The ....5,6,7,8 Fall Season Takeaways!
In this episode of Behind the Curtain Money Made Simple, Julie revisits the fall season and highlights the 5, 6, 7, 8 takeaways shaped by conversations with guests ranging from educators and entrepreneurs to financial professionals and creators. Julie reflects on the origins of her own career, the importance of mentoring, how AI can help identify meaningful work, the role of hedging in investing, finding and funding joy, building momentum in business, clearing up FAFSA misconceptions, and the simple habit that has shaped her own financial life: paying herself first. This quick, year-end roundup offers listeners a clear set of lessons to carry into 2026.
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[00:00:00] Julie opens the episode with a look back at the relaunch of the podcast and the purpose of sharing seasonal takeaways.
[00:01:19] Julie introduces Takeaway #1 and reflects on early signs that pointed toward her eventual career in banking.
[00:02:11] LBF shares childhood memories that reveal Julie’s early money-tracking habits.
[00:02:59] Julie expands on how those early behaviors hinted at her future path.
[00:03:47] Julie introduces Takeaway #2 on money as a taboo topic and the importance of mentoring future generations.
[00:04:38] Dr. Ellie Paris Miranda explains why experienced adults should use everyday moments as opportunities to mentor others.
[00:06:20] Julie introduces Takeaway #3, exploring how the concept of ikigai and AI tools can help people identify fulfilling career paths.
[00:06:53] Christopher Penn breaks down ikigai and how AI can help uncover transferable skills and potential new job opportunities.
[00:08:25] Julie affirms how AI can broaden perspective when someone feels stuck in a narrow career identity.
[00:09:05] Julie introduces Takeaway #4 about hedging and how portfolio managers help smooth investment returns.
[00:09:05] Paula Murphy explains how hedging works within a diversified portfolio to reduce volatility.
[00:10:11] Julie highlights the value of having professionals monitor a full portfolio.
[00:10:35] Julie introduces Takeaway #5 on finding joy and how intentional saving supports it.
[00:10:36] Greg Kata describes his “joy account” and how it helps make guilt-free purchases tied to meaningful experiences.
[00:11:52] Julie responds to Greg’s approach to funding joy.
[00:11:54] Greg reinforces the concept with humor and encouragement.
[00:11:54] Julie introduces Takeaway #6 about eliminating excuses and practicing the fundamentals in business.
[00:12:21] Noah Kagan explains why he began his book with excuses and how common they are among aspiring entrepreneurs.
[00:13:55] Julie shares how Noah’s framing resonated with her, especially around starting before overthinking kills momentum.
[00:14:31] Noah compares business to sports and emphasizes practicing small actions to build confidence and capability.
[00:15:28] Julie introduces Takeaway #7 on FAFSA misunderstandings.
[00:15:48] Matthew Wallace clarifies that completing the FAFSA does not obligate students to accept loans, helping reduce fear around the process.
[00:16:16] Julie transitions into Takeaway #8 and prepares to share the single financial habit that has made the biggest difference in her own life.
[00:16:16] Julie explains why paying herself first—automatically sending portions of income to retirement and savings—has been her most effective long-term strategy.
[00:18:45] Julie closes the season with gratitude, encourages reviews and sharing, and reminds listeners of the show's mission to make financial education accessible.
Links:
Rockland Trust: https://www.rocklandtrust.com/
Julie Beckham on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-beckham-05589534
