Real Life Planning Podcast

Cynthia Meyer
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Real estate financial planners Cynthia Meyer & Vekevia Tillman-Jones explore practical steps for real estate investors to build financial freedom and make working for someone else optional.

  1. Doubling Your Business in a Difficult Real Estate Market with Erin Bradley

    12H AGO

    Doubling Your Business in a Difficult Real Estate Market with Erin Bradley

    In Episode 88 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Cynthia Meyer, CFA®, CFP®, ChFC®,  sits down with author, speaker, and coach Erin Bradley, to discuss what it really takes to grow a real estate sales or mortgage business in a challenging real estate market. Erin shares how she went from financial rock bottom to scaling a thriving mortgage business and coaching community. This conversation is about mindset, systems, and building a business that supports your life instead of consuming it. “If you replace insecurity with curiosity, you will always find a way to be of value.” — Erin Bradley This week on Real Life Planning Podcast: 💡How did Erin go from financial rock bottom to nearly doubling her mortgage business? [00:02:04] 💡What did the Go-Giver philosophy teach her about referrals and long-term growth? [00:05:10] 💡Why does burnout happen, and how can you scale without becoming the bottleneck? [00:06:43] 💡How can you shift from scarcity thinking to curiosity and contribution in a slow market? [00:15:01] 💡What does it really mean to expect success and build systems before you are overwhelmed by growth? [00:26:05] Takeaway Quotes: “Most people are trying to power through from a place of fear. But contribution creates opportunity.” — Erin Bradley “Every new level of revenue requires you to become a different business owner.” — Cynthia Meyer “You are not stuck. You are just operating from a story that needs to be rewritten.” — Erin Bradley Connect with Erin Bradley: Website: https://www.pursuingfreedom.comInstagramLinkedInYouTubeFacebookConnect with Real Life Planning: FacebookLinkedInBigger PocketsXInstagramPinterestEmail: podcast@reallifeplanning.com  The ReaL Life Planning Podcast is for educational purposes only. None of the information discussed is intended as investment, tax, accounting, or legal advice, nor as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, real property, or other securities or non-securities offering. Real Life Planning, LLC is an Investment Advisor registered with the States of New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, and California. All views, expressions, and opinions included in this communication are subject to change. This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy, or completeness of, any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. Our current disclosure brochure, Form ADV Part 2, is available for your review upon request, and on our website, REALLIFEPLANNING.COM.

    32 min
  2. Can You Have a Property Manager While You're Still Living There?

    FEB 24

    Can You Have a Property Manager While You're Still Living There?

    In Episode 87 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Vekevia Tillman-Jones, CFP®, MBA, tackles a question many house hackers ask quietly: Does it even make sense to pay for management if I’m on-site? With no judgment and no fluff, Vekevia explores when it’s smart, when it’s unnecessary, and how boundaries, energy, and lifestyle all factor into the decision. "  A property manager is not just for absentee landlords. It’s about systems and separation.” - Vekevia Tillman-Jones This week on Real Life Planning Podcast: 💡Why some house hackers consider hiring a property manager while living on-site [00:01:02] 💡How a property manager creates systems, separation, and emotional distance [00:03:06] 💡What property management fees actually cost, and how to decide if they’re worth it [00:04:39] 💡Hybrid options: partial management, unit-only management, or delayed management [00:05:41] 💡When hiring a manager doesn’t make sense, and how to think through the bigger picture [00:07:06] Takeaway Quotes: " Sometimes paying for support is like the smartest financial decision you can make. " — Vekevia Tillman-Jones " The best strategy is essentially one that fits your lifestyle and protects your energy and keeps you moving forward." — Vekevia Tillman-Jones Connect with Real Life Planning: FacebookLinkedInBigger PocketsXInstagramPinterestEmail: podcast@reallifeplanning.com   The ReaL Life Planning Podcast is for educational purposes only. None of the information discussed is intended as investment, tax, accounting, or legal advice, nor as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, real property, or other securities or non-securities offering. Real Life Planning, LLC is an Investment Advisor registered with the States of New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, and California. All views, expressions, and opinions included in this communication are subject to change. This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy, or completeness of, any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. Our current disclosure brochure, Form ADV Part 2, is available for your review upon request, and on our website, REALLIFEPLANNING.COM.

    10 min
  3. College Funding Strategy Lump Sum into a 529 Plan or a Rental Property

    FEB 24

    College Funding Strategy Lump Sum into a 529 Plan or a Rental Property

    In Episode 86 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Cynthia Meyer, CFP®, CFA®, ChFC®  speaks about one of the biggest early parenting financial decisions: front-loading a 529 plan or using that same lump sum as a down payment on a rental property. Drawing from her own experience as both a rental property owner and a parent who funded 529 plans at birth, Cynthia walks through the math, tax rules, FAFSA implications, leverage opportunities, liquidity risks, and long-term wealth tradeoffs of both strategies. This episode is a masterclass in using time and compounding to your advantage. "  When you have a newborn, you have the most valuable resource in education planning, time.” - Cynthia Meyer This week on Real Life Planning Podcast: 💡Why the first year after your child is born is the most powerful time to invest for college [00:02:21] 💡How 529 plans work, including tax benefits and flexibility if plans change [00:03:21] 💡How a rental property can use leverage, cash flow, and appreciation to fund education [00:08:36] 💡How FAFSA and CSS profile treat 529 plans versus rental properties [00:12:19] 💡When to choose a 529 vs. real estate [00:14:38] Takeaway Quotes: "  A lump sum invested at birth gives you 18 or 19 years of compound returns. Time is your best friend here."-Cynthia Meyer " Real estate might be passive for tax purposes, but it’s not passive in effort."- Cynthia Meyer Connect with Real Life Planning: FacebookLinkedInBigger PocketsXInstagramPinterestEmail: podcast@reallifeplanning.com  The ReaL Life Planning Podcast is for educational purposes only. None of the information discussed is intended as investment, tax, accounting, or legal advice, nor as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, real property, or other securities or non-securities offering. Real Life Planning, LLC is an Investment Advisor registered with the States of New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, and California. All views, expressions, and opinions included in this communication are subject to change. This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy, or completeness of, any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. Our current disclosure brochure, Form ADV Part 2, is available for your review upon request, and on our website, REALLIFEPLANNING.COM.

    17 min
  4. Don’t Let Your Down Payment Sit There Doing Nothing

    JAN 28

    Don’t Let Your Down Payment Sit There Doing Nothing

    In Episode 85 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Vekevia Tillman-Jones, CFP®, MBA, gets real about a costly mistake too many future homeowners and house hackers make—leaving their down payment in a basic savings account earning next to nothing. She breaks down exactly how to earn more on your money without investing it, using smart, safe options like high-yield savings accounts. "  Good habits compound just like interest. So don't let your money sit on the sidelines.” - Vekevia Tillman-Jones This week on Real Life Planning Podcast: 💡Why your down payment savings shouldn’t sit in a low-interest account [00:01:34] 💡How much more can you earn with a high-yield savings account? [00:02:51] 💡Where can you compare rates and find the best options? [00:04:08] 💡What should you consider before opening a new savings account? [00:06:02] 💡How did Vekevia make her own home savings work smarter, not harder? [00:07:37] Takeaway Quotes: "A high-yield savings account is a smart middle ground. You're not gambling—but you're not settling for pennies either." — Vekevia Tillman-Jones "It’s not about the amount saved—it’s about being intentional with what you’ve got." — Vekevia Tillman-Jones Connect with Real Life Planning: FacebookLinkedInBigger PocketsXInstagramPinterestEmail: podcast@reallifeplanning.com  The ReaL Life Planning Podcast is for educational purposes only. None of the information discussed is intended as investment, tax, accounting, or legal advice, nor as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, real property, or other securities or non-securities offering. Real Life Planning, LLC is an Investment Advisor registered with the States of New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, and California. All views, expressions, and opinions included in this communication are subject to change. This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy, or completeness of, any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. Our current disclosure brochure, Form ADV Part 2, is available for your review upon request, and on our website, REALLIFEPLANNING.COM.

    9 min
  5. Important Student Loan Changes with Kathleen Boyd

    JAN 22

    Important Student Loan Changes with Kathleen Boyd

    In Episode 84 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Cynthia Meyer, CFA®, CFP®, ChFC®, talks with Kathleen Boyd, CFP®, Certified Student Loan Professional (CSLP), and founder of Student Loan Savvy, who breaks down the new legislation that’s overhauling graduate and parent PLUS loans, income-driven repayment plans, and forgiveness programs. They talk through what students, parents, and advisors need to know right now to avoid costly mistakes and plan wisely for the future. “This bill is quietly one of the biggest student loan rewrites in decades.” — Kathleen Boyd This week on Real Life Planning Podcast: 💡What impact do student loans have on long-term financial goals? [00:01:30] 💡What is the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and what changes should borrowers expect? [00:3:02] 💡How might graduate and parent PLUS loans change under the new legislation? [00:07:42] 💡What should students and families do now to prepare for future changes? [00:13:18] 💡What are the new forgiveness and income-driven repayment rules you should know? [00:18:22] 💡What is the RAP Plan—and how does it differ from current options? [00:31:35] 💡What myths about loan forgiveness are hurting borrowers? [00:42:19] 💡What roles are no longer considered “professional” under new loan rules, and why does that matter? [00:48:30] Takeaway Quotes: "We can't just figure it out later. We need to be doing planning now.” — Kathleen Boyd " They may have an expensive private school in mind that's out of state. But you shouldn't jeopardize your own retirement by borrowing more than you can really afford." — Cynthia Meyer Connect with Kathleen Boyd: Website: Student Loan SavvyEmail: kathleen@studentloansavvy.com Connect with Real Life Planning: FacebookLinkedInBigger PocketsXInstagramPinterestEmail: podcast@reallifeplanning.com  The ReaL Life Planning Podcast is for educational purposes only. None of the information discussed is intended as investment, tax, accounting, or legal advice, nor as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, real property, or other securities or non-securities offering. Real Life Planning, LLC is an Investment Advisor registered with the States of New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, and California. All views, expressions, and opinions included in this communication are subject to change. This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy, or completeness of, any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. Our current disclosure brochure, Form ADV Part 2, is available for your review upon request, and on our website, REALLIFEPLANNING.COM.

    50 min
  6. Can You Afford a Home Today? Real Income Numbers You Need to Know

    JAN 14

    Can You Afford a Home Today? Real Income Numbers You Need to Know

    In Episode 83 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Vekevia Tillman-Jones, CFP®, MBA, discusses the real math lenders use to qualify homebuyers — and what that means for your income, debt, and loan type. With relatable examples, honest talk, and no fluff, Vekevia walks through realistic income thresholds, mortgage scenarios, and tips to make homeownership more achievable—even with today’s prices. " It's not that you're bad with money. It's not that you're failing. It's just that times have changed, and literally it's so much more expensive." — Vekevia Tillman-Jones This week on Real Life Planning Podcast: 💡How much income do you really need to buy a median-priced home today? [00:01:13] 💡What’s the difference between front-end and back-end debt-to-income ratios? [00:03:00] 💡Why does FHA financing often make the difference for first-time buyers? [00:06:15] 💡How do lenders view adding a co-borrower on a mortgage? [00:05:30] 💡What mindset shift do buyers need to navigate today’s market? [00:07:34] Takeaway Quotes: "Entry-level loans are stepping stones, not permanent labels.” –Vekevia Tillman-Jones " For a lot of first time home buyers, FHA is going to be the one that gets you in the door." — Vekevia Tillman-Jones Connect with Real Life Planning: FacebookLinkedInBigger PocketsXInstagramPinterestEmail: podcast@reallifeplanning.com  The ReaL Life Planning Podcast is for educational purposes only. None of the information discussed is intended as investment, tax, accounting, or legal advice, nor as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, real property, or other securities or non-securities offering. Real Life Planning, LLC is an Investment Advisor registered with the States of New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, and California. All views, expressions, and opinions included in this communication are subject to change. This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy, or completeness of, any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. Our current disclosure brochure, Form ADV Part 2, is available for your review upon request, and on our website, REALLIFEPLANNING.COM.

    8 min
  7. What Do Financially Independent Couples Have in Common?

    JAN 8

    What Do Financially Independent Couples Have in Common?

    In Episode 82 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Cynthia Meyer, CFP®, CFA®, ChFC®  shares eight key behaviors she’s observed across her clients who are financially successful couples. From avoiding lifestyle creep to tracking net worth and building multiple income streams, these practical habits are a roadmap for partners who want to become work-optional—together. "  The earlier in your relationship you can commit to living on one income, the more you can free up for savings and growth.” - Cynthia Meyer This week on Real Life Planning Podcast: 💡How do financially independent couples handle money differently? [00:00:17] 💡Why is living below your means a secret weapon for flexibility and growth? [00:02:00] 💡How does avoiding lifestyle creep help couples build long-term wealth? [00:04:41] 💡What mindset helps people bounce back from financial setbacks? [00:15:06] 💡Why do so many financially independent people choose to keep working? [00:17:00] Takeaway Quotes: "  Multiple income streams are more than a safety net—they’re a wealth-building engine."-Cynthia Meyer " The couples who succeed financially collaborate."- Cynthia Meyer Connect with Real Life Planning: FacebookLinkedInBigger PocketsXInstagramPinterestEmail: podcast@reallifeplanning.com  The ReaL Life Planning Podcast is for educational purposes only. None of the information discussed is intended as investment, tax, accounting, or legal advice, nor as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, real property, or other securities or non-securities offering. Real Life Planning, LLC is an Investment Advisor registered with the States of New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, and California. All views, expressions, and opinions included in this communication are subject to change. This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy, or completeness of, any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. Our current disclosure brochure, Form ADV Part 2, is available for your review upon request, and on our website, REALLIFEPLANNING.COM.

    18 min
  8. "Subject To" Financing: Risks and Benefits

    JAN 8

    "Subject To" Financing: Risks and Benefits

    In Episode 80 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Cynthia Meyer, CFP®, CFA®, ChFC®  reviews the creative strategy of "subject to" financing, where an investor takes over payments on a seller’s existing mortgage without assuming the loan. Cynthia breaks down how it works, who it's for (hint: definitely not beginners), and the legal and financial risks every real estate investor must understand before pursuing this advanced tactic. " The “subject to” financing strategy can be a powerful strategy for a certain slice of real estate investors, but it can also be dangerous depending on the execution.” - Cynthia Meyer This week on Real Life Planning Podcast: 💡What does “subject to” financing actually mean, and how does it work in real life? [00:01:55] 💡Who would sell their home this way—and why? [00:02:44] 💡What are the major benefits for experienced investors? [00:06:03] 💡What are the risks of “subject to” and what could go wrong? [00:07:40] 💡What best practices can reduce risk in a “subject to” transaction? [00:14:06] Takeaway Quotes: " This is really something that requires knowledge, strong systems, good legal support, lots and lots of cash reserves, and really good systems and processes to make this work."-Cynthia Meyer " It's a real estate business strategy. We've been seeing more about this as interest rates have gone up."- Cynthia Meyer Connect with Real Life Planning: FacebookLinkedInBigger PocketsXInstagramPinterestEmail: podcast@reallifeplanning.com  The ReaL Life Planning Podcast is for educational purposes only. None of the information discussed is intended as investment, tax, accounting, or legal advice, nor as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, real property, or other securities or non-securities offering. Real Life Planning, LLC is an Investment Advisor registered with the States of New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, and California. All views, expressions, and opinions included in this communication are subject to change. This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy, or completeness of, any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. Our current disclosure brochure, Form ADV Part 2, is available for your review upon request, and on our website, REALLIFEPLANNING.COM.

    16 min
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About

Real estate financial planners Cynthia Meyer & Vekevia Tillman-Jones explore practical steps for real estate investors to build financial freedom and make working for someone else optional.

Information

  • Creator
    Cynthia Meyer
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    89
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Real Life Planning Podcast
  • Show Website
    Real Life Planning Podcast