About this episode
And in case you missed it, check out last week's episode of Your Money Guide on the Side where Bill Perkins and I answered the question, How Do I Die With Zero? In this solo episode, Tyler breaks down the only six financial accounts you’ll ever truly need—and more importantly, how to actually use them . Whether you’re just getting started or managing a more complex portfolio, this is your streamlined, nonsense-free guide to designing a system that works. No more chasing every new fintech app or wondering if you’re missing something. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the alphabet soup of financial tools, Tyler’s here to cut through the noise and give you a clear path forward. These six accounts are enough to build wealth, protect your downside, and create long-term flexibility. And anything beyond them? Likely just extra complexity disguised as “optimization.” What You’ll Learn: Why a regular checking account should be boring —and how to keep it that way How to think about a High-Yield Savings Account (HYSA): the “glovebox” for your cash—not your investment engine The power of a Roth IRA—and how it’s often misunderstood Why a pre-tax IRA or 401(k) still matters, even if retirement feels far away The secret weapon of the wealthy: the HSA (Health Savings Account) and how to use it for more than doctor’s visits How a taxable brokerage account unlocks true flexibility—and why you might want to use it before maxing everything else Plus: A better metaphor than “bucket strategy” Why most emergencies aren’t emergencies at all (and what that means for where your cash lives) The order Tyler recommends for prioritizing contributions When not to use these accounts (because yes, even the Roth IRA can be misused) Whether you're 25 and just opening your first Roth, or 55 and wondering how to consolidate accounts, this episode gives you a timeless roadmap to simplify your finances without oversimplifying your life. As always, Tyler brings the clarity, the nuance, and just enough humor to make talking about tax-advantaged accounts… well, weirdly fun.