The Fiscal Foxhole – Episode 14: QA Foxhole Christmas Story

Hosts: Rob Moore Omen Quelvog

Episode Summary

It’s Christmas Eve in the foxhole! Rob and Omen swap stories about military Christmases, family traditions, and the memories that matter most. From NORAD tracking Santa to ugly sweaters and spiked cocoa, this episode is all about the experiences that make the holidays special—whether you’re deployed, at home, or somewhere in between.

Highlights & Segments

• Festive Foxhole Vibes: The foxhole is decked out with lights, snow, and questionable operational security. Ugly Christmas sweaters and holiday mugs make their annual appearance.
• NORAD Tracks Santa: The hosts share the story behind NORAD’s Santa Tracker, its military roots, and why it’s one of the DOD’s biggest community outreach efforts. Show note link: NORAD Santa Tracker
• Favorite Christmas Memories:
  • Breaking the holiday travel rotation and starting new family traditions
  • Scavenger hunt for a drum set
  • Christmas morning cassette recordings
  • Deployed Christmas in Afghanistan
  • Christmas in NYC and England
  • Smoky Mountains cabin Christmas
  • The magic of Christmas with a newborn
• Best & Worst Gifts:
  • Tractor, Nintendo, and the elusive wristwatch walkie-talkies
  • When the best gift turns into the worst (Nintendo heartbreak stories)
• Trivia Time:
  • How many homes does Santa visit on Christmas Eve?
  • The answer may surprise you—and involves billions of cookies.
• Football & Bowl Season:
  • NFL and college football talk, retirement gifts, and team allegiances

Practical Takeaways

1. Traditions Matter: The best Christmas memories aren’t about money—they’re about showing up and making moments.
2. Every Season is Different: There’s no single “right way” to do the holidays. Each year brings its own “best Christmas ever.”
3. Let Good Judgment Take the Holidays Off: Sweater and drink choices prove it’s okay to have fun and be a little silly.

Connect & Share

• Contact the Hosts: Email: fiscalfoxhole@gmail.com
• Reach out to connect with Omen
• Reach out to connect with Rob
• Follow on Social Media:
  • Rob: @evermanprosperity
  • Omrn: @formerwealthmanagement
• Military Financial Advisors Association (MFAA): militaryfinancialadvisors.org

Legal Disclaimer

This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Rob Moore and Omen Quelvog are registered investment advisor representatives, but they are not your advisors. Please consult a qualified professional for advice tailored to your situation.

Hosts: Rob Moore & Omen Quelvog

Theme: Holiday spending, gift giving, and financial planning for the festive season

Episode Highlights

• Opening Banter: Rob and Omen kick off with holiday spirit, snowy Virginia weather, and a nod to their Christmas enthusiasm.
• Client Invitation: Both hosts are accepting new clients for financial planning in the new year. Free consultations available.
• Headline Discussion:
  • Vanguard’s Crypto ETF Move: The hosts discuss Vanguard’s decision to allow crypto ETFs, exploring the difference between investing and speculating, and the implications for long-term portfolios.

Main Topic: Holiday Money Traps & How to Avoid Them

• Emotional & External Pressures:
  1. The urge to overspend during the holidays, driven by sales, traditions, and the desire to give.
  2. The importance of thoughtful giving—don’t let guilt or reciprocity dictate your spending.
• Budgeting Wisdom:
  1. Start with a clear budget for the entire year, not just December.
  2. Use last year’s spending as a baseline; track expenses to avoid surprises.
  3. Allocate funds thoughtfully across concentric circles of relationships—spouse, kids, extended family, and others.
• Smart Gift Giving:
  1. Thoughtful, personalized gifts often mean more than expensive ones.
  2. Consider handmade or meaningful presents over generic gift cards.
  3. Experiences and memories can be more valuable than material items.
• Practical Takeaways:
  1. Crypto ETFs: Know what you’re buying, keep exposure small, and don’t risk money you can’t afford to lose.
  2. A Plan Beats Pressure: Set boundaries, budget, and prioritize thoughtful gifts over expensive ones.
  3. Avoid Mission Creep: Don’t let holiday spending spiral out of control—stick to your plan.

Off Duty

• Rob shares a memorable family outing to the Army Bands’ American Holiday Festival concert in DC, highlighting the value of experiences over material gifts.

Resources & Links

• Military Financial Advisors Association:
  • Visit https://militaryfinancialadvisors.org for more info.
• Contact the Hosts:
  • Questions or feedback? Email fiscalfoxhole@gmail.com.
  • Book a meeting with Omen
  • Book a meeting with Rob

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Consult a qualified professional for advice tailored to your individual circumstances.

The Fiscal Foxhole – Episode 12: Financial Lessons in Christmas Movies

Hosts: Rob Moore & Omen Quelvog

Published: December 10, 2025

🎙️ Episode Highlights

• Opening Banter:
  • Reflections on service, military retirement, and the “advent calendar” of C&P appointments.
  • Home repair stories—drywall, plumbing, and the aches that come with DIY projects.
• Listener Shout-Out:
  • Thanks to listeners for recent reviews.
  • Call to action: Please leave a review and share the podcast!
• News Headline:
  • Kiplinger’s “Snowbirds: Avoid These Three Sneaky Insurance Issues.”
  • Key tip: If your home is left unoccupied for 30+ days, your insurance may not cover damage.
  • Practical advice: Have someone check your home regularly, insulate pipes, and consider smart home cameras for security.
• Top 10 Christmas Movies – Snake Draft Style:
  • Each host picks five movies with a financial lesson.
  • Highlights include:
    • It’s a Wonderful Life: Money means nothing without community; the power of the money multiplier.
    • The Grinch: Don’t confuse materialism with happiness; value experiences and service.
    • Elf: Family over career; be true to yourself.
    • Home Alone: Protect against financial “break-ins”—credit monitoring, cybersecurity, insurance, and emergency funds.
    • A Christmas Carol: Generosity and the true meaning of wealth.
    • The Santa Claus: Prepare for unexpected career transitions; importance of estate planning.
    • Die Hard: Physical and financial security; diversify where you keep assets.
    • National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation: Don’t rely on bonuses; plan for windfalls.
    • 8-Bit Christmas: Delayed gratification builds discipline; service over material gifts.
    • Arthur Christmas: Retirement transitions; adapt your financial plan to new technology.
• Trivia Segment:
  • Fun facts about holiday movies and their box office success.
• Off-Duty Story:
  • Scams and text message fraud—how to spot and avoid them.

Helpful links

• Email FiscalFoxhole@gmail.com with questions, feedback, or comments.
• Snowbirds: Avoid These 3 Sneaky Insurance Issues
• Book a meeting with Omen: https://www.4myndr.com/connect
• Book a meeting with Rob: https://www.prosperwitheverman.com/contact

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Consult a qualified professional for advice tailored to your situation.