Money for Life with Eric Roberge, CFP

Eric Roberge, CFP & Beyond Your Hammock
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Money for Life helps high-earning professionals and executives in their 30s and 40s build wealth with intention and clarity. Hosted by Kali and Eric Roberge, CFP®, this podcast shares real-world strategies to reduce lifetime taxes, invest wisely, and make confident money decisions. Hear case studies, expert interviews, and practical Q&As that help you align your finances with the life you want—today and in the future.

  1. 2D AGO

    Get More College Financial Aid: How to Maximize Scholarships and Minimize Costs with Jack Wang

    Join us as we dive deep into college planning, including how to pick your perfect college, reduce how much it costs, and maximize the financial aid available to you with college planning expert Jack Wang. Uncover the insider strategies that can dramatically reduce what you pay for your child's college education with Jack's unique insights from his meetings with college admissions and financial aid directors across the country. Jack explains how and why every institution approaches aid differently -- and how knowing that can help your family gain more leverage over the college selection and funding process. In this episode, Eric and Jack walk you through: The importance of starting college planning in freshman year of high school (not junior year!), as starting sooner can open up significantly more financial opportunities The critical difference between maximizing aid and optimizing how you pay for college Why flexible savings strategies often outperform traditional 529 plans Jack also shares advanced tax strategies including leveraging appreciated stock, accessing the American Opportunity Tax Credit, and why aligning your child's extracurriculars with their intended major matters more than you think. Whether you're a high-income earner wondering if you'll qualify for any aid at all, or a parent just beginning to think about college costs, this episode provides actionable strategies to help you play the college financial aid game and come out on top. KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Start planning for college financial aid earlier than you think: Begin college financial planning by freshman year of high school to maximize aid opportunities, not junior or senior year when most families think they should start touring schools or looking into scholarships and aid options. Remember that college choice has big implications in this process, too! 2. Know that every college handles aid differently: There's no universal formula that all universities follow. Each institution has its own approach to financial aid and scholarships based on their values and objectives. Families and students should seek to understand the approach to aid and scholarships of the particular schools they are considering. 3. Keep college savings dollars flexible: While 529 plans are designed for college savings and do offer tax benefits, you probably want to avoid locking all the funds you're setting aside for college costs into 529 plans. Having flexibility in non-college-specific accounts can actually help you qualify for more aid without penalties. 4. There are two distinct, and critical, questions for parents and students to answer when it comes to planning for college costs. As part of your planning strategy, you'll want to understand: How to maximize aid to bring down costs What's the best way to actually pay for college (including advanced tax strategies) College planning is like buying a car, in that there are different pieces of the puzzle to navigate and the order in which you do that matters. First, you'll want to negotiate the best price (maximize aid). That will help you then determine the optimal payment method. 5. Align your child's extracurriculars with their intended major if you can: For top-tier schools, your child's activities should demonstrate genuine interest in their planned field of study, starting as early as middle school.  6. Advanced strategies exist for high earners: Even families with significant income can reduce college costs through strategic use of appreciated stock, timing, and tax credit optimization. Ready to create, use, and enjoy money for life? Request a complimentary consultation with us at BYH and discover how to optimize your investments, reduce your tax burden, and grow your wealth: https://beyondyourhammock.com/schedule

    50 min

  2. JAN 26

    Steal This Financial Order of Operations: A Financial Planner's Cash Flow Operating System

    Pull back the curtain on a financial advisor's personal quarterly financial planning process. In this episode, Eric and Kali share the exact order of operations they use to manage their own money and how that translates to the advice they give their wealth management clients. This is a proven process to steal and use for yourself if you want a systematic way to stay on track with both short-term spending and long-term wealth building. Tune in and discover: How everything stems from what your savings rate looks like, and why it's a non-negotiable (this is how you put that advice to "pay yourself first" into action) How they structure their quarterly money meetings together Strategies to help you balance competing financial priorities, avoid lifestyle inflation, and create "healthy friction" that keeps you motivated without feeling deprived Whether you're managing RSU vesting schedules, quarterly bonuses, or a regular paycheck, this practical framework will help you make intentional choices with your cash flow and feel confident about your financial decisions. KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Save first, spend second: Prioritize how much you contribute to long-term growth assets (like your investment portfolio within your retirement accounts and taxable investment accounts you commit to letting grow over time) before anything else to ensure long-term goals don't get shortchanged by present-day lifestyle spending 2. Use percentage-based savings, not dollar amounts: Keeping your savings rate as a percentage of income keeps everything relative. It allows your savings rate to reasonably fluctuate based on what you actually earn, so you're always saving what you should to stay on track to the financial success you want to realize in the future. 3. The order in which you deploy your dollars matters! Don't spend first and hope you have enough left over to save later. Here's the order of operations we use, as professional financial planners, with our own personal finances: Understand gross income for the quarter (you might want to do this monthly, depending on how you get paid) Contribute to long-term investments (at least 25% of income) Account for taxes owed and set aside into savings fund dedicated to tax bill (due via quarterly estimates and annual filing) Pay fixed expenses Allocate money toward variable needs-based spending Fund short-term goals and pending needs Whatever is left over, spend freely and with zero guilt on discretionary wants 4, Set aside non-monthly expenses proactively: Move money into separate accounts or track it in a spreadsheet so annual bills don't disrupt your monthly cash flow. We like to keep this money slightly hidden away, in a separate account (and sometimes even a separate bank!) to reduce any temptation to pull from these funds for something other than its stated purpose. 5. Put choice spending at the end of your planning process not the beginning: This creates "healthy friction" that motivates you to examine your regular spending when discretionary funds fall short – versus ignoring the problem and continuing to spend even if you don't have money "left over" to save. 6. Choose the meeting timing that makes sense for you: Align your financial planning meetings with how you actually receive income (bonuses, RSUs, distributions, etc). Ready to create, use, and enjoy money for life? Request a complimentary consultation with us at BYH and discover how to optimize your investments, reduce your tax burden, and grow your wealth: https://beyondyourhammock.com/schedule

    37 min
  3. When Estate Planning Goes Wrong - and How You Can Get It Right with Estate Planning Attorney Michael Broderick

    JAN 12

    When Estate Planning Goes Wrong - and How You Can Get It Right with Estate Planning Attorney Michael Broderick

    Estate planning isn't just for the ultra-wealthy or elderly or "other people who need it but not me." It's a critical financial planning step for anyone who is trying to build their wealth who also wants to protect their loved ones - particularly children who are minors. Eric Roberge, CFP sits down with estate planning attorney Michael Broderick to demystify the estate planning process and reveal what mid-career professionals really need to know about having an estate plan, including: The biggest misconception people have about estate planning Why this kind of protection planning so important within the framework of an overall financial plan What goes wrong when you DON'T have an estate plan in place What actually makes up an estate plan for someone in their 30s and 40s  How to determine when you need an attorney (and when you don't) The challenges with online estate planning services and make-a-will websites Eric and Michael also look at the unique considerations for younger clients with young families, including how to deal with digital assets like cryptocurrencies, online banking, social media, digital photos, and credit card points. Michael breaks down the common misconceptions about estate plans, explaining why they're not just about "who gets what" but rather a comprehensive set of decisions about guardianship, financial management, and healthcare. He shares practical insights on choosing guardians and trustees for minor children, the difference between joint and individual trusts, and why coordinating your estate plan with your actual assets is absolutely critical. You'll also learn about the pitfalls of online estate planning services, when to have important conversations with both your children and aging parents, and the one thing everyone should do right now (even without a formal estate plan!) to protect their loved ones. Whether you're just starting to think about estate planning or looking to update an existing plan, this conversation provides the clarity and actionable guidance you need to move forward with confidence. KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Estate planning is for everyone You don't need millions or a countryside manor to need an estate plan. An estate is simply your bundle of decisions about care, custody, and assets. Everyone has decisions to make around these components of your financial and family life. 2. Guardianship requires careful thought Choosing who will raise your minor children if something happens to you is often the most difficult estate planning decision. Consider separating the guardian role (physical custody) from the trustee role (financial management) if different people are better suited for each. 3. Documents alone aren't enough The real value of estate planning isn't the documents themselves. It's the planning process that coordinates your documents with your actual assets. Without proper coordination, your estate plan may fail to accomplish your goals. 4. Avoid online shortcuts While online estate planning services may seem cost-effective, they typically lack the critical planning component that ensures your documents align with your real-life assets, accounts, and family situation. 5. Fund your trust properly! One of the most common estate planning failures is creating a trust but never retitling assets into it or updating beneficiary designations. This simple oversight can derail your entire plan. 6. Update beneficiary designations periodically Even without a formal estate plan, keeping beneficiary designations current on retirement accounts, life insurance, and brokerage accounts can help 95% of your assets transfer smoothly outside of probate. 7. Have estate planning conversations early Talk with nominated guardians and trustees about your expectations before a crisis occurs. Also, encourage aging parents to complete basic documents like healthcare proxies and powers of attorney to avoid court-appointed guardianships or conservatorships. Ready to create, use, and enjoy money for life? Request a complimentary consultation with us at BYH and discover how to optimize your investments, reduce your tax burden, and grow your wealth: https://beyondyourhammock.com/schedule

    47 min
  4. Are Your Investing Expectations Aligned with Reality? What Good Investing Actually Looks Like

    12/29/2025

    Are Your Investing Expectations Aligned with Reality? What Good Investing Actually Looks Like

    There's often a big disconnect between what investors expect from the market… and the reality of what good, long-term, properly risk-adjusted investing looks and feels like. Today, we're tackling that divide to bridge the gap. This conversation provides the education and insights you need to set reasonable expectations and start making better investment decisions. Expect to hear: Why chasing returns often backfires for average investors How volatility is a normal part of a healthy market What you should actually expect things to look and feel like when your sound investment strategy is working as it should We also discuss different investment approaches, from technical analysis to Warren Buffett's fundamental strategy, before digging into why most people can't (and shouldn't) use these methods with their personal savings. And as always, we go beyond just the numbers and the financial details to look at the emotional challenges investors face during market downturns and share insights on building a resilient, goal-based investment strategy that can weather the inevitable storms ahead. KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Volatility is normal, and you should expect it A healthy market goes up, down, and sideways. The expectation that portfolios should only go up is unrealistic, and can lead to poor decision making when you find reality doesn't align with this misplaced assumption.  2. Chasing returns usually puts you behind, not ahead  When you see big returns somewhere in the market and scramble to change your portfolio to try and get a piece of the action, you're often too late. You're making this decision based on hindsight, rather than understanding markets are forward looking. What goes up does not necessarily always goes up (and randomly picking specific stocks or assets can create more trouble than its worth it if means over-concentration and more volatility within your portfolio). 3. How to know you're "doing investing right"? It feels boring If your investment strategy is appropriate for your personal situation, it's probably going to feel slow and boring. If you need thrills and excitement, your portfolio is not the place to seek that out. 4. Different strategies exist for different purposes Technical analysis, fundamental analysis, and indexing all have their place, but professional fund managers have different risk capacities than individuals investing their own nest eggs. 5. Your time horizon matters more than market timing Long-term investing means decades, not weeks or months. Success is measured by whether you achieve your financial goals, not by beating your neighbor's returns. 6. Prepare for emotional challenges ahead Investing is hard. Doing it for the long-term is even more so. The next prolonged market downturn, which we haven't seen in nearly two decades, will test investors' resolve. Having a sound strategy in place before emotions take over is crucial for staying the course. Ready to create, use, and enjoy money for life? Request a complimentary consultation with us at BYH and discover how to optimize your investments, reduce your tax burden, and grow your wealth: https://beyondyourhammock.com/schedule

    28 min
  5. 5 Money Questions You're Not Asking (But Should Be)

    12/15/2025

    5 Money Questions You're Not Asking (But Should Be)

    What's your first money memory? How much are you ACTUALLY saving each year? Where do you have a hard time using your money? These kinds of financial questions rarely come up in conversation, but they are critical to ask, consider, and consider what your answers mean for your money. Discover how your earliest money memories (often from ages 3-7) are still running your financial decision-making today, why most people can't answer how much they're really saving, and how to build a money management system that works with your emotions instead of against them. Eric and Kali also share their own money memories and reveal what percentage of their income they save each year. Whether you're struggling to spend, save, invest, or give, this episode will help you uncover the hidden beliefs and patterns influencing your financial life—and give you the clarity to make better decisions aligned with what truly matters to you. KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Early experiences around money shape your financial behavior throughout your life. Most people's money beliefs are formed between ages 3-7 and continue to unconsciously drive financial decisions decades later. Asking about your first money memory is a starting point to uncovering some deeper drivers that may influence the decisions you make without you realizing. It's not about judging these memories or trying to change them. It's simply about bringing awareness to them, so you can be more intentional (versus reactive or reflexive) with your choices moving forward. 2. Track your savings rate, not just dollars saved. A lot of people ask "how much should I save?" Very few people know precisely how much they save every year and an even smaller amount calibrate that number to their income. By setting your target as a percentage of income versus dollar amount, you can keep your long-term goals on track and always relative to the money you made in a particular year. 3. Focus on what you can control. Your savings rate is within your control; market returns are not. Consistent savers outperform those chasing investment "moonshots" 4. Build an intentional money management system. Create objective processes and structures first, then layer in emotions as choices rather than letting emotions lead your decisions. We can't let spreadsheet math dominate the decision-making, but we do need to get grounded in financial reality first. Having solid frameworks can help you play and provide room for error without derailing your entire plan. 5. The signal will always be subjective. It's good advice to "find the signal in the noise," but the challenge is there are many valid signals. Which one to tune into? To determine the frequency that's best for you, start by defining your values and priorities. That will help you narrow down the potential options to ones that actually align with what you're trying to accomplish. Ready to create, use, and enjoy money for life? Request a complimentary consultation with us at BYH and discover how to optimize your investments, reduce your tax burden, and grow your wealth: https://beyondyourhammock.com/schedule

    37 min
  6. How to Navigate Current Economic Conditions: Managing Your Money Well Through Uncertain Times

    12/01/2025

    How to Navigate Current Economic Conditions: Managing Your Money Well Through Uncertain Times

    Whether you're worried about losing your job, concerned about your investments, or just feeling uncertain about the economy, this episode gives you a clear action plan to turn anxiety into productive financial decisions. "How do I navigate the current economic uncertainty?" This was the most-requested topic at a recent conference we attended. If you're wondering the same, you're clearly not alone. Instead of worrying, get a strategy in place so you know you can ride out any uncertain times that may lie ahead. We're explaining what recessions actually are (versus what people often assume they are), why they're a normal part of economic cycles, and most importantly, how to protect your finances without making emotional decisions you'll regret. You'll learn why the stock market and recessions don't move in sync the way you'd expect, the critical difference between managing your long-term investments versus short-term cash flow, and practical steps to recession-proof your finances: from building the right emergency fund to knowing when (and when not) to adjust your spending. We talk through:  What defines a recession (and why it takes 6+ months to officially call one) Why you shouldn't change your long-term investment strategy during market downturns The truth about "buying the dip" and dollar-cost averaging How much emergency savings you really need during uncertain times Why it's helpful to create a bare-bones budget for worst-case scenarios When to pause big financial decisions versus when to move forward Visit beyondyourhammock.com/schedule to request a free one-page financial plan and explore working with us. KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Recessions are normal part of market cycles (not signs of the end times). We can't predict their exact timing or triggers, but we do know to expect recessions to happen periodically. 2. Market corrections are not the same as recessions. The stock market often declines before a recession is announced and recovers before it officially ends. Making investment changes based on recession fears typically backfires. 3. Separate long-term planning from short-term cash flow. Your retirement accounts and your monthly budget require different strategies during uncertain times. 4. If you have a plan, stick to it. If your investment strategy was designed to weather market cycles, don't abandon it when emotions run high. If you don't have a plan, get one before making reactive decisions. 5. Keep contributing to retirement accounts. Dollar-cost averaging during downturns means you're buying more shares at lower prices, which benefits you when markets recover. 6. If you're worried about economic uncertainty, build (or boost) your emergency fund. Having 3-6 months of expenses in cash provides peace of mind. The best action you can take if you're worried about your finances is to proactively increase your cash cushion. 7. And be strategic about big financial decisions. Another proactive step to take is to think long and hard about any pending financial decision (particularly one that will lock in something you can't easily reverse, put a big fixed cost in your cash flow, or both). You don't have to pause your entire life, but be mindful about major expenditures or income changes during uncertain periods. 8. Time in the market beats timing the market. Staying invested through ups and downs has historically outperformed trying to predict the perfect moments to buy and sell. Having objective guidance can help you stick to a sound strategy, too. Working with a financial advisor helps you see blind spots and make decisions based on your specific situation, not fear or media hype. Ready to create, use, and enjoy money for life? Request a complimentary consultation with us at BYH and discover how to optimize your investments, reduce your tax burden, and grow your wealth: https://beyondyourhammock.com/schedule

    33 min

  7. 11/17/2025

    Using Money to Buy Back Time: Smart Strategies for Outsourcing Across Your Life

    Are you constantly running on empty, juggling work, family, and endless household tasks? Then you may need to take advantage of an often-underutilized strategy for high-earning professionals: use your money to buy back your time. No, you should NOT do everything yourself, and we don't believe outsourcing is some kind of sign of moral failing or judgment on your inability to successfully manage things on your own. The truth is, using your money to buy back time is a strategic investment in what matters most. Discover how to create a "shed column" to identify which tasks are draining your time and energy, calculate the ROI of outsourcing using your hourly rate, and overcome the guilt many feel about asking for help. Throughout this episode, we share personal examples of how we've done this in our own life, including the biggest investment in ourselves and our time that we've made to date: hiring a house manager. We also explain the surprising benefits that you may not think of when trying to calculate ROI, like less stress in our relationship and modeling healthy boundaries for our daughter. Whether you're drowning in meal planning, house cleaning, or endless errands, this episode provides a practical framework for evaluating what to outsource first and how to make it work within your budget. Learn why investing in time (not just accumulating wealth on paper) might be the most valuable financial decision you can make, especially during your peak earning years when time with young children is most precious. KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Start with your values, not your budget: Before deciding what to outsource, identify what matters most to you emotionally and practically. We didn't hire a nanny because spending time with our daughter was a top priority, but we DID outsource household tasks like cleaning, meal prep, and errands to create more family time. 2. Use the "shed column" strategy to prioritize: Create a list of everything you currently do, then move tasks you hate or shouldn't be doing into a "shed column." Prioritize outsourcing based on two factors: what's cheapest to delegate and what you despise doing most. This list can even become a job posting for a house manager or part-time assistant. 3. Think of outsourcing as leverage, not just spending: If your hourly rate is $300 and you pay someone $100 to handle household tasks, you're gaining an hour of higher-value time back. Even if you're not using that time to work more, you're investing in experiences and relationships, which has immeasurable value. 4. Don't assume there's no one to help you with your "shed" tasks. There are many people who enjoy this work and have the availability for part-time hours. 5. The mental load relief is as valuable as the time itself: Beyond the hours saved, outsourcing eliminates the cognitive burden of managing endless details—like creating grocery lists, tracking household supplies, or coordinating schedules. This mental space allows you to be more present with family and more effective at work. 6. Outsourcing reduces household tension and models healthy boundaries: When you're not constantly overwhelmed, you're less snippy with your partner and can enjoy quality time together. Your children also learn that it's okay to ask for help and create life balance, rather than viewing the "rat race" as inevitable. 7. The opportunity cost is real during peak earning years: The years when you need to be most present at work (peak earning years) often coincide with when your kids are young and need you most. Using money to outsource everything else during this critical window lets you focus on what truly can't be delegated—building your career and your relationship with your children. Ready to create, use, and enjoy money for life? Request a complimentary consultation with us at BYH and discover how to optimize your investments, reduce your tax burden, and grow your wealth: https://beyondyourhammock.com/schedule

    32 min
  8. Understanding Long Term Investing: What It Actually Means and Requires to Work for You

    11/03/2025

    Understanding Long Term Investing: What It Actually Means and Requires to Work for You

    Everyone says "invest for the long term" and "stay the course"—but what does that actually mean? When the market drops 12% within a few weeks, is your 10-year timeline really "long-term enough"?  In this episode, Eric and Kali cut through the vague advice and give you specific numbers: how many years you actually need, what returns to expect, and why being a long-term investor is one of the hardest things you'll do with your money. Through real market data spanning 30 years, plus examples from the tariff-induced volatility of 2025, Eric and Kali explain why staying invested through full market cycles (which will cover both highs and lows) is hard but necessary—and how to actually do it without losing your mind. Whether you're just starting to invest or wondering if you should wait for the "right time" to put cash to work, this episode gives you the framework to build a portfolio that works with and through market cycles, rather than trying to chase the impossible goal of beating them. KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. When you talk about long-term investing, you need to think in decades rather than years. Although something like 5 years can feel like a considerable amount of time, it's quite quick in the investment world. We often tell clients that money they invest should be committed to the market for at least 10 years, and ideally, much longer. The longer your time horizon, the more confident you can feel about your ability to ride out market volatility and normal market movements (which can include downturns). 2. Cash drag will cost you. You cannot leave excess cash sitting on the sidelines because it will lose purchasing power over the decades thanks to inflation. While all investing carries risk, so does failing to participate in the markets at all. 3. Your investment portfolio will not make up for a poor savings habit. You can't rely on investment returns to make up for a lack of saving. Success comes from successfully doing the little things, the average thing, over an un-average amount of time. Consistency over 30 years is the real wealth builder. 4. Don't check your portfolio obsessively. Monthly or daily checking amplifies emotional reactions; annual check-ins help maintain perspective. 5. Get a plan before chaos hits. It's nearly impossible to stay calm during the biggest market downturns without a strategy already in place… especially because those dips and volatility often. 6. Lump sum beats dollar-cost averaging 60%+ of the time. If you have cash to invest, data shows getting it in the market immediately usually outperforms waiting. 7. Staying in the market outperforms market timing and sitting in cash. The numbers paint a clear picture: investors who try to jump in and out of the market end up missing the best days. Even if they also miss some of the worst, failing to experience the peaks is more costly than dodging some of the downturn. Ready to create, use, and enjoy money for life? Request a complimentary consultation with us at BYH and discover how to optimize your investments, reduce your tax burden, and grow your wealth: https://beyondyourhammock.com/schedule

    41 min
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About

Money for Life helps high-earning professionals and executives in their 30s and 40s build wealth with intention and clarity. Hosted by Kali and Eric Roberge, CFP®, this podcast shares real-world strategies to reduce lifetime taxes, invest wisely, and make confident money decisions. Hear case studies, expert interviews, and practical Q&As that help you align your finances with the life you want—today and in the future.

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