In Episode 87 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Vekevia Tillman-Jones, CFP®, MBA, tackles a question many house hackers ask quietly: Does it even make sense to pay for management if I’m on-site? With no judgment and no fluff, Vekevia explores when it’s smart, when it’s unnecessary, and how boundaries, energy, and lifestyle all factor into the decision.

"  A property manager is not just for absentee landlords. It’s about systems and separation.” - Vekevia Tillman-Jones

This week on Real Life Planning Podcast:

💡Why some house hackers consider hiring a property manager while living on-site [00:01:02]

💡How a property manager creates systems, separation, and emotional distance [00:03:06]

💡What property management fees actually cost, and how to decide if they’re worth it [00:04:39]

💡Hybrid options: partial management, unit-only management, or delayed management [00:05:41]

💡When hiring a manager doesn’t make sense, and how to think through the bigger picture [00:07:06]

Takeaway Quotes:

" Sometimes paying for support is like the smartest financial decision you can make. " — Vekevia Tillman-Jones

" The best strategy is essentially one that fits your lifestyle and protects your energy and keeps you moving forward." — Vekevia Tillman-Jones

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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 86 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Cynthia Meyer, CFP®, CFA®, ChFC® speaks about one of the biggest early parenting financial decisions: front-loading a 529 plan or using that same lump sum as a down payment on a rental property.

Drawing from her own experience as both a rental property owner and a parent who funded 529 plans at birth, Cynthia walks through the math, tax rules, FAFSA implications, leverage opportunities, liquidity risks, and long-term wealth tradeoffs of both strategies. This episode is a masterclass in using time and compounding to your advantage.

"  When you have a newborn, you have the most valuable resource in education planning, time.” - Cynthia Meyer

This week on Real Life Planning Podcast:

💡Why the first year after your child is born is the most powerful time to invest for college [00:02:21]

💡How 529 plans work, including tax benefits and flexibility if plans change [00:03:21]

💡How a rental property can use leverage, cash flow, and appreciation to fund education [00:08:36]

💡How FAFSA and CSS profile treat 529 plans versus rental properties [00:12:19]

💡When to choose a 529 vs. real estate [00:14:38]

Takeaway Quotes:

"  A lump sum invested at birth gives you 18 or 19 years of compound returns. Time is your best friend here."-Cynthia Meyer

" Real estate might be passive for tax purposes, but it’s not passive in effort."- Cynthia Meyer

Connect with Real Life Planning:

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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 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:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reallifeplanning
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/real-life-planning
• Bigger Pockets: https://www.biggerpockets.com/business/page/3070
• X: https://x.com/cynthiameyer_ff​
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rentalpropertyclub/
• Pinterest:https://www.pinterest.com/reallifeplanning
• 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

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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:

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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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• 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:

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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 81 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Vekevia Tillman-Jones, CFP®, MBA,talks about how house hacking helped her become a homeowner, landlord, and wealth builder straight out of college — even with student loans. She shares five smart and practical ways to house hack, what makes a property ideal, and how to use this strategy to build equity while keeping life affordable.

"House hacking isn’t just about saving money—it’s about building freedom, ownership, and future options." — Vekevia Tillman-Jones

This week on Real Life Planning Podcast:

💡What is house hacking and how did it help Vekevia become a homeowner after college? [00:01:12]

💡What are the five types of house hacks—and which one fits your lifestyle? [00:05:40]

💡What features make a property ideal for house hacking? [00:11:39]

💡What red flags should you check with zoning, HOAs, and privacy concerns? [00:13:02]

💡How does house hacking create lasting wealth even when life is “lifeing”? [00:14:01]

Takeaway Quotes:

""I didn’t have a trust fund. I had student loans. But I also had a strategy—and that made all the difference.” –Vekevia Tillman-Jones

"Your first home doesn’t have to be your dream home. It can be your launchpad." — Vekevia Tillman-Jones

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• Email: podcast@reallifeplanning.com

About the Real Life Planning Podcast

Hosts Cynthia Meyer and Vekevia Tillman-Jones explore practical steps for real estate investors to build financial freedom and make working for someone else optional.

If you like this video podcast, consider joining Real Life Planning’s Question of the Week where our CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERs™ and rental property business owners answer the most common questions about real estate financial planning direct to your inbox.

https://mailchi.mp/reallifeplanning/question-of-the-week

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.