the "tiniest holes" in your financial ship, and why car loans for depreciating assets are one of the dumbest things you can do. We also discuss the mindset traps of "keeping up with the Joneses" and why investing every dollar, no matter how small, is how you start to win in life. 🔑 Key Takeaways- ✅ Term Life Insurance is Essential Protection: Every individual needs a basic term life insurance policy to ensure their family receives a death benefit if something happens, offering protection even though 99% of policies are never used. ✅ Budgeting/Spending Plans Save 15-20%: Creating a written budget and assigning every dollar a purpose (even for spending) is critical for financial control and can save you significant amounts of money by plugging the "holes" where money leaks out. ✅ Car Loans are a Financial Trap: Borrowing money for a depreciating asset (like a car) is financially destructive; avoiding car payments helps you save and invest money that would otherwise be wasted on interest and asset depreciation. What is the single most important action you can take this week to align your spending with your long-term financial goals? Personal finance, Relationships, Faith, Health & Wellness - it’s all overwhelming and there’s no clear map to guide you. 🗺️ But what if there was?  Visit our website to start your transformation. Your journey to a fuller, more vibrant life is just a click away: https://barbaro360.com/  Join our free Skool community and connect with a fast-growing network of like-minded individuals: https://www.skool.com/barbaro360  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    23 min
  7. 👨‍👦 Raising Entrepreneurs: Mistakes, Money, and the "One Day" a Son Taught His Dad

    11/06/2025

    👨‍👦 Raising Entrepreneurs: Mistakes, Money, and the "One Day" a Son Taught His Dad

    Gino opens up about being an overbearing dad and the struggle to let his son make mistakes—a necessary part of the learning process. Michael shares a powerful story of how his dad forced him to invest his savings instead of buying a third guitar amplifier, a moment of delayed gratification that was an inflection point for his financial future. We also tackle tough topics like when to fire a bad bookkeeper (even when you're comfortable) and why every mother is the pinnacle of entrepreneurship. 🔑 Key Takeaways- ✅ Permission to Fail: Parents must give their kids space to "mess up" on small things. Protecting them from every minor mistake (like a bad LLC filing) prevents them from learning the necessary skills and discernment to succeed in business. ✅ Delayed Gratification is Core Entrepreneurship: Teaching children to prioritize investment opportunities (like real estate deals) over immediate wants (like an expensive amplifier) instills the crucial habit of delayed gratification that drives long-term wealth creation. ✅ Entrepreneurs are Value Creators (Moms Included): The core definition of an entrepreneur is someone who takes on risk, creates value for others, and finds ways to fund their mission—a definition that perfectly describes a mission-driven mother running a household or an artist selling their work. What is the one mistake you will commit to letting your child (or a mentee) make this week so they can learn a critical business lesson?   Personal finance, Relationships, Faith, Health & Wellness - it’s all overwhelming and there’s no clear map to guide you. 🗺️ But what if there was?  Visit our website to start your transformation. Your journey to a fuller, more vibrant life is just a click away: https://barbaro360.com/  Join our free Skool community and connect with a fast-growing network of like-minded individuals: https://www.skool.com/barbaro360  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    20 min
  8. AI vs. Human Coach: How to Use AI to Master Your Workflow

    10/26/2025

    AI vs. Human Coach: How to Use AI to Master Your Workflow

    Key Takeaways-   ✔️ Curiosity is the Currency: Don't let fear keep you from learning AI—it's an evolution, not an option, just like the transition from horses to cars.   ✔️ Prep, Plan, Brainstorm: AI is a powerful tool for rapidly gathering market data, underwriting deals, drafting contract summaries, and getting a starting point for complex tasks.   ✔️ Human Connection is King: For true growth, accountability, and navigating complex personal and business scenarios, a human coach or mentor is irreplaceable.   ✔️ Start Small: The best way to adopt AI is by asking: "What's the one task I hate doing that AI could do for me?" This approach prevents overwhelm and builds confidence. Personal finance, Relationships, Faith, Health & Wellness - it’s all overwhelming and there’s no clear map to guide you. 🗺️ But what if there was?  Visit our website to start your transformation. Your journey to a fuller, more vibrant life is just a click away: https://barbaro360.com/  Join our free Skool community and connect with a fast-growing network of like-minded individuals: https://www.skool.com/barbaro360  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    21 min
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Financial health & money mindset with Gino & Michael Barbaro. Real-world tips on budgeting, debt, saving, investing, and real estate to grow wealth and reduce money stress.

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