Meaning over Money
With 280+ episodes and a 5.0-star rating on Apple Podcasts, we provide concise, straight-to-the-point, short-form episodes centered around money...except it's not really about money.
In each episode, host Travis Shelton dives into cultural trends, current events, and behavioral nuances revolving around work and money. We often dive into topics such as investing, budgeting, relationships, behavioral science, careers, generosity, and much more. Are you ready to redefine the role work and money play in your life? More importantly, are you ready to be challenged toward a more meaningful life?
Most episodes are 10-20 minutes, conducted solo by host Travis Shelton, but we also bring in special guests who we believe can add value to our audience.
Listen along and share with a friend. Our followers aren’t shy about giving us feedback, so send us an e-mail or DM to ask questions, suggest topics, or challenge Travis’s perspective!
Archive
- March 2025
- February 2025
- January 2025
- December 2024
- November 2024
- October 2024
- September 2024
- August 2024
- July 2024
- June 2024
- May 2024
- April 2024
- March 2024
- February 2024
- January 2024
- December 2023
- November 2023
- October 2023
- September 2023
- August 2023
- July 2023
- June 2023
- May 2023
- April 2023
- March 2023
- February 2023
- January 2023
- December 2022
- November 2022
- October 2022
- September 2022
- August 2022
- July 2022
- June 2022
- May 2022
- April 2022
- March 2022
- February 2022
- January 2022
- December 2021
- November 2021
- October 2021
- September 2021
- August 2021
- July 2021
- June 2021
- May 2021
- April 2021
- March 2021
139 - Just Because You Can, It Doesn't Mean You Should
In past episodes, we've made the argument life can actually get more complicated the freer we become (out of debt, more income, etc.). One example of this is a situation we see time and time again. So many possibilities start to open up.....so we say "yes." And "yes." And "yes" again. If we're not careful, we can start to go down a dangerous road where we say yes to everything.....because we can. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton shares some stories from his experience working with clients fighting this battle. Just because we can, it doesn't mean we should.
In past episodes, we've made the argument life can actually get more complicated the freer we become (out of debt, more income, etc.). One example of this is a situation we see time and time again. So many possibilities start to open up.....so we say "yes." And "yes." And "yes" again. If we're not careful, we can start to go down a dangerous road where we say yes to everything.....because we can. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton shares some stories from his experience working with clients fighting this battle. Just because we can, it doesn't mean we should.
Join our podcast community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/370457478238932
You can find the Meaning Over Money podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, including:
If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where you can find us:
Online Course: www.meaningover.money (podcast listeners can get 25% off by using the promo code "podcast25")
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCasnj17-bOl_CZ0Cb9czmyQ
Instagram: www.instagram.com/meaning_over_money
Travis's Instagram: www.instagram.com/travis_shelton_
Travis's website: www.travisshelton.com
E-Mail Us: meaningovermoneypodcast@gmail.com
138 - This Couple Knew the Secret
When host Travis Shelton was in high school, he worked at a cheese factory. This job taught him many lessons, but none greater than an older couple who worked there together. At the time, Travis looked at them as an example of what he didn't want to become in life. As time when on, however, and as Travis leaned into these ideas of meaning over money, this couple seemed wiser and wiser. See, this couple knew a secret so many of us don't. Meaning always trumps money, even when everyone around us is telling a different story. This is a different kind of episode, and we hope it adds value to your journey!
When host Travis Shelton was in high school, he worked at a cheese factory. This job taught him many lessons, but none greater than an older couple who worked there together. At the time, Travis looked at them as an example of what he didn't want to become in life. As time when on, however, and as Travis leaned into these ideas of meaning over money, this couple seemed wiser and wiser. See, this couple knew a secret so many of us don't. Meaning always trumps money, even when everyone around us is telling a different story. This is a different kind of episode, and we hope it adds value to your journey!
Join our podcast community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/370457478238932
You can find the Meaning Over Money podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, including:
If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where you can find us:
Online Course: www.meaningover.money (podcast listeners can get 25% off by using the promo code "podcast25")
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCasnj17-bOl_CZ0Cb9czmyQ
Instagram: www.instagram.com/meaning_over_money
Travis's Instagram: www.instagram.com/travis_shelton_
Travis's website: www.travisshelton.com
E-Mail Us: meaningovermoneypodcast@gmail.com
137 - I "Need" a New Car
As host Travis Shelton was recently loading up his family's vehicle for a family camping trip, a very clear and convicted idea crossed his mind: "I need a new car." It was clear his existing vehicle didn't have enough space, and playing Tetris with luggage and equipment was getting old. In today's episode, we discuss the idea of need vs. NEED. Sometimes we think we need something, but do we really NEED it? It may sound like we're splitting hairs, but knowing the difference can help us make much better decisions and prevent us from doing something we'll regret. This episode will hit a bit too close to home for some, which is a good thing. If we can slow down to think through our situation and make a genuinely good decision, our future selves will most certainly thank our past selves.
As host Travis Shelton was recently loading up his family's vehicle for a family camping trip, a very clear and convicted idea crossed his mind: "I need a new car." It was clear his existing vehicle didn't have enough space, and playing Tetris with luggage and equipment was getting old. In today's episode, we discuss the idea of need vs. NEED. Sometimes we think we need something, but do we really NEED it? It may sound like we're splitting hairs, but knowing the difference can help us make much better decisions and prevent us from doing something we'll regret. This episode will hit a bit too close to home for some, which is a good thing. If we can slow down to think through our situation and make a genuinely good decision, our future selves will most certainly thank our past selves.
Join our podcast community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/370457478238932
You can find the Meaning Over Money podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, including:
If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where you can find us:
Online Course: www.meaningover.money (podcast listeners can get 25% off by using the promo code "podcast25")
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCasnj17-bOl_CZ0Cb9czmyQ
Instagram: www.instagram.com/meaning_over_money
Travis's Instagram: www.instagram.com/travis_shelton_
Travis's website: www.travisshelton.com
E-Mail Us: meaningovermoneypodcast@gmail.com
136 - Investing: Employ the Do Nothing Strategy
The stock market is a crazy world right now! Therefore, it's only natural more and more people are asking the question, "what should I do about it?" Our answer is always the same: if you're invested broadly and cheaply, simply do nothing. Let the market take care of itself. It's a hard thing to do, as we want to do something, but nothing is always better than something. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton explains why this is the hardest decsion......but the best decision.
The stock market is a crazy world right now! Therefore, it's only natural more and more people are asking the question, "what should I do about it?" Our answer is always the same: if you're invested broadly and cheaply, simply do nothing. Let the market take care of itself. It's a hard thing to do, as we want to do something, but nothing is always better than something. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton explains why this is the hardest decsion......but the best decision.
Join our podcast community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/370457478238932
You can find the Meaning Over Money podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, including:
If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where you can find us:
Online Course: www.meaningover.money (podcast listeners can get 25% off by using the promo code "podcast25")
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCasnj17-bOl_CZ0Cb9czmyQ
Instagram: www.instagram.com/meaning_over_money
Travis's Instagram: www.instagram.com/travis_shelton_
Travis's website: www.travisshelton.com
E-Mail Us: meaningovermoneypodcast@gmail.com
135 - Is There a Good Way to Use a Credit Card?
In episode 103, we discussed why most people are actually losing money from their credit card points. Our argument is a combination of psychological and tracking issues, resulting in a net loss even after receiving the benefit of various rewards, miles, and cash back. We received a lot of questions and feedback about this episode. The most notable question is whether we believe there's a way to use credit cards (through the lens of building credit) without subjecting ourselves to the negatives. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton outlines one way it's possible. We're not a fan of this approach, per se, but since you asked, we shall answer. Hope you enjoy!
In episode 103, we discussed why most people are actually losing money from their credit card points. Our argument is a combination of psychological and tracking issues, resulting in a net loss even after receiving the benefit of various rewards, miles, and cash back. We received a lot of questions and feedback about this episode. The most notable question is whether we believe there's a way to use credit cards (through the lens of building credit) without subjecting ourselves to the negatives. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton outlines one way it's possible. We're not a fan of this approach, per se, but since you asked, we shall answer. Hope you enjoy!
Past Episode Referenced in Today's Episode:
103 - Why Your Credit Card Points Are Actually Losing You Money
Join our podcast community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/370457478238932
You can find the Meaning Over Money podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, including:
If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where you can find us:
Online Course: www.meaningover.money (podcast listeners can get 25% off by using the promo code "podcast25")
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCasnj17-bOl_CZ0Cb9czmyQ
Instagram: www.instagram.com/meaning_over_money
Travis's Instagram: www.instagram.com/travis_shelton_
Travis's website: www.travisshelton.com
E-Mail Us: meaningovermoneypodcast@gmail.com
134 - What REALLY Adds Value to Your Life? Part 2
In a previous episode, we talked about the idea of inventorying what really adds value to our life. We gave all the listeners (and ourselves) a homework assignment: make a list of the top 10 things that add value to your life. In today's episode, we discuss a reality most people will recognize when they do this exercise. The things that REALLY add value to most people's lives are either free or inexpensive. The takeaway? Most people are chasing more, more, and more, when the truth is what they really value has been sitting in front of them the whole time. And for the things that aren't free or inexpensive, we need to ask ourselves if they are being adequately prioritized in our financial life. Host Travis Shelton also talks about his discovery of some gaps between values and behavior in his own financial life by doing this exercise. If you haven't already made your list, now is a good time to think about it!
In a previous episode, we talked about the idea of inventorying what really adds value to our life. We gave all the listeners (and ourselves) a homework assignment: make a list of the top 10 things that add value to your life. In today's episode, we discuss a reality most people will recognize when they do this exercise. The things that REALLY add value to most people's lives are either free or inexpensive. The takeaway? Most people are chasing more, more, and more, when the truth is what they really value has been sitting in front of them the whole time. And for the things that aren't free or inexpensive, we need to ask ourselves if they are being adequately prioritized in our financial life. Host Travis Shelton also talks about his discovery of some gaps between values and behavior in his own financial life by doing this exercise. If you haven't already made your list, now is a good time to think about it!
Here's the previous episode referenced in today's episode: 123 - What REALLY Adds Value to Your Life
Join our podcast community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/370457478238932
You can find the Meaning Over Money podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, including:
If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where you can find us:
Online Course: www.meaningover.money (podcast listeners can get 25% off by using the promo code "podcast25")
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCasnj17-bOl_CZ0Cb9czmyQ
Instagram: www.instagram.com/meaning_over_money
Travis's Instagram: www.instagram.com/travis_shelton_
Travis's website: www.travisshelton.com
E-Mail Us: meaningovermoneypodcast@gmail.com
133 - The Three Hardest Months to Budget...So Give Yourself Grace
There are certain months that will inevitably cause people a lot of frustration in their budgeting. The problem is they don't know everyone else is also struggling with them as well, so they can easily feel defeated. May, August, and December are particularly hard for most people. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton explains why some months are just harder than others, and what you can do about it.
There are certain months that will inevitably cause people a lot of frustration in their budgeting. The problem is they don't know everyone else is also struggling with them as well, so they can easily feel defeated. May, August, and December are particularly hard for most people. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton explains why some months are just harder than others, and what you can do about it.
Join our podcast community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/370457478238932
You can find the Meaning Over Money podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, including:
If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where you can find us:
Online Course: www.meaningover.money (podcast listeners can get 25% off by using the promo code "podcast25")
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCasnj17-bOl_CZ0Cb9czmyQ
Instagram: www.instagram.com/meaning_over_money
Travis's Instagram: www.instagram.com/travis_shelton_
Travis's website: www.travisshelton.com
E-Mail Us: meaningovermoneypodcast@gmail.com
132 - Don't Be Ashamed of Your Progress
From time to time, we have conversations with people who are experiencing financial success and/or finding meaning in their work, who feel somewhat guilty. Why? Because they are aware of how much stress and frustration other people around them are experiencing. Much of this stems from a high level of compassion, but there's also a piece where it can feel undeserving. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton shares why he doesn't think people should feel guilty for their progress. The biggest reason is how much work and dedication it took to reach that place. It's not a one-time decision, but rather years of discipline and thousands of good decisions along the way. If anything, these successes can be used as a living example for someone else, and can also provide even more opportunities to show generosity to others.
From time to time, we have conversations with people who are experiencing financial success and/or finding meaning in their work, who feel somewhat guilty. Why? Because they are aware of how much stress and frustration other people around them are experiencing. Much of this stems from a high level of compassion, but there's also a piece where it can feel undeserving. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton shares why he doesn't think people should feel guilty for their progress. The biggest reason is how much work and dedication it took to reach that place. It's not a one-time decision, but rather years of discipline and thousands of good decisions along the way. If anything, these successes can be used as a living example for someone else, and can also provide even more opportunities to show generosity to others.
Join our podcast community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/370457478238932
You can find the Meaning Over Money podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, including:
If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where you can find us:
Online Course: www.meaningover.money (podcast listeners can get 25% off by using the promo code "podcast25")
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCasnj17-bOl_CZ0Cb9czmyQ
Instagram: www.instagram.com/meaning_over_money
Travis's Instagram: www.instagram.com/travis_shelton_
Travis's website: www.travisshelton.com
E-Mail Us: meaningovermoneypodcast@gmail.com
131 - Don't Throw Away Your Influence
We all have influence. The who, where, what, when, and how all vary, as does the size of our influence, but we all have influence. We're also living in a time where we have the tools and platforms available to say anything we want about anything we want.....and are encouraged to do so. We've spent so much time asking the question "can we?", that we perhaps have failed to answer the question, "should we?" Some of us, in our pursuit to be right, have voluntarily given up our influence in the lives of people around us. We may say things or do things that we believe, but turn people away from us in doing so. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton discusses the importance of maintaining influence in the areas we are called to influence, and how so many are sabotaging that influence over other topics in our culture.
We all have influence. The who, where, what, when, and how all vary, as does the size of our influence, but we all have influence. We're also living in a time where we have the tools and platforms available to say anything we want about anything we want.....and are encouraged to do so. We've spent so much time asking the question "can we?", that we perhaps have failed to answer the question, "should we?" Some of us, in our pursuit to be right, have voluntarily given up our influence in the lives of people around us. We may say things or do things that we believe, but turn people away from us in doing so. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton discusses the importance of maintaining influence in the areas we are called to influence, and how so many are sabotaging that influence over other topics in our culture.
Join our podcast community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/370457478238932
You can find the Meaning Over Money podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, including:
If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where you can find us:
Online Course: www.meaningover.money (podcast listeners can get 25% off by using the promo code "podcast25")
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCasnj17-bOl_CZ0Cb9czmyQ
Instagram: www.instagram.com/meaning_over_money
Travis's Instagram: www.instagram.com/travis_shelton_
Travis's website: www.travisshelton.com
E-Mail Us: meaningovermoneypodcast@gmail.com
130 - When the 4 Walls of Tension Are Closing In
Countless people are experiencing a tremendous amount of pressure in life, and it's closing in from all angles. Financial, work, relationships.....sometimes it can feel like too much. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton describes a common scenario so many people are facing, how all the pieces are interconnected, and what you can do to unwind them. If any of this resonates with you, just know you aren't alone and it's never too late. This is heavy stuff, but there is hope.....lots of hope!
Countless people are experiencing a tremendous amount of pressure in life, and it's closing in from all angles. Financial, work, relationships.....sometimes it can feel like too much. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton describes a common scenario so many people are facing, how all the pieces are interconnected, and what you can do to unwind them. If any of this resonates with you, just know you aren't alone and it's never too late. This is heavy stuff, but there is hope.....lots of hope!
Join our podcast community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/370457478238932
You can find the Meaning Over Money podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, including:
If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where you can find us:
Online Course: www.meaningover.money (podcast listeners can get 25% off by using the promo code "podcast25")
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCasnj17-bOl_CZ0Cb9czmyQ
Instagram: www.instagram.com/meaning_over_money
Travis's Instagram: www.instagram.com/travis_shelton_
Travis's website: www.travisshelton.com
E-Mail Us: meaningovermoneypodcast@gmail.com
129 - Unblurring the Line Between Travel and Life
Summer travel is upon us! We love travel, and suspect many of you do as well. The only down side: travel can cause financial stress that leaks into our everyday life. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton discusses a different way to look at and execute travel. It's a small but meaningful tweak that a could make all the difference in the world.
Summer travel is upon us! We love travel, and suspect many of you do as well. The only down side: travel can cause financial stress that leaks into our everyday life. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton discusses a different way to look at and execute travel. It's a small but meaningful tweak that a could make all the difference in the world.
Join our podcast community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/370457478238932
You can find the Meaning Over Money podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, including:
If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where you can find us:
Online Course: www.meaningover.money (podcast listeners can get 25% off by using the promo code "podcast25")
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCasnj17-bOl_CZ0Cb9czmyQ
Instagram: www.instagram.com/meaning_over_money
Travis's Instagram: www.instagram.com/travis_shelton_
Travis's website: www.travisshelton.com
E-Mail Us: meaningovermoneypodcast@gmail.com
128 - It's What We do. It's Who We Are
We received a lot of feedback from episode 124 where we talked about the importance of not letting the selfishness of others steals our generous sprit. Today's episode is dedicated to one person's feedback.
We received a lot of feedback from episode 124 where we talked about the importance of not letting the selfishness of others steals our generous sprit. Today's episode is dedicated to one person's feedback. Our friend Jill shared how people will ask, "why would you do that?" whenever she talks about a major event she volunteers for or other acts of generosity. We've experienced similar questions whenever we discuss generosity with people in our lives. There seems to be a chasm between people who desire to be generous, and those who simple can't wrap their minds around the idea. "Why would you give away YOUR money?" "Why would you spend so much time if you aren't being paid?" What do you get out of it?" "What's the point?" The answer to those questions is simple. It's what we do. It's just what we do. Or maybe to take it a step further, it's who we are. It doesn't make sense.....until it makes all the sense in the world. One of our goals is for people to experience this drastic shift in their lives first-hand. It's amazing, and it's worth it. Jill, thank you for the feedback, thank you for serving the way you do, and thank you for the example you set for those around you. It's surely contagious.
Join our podcast community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/370457478238932
You can find the Meaning Over Money podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, including:
If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where you can find us:
Online Course: www.meaningover.money (podcast listeners can get 25% off by using the promo code "podcast25")
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCasnj17-bOl_CZ0Cb9czmyQ
Instagram: www.instagram.com/meaning_over_money
Travis's Instagram: www.instagram.com/travis_shelton_
Travis's website: www.travisshelton.com
E-Mail Us: meaningovermoneypodcast@gmail.com
127 - The Pursuit of Failure
The world tells us to do anything and everything to avoid failure. After all, failing = losing, right? We couldn't disagree more. Rather, we think failure is the entry price to growth and success. If we aren't willing to fail, or to take it a step further, actually pursue failure, we put an artificial cap on how far we can go. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton explains why this concept is so important and shares some recent examples of he and Cole's recent pursuits. This episode is actually one such endeavor, as it's completely unedited and fully raw. It was scary to record, and the risk of failure was ever-present, which was the goal. What about you? What's one area of life your fear of failure has held you back from growth and possible success?
The world tells us to do anything and everything to avoid failure. After all, failing = losing, right? We couldn't disagree more. Rather, we think failure is the entry price to growth and success. If we aren't willing to fail, or to take it a step further, actually pursue failure, we put an artificial cap on how far we can go. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton explains why this concept is so important and shares some recent examples of he and Cole's recent pursuits. This episode is actually one such endeavor, as it's completely unedited and fully raw. It was scary to record, and the risk of failure was ever-present, which was the goal. What about you? What's one area of life your fear of failure has held you back from growth and possible success?
Join our podcast community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/370457478238932
You can find the Meaning Over Money podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, including:
If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where you can find us:
Online Course: www.meaningover.money (podcast listeners can get 25% off by using the promo code "podcast25")
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCasnj17-bOl_CZ0Cb9czmyQ
Instagram: www.instagram.com/meaning_over_money
Travis's Instagram: www.instagram.com/travis_shelton_
Travis's website: www.travisshelton.com
E-Mail Us: meaningovermoneypodcast@gmail.com
126 - The Why's, How's, and Awesomeness of Giving Anonymously
In past episodes, we've mentioned the idea of giving anonymously. On the surface, it sounds odd. However, in practice, it's one of the most powerful and life-giving things we can do with money. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton explains the various reasons why you might want to consider giving anonymously and provides some ideas on how to execute anonymous giving (it can be tricky!). This is a much-requested topic, and we're so glad to discuss it publicly in this forum. Enjoy!
In past episodes, we've mentioned the idea of giving anonymously. On the surface, it sounds odd. However, in practice, it's one of the most powerful and life-giving things we can do with money. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton explains the various reasons why you might want to consider giving anonymously and provides some ideas on how to execute anonymous giving (it can be tricky!). This is a much-requested topic, and we're so glad to discuss it publicly in this forum. Enjoy!
Join our podcast community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/370457478238932
You can find the Meaning Over Money podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, including:
If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where you can find us:
Online Course: www.meaningover.money (podcast listeners can get 25% off by using the promo code "podcast25")
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCasnj17-bOl_CZ0Cb9czmyQ
Instagram: www.instagram.com/meaning_over_money
Travis's Instagram: www.instagram.com/travis_shelton_
Travis's website: www.travisshelton.com
E-Mail Us: meaningovermoneypodcast@gmail.com
125 - The Beauty of the Clean Slate
There are many obvious benefits to budgeting, but today we're going to talk about a not-so-obvious benefit. Sometimes we fail. Sometimes we make mistakes. Sometimes we do something we wish we could undo. One benefit of budgeting monthly is that somewhere between 1 and 30 days from now we'll get a clean slate. It's a beautiful part of this whole budgeting stuff, and one that can save us a lot of stress and heartbreak. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton shares some real-life examples of how this plays out in his family's life, as well as many of his clients'.
There are many obvious benefits to budgeting, but today we're going to talk about a not-so-obvious benefit. Sometimes we fail. Sometimes we make mistakes. Sometimes we do something we wish we could undo. One benefit of budgeting monthly is that somewhere between 1 and 30 days from now we'll get a clean slate. It's a beautiful part of this whole budgeting stuff, and one that can save us a lot of stress and heartbreak. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton shares some real-life examples of how this plays out in his family's life, as well as many of his clients'. If you've been on the fence about this whole budgeting business and think it will probably suck, maybe this is the episode that will push you to the other side. When we budget well, it makes our life better, it frees us of negative emotions such as guilt and regret, and it provides us the ability to quickly change as life changes around us.
Join our podcast community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/370457478238932
You can find the Meaning Over Money podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, including:
If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where you can find us:
Online Course: www.meaningover.money (podcast listeners can get 25% off by using the promo code "podcast25")
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCasnj17-bOl_CZ0Cb9czmyQ
Instagram: www.instagram.com/meaning_over_money
Travis's Instagram: www.instagram.com/travis_shelton_
Travis's website: www.travisshelton.com
E-Mail Us: meaningovermoneypodcast@gmail.com
124 - Don't Let the Selfishness of Others Steal Your Generous Spirit
Sometimes when we're generous, we'll get taken advantage of. Host Travis Shelton recently posted a $100 Starbucks gift card on our podcast Facebook group to bless some of our listeners. In addition to hopefully bringing a few smiles to people's faces, we expected two things to happen.
You can find this episode and the entire collection of Meaning Over Money episodes wherever you listen to podcasts, including:
Or wherever you listen to podcasts!
Sometimes when we're generous, we'll get taken advantage of. Host Travis Shelton recently posted a $100 Starbucks gift card on our podcast Facebook group to bless some of our listeners. In addition to hopefully bringing a few smiles to people's faces, we expected two things to happen. The first: people would abuse the gift. Wow they didn't disappoint!!! In today's episode, we talk about how this all played out (you won't even believe it), why it can be so demoralizing when we get taken advantage of, and why it's so important we don't let the selfishness of others rob us of our generous spirit. We think this is such an important concept to embrace along our giving journey. It's inevitable we'll be hurt, taken advantage of, and our gifts abused......however, it shouldn't cloud the bigger picture or prevent us from growing in our generosity. If nothing else, it helps us get better, more impactful, more creative, and even more generous along the way.
If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where you can find us:
Join our podcast community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/370457478238932
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCasnj17-bOl_CZ0Cb9czmyQ
Instagram: www.instagram.com/meaning_over_money
Travis's Instagram: www.instagram.com/travis_shelton_
Travis's website: www.travisshelton.com
Online Course: www.meaningover.money (podcast listeners can get 25% off by using the promo code "podcast25")
E-Mail Us: meaningovermoneypodcast@gmail.com
Interested in having Travis speak at your event? We’d love to discuss your idea!
After buying a bunch of drink and food items, this person came back 6 minutes later and purchased a pound of beans.
This person bought a few drinks….then purchased a $10 gift card with my gift card…then purchased a second $10 gift card with my gift card.
Someone must have been bummed when the gift card ran out of money, so they decided to just redeem my points for a free coffee.
Full Transcript:
Recently, I woke up on a Monday morning. As you know, Cole and I, we love Mondays. It's our favorite day of the week. As I was coming into the office, I had an idea: I wanted to buy coffee for some of our listeners. So I bought a Starbucks gift card. I bought a hundred dollar Starbucks gift card, I screenshotted the barcode, and posted it in our Facebook community.
Now, if you're not part of our community, you should be. You should hop over to Facebook. There's a link in the show notes, but we have a private group on Facebook where you can come discuss the content, suggest ideas, provide feedback, and engage with other listeners. We would love to have you here, but anyway, that particular morning, I bought a hundred dollar Starbucks gift card and posted it in the community.
I essentially just said, I hope y'all have a great Monday. Please buy yourself a coffee on me. And that was it. I was excited to do that because, well, as you know, I love generosity and giving is my favorite thing in the world. So it filled my tank to be able to surprise a handful of people with free coffee for the day.
I was excited to do it, but I also did it for another reason. It was a bit of a social experiment because I wanted to do podcasts on two particular topics. I knew both of them would shine right through this little exercise. And when I gave the gift, there were two things I knew were going to happen.
Today's episode is about one of them and I'm gonna save the other one for a follow up episode. But here's one thing I knew was gonna happen. There would be a handful of selfish people that abuse the gift. I knew that going in. I knew it was going to happen, but I still wanted to give the gift. I wanted to see what would happen, how would this play out? I'm gonna share how this actually played out.
I posted a barcode to the gift card and said, “Hey, please buy yourself a coffee on us.” So let's see how this actually played out.
The very first person who redeemed was at a Starbucks in Tulsa, Oklahoma. They bought two drinks and four food items. Okay. Not really the spirit of what I was offering, but okay.
But here's the kicker, six minutes later, maybe surprised that it actually worked, they ended up buying themselves one pound of whole beans. So they could have coffee all week, presumably. I thought, “Wow, that was really interesting that somebody would read that message. Go buy themselves two drinks, four food items, and then six minutes later buy a pound of whole beans at the same store.” So that was number one.
Shortly thereafter, somebody in Sacramento bought themselves two drinks. Okay. I mean, that's pretty consistent with what I had asked and what I had offered, so awesome. Except for one minute later they bought a $10 gift card with my gift card. And then one minute after that, they bought another $10 gift card with my gift card. Ouch. Ouch. Buying a gift with a gift. Buying a gift card with the cash that I had provided on my gift card. Ouch. That one stung a little bit.
Then this was my favorite. After a little while longer, the gift card I think was coming to an end. I think somebody tried to use it and it didn't provide a gift for them. So they actually went in and redeemed all of the points on my account for a free drink. They went in and there wasn't money on my card, but there were points and they redeemed the points for a drink for themselves. That was a crazy one!. That was one I didn't even expect.
That was my experience. That's not all that happened, but those are three pretty significant things that really raised my eyebrows. I'll just summarize again, somebody bought two drinks, four food items, then six minutes later they bought a pound of whole beans for themselves. That somebody was in Tulsa.
Somebody in Sacramento bought themselves two drinks. Then they bought themselves a $10 gift card, and then they bought themselves another $10 gift card. Awesome.
Then somebody redeemed my points for a free drink. So I shared this story with several people. I do a lot of my client work out of a co-work space that has a coffee shop and co-work. I reserve a conference room for all my clients. The office, the podcast studio where we record, it's not that nice. So right down the street is where I do all of my client meetings. And I was there that morning for a meeting after I had given this gift card. I was sharing with several of my friends, some of the baristas there, the story with them. The thing that I kept hearing, every time I shared the story, they said, “Wow, that sucks. I bet you'll never do that again.”
That was the theme. I bet you'll never do that again. I bet you regret it. I bet you wish… And the list goes on. That's the thing I want to focus on today. Every time we're generous, we open ourselves up to be taken advantage of. Every time we do something kind, there is somebody out there that wants to abuse it.
Every time we offer a gift, there's somebody that wants to take your inch and make it their mile. That's a theme. There's something to that. It always has happened and it always will happen. And even though I knew this was going to happen, it's one of the reasons I did this. I knew this was going to happen.
Now the results were even more spectacular than I could have imagined. Even knowing this was what was going to happen. A part of me was hurt and a part of me says, “Screw this, I'm not gonna do this.” But the whole point of doing this was to make the argument that we cannot let the selfishness of a few rob us of our generous spirit.
And it won't for me. It won't because I knew this was going to happen. I really wanted to make this argument and I'm going to make this argument and I hope that you agree. You don't have to, but I hope you do.
The more you give, the more opportunities people have to take advantage of you, to abuse you, to do something that is insincere or incongruent with your intent in your heart.
It's happened so many times to us. Every time it does, there's like a little piece of you that wants to say “I'm not doing that again. I'll just keep this for me. I'm not gonna do that again. I don't wanna risk having somebody take advantage of me again.”
Every time a gift is abused or misused, it can make us want to be a little bit less generous. I've seen a lot of generous people fizzle out in their generosity because of frustration, regret, and tension. And I think that's a tragedy. I think it's a tragedy when we let the selfishness of a few rob us of our generous spirit.
One gift that my wife and I gave, one in particular hurt us more than anything. I don't want to go into details. As I've mentioned, a lot of our giving is anonymous and if I give too many particulars, it might out the gift. But we gave a gift. It was a larger gift. It was several thousand dollars for a specific purpose to a specific person.
And because it was anonymous, which is one of the beautiful things about being anonymous, that you kind of get a front row seat and nobody knows you have a front row seat. So we gave this gift, and then we kinda saw how things played out. We were able to watch, because nobody knew it was our gift to begin with.
So we are right there. It was right in the open for us, and my wife and I witnessed the person who received the gift do something that was totally dishonoring to the gift. They turned a gift into a curse. They did something that took this thing that could have been a blessing in their life anonymously and tried to manipulate it into something totally different.
It really grossed me out and it was one of the few times I could say to myself, “I wish I could get a do-over.” I wish I could get that back. I wish I could reassess that gift and maybe use it in a way that would be a better blessing to somebody else. I really wished that then.
Obviously, I can't hop into a DeLorean and go back in time. But something that one of my mentors said to me at some point in my journey is they said, “Travis, your role is to give the gift. Your role is to give the gift, do the right thing for the right reasons, and trust that it will be a blessing. And what happens after that is not in your hands. That is not on you. That's not your fault. That's not your abuse.” They said, “You need to honor God with your generosity….period.”
That has helped. It doesn't fully help. There are times where I still have that feeling like, oh man, I wish I could get that one back. But then I realized it's not really about me.
I did the right thing for the right reasons and that's all I can do. I've also acknowledged over the years, the more times I'm generous, the more I'm opening myself up to being taken advantage of, and I've had to just live with that. I've had to concede that it will happen and I have to be okay with that because I cannot let the selfishness of a few rob me of my generous spirit.
Now, one thing is it might not happen every time. For example, this Starbucks gift card, maybe next time I give the gift, I'll do it differently. Or I'll frame it up differently. Or I will do something else differently. As I'm talking about it, my mind's going blank. I don't know what, but something.
I may not give the same gift in the same way next time, because I've learned from this experience. Partly I knew how it was gonna go, but I may not do the same thing exactly the same way next time. But I can promise you, there will be a next time. I can promise you there will be generosity to come.
There's been several generous things. And I don't mean to be flippant about the word generous. We have given gifts since that incident. That incident will not rob us of our generous spirit. It won't, but a lot of you, if you're practicing generosity and you're trying to explore and expand what it means to be generous in your own life, you are going to get burned.
You are going to be taken advantage of. And this is me asking you, maybe pleading with you, don't let the selfishness of a few rob you of your generous spirit.
Despite being taken advantage of once in a while, I can tell you with 100% certainty that generosity is still the best thing in our life, and nothing else comes close.
If that's true, I will gladly be taken advantage of from time to time because I know the bigger picture. And the bigger picture is so much more powerful and beautiful than a couple bad apples taking advantage of me.
So I hope that helps. I hope you continue to exercise generosity. I hope that when, not if, when somebody takes advantage of you, it doesn't rob you of your generous spirit.
123 - What REALLY Adds Value To Your Life?
Today's episode is short and simple. We're going to do a self-assessment to determine the top 10 things that add value to your life. It's an odd concept, and probably not something you've thought about much along the journey. Here's how it works. Spend some time thinking about what's really important to you. What are the 10 things that add the most value to your life. It can be anything. A product, an activity, a service, a possession.....be creative as you want. Once you inventory your top 10, determine if they line up with your financial and life decisions, or does there appear to be a gap between our values and our behavior? Also, if you're married, what does the overlap look like between you and your spouse?
Today's episode is short and simple. We're going to do a self-assessment to determine the top 10 things that add value to your life. It's an odd concept, and probably not something you've thought about much along the journey. Here's how it works. Spend some time thinking about what's really important to you. What are the 10 things that add the most value to your life. It can be anything. A product, an activity, a service, a possession.....be creative as you want. Once you inventory your top 10, determine if they line up with your financial and life decisions, or does there appear to be a gap between our values and our behavior? Also, if you're married, what does the overlap look like between you and your spouse? If you're willing to share, we'd love for you to hop on the Facebook group (link below) and tell us what you learned from this little exercise. From there, we'll produce part 2 of this series, where we believe we'll have some very interesting conclusions and takeaways.
Join our podcast community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/370457478238932
You can find the Meaning Over Money podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, including:
If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where you can find us:
Online Course: www.meaningover.money (podcast listeners can get 25% off by using the promo code "podcast25")
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCasnj17-bOl_CZ0Cb9czmyQ
Instagram: www.instagram.com/meaning_over_money
Travis's Instagram: www.instagram.com/travis_shelton_
Travis's website: www.travisshelton.com
E-Mail Us: meaningovermoneypodcast@gmail.com
122 - The Misperception of Being Controlled vs. Having Control
Often, people perceive the idea of handling their money well as "being controlled." Being controlled by their spouse, or a budget, or by an overall lack of freedom. This idea is what can oftentimes push people away from making wise financial decisions. The reality is actually the opposite. This is far less about being controlled as it is having control. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton explains why this distinction makes all the difference in the world and why the truth behind this should be a catalyst for everyone to get control of their finances. There's a freedom that comes on the other side of gaining control, and that freedom looks absolutely nothing like being controlled!
Often, people perceive the idea of handling their money well as "being controlled." Being controlled by their spouse, or a budget, or by an overall lack of freedom. This idea is what can oftentimes push people away from making wise financial decisions. The reality is actually the opposite. This is far less about being controlled as it is having control. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton explains why this distinction makes all the difference in the world and why the truth behind this should be a catalyst for everyone to get control of their finances. There's a freedom that comes on the other side of gaining control, and that freedom looks absolutely nothing like being controlled!
Join our podcast community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/370457478238932
You can find the Meaning Over Money podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, including:
If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where you can find us:
Online Course: www.meaningover.money (podcast listeners can get 25% off by using the promo code "podcast25")
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCasnj17-bOl_CZ0Cb9czmyQ
Instagram: www.instagram.com/meaning_over_money
Travis's Instagram: www.instagram.com/travis_shelton_
Travis's website: www.travisshelton.com
E-Mail Us: meaningovermoneypodcast@gmail.com
121 - Investing: The Power of Time
As a continuation of some of our previous investing episodes, today we talk about the massive impact time adds to the investing mix. When we think about investing, we tend to think of it linearly. An up-and-to-the-right slope of constant progress. However, reality is a bit different. There's nothing consistent about it.....and at some point in the journey, the line skyrockets upwards. Why? Time! When investing, time is the secret sauce. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton shares an example of a young 23-year-old couple who have a golden opportunity to absolutely crush this investing stuff. Also, we discuss the power time has to reduce (and essentially eliminate) the risk we expose ourself to investing in the stock market. Hope you enjoy!
As a continuation of some of our previous investing episodes, today we talk about the massive impact time adds to the investing mix. When we think about investing, we tend to think of it linearly. An up-and-to-the-right slope of constant progress. However, reality is a bit different. There's nothing consistent about it.....and at some point in the journey, the line skyrockets upwards. Why? Time! When investing, time is the secret sauce. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton shares an example of a young couple 23-year-old couple who have a golden opportunity to absolutely crush this investing stuff. Also, we discuss the power time has to reduce (and essentially eliminate) the risk we expose ourself to investing in the stock market. Hope you enjoy!
Join our podcast community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/370457478238932
You can find the Meaning Over Money podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, including:
If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where you can find us:
Online Course: www.meaningover.money (podcast listeners can get 25% off by using the promo code "podcast25")
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCasnj17-bOl_CZ0Cb9czmyQ
Instagram: www.instagram.com/meaning_over_money
Travis's Instagram: www.instagram.com/travis_shelton_
Travis's website: www.travisshelton.com
E-Mail Us: meaningovermoneypodcast@gmail.com
120 - Gaining Control of Your Variable Income
One of the most challenging and frustrating pieces of personal finance is gaining control of a variable income. For a multitude of reasons, many families have an inconsistent income that can make it difficult to manage. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton explains an odd but simple way for families with variable incomes to regain control. If implemented well, we can actually create an unprecedented level of consistency and predictability....while reducing the amount of pressure we feel from month-to-month. We hope this episode gives you some simple and tangible tools to navigate your own situation!
One of the most challenging and frustrating pieces of personal finance is gaining control of a variable income. For a multitude of reasons, many families have an inconsistent income that can make it difficult to manage. In today's episode, host Travis Shelton explains an odd but simple way for families with variable incomes to regain control. If implemented well, we can actually create an unprecedented level of consistency and predictability....while reducing the amount of pressure we feel from month-to-month. We hope this episode gives you some simple and tangible tools to navigate your own situation!
Join our podcast community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/370457478238932
You can find the Meaning Over Money podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, including:
If you have questions or would like to connect with us outside of the podcast, here's where you can find us:
Online Course: www.meaningover.money (podcast listeners can get 25% off by using the promo code "podcast25")
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCasnj17-bOl_CZ0Cb9czmyQ
Instagram: www.instagram.com/meaning_over_money
Travis's Instagram: www.instagram.com/travis_shelton_
Travis's website: www.travisshelton.com
E-Mail Us: meaningovermoneypodcast@gmail.com