How to Win Financially in the Messy Middle!

The Messy Middle is what we call that period in-between high school or college and middle age. It’s when your responsibilities and obligations are many and your time and money are few. You may be purchasing your first home, having children, and getting married in the messy middle.

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[yhckelly]

This is exactly the kind of conversation that the Ramsey plan is missing- this show preaches discipline with money while at the same time recognizing the nuances in life and rejecting rigid plans and weird absolutes. I love it. Thanks.

[ThatJaxsonGuy]

"Your investments better exceed your car payments". I have been into cars my entire life, but hearing this was mind blowing to me and revealing of how backwards I have been in the past. I have changed my financial focus quite drastically and gotten rid of my expensive cars and am driving a paid for beater. It is HARD but being broke (as Ramesy says) is much harder. Thank you guys for this perspective. It just completely changed my thinking!!!

[drc]

I’m right in the thick of the messy middle. I have a wife and two young daughters. Too often, I’m hard on myself even though life is going very well for us. Thank you so much for the encouragement and grace.

[ryclark]

First kid due in February and got married and bought a house within the last year. I can feel myself stepping into the messy middle. Daycare is no joke no matter how strong your income is.

[darellhunter]

At 35, married with an 8 month old this episode was much needed. Thanks team!

[rachelm]

I really appreciate the "messy middle" concept and the encouragement in this video. Thank you!

[Aaronsutube]

I watch your show all the time, and have for years. You are the show I recommend to family and friends for Money stuff.

Of course I’ve heard you guys talk about the Messy Middle, and thought “I get it, I get it”.

But I didn’t really “get” it until this year.
First baby, now one income, needed home improvements, I think I am starting to feel this “Messy Middle” just start to hit.

Thank you for your content, and thank you for preparing me for the last few years for this next part of the journey.
I’m so glad I saved and invested 23% these last years, due to pursuing your advice.

[lightfighter]

Dang guys, this is the first show that made me cry! Who knew you guys are also therapists. Finally, someone talked about the money and time people are putting to kids high level competition in which kids have less than a 1% chance to make it (soccer). Thank you so much for doing this; I am in the messy middle and for someone who has planned all my families financial life with inflation and buying a car I shouldn't have I am feeling the strain! This may be your best show yet; keep them coming!

[april]

I got married at 22 to a man with three kids. I think we have a love/hate relationship with the messy middle because we're thinking about having one more. Every child makes us a little more broke, but enriches our lives more than I ever expected. We do what we can to save and although 25% is elusive, I'm thankful that we don't live paycheck to paycheck like my parents did when I was growing up.

[dynoFF]

This is one of the most complete episodes y’all have put together. Would (and will) send this to any one who hasn’t seen your content yet and it’s a great foundation for understand your insights and perspective. Looking forward to Brian’s book!!

[P_Rodd]

I am so deep in the messy middle, post divorce, refinancing mortgage, single parent of 3, child care costs, fulltime work, and part time college. Making it through though, one day at a time.

[WealthforthePercent]

Just turned 31 this month, and been a financial mutant for a decade or so. In addition to the money talk, I really enjoyed the wise words of life advice in here. Thank you. 👏

[Xe_None]

The messy middle is no joke. I have been a fan of the show for years, and during my high 20s I thought the 30s wouldn’t be so different. Now I am 31, have a 3y/o, new job, side job, my wife works 80 hours/week, daycare, sports, bought a house last year, income is right around not qualifying for ROTH IRA, taxes are complicated but probably not enough to pay for tax advice… there’s always at least one aspect of life tht is chaotic. Nothing feels optimized!

[LordDijamco]

Please! Make more episodes for the messy middle 🙏🙏🙏

[suavewolf]

Man I really needed this episode! Combined income of $150k, we each have outstanding credit card debt, I have student loans, each currently saving 10% into our 401k's (additional 5% for my HSA) and working to move in with my parents to save on rent and expenses. It's a little disheartening to see people my age or younger buy houses and have nicer things but I gotta remember I don't know their financial situations. Seeing that first time homebuyers on average is 36 is reassuring. The plan for now is to pay off all our credit cards, buy her lease next year, and then save as much as we can! Really appreciate all the content you guys put out.

[lorijharman-runyan]

The most important activity that your kids need to participate in is family dinner together, at home, at the table, without phones, at least 4 or 5 nights a week.

[Username_CC_]

I got my life together and got my career trucking in the last 5 years and turned 30 so this is perfect timing.

[DermDrNik]

I think this is the best episode of this show that I’ve seen, especially the last third or so when it gets deep and existential. Needed this!

[WeiYeeLu]

I really needed (and loved) this episode. So relatable, and so comforting to know that a term "messy-middle" exists and that financial planners like these guys are empathic to folks like myself in that category.

[jonathanwynne]

Great episode, I appreciated y'all talking about family and not just money.