logo
episode-header-image
About this episode

In this episode, we dive deep into essential money principles with financial coach Nicolai, exploring practical strategies for managing finances as young professionals. The conversation centers around the fundamental of personal finance including simple tips to get you started such as the 50-30-20 rule of budgeting, where 50% goes to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings.

"Learn how to optimize your financial systems with real-world advice for engineers at every career stage."

Key themes include:

The importance of emergency funds

Strategic use of sinking funds for predictable expenses like car maintenance, holidays, and home repairs

Housing costs management

The psychology of credit card use and responsible travel hacking

Nicolai shares his personal journey from financial struggles to becoming a financial coach, while Luis discusses his family's current approach to budgeting, including managing travel expenses and planning for a growing family. Both hosts emphasize the importance of having clear financial priorities and maintaining discipline in spending.

The episode provides practical insights for engineers looking to optimize their financial systems, whether they're just starting their careers or looking to refine their existing financial strategies.



Get full access to Engineering our Future at engineeringourfuture.substack.com/subscribe
Up next
Nov 20
Mastering Personal Finance: Sinking Funds and Emergency Funds 101
<p>In this episode of the Engineering Our Future podcast, Nicolai and I deliver a genuine, practical conversation about building real financial security through emergency funds and sinking funds. We draw from personal experience, sharing how our mindsets about money evolved and t ... Show More
29m 46s
Nov 20
Mastering Personal Finance: Sinking Funds and Emergency Funds 101
<p>In this episode of the Engineering Our Future podcast, Nicolai and I deliver a genuine, practical conversation about building real financial security through emergency funds and sinking funds. We draw from personal experience, sharing how our mindsets about money evolved and t ... Show More
29m 46s
Nov 5
Engineering Change: Lessons Learned on My Path to New Opportunities
Hey everyone,This week, I’m sharing my experience moving from a small firm to a big one—and what that’s meant for my career and growth over the last year nine months. This year had a lot of ups and downs (this episode was recorded in June and I am just getting it out…). I am happ ... Show More
21m 29s
Recommended Episodes
Jun 2024
Startup ideas brainstorm (steal this $100k/month idea)
Join us for a jam session where I break down several startup ideas from the SIP community. I’ll share my insights on why these ideas are promising or problematic, and reveal the frameworks and strategies I’d use to grow these businesses. In this episode, we explore diverse opport ... Show More
24m 7s
Jul 2024
Local businesses to start with NO startup costs
Join us for an insightful conversation with Jonathan Courtney, Co-Founder and CEO of AJ&Smart, as we dive deep into the mindset required for entrepreneurial success and we reveal two promising startup ideas. At the beginning of the episode, we discuss strategies to avoid burnout ... Show More
1 h
Aug 2024
The step by step guide to starting a business from $0
I’m joined by Adam Robinson who has bootstrapped startups to millions of dollars in revenue, as we deep dive on how we would validate and grow a startup idea.1) The Yonder Phone Pouch market is exploding • Locks phones away to create "phone-free spaces" • Already in schools, conc ... Show More
39m 50s
Apr 2025
Ready to take the leap? This is the home for bold risk-takers and aspiring entrepreneurs.
What’s the boldest risk you’ve ever taken? For entrepreneurs, risk is the heart of the journey. In our newest season of This is Small Business, host Andrea Marquez takes you behind the scenes with founders who’ve turned "maybe one day" into "let’s do this!" Join Andrea as she dig ... Show More
2m 52s
Dec 2024
Girls That Startup: How to Think About Your Business in 5, 10, 20 Years
<p>Welcome back to Girls That Startup, a weekly series where we spill the tea on how to create a seven-figure side hustle - because no one saves their way to wealth. You’re joined by Sim, a seven-figure business owner, and Maia, an entrepreneur in the making.</p><br><p>This week, ... Show More
22m 31s
Jan 2025
Best of 2024: Girls That Startup: Transitioning Your Skills and Talents from Employee to Entrepreneur
<p>Welcome back to Girls That Startup, a weekly series where we spill the tea on how to create a seven-figure side hustle - because no one saves their way to wealth. You’re joined by Sim, a seven-figure business owner, and Maia, an entrepreneur in the making.</p><br><p>This week, ... Show More
28m 7s
Nov 2024
Girls That Startup: Balancing Your Finances as a Business Owner Part 2
<p>Welcome back to Girls That Startup, a weekly series where we spill the tea on how to create a seven-figure side hustle - because no one saves their way to wealth. You’re joined by Sim, a seven-figure business owner, and Maia, an entrepreneur in the making.</p><br><p>This week, ... Show More
22m 18s
Jun 2025
How to Start a Consulting Firm From Scratch in 2025
<p>Want to learn how we can help you grow your consulting business? Schedule your free Growth Session Call today!&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.consultingsuccess.com/grow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.consultingsuccess.com/grow</a></p><p>Mentioned in this episod ... Show More
18m 16s
Feb 2022
Welcome to The Startup of You Podcast
The Startup of You career strategy podcast, co-hosted by LinkedIn's founder Reid Hoffman and author Ben Casnocha, isn’t about cover letters or resumes. Instead, you will learn how to apply the best practices of Silicon Valley start-ups to your own life. Because whether you work f ... Show More
3m 38s
Jan 2025
551: The 5 Stages of Entrepreneurship
<p class="MsoNormal">From Self-Employed or Solopreneur through Serial Entrepreneur—what does it look like and what does it take, to go from running a one-person operation to managing a portfolio of successful businesses and creating a lasting legacy.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><spa ... Show More
23m 18s