Financial Feminist

If you’re thinking about quitting your job in 2026 and finally starting your own business, this episode is your practical roadmap. I’m joined by lawyer-turned-entrepreneur Sam Vander Wielen, who left corporate law with multi-six-figure student loans, built a multi-seven-figure digital products company, and learned firsthand what entrepreneurship can and cannot do for your happiness. We’re talking about how to financially plan your exit from a 9-to-5, what legal steps you need (LLC, contracts, trademarks), and how to stop tying your worth to income, vanity metrics, or job titles. If you want a sustainable, smart plan for quitting your job and building a profitable business in 2026, this conversation will show you how to do it without burning your life down in the process. Sam’s links: Get Sam’s book: https://www.samvanderwielen.com/book/ Listen to Sam’s podcast: https://www.samvanderwielen.com/podcast  Sign up for Sam’s newsletter: https://www.samvanderwielen.com/easy-emails  Visit ⁠https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod⁠ to see the show notes and read the transcript of this episode! 0:00 Intro 01:15 The Happiness Myth 04:30 Why We Tie Happiness to Milestones 07:30 What a Business Can (and Can’t) Give You 11:00 Money as a Tool for Safety and Choice 15:00 Sam’s Corporate Law Wake-Up Call 20:00 The Stability Myth of Corporate Jobs 25:30 Planning a Real Exit From Your 9–5 30:30  Legal Basics for Starting a Business 36:00 Why Entrepreneurship Doesn’t Fix Your Life 41:30 Redefining Success Before You Leap Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Millionaires don’t just buy things––they buy time. And if you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly busy but somehow never getting closer to the life you actually want, this episode is for you. In our second installment of the millionaire mindset series, I’m breaking down what I call time wealth. The idea that real wealth isn’t just about how much money you make, but how much of your life you get to keep. I’m sharing exactly how millionaires think about time, the sneaky ways you’re leaking it without realizing, and the small but powerful shifts you can start making right now to buy back your evenings, your energy, and your future—even if you’re not rich yet. Visit https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod to get your free time audit worksheet! Catch up on episode 1 of millionaire mindset: https://herfirst100k.com/financial-feminist-show-notes/millionaire-mindset-taking-risks/ 00:00 Intro 00:44 What the millionaire mindset series is about 01:22 Time wealth: buying back your time 02:11 Time is your greatest asset, not money 05:15 Time leaks: where you're wasting time 05:36 Decision fatigue - spending too much time deciding 10:00 Doing $10 tasks with $100 goals 12:43 Reactive living - letting others' urgency dictate your day 14:26 Unpaid emotional labor 15:50 How millionaires audit their time ruthlessly 19:58 Delegating before you're ready 25:23 Habit stacking to maximize your time 30:17 Saying no early and often 33:25 Time wealth is self-respect 35:14 This week's wealth move Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Try Mimi’s app, Activations, with a free 14-day trial and exclusive discount at activations.com/podcast/financial-feminist If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing all the “right” money things on paper but still feel anxious, stuck, or behind, this episode is for you. In today’s conversation, I’m joined once again by Mimi Bouchard––trailblazing entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and author––to break down how to shift your money mindset in 2026 by changing your identity, your beliefs, and the way you relate to yourself long before the numbers change. We talk about the psychology of money, why not all of your thoughts are true, how to stop bracing for financial disaster, and how small, daily mindset shifts can completely transform your financial behavior. Tune in to learn how to rewire your brain to see opportunity, rebuild trust, and start showing up like your future wealthy self so you can create lasting financial security and freedom this year. 00:00 Intro  01:40 How your brain filters opportunity 03:50 Why mindset matters more than being good at math 06:10 How beliefs drive behavior before numbers ever do 08:30 Not all of your thoughts are true 11:50 The "why not me?" mindset shift 17:30 Women and the fear of wanting more 20:50 Identifying limiting beliefs in everyday moments 28:20 Bracing for impact - the low-grade money anxiety trap 35:10 The bounce back rate vs. perfectionism 42:50 Building trust with yourself around money 47:30 Adding positive habits instead of restricting 50:30 Getting comfortable with having more money Visit https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod to see the show notes and read the transcript of this episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’re making good money and still feel broke, stressed, or behind, something is off and it’s not you. Today, I’m joined by my friend Vivian Tu, former Wall Street trader, CEO and founder of Your Rich BFF, and New York Times bestselling author of Well Endowed, to talk about what it really takes to get rich and stay rich. We’re calling out why paying your bills and saving is not the finish line, how optimization culture keeps high earners trapped in a constant game of “never enough,” and how to start using your money as a tool to buy time, freedom, and real security instead of status symbols. This episode is about ditching performative wealth, building systems that quietly grow your money, and finally feeling powerful, calm, and in control of your financial life. Vivian’s links: Website: https://www.yourrichbff.com/ Grab your copy of Well Endowed: http://richbffbook.com/  Visit ⁠https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod⁠ to stay up to date and find any resources mentioned on our show! 00:00 Intro  00:51 Money traumas from childhood & the Chinese buffet story 03:17 How money narratives dictate everyday decisions 06:16 Knowing the price of everything but the value of nothing 08:14 Money as a tool to buy your best life 10:47 What comes after financial basics (Finance 2.0) 13:01 Building infrastructure vs. working harder 15:38 Strategic spending: "Do I want this or do I want people to know I have it?" 18:33 The sleep investment story 24:48 Why HENRYs (High Earners Not Rich Yet) feel stressed 28:21 The B-plus life trap & lifestyle inflation 31:24 Wasted opportunity, potential, and time 33:20 Kids will make you poorer - childcare costs 36:10 The prenup with built-in raises for childcare 37:34 Unpaid labor & the "good mom" trap 38:53 Cooking as unpaid labor vs. celebrity chef art 40:06 Speaking kindly to yourself about money 42:31 Making peace with your own financial timeline 45:07 The all-or-nothing mindset is killing progress 49:56 15 minutes is better than no minutes 50:17 Book takeaway: Chase security, stability & freedom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’re over 35 and constantly feeling like you’re behind financially, you’re not alone. In today’s episode, I’m joined by Jean Chatzky––longtime financial journalist, bestselling author, and founder of HerMoney––whose work has shaped generations of women’s financial literacy, including my own. Jean opens up about starting over at 40 after divorce, job loss, and losing a parent. She shares exactly what she learned about saving, investing, and rebuilding confidence when time feels limited. We talk about why so many women feel behind no matter their age, the biggest money mistakes women 35+ make, how to course-correct without panic, and how to use tools like retirement accounts, HSAs, and investing strategies to build a future that still works, even if you didn’t start early. Jean’s links: Investing Club: https://join.investingfixx.com/  Website: https://hermoney.com/  HerMoney Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hermoney-with-jean-chatzky/id1098802558 How She Does It Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-she-does-it/id1691787429  Visit ⁠https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod⁠ to stay up to date and find any resources mentioned on our show! 00:00 Intro: Never too late to save 00:42 What "owning your money" means 02:00 Jean's story: Starting over at 40 03:49 What to prepare for & do differently 06:36 Biggest mistake: Too much cash, not enough invested 10:56 Why Gen X women feel behind 16:32 Financial boundaries with aging parents & adult children 21:06 HSAs as investing vehicles 27:15 Why "feeling behind" is universal 34:20 Quick-fire Q&A 42:29 Advice for women feeling paralyzed 45:51 Where to find Jean Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If money conversations keep turning into fights, it’s not because you’re bad with money, it’s because you were never taught how to talk about it together. In today’s episode I’m joined by Andy Hill, award-winning family finance coach, host of Marriage, Kids & Money, and author of Own Your Time, to talk about why money fights are rarely about money, how invisible labor and emotional labor quietly erode relationships, and what it actually takes to build a life that feels aligned instead of exhausting. We unpack how to stop repeating the same financial arguments, how to communicate more equitably with your partner, and how to redefine success so time (not just money) becomes your most valuable currency. Whether you’re partnered, parenting, or just rethinking what “having it all” really means, this conversation will help you build a life you don’t need to escape from.  Andy’s links: Website: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com  Book: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book/  Visit ⁠https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod⁠ to stay up to date and find any resources mentioned on our show! 00:00 Intro 00:47 Why You Need to Dream About Your Time 01:49 The Mailbox Exercise: What Would You Stop Doing? 03:09 The FaceTime Birthday That Changed Everything 05:15 Karaoke Duets & Life Priorities 06:03 Debunking "Keep Your Head Down Until 65" 08:53 When Money Becomes Your Currency vs. Time 11:45 The Identity Crisis of Leaving Corporate 14:27 How to Know When a Role Isn't Working 16:30 Emotional Labor & Equity in Marriage 20:30 The Volcano Fight: When Money Arguments Aren't About Money 33:10 Financial Abuse & Protecting Yourself as a Stay-at-Home Parent 38:27 Prenups, Postnups & Why You Need One 41:27 The Expense That Saved Thousands Without Changing Happiness 43:38 Why Traditional FIRE Didn't Work for Our Family 48:36 The Power of Pivoting & Financial Confidence 50:26 First Steps Toward Time Freedom 55:03 Small Steps to Reclaim Your Life Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’ve already fallen off your New Year’s goals, or you feel like you’re constantly fighting yourself when it comes to money, health, or habits—this episode is for you. Today on Financial Feminist, I’m joined by returning guest Thais Gibson, a world-renowned expert on the subconscious mind, to explain why willpower alone doesn’t work, and what actually does. We break down how 95% of your behavior is driven by subconscious programming, why “self-sabotage” isn’t real, and how you can rewire limiting beliefs and build goals that stick in just three minutes a day. If you’re ready to start creating habits that actually stick, this conversation will completely shift how you think about motivation and success. Thais’s links:Website: http://university.personaldevelopmentschool.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepersonaldevelopmentschool/?hl=en  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHQ4lSaKRap5HyrpitrTOhQ  Visit ⁠https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod⁠ to stay up to date and find any resources mentioned on our show! 00:00 Intro 00:47 Intentional Goal Setting 01:54 Understanding Your Subconscious Mind 04:27 How Subconscious Blocks Prevent Goal Achievement 07:18 Step 1: Converting Goals into Subconscious Language 14:05 Step 2: The 21-Day Rewiring Process 20:32 Step 3: Linking Goals to Your Subconscious Needs 28:44 Step 4: Discovering Your Personal Subconscious Needs 38:38 Why Routine & Structure Matter for Habit Formation 51:00 Removing Limiting Beliefs: The 3-Step Framework 54:27 Why Avoiding Money Actually Creates More Stress 57:19 Your 3-Minute Morning/Evening Routine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visit ⁠https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod to register for our FREE workshop, Stock Market Secrets: Debunking Common Myths for Successful Investing. If you’re waiting for the “right time” to invest, I need you to hear this––the right time is now. In this final part of my Personal Finance Cheat Sheet series, I’m breaking down exactly how to start investing in 2026 — step by step, without the jargon and without gatekeeping. Investing isn’t just for rich people; it’s how many people become rich, and I’m walking you through how compound interest, long-term strategy, and simple systems can help you build real wealth even if you’re starting with very little. If the stock market has felt confusing, intimidating, or downright scary, this episode will show you how to finally get off the sidelines and start making your money work for you. 00:00 Intro  00:22 What Investing Really Is  01:40 Why Investing Works Long-Term 03:00 Debunking "It's Too Confusing" 08:11 Time in the Market vs. Timing the Market 10:00 Step-by-Step Investing Roadmap 17:30 Where to Set Up Your Account 18:37 Biggest Mistakes New Investors Make 21:34 Long-Term Wins Over Short-Term Gains Missed an episode in our Personal Finance Cheat Sheet series? Get caught up: The 3 Mistakes You’re Making with Your Money Resolutions (Personal Finance Cheat Sheet Pt. 1): https://herfirst100k.com/financial-feminist-show-notes/money-resolutions/ How To Budget & Pay Off Debt (Personal Finance Cheat Sheet Pt. 2): https://herfirst100k.com/financial-feminist-show-notes/how-to-budget/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’ve ever avoided budgeting because it felt stressful, restrictive, or shame-inducing, this episode is going to change everything. In part two of my Personal Finance Cheat Sheet series, I’m breaking down how to budget in a way that actually works and how to use that budget to finally pay off your debt without shame, stress, or tracking every single penny. We’re talking about why most budgeting methods fail, how to reframe your budget as a permission slip instead of a punishment, and the exact system I use to help you make real progress on credit cards, student loans, and more. If you want actionable clarity around budgeting and debt payoff in 2026, get ready to take notes! Visit https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod to join our 5 Day Debt Challenge and find any resources mentioned in the show! 00:00 Intro 00:15 Why Budgeting Feels Restrictive 01:48 The Gas Gauge Analogy & Why Budgets Matter 03:11 Why Most Budgeting Methods Fail 04:14 The 50/30/20 Rule Explained 05:36 Why the 50/30/20 Rule Isn’t Perfect 06:56 Introducing the Three Bucket Budget 08:24 How to Automate Your Financial Goals 10:50 Progress Over Perfection: Flexible Budgeting 12:19 How to Prioritize Debt Payoff 14:39 Understanding Different Types of Debt 16:39 The High Cost of Credit Card Debt 18:08 The Snowball vs. Avalanche Method 19:47 Free Five-Day Debt Challenge Resource 20:22 How to Find More Money in Your Budget 21:44 Negotiating Your Bills & Saving More 23:41 You Are Not a Bad Person for Having Debt 24:59 Final Thoughts & What’s Next in the Series Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If your New Year’s financial resolutions already feel shaky, you might be sabotaging yourself without even realizing it. In this episode, I’m breaking down the three biggest ways people wreck their money goals before January is even over, from setting vague, emotionally disconnected goals to falling into an all-or-nothing mindset and failing to track progress. This is the first episode in our brand-new Personal Finance Cheat Sheet series, and I’m giving you practical, realistic tools to finally follow through in 2026 — without burnout, perfectionism, or shame.  Not sure where to start on your financial journey? Take our FREE quiz and get your personalized money plan: ⁠https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod⁠ Science Backed Goal Setting Episode: https://play.megaphone.fm/vtgw675btq6fuky50hmoeg 00:00 Intro 01:57 Why New Year’s Resolutions Often Fail 03:56 Mistake 1 08:44 How to Anchor Your Financial Goals 13:34 Reflection Prompts for Goal Setting 15:35 Mistake 2 24:14 Shiny Object Syndrome & Chasing Novelty 27:54 The Power of Consistency and Bare Minimums 30:08 Free Personalized Money Plan Resource 31:54 Mistake 3 36:34 How to Track Progress & Build Motivation 41:06 The Money Date Practice 43:46 Building Self-Trust and Accountability 47:06 Closing Thoughts & What’s Next in the Series Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you thought “hacking” your money meant clipping coupons or extreme budgeting, today’s episode is going to blow you away. Earlier this year, I sat down with Chris Hutchins, of the All the Hacks podcast, to talk about how to maximize value in every area: spending, saving, earning, and traveling. Chris spoke to us about real, actionable hacks that go way beyond clipping coupons—including side hustles that don’t require starting a business, ways to “game the system” to cut costs on everything from groceries to luxury hotels, and how to rack up credit card points without going into debt. If you want to stop overspending, learn to travel smarter, or create extra income on the side, pull up a chair. Chris’s links: Website: https://allthehacks.com/  Visit https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod to stay up to date and find any resources mentioned on our show! 00:00 Intro 07:01 Side Hustles and Creative Money-Saving Strategies 20:03 Travel Hacking and Credit Card Points 24:59 Advanced Travel Hacking Tips 43:14 Negotiating Airbnb and Hotel Upgrades 46:58 Finding Unclaimed Money 55:51 Credit Card Application Strategies 01:00:16 Teaching Kids About Money 01:09:23 Bora Bora Travel Deals 01:12:36 Non-Money Related Life Hacks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wondered if saving your first $100K is actually doable—or just another financial fairy tale? I’m Tori Dunlap, founder of Her First $100K and host of the Financial Feminist podcast, and in this special replay episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on real-world steps for building tangible wealth and saving money on everything—starting with building an emergency fund, to paying off debt, investing, and automation. We also get into why your mindset matters just as much as the numbers, and how a supportive community can make or break your progress toward that six-figure milestone. Tune in to learn how to get YOUR first $100K in 2026. Visit https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod to stay up to date and find any resources mentioned on our show! 00:00 Intro & Welcome02:15 What is “Your First $100K”?05:07 Personal Finance is Personal07:49 Step 1: Build an Emergency Fund11:19 Step 2: Pay Off High-Interest Debt15:11 Step 3: Let Your Money Work for You19:40 Step 4: Automate Your Savings22:30 Step 5: Don’t Do It Alone24:53 Final Motivation & Takeaways Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we close out 2025, I know so many of us are ending the year exhausted, overwhelmed, and craving even the smallest spark of hope — and that’s exactly what today’s episode is here to give you. From the power of local community events to the healing magic of nature, art, or activism, this episode will give you simple, actionable ways to end 2025 feeling more hopeful (without the toxic positivity or wellness fluff). I’m sharing the real, tangible practices that have helped me reconnect with joy in a year that felt painfully heavy.  Visit https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod to stay up to date and find any resources mentioned on our show! 00:00 Intro 01:20 Shifting to Hope: Why It Matters 01:47 Tip 1: Go to a Community Event 02:59 Tip 2: Read a Fun Book 04:17 Tip 3: See Women Play Sports 06:39 Tip 4: Get Into Nature 08:14 Tip 5: Protest, Rally, or Activism from Home 10:49 Tip 6: Experience Art & Live Performances 12:21 Tip 7: Run for Something & Local Political Engagement 13:56 Tip 8: Do Something Alone 15:41 Tip 9: Volunteer & Give Back 17:00 Closing Thoughts: Hope, Community, and Looking Ahead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s episode of Financial Feminist is all about unlocking what I truly believe is the easiest money you will ever make — and yes, it’s as simple and lazy-girl-friendly as it sounds. I’m breaking down the one passive income strategy that requires zero extra hours, zero new skills, and absolutely zero stress: a high-yield savings account. If you’ve ever wished you could make money while taking a nap, running errands, or sipping a drink on the beach, this episode shows you exactly how to make your existing money work harder for you, without sacrificing your already-packed schedule. Looking for a HYSA? We've done the research for you. See our partner recommendation (terms apply): ⁠https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod 00:00 Intro 01:14 The Problem with Checking Accounts 02:44 Why High-Yield Savings Accounts Matter 04:21 How to Set Up and Use a HYSA 08:44 The Power of Earning Interest 09:23 Using HYSA for Emergency Funds & Goals 10:22 Overcoming Myths & Fears 12:24 Making Money Passively 14:03 Is My Money Safe? 15:10 Final Thoughts & How to Get Started Visit https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod to stay up to date and find any resources mentioned on our show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if pressing pause on your career was actually the smartest, most strategic move you could make? In today’s episode, I’m joined by Neha Ruch, author of The Power Pause, to challenge the myths we’ve all been fed about stay-at-home motherhood, caregiving, and career pauses. We dig into why our culture undervalues care work, how identity gets tangled up in motherhood, and what it actually looks like to take a pause. Whether you’re considering stepping back from work to raise kids, support aging parents, or simply regroup, Neha shares smart ways to protect your finances, keep your skills sharp, and eventually re-enter the workforce on your terms. Neha’s links:Website: https://www.thepowerpause.com/  Visit ⁠https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod⁠ to stay up to date and find any resources mentioned on our show! 00:00 Intro & Identity and Career Breaks 01:06 Myths & Stereotypes of Stay-at-Home Motherhood 04:13 The Financial Realities of Motherhood 08:21 Identity Shifts & The Power Pause Concept 12:27 Making Career Pauses Temporary, Not Permanent 14:53 Building Skills & Staying Connected During a Pause 21:56 Validation & Measuring Success in Caregiving 28:11 Positioning a Career Pause on Your Resume 31:50 Financial Power Dynamics in Relationships 40:09 Elder Care vs. Child Care Pauses 47:04 Reentering the Workforce: Pitfalls & Strategies 49:54 What Does a Successful Power Pause Look Like? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today is the LAST day to get 50% off Stock Market School! Join now: https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod What happens when the life you’ve spent decades building shatters overnight? Today’s guest, Jen Hatmaker, joins me to talk about the moment everything collapsed—and how she rebuilt her identity, her faith, her confidence, and her finances from the ground up. In this deeply honest conversation, we explore what it means to wake up to your own power after betrayal, divorce, and a total life upheaval, and how taking control of your money can become the foundation for reclaiming every part of your story. Jen’s links: Book: https://jenhatmaker.com/awake/ Website: https://jenhatmaker.com/ Visit ⁠https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod⁠ to stay up to date and find any resources mentioned on our show! 00:00 Intro 00:54 The Story We Tell Ourselves vs. Reality 02:04 The Moment Everything Changed 04:00 Why We Ignore Red Flags 06:36 The Cost of Disruption and Divorce 09:14 Money Reckoning After Divorce 12:07 Why Women Opt Out of Finances 15:19 The Emotional Labor of Money 17:22 The First 90 Days: Financial Overwhelm 20:06 Becoming Financially Literate 22:44 From Shame to Action 25:22 Taking Ownership and Finding Safety 28:22 The Cost of Self-Erasure 31:07 What Happens When Women Have Money 34:07 Deconstructing Faith and Identity 38:42 Finding New Definitions of Church 41:18 Advice for Anyone in Upheaval Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get 50% off Stock Market School during our Black Friday sale! Join here: https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod Saving money doesn’t have to feel like a punishment, and in today’s episode, I’m proving it. I’m diving into coaching questions from listeners about how to save without feeling deprived, how to break out of scarcity mindset, and how to balance long-term goals with actually enjoying life. From processing layoffs and using your emergency fund without guilt to understanding why fear hijacks your finances, this episode is packed with practical money advice, emotional mindset shifts, and actionable tools for creating a sustainable financial plan that still lets you have a life. If you’ve ever struggled to save without feeling deprived, or wondered how to make money choices that feel good today and set you up for tomorrow, this coaching session is for you. Mentioned in this episode: Millionaire Mindset: https://herfirst100k.com/financial-feminist-show-notes/millionaire-mindset-taking-risks/ How to Get Out of Financial Survival Mode: https://herfirst100k.com/financial-feminist-show-notes/financial-scarcity/ Visit ⁠https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod to stay up to date and find any resources mentioned on our show! 00:00 – Money Coaching With Tori: Ask a Multimillionaire Anything 01:00 – Listener Win: Starting a Side Hustle With Confidence 02:15 – Why Women Struggle With Taking Risks 04:00 – How to Start a Business When You’re Scared of Judgment 05:00 – Question 1: “I’m Afraid to Touch My Savings After a Layoff” 06:15 – How to Use Your Emergency Fund Without Guilt 07:00 – Navigating Layoffs, Uncertainty, and a Volatile Job Market 08:00 – Is It Time for a Career Pivot or Freelancing? 09:00 – Resetting Your Career After a Job Loss 10:00 – Why You Need a Personal Project During a Job Search 11:00 – Question 2: “How Do I Stop Living in Scarcity Mode?” 12:00 – Balancing Saving, Spending, and Generosity 13:00 – Understanding Your Financial Trauma & Scarcity Triggers 14:00 – How Fear Lies to You About Money 15:30 – The “Put Fear in the Back Seat” Strategy (Liz Gilbert Method) 17:00 – How to Budget for Generosity Without Derailing Your Goals 18:30 – Why You Can’t Pour From an Empty Cup (Money Edition) 20:00 – How Scarcity Mindset Affects Your Financial Decisions 21:00 – Why You Must Talk About Money in Therapy 22:00 – Question 3: Balancing Saving for Retirement With Wanting to Live Now 23:00 – YOLO vs. Long-Term Money Goals: Finding the Middle Ground 24:00 – Make Retirement Feel Real: Visualizing Your 65-Year-Old Self 25:30 – “Saver vs. Spender” Is a Myth — Here’s What You Actually Are 27:00 – How to Trick Your Brain Into Enjoying Saving Money 28:00 – Using the Three-Bucket Budget to Spend Guilt-Free 29:00 – Lightning Round: Emergency Funds, Life Insurance, and Over-Saving 31:00 – What Life Insurance Should Actually Look Like 32:00 – How Much Is Too Much in Savings? 33:00 – Free Resources: 7-Day Money Reset + Stock Market Workshop Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get 50% off Stock Market School during our Black Friday sale! Join here: https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod Dave Ramsey has millions of followers who swear by his money advice, but does his one size fits all approach actually help or hurt? In today’s episode I’m breaking down the full picture––what he gets right, where his advice becomes harmful, and why so many people feel shame, fear, or financial stagnation after following his rigid frameworks. From emergency funds and credit cards to retirement timing, debt payoff, and the systemic barriers Ramsey ignores, I’m diving into the nuance he refuses to acknowledge—so you can take the helpful parts and leave the rest behind. If you’ve ever struggled to explain why Dave Ramsey isn’t your financial cup of tea, save this episode. Visit ⁠⁠https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod⁠ to stay up to date and find any resources mentioned on our show! 00:00 Intro 01:59 Dave Ramsey’s “Baby Steps” framework 02:56 Dave Ramsey’s appeal 03:17 Lack of nuance and ignoring systemic issues 04:04 What Dave Ramsey gets right  07:10  Major problems with Ramsey’s advice 07:37 $1,000 emergency fund is too low 09:36  “All debt is bad” is harmful and misleading 10:45 The 7% rule: When to pay off debt vs. invest 11:20 Unrealistic mortgage and home-buying advice 12:20 Why rigid rules are easier to sell, but less helpful 13:28 The role of shame and discipline 15:32 Use of Christianity and morality in marketing 16:47 Advice on combining finances in marriage 18:21 Lawsuits and toxic workplace allegations 21:48 Out-of-touch advice on childcare 22:45 How to use Ramsey’s advice mindfully 24:36 Systemic oppression in personal finance 25:44 Credit scores and credit cards Special thanks to our sponsor: Squarespace Go to www.squarespace.com/FFPOD to save 10% off your first website or domain purchase. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get 50% off Stock Market School during our Black Friday sale! Join here: https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod Healthcare in America shouldn’t feel like a rigged game––but too often it does. Leaving many people feeling swindled by confusing insurance plans, surprise medical bills, and endless fine print. To help navigate this complex system, I'm joined by Dan Weissmann, journalist and host of the NPR podcast An Arm and a Leg. Dan explains why U.S. healthcare feels broken––and how to get the most out of a flawed system. He'll share strategies to protect your finances and well-being, from selecting the right health insurance during open enrollment to identifying billing errors, challenging unfair charges, and saving hundreds on prescriptions. Dan’s links: Website: https://armandalegshow.com Visit ⁠⁠https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod⁠ to stay up to date and find any resources mentioned on our show! 00:00 Intro 01:15 Why Healthcare Is So Expensive 03:00 The System Is Confusing by Design 06:00 Understanding What You Actually Owe 08:30 What To Do When You Get a Medical Bill 10:45 How To Talk to Your Insurance Company 13:00 The Hidden Traps in High-Deductible Plans 15:30 Should You Pay Your Bill Right Away? 18:00 How Medical Debt Affects Your Credit 20:15 How To Negotiate a Medical Bill 22:00 What To Do If You Can’t Afford Care 24:30 The Emotional Cost of Healthcare 27:00 Why Women Carry More Medical Debt 30:00 The Future of Healthcare Transparency 33:00 The Wildest Story From An Arm and a Leg 36:00 How To Be Your Own Healthcare Advocate 38:00 How To Find a Fair Price for Care 41:00 Quick Wins To Save on Medical Costs 43:00 What True Financial Wellness Means 44:00 Outro + Resources Special thanks to our sponsors: Squarespace Go to www.squarespace.com/FFPOD to save 10% off your first website or domain purchase. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Save on Stock Market School & The $100K Club during our Black Friday sale: https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod We all make financial mistakes, but what happens when those mistakes literally cost you everything? In this episode, I sit down with money expert, author, and host Nicole Lapin, who shares her deeply personal story of losing her home and studio in the LA fires just two weeks after giving birth—and the painful lessons she learned in the aftermath. From skipping business insurance to the emotional toll of rebuilding from scratch, Nicole gets brutally honest about the financial oversights that even experts can make, and how you can protect yourself before disaster strikes. We also talk about the realities of new motherhood, navigating shame, estate planning, and why money isn’t just about numbers—it’s about safety, security, and learning how to trust yourself again. Nicole’s links: Website: https://nicolelapin.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolelapin/?hl=en  Podcast:  https://moneynewsnetwork.com/podcast/money-rehab/ Visit ⁠⁠https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod⁠ to stay up to date and find any resources mentioned on our show! 00:00 Intro 00:41 LA Fires & loss 01:51 Documenting for insurance 02:35 Money & safety 05:02  Insurance tips 11:11 Parenthood finances 16:37 Childcare costs 19:00 Parenting boundaries 21:41 Teaching kids money 22:41 Investing basics 25:07 Money priorities 29:40 Estate Planning 32:26 Debt & leverage 34:20 Imposter syndrome 38:57 Building your path 41:57 Financial shame Special thanks to our sponsors:Go to www.squarespace.com/FFPOD to save 10% off your first website or domain purchase. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices