In this episode of Behind the Curtain Money Made Simple, Julie revisits the fall season and highlights the 5, 6, 7, 8 takeaways shaped by conversations with guests ranging from educators and entrepreneurs to financial professionals and creators. Julie reflects on the origins of her own career, the importance of mentoring, how AI can help identify meaningful work, the role of hedging in investing, finding and funding joy, building momentum in business, clearing up FAFSA misconceptions, and the simple habit that has shaped her own financial life: paying herself first. This quick, year-end roundup offers listeners a clear set of lessons to carry into 2026.

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[00:00:00] Julie opens the episode with a look back at the relaunch of the podcast and the purpose of sharing seasonal takeaways.

[00:01:19] Julie introduces Takeaway #1 and reflects on early signs that pointed toward her eventual career in banking.

[00:02:11] LBF shares childhood memories that reveal Julie’s early money-tracking habits.

[00:02:59] Julie expands on how those early behaviors hinted at her future path.

[00:03:47] Julie introduces Takeaway #2 on money as a taboo topic and the importance of mentoring future generations.

[00:04:38] Dr. Ellie Paris Miranda explains why experienced adults should use everyday moments as opportunities to mentor others.

[00:06:20] Julie introduces Takeaway #3, exploring how the concept of ikigai and AI tools can help people identify fulfilling career paths.

[00:06:53] Christopher Penn breaks down ikigai and how AI can help uncover transferable skills and potential new job opportunities.

[00:08:25] Julie affirms how AI can broaden perspective when someone feels stuck in a narrow career identity.

[00:09:05] Julie introduces Takeaway #4 about hedging and how portfolio managers help smooth investment returns.

[00:09:05] Paula Murphy explains how hedging works within a diversified portfolio to reduce volatility.

[00:10:11] Julie highlights the value of having professionals monitor a full portfolio.

[00:10:35] Julie introduces Takeaway #5 on finding joy and how intentional saving supports it.

[00:10:36] Greg Kata describes his “joy account” and how it helps make guilt-free purchases tied to meaningful experiences.

[00:11:52] Julie responds to Greg’s approach to funding joy.

[00:11:54] Greg reinforces the concept with humor and encouragement.

[00:11:54] Julie introduces Takeaway #6 about eliminating excuses and practicing the fundamentals in business.

[00:12:21] Noah Kagan explains why he began his book with excuses and how common they are among aspiring entrepreneurs.

[00:13:55] Julie shares how Noah’s framing resonated with her, especially around starting before overthinking kills momentum.

[00:14:31] Noah compares business to sports and emphasizes practicing small actions to build confidence and capability.

[00:15:28] Julie introduces Takeaway #7 on FAFSA misunderstandings.

[00:15:48] Matthew Wallace clarifies that completing the FAFSA does not obligate students to accept loans, helping reduce fear around the process.

[00:16:16] Julie transitions into Takeaway #8 and prepares to share the single financial habit that has made the biggest difference in her own life.

[00:16:16] Julie explains why paying herself first—automatically sending portions of income to retirement and savings—has been her most effective long-term strategy.

[00:18:45] Julie closes the season with gratitude, encourages reviews and sharing, and reminds listeners of the show's mission to make financial education accessible.

Links:

Rockland Trust: https://www.rocklandtrust.com/

Julie Beckham on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-beckham-05589534

In this episode of Behind the Curtain, Julie sits down with Matthew Wallace, VP of Education & Career Pathways at Granite Edvance, to unpack the FAFSA—what it is, why everyone should file, and how SAI, Pell Grants, federal loans, and work-study actually work. Matthew explains Granite Edvance’s services (from one-on-one planning to scholarships and nonprofit student loans), clears up common misconceptions, and compares FAFSA with the CSS Profile. You’ll also hear practical timelines, tips for complex family situations, how aid letters differ, and when to request a professional judgment appeal.

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[00:00:00] Julie introduces the show, guest Matthew Wallace, and today’s focus: the FAFSA.

[00:01:11] Matthew defines FAFSA and confirms the official name.

[00:02:02] Granite Edvance overview: advising from middle school to adult learners, plus scholarships and nonprofit loans.

[00:04:34] Who qualifies: NH residents, NH “nexus” students, and broader resources for others.

[00:06:57] Massachusetts counterpart: MIFA; advice to compare products.

[00:08:25] Why everyone should file: SAI drives need-based aid, Pell eligibility, federal loans, and work-study access.

[00:10:41] Skipping FAFSA can mean leaving opportunities (and cheaper federal loans) on the table.

[00:11:40] Institutions use FAFSA data for their own aid; federal rates often competitive, with no underwriting.

[00:12:42] Barriers & fixes: you can decline loans; recent form improvements; typical completion ~20–25 minutes.

[00:16:32] Complex families: FSA “select my contributor” wizard and case-by-case guidance.

[00:18:53] CSS Profile basics: who requires it, deeper data, time to complete, and fee/waiver notes.

[00:20:19] Public vs. private patterns; in NH, Dartmouth as the CSS example.

[00:21:48] CSS fees and common waiver pathways.

[00:22:40] Granite Edvance programming: FA 101, Paying for College, FAFSA appointments, and offer reviews.

[00:23:39] Aid letters vary widely; know how to compare true costs.

[00:25:57] Timeline tips: FAFSA opens Oct 1; many priority deadlines ~Mar 1; list up to 20 schools and add later.

[00:27:55] Refile every year; prior-prior tax year; when and how to request professional judgment.

[00:31:10] Where to find help: graniteedvance.org/help.

[00:34:44] Quick challenges: file the FAFSA now if you’re a senior; start a 529 for the young student in your life.

Links:

Matthew Wallace on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattwallace121

Granote Edvance: https://graniteedvance.org

Rockland Trust: https://www.rocklandtrust.com/
Julie Beckham on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-beckham-05589534

In this episode of Behind the Curtain: Money Made Simple, Julie sits down with entrepreneur and author Noah Kagan, founder of AppSumo and one of Facebook's earliest employees. The two reconnect after a chance meeting in a Barcelona bookstore—an encounter that perfectly captures the spirit of Noah's bestselling book, Million Dollar Weekend.

Noah shares his philosophy on the power of asking, following up, and taking fast action. From overcoming excuses to finding business ideas in everyday problems, he unpacks lessons from launching 24 ventures and ultimately achieving financial freedom. Julie and Noah also explore personal finance habits, the link between momentum and success, and how practicing action—big or small—can change your life.

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(00:00:00) Introduction and meeting guest Noah Kagan, founder of AppSumo, at a bookstore in Barcelona.

(00:02:55) Noah explains how a simple "ask" led to meeting his business idol.

(00:03:59) The importance of following up and persistence in achieving goals.

(00:05:27) Noah shares his early career path—from Intel to being Facebook's 30th employee.

(00:06:57) The lesson behind starting Million Dollar Weekend with "Excuses."

(00:08:55) Why momentum and practice are key to developing entrepreneurial habits.

(00:11:51) Noah emphasizes learning finance through practice and personal tracking.

(00:13:29) His approach to budgeting, asset allocation, and long-term planning.

(00:15:18) Viewing budgeting as freedom rather than restriction.

(00:15:52) Using financial modeling to reduce anxiety and plan for the future.

(00:18:37) How to test business concepts before scaling them.

(00:20:01) Turning everyday problems into business opportunities.

(00:20:53) The danger of overthinking versus the value of doing.

(00:21:32) Reframing failure as a positive part of the process.

(00:22:35) The role of generosity and mutual benefit in business success.

(00:24:11) Noah's favorite and least favorite words.

(00:25:16) His final financial challenge for listeners: ask for a dollar and increase investments by 1%.

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Links:

Noah Kagan on LinkedIn: https://www.instagram.com/noahkagan

Rockland Trust: https://www.rocklandtrust.com/

Julie Beckham on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-beckham-05589534