There aren’t enough homes. Homes are too expensive. And mortgage rates are too high.

In Episode 103 of One for the Money, I break down how the U.S. housing crisis was created, why it persists, and what realistic solutions could actually improve affordability.

This episode goes beyond headlines and politics to diagnose the root causes of the crisis—using plain economics, real-world examples, and historical context. We also share practical guidance for anyone considering buying a home in today’s challenging market.

🎧 What You’ll Learn in This Episode

1. Why the housing crisis is fundamentally a supply-and-demand problem
2. How the early 2000s housing boom and NINJA loans set the stage for collapse
3. Why the Great Recession permanently reduced housing supply
4. How zoning laws and building regulations increased home prices
5. The role ultra-low interest rates played in fueling demand
6. How COVID-19 accelerated housing inflation at historic levels
7. Why inflation and Fed rate hikes froze the housing market
8. The “rate lock-in” effect keeping homeowners from selling
9. Why younger generations are being priced out of homeownership

🏡 Data Points Discussed

1. U.S. home prices rose 40–50% between 2020–2022
2. Average long-term home appreciation (1990–2023): ~4.4% annually
3. Mortgage rates jumped from the mid-3% range to mid-6%
4. Median age of first-time homebuyers rose from 32 (2000) to ~40 (2025)

💡 Solutions Explored

1. Why 50-year mortgages would likely make the problem worse
2. The potential of portable (assumable) mortgages to unlock supply
3. Targeted rate incentives for first-time buyers
4. Why boosting supply—not demand—is the key to fixing housing

🧠 Tips, Tricks & Strategies Segment

Practical advice for anyone thinking about buying a home:

1. Why your primary residence should not be treated as an investment
2. Why staying in a home at least 10 years often makes the math work
3. When relocating may make financial sense
4. How to choose a home that allows you to grow and age in place

The stock market can feel like a rollercoaster—especially when the drops are steep. Declines of 20% or more are known as bear markets, and while they can be frightening, they’re also a normal part of investing.

In this episode, I explain why bear markets shouldn’t be feared, how often they really occur, and—most importantly—what actions investors should (and shouldn’t) take when they happen. Drawing on history, personal experience, and real-world examples, we’ll explore how emotional decisions can derail long-term success and how proper planning can help you stay on track.

You’ll also hear a powerful story from my own past investment mistakes during the 2007–2009 financial crisis, and why staying invested matters more than trying to time the market.

In the Tips, Tricks, and Strategies segment, I’ll share a practical bear market investment strategy designed to help you make good things happen—even when markets feel overwhelming.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. What defines a bear market and how often they occur
2. Why bear markets are a normal (and necessary) part of investing
3. The biggest mistake investors make during market downturns
4. How time horizon impacts bear market strategy
5. Why planning before a downturn is critical
6. A simple framework to approach bear markets with confidence

Bear markets may be scary—but with the right plan, they can also be opportunities.

Thank you for listening. Now, on with the show. 🎙️

Happy New Year, and welcome to episode 101 of the One for the Money podcast!

This episode airs on January 1st—a perfect moment for financial resolutions and fresh starts. If getting back on track with your money is one of your goals for the new year, this episode will help you make one of the most important decisions in your financial life: whether to hire a financial advisor, and how to choose the right one.

In This Episode

I’ll share the 10 essential questions you should ask when interviewing a financial advisor, including:

1. Whether the advisor is a true fiduciary
2. How they are compensated
3. How often you’ll meet
4. How many clients they serve
5. Their education, experience, and credentials
6. Whether they review your tax return and estate documents
7. How they manage their own finances
8. And more insights that help you avoid conflicts of interest and ensure you’re hiring someone who will put your interests first

I’ll give personal examples from my own practice at Better Planning Better Life, as well as real stories of people who tried to “DIY” their finances and paid the price.

Why This Matters

Financial mistakes are often invisible at first… but they compound over time. And while many of us hesitate to discuss money, the consequences of mismanaging it can follow us for decades. A great advisor can help you avoid costly errors, stay on track, and make informed decisions with confidence.

Tips, Tricks & Strategies

In the final segment, I’ll explain a simple but powerful cash-management strategy to protect your purchasing power from inflation—the silent thief.

You’ll learn:

1. How much cash to keep in reserves
2. Where to keep it for maximum yield
3. When to consider higher-yield instruments
4. Why doing nothing with your cash can quietly cost you thousands

Episode Highlights

1. The danger of default 401(k) mistakes
2. Why relying only on the company match is rarely enough
3. How financial “invisibility” leads people to miss opportunities
4. What transparency from an advisor should look like (including how I show clients my own plan)

Who This Episode Is For

1. Anyone considering hiring a financial advisor
2. Anyone unhappy or uncertain about their current advisor
3. DIY investors wondering if they’re missing something