Shownotes Transcript
In this episode of the iWealth Podcast, Brad Connors and "Mega" Matt flip the script by diving into a real-world question posed by a newlywed couple: Should we travel now or wait until we’re closer to retirement? It’s a classic debate—do you hustle and grind while you're young, saving every penny for the future? Or should you take time now to create experiences and make memories, even if it means pulling back slightly on your financial ambitions?
Brad shares the original question he received from a young husband who wanted to focus on working hard, saving, and delaying gratification. Meanwhile, his new wife believed in traveling and creating shared experiences early on in their marriage. Brad’s advice? You’re both right. There’s value in hard work and building a strong financial foundation—but also in taking the time to live your life and create meaningful memories while you're young and healthy.
Matt shares a personal look into how he approached this very challenge. Before having children, he went full-throttle into his career—grinding, saving, and building. Once his daughter Grace was born and began forming lasting memories, his approach shifted. Now, he’s intentional about taking time away from work to be present with his family. Whether it's road-tripping in a camper van or relaxing by a river, those memory-making experiences have become a vital part of his life rhythm.
Together, Brad and Matt explore the idea of balance—not necessarily in the day-to-day sense, but over a lifetime. Brad offers a helpful visual: three types of people. First, there’s the saver who works their whole life, only to pass away before retirement. Then there’s the spender who lives only for today and has nothing saved when it counts. But in the middle is the person who does both: saves consistently and still takes time to live.
They encourage young couples to start with goals like saving 10% of their income, building their emergency fund, and budgeting with purpose. But they also remind us that travel and time off aren’t just luxuries—they’re investments in joy, connection, and long-term well-being.
Matt even introduces the concept of living and working in sprints. Work hard for a set period, then unplug and recharge. It’s a mindset that allows for progress without burnout—and creates space for relationships to thrive alongside your finances.
Brad closes with a powerful reminder: no one remembers how nice your kitchen backsplash was, but they do remember the road trips, the laughter, and the time spent together. Whether you’re newly married or well into your career, the takeaway is simple—don’t delay life until retirement. Live intentionally now, plan smartly for the future, and make memories along the way.
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