Real Life Planning Podcast

In Episode 94 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Cynthia Meyer, CFP®, CFA®, ChFC® shares the practical strategies real estate investors use to fund future acquisitions without overextending themselves. From recycling equity and leveraging bonuses to understanding risk tolerance and avoiding dangerous debt traps, this conversation focuses on scaling intentionally, not recklessly.

“Scaling is about strategy, not speed.” &m...

In this heartfelt solo episode, Cynthia Meyer reflects on the recent passing of her mother, Betsy, and the financial habits that shaped her family's future. From weekly money meetings and disciplined saving to charitable giving and creative frugality, these lessons helped influence Cynthia's path as a financial planner and continue to guide her decisions today. 

“The things we do consistently matter far more than the thin...

In this episode, Cynthia Meyer tackles one of the most common questions real estate investors ask: whether rental properties should be held in a limited liability company. She breaks down what an LLC actually does, what it does not do, and why many investors misunderstand the relationship between LLCs, taxes, insurance, and asset protection. 

If you've been told that every rental property belongs in an LLC, this episode will he...

In this episode, Cynthia Meyer, CFA®, CFP®, ChFC®, explains five key triggers that tell real estate investors it may be time to consider a 1031 exchange. She walks through the financial and strategic indicators that can help you decide whether deferring capital gains taxes could accelerate your long-term wealth-building goals.

Whether you're managing a single rental or a growing portfolio, this episode will help you recognize when a...

In this episode, Cynthia Meyer, CFA®, CFP®, ChFC®, shares a practical framework for one of the most common questions real estate investors face. Instead of relying on emotion or rules of thumb, she explains how to evaluate mortgage payoff as an investment decision by weighing interest rates, leverage, liquidity, taxes, and your long-term financial goals.

Whether you're building your portfolio or preparing for retirement, this episod...

In this episode, Cynthia Meyer, CFA®, CFP®, ChFC®, unpacks the newly enacted 21st Century Road to Housing Act and explains what it means for landlords, homebuyers, home sellers, and real estate investors. She separates the headlines from the practical realities, covering everything from the institutional investor restrictions to new financing opportunities and housing supply initiatives.

If you've been wondering whether this legisla...

In Episode 91 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Vekevia Tillman-Jones, CFP®, MBA, discusses the first-home-to-rental strategy, a practical approach that allows you to buy a primary residence today while keeping the option open to turn it into a rental later. This strategy is designed for people who want to build wealth without feeling stuck or overcommitted.

From financing advantages to long-term flexibility, Vekevia explains how t...

In Episode 92 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Cynthia Meyer, CFA®, CFP®, ChFC®,  is joined by Dr. Kim Bridges, CFP®, CDFA®, CPWA®,  RMA®,  founder of Bright Women Financial, for a powerful conversation about financial clarity, career decisions, and long-term consequences that often go unexamined. From stepping out of the workforce to the hidden risks women face later in life, Kim shares both her personal journey a...

In Episode 90 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Cynthia Meyer, CFP®, CFA®, ChFC® shares a practical framework for having important conversations with aging parents before an emergency forces them. Drawing from personal experience and years of financial planning work with families, she walks through twelve essential questions that can help adult children understand their parents’ wishes, financial structure, and real estate o...

In this episode, Vekevia Tillman-Jones breaks down the real guidelines behind owner-occupied loans so you can build wealth without accidentally crossing a line. From the one-year occupancy rule to the differences between FHA and conventional loans, she explains what lenders actually mean when they say you must “live in the property.”

If you want to house hack the smart way and avoid costly mistakes, this episode walks th...

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 buildin...

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 opport...

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&r...

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 d...

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 cost...

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'r...

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...

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 t...

In Episode 81 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Vekevia Tillman-Jones, CFP®, MBA,talks about how house hacking helped her become a homeowner, landlord, and wealth builder straight out of college — even with student loans. She shares five smart and practical ways to house hack, what makes a property ideal, and how to use this strategy to build equity while keeping life affordable.

"House hacking isn’t just about saving m...