Episode 18: Making Goals Work Even When Orders Change

Hosts: Rob Moore & Omen Quelvog

🔧 Episode Summary

In this episode, Rob and Omen dig into why most New Year’s resolutions fall apart by “Quitter’s Day,” how motivation is a terrible long‑term strategy, and why boring, repeatable systems are the real recipe for success.

The guys also recap an intense wildcard football weekend, react to a listener’s comment on student loans, and break down a headline about government employees and Roth conversions heading into 2026.

A “Day in History” segment explores the execution of King Louis XVI and its surprising connection to U.S. independence. Then, they move into the core discussion on goal setting, behavioral systems, leading/lagging indicators, and identity‑based habits.

As always, the show wraps with the Trivia Challenge—this one involving gym memberships and New Year’s resolutions.

🎯 Opening Banter

• Running motivation and “the boring parts” of self‑improvement
• Social media engagement—student loan reactions
• Wildcard playoff weekend recap
• Why Rob’s wife warned him not to post a controversial clip
• Church sermon series on money & its surprising alignment with wise financial principles

📰 This Week’s Headline

Why Government Employees Should Think Carefully About Roth Conversions Before 2026

🏆 Main Topic: Why Goals Fail — and How to Make Them Work

The Motivation Problem

Why Most Goals Break

🔺 The FOXHOLE Method: O.P.S.

1. Objective – What problem are you really solving?
2. Process – Build a system that runs without motivation
3. Sustainment – Can you maintain it for 12 months?

Start Small (Really Small)

Turn Goals Into Systems

Tracking Progress

Leading Indicators (early warnings):

Lagging Indicators (problems already here):

Identity‑Based Goal Setting

📌 Key Takeaways

1. Roth conversions aren’t magic—especially for high‑earning government workers nearing retirement. Plan carefully.
2. Systems beat motivation—every time. Automate small steps and anchor them into your real life.
3. Success is boring on purpose. Sustainable habits look like slow, unsexy steps repeated long enough to matter.

CONNECT

• Book a meeting with Omen
• Book a meeting with Rob
• Dinkytown calculators
• Rob’s article “The Least You Can Do”

📬 Have a Question?

Email us at fiscalfoxhole@gmail.com and we may feature your question in an upcoming episode.

Should You Stay Past 20? Military Retirement, Career Choices & Market Lessons with guest Brandon Lovingier

🎙️ Hosts

• Rob Moore
• Omen Quelvog

Episode Summary

In this episode, Rob and Omen kick off the new year with reflections on career decisions, market lessons from 2025, and a deep dive into military retirement choices. They welcome back their first-ever guest, Brandon Lovingier, for a candid conversation about the decision to stay in the military past 20 years—and what really matters when making big life changes.

Featured Guest

• Brandon Lovingier (EnlistedMoney.com)
  • Army Veteran/financial educator

Topics Covered

• New Year’s Resolutions & Quitter’s Day: How to stick with goals and why January 9th matters
• US Independence & History: Fun fact—Continental Congress ratified the Treaty of Paris on January 14, 1784
• Market Review 2025:
  • Tariffs, volatility, and surprising returns
  • Why staying invested beats market timing
  • Sector highlights: Tech & Communications
  • The Callan Periodic Table and asset class rotation
• Military Retirement Decisions:
  • Should you stay past 20 years?
  • Financial vs. personal factors
  • The value of knowing your expenses
  • Building a “retirement to” career, not just retiring from one
  • Family conversations and impact
  • The reality of promotions, pensions, and career flexibility
• Trivia Challenge:
  • MRE favorites—Chili Mac wins!
  • Fun stories from military life

Key Takeaways

1. Past performance isn’t a predictor: Markets rarely follow forecasts; staying invested matters more than timing.
2. Career flexibility vs. financial upside: Promotions and extra years often offer less benefit than expected; retiring sooner can create more options.
3. Values first: Decisions about staying in or getting out should start with your values, purpose, and family—not just money.

CONNECT!

• Brandon Lovingier: EnlistedMoney.com
• Military Financial Advisors Association: https://militaryfinancialadvisors.org
• Book a meeting with Omen
• Book a meeting with Rob
• Email questions to: fiscalfoxhole@gmail.com

Disclaimer

This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Rob Moore and Omen Quelvog are registered investment advisor representatives, but are not your advisors. Consult a qualified professional for advice tailored to your situation.

Hosts: Omen Quelvog & Rob Moore Release Date: January 7 2026

• Student Loan Crisis:
  • Wage garnishment for federal student loans resumes in January
  • What “default” means (270+ days behind) and how to avoid it
  • Actionable steps for borrowers in trouble:
    1. Seek help—reach out to financial counselors, advisors, or trusted professionals
    2. Update your contact info with loan servicers
    3. Apply for income-driven repayment plans
    4. Consider consolidation
    5. Explore disability discharge options for veterans (tax-free for 100% P&T VA ratings)
    6. Last resort: loan rehab/consolidation
• New Year, New Limits:
  • Deep dive into the latest IRS contribution limits for 2026:
    1. 401(k), 403(b), TSP, 457(b), and IRA updates
    2. Special catch-up rules for ages 50+ and the “super catch-up” for ages 60–63
    3. Roth catch-up requirements for high earners ($150,000+ FICA wages)
    4. Annual additions limit ($72,000) and how it aggregates across multiple plans
• Military & Financial Planning:
  • PSLF for military service and how Army forgiveness differs (taxable vs. non-taxable)
  • Strategies for maximizing workplace and IRA contributions when juggling multiple plans
• Order of Operations:
  • How to prioritize workplace plans vs. IRAs
  • Spousal IRA eligibility and maximizing family contributions
  • Avoiding over-contributions and understanding “true-up” provisions
• Trivia Challenge:
  • What percentage of U.S. civilian workers with access to a workplace retirement plan actually participate?
• Off-Duty Segment:
  • Reflections on military leave, business refreshes, and favorite movies (including “Nobody 2” and Netflix’s “Elway” documentary)

💡 Practical Takeaways

1. Student loan wage garnishment is back—take action now if you’re at risk.
2. Know your contribution limits and plan aggregation rules to avoid penalties and maximize employer matches.
3. Plan your contributions and taxes deliberately—don’t “wing it” and risk costly mistakes.

📝 Resources & Links

• Forbes: Wage Garnishment for Student Loans Starts in January
• Military Financial Advisors Association
• Savings Cascade Article
• Book a meeting with Rob Moore
• Book a meeting with Omen Quelvog

⚠️ Disclaimer

This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Rob Moore and Omen Quelvog are registered investment advisor representatives, but are not your advisors. Consult a qualified professional for advice tailored to your situation.