"Resourcefulness is not just about making do with what you have; it's about reimagining what you can achieve with your resources, no matter your income level."

Our hosts, Natalie and Dan Slagle, open up about a surprising financial truth: even households earning over $300,000 can feel financially stretched. They explore how invisible expenses like taxes, daycare, and retirement savings chip away at what looks like a high income on paper.

Dan explains how, before money ever hits the bank account, much of it is spoken for—healthcare premiums, 401(k) contributions, taxes, etc. He and Natalie reflect on their own budget, noting how a $30K raise can feel like just a few hundred extra dollars per month.

Clearly, income without intentionality easily leads to lifestyle inflation and spending creep.

Financial strain isn’t always about income—it’s about life stage, priorities, and the mental load of modern expenses. Grace, planning, and perspective are key, even for high earners.

Key Topics:

• Big Income, Small Margin (02:06)
• What “Middle Class” Really Means (06:40)
• Resourcefulness vs. Spending Power (10:53)
• Daycare vs. College Costs (18:29)
• Housing and Lifestyle Creep for High Earners (21:11)
• Giving Yourself Grace (25:50)

Resourced Mentioned:

• Cost of living in coastal cities like San Francisco, New York, Seattle and Miami means that families on $300,000-a-year are living paycheck to paycheck

Natalie Slagle, CFP® and Dan Slagle, CFP® are the founding partners and lead financial planners at Fyooz Financial Planning — an independent firm dedicated to helping high-earning couples in their 30s and 40s confidently navigate the complexities of managing money together.

At Fyooz, they specialize in turning financial stress into strategy, guiding couples through everything from cash flow and investing to aligning money with shared goals.

Disclaimer: For updated disclosures, please visit fyoozfinancial.com.