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

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Big news just dropped from the Federal Reserve—and it has real implications for your money. In this timely episode of Millennial Money Matters, Kelly Turner and Derek Mazzarella break down the announcement of a new Federal Reserve Chair, Kevin Warsh, and explain what this leadership change could mean for interest rates, mortgages, savings accounts, and the broader economy .

Rather than reacting to headlines or political noise, this episode focuses on how the Fed actually works, why independence matters, and how Fed decisions show up in your everyday financial life.

In this episode, we cover:

• Who the Federal Reserve is and what its two core mandates are

• What a new Fed Chair means (and what it doesn’t)

• The difference between Fed rate cuts and mortgage rates

• Why savings accounts and credit cards react faster than mortgages

• Quantitative easing explained in plain English

• Dovish vs. hawkish policy and why it matters

• The tension between inflation and unemployment

• Why groceries feel more expensive even when inflation is “down”

• How political volatility impacts markets and lending behavior

• What millennials should actually pay attention to over the next 6–12 months

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If you’ve ever felt like Fed news is “above your head,” this episode breaks it down in a way that helps you make smarter decisions about borrowing, saving, and investing.

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

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy — it’s for anyone who wants to protect their family, business, and assets. In this episode of Millennial Money Matters, Derek Mazzarella sits down with Aaron Frankel of Franklin & Frankel to simplify what most people get wrong about estate planning and explain how to make smart legal decisions before it’s too late.

We cover:

• The essential estate planning documents everyone needs: will, trust, power of attorney, and healthcare proxy

• How to choose the right executor and guardian for your children

• What probate really is — and why you shouldn’t fear it

• The difference between revocable and irrevocable trusts

• Why every business owner needs an LLC and operating agreement

• When to update your estate plan and how often to review it

• The dangers of outdated beneficiaries on retirement accounts and life insurance

• How to protect your home and assets from long-term care costs

• Common mistakes that tear families apart after a death

• Why open communication about money and inheritance is the best legacy you can leave

Whether you’re a millennial just starting a family, a homeowner, or a business owner, this episode breaks down estate planning in plain English so you can protect your wealth and your loved ones with confidence.

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

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of Millennial Money Matters, Kelly and Derek explore the challenges and rewards of merging finances with a partner. They discuss whether to combine bank accounts, how to handle debt as a team, and ways to set joint financial goals without sacrificing independence. With practical tips and real-life insights, Kelly and Derek help couples navigate the tricky terrain of love and money. If you’re preparing to share your life—and your wallet—with someone, this episode is a must-listen!

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

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Welcome to the first episode of Millennial Money Matters! We're diving into the unique financial landscape that defines our generation. From the 2008 mortgage crisis and the Great Recession to the impact of COVID-19, we'll explore how these events have shaped our money habits.

In this episode, we'll discuss the long-term effects of economic turmoil on millennial finances, managing student loans and housing costs, and balancing side hustles and digital wallets. We'll also share practical tips for saving and investing.

Join us as we tackle the realities of millennial money relationships with practical advice and a dash of humor. It's time to take control of your financial future!

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

We went to Reddit so you don't have to.

Derek and Kelly (plus producer Justin, making a rare on-mic appearance) pulled the most common financial questions people are actually asking on Reddit and answered them straight. No jargon. No vague advice. Just real answers.

In this episode:

What's the right amount to spend on a car? (Kelly just bought a Rivian, so we're starting here)

Student loans vs. 401k — where does your money go first?

What actually happens to your 401k when you change jobs?

Building an emergency fund when you're living paycheck to paycheck

How to talk to your partner about money without it turning into a fight

What does a financial planner actually do — and do you even need one?

Is it too late to start saving for retirement at 35?

How to start investing with only $100 a month Individual stocks vs. index funds — what the numbers actually say

Real estate vs. index funds: the "it depends" answer Is it worth buying a home right now with these interest rates?

How to negotiate your salary (including the advice nobody talks about) $30,000 in credit card debt — where do you even start?

Is life insurance worth it if you don't have kids?

If you've ever typed a financial question into Reddit and gotten 47 conflicting answers, this episode is for you.

🎙️ Millennial Money Matters is hosted by Derek Mazzarella, CFP® and Kelly Turner, Mortgage loan officer

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

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.