FIRE Social Worker Show

Joey Laswell

Welcome to The FIRE Social Worker Show, where financial independence meets compassion and purpose. Hosted by Joey Laswell, a Certified Financial Social Worker and military veteran, this podcast is your guide to building a brighter financial future while staying true to your values. Join us for candid conversations, actionable money tips, and inspiring stories from industry experts, military members, and everyday changemakers. Whether you’re a social worker, part of the military community, or simply seeking financial freedom, this show is here to empower you. It’s time to ignite your financial independence and create a lasting impact. Start your journey with The FIRE Social Worker Show!

  1. S3E3 - Learning When to Say No

    09/12/2025

    S3E3 - Learning When to Say No

    Send us a text Feeling like you're juggling chainsaws while riding a unicycle? You're not alone. Ambition is the double-edged sword many of us in helping professions wield daily. We care deeply, we aim high, and we often stretch ourselves beyond reasonable limits trying to meet every expectation. The result? We feel like we're failing everywhere despite our best efforts. This episode dives into the uncomfortable truth about trying to do it all. As social workers, parents, community members, and financial beings, we're told to excel in every arena simultaneously. Pay off debt, save for retirement, start side hustles, give back, spend quality time with family—the list never ends. But when everything becomes a priority, nothing truly is. I share my personal journey of reflection and the difficult process of saying no to good things that weren't the right things for me right now. Through practical steps like taking inventory of everything on your plate, sorting by impact versus effort, and learning to say no with love, I outline a path toward meaningful simplification that creates breathing room in both your schedule and your mind. The same principles apply beautifully to our financial lives. Rather than making minimal payments across multiple debts or chasing several side hustles simultaneously, focusing your energy on one priority creates momentum. And momentum builds hope—something we all need when facing overwhelming challenges. Ready to protect your energy and reclaim your focus? Join me in this honest conversation about doing less to accomplish more of what truly matters. What's one thing you can say no to this week to make space for your priorities? Support the show Please join me on my different platforms and follow along my journey towards FIRE. https://laswell.veteran.cards/

    6 min
  2. 03/14/2025

    Balancing Big Purchases While Managing Everyday Expenses Isn't Easy

    Send us a text Rob and Becky are facing the financial realities that many homeowners dread - multiple expensive home repairs colliding with everyday budget challenges. Their journey through pool repair financing and potential HVAC replacement decisions offers a candid look at how couples navigate significant financial choices together. When they discovered their grocery bill had already hit $400 halfway through the month despite actively trying to reduce spending, it highlighted how even careful budgeters can be surprised by inflation's impact on essentials. Add in an unexpected $500 car repair, and you've got the perfect financial storm that many households recognize all too well. The heart of their story revolves around securing financing for a $23,000-$25,000 pool repair with monthly payments of approximately $252. After researching options, they found an 8.9% interest rate over 15 years would be more favorable than a 10.9% rate over 20 years. Their approach to fitting this new payment into their budget demonstrates practical financial problem-solving - they plan to redirect funds currently going toward another account that will soon be paid off. What makes this couple's financial journey particularly relatable is their commitment to weekly "money dates" where they discuss finances together. This structured approach to financial communication has helped bridge their different money personalities - Becky's constant financial awareness versus Rob's preference to compartmentalize money discussions. Their honest exchanges about communication preferences show the human side of financial management that's rarely discussed but critically important. Looking for practical strategies to manage your own home repair emergencies or improve financial communication with your partner? This episode offers valuable insights on researching financing options, getting multiple quotes for major repairs, tracking spending effectively, and creating dedicated funds for anticipated expenses. These real-world lessons from Rob and Becky's experience might just help you navigate your next financial challenge with more confidence. Support the show Please join me on my different platforms and follow along my journey towards FIRE. https://laswell.veteran.cards/

    54 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to The FIRE Social Worker Show, where financial independence meets compassion and purpose. Hosted by Joey Laswell, a Certified Financial Social Worker and military veteran, this podcast is your guide to building a brighter financial future while staying true to your values. Join us for candid conversations, actionable money tips, and inspiring stories from industry experts, military members, and everyday changemakers. Whether you’re a social worker, part of the military community, or simply seeking financial freedom, this show is here to empower you. It’s time to ignite your financial independence and create a lasting impact. Start your journey with The FIRE Social Worker Show!