In this episode of Drip Trickle Flow Flood, we dive into the real cost of the holidays. Not just the dollars, but the emotions, expectations, and financial landmines that show up between November and January. From family pressure to overspending guilt to creative alternatives that keep the joy (and ditch the debt), we share honest personal stories, practical scripts, and a few hilarious holiday fails. This is your permission slip to celebrate intentionally, spend mindfully, and ditch the holiday perfection myth once and for all.

We discuss:

1. “Perfect holidays” are expensive — but meaningful ones don’t have to be.

Social expectations and family pressure can lead to overspending, but simple traditions, thoughtful gifts, or inexpensive games can create even more joy.

2. Boundaries are the ultimate financial wellness tool.

Scripts like “I love you, and I’m being mindful of my budget this year…” help you honor both your wallet and your energy without guilt.

3. Creativity beats consumerism.

Story bowls, side-dish-only dinners, and “favorite foods night” prove you don’t need a big budget to make big memories.

4. Avoid the December debt hangover with ‘joy dollars.’

Budget for holiday fun with intention — spend on what genuinely lights you up, not on obligation, pressure, or last-minute panic.

5. Holiday seasons can be abundance seasons.

For creatives, makers, side-hustlers, and small businesses, November–December can become a strategic earning opportunity, from markets to seasonal offerings to smart holiday sale upgrades.

Our Links

Tony’s website

Melissa’s website

Drip Trickle Flow Flood T-Shirts

We’ve got merch! That’s right, Drip Trickle Flow Flood t-shirts are officially here and they’re as comfy as they are conversation-starting.

Grab yours!

Rate and Review

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to rate and review Drip Trickle Flow Flood on your favorite podcast platform. It helps new listeners discover the show and it makes our day. Thanks for listening!

Subscribe to this newsletter for income ideas that drip, trickle, flow, and flood into your life.

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Disclaimer:

The information provided in this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. The opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are solely their own and do not reflect the views of any companies or organizations they may be affiliated with.

Listeners should conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial professional before making any investment or financial decisions. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee that the information presented is complete, current, or applicable to your specific situation. Investing involves risk, including potential loss of principal.

By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree that the hosts, guests, and producers are not responsible for any financial decisions you make based on the content discussed.

In this episode we’re talking to Eric, the creator of Ducktown Weekly—a nostalgia-packed print publication that brings back everything you loved about the funny pages. If you were the kid who raced to the comics before anyone else touched the newspaper, this episode is your warm hug. We dive into how Eric revived a nearly extinct format, why print can still feel magical, what it takes to start a newspaper in 2025, and why hundreds of people are rediscovering the joy of comics, puzzles, national park features, and more.

We discuss:

• Why holding a physical paper, looking forward to the mail, and escaping screens for a few minutes still gives people real joy.
• Comics are a multigenerational love language. Whether you connect with classics or discover new favorites, comics hit an emotional sweet spot.
• Starting a “newspaper” today is shockingly accessible. With modern software, syndicate licensing, and outsourced printing, one person can build something that used to take a whole newsroom.
• Side hustles can be passion projects. Eric runs Ducktown Weekly while also working full-time as an economist, proving that joy-driven projects can still thrive.
• The value of analog connection is rising. People crave real mail, quiet moments, and screen-free experiences, making Ducktown Weekly a refreshing alternative to algorithm-driven everything.

Our Links

Tony’s website

Melissa’s website

Drip Trickle Flow Flood T-Shirts

We’ve got merch! That’s right, Drip Trickle Flow Flood t-shirts are officially here and they’re as comfy as they are conversation-starting.

Grab yours!

Rate and Review

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to rate and review Drip Trickle Flow Flood on your favorite podcast platform. It helps new listeners discover the show and it makes our day. Thanks for listening!

Subscribe to this newsletter for income ideas that drip, trickle, flow, and flood into your life.

https://driptrickleflowflood.substack.com/

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. The opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are solely their own and do not reflect the views of any companies or organizations they may be affiliated with.

Listeners should conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial professional before making any investment or financial decisions. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee that the information presented is complete, current, or applicable to your specific situation. Investing involves risk, including potential loss of principal.

By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree that the hosts, guests, and producers are not responsible for any financial decisions you make based on the content discussed.

In this episode, we dive into research that reveals a hard truth: our emotions - stress, anxiety, and full-on avoidance - are driving far more of our financial decisions than we might admit. More than half of Americans report being stressed about money. And the generational breakdown? Even more surprising. Melissa and Tony unpack why this happens, how to break out of avoidance mode, and the small steps that can dramatically improve your sense of control and confidence around money.

We discuss:

1. Avoidance is more common than we think.

Nearly half of adults are actively avoiding opening account statements because facing the numbers feels overwhelming, which only worsens the problem.

2. Gen Z is the most stressed generation financially.

Between student loans, job market struggles, and cost-of-living increases, young adults report the highest levels of money stress, but this generational trend has always skewed young.

3. Conversations about money reduce fear.

Talking openly with trusted friends, partners, or family members helps break shame cycles, normalize stress, and often leads to shared solutions.

4. Small, consistent actions beat big, overwhelming ones.

Canceling one subscription, making one phone call, lowering one interest rate… these tiny moves create momentum and reduce anxiety far more than grand “fix everything” plans.

5. Multiple income streams = less stress.

The Drip Trickle Flow Flood mindset gives you stability and resilience. When one stream slows, another picks up, creating a sense of agency and reducing fear around “what ifs.”

Our Links

Tony’s website

Melissa’s website

Drip Trickle Flow Flood T-Shirts

We’ve got merch! That’s right, Drip Trickle Flow Flood t-shirts are officially here and they’re as comfy as they are conversation-starting.

Grab yours!

Rate and Review

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to rate and review Drip Trickle Flow Flood on your favorite podcast platform. It helps new listeners discover the show and it makes our day. Thanks for listening!

Subscribe to this newsletter for income ideas that drip, trickle, flow, and flood into your life.

https://driptrickleflowflood.substack.com/

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. The opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are solely their own and do not reflect the views of any companies or organizations they may be affiliated with.

Listeners should conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial professional before making any investment or financial decisions. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee that the information presented is complete, current, or applicable to your specific situation. Investing involves risk, including potential loss of principal.

By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree that the hosts, guests, and producers are not responsible for any financial decisions you make based on the content discussed.