What No One Taught Us

Casey Bettencourt, CFP®
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Investing
  • Updated Semimonthly

No more ‘fake it till you make it’- WNOTU is here to teach you the money lessons we missed somewhere between algebra and adulthood. We’re ditching confusion and building real confidence, one simple step at a time.

Episodes

  1. May 29

    Open Enrollment Panic: Picking the Right Health Plan

    Open enrollment season is approaching, and somehow health insurance terms still sound like they were designed to confuse us on purpose. Don't panic!! In this episode, we’re breaking down how to actually choose the right health insurance plan in plain English. We cover deductibles, copays, HMOs vs. PPOs, high-deductible health plans, HSAs, and how to think through what plan actually makes sense for your life and budget. Whether you’re picking benefits for the first time, getting off your parents’ insurance soon, or just tired of choosing a plan at random every year, this episode will help you feel way more confident heading into open enrollment.

    21 min

  2. May 15

    The 401(k) Playbook

    On this episode of WNOTU we’re breaking down your 401(k), because “just contribute to it” is not enough information. We break down: how employer matching actually workshow much you should be contributingRoth vs. pre-tax contributionsand how to choose investments without feeling overwhelmedIf you’ve ever opened your 401(k) portal and immediately wanted to close the tab… this episode is for you. The information in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as financial advice. I’m a Certified Financial Planner™, but I’m not your planner- so please consult a professional who knows yourunique situation before making any financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Viewsexpressed are my own and do not reflect the views of Bethesda Financial Advisors, LLC.

    28 min

  3. Feb 13

    Credit Cards: How to Use Them WISELY

    Credit cards get a bad reputation, but when used intentionally, they can be one of the most powerful financial tools in your wallet. In this episode, we’re talking about why credit cards matter, how they help you build credit, protect your purchases, and unlock valuable perks like cash back and travel rewards. We’ll break down the real benefits, the real risks, clear up common misconceptions, and talk about how to use credit cards confidently and responsibly. Whether you’re new to credit or looking to better understand how it fits into yourfinancial life, there is something here for everyone. Resources to explore: Looking for a deeper dive into credit card rewards and points strategies? Check out Frequent Miler or ThePoints Guy Best Cash Back Credit CardsBest Travel Credit CardsSource citation (U.S. Credit Card Debt Data):According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s Quarterly Report on Household Debt and Credit, total outstanding **U.S. credit card balances reached about $1.23 trillion in the third quarter of 2025.

    29 min

  4. Jan 21

    Saving When You Don't Make Bank

    Saving money can feel impossible when you’re not making a huge salary, especially with rising costs and everyday expenses. In this episode, we talk about how to save when money feels tight, why traditional budgeting rules don’t always fit real life, and how to build better habits without guilt or perfection. We cover practical strategies like tracking your spending, paying yourself first, adapting the 50/30/20 rule, managing debt, and finding small ways to create breathing room, even if saving 20% feels out of reach. This episode is all about realistic expectations, progress over perfection, and building a system that works for you. If you’re trying to save, live your life, and not feel behind all at once, this one’s for you. SOURCES The Economic Policy Institute (EPI) Family Budget Calculator provides detailed estimates of what it actually costs to live modestly in U.S. metro areas. EPI Family Budget Calculator Overview & Documentation Independent analyses using data inspired by EPI estimate that a single adult in the U.S. might need roughly ~$106,000-$107,000 per year before taxes to livecomfortably by the 50-30-20 standard. Study: Income Needed to Live Comfortably in Every U.S. City(2025) The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports median weekly earnings — which can be multiplied by 52 to estimate annual wages. For example, the median weekly earning for full-time workers was roughly $1,159 in recent data. BLSMedian Weekly Earnings of Full‑Time Workers (2024) Historical rental data show that U.S. median rents have risen sharply from 2015 to 2025, with estimates of around a 54% increase over that period — meaning average rent costs are up well over half from ten years ago. Rent Inflation & U.S. Median Rent Data (2015–2025)

    23 min

  5. Jan 2

    Planning with Purpose: Setting Your 2026 Financial Goals

    In this episode, I’m tapping into my inner yoga instructorto bring you a conversation focused on setting a clear intention for the year ahead and breaking down how to turn that intention into financial goals that feel realistic, flexible, and aligned with your life. We’ll talk through what makes a good financial goal, the steps to take toward achieving it, and practical tips for staying consistent through the inevitable ups and downs of the year. Whether you’re focusing on saving, investing, paying down debt, or simply building more confidence around your finances, this episode will help you head into 2026 with clarity, intention, and a plan you can actually stick with.

    19 min

  6. 12/19/2025

    Investing 101

    Now that we’ve covered the building blocks of investing, it’s time to put everything together. In this episode, we take all of those pieces and turn them into a simple, practical investing framework you can actually use. We talk about why we invest in the first place, what to get in place before you start, why trying to time the market does not work, and what does. I also introduce my Confidence Ladder, a beginner-friendly way to think about building a portfoliothat matches your comfort level, whether you want investing to be totally hands-off or a little more involved. This episode is perfect if you are just getting started or if you want investing to feel clearer, calmer, and more doable. No hype, no fear, just solid principles you can build on.

    26 min

  7. 12/06/2025

    Stocks, ETFs, and Mutual Funds... Explained Simply

    In today’s episode of the WNOTU podcast, we’re breaking down the three core building blocks of investing: stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds. We’ll walk through: What the stock market actually is What it means to own a stock, and the difference between growth, value, and dividend companiesHow ETFs and mutual funds give you instant diversificationThe pros, cons, and key differences among all three investment vehiclesBy the end, you’ll have built a basic investing vocabulary, so you’re ready for our next episode, Investing 101! The information in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as financial advice. I’m a Certified Financial Planner™, but I’m not your planner- so please consult a professional who knows yourunique situation before making any financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Viewsexpressed are my own and do not reflect the views of Bethesda Financial Advisors, LLC.

    19 min

  8. 11/15/2025

    Why Compound Interest is Your Bestie

    The eighth wonder of the world: compound interest! a.k.a. your new financial bestie. We’re talking about what compound interest actually is, why it’s such a game-changer for building long-term wealth, and how to make sure it’s working for you (and not sneakily working against you). From simple examples to real-lifenumbers, you’ll see exactly how your money can grow quietly in the background while you live your life, and why starting early makes all the difference. By the end of this episode, you’ll understand: Why compound interest is the #1 driver of long-term wealthHow it can snowball your investments over timeHow to avoid letting it grow your debt insteadHow to outpace inflation and protect your future purchasing power The information in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as financial advice. I’m a Certified Financial Planner™, but I’m not your planner- so please consult a professional who knows yourunique situation before making any financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Viewsexpressed are my own and do not reflect the views of Bethesda Financial Advisors, LLC.

    11 min

  9. 10/31/2025

    The Roth IRA Advantage

    Heard people mention Roth IRAs but secretly have no idea what they are? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’re breaking it all down in plain English: what a Roth IRA is, why it’s a total win for your future self, and how to start onewithout feeling overwhelmed.

    34 min

  10. 10/15/2025

    The Money Pep Talk Every Woman Needs To Hear

    Feeling behind with money? You’re not alone, and this pep talk is your reset. In this episode we break down why so many smart, busy women weren’t taught this stuff, why confidence (not perfection) is the goal, and what we’ll build together thisseason in bite-size, engaging pieces. We’ll touch on the real gaps (education and access), the growing power women have in wealth, and why starting imperfectly still wins.   Say hi, send questions, or just follow along for the ride @whatnoonetaughtus on Instagram.   Sources mentioned: TIAA Institute & GFLEC, Personal Finance (P-Fin) Index - gender literacy gap. TIAA Fidelity, Women & Investing Study (2021)- women’s investing confidence and 10-year performance analysis. Fidelity McKinsey, Women as the Next Wave of Growth in U.S. Wealth Management- ~$30T wealth shift by 2030. McKinsey & Company  The information in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as financial advice. I'm a certified financial planner®, but I am not your planner, so please consult a professional who knows your unique situation before making any financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

    22 min
  • 10 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

No more ‘fake it till you make it’- WNOTU is here to teach you the money lessons we missed somewhere between algebra and adulthood. We’re ditching confusion and building real confidence, one simple step at a time.

Information

  • Creator
    Casey Bettencourt, CFP®
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Casey Bettencourt, CFP®
  • Show Website
    What No One Taught Us