In Episode 85 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Vekevia Tillman-Jones, CFP®, MBA, gets real about a costly mistake too many future homeowners and house hackers make—leaving their down payment in a basic savings account earning next to nothing. She breaks down exactly how to earn more on your money without investing it, using smart, safe options like high-yield savings accounts.

"  Good habits compound just like interest. So don't let your money sit on the sidelines.” - Vekevia Tillman-Jones

This week on Real Life Planning Podcast:

💡Why your down payment savings shouldn’t sit in a low-interest account [00:01:34]

💡How much more can you earn with a high-yield savings account? [00:02:51]

💡Where can you compare rates and find the best options? [00:04:08]

💡What should you consider before opening a new savings account? [00:06:02]

💡How did Vekevia make her own home savings work smarter, not harder? [00:07:37]

Takeaway Quotes:

"A high-yield savings account is a smart middle ground. You're not gambling—but you're not settling for pennies either." — Vekevia Tillman-Jones

"It’s not about the amount saved—it’s about being intentional with what you’ve got." — Vekevia Tillman-Jones

Connect with Real Life Planning:

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• Bigger Pockets: https://www.biggerpockets.com/business/page/3070
• X: https://x.com/cynthiameyer_ff​
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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 84 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Cynthia Meyer, CFA®, CFP®, ChFC®, talks with Kathleen Boyd, CFP®, Certified Student Loan Professional (CSLP), and founder of Student Loan Savvy, who breaks down the new legislation that’s overhauling graduate and parent PLUS loans, income-driven repayment plans, and forgiveness programs. They talk through what students, parents, and advisors need to know right now to avoid costly mistakes and plan wisely for the future.

“This bill is quietly one of the biggest student loan rewrites in decades.” — Kathleen Boyd

This week on Real Life Planning Podcast:

💡What impact do student loans have on long-term financial goals? [00:01:30]

💡What is the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and what changes should borrowers expect? [00:3:02]

💡How might graduate and parent PLUS loans change under the new legislation? [00:07:42]

💡What should students and families do now to prepare for future changes? [00:13:18]

💡What are the new forgiveness and income-driven repayment rules you should know? [00:18:22]

💡What is the RAP Plan—and how does it differ from current options? [00:31:35]

💡What myths about loan forgiveness are hurting borrowers? [00:42:19]

💡What roles are no longer considered “professional” under new loan rules, and why does that matter? [00:48:30]

Takeaway Quotes:

"We can't just figure it out later. We need to be doing planning now.” — Kathleen Boyd

" They may have an expensive private school in mind that's out of state. But you shouldn't jeopardize your own retirement by borrowing more than you can really afford." — Cynthia Meyer

Connect with Kathleen Boyd:

• Website: Student Loan Savvy
• Email: kathleen@studentloansavvy.com

Connect with Real Life Planning:

• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Bigger Pockets
• X
• Instagram
• Pinterest
• 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 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

Connect with Real Life Planning:

• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Bigger Pockets
• X
• Instagram
• Pinterest
• 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.