In Episode 83 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Vekevia Tillman-Jones, CFP®, MBA, discusses the real math lenders use to qualify homebuyers — and what that means for your income, debt, and loan type. With relatable examples, honest talk, and no fluff, Vekevia walks through realistic income thresholds, mortgage scenarios, and tips to make homeownership more achievable—even with today’s prices.

" It's not that you're bad with money. It's not that you're failing. It's just that times have changed, and literally it's so much more expensive." — Vekevia Tillman-Jones

This week on Real Life Planning Podcast:

💡How much income do you really need to buy a median-priced home today? [00:01:13]

💡What’s the difference between front-end and back-end debt-to-income ratios? [00:03:00]

💡Why does FHA financing often make the difference for first-time buyers? [00:06:15]

💡How do lenders view adding a co-borrower on a mortgage? [00:05:30]

💡What mindset shift do buyers need to navigate today’s market? [00:07:34]

Takeaway Quotes:

"Entry-level loans are stepping stones, not permanent labels.” –Vekevia Tillman-Jones

" For a lot of first time home buyers, FHA is going to be the one that gets you in the door." — Vekevia Tillman-Jones

Connect with Real Life Planning:

• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Bigger Pockets
• X
• Instagram
• Pinterest
• Email: podcast@reallifeplanning.com

The ReaL Life Planning Podcast is for educational purposes only. None of the information discussed is intended as investment, tax, accounting, or legal advice, nor as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, real property, or other securities or non-securities offering.

Real Life Planning, LLC is an Investment Advisor registered with the States of New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, and California. All views, expressions, and opinions included in this communication are subject to change. This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy, or completeness of, any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. Our current disclosure brochure, Form ADV Part 2, is available for your review upon request, and on our website, REALLIFEPLANNING.COM.

In Episode 82 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Cynthia Meyer, CFP®, CFA®, ChFC® shares eight key behaviors she’s observed across her clients who are financially successful couples. From avoiding lifestyle creep to tracking net worth and building multiple income streams, these practical habits are a roadmap for partners who want to become work-optional—together.

"  The earlier in your relationship you can commit to living on one income, the more you can free up for savings and growth.” - Cynthia Meyer

This week on Real Life Planning Podcast:

💡How do financially independent couples handle money differently? [00:00:17]

💡Why is living below your means a secret weapon for flexibility and growth? [00:02:00]

💡How does avoiding lifestyle creep help couples build long-term wealth? [00:04:41]

💡What mindset helps people bounce back from financial setbacks? [00:15:06]

💡Why do so many financially independent people choose to keep working? [00:17:00]

Takeaway Quotes:

"  Multiple income streams are more than a safety net—they’re a wealth-building engine."-Cynthia Meyer

" The couples who succeed financially collaborate."- Cynthia Meyer

Connect with Real Life Planning:

• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Bigger Pockets
• X
• Instagram
• Pinterest
• Email: podcast@reallifeplanning.com

The ReaL Life Planning Podcast is for educational purposes only. None of the information discussed is intended as investment, tax, accounting, or legal advice, nor as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, real property, or other securities or non-securities offering.

Real Life Planning, LLC is an Investment Advisor registered with the States of New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, and California. All views, expressions, and opinions included in this communication are subject to change. This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy, or completeness of, any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. Our current disclosure brochure, Form ADV Part 2, is available for your review upon request, and on our website, REALLIFEPLANNING.COM.

In Episode 80 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Cynthia Meyer, CFP®, CFA®, ChFC® reviews the creative strategy of "subject to" financing, where an investor takes over payments on a seller’s existing mortgage without assuming the loan. Cynthia breaks down how it works, who it's for (hint: definitely not beginners), and the legal and financial risks every real estate investor must understand before pursuing this advanced tactic.

" The “subject to” financing strategy can be a powerful strategy for a certain slice of real estate investors, but it can also be dangerous depending on the execution.” - Cynthia Meyer

This week on Real Life Planning Podcast:

💡What does “subject to” financing actually mean, and how does it work in real life? [00:01:55]

💡Who would sell their home this way—and why? [00:02:44]

💡What are the major benefits for experienced investors? [00:06:03]

💡What are the risks of “subject to” and what could go wrong? [00:07:40]

💡What best practices can reduce risk in a “subject to” transaction? [00:14:06]

Takeaway Quotes:

" This is really something that requires knowledge, strong systems, good legal support, lots and lots of cash reserves, and really good systems and processes to make this work."-Cynthia Meyer

" It's a real estate business strategy. We've been seeing more about this as interest rates have gone up."- Cynthia Meyer

Connect with Real Life Planning:

• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Bigger Pockets
• X
• Instagram
• Pinterest
• Email: podcast@reallifeplanning.com

The ReaL Life Planning Podcast is for educational purposes only. None of the information discussed is intended as investment, tax, accounting, or legal advice, nor as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, real property, or other securities or non-securities offering.

Real Life Planning, LLC is an Investment Advisor registered with the States of New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, and California. All views, expressions, and opinions included in this communication are subject to change. This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy, or completeness of, any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. Our current disclosure brochure, Form ADV Part 2, is available for your review upon request, and on our website, REALLIFEPLANNING.COM.

In Episode 81 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Vekevia Tillman-Jones, CFP®, MBA,talks about how house hacking helped her become a homeowner, landlord, and wealth builder straight out of college — even with student loans. She shares five smart and practical ways to house hack, what makes a property ideal, and how to use this strategy to build equity while keeping life affordable.

"House hacking isn’t just about saving money—it’s about building freedom, ownership, and future options." — Vekevia Tillman-Jones

This week on Real Life Planning Podcast:

💡What is house hacking and how did it help Vekevia become a homeowner after college? [00:01:12]

💡What are the five types of house hacks—and which one fits your lifestyle? [00:05:40]

💡What features make a property ideal for house hacking? [00:11:39]

💡What red flags should you check with zoning, HOAs, and privacy concerns? [00:13:02]

💡How does house hacking create lasting wealth even when life is “lifeing”? [00:14:01]

Takeaway Quotes:

""I didn’t have a trust fund. I had student loans. But I also had a strategy—and that made all the difference.” –Vekevia Tillman-Jones

"Your first home doesn’t have to be your dream home. It can be your launchpad." — Vekevia Tillman-Jones

Connect with Real Life Planning:

• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• X
• Instagram
• Real Life Planning on Bigger Pockets
• Pinterest
• Email: podcast@reallifeplanning.com

About the Real Life Planning Podcast

Hosts Cynthia Meyer and Vekevia Tillman-Jones explore practical steps for real estate investors to build financial freedom and make working for someone else optional.

If you like this video podcast, consider joining Real Life Planning’s Question of the Week where our CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERs™ and rental property business owners answer the most common questions about real estate financial planning direct to your inbox.

https://mailchi.mp/reallifeplanning/question-of-the-week

The ReaL Life Planning Podcast is for educational purposes only. None of the information discussed is intended as investment, tax, accounting, or legal advice, nor as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, real property, or other securities or non-securities offering.

Real Life Planning, LLC is an Investment Advisor registered with the States of New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, and California. All views, expressions, and opinions included in this communication are subject to change. This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy, or completeness of, any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. Our current disclosure brochure, Form ADV Part 2, is available for your review upon request, and on our website, REALLIFEPLANNING.COM.

In Episode 79 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Vekevia Tillman-Jones, CFP®, MBA, breaks down the live-in-then-rent strategy — a powerful method for first-time buyers to build equity, reduce housing costs, and launch a real estate portfolio without a massive down payment. Whether you're curious about house hacking or long-term rentals, this episode offers a clear and actionable blueprint to start building wealth from day one.

"Paying your mortgage isn’t just a bill—it’s a transfer into your net worth." — Vekevia Tillman-Jones

This week on Real Life Planning Podcast:

💡What is the live-in-then-rent strategy and why is it so effective? [00:00:11]

💡How can house hacking save you $12K–$22K a year in living costs? [00:02:04]

💡What are the actual numbers behind equity, appreciation, and out-of-pocket costs? [00:03:16]

💡How does turning your first home into a rental supercharge your wealth building? [00:05:02]

💡Why is this strategy ideal for first-time buyers? [00:06:13]

Takeaway Quotes:

"Renting out just one room can save you $12,000 a year—and still grow your wealth behind the scenes." –Vekevia Tillman-Jones

"Even if you don’t house hack, your mortgage is quietly building wealth for you through equity and appreciation." — Vekevia Tillman-Jones

"Buying your first home with this strategy is like investing with training wheels." — Vekevia Tillman-Jones

Connect with Real Life Planning:

• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• X
• Instagram
• Real Life Planning on Bigger Pockets
• Pinterest
• Email: podcast@reallifeplanning.com

The ReaL Life Planning Podcast is for educational purposes only. None of the information discussed is intended as investment, tax, accounting, or legal advice, nor as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, real property, or other securities or non-securities offering.

Real Life Planning, LLC is an Investment Advisor registered with the States of New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, and California. All views, expressions, and opinions included in this communication are subject to change. This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy, or completeness of, any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. Our current disclosure brochure, Form ADV Part 2, is available for your review upon request, and on our website, REALLIFEPLANNING.COM.

In Episode 78 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Cynthia Meyer, CFA®, CFP®, ChFC®, sits down with Melanie Curtis — world-record pro skydiver, keynote speaker, and peak performance coach — to talk about the mindset and emotional resilience it takes to leap into the unknown. Whether you're building a real estate portfolio, launching a business, or simply trying to show up fully in your life, this episode is your masterclass in courageous growth.

"Fear is very convincing. It can speak with a strong certainty—yet so often, it’s wrong." — Melanie Curtis

This week on Real Life Planning Podcast:

💡What holds high performers back from accessing their full potential? [00:02:29]

💡How do you get clarity in moments of fear or uncertainty? [00:10:10]

💡What are practical ways to overcome time constraints and burnout? [00:16:09]

💡How can habits and intentionality create long-term transformation? [00:27:14]

💡What money lesson shaped Melanie’s early career—and how did she course correct? [00:32:42]

Takeaway Quotes:

"When we slowly crack open those heavy doors of limiting thinking, we prove to ourselves we can always do more." — Melanie Curtis

"Behind every success is a trail of stumbles. Don’t compare your start to someone else’s finish." — Cynthia Meyer

"We’re not just consumers—we’re creators. And the creator economy is full of opportunity for those willing to show up." — Melanie Curtis

Connect with Melanie Curtis:

• Website: https://melaniecurtis.com
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• YouTube

Connect with Real Life Planning:

• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Bigger Pockets
• X
• Instagram
• Pinterest
• Email: podcast@reallifeplanning.com

About the Real Life Planning Podcast

Hosts Cynthia Meyer and Vekevia Tillman-Jones explore practical steps for real estate investors to build financial freedom and make working for someone else optional.

The ReaL Life Planning Podcast is for educational purposes only. None of the information discussed is intended as investment, tax, accounting, or legal advice, nor as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, real property, or other securities or non-securities offering.

Real Life Planning, LLC is an Investment Advisor registered with the States of New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, and California. All views, expressions, and opinions included in this communication are subject to change. This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy, or completeness of, any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. Our current disclosure brochure, Form ADV Part 2, is available for your review upon request, and on our website, REALLIFEPLANNING.COM.

In Episode 77 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Vekevia Tillman-Jones, CFP®, MBA, breaks down how you can become a real estate investor without needing the traditional 20% down payment. She walks through FHA vs. conventional loans, key differences in mortgage insurance, and how your credit score and debt-to-income ratio affect your options. Whether you're considering house hacking or investing in a multi-family rental, this is a must-listen for first-time buyers who want to start building wealth without waiting years to save.

"You might be able to get started in real estate sooner than you think—if you know what loan options are available to you." — Vekevia Tillman-Jones

This week on Real Life Planning Podcast:

💡What are the differences between FHA and conventional loans? [00:00:27]

💡How does your credit score impact your eligibility for low down payment options? [00:01:13]

💡What’s the real deal with mortgage insurance (PMI vs. MIP)? [00:02:08]

💡Can you house hack a multi-unit property with one of these loans? [00:05:30]

💡 Why putting less than 20% down doesn’t mean you have to delay investing [00:06:33]

Takeaway Quotes:

"With the right loan, you could buy a four-unit property and start house hacking with just 3% down." –Vekevia Tillman-Jones

Connect with Real Life Planning:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reallifeplanning
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/real-life-planning
• X: https://x.com/cynthiameyer_ff​
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rentalpropertyclub/
• Real Life Planning on Bigger Pockets
• Pinterest:https://www.pinterest.com/reallifeplanning
• Email: podcast@reallifeplanning.com

The ReaL Life Planning Podcast is for educational purposes only. None of the information discussed is intended as investment, tax, accounting, or legal advice, nor as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, real property, or other securities or non-securities offering.

Real Life Planning, LLC is an Investment Advisor registered with the States of New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, and California. All views, expressions, and opinions included in this communication are subject to change. This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy, or completeness of, any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. Our current disclosure brochure, Form ADV Part 2, is available for your review upon request, and on our website, REALLIFEPLANNING.COM.

In Episode 76 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Cynthia Meyer, CFA®, CFP®, ChFC®, talks with attorney and real estate investor Jen Sperling about the ins and outs of turning a former primary residence into a rental property. Jen shares her experience of doing this not once — but twice — and offers hard-earned lessons and practical advice for anyone considering the same. From choosing a rental strategy to navigating landlord laws and long-distance management, this episode is packed with real-world wisdom for growing a real estate portfolio while staying grounded in your values.

This week on Real Life Planning Podcast:

💡 What should you document before converting your home into a rental? [00:03:00]

💡 Why Jen chose to rent instead of sell—and how that shaped her wealth journey [00:04:05]

💡 What laws, rules, and financial steps must you review before renting your home? [00:06:17]

💡What are the biggest differences between managing condos vs. single-family homes? [00:18:39]

💡How can you align your values with your real estate strategy? [00:25:52]

Takeaway Quotes:

"If you’ve lived in the house, you know its quirks—and that knowledge can save you and your tenant a lot of stress." — Jen Sperling

"Not telling your insurance company that your primary residence is now a rental can void your coverage." — Cynthia Meyer

Connect with Jen Sperling:

• Website: Better World Real Estate
• Instagram

Connect with Real Life Planning:

• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Bigger Pockets
• X
• Instagram
• Pinterest
• Email: podcast@reallifeplanning.com

About the Real Life Planning Podcast

Hosts Cynthia Meyer and Vekevia Tillman-Jones explore practical steps for real estate investors to build financial freedom and make working for someone else optional.

If you like this video podcast, consider joining Real Life Planning’s Question of the Week where our CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERs™ and rental property business owners answer the most common questions about real estate financial planning direct to your inbox.

The ReaL Life Planning Podcast is for educational purposes only. None of the information discussed is intended as investment, tax, accounting, or legal advice, nor as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, real property, or other securities or non-securities offering.

Real Life Planning, LLC is an Investment Advisor registered with the States of New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, and California. All views, expressions, and opinions included in this communication are subject to change. This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy, or completeness of, any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. Our current disclosure brochure, Form ADV Part 2, is available for your review upon request, and on our website, REALLIFEPLANNING.COM.