Welcome to the Emotional Balance Sheet, the go-to podcast for parents with multiple kids, especially those with twins, triplets, or more, who are navigating the maze of modern family life and personal finance. Whether you're overwhelmed by education costs, retirement planning, career transitions, or trying to define your purpose and plan, we're here to guide you with empathy, expertise, and encouragement. Hosted by Paul Fenner, Founder of TAMMA Capital, a Certified Financial Planner®, and pa ...
…
continue reading
TAMMA Capital Podcasts

1
Spending vs Saving: Tools for Couples to Align Money Values and Find Harmony with Dr. Jennifer Dragonette
39:52
39:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:52Do you ever feel like you and your partner speak different languages regarding money? You're not alone. Our resident psychologist, Dr. Jennifer Dragonette, is back for a conversation that's equal parts practical, personal, and surprisingly fun. We're talking about the classic clash between spenders and savers—why it happens, how to navigate it, and…
…
continue reading

1
Tariffs, Taxes & Tumult: What Investors Need to Know This Summer
11:40
11:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
11:40As summer heats up, two words are dominating headlines: the “Big Beautiful Bill” and—still hanging around—tariffs. In this episode, I break down: · What’s really inside the new tax legislation · Why tariff uncertainty is rattling corporate decision-making · How political theater might spike volatility (just in time for the 4th of July) · Why long-t…
…
continue reading

1
Everything You Wanted to Know About Investing in Farmland but Were Afraid to Ask
48:34
48:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:34What's the first thing you think about when you hear the term farmland? Most people have likely never thought about investing in farmland, but today, I have the perfect guest to explain why you might want to consider it. Rob Moore, general manager at AcreTrader, dives into the details of farmland investing appeal as an asset class and why it can be…
…
continue reading

1
Aligning Assets and Liabilities The Role of Temporal Diversification
6:12
6:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
6:12In the ever-fluctuating world of economics, navigating the complexities of investment and savings often feels like treading turbulent waters. One of the critical aspects of managing these complexities is aligning your assets to match your liabilities for long-term financial stability. Whether you're planning for retirement, saving for a child's col…
…
continue reading

1
Behind the Scenes at the White House: The Emotional Impact of Life Transitions
57:30
57:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:30What if you had a front-row seat to the world's stage in the Oval Office? Sounds like a cool gig. But what if it required giving up much of your personal life? I welcome back former AP White House correspondent Ben Feller for a candid conversation about the evolving landscape of the media, the importance of journalistic integrity, and the personal …
…
continue reading

1
Helping Families Navigate Financial and Emotional Worries
8:24
8:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
8:24There feels like a pervasive nature of worry in today's world, particularly in politics, financial markets, and emotional well-being. Now more than ever, we need to understand our emotional needs and what we are seeking out for advice. Are we seeking advice that is personal or financial? Are we looking to be heard? Or do we want to feel comforted i…
…
continue reading

1
Building Bridges in Relationships: The Impact of Yes And on Understanding with Dr. Jennifer Dragonette
39:40
39:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:40Have you ever had a well-meaning conversation with a spouse, friend, child, or co-worker that went sideways? What if we could help ourselves prepare for some of our most important conversations? Our resident psychologist expert, Dr. Jen Dragonette, is back with us to explore the nuances of communication in relationships, particularly focusing on th…
…
continue reading
Morgan Housel has inspired a great deal of my thoughts on the intricacies between money and happiness. Today, I wanted to share a personal story about the interconnectedness of money and happiness, along with five key points that challenge the conventional wisdom around wealth and satisfaction. From understanding that money provides freedom rather …
…
continue reading
What matters most when it comes to portfolio returns? Video Version Here's what it's not: who is President or the crisis of the day. From the unpredictable daily swings of the S&P 500 to the long-term probabilities of success, I cover how aligning your assets with your objectives —whether short-term or for retirement—can safeguard your financial fu…
…
continue reading

1
Bridging the Gap Between Financial Anxiety and Reality with Dr. Jennifer Dragonette
31:57
31:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:57How do you bridge the gap between the anxiety you may be feeling and the realities of your current situation? Our resident therapist, Dr. Jennifer Dragonette, explains the core principles of ACT, a behavioral therapy developed by Dr. Steven Hayes, designed to foster present-moment awareness, acceptance of reality, and cognitive diffusion. Dr. Jen m…
…
continue reading
Modern life often throws us into "hair on fire" moments where stress feels insurmountable and overwhelming. Whether it's work demands, family responsibilities, or unforeseen challenges, we all experience these times when it seems impossible to maintain balance. Understanding and preparing for these "hair on fire" periods is crucial. Communicating w…
…
continue reading

1
Managing Anxiety in Market Meltdowns with Dr. Jennifer Dragonette
37:24
37:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:24Does the current stock market volatility have you wondering what's next? It's a normal emotional response to feel anxiety or even a little bit panicked when events around you seem to be in chaos, which can apply to personal events, politics, and, yes, the stock market. Dr. Jennifer Dragonette is back to walk us through how we can navigate these per…
…
continue reading

1
Transforming Consumer Mode to Creator Mode - Matt Zeigler
56:17
56:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
56:17What happens when two financial advisors get together for a conversation about non-financial planning topics? A dynamic conversation that dives into current culture and the broader landscape of behavioral finance. My friend and colleague Matt Zeigler joins me for a first-of-its-kind Emotional Balance Sheet podcast episode. There was no agenda, pre-…
…
continue reading

1
How to Find Personal Fulfillment - Dr. Jennifer Dragonette
33:43
33:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:43What does rock climbing have to do with mental and financial health? While Dr. Jennifer Dragonette offers her compassionate expertise to communities in crisis, she also shares a passion for rock climbing—a pursuit that intertwines with her professional insights. Dr. Jen explains how this adventurous sport complements her work as a therapist. She re…
…
continue reading

1
Balancing Meals on the Go Healthy Choices for Busy Families - Dr. Teryn Clarke
25:48
25:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:48As busy parents on the go, it’s hard not to opt for the convenience of quick meals, which may not be the best option for our kids. As chaotic as schedules can get, we still want to find the most optimal meal options for our kids. Dr. Teryn Clarke is back with us to break down why proteins are indispensable, not just for muscle maintenance and growt…
…
continue reading

1
Are You Surrounded by Cheerleaders or Champions?
9:11
9:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:11We live in an age where the 24-hour news cycle perpetuates political controversy and sensational headlines. It's tempting to believe that staying informed means consuming every detail these channels broadcast. Yet, in our personal and financial lives, this noise often creates anxiety rather than clarity. It's crucial to recognize that not every new…
…
continue reading

1
How to Master Credit Card Reward Programs with Spencer Howard
44:15
44:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:15Have you ever asked yourself what the best credit card to use for my family and me is? I get this question a lot and it is a topic I have wrestled with myself. Today, I am talking with someone who can help all of us navigate the complexity of credit card points and rewards systems. Spencer Howard is the founder of Straight To The Points. Spencer ha…
…
continue reading

1
Understanding Make Sureing: The Fine Line Between Support and Control with Dr. Jennifer Dragonette
34:45
34:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:45Have you ever heard of the term "make sureing?" Today, we delve into a term coined by Dr. Jennifer Dragonette to describe our frantic attempts to control situations or emotions beyond our control. Though often well-intentioned, we explore how this behavior can lead to unintended consequences, especially within family dynamics and relationships. Dr.…
…
continue reading

1
Interrupting Stress with Microdoses of Relaxation with Dr. Teryn Clarke
28:36
28:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
28:36How do you manage stress in the face of small or large-scale traumatic events? Dr. Teryn Clarke is back with us to tackle a pressing issue—how to manage stress when trauma feels like it is all around us, especially in the face of large-scale traumatic events like the recent fires in California. Dr. Teryn, who is based in Orange County, shares first…
…
continue reading

1
Cutting Through the Noise: Removing Distractions for Decision Making - Paul Fenner
9:07
9:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:07Have you missed me on Instagram or Facebook? It's been two months since I shut down my accounts on those platforms, and I have not received one request for me to come back on. My point gets to the heart of the topic I am talking about today, the concept of 'noise' in decision-making, particularly in financial planning and portfolio management. Ther…
…
continue reading

1
Navigating Anxiety: Strategies for Managing Stress in a New Year - Dr. Jennifer Dragonette
29:12
29:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:12In this conversation, Dr. Jen Dragonette and Paul Fenner explore the pervasive issue of anxiety, particularly during the start of a new year and in the context of recent societal events. Dr. Jen highlights the physical manifestations of anxiety, the importance of understanding its nature, and the role of mindset in managing anxious thoughts. Our co…
…
continue reading

1
The Brain’s Role in Goal Achievement and Parenting Dr. Teryn Clarke
33:22
33:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:22We all know this time of year spurs great interest in setting goals and resolutions, but do you know the difference between the two? Dr. Teryn Clarke, our resident neurologist expert, walks us through the difference between goals and resolutions and why we should focus on goals and not resolutions. Specifically, we address the acronym SMART when se…
…
continue reading
Welcome to "Emotional Balance Sheet," and a Happy New Year to all our listeners! Back from a refreshing holiday break with my family, I wanted to take a retrospective look at the financial markets in 2024—a year marked by fascinating highs and lows. I'll break down the key moments that drove the S&P 500 to a 23% gain, highlighting just 16 critical …
…
continue reading

1
Dr. Jennifer Dragonette – Learning How to Use Time as a Resource
37:02
37:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:02Do you wish you had more time? If you did have more time for yourself, what would you do? Managing time and anxiety in a busy world, especially for parents, is an everyday occurrence. Our resident therapist expert, Dr. Jennifer Dragonette, and I continue to press forward with our conversations around defining our purpose and supporting them with ou…
…
continue reading

1
Dr. Teryn Clarke – Preventing Alzheimer's: The Power of Cognitive Exercise
38:07
38:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:07Dr. Teryn Clarke – Preventing Alzheimer's: The Power of Cognitive Exercise What if you could prevent cognitive decline such as dementia or Alzheimer's? Would you do it, even if it meant you had to make significant life changes? Dr. Teryn Clarke, our resident neurologist expert, discusses the significance of cognitive exercise for maintaining brain …
…
continue reading

1
Jill Benedict – Planning Family Vacations: Cruise or All-Inclusive Resort
44:30
44:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:30Summary Where do you want to take your family on vacation? What vacation would work best for you and your family? These are the questions I explored with Jill Benedict, our resident vacation planning expert. Jill and I explore the various vacation options, including cruises and all-inclusive resorts, and provide insights on choosing the best vacati…
…
continue reading

1
Dr. Jennifer Dragonette – Uncovering Core Values for Financial Clarity and Emotional Balance
43:04
43:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:04Imagine trying to find your way in the dark without a light. Even if you have a plan, do you have a light to help show you the way? Our purpose and values are the light that helps to guide us along our lives and weaves itself into our financial plans. Our resident therapist expert, Dr. Jennifer Dragonette, helps us explore how deeply our emotions a…
…
continue reading

1
Ayelet Fischbach – The Science of Motivation and Strategies to Help You Achieve Your Purpose
48:11
48:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:11Have you ever set a goal and wondered why is this really important to me? Or did you set an objective and lose your motivation while trying to achieve it? I welcome back to the show Professor Ayelet Fishbach, Eric J. Gleacher Distinguished Service Professor of Behavioral Science and Marketing at the University of Chicago. Ayelet is a motivation sci…
…
continue reading
By the time this episode is released, I sure hope we have an answer to who won the 2024 presidential election. I wanted to take a few minutes to explain my strategy of how I have handled this current election cycle, highlighting what I have done and, more importantly what I have not done. While tuning out the noise of the election is hard, patience…
…
continue reading

1
Dr. Teryn Clarke – Building Healthy Habits: Overcoming Fear and Anxiety Through Tiny Changes
36:35
36:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:35Dr. Teryn Clarke – Building Healthy Habits: Overcoming Fear and Anxiety Through Tiny Changes Do you ever wonder why fear takes over when trying to gain traction when it comes to your physical or financial health? Dr. Teryn Clake, our resident neurologist expert, is back to discuss why negative feedback loops are stronger than positive ones, making …
…
continue reading

1
How to Use Emotions as Information - Dr. Jennifer Dragonette
29:39
29:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:39Every day, we are surrounded by our emotions. But how can we use our emotions as information rather than be bullied by them? Our resident therapist expert, Dr. Jennifer Dragonette, joins us once again to discuss the concept of emotions as information and explore how our feelings significantly impact our financial decisions, careers, and overall lif…
…
continue reading

1
Why Politics Should Stay Out of Your Portfolio
12:06
12:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
12:06If you haven't heard, a presidential election is happening this year. This often leads to a topic of conversation or a series of questions about what will happen to the stock market, depending on who wins. In this episode, I dive into why politics should stay out of your portfolio. Why time invested in the market is better than trying to time the m…
…
continue reading

1
The Hidden Dangers of Seed Oils for Brain Health - Dr. Teryn Clarke
32:01
32:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:01Dr. Teryn Clarke is back with us to delve into a topic affecting our health in surprising ways: seed oils. Have you ever wondered about the hidden impacts of common cooking oils on your brain and overall well-being? Dr. Clarke explains what seed oils are, where they come from, and how they contribute to inflammation—a key factor in diseases like Al…
…
continue reading

1
Jill Benedict – How to Master and Save Money on Family Vacations
51:44
51:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
51:44I am often asked how families master planning for vacation from a financial and experience standpoint. Jill Benedict, a seasoned travel agent who runs a unique travel agency, emphasizes that vacations aren't just about booking trips—they are about creating memorable experiences that align with personal and financial goals. Jill shares her insights …
…
continue reading

1
Unlocking Your Personal Power: Embrace Your Control
9:21
9:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:21You have more power and control than you realize, has become a powerful theme emerging from my recent planning sessions with families. In this episode, we'll explore how taking control of your emotional and financial well-being can profoundly impact your life. Drawing insights from my own experiences and the wisdom of expert guests like neurologist…
…
continue reading

1
Dr. Jennifer Dragonette – Understanding the Role of Money Conversations in Relationships
34:08
34:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:08How do you have money conversations with your spouse or partner? And just as important, what are you trying to achieve by having them? Today, we're diving deep into the intricate dance of relationships, communication, and money with our resident therapist, Dr. Jennifer Dragonette. We explore the importance of understanding each other's upbringing a…
…
continue reading

1
Dr. Teryn Clarke – Unlocking Brain Health: The Power of Time-Restricted Eating
40:39
40:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:39Dr. Teryn Clarke – Unlocking Brain Health: The Power of Time-Restricted Eating I am excited to have Dr. Teryn Clarke join us once again. Dr. Clarke also sheds light on the power of mindful and balanced eating over restrictive diets, sharing her insights from her research and personal experiences. We'll discuss practical tips for implementing time-r…
…
continue reading

1
Tom McCarthy – Navigating the Housing and Interest Rate Markets with Trust and a Slice of Humor
56:52
56:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
56:52Can you find trust and comedy within the highly personal and emotional arena of financial planning? Tom McCarthy has built a successful 24-year career in the mortgage industry based on trust, doing what is in the best interests of his clients, and with a little comedy. Tom shares his unique perspective on the current housing market, including the i…
…
continue reading
By Paul Fenner
…
continue reading

1
Dr. Benjamin Ritter – Becoming Fearless: Finding Harmony and Purpose in Personal and Professional Life
46:26
46:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:26How do you find harmony between your personal and professional lives? Do emotions such as fear hold you back from finding your unique purpose? Dr. Benjamin Ritter rejoins us as we discuss his new book, "Becoming Fearless, 65 Strategies to Journey from Self-Doubt to Self-Mastery." Ben and I dive deep into the importance of focusing not just on our f…
…
continue reading

1
Carrie Schochet – Leveraging LinkedIn and Networks for Discreet Job Opportunities
38:20
38:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:20Are you frustrated with your current job but aren't taking the first step you know you need to make to implement a positive change? Carrie Schochet, executive recruiter and founder of Purple Squirrel Advisors, rejoins us as we navigate career challenges and changes. We dive deep into the importance of networking and making meaningful connections, e…
…
continue reading

1
Two Pieces of Data Tells the World About You
9:49
9:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:49Ep.153 – Two Pieces of Data Tells the World About You What if I told you that only two pieces of data would tell me everything I needed to know about you? Could you guess what they would be? These two data points show where your money goes and how you prioritize your time. I'll explore how understanding these elements can help align your spending a…
…
continue reading

1
Megan Brissette – The College Planning Journey: A Student's Perspective on Academics, Finances and Social Transition
32:03
32:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:03Whether you're a parent looking for guidance on supporting your child through the college planning process or a high school student trying to figure out your own path, this episode is packed with relatable insights and practical advice from a student's perspective. 19-year-old Megan Brissette shares her journey from developing her college list to t…
…
continue reading

1
When Does a Cost Stop Being an Expense and Start Being an Investment
9:23
9:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:23When does a cost stop being an expense and start being an investment? The answer to this question is part of a broader search for helping people identify and develop their purpose and supporting objectives, not solely from a financial perspective but more from a personal and lifestyle perspective. Ultimately, the transition from expense to investme…
…
continue reading

1
Productivity and Parenting: Raising Intrinsically Motivated Children
8:51
8:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
8:51When you think of the word productivity, what is your first thought? Today, we're diving into a fascinating discussion on productivity, but not in the way you might expect. Recently, I had a conversation with one of my clients about what it means to raise productive children and the challenges parents face in this endeavor. Whether you have one chi…
…
continue reading
We are taking a break to spend time with friends and family this week as we celebrate the 4th of July holiday. Be sure to check out our 150th episode from last week, where I highlight some of my favorite conversations over the past four years of hosting the show. You can access that show here to find an episode I am sure you will love. Connect with…
…
continue reading

1
Reflecting on 150 Episodes: Celebrating Awareness and Life Transitions
30:14
30:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:14Welcome to the 150th episode of the Emotional Balance Sheet podcast! I can hardly believe it's been nearly four years since we launched our journey in October 2020. Through the ups and downs, your support has kept us going, and today, I want to celebrate this milestone by highlighting some of the most meaningful conversations we've had. In this spe…
…
continue reading
Inspired by a quote from psychologist Amos Tversky, I wanted to dive into the detrimental effects of over-scheduling and the importance of allowing ourselves time to wander and be creative. Cognitive scientist Scott Barry Kaufman's research finds that 72% of our best ideas often come to us in the shower. Why is that? And what other places could we …
…
continue reading

1
Dreams and Dollars: Navigating a Vacation/Rental Home Purchase
14:08
14:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
14:08As we dive into the summer vacation season, a frequently asked question arises: should I buy a vacation home or rental property? I share personal insights and experiences from when my family purchased a vacation home in Traverse City, Michigan, diving into the various considerations and decisions involved in such a significant financial commitment.…
…
continue reading

1
Data Breaches: What You Can Do to Help Protect Yourself
11:31
11:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
11:31Recently, a massive breach at Ticketmaster potentially affected over 500 million people. While this is not an isolated incident, data breaches are becoming increasingly common. So what can you do? In this episode, I'll be sharing practical steps you can take to safeguard your personal information, including investing in a credit monitoring service,…
…
continue reading