Finance Girlies: Money Conversations for Gen Z and Millennial Women
Do you feel like you’re making progress with money, but somehow still feel behind? Maybe you’re already saving, paying your bills on time, and investing a little. But you still find yourself thinking:"Wait… am I actually doing this right?"And when you try to find the answer, you get even more frustrated because everything online feels like it was made for some Wall Street bro obsessing over his next trade.If you’re craving money conversations that actually reflect you — an ambitious, vibrant woman using her money to build a life that feels abundant in every sense — come hang with...
6 pieces of classic money advice that might actually make your life worse / 98
There's a lot of financial advice out there that makes perfect sense on paper — but doesn’t totally pan out when you apply it to real life. After all, what's financially smart for one person might not make sense for someone with different goals, priorities, or circumstances. And sometimes, following all the so-called money rules can come at the expense of actually enjoying your life.
In this episode, we're taking a closer look at six pieces of popular financial advice that we think deserve a little more nuance. From buying a home as soon as possible to payi...
How to bounce back from money mistakes with Bola Sokunbi / 97
Building wealth can feel like a long game, especially when you're doing all the right things but aren't seeing big results yet. Maybe you're contributing to your 401(k), saving what you can, and trying to make smart financial decisions, but you still can't shake the feeling that you're behind. The good news? Making progress with money doesn't have to mean doing everything perfectly, and your financial mistakes don't have to define your future.
In this episode, we're joined by Bola Sokunbi, financial expert, six-time bestselling author, and founder of Clever Girl Finance, to talk about what it...
House hunting to homeowner: Emily’s real-life homebuying story / 96
It’s easy to look back on a big financial decision and make the path seem clearer than it actually was. Buying a home is rarely that tidy — especially when you’re still touring houses, weighing compromises, and wondering whether the right one is even out there.
In this episode, we get both sides of that experience from our very own Emily as she navigates the first-time homebuying journey. First, you’ll hear an interview from early this summer, when Emily was actively house hunting. Then, we jump forward more than three months to hear from her again, s...
Rethinking homeownership for Millennials (with real estate agent Silas Lindenstein) / 95
Buying a home can feel like one of those financial milestones we’re supposed to want — but is homeownership actually the right move for everyone? And if we do want to buy, how do we know when we’re financially (and emotionally) ready? In this episode, we’re talking with Silas Lindenstein, a Seattle-area real estate agent and podcast host to try to answer these questions.
Whether buying a home is part of your five-year plan, you’re actively scrolling listings, or you’re perfectly happy renting, this conversation offers a much more grounded way to think about your ho...
Travel now, or retire early? How Henah Velez is choosing both / 94
Saving for the future matters — but our money should also help us build a life we enjoy along the way. For Henah Velez, creator of the slow travel newsletter Departure, travel is one of the things worth making room for.
In this episode, we talk about how Henah went from a scarcity mindset to reaching Coast FI, why she’s prioritized travel at every income level, and how she balances financial independence with spending on experiences now. We also get into conscious consumerism and her refreshingly simple approach to points and miles — including beginner-friendly credit card strategies, when t...
Do you need a will? Probably, and here's why / 93
A will can feel like something for a future version of you — one with a house, kids, a spouse, and a lot more assets to worry about. But when you start thinking about the bank accounts, belongings, pets, and people already in our lives, it may be time to question that assumption. Chances are, a will is worth having sooner than you think.
The good news? Creating one might not be nearly as scary — or time-consuming — as it sounds. Cassidy recently went through the entire process, and in this episode, she’s walking through exactly what it looked l...
Minimalism, money, and finding your “enough” with Kelly Foss / 92
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...
How to buy a car from start to finish (our car-buying stories) / 91
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 yo...
What should I invest in as a beginner? / 90
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 tried it: Opening (and investing in) an HSA / 89
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 Highli...
10 money rules we don't follow anymore / 88
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...
Our month-long money diary: Does our spending align with our values? / 87
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 conver...
Personality-based budgeting with budget coach Erin Britt / 86
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 fl...
Is investing $100 a week enough to fund retirement? / 85
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 am...
We tried it: Using points and miles to book travel (without being experts) / 84
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...
The one skill every woman needs to increase her income with Megan Smyth / 83
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 co...
What the tradwife movement means for women's finances (re-release) / 82
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 stati...
How emotions affect your money decisions with Simone Griffin Taylor / 81
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 $3k to $17k in one month: Lessons from Cassidy’s freelance business / 80
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...
Does money buy happiness? Let's talk about it (re-release) / 79
✨💎 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...
How Brittany Flammer built a $950k net worth on a 5-figure income / 78
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...
The money advice we needed in our 20s (and still stand by today) / 76
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 u...
How Elisabeth built a minimalist lifestyle with less stuff and more freedom / 75
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 ge...
Arden Missal didn’t want to shrink her lifestyle — so she paid off $150K in debt, fast / 74
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 mo...
Roth IRA or 401(k)? Where to invest first with Sean Mullaney / 72
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 shif...
Feeling disorganized with your money? Try spring cleaning your finances / 71
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...
Rethinking the emergency fund: How much do you need to save? / 70
If you’ve ever found yourself staring at your emergency fund, hesitant to spend a dime on something unexpected, this episode's for you. We’re unpacking the pressure, the gray areas, and the real-life moments where this money actually comes into play. Because spoiler: it’s probably not just for worst-case scenarios.
We share how we think about emergency funds in a more flexible, human way — from unexpected travel costs to medical bills to slow income seasons — and why this money is meant to be used, not just admired. We also dig into the classic “3–6 months” rule, where it falls s...
7 smart ways to use your tax refund in 2026 / 69
If you’ve ever gotten a tax refund and thought, “Wait… is this free money?” — you’re not alone. In this episode, we’re unpacking why refunds feel like a bonus (even though they’re not), and more importantly, how to actually decide what to do with that lump sum in a way that feels good and makes sense for your life.
We walk through seven different ways you can use your refund — from covering immediate needs to investing, spending on convenience, or even doing something purely for joy. Along the way, we talk about the “interest-free loan to the governme...
Why you don’t feel ready to invest (and how to start anyway) / 67
When we sent out a listener survey last fall, one topic seemed to be on everyone’s minds: investing. So many of you told us you don’t feel ready to invest yet.
We relate to this deeply. Even after years of writing about investing professionally, talking to experts, and researching the topic, we still felt that hesitation ourselves. We kept setting what we jokingly call “procrastination goals” — telling ourselves we’d start investing after we saved a little more, paid off one more thing, or learned just a little bit more.
In this episode...
Feeling stuck with money? Start with your beliefs, not the numbers (ft. Michelle Malawer) / 66
This week, we’re talking about the emotional and behavioral side of money with money coach Michelle Malawer. We explore what money coaching actually looks like, how it differs from working with a financial advisor, and why changing your finances often starts with understanding your patterns — not just your numbers.
We also talk about the beliefs and challenges Michelle frequently sees with women around money, from debt shame to undercharging to feeling stuck. Plus, we dig into a surprisingly powerful idea: imagination as a money skill. Once we’re not just trying to survive financially, we can start...
Sarah Turner on the money beliefs that followed her to 8 figures / 65
Today we’re joined by Sarah Turner — the mentor who brought us together and helped shape the way we think about building businesses, earning more, and how money shows up in our lives.
In this episode, we talk about what it actually looks like to live authentically (especially when “bloom where you’re planted” feels more like rotting in the wrong soil), plus how Sarah’s money story evolved (and how it didn’t) after her income exploded. She explains how and why the old stuff can still show up, even when the numbers change.
If you’ve ever...
We tried it: Getting reimbursed for travel delays / 63
We love travel — but we do not love unexpected airport chaos.
On a recent work trip to Mexico, we each faced major delays. One of us was marked a no-show while physically inside the airport because we couldn’t get a boarding pass. The other experienced a domino effect — a missing gate agent, de-icing delays, a missed connection, a four-hour crew delay, and a mechanical issue that led to an overnight stay.
Because these disruptions felt largely outside of our control — and, to some extent, within the airline’s — we decided to advocate for ourselves. We requested...
How to make Valentine’s Day feel special (without overconsuming) / 62
If Valentine’s Day has ever made you feel pressured, behind, or annoyed at how expensive it all seems — it’s not just you. In this episode, we’re unpacking how Valentine’s Day became a multi-billion-dollar industry, why it can feel so loaded emotionally (and financially), and how to opt out of overconsumption without opting out of joy.
We share the surprising history of Valentine’s Day, the real data behind how much people spend, and how social media fuels comparison spirals. Then we get personal — talking through our very different, very intentional approaches to the holiday, wheth...
Money, kids, and the myth of being “ready” with Taylor Nelsen, AFC / 61
Parenthood has a way of turning even the most detailed budgeter into a “good enough and moving on” budgeter — and honestly, that’s not a personal failure. It’s reality. In this episode, we’re joined by Taylor Nelson (accredited financial counselor and the voice behind The Financial Planner Substack) to talk about what the “cost of kids” actually looks like in real life — and why it’s not just diapers and strollers.
We get into the biggest surprise costs (spoiler: it’s often the income hit more than the baby gear), how to think about childcare and leave before your b...
Claire Wasserman on trusting yourself, asking for more, and letting go of shame / 59
What if knowing your worth intellectually isn’t enough — and the real work has to happen in your body, your nervous system, and your everyday actions? In this episode, we’re joined by Claire Wasserman, founder of Ladies Get Paid, career coach, and writer who offers tactical advice and deep emotional insight in a way that feels grounding, honest, and actually doable.
This conversation felt like part therapy session, part masterclass in self-trust. Claire shares why so many of us still tie our value to our paycheck (even when we know better), how to identify the core money...
Why your budget isn’t broken (the system is) with Kelsa Dickey / 58
Budgeting is often framed as a discipline problem — try harder, be more consistent, stick to the plan. But what if the real issue isn’t effort or willpower… it’s that the system was never designed for your actual life in the first place?
Today we’re joined by Kelsa Dickey, founder of Fiscal Fitness Phoenix and creator of the Spend First System. Kelsa is a former licensed financial advisor who intentionally left the traditional financial advising world to focus on what most people are actually struggling with: managing money day to day, with real constraints on time, ener...
Financial adulting in your 20s & 30s: Saving, retirement, and real-life budgeting with Brigitte Killings / 57
If you’ve ever thought, “I’m doing okay with money… but am I doing the right things?” — this episode is for you. Whether you’re in your late 20s trying to build good habits, juggling family responsibilities, or quietly worrying about what the future version of you will need, this conversation meets you exactly where you are.
Today we’re joined by Brigitte Killings, a 30-year veteran in financial services and the Atlantic & South Division Head of Community and Business Development at JPMorganChase.
Brigitte has spent decades working directly with families and communities, and she brings a pers...
Financial adulting in your 20s & 30s: Saving, retirement, and real-life budgeting with Brigitte Killings
If you’ve ever thought, “I’m doing okay with money… but am I doing the right things?” — this episode is for you. Whether you’re in your late 20s trying to build good habits, juggling family responsibilities, or quietly worrying about what the future version of you will need, this conversation meets you exactly where you are.
Today we’re joined by Brigitte Killings, a 30-year veteran in financial services and the Atlantic & South Division Head of Community and Business Development at JPMorganChase. Brigitte has spent decades working directly with families and communities, and she brings a perspective th...
2025 Wrapped: Our favorite books, boldest money moves & scary goals
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit thefinancegirlies.substack.com
We're wrapping up 2025 with our favorite tradition — a rapid-fire reflection on the year we just had. And this year? We made it spicier. 🌶️
This is an insiders-only episode because we wanted to get real about the stuff we don't usually share on the free feed. So if you're here, you're getting the good stuff.
Here's what we're covering:
The Classics (same questions as last year)
Our favorite books and podcasts we devoured in 2025
Th...
2025 Wrapped: Our favorite books, boldest money moves & scary goals
Listen now | We're full of cheese, loving winter, and recapping our year
Support the show
📩 Get The Finance Girlies newsletter:
https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/newsletter
💻Visit The Finance Girlies website:
https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/
💖Email us your money questions:
[email protected]
📸Follow us on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/thefinancegirlies/
