Finance Girlies: Money Conversations for Gen Z and Millennial Women

How many things have we bought for a version of ourselves who doesn’t exist yet? The art supplies for a hobby we’ll pick up someday. The clothes for a lifestyle we don’t actually live. The product that promises to make some part of our routine just a little bit better. Those purchases can add up — in our homes, our budgets, and our mental load. But being more intentional with our spending doesn’t have to mean depriving ourselves or stripping our lives down to the bare minimum. In this episode, we’re talking with Kelly Foss, host of the Millennial Minimalist podcast, to explore what minimalism can teach us about money. We talk about defining our own version of “enough,” recognizing when we’re spending for our aspirational selves, and deciding what’s genuinely worth bringing into our lives. We also get into emotional spending, the purchases that are absolutely worth making, and how buying less can help us feel better about spending on what we truly value. ✨ Episode Highlights ✨ [01:00] What minimalism actually means — and why it’s more about intentionality than owning as little as possible [06:30] The emotional side of clutter, stress spending, and why buying something new rarely fixes the feeling underneath [10:30] How to figure out what “enough” looks like when it comes to clothes, hobbies, and everything else we own [15:00] Practical ways to decide what stays, what goes, and what we’ll realistically use [18:30] The aspirational-self spending trap — and how social media can convince us to buy for a life we aren’t actually living [22:00] How buying less can reduce money anxiety, decision fatigue, and the mental energy we spend thinking about purchases [24:00] Finding our personal “number” and deciding what we genuinely want our money to support [27:00] Spending more on the things we value — from workout classes to coffee — while intentionally spending less elsewhere [33:00] How to enjoy our money without slipping into overconsumption, plus examples of purchases that genuinely improve daily life [40:00] A simple experiment for anyone who keeps buying things and wondering, “Why did I even buy this?” ✨ Resources ✨ Kelly’s podcast: Millennial Minimalists Kelly’s website: mastersimplicity.com Listen to the Finance Girlies on Kelly’s podcast: Money Made Simple with the Finance Girlies Send us Fan Mail Apply to our pilot Financial Coaching program at thefinancegirlies.com/coaching. Learn about our Financial Coaching pilot program and apply at thefinancegirlies.com/coaching. 📩 Get The Finance Girlies newsletter: https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/newsletter 💻Visit The Finance Girlies website: https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/ 💖Email us your money questions: hello@thefinancegirlies.com 📸Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefinancegirlies/

This episode was previously available exclusively to our paid subscribers and is now being released to all listeners. We’re excited to share it with all the girlies out there! If you enjoy it, please take a minute to leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform — and thanks for listening! 💗 Buying a car is one of those financial decisions that can make even the most confident money person second-guess everything. How much should you spend? Is new or used the better choice? Are you getting a good interest rate? And how do you know when you’ve researched enough to actually make a decision? We’ve been through all of that ourselves, so we’re bringing one of our most popular previously insiders-only episodes out from behind the paywall. We’re revisiting our two different car-buying experiences — one brand new and one certified pre-owned — and sharing the actual numbers behind both. We get into how we decided what we could comfortably afford, what mattered most when choosing our cars, and how we approached financing and negotiating. We also share how Cassidy negotiated $9,000 off the initial dealership price, why Emily chose certified pre-owned, the extra ownership costs we planned for (and a few we didn’t), and what we’d keep in mind the next time we’re car shopping. ✨ Episode Highlights ✨ [00:00] Why buying a car can bring so much financial stress and overthinking [05:30] What we each wanted in a new car — and how we set our budgets [12:00] How we researched cars and narrowed down our options [18:00] Choosing between new and certified pre-owned vehicles [24:30] Getting into the numbers: financing, interest rates, and negotiation [32:30] Negotiating thousands off the purchase price — and the tactics that helped [43:00] Buying certified pre-owned, paying cash at the dealership, and navigating a trade-in [52:00] The extra costs of car ownership, from insurance to winter tires [58:30] Car-buying rules of thumb, loan terms, and our practical tips before heading to the dealership ✨ Resources ✨ Consumer Reports Kelley Blue Book Auto loan calculator (Bankrate) Send us Fan Mail Apply to our pilot Financial Coaching program at thefinancegirlies.com/coaching. Learn about our Financial Coaching pilot program and apply at thefinancegirlies.com/coaching. 📩 Get The Finance Girlies newsletter: https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/newsletter 💻Visit The Finance Girlies website: https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/ 💖Email us your money questions: hello@thefinancegirlies.com 📸Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefinancegirlies/

We truly believe investing can be simple. But all the jargon — 401(k)s, IRAs, ETFs, target date funds — can be enough to stop a new investor in her tracks. When every decision seems to come with another acronym or account type to understand, it’s easy to keep putting off getting started. In this episode, we’re going back to the basics to answer two key questions: Where should your money go, and what should you invest in once it gets there? We walk through the accounts you may want to prioritize, beginner-friendly investment options, and what we’d each do if we were starting from scratch today. Remember: You don’t need to understand everything or build a perfectly optimized portfolio before you begin. You just need enough clarity to take that first step — and you can adjust as you learn. ✨ Episode Highlights ✨ [00:00] The two questions that can make getting started with investing feel much simpler [02:00] Why an employer-sponsored retirement plan with a match may be the best place to start [04:00] How HSAs work, including the triple tax advantage that makes them so valuable [05:30] Roth vs. traditional IRAs — and why choosing the “perfect” one matters less than getting started [08:00] When a taxable brokerage account might deserve a higher spot on your investing priority list [11:00] Why trying to optimize every decision can keep us stuck — and why our investing strategies can change over time [12:30] The beginner investing step that’s easy to miss: actually investing the cash after transferring it [14:00] How target date retirement funds offer a simple, beginner-friendly approach [16:00] A more hands-on strategy using index funds and ETFs [18:30] What we’d each do if we were starting from scratch today — plus our beginner investing roadmap ✨ Resources ✨ Why you don’t feel ready to invest (and how to start anyway) / 67 We tried it: Opening (and investing in) an HSA / 89 Roth IRA or 401(k)? Where to invest first with Sean Mullaney / 72 Is investing $100 a week enough to fund retirement? / 85 Send us Fan Mail Apply to our pilot Financial Coaching program at thefinancegirlies.com/coaching. Learn about our Financial Coaching pilot program and apply at thefinancegirlies.com/coaching. 📩 Get The Finance Girlies newsletter: https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/newsletter 💻Visit The Finance Girlies website: https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/ 💖Email us your money questions: hello@thefinancegirlies.com 📸Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefinancegirlies/

Opening a Health Savings Account (HSA) sounds like something that requires hours of research and a dozen decisions. In reality? After putting it off for almost a year, Cassidy finally opened one in eight minutes. In this episode, we’re sharing exactly how we opened, funded, and invested our HSAs — from choosing a provider to deciding how much to keep in cash versus invest. We also talk about when it makes sense to use your HSA for medical expenses today and when you might choose to let that money grow for the future. ✨ Episode Highlights ✨ [00:00] Why HSAs can be so powerful — and why investing the money is worth considering [03:30] How we chose where to open an HSA and set up contributions [06:30] A real-life look at our HSA investments (and realizing we may have some adjustments to make!) [09:00] Putting off opening an HSA for almost a year — only to get it done in 8 minutes [11:30] Funding and investing an HSA, including how much to keep available in cash [13:30] Using your deductible as a guide for deciding how much HSA money to keep in cash [15:00] Therapy, menstrual products, and other expenses that may qualify for HSA funds ✨ Resources ✨ Health Savings Accounts (HSAs): The incredible financial tool you may be overlooking (Finance Girlies episode 54) Fidelity HSA IRS list of qualified medical expenses Send us Fan Mail Apply to our pilot Financial Coaching program at thefinancegirlies.com/coaching. Learn about our Financial Coaching pilot program and apply at thefinancegirlies.com/coaching. 📩 Get The Finance Girlies newsletter: https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/newsletter 💻Visit The Finance Girlies website: https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/ 💖Email us your money questions: hello@thefinancegirlies.com 📸Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefinancegirlies/

It's funny how some money rules can feel like absolute truth... until they don't. As we've learned more about personal finance — and lived a little more life — we've found ourselves changing our minds about advice we used to follow (sometimes, without question). Some of those rules helped us build great habits, while others eventually became more limiting than helpful. In this episode, we're sharing ten money rules we've personally let go of over the years, from avoiding all debt and obsessing over lifestyle creep to believing you have to buy a house or put 20% down to be "good" with money. We talk about what changed our minds, where these rules can still be helpful, and why personal finance is often a lot more nuanced than the internet makes it seem. ✨ Episode Highlights ✨ [00:00] Why we're revisiting the money rules we used to follow, and why it's okay for your financial philosophy to evolve [02:00] Why we no longer believe all debt is bad, and how low-interest debt can sometimes make financial sense [04:30] Our approach to using credit cards responsibly, and why avoiding them isn't always the best advice [06:00] Why waiting to invest until you're completely debt-free can cost you valuable time in the market [09:00] The difference between intentional lifestyle upgrades and keeping up with everyone else [12:00] Why we don't believe buying a home should be everyone's default financial goal (but it’s okay if it’s your goal) — and why renting can be a great choice for many [16:00] The truth about putting 20% down on a house and why many buyers take a different path [19:30] Why your emergency fund is meant to be used, and how to let go of the guilt when life happens [24:00] How our views on the FIRE movement have changed and why balance matters more than financial perfection [29:30] Why the "financially optimized" choice isn't always the right choice — and how talking openly about money can make all the difference ✨ Resources ✨ Episode 70: Rethinking the Emergency Fund Episode 8: Debt 101: Is being in debt always bad? Send us Fan Mail Apply to our pilot Financial Coaching program at thefinancegirlies.com/coaching. Learn about our Financial Coaching pilot program and apply at thefinancegirlies.com/coaching. 📩 Get The Finance Girlies newsletter: https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/newsletter 💻Visit The Finance Girlies website: https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/ 💖Email us your money questions: hello@thefinancegirlies.com 📸Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefinancegirlies/

We love a good “look at your numbers” moment — but what happens when you take it one step further and ask, does this actually reflect the life I want? In this re-release of a previously Insiders-only episode, we map our real-life spending against our core values. And honestly, it felt a little vulnerable. We start by sharing our personal values, then break down exactly where our money went throughout the month. Finally, we talk through what felt aligned… and what didn’t. From therapy and travel to yoga memberships, beauty spending, and supporting local businesses, this conversation is equal parts practical and reflective — the kind that helps us zoom out and course-correct without shame. If you’ve ever felt like you’re “doing okay” with money but are still wondering if you’re actually making the most of it, this episode is for you. ✨ Episode Highlights ✨ [01:30] Why we started by defining our core values before looking at a single dollar we spent. [05:00] A peek inside our real spending from the month — including rent, travel, groceries, therapy, and more. [12:30] The discretionary purchases that brought us the most joy — and the ones that made us pause. [14:00] How travel, yoga, therapy, and meaningful relationships showed up in our spending. [16:30] The purchases that didn't feel as aligned with our values, even if they weren't "bad" decisions. [19:30] Why some spending categories feel so emotionally loaded, and how we're learning to think about them differently. [25:30] From beauty routines to housing costs, we share the purchases we sometimes second-guess — without the shame. [31:00] The values we'd spend even more on if money weren't a limiting factor. [39:00] What this exercise revealed about our habits, plus the small course corrections we're making moving forward. [44:30] One simple question that can tell you far more than just tracking where your money goes. ✨ Resources ✨ Ramit Sethi’s Rich Life Journal The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson You Don’t Need a Budget by Dana Miranda Send us Fan Mail Apply to our pilot Financial Coaching program at thefinancegirlies.com/coaching. Learn about our Financial Coaching pilot program and apply at thefinancegirlies.com/coaching. 📩 Get The Finance Girlies newsletter: https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/newsletter 💻Visit The Finance Girlies website: https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/ 💖Email us your money questions: hello@thefinancegirlies.com 📸Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefinancegirlies/

Some people color-code their budgets, reconcile every transaction, and genuinely enjoy a spreadsheet. Others would rather do just about anything else. If you've ever looked at someone else's budgeting system and thought, There's no way I could keep up with that, you’ll want to hear this conversation. In this episode, we chat with budget strategy coach and host of The Budget Effect , Erin Britt, to unpack one big question: does your personality determine whether you'll be good at budgeting? We explore the strengths that both type A and type B personalities bring to money management, why flexibility matters more than perfection, and how to build a budgeting system that actually fits your life instead of forcing you into someone else's. ✨ Episode Highlights ✨ [00:00] Why personality type has more to do with budgeting than you might think. [02:00] Can type B personalities actually budget? Why everyone needs a money system, even if you hate structure. [06:00] Breaking down the common traits of type A and type B personalities, plus how each one influences money habits. [09:30] Why traditional budgeting advice often feels designed for type A personalities — and what type B budgeters need instead. [11:30] The freedom of giving yourself permission to change your budget every month as your life changes. [16:30] Why personalizing your budget categories can make budgeting feel more motivating and aligned with your values. [19:00] Budget "rules" you can let go of, and why flexibility doesn't mean giving up financial boundaries. [23:30] How different budgeting styles — from detailed categories to broad spending buckets — can all be successful. [26:30] How to tell whether a budgeting method simply needs more practice or genuinely isn't the right fit for you. [32:00] What type A and type B personalities can learn from each other, and why comparison rarely helps your financial journey. ✨ Resources ✨ Listen to Erin's podcast, The Budget Effect Visit The Budget Effect website: https://thebudgeteffect.com Send us Fan Mail Apply to our pilot Financial Coaching program at thefinancegirlies.com/coaching. Learn about our Financial Coaching pilot program and apply at thefinancegirlies.com/coaching. 📩 Get The Finance Girlies newsletter: https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/newsletter 💻Visit The Finance Girlies website: https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/ 💖Email us your money questions: hello@thefinancegirlies.com 📸Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefinancegirlies/

When it comes to retirement, one question comes up again and again: How much is actually enough? It’s common to see advice online that says to invest a certain amount every week, but it’s much harder to know whether that number will actually get you where you want to go. In this episode, we break down one of the internet’s most common investing questions: Is investing $100 a week enough for retirement? We walk through the math behind what consistent investing can grow into over 20, 30, and 40 years, explain why time matters just as much as the amount you invest, and share a simple framework you can use to figure out whether you're on track for your own retirement goals. If you've ever wondered how much you really need to retire — or worried that you're not investing enough — this episode will help you think through the numbers with more confidence and less overwhelm. ✨ Episode Highlights ✨ [00:00] Is investing $100 a week enough to retire? The five factors that determine the answer. [02:30] How $100 a week can grow over 20, 30, and 40 years — and why time is your biggest advantage. [06:30] A simple way to calculate your retirement number using your expected annual spending and the rule of 25. [08:00] How Social Security and other income sources can reduce the amount you need to save on your own. [09:30] The retirement expenses people often forget to factor in — and the ones that may disappear altogether. [11:30] Why your retirement contributions don't have to be perfect to keep making meaningful progress. ✨ Resources ✨ Investor.gov compound interest calculator Vanguard retirement expenses worksheet Retirement calculator (Merrill) SSA.gov — My Social Security account Rule of 25 retirement planning framework Send us Fan Mail Apply to our pilot Financial Coaching program at thefinancegirlies.com/coaching. Learn about our Financial Coaching pilot program and apply at thefinancegirlies.com/coaching. 📩 Get The Finance Girlies newsletter: https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/newsletter 💻Visit The Finance Girlies website: https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/ 💖Email us your money questions: hello@thefinancegirlies.com 📸Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefinancegirlies/

There’s no shortage of advice about the right way to use credit card points for travel. Transfer partners, sign-up bonuses, maximizing every redemption... it can start to feel like there’s a test you’re supposed to pass before you’re allowed to book a trip. In this episode, we’re sharing a different perspective. We both recently used credit card points to book summer travel, and neither of us did it in the most optimized way. But instead of waiting until we knew every trick in the book, we used the points we had to save money on trips that mattered to us — and honestly, that felt like a win. Today, we’re breaking down exactly what we booked, how many points we used, what those trips would have cost in cash, and why we ultimately chose simplicity over squeezing every last cent of value from our rewards. If you've ever wondered whether you're "doing points wrong," this episode is your reminder that sometimes, your financial goals matter more than perfect optimization. ✨ Episode Highlights ✨ [00:00] Why we’re confessing our "imperfect" approach to using credit card points [02:50] Breaking down Cass’s last-minute trip to Toronto — flights, hotels, and how points covered nearly $2,000 in travel [07:15] Why Cassidy chose to redeem points through the Chase Travel portal, even though it's not the strategy most travel experts recommend [09:45] How Emily thought about buying a cross-country flight to Seattle while balancing other financial priorities [11:20] Using Google Flights, Points Path, and airline rewards programs to compare cash versus points [14:10] Why Emily intentionally ignored advice to pay cash and save points for later [15:20] How we earned our travel rewards through Chase, United, and Delta credit cards [17:00] What we’re still learning about transfer partners, airline loyalty, and maximizing points [18:00] Why the "best" redemption depends on your personal financial goals, not someone else's spreadsheet [19:10] Our biggest takeaway: using your points to reduce financial stress is a win, even if it isn't perfectly optimized ✨ Resources ✨ Points & miles 101 with Ross Alcorn: Turn your credit card rewards into free travel / 52 The freedom formula: How to travel, build a career, and save money with Caroline Lupini / 53 Points Path Google Flights Send us Fan Mail Apply to our pilot Financial Coaching program at thefinancegirlies.com/coaching. Learn about our Financial Coaching pilot program and apply at thefinancegirlies.com/coaching. 📩 Get The Finance Girlies newsletter: https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/newsletter 💻Visit The Finance Girlies website: https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/ 💖Email us your money questions: hello@thefinancegirlies.com 📸Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefinancegirlies/

When you hear the word "sales," you might think of awkward pitches, pushy tactics, or convincing someone to buy something they don't want. But what if selling actually looked more like listening, building relationships, and creating opportunities for yourself? In this episode, we talk to Megan Smyth, a sales coach and educator who helps female entrepreneurs sell without apology. We talk about why so many women struggle with sales, how our nervous systems shape the way we experience money conversations, and why learning to sell isn't just about earning more — it's about creating more freedom, stability, and confidence in your financial life. ✨ Episode Highlights ✨ [00:00] How Megan went from copywriting to helping women sell in a way that feels authentic and empowering. [05:00] Why sales is one of the most valuable money skills you can build — especially if you work for yourself. [08:30] Why you don't need social media to build a successful business, plus alternative marketing strategies that actually work. [14:30] What's happening in your brain and body when you face a rejection, income dips, or scary money conversation. [19:30] Simple nervous system techniques that can help you feel calmer and more confident before high-pressure conversations. [22:00] Why leaving the traditional pre-med path changed Megan’s relationship with money, success, and identity. [25:30] How to stop tying your self-worth to your income and start setting financial goals from a place of freedom instead of fear. [30:00] Why great salespeople spend far more time listening than talking — and why empathy is your biggest advantage. [38:30] How learning to create your own income gives you more stability, confidence, and financial independence over the long term. ✨ Resources ✨ Listen to Megan's podcast, Blaze Learn more about Megan's signature program, Sales Liberation Send us Fan Mail Apply to our pilot Financial Coaching program at thefinancegirlies.com/coaching. Learn about our Financial Coaching pilot program and apply at thefinancegirlies.com/coaching. 📩 Get The Finance Girlies newsletter: https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/newsletter 💻Visit The Finance Girlies website: https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/ 💖Email us your money questions: hello@thefinancegirlies.com 📸Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefinancegirlies/

This episode was previously available exclusively to our paid subscribers and is now being released to all listeners. We’re excited to share it with all the girlies out there! -------- The trad wife lifestyle is being sold as soft, simple, and secure. But is it financially safe? In this episode, we unpack what the trad wife movement actually promotes, how it differs from choosing to stay home, and why financial autonomy still matters — even inside healthy marriages. We look at the influencer contradictions, the real risks of economic dependence, divorce statistics, and a powerful real-life story that shows how quickly financial control can escalate. If you’ve felt curious about this trend — or quietly unsettled by it — this conversation will help you separate the aesthetic from the economics. ✨ Episode Timestamps ✨ [00:00] Why the trad wife lifestyle took off [03:30] What is a trad wife — and where did this movement come from? [07:30] Trad wife vs. stay-at-home mom: What’s the difference? [09:30] The influencer contradiction and the “not working” illusion [12:30] Traditional Christian ideology and submission rhetoric [15:00] Why this movement can create financial vulnerability [20:00] Divorce, asset division, and the risk of economic dependence [22:00] A Well-Trained Wife and a real story of financial control [26:30] How to protect yourself financially in any marriage ✨ Resources ✨ PBS special: Trad Wives vs. Reality Money with Katie podcast episode featuring Caroline Burke on the trad wife movement A Well-Trained Wife by Tia Levings TFG episode: Prenups for modern couples with divorce attorney Aaron Thomas TFG episode: Navigating money as a wife, mom, and breadwinner with Jessica Norwood Send us Fan Mail Apply to our pilot Financial Coaching program at thefinancegirlies.com/coaching. Learn about our Financial Coaching pilot program and apply at thefinancegirlies.com/coaching. 📩 Get The Finance Girlies newsletter: https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/newsletter 💻Visit The Finance Girlies website: https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/ 💖Email us your money questions: hello@thefinancegirlies.com 📸Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefinancegirlies/

Have you ever felt guilty for spending money on something you love, but thought nothing of spending money on something you felt like you should do? Or found yourself thinking, "I'm just bad with money"? In this episode, we're joined by financial wellness coach Simone Griffin-Taylor for a conversation about the emotional side of personal finance. We explore why money decisions are rarely as logical as we think, how shame and self-judgment can show up in our financial lives, and why understanding your values may be more important than following someone else's money rules. From homebuying and travel to dining out and even buying Kleenex, this episode is full of real-life examples that will help you get curious about your spending habits, challenge old money stories, and make financial decisions that feel more aligned with the life you actually want to live. ✨ Episode Highlights ✨ [03:00] Why emotions influence nearly every financial decision we make [05:00] How shame shows up in our money lives—and how to recognize it [08:30] The difference between "I made a mistake" and "I am bad with money" [12:00] Why self-compassion can be a powerful financial tool [17:00] The danger of comparing your financial life to someone else's timeline [20:00] Simone's framework for reconnecting with your financial intuition [24:00] How to identify your core values and use them to guide money decisions [30:00] Why two people can share the same values but spend money very differently [35:00] What people judge themselves for financially that is actually completely normal [39:00] Cassidy's surprisingly strong opinions about the value of Kleenex and coat hangers [43:00] How old money stories continue to influence our spending decisions ✨ Resources ✨ Connect with Simone: affluencereimagined.com Follow Simone on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/simone-griffin/ Send us Fan Mail Apply to our pilot Financial Coaching program at thefinancegirlies.com/coaching. Learn about our Financial Coaching pilot program and apply at thefinancegirlies.com/coaching. 📩 Get The Finance Girlies newsletter: https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/newsletter 💻Visit The Finance Girlies website: https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/ 💖Email us your money questions: hello@thefinancegirlies.com 📸Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefinancegirlies/

When your income isn't predictable, it can be hard to know whether a slow season is just part of the process or a sign that something needs to change. And when so much financial advice assumes the same paycheck shows up every two weeks, navigating those ups and downs can feel even more frustrating. In this episode, we're diving into Cassidy's freelance business and taking a transparent look at what her year has actually looked like behind the scenes. After experiencing one of her lowest earning months since becoming a freelancer, she decided to stop waiting for things to turn around and start taking action. Listen in to hear about the mindset shifts, money strategies, and business decisions that helped her go from a $3k month to a $17k month — plus the single practice that made her lower-earning months mildly annoying instead of panic-inducing. ✨ Episode Highlights ✨ [02:00] The reality check that forced a hard look at what was (and wasn't) working in Cassidy’s business [04:30] The mindset shift that led her to start pitching clients again after years of relying on referrals [05:30] How one vulnerable LinkedIn post turned into a major freelance opportunity [07:30] What it felt like to watch savings shrink during a prolonged slow season [09:00] Why financial independence is about more than just the numbers for Cassidy [12:30] The surprising benefits that came from having less work on the calendar [14:00] How a cash cushion helped smooth out months of unpredictable income [19:00] The real reasons Cassidy wanted to earn more money again [22:00] The challenge of knowing when to stop saying yes to more work [33:30] Cassidy's biggest lessons from going from one of her slowest months to one of her strongest ✨ Resources ✨ Listen to Finance Girlies episode 74 with Arden Missal Are you a business owner struggling to stay on top of the books and pay quarterly taxes? Collective can do it for you.* *This is an affiliate link, meaning we may earn a commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase using our link. Our promise: We’ll never share affiliate links for products or services we don’t love and recommend. Send us Fan Mail Apply to our pilot Financial Coaching program at thefinancegirlies.com/coaching. Learn about our Financial Coaching pilot program and apply at thefinancegirlies.com/coaching. 📩 Get The Finance Girlies newsletter: https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/newsletter 💻Visit The Finance Girlies website: https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/ 💖Email us your money questions: hello@thefinancegirlies.com 📸Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefinancegirlies/

✨💎 RE-RELEASE OF A FORMERLY INSIDERS-ONLY EPISODE 💎✨ This episode was previously available exclusively to our paid subscribers and is now being released to all listeners. We’re excited to share it with all the girlies out there! “Money isn’t everything.” It’s advice many of us grew up hearing—from family members, TV shows, even Hallmark movies. But if you’ve ever lived paycheck to paycheck, carried debt, or panicked about an unexpected expense, you know it’s not the full story. In this episode, we unpack what this phrase really means, where it comes from, and why it can sometimes hold you back. We also share personal stories from our early careers, what research says about money and happiness, and how to figure out your own “enough” number. ✨ Episode Highlights ✨ [00:00] Cassidy’s recent conversation that sparked this episode [01:45] Why Hallmark movies reinforce the “money vs. happiness” myth [03:30] Our first low-paying jobs out of college [05:00] Where the phrase “money isn’t everything” comes from [09:30] Where this phrase becomes unhelpful [11:45] Case study: America's Sweethearts [13:30] Case study: Maid [14:30] What it's like to live on $25k vs. $25 million [16:30] Cassidy's anchor point: how where she grew up affected her perceptions of money [22:30] What is money, actually? Money as security vs. money as status [27:45] Real stories: taking pay cuts for happiness (and regrets) [31:00] Our personal experiences earning more through freelancing [32:30] How to find your “enough” number ✨ Resources ✨ Wharton study on money and happiness Johnny Harris video: $25,000 vs. $25,000,000 Maid by Stephanie Land (book + Netflix series) Send us Fan Mail Apply to our pilot Financial Coaching program at thefinancegirlies.com/coaching. Learn about our Financial Coaching pilot program and apply at thefinancegirlies.com/coaching. 📩 Get The Finance Girlies newsletter: https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/newsletter 💻Visit The Finance Girlies website: https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/ 💖Email us your money questions: hello@thefinancegirlies.com 📸Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefinancegirlies/

We often assume building wealth requires a high salary, perfect investing decisions, or some kind of shortcut. But sometimes, the biggest results come from years of small, consistent choices. In this episode, we talk with financial coach and mom of five Brittany Flammer. Over the course of her 21-year marriage, Brittany and her husband averaged an income of roughly $40,000 per year while steadily building a net worth that’s now approaching $1 million. Their story isn’t built on shortcuts or luck — it’s built on patience, intentionality, and a commitment to living below their means. We talk about everything from investing at age 20 with just $50 a month, to navigating lifestyle creep, raising financially confident kids, and budgeting for family travel. If you’ve ever wondered whether small financial habits can really make a difference, this conversation is a reminder that consistency often pays off in the long run. ✨ Episode Highlights ✨ [01:30] How Brittany and her husband built nearly $1 million in net worth on an average income of about $40,000 per year [03:00] Why starting to invest matters more than knowing everything from day one [06:00] How Brittany’s savings and investing strategy evolved as her household income increased over the years [08:00] The intentional ways Brittany allows lifestyle upgrades without letting lifestyle creep take over [11:30] The surprising expenses they skip — and why Brittany only budgets $25 per month for personal fun money [16:00] The budgeting tools Brittany relies on most, including high-yield savings accounts, automation, and weekly budget check-ins [20:30] How their family of seven travels on a budget, from affordable road trips to planning international vacations [24:30] The low-cost family traditions that have created some of their favorite memories [28:30] How Brittany teaches her kids about money, trade-offs, saving, spending, and earning their own income [34:30] The expenses she refuses to cut, the role generosity plays in their family, and the money values she hopes to pass down to her children [41:00] Where to follow Brittany’s budgeting journey and why publicly sharing her budget helps keep her accountable ✨ Resources ✨ Brittany’s YouTube channel Brittany’s website Send us Fan Mail Apply to our pilot Financial Coaching program at thefinancegirlies.com/coaching. Learn about our Financial Coaching pilot program and apply at thefinancegirlies.com/coaching. 📩 Get The Finance Girlies newsletter: https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/newsletter 💻Visit The Finance Girlies website: https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/ 💖Email us your money questions: hello@thefinancegirlies.com 📸Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefinancegirlies/

When you’re in your early 20s, it’s easy to feel like you have so much time to figure money out later. Retirement feels impossibly far away, investing feels intimidating, and honestly, a lot of financial advice can feel disconnected from real life when you’re just trying to make rent, navigate your first job, or recover from the chaos of college. The truth is, though, some of the smallest financial habits you build early on can shape your life for decades — not because you need to do everything perfectly, but because small, consistent choices really do add up over time. And while this episode is centered around what we wish we knew in our 20s, almost everything we talk about applies no matter your age or stage of life. It’s never too early or too late to start building habits that make your financial life feel calmer and more intentional. In this conversation, we’re sharing the money advice we genuinely wish someone had told us earlier, from tracking our spending and avoiding lifestyle creep to building credit, learning to invest, and figuring out what actually matters to us. ✨ Episode Highlights ✨ [02:00] Why tracking your spending is the foundation of intentional money habits [03:30] The personal finance books that helped us finally understand money [05:00] How to spot “money leaks” and spend more intentionally [06:30] Two simple questions to ask before buying something impulsively [09:00] What lifestyle creep actually looks like in your 20s [13:00] Why learning to cook is one of the best money-saving skills you can build [15:00] The financial advantage of cheap housing situations early in adulthood [17:00] How to prioritize experiences and travel without overspending [19:30] Building credit responsibly and why starting early matters [23:00] Emergency funds, future goals, and using extra money intentionally [27:00] Why investing early matters more than investing perfectly [32:30] Talking about money with friends, asking for help, and taking imperfect action ✨ Resources ✨ Our 2 favorite personal finance/investing books: I Will Teach You to Be Rich by Ramit Sethi and The Simple Path to Wealth by JL Collins Budgeting tool: YNAB (You Need a Budget) Finance Girlies’ Investing Before You’re Ready workshop Finance Girlies episode on bank accounts: Q&A: Choosing the right bank accounts / 3 Finance Girlies episode on travel: Points & miles 101 with Ross Alcorn: Turn your credit card rewards into free travel / 52 Finance Girlies episode with Arden Missal: She didn’t want to shrink her lifestyle — so she paid off $150K in debt, fast / 74 Send us Fan Mail Apply to our pilot Financial Coaching program at thefinancegirlies.com/coaching. Learn about our Financial Coaching pilot program and apply at thefinancegirlies.com/coaching. 📩 Get The Finance Girlies newsletter: https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/newsletter 💻Visit The Finance Girlies website: https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/ 💖Email us your money questions: hello@thefinancegirlies.com 📸Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefinancegirlies/

When we think about “rich” experiences, it’s easy to assume they have to come with a high price tag. But this week’s guest, Elisabeth Frost, has built a life that challenges that idea in the best way. Elisabeth is a lifestyle blogger, budget traveler, and longtime thrifter currently spending three and a half months traveling across Europe with her husband and two kids — carry-on only. In this episode, we talk about the systems and mindset shifts that help her family travel affordably, live more minimally, and make intentional financial decisions without feeling deprived. We also get into the choices that helped Elisabeth and her husband pay off their house in just seven years, why she approaches secondhand shopping strategically, and the reminder we all probably need sometimes: spending more money doesn’t automatically create better memories. ✨ Episode Highlights ✨ [02:10] What it’s actually like raising kids with a minimalist and frugal lifestyle [03:20] How Elisabeth’s family travels internationally on a budget [05:15] The first thing they prioritize when planning affordable trips [07:05] Why setting a hard accommodation budget helps them avoid overspending [09:15] The simple travel habits that save their family money on food and activities [12:00] How free museum days and off-peak tickets dramatically cut travel costs [16:10] Why some of their kids’ favorite travel memories were completely free [20:00] Elisabeth’s “everything needs a home” rule for thrifting and minimalism [27:00] The difference between thrift stores and consignment shops — and how to shop both intentionally [35:20] The biggest decisions that helped Elisabeth and her husband pay off their mortgage in seven years ✨ Resources ✨ Elisabeth’s blog: The Optimistic Musings of a Pessimist Elisabeth’s Patreon community: Lighthouse Keepers Send us Fan Mail Apply to our pilot Financial Coaching program at thefinancegirlies.com/coaching. Learn about our Financial Coaching pilot program and apply at thefinancegirlies.com/coaching. 📩 Get The Finance Girlies newsletter: https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/newsletter 💻Visit The Finance Girlies website: https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/ 💖Email us your money questions: hello@thefinancegirlies.com 📸Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefinancegirlies/

There’s a version of debt payoff advice that sounds responsible on paper — make the minimum payments, invest the difference, stay the course. But what if following that plan still leaves you feeling stuck? In this episode with physician assistant and financial educator Arden Missal, we unpack what happens when you question the “default” path — and what it can look like to choose something else. We talk about the emotional side of money, why avoidance is so common, and how your beliefs can shape your financial reality. Arden paid off $150,000 of debt in just 16 months. Interestingly, she doesn’t consider herself frugal — and that’s exactly why she was so determined to eliminate her debt so fast. Arden’s approach wasn’t just about working more or spending less; it started with a complete shift in how she thought about debt, time, and what she actually wanted her life to feel like. This conversation is part strategy, part mindset reset, and it might even change how you think about what’s possible for you. ✨ Episode Highlights ✨ [00:00] Why the “make minimum payments” advice didn’t sit right with Arden — and what it revealed [06:30] What paying off $150K in 16 months looked like behind the scenes [12:00] How becoming debt-free reshaped her relationship with money [16:00] The “boiling frog” effect and how debt becomes your normal [22:00] What money avoidance really is — and how it shows up [27:00] How shame and limiting beliefs keep people stuck [34:00] Arden’s favorite exercise for uncovering your money story [41:00] Why your thoughts drive your financial outcomes [47:00] Rethinking budgeting as a tool for direction, not restriction [53:00] What to do if financial freedom feels out of reach ✨ Resources ✨ Connect with Arden: Grab Arden’s free debt tracker: https://shesfinanciallyfree.com/starter-kit Send us Fan Mail Apply to our pilot Financial Coaching program at thefinancegirlies.com/coaching. Learn about our Financial Coaching pilot program and apply at thefinancegirlies.com/coaching. 📩 Get The Finance Girlies newsletter: https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/newsletter 💻Visit The Finance Girlies website: https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/ 💖Email us your money questions: hello@thefinancegirlies.com 📸Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefinancegirlies/

If you’ve spent any time reading personal finance advice, you’ve probably heard the same advice on repeat: max out your Roth IRA. But what if that’s not actually the best move — at least not right now? In this episode, we sit down with advice-only financial planner Sean Mullaney to challenge some of the most common investing advice out there and replace it with something a little more nuanced — and helpful. We talk about how to think about taxes across your lifetime (not just this year), why traditional retirement accounts deserve more attention, and how small shifts in strategy can make a meaningful difference over time. ✨ Episode Highlights ✨ [00:00] Meet our guest and why “Roth first” isn’t always the best advice [02:00] The two-sentence framework for retirement planning: investing + taxes [04:30] Why traditional 401(k)s can be more powerful than Roth accounts [08:00] What to do if you don’t have access to a 401(k) [12:30] The real order of operations: emergency fund, employer match, then what? [15:30] How taxes actually work in retirement (and why they’re often lower) [18:30] The “hidden Roth IRA” concept explained in plain English [24:30] Capital gains, cost basis, and why your taxable income may be lower than you think [28:00] The “compelling three” framework for investing (and how to use it) [32:00] Where HSAs fit into your overall investing strategy [34:00] The biggest mistake we see in your 20s and 30s — and how to avoid it [36:00] Balancing saving for the future with actually enjoying your life now ✨ Resources ✨ Connect with Sean: Sean’s book: Tax Planning to and Through Early Retirement Sean’s blog: FITaxGuy.com Sean’s YouTube channel Listen to The Finance Girlies beginner-friendly investing episodes: Why you don’t feel ready to invest (and how to start anyway) / 67 Health Savings Accounts (HSAs): The incredible financial tool you may be overlooking / 54 Q&A: Everything you need to know about Roth IRAs / 12 As Sean mentioned, some capital gains in New Zealand are not subject to tax, but some are. As always, tax rules are nuanced. Learn more in this video and this article . The discussion is intended for general educational purposes only and is not tax, legal, or investment advice for any individual. Cassidy, Emily, and The Finance Girlies podcast do not endorse Sean Mullaney, Mullaney Financial & Tax, Inc. and their services. Send us Fan Mail Apply to our pilot Financial Coaching program at thefinancegirlies.com/coaching. Learn about our Financial Coaching pilot program and apply at thefinancegirlies.com/coaching. 📩 Get The Finance Girlies newsletter: https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/newsletter 💻Visit The Finance Girlies website: https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/ 💖Email us your money questions: hello@thefinancegirlies.com 📸Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefinancegirlies/

Spring cleaning isn’t just for your closet — it might be exactly what your finances need, too. In this episode, we talk about why April (not January) can be the most natural time to reset your money habits, especially as your energy shifts, your spending changes, and tax season gives you a clearer picture of your finances. We walk through how to take that “fresh start” feeling and turn it into simple, actionable steps — from deciding what to do with your tax refund to decluttering subscriptions, organizing accounts, and checking in on your bigger financial goals. If your money has felt a little messy, neglected, or just out of sync lately, this is your permission slip to reset — without pressure or perfection. Think of this as your financial reset checklist — approachable, flexible, and designed to help you feel lighter, clearer, and more in control going into the rest of the year. ✨ Episode Highlights ✨ [00:00] Why spring might be a better time than January to reset your finances [02:15] How seasonal shifts impact your spending habits (and why it’s normal for them to change) [09:05] What to do with your tax refund — from saving to spending with intention [10:20] Using your recent tax experience to make smarter decisions this year [12:30] Turning clutter into cash by selling unused items [14:45] How to organize financial documents and simplify next tax season [16:40] Where to check your credit score for free — and what to look for [17:50] Why freezing your credit could give you extra peace of mind [19:10] Subscriptions and recurring expenses to review this season [20:30] How to lower your bills (and what to say when you call) [22:45] Which accounts to close — and what to keep open for your credit score [24:05] Checking in on your emergency fund and adjusting your goals ✨ Resources ✨ Episode 69: 7 smart ways to use your tax refund in 2026 Episode 70: Rethinking the emergency fund: How much do you need to save? Episode 35: Cassidy's moving budget: The cost of starting over Episode 3: Q&A: Choosing the right bank accounts Free credit report: Annualcreditreport.com Take our quiz: What Type of Finance Girlie Are You? Send us Fan Mail Apply to our pilot Financial Coaching program at thefinancegirlies.com/coaching. Learn about our Financial Coaching pilot program and apply at thefinancegirlies.com/coaching. 📩 Get The Finance Girlies newsletter: https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/newsletter 💻Visit The Finance Girlies website: https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/ 💖Email us your money questions: hello@thefinancegirlies.com 📸Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefinancegirlies/