We all made money mistakes in our 20s. The question is whether we learned from them.

In this episode, Derek and Kelly are joined by guest Maggie Garden to talk about what they wish they knew at 25. From skipping the 401(k) to buying the wrong car to completely ignoring their credit scores, they get real about the financial decisions they'd do differently — and what you can do right now so you don't make the same ones.

This one's part therapy session, part financial planning crash course.

What's covered:

• Why your 20s are actually your most valuable investing years (and what it costs you to wait)
• The car mistake almost everyone makes — and why it matters more than you think
• Credit scores: what they are, why they matter, and how most people find out the hard way
• Health insurance gaps that can wreck your finances before your career even gets started
• How lifestyle inflation quietly sneaks up on you
• The case for taking more risks early — in life and with your money
• Real talk on housing: what they got right, what they got wrong, and what they'd tell their younger selves

Whether you're in your 20s right now or just wishing you could go back, this episode has something for you.

Chapters

00:00 Reflecting on Our 25-Year-Old Selves
01:33 Life at 25: Personal Experiences and Financial Realities
07:51 Lessons Learned: Regrets and Aha Moments
10:31 Financial Mistakes and Health Insurance Woes
11:57 Navigating Credit Scores and Financial Awareness
16:55 Traveling and Keeping Up with Friends
23:54 Big Financial Decisions: Cars and Investments
32:51 Advice to Our Younger Selves: Key Takeaways

The conversation delves into the challenges and considerations of college planning, including the looming cost of college, the evolution of college, the impact of college reputation, the rise of trade schools, and the importance of flexibility in college planning. It also explores the various college savings and investment accounts available, the role of FAFSA in college planning, and the importance of exposure to career options for effective college planning.

Takeaways

• College costs are increasing drastically, and it's important to plan for the financial implications of higher education.
• Flexibility in college planning is crucial, and exposure to various career options is essential for effective decision-making.
• Understanding the different college savings and investment accounts available can help in creating a comprehensive college funding strategy.

Chapters

• 00:00 The Looming Cost of College
• 05:17 The Value of College Education
• 10:31 College Savings and Investment Accounts
• 15:37 The College Experience and Career Paths
• 21:17 The Utma Account and College Savings
• 26:24 The Flexibility of the Utma Account for College Savings
• 31:34 The Realities of FAFSA and College Funding

Millennials love to travel — and apparently, we really love to cruise. Derek and Kelly sit down with cruise expert and travel consultant Pam Sanzo (Pamrock Inspired / Cruise Brothers) for a deep dive into everything you need to know before booking your next vacation. From how to actually save money on a cruise to whether the drink package is worth it, this one is packed with real, practical advice from someone who has been in the industry for 30 years.

They cover what to book early (and why waiting for a deal is usually a mistake), how to pick the right cruise line for your travel style, what NOT to skip on a private island stop, and the travel hacks that could save you from showing up to your ship with nothing but a backpack.

Whether you're a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sailor, this episode will help you travel smarter — and spend less.

Topics covered:

• Why you should use a travel agent instead of booking online

• Royal Caribbean vs. Norwegian vs. Virgin — who wins for which traveler

• The truth about the cruise drink package (the math might surprise you)

• Group cruise rates and what perks you actually unlock

• Shoulder season travel and when Caribbean deals actually happen

• Private islands like Perfect Day at CocoCay — hype or worth it?

• Kids clubs, family cruising, and tips for traveling with children

• Travel hacks: carry-on packing, passport tips, and arriving a day early

• River cruises, Alaska itineraries, and exotic destinations for the bucket list

Want to reach Pam? Here is her website: https://pamroc.cruisebrothers.com/cb/

Reach out to Kelly Turner at kturner@totalmortgage.com and Derek Mazzarella at dmazzarella@mygfpartner.com

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