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're bad with money. It's not that you're failing. It's just that times have changed, and literally it's so much more expensive." — Vekevia Tillman-Jones

This week on Real Life Planning Podcast:

💡How much income do you really need to buy a median-priced home today? [00:01:13]

💡What’s the difference between front-end and back-end debt-to-income ratios? [00:03:00]

💡Why does FHA financing often make the difference for first-time buyers? [00:06:15]

💡How do lenders view adding a co-borrower on a mortgage? [00:05:30]

💡What mindset shift do buyers need to navigate today’s market? [00:07:34]

Takeaway Quotes:

"Entry-level loans are stepping stones, not permanent labels.” –Vekevia Tillman-Jones

" For a lot of first time home buyers, FHA is going to be the one that gets you in the door." — Vekevia Tillman-Jones

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• Email: podcast@reallifeplanning.com

The ReaL Life Planning Podcast is for educational purposes only. None of the information discussed is intended as investment, tax, accounting, or legal advice, nor as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, real property, or other securities or non-securities offering.

Real Life Planning, LLC is an Investment Advisor registered with the States of New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, and California. All views, expressions, and opinions included in this communication are subject to change. This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy, or completeness of, any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. Our current disclosure brochure, Form ADV Part 2, is available for your review upon request, and on our website, REALLIFEPLANNING.COM.

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 to living on one income, the more you can free up for savings and growth.” - Cynthia Meyer

This week on Real Life Planning Podcast:

💡How do financially independent couples handle money differently? [00:00:17]

💡Why is living below your means a secret weapon for flexibility and growth? [00:02:00]

💡How does avoiding lifestyle creep help couples build long-term wealth? [00:04:41]

💡What mindset helps people bounce back from financial setbacks? [00:15:06]

💡Why do so many financially independent people choose to keep working? [00:17:00]

Takeaway Quotes:

"  Multiple income streams are more than a safety net—they’re a wealth-building engine."-Cynthia Meyer

" The couples who succeed financially collaborate."- Cynthia Meyer

Connect with Real Life Planning:

• Facebook
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• Bigger Pockets
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• Email: podcast@reallifeplanning.com

The ReaL Life Planning Podcast is for educational purposes only. None of the information discussed is intended as investment, tax, accounting, or legal advice, nor as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, real property, or other securities or non-securities offering.

Real Life Planning, LLC is an Investment Advisor registered with the States of New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, and California. All views, expressions, and opinions included in this communication are subject to change. This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy, or completeness of, any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. Our current disclosure brochure, Form ADV Part 2, is available for your review upon request, and on our website, REALLIFEPLANNING.COM.

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 tactic.

" The “subject to” financing strategy can be a powerful strategy for a certain slice of real estate investors, but it can also be dangerous depending on the execution.” - Cynthia Meyer

This week on Real Life Planning Podcast:

💡What does “subject to” financing actually mean, and how does it work in real life? [00:01:55]

💡Who would sell their home this way—and why? [00:02:44]

💡What are the major benefits for experienced investors? [00:06:03]

💡What are the risks of “subject to” and what could go wrong? [00:07:40]

💡What best practices can reduce risk in a “subject to” transaction? [00:14:06]

Takeaway Quotes:

" This is really something that requires knowledge, strong systems, good legal support, lots and lots of cash reserves, and really good systems and processes to make this work."-Cynthia Meyer

" It's a real estate business strategy. We've been seeing more about this as interest rates have gone up."- Cynthia Meyer

Connect with Real Life Planning:

• Facebook
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• Bigger Pockets
• X
• Instagram
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• Email: podcast@reallifeplanning.com

The ReaL Life Planning Podcast is for educational purposes only. None of the information discussed is intended as investment, tax, accounting, or legal advice, nor as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, real property, or other securities or non-securities offering.

Real Life Planning, LLC is an Investment Advisor registered with the States of New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, and California. All views, expressions, and opinions included in this communication are subject to change. This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy, or completeness of, any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. Our current disclosure brochure, Form ADV Part 2, is available for your review upon request, and on our website, REALLIFEPLANNING.COM.