Climbing the Wealth Ladder to $1,000,000 and Beyond | Nick Maggiulli
Working hard doesn’t always mean moving up the wealth ladder. Many families feel stuck — despite long hours and financial discipline — because their strategy isn’t aligned with their stage of wealth.
To help us rethink our approach, Andy Hill sits down with Nick Maggiulli, COO of Ritholtz Wealth Management and bestselling author of The Wealth Ladder: Proven Strategies for Every Step of Your Financial Life (get it here). Nick explains his “wealth levels” framework, the six stages of net worth, and how your financial strategy should evolve at each step.
Whether you’re just starting out or on your way to millionaire status, this conversation will help you identify pitfalls, focus on the right levers, and take practical steps to keep climbing.
RESOURCESSponsors, Deals, and Partners that Support the Show
Sponsors, Deals & Partners – See all current offers in one place.
MKM RESOURCES
Own Your Time – Pre-order my first book today!
MKM Coaching – Get 1-on-1 support with your family finance journey.
Coast FIRE Calculator – Find out when you can slow down or stop investing for retirement.
Mortgage Payoff Calculator – See how fast you can become mortgage free.
YouTube – Subscribe for free to watch videos of episodes and interviews.
RECOMMENDED RESOURCES (SPONSORS & AFFILIATES)
Monarch Money – Best budget app for families & couples.
Empower – Free portfolio tracker.
Crew – HYSA banking built for families (Get an extra 0.5% APY with my partner link).
Ethos – Affordable term life insurance.
Trust & Will – Convenient estate planning made easy.
The Wealth Ladder (Book) – Learn Nick Maggiulli’s strategies for every wealth level.
Podcast Chapters
00:00 – Why working harder isn’t always the answer
00:30 – Introduction to Nick Maggiulli & The Wealth Ladder
02:00 – Why effort alone doesn’t guarantee wealth
04:30 – Defining the “Wealth Ladder” framework
06:30 – The six levels of wealth in America
09:00 – Why income is the biggest driver of wealth
10:30 – Spending freedom at different wealth levels
13:00 – When investing starts to accelerate wealth building
15:00 – Level 3 realities: income vs. investments
18:00 – Homeownership as an asset vs. consumption good
20:30 – Pitfalls of ego-driven spending in Level 3
24:00 – What separates Level 3 from Level 4 wealth builders
26:00 – Nick’s personal journey to Level 4
28:00 – Mistakes and lessons learned along the way
30:20 – Solopreneurship and scaling outside your 9-to-5
32:00 – Advice for frustrated wealth builders
33:40 – Where to get The Wealth Ladder
HOW WE MAKE MONEY + DISCLAIMER
This show may contain affiliate links or links from our advertisers where we earn a commission, direct payment or products.
Opinions are the creators alone.
Information shared on this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice.
Marriage Kids and Money (www.marriagekidsandmoney.com) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
CREDITS
Podcast Artwork: Liz Theresa
Editor: Johnny Sohl
Podcast Support: Andy Hill
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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36:46
AI and the Future of Families and Work | Matt Britton
Artificial intelligence is changing everything — from the way we work, to how we run businesses, to how we raise our kids. To help us prepare for this AI-driven future, Andy Hill sits down with Matt Britton, leading AI and consumer trend expert and author of Generation AI: Why Generation Alpha and AI Will Change Everything.
In this conversation, Matt explains what AI really means for employees, solopreneurs, and parents. He shares how workers can future-proof their careers, why solopreneurs have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build businesses faster than ever, and how parents can prepare their children for a world where AI is everywhere.
If you’re feeling both excited and overwhelmed by AI, this episode will give you clarity, perspective, and actionable steps for your family’s future. Grab Matt’s book Generation AI here → https://amzn.to/42jAXxR
RESOURCESSponsors, Deals, and Partners that Support the Show
Sponsors, Deals & Partners – See all current offers in one place.
MKM RESOURCES
Own Your Time – Pre-order my first book today!
MKM Coaching – Get 1-on-1 support with your family finance journey.
Coast FIRE Calculator – Find out when you can slow down or stop investing for retirement.
Mortgage Payoff Calculator – See how fast you can become mortgage free.
YouTube – Subscribe for free to watch videos of episodes and interviews.
RECOMMENDED RESOURCES (SPONSORS & AFFILIATES)
Monarch Money – Best budget app for families & couples.
Empower – Free portfolio tracker.
Crew – HYSA banking built for families (Get an extra 0.5% APY with my partner link).
Ethos – Affordable term life insurance.
Trust & Will – Convenient estate planning made easy.
Generation AI (Book) – Learn more in Matt Britton’s latest book.
Podcast Chapters
00:00 – The evolution of AI and jobs it replaces
01:00 – Introduction to Matt Britton & his new book Generation AI
02:00 – What AI really means today
04:00 – Is AI a fad or here to stay?
06:30 – How AI impacts employees: who should be concerned
08:30 – Future-proofing your career with AI
10:30 – AI as a personal life tool
12:00 – Opportunities for solopreneurs with AI
14:00 – Matt Britton’s journey with AI adoption
15:45 – Why now is the best time to dive in
16:00 – Preparing kids (Gen Alpha) for an AI future
18:20 – AI in schools: private vs. public adoption
20:30 – Is college still worth it in the age of AI?
22:00 – Jobs that may not exist by 2030
24:00 – Human skills that remain valuable
26:00 – One step to start embracing AI today
27:45 – About Generation AI and where to find it
28:17 – Closing thoughts and listener support
HOW WE MAKE MONEY + DISCLAIMER
This show may contain affiliate links or links from our advertisers where we earn a commission, direct payment or products.
Opinions are the creators alone.
Information shared on this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice.
Marriage Kids and Money (www.marriagekidsandmoney.com) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
CREDITS
Podcast Artwork: Liz Theresa
Editor: Johnny Sohl
Podcast Support: Andy Hill
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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31:05
How to Get Your Spouse on Board With Financial Independence
Getting your spouse on board with financial independence isn’t always easy ... especially when FIRE feels like a radical concept. In this episode, Andy Hill shares practical tips for inviting your partner into the journey without causing tension, from asking fun life questions to defining your own version of FIRE together.
We also highlight Sunny and Sunmarie Burns from the FamVestor YouTube channel, who grew their net worth to over $3 million in their 30s while raising five kids. They reveal how frugal living, real estate investing, and shared family goals helped them achieve financial freedom.
Finally, Andy brings his son Calvin on for a fun money quiz, testing his knowledge of financial independence and teaching lessons the whole family can enjoy.
Podcast Chapters:
00:00 – Intro: Why relationships come first on the FIRE journey
01:00 – Listener question: How do I get my spouse on board with financial independence?
02:15 – Common mistakes Andy made early in his marriage
04:20 – Step 1: Ask your spouse fun life questions
06:50 – Step 2: Share your passions and desires too
09:30 – Step 3: Define FIRE together on your own terms
09:32 – Net Worth Win: Sunny & Sun Marie Burns (FamVestor)
13:00 – Saving $75k by living with family
15:00 – Their first house hack and rental property
20:45 – Building wealth through 12 rental units
25:40 – Breaking down their $3M+ net worth
27:40 – Generational wealth for their kids
31:40 – Life after leaving a corporate career
34:39 – Key advice for aspiring families
36:53 – Where to find Sunny & Sun Marie online
38:01 – Money Quiz with Calvin Hill
45:56 – Closing quote from Maya Angelou
RESOURCESSponsors, Deals, and Partners that Support the Show
Sponsors, Deals & Partners – See all current offers in one place.
MKM RESOURCES
Own Your Time – Pre-order my first book today!
MKM Coaching – Get 1-on-1 support with your family finance journey.
Coast FIRE Calculator – Find out when you can slow down or stop investing for retirement.
Mortgage Payoff Calculator – See how fast you can become mortgage free.
YouTube – Subscribe for free to watch videos of episodes and interviews.
RECOMMENDED RESOURCES (SPONSORS & AFFILIATES)
Monarch Money – Best budget app for families & couples.
Empower – Free portfolio tracker.
Crew – HYSA banking built for families (Get an extra 0.5% APY with my partner link).
Ethos – Affordable term life insurance.
Trust & Will – Convenient estate planning made easy.
HOW WE MAKE MONEY + DISCLAIMER:
This show may contain affiliate links or links from our advertisers where we earn a commission, direct payment or products.
Opinions are the creators alone.
Information shared on this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice.
Marriage Kids and Money (www.marriagekidsandmoney.com) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
CREDITS:
Podcast Artwork: Liz Theresa
Editor: Johnny Sohl
Podcast Support: Andy Hill
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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49:17
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49:17
Living a Regret-Free Life | Jordan Grumet (BEST OF MKM)
What would it mean to live a regret-free life, starting today?
In this “Best of MKM” episode from 2022, I sit down with Jordan Grumet, a hospice doctor and author of Taking Stock, to explore how confronting death can help us live more intentionally.
Jordan shares powerful stories from his hospice work, the deep regrets he’s heard at the end of life, and how we can avoid them by embracing purpose, identity, and connection now.
We discuss the trap of chasing net worth and job titles, the tension between FIRE and YOLO, and practical frameworks to align your money with what truly matters. Whether you’re striving toward financial independence or simply seeking more meaning in your day-to-day, this episode will help you pause, reflect, and act with intention.
If you’ve ever felt stuck on autopilot, this conversation with Jordan Grumet is a wake-up call to reassess your priorities and build a life with fewer regrets.
Resources
Sponsors, Deals and Partners
MKM RESOURCES:
Own Your Time: Pre-order my first book today!
MKM Coaching: Want 1-on-1 support with your family finance journey? Book a time with me today.
Coast FIRE Calculator: A free calculator to help you find out when you can slow down or stop investing for retirement.
Mortgage Payoff Calculator: A free calculator to help you see how fast you can become mortgage free.
YouTube: Subscribe for free to watch videos of these episodes and interviews.
RECOMMENDED RESOURCES (SPONSORS AND AFFILIATES):
Monarch Money - Best Budget App for Families & Couples
Empower - Free Portfolio Tracker
Crew - HYSA Banking Built for Families - Get an Extra 0.5% APY with my partner link
Ethos - Affordable Term Life Insurance
Trust & Will - Convenient Estate Planning
CHAPTERS
00:00 – Regret and mortality: a powerful lens
01:30 – Intro to Jordan Grumet and the regret free life
03:00 – Stories from hospice: what people really regret
06:00 – Purpose, people, and climbing your “Everest”
08:00 – The hedonic treadmill and false financial goals
10:30 – FIRE vs. YOLO: where’s the balance?
12:30 – How to decide when to spend vs. save
14:30 – Fear-based planning: what scares you most?
17:00 – Finding the middle ground: Slow FI, Coast FI, Barista FI
20:00 – Subtraction: designing your life through removal
23:00 – Building purpose in early careers
26:00 – Modeling fulfillment for your kids
28:00 – Two life-changing exercises to reduce regret
31:00 – Where to find Taking Stock and connect with Jordan
HOW WE MAKE MONEY + DISCLAIMER:
This show may contain affiliate links or links from our advertisers where we earn a commission, direct payment or products.
Opinions are the creators alone.
Information shared on this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice.
Marriage Kids and Money (www.marriagekidsandmoney.com) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
CREDITS:
Podcast Artwork: Liz Theresa
Editor: Johnny Sohl
Podcast Support: Andy Hill
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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36:07
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36:07
How Parents Can Teach Kids the Value of Money - Liz Frazier (BEST OF MKM)
Want to raise money-smart kids? In this Best of MKM episode from 2020, Andy Hill sits down with Liz Frazier, Certified Financial Planner and author of Beyond Piggy Banks and Lemonade Stands. Liz shares practical strategies parents can use to teach their young kids the value of money—starting as early as age four.
From understanding needs vs. wants to saving, giving, and making smart spending decisions, Liz outlines fun and effective ways to build lifelong financial habits in children. She also tackles common questions around allowances, chores, and how parents can be positive money role models, even if they don’t feel financially perfect themselves.
If you’re ready to help your kids build confidence, generosity, and gratitude with money, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiration for families.
Resources
Sponsors, Deals and Partners
MKM RESOURCES:
Own Your Time: Pre-order my first book today!
MKM Coaching: Want 1-on-1 support with your family finance journey? Book a time with me today.
Coast FIRE Calculator: A free calculator to help you find out when you can slow down or stop investing for retirement.
Mortgage Payoff Calculator: A free calculator to help you see how fast you can become mortgage free.
YouTube: Subscribe for free to watch videos of these episodes and interviews.
RECOMMENDED RESOURCES (SPONSORS AND AFFILIATES):
Monarch Money - Best Budget App for Families & Couples
Empower - Free Portfolio Tracker
Crew - HYSA Banking Built for Families - Get an Extra 0.5% APY with my partner link
Ethos - Affordable Term Life Insurance
Trust & Will - Convenient Estate Planning
CHAPTERS
00:00 – Teaching kids the basics of money
02:00 – Why childhood shapes money habits
06:45 – When to start money lessons
08:30 – Needs vs. wants activity
09:45 – Teaching priorities and decision-making
10:45 – Allowance vs. chores debate
12:30 – Save, spend, share jars
13:45 – Making saving fun for kids
15:30 – Encouraging generosity and giving
18:15 – Teaching gratitude with money
20:00 – Helping kids appreciate wealth
21:00 – Parents teaching money (even if not perfect)
22:15 – Simple ways to start today
23:00 – Where to find Liz Frazier’s book
HOW WE MAKE MONEY + DISCLAIMER:
This show may contain affiliate links or links from our advertisers where we earn a commission, direct payment or products.
Opinions are the creators alone.
Information shared on this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice.
Marriage Kids and Money (www.marriagekidsandmoney.com) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
CREDITS:
Podcast Artwork: Liz Theresa
Editor: Johnny Sohl
Podcast Support: Andy Hill
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
About Marriage Kids and Money: Personal Finance for Families
The Marriage Kids and Money Podcast will strengthen your family tree and help you live financially free. We work to help you build the life of your dreams!
Each week, award-winning Family Finance Coach Andy Hill shares wealth-building tips that help parents and couples to design their ideal lifestyle. Learn how to get on track with your finances, work toward financial freedom, and even build generational wealth.
Knowing community makes for a happier future, Andy interviews millionaire parents, couples who have reached financial independence, or other money pros so listeners get a well-rounded perspective.
With over 400 episodes and counting, you are sure to find an episode to help you. Show topics include strategies on becoming debt free, how to invest simply, setting your kids up for success, and living more generously.
Don’t just take our word for it! Marriage Kids and Money has been hailed as a top podcast by US News and World Report.
Join the family wealth-building conversation by listening to our top-rated personal finance podcast today!
Listen to Marriage Kids and Money: Personal Finance for Families, The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app