The Thing We Never Talk About

• Easy Cash Flow: What's Your “Invisible Number”?

  In this episode, Tim explains why cash flow is the foundation of every financial plan — and introduces a simple technique to make saving money easier and more consistent. By identifying your “invisible number,” the small amount you can save automatically without ever noticing, you can improve your cash flow, build long-term security, and reduce friction in your financial life. Tim breaks down how this approach works, why automation matters, and how small, steady habits can quietly transform your financial trajectory.5 Key Takeaways:Cash flow is the foundation of financial planning. Every major financial decision — investing, buying a home, planning for retirement — depends on knowing what you earn, spend, and save.Income = spending + saving. This simple equation underpins every cash-flow conversation and highlights the trade-off between what you use today and what you set aside for the future.Your “invisible number” makes saving effortless. This is an amount of money small enough to transfer automatically without affecting your daily life — your savings grow without conscious effort.Increase your invisible number slowly. After a few months, bump it up in small increments until you begin to notice it — then dial it back slightly and automate that amount indefinitely.Tie your number to something you buy without thinking. A daily coffee, a sandwich, a beer — if you’d spend it without hesitation, you can likely save it without noticing, too. Small, automated transfers add up meaningfully over time.Links:Sign up for weekly Office HoursSend me a question to be answered on a future episodeSign up for the Keep It Easy newsletterThe cost of a cup of black coffee at Starbucks

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• Max Goldblatt – Film & Video Editor

  Film and video editor Max Goldblatt joins Tim to talk about building a creative career across indie films, digital content, and nearly a decade of touring. He shares how early exposure to editing shaped his path, how short-film work opened doors to feature projects, and what it takes to balance passion, stability, and financial responsibility in an unpredictable industry. Max also reflects on navigating rate negotiations, imposter syndrome, and the realities of sustaining creative momentum over time.Max's question for me: why would someone invest in life insurance? Is that an alternative to the stock market?Key takeaways:Max Goldblatt is a film, TV, and digital video editor based in Los Angeles, working both on independent films (his “passion work”) and as a lead editor for a production company that handles a range of clients, including MasterClass.He learned the craft early by watching his father, editor Mark Goldblatt, spending spring breaks in editing rooms for major films like Starship Troopers, True Lies, and Armageddon.Before establishing himself as an editor, Max spent nearly nine years touring, first as a videographer for his cousin Pete Yorn and then as a merch manager for various artists (including Sufjan Stevens).He now balances steady staff work with independent feature opportunities, with his company allowing him to step away for film projects and return afterward, providing stability during volatile industry periods.On finances, Max says he’s always been frugal and cautious, started a Roth IRA early due to childhood acting income, avoids credit card debt, and prefers a “save first, spend within means” approach rather than rigid budgeting.Links:Send me a question to be answered on a future episode.Sign up for the Keep It Easy newsletter.Max's websiteThe trailer for Sacremento, a feature film edited by MaxSt Vincent's MasterClass (edited by Max)Ringo Starr's MasterClass (edited by Max)

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• 5 Tips To Save On Next Year’s Tax Bill

  As the year winds down, Tim shares five practical steps you can take right now to lower next year’s tax bill. From maximizing retirement contributions to understanding energy-efficiency credits, this episode focuses on simple, actionable strategies for creative professionals and self-employed listeners. Tim breaks down how tax-deferred accounts, health savings accounts, and even small investment decisions can make a meaningful difference — without the last-minute stress of filing season. Five Key Takeaways:Contribute to tax-deferred retirement accounts. Deposits into IRAs, 401(k)s, and similar accounts reduce current-year taxable income. Remember: new accounts must be opened before December 31 to count for this tax year.Use a Health Savings Account (HSA) if eligible. HSAs offer a triple tax advantage: contributions are tax-deductible, growth is untaxed, and qualified withdrawals are tax-free.Offset gains with losses. Selling underperforming investments in non-retirement accounts lets you claim up to $3,000 in capital losses per year to reduce taxable income — but watch for wash-sale rules.Take advantage of home energy credits. Energy-efficient home upgrades (like HVAC systems, doors, or windows) can qualify for valuable federal credits, but some expire at the end of 2025.Consider strategic charitable giving. While deductions only apply if your itemized total exceeds the standard deduction, bundling several years of giving into one tax year can increase tax efficiency for higher earners.Links:Sign up for weekly Office HoursSend me a question to be answered on a future episodeSign up for the Keep It Easy newsletterThe Congress.Gov page on HSAsEnergy Efficient Home Improvement Credit

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• John Dugan -  Content Specialist in the Design Industry

  In this episode, Tim talks with writer, drummer, and content specialist John Dugan about creative work, shifting career priorities, raising kids in a music-rich environment, and how financial needs and perspectives evolve over time. John reflects on decades in bands including Chisel, his transition from journalism into content strategy for the design world, and what happens when art, family life, and money all need to coexist. They also discuss saving habits, risk tolerance, reunion shows, and supporting the next generation of artists—including John’s teenage son’s band, Uniflora.John's question for me: why would someone invest in life insurance? Is that an alternative to the stock market?Key takeaways:John Dugan is a longtime drummer & writer who now works as a content specialist in the design industry. He shifted from “cool, low-paying jobs” in journalism and cultural criticism to a more sustainable career path once he became a parent and needed greater financial stability. Though he played extensively in touring bands, music never paid his bills; he always held another job to maintain stability. John learned the value of maintaining an emergency savings buffer early, influenced by frugal parents and reinforced by the realities of touring life. He continues to think about risk vs. caution in personal finance, recognizing that while he tends to be risk-averse, some well-timed risks can meaningfully shape financial outcomes.Links:Send me a question to be answered on a future episode.Sign up for the Keep It Easy newsletter.John's websiteChisel's Bandcamp pageUniflora, John's son's band

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• Listener Mailbag 01

  It's the first listener mailbag episode! Tim answers real money & personal finance questions from listeners about ethical investing, managing debt, and overcoming money-related shame. He explains how to easily invest according to your values, how to balance saving while paying off student loans, and when to use savings to tackle credit card debt. The conversation ends with a thoughtful reflection on emotional well-being — how to move past financial shame and build confidence through small, consistent wins.Key Takeaways:Ethical investing is more accessible than ever. Lower cost ESG & SRI funds allow everyday investors to align their money with their values without paying high fees.Perfection isn’t required. There is no “clean” money, bank, company, or country — but choosing options that most closely reflect your ethics is better than sitting out entirely.The 50/30/20 rule still applies — with flexibility. When paying off student loans or other debt, treat recurring payments as essentials (the 50%) and keep aiming for 20% savings when possible.Tackle high-interest debt first. No amount of investing can outpace credit card interest, so pay those balances before focusing on long-term investments.Let go of shame and rewrite your story. Shame is a story we tell ourselves — and if you're going to make up a story about yourself, it might as well be a good one! Start collecting evidence of good habits, look for supportive accountability, and celebrate even small wins.Links:Sign up for weekly Office HoursSend me a question to be answered on a future episodeSign up for the Keep It Easy newsletter

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