Everyone's Talkin' Money

There’s a difference between being successful on paper and actually feeling free in your life. In this episode, I’m joined by Dani Lynn Robison, founder and CEO of Freedom Family Investments, for a conversation about money, identity, and the pressure so many women feel to keep pushing even when something feels off. We talk about how early money experiences shape the way we work, earn, and make decisions, why women struggle so much with hustle and burnout, and how to tell the difference between a true reinvention and simply chasing the next shiny thing out of exhaustion. Dani shares her path from cruise ship musician to real estate investor, what entering the industry during the 2008 financial crisis taught her, and why real wealth is often built through consistency and mastery rather than constant change. This conversation also digs into how women communicate about money inside relationships, careers, and even with themselves. We explore collaboration versus competition, redefining roles at home and at work, and what it really means to build wealth in a way that supports peace, freedom, and fulfillment instead of constant stress. If you’ve ever felt stuck despite doing “everything right,” or wondered whether it’s time for a pivot or just a more intentional path forward, this episode will hit home. Dani created a simple resource for our listeners designed to help you think more clearly about what financial freedom looks like for you. You can learn more at freedomfamilyinvestments.com/sharirash. Talkin’ Points → where your money gets smarter. Real talk, practical tips, zero guilt straight to your inbox. Sign up here.  Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app!Keep the conversation going on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most money advice tells you to try harder, be more disciplined, or find a better system. But if that actually worked, you wouldn’t still feel stuck. In this episode, Shari breaks down why so many of your money habits have nothing to do with math and everything to do with stress, identity, and survival. You’ll learn the four behavioral patterns that quietly drive how you spend, save, avoid, and overthink money—and why none of them mean you’re bad with money. This conversation connects the dots between your nervous system and your financial behavior, so you can stop judging your outcomes and start understanding your patterns. By the end, you’ll have simple, practical ways to interrupt money habits without shame, perfectionism, or white-knuckling your way to change. If you ever overthink money decisions or avoid conversations you know you need to have, The Money Conversations Guide can help. It’s designed to help you slow the moment down, get grounded, and separate money choices from pressure or shame. Download the Money Conversation Guide Here. Talkin’ Points → where your money gets smarter. Real talk, practical tips, zero guilt straight to your inbox. Sign up here.  Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app! Keep the conversation going on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Setting financial goals is the easy part. Maintaining them when life gets busy is where most people get stuck. In this episode, Shari breaks down why motivation and discipline aren’t the problem—and why most money plans fall apart by March. You’ll learn how to shift from relying on willpower to building simple maintenance routines that keep you connected to your money without requiring constant attention. Shari walks through a realistic 10-minute weekly check-in, a 30-minute monthly review, and a quarterly reset that allows your goals and systems to adjust with your life. Download your Money Maintenance Map here. This episode is about visibility without stress, progress without burnout, and learning how to reset without shame when you fall off. If you want money routines that actually survive busy weeks, low-energy seasons, and real life, this episode shows you how to build them. Talkin’ Points → where your money gets smarter. Real talk, practical tips, zero guilt straight to your inbox. Sign up here.  Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app! Keep the conversation going on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most money advice is either extreme restriction or delusional optimism. The truth is that real change happens in the middle, where you build systems that work with your actual lifestyle instead of the one you wish you had. This week, I’m joined by Jen and Jill from the Frugal Friends podcast to talk about why we overcomplicate money resets, how to spend based on what we truly value, and what “frugal” really means in 2026. We dig into the psychological reason we over-complicate New Year money goals, how values-based spending creates direction without deprivation, what the “radical middle” looks like in real life, the difference between being frugal and being restricted, and why paid-off debt and pretty spreadsheets aren’t a personality. If you’ve ever set a financial resolution in January and rage-bought something by February, this episode is for you. Talkin’ Points → where your money gets smarter. Real talk, practical tips, zero guilt straight to your inbox. Sign up here.  Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app! Keep the conversation going on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’re tired of setting money goals that quietly die somewhere between Valentine’s Day and tax season, this episode is your intervention. We’re talking about why traditional goal setting backfires, how shame-based goals sabotage progress, and what it really takes to set financial targets that fit your season of life—whether you’re growing, stabilizing, repairing, maintaining, or just trying to get through a major transition without losing your mind. Get your Supportive Money Goals Workbook here! You’ll learn the difference between aspirational goals (“max out my 401(k)”) and supportive goals (“increase my 401(k) by 1% each quarter”), why willpower is the least reliable financial strategy on earth, and how the One-Goal Rule keeps your cash flow focused long enough for you to actually win. By the end, you’ll walk away with money goals that are realistic, emotionally grounded, system-supported, and—most importantly—still alive in March. Because you don’t need more aggressive goals… you need goals that match your systems, your season, and your capacity. Talkin’ Points → where your money gets smarter. Real talk, practical tips, zero guilt straight to your inbox. Sign up here.  Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app! Keep the conversation going on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You can make great money and still feel like you’re constantly playing catch-up. You can hit a savings goal one month and have to pull it back out the next. You can earn a six-figure salary and still check your account before you swipe your card. That doesn’t mean you’re bad with money — it usually means your cash flow is broken. Get Your Cash Flow Map Here! In this episode, Shari breaks down why cash flow matters more than budgets, why financial goals fall apart even when you’re motivated, and the quiet structural issues that make high earners feel stressed, behind, or confused. She explains the five biggest cash flow killers (like income timing mismatch, floating lifestyle expenses, and savings without automation) and the simple framework for stabilizing cash flow so goals actually work in real life. This isn’t about cutting spending, skipping coffee, or trying harder. This is about fixing the foundation so your money moves in rhythm with your life instead of against it. If you’ve ever wondered where your money goes even though you’re not overspending, or why your goals never stick, this episode will make everything click. Talkin’ Points → where your money gets smarter. Real talk, practical tips, zero guilt straight to your inbox. Sign up here.  Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app! Keep the conversation going on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Shari sits down with Jenn Lueke, the creator behind the viral budget grocery series that helped millions of people eat well for less. They discuss how grocery system failures quietly drain time and money, why meal planning is really an inventory problem, and how Jenn turned a January budget grocery video into a community, a cookbook, and a system that actually sticks. Get Jenn's book here: https://jenneatsgoood.com/cookbook/ Jenn breaks down how to build a realistic pantry, the plant-based and protein swaps that cut costs without sacrificing nutrition, how to shop without waste, and why homemade sauces are the sleeper money saver everyone misses. They also talk about inflation, food psychology, decision fatigue at dinner, and Jenn’s eight keys to success in the kitchen. Follow Jenn on Instagram @jenneatsgood Talkin’ Points → where your money gets smarter. Real talk, practical tips, zero guilt straight to your inbox. Sign up here.  Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app!Keep the conversation going on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most people don’t struggle with money because they’re irresponsible. They struggle because their entire financial life is running on willpower and memory—which are terrible tools for long-term success. In this episode, Shari breaks down why motivation-based money management always collapses by March, and how to build real financial systems that actually stick. Does Your Money System Rely on Willpower or Memory? Get your Money System here! Inside, we walk through the four core elements of a “sticky” money system—automation, boundaries, visibility, and realism—and why these matter more than discipline. You’ll learn how to design money flows that match your real income timing, energy cycles, and household complexity, instead of trying to fit your life into a one-size-fits-all budget. Shari also shares the Minimum Viable Money System: the lowest-lift, most functional framework for managing money without spreadsheets, shame, or perfection. If you’ve ever felt like you “should” be better with money but can’t seem to make habits stick, this episode will help you shift from trying harder to designing smarter. If you’re ready for money to feel supportive instead of exhausting, this is where it starts. Talkin’ Points → where your money gets smarter. Real talk, practical tips, zero guilt straight to your inbox. Sign up here.  Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app! Keep the conversation going on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most financial advice was built by men, for men — and women have been expected to simply adapt. Spoiler: we haven’t, and we won’t. In this conversation with Lacy Garcia, founder & CEO of Willow, we get real about: Why women are about to control two-thirds of U.S. wealth How the industry talks about money vs. how women actually make financial decisions What women really want from financial advisors (hint: it’s not alpha charts) The messy middle of the industry finally changing What holistic planning really means beyond the buzzword How to know if an advisor is actually for you — or just painting everything pink This is the perfect January reset if you’ve been feeling like financial advice wasn’t built with your life in mind. Because the truth is, women are already reshaping the future of wealth — the industry is just catching up. Learn more about how my firm, GWA Wealth works with women who want to take control of their money. Talkin’ Points → where your money gets smarter. Real talk, practical tips, zero guilt straight to your inbox. Sign up here.  Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app! Keep the conversation going on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every January, money becomes part of the New Year’s resolution conversation. Paying off debt, saving more, getting better with money. And while those goals are common, they’re usually not the real issue. In this episode of Everyone’s Talkin’ Money, Shari explains why money keeps showing up on your New Year’s resolution list year after year, and what that pattern is actually telling you about your financial life. This isn’t about discipline, motivation, or willpower. It’s about whether your money systems are designed for the life you’re actually living. If you feel like you’re constantly resetting your finances, starting over every January, or promising yourself that this year will be different, this episode will help you understand what’s really underneath that stress. Shari breaks down the root reasons money feels stuck, why resolutions often create relief without real change, and how outdated money systems can create frustration even when your income has grown. Get Your Three-Question Money Audit here! This episode kicks off our January series, New Money Year: Reset, Systems, Goals, and lays the foundation for building financial systems that actually work. Not for the life you had five years ago, but for the one you’re living now. If you’re tired of making the same money resolutions every year, this episode will help you stop trying harder and start building smarter Talkin’ Points → where your money gets smarter. Real talk, practical tips, zero guilt straight to your inbox. Sign up here.  Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app!Keep the conversation going on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’ve ever opened your banking app and felt your stomach drop — like the number on the screen said something about who you are — this episode is for you. Many of us have absorbed a quiet but destructive belief: that financial success equals personal value. That debt means you’re irresponsible. That renting means you’re behind. That earning less means you’re not trying hard enough. And that belief doesn’t just hurt emotionally — it shapes how we spend, save, work, and make decisions every day. In this episode, we pull that belief apart and put money back where it belongs. Your net worth is a number. It’s data. It is not a moral scorecard, a personality test, or a measure of your worth as a human being. We talk about where this belief comes from, how it shows up as money shame, avoidance, overspending, comparison, and fear-based decision making, and the real cost of living this way — lost peace, strained relationships, and the constant feeling of never being enough. Then we get practical. I walk you through how to separate the math from the meaning, how to look at your finances without spiraling, how to set boundaries and say no without over-explaining, and how to build a sense of worth that isn’t dependent on your bank balance, income, or credit score. This isn’t about pretending money doesn’t matter. It does. But it was never meant to define you. Money is a tool.You are the treasure. Talkin’ Points → where your money gets smarter. Real talk, practical tips, zero guilt straight to your inbox. Sign up here.  Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app! Keep the conversation going on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shari is back with another Best of 2025 episode. This time we are talking Boring Money Moves, it is one of her 40 Money Moves at 40 episodes she released in September. Mindset matters — but without solid systems, it won’t get you very far. In this episode of 40 Money Lessons at 40, we’re talking about the unglamorous money moves that quietly build real stability. This is the stuff that doesn’t trend on Instagram but actually changes your financial life: paying yourself first, living one month ahead, setting up simple bank systems, and creating routines that remove stress instead of adding it. We’ll walk through why “leftover money” never works, how to stop feeling behind even when you’re earning more, and why boring consistency beats financial chaos every time. You’ll also hear how small structure creates freedom, how to avoid emotional spending traps, and why the right systems make confidence inevitable. If you’re ready to stop starting over and start feeling steady, this episode is your foundation. Catch all of her 40 at 40 episodes here: ⁠40 Money Lessons at 40 - Part 1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠40 Money Lessons at 20 - Part 2⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠40 Money Lessons at 40 - Part 3⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠40 Money Lessons at 40 - Part 4⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠40 Money Lessons at 40 - Part 5⁠ Talkin’ Points → where your money gets smarter. Real talk, practical tips, zero guilt straight to your inbox. Sign up here.  Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app! Keep the conversation going on Instagram If this episode hits home, share it with someone who needs a calmer approach to money. Tag me @everyonestalkinmoney and let me know what clicked. Build the foundation. Your future self will thank you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Does the word “budget” still make your shoulders tense? Same. And that reaction isn’t a personal failing—it’s a sign that most budgeting advice was never built for real life. In this rereleased episode, we throw out the guilt, the restriction, and the rules that don’t stick, and replace them with a spending plan that actually works with how you live, earn, and decide. This conversation breaks down why traditional budgets tend to fall apart (hint: it’s not because you lack discipline) and how to build a values-based spending plan that supports growth, security, and joy—at the same time. You’ll learn how to identify what truly matters to you financially and how to align your spending with those priorities instead of fighting yourself every month. We walk through the Three-Bucket Spending Plan as a simpler, more human way to manage money without sacrificing the things you love or want to work toward. Shari also shares her own experience of breaking out of a scarcity mindset and why emotional spending has far more to do with unexamined beliefs and financial baggage than willpower. This episode reframes budgeting from something you “have to do” into a tool that helps you make intentional choices—so you can stop defaulting to “I can’t afford that” and start saying, “I’m choosing this.” If you’re tired of feeling guilty every time you spend, stuck in a cycle of overthinking your money, or ready to build wealth without burning out your nervous system, this episode is for you. Press play, rethink what a budget can be, and start creating a spending plan that finally feels supportive instead of suffocating. Talkin’ Points → where your money gets smarter. Real talk, practical tips, zero guilt straight to your inbox. Sign up here. And don’t forget to keep the conversation going—follow us on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney for more honest money mindset shifts and practical strategies you can actually use. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You’ve got the budget app. You’re reading the personal finance books. You know what you should be doing with your money—so why does it still feel so hard to follow through? In this Best of 2025 episode of Everyone’s Talkin’ Money, Shari breaks down six sneaky psychological biases that shape your money decisions without you even realizing it. From anchoring to optimism bias, these aren’t personal flaws—they’re predictable brain glitches. But once you spot them, you can stop them. You’ll walk away understanding: What anchoring bias is and why it makes that $100 dress feel like a steal (when it’s not) Why the fear of losing money feels worse than actually losing it—and how that keeps you stuck How your brain protects old money stories through confirmation bias Why instant gratification keeps winning, even when your future self is begging you to chill How optimism bias tricks you into thinking “next month” will magically fix everything Why social proof bias is fueling lifestyle creep—and what to do instead This is the episode that will make you pause mid-scroll, mid-spend, or mid-self-doubt and say, “Ohhhh, that’s what’s going on.” If any of these biases hit home, share the episode with a friend and DM Shari @everyonestalkinmoney to keep the conversation going Talkin’ Points → where your money gets smarter. Real talk, practical tips, zero guilt straight to your inbox. Sign up here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You did the work. You earn good money. You’re saving, investing—or at least trying to. So why does it still feel unsettled? In this Ask Shari episode, Shari Rash, founder of GWA Wealth, answers real listener questions from women who are objectively doing well with money—but emotionally stuck in doubt, comparison, and quiet anxiety. You’ll hear questions like: “How do I start investing without feeling reckless?” “Why do I keep moving the financial goalposts?” “How do I know if I actually need to do more—or if I’m just comparing myself to everyone else?” Want to ask Shari your own question? CLICK HERE! This episode is for the woman who’s no longer in survival mode—but hasn’t fully defined what enough looks like yet. Because money isn’t meant to be a constant test of your worth or intelligence. It’s a tool—to support your life, your values, and your peace of mind. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’ve been saying yes to the wrong clients, under-pricing out of fear, or treating exhaustion like a strategy, this one’s for you. Bianca D'Alessio, CEO/founder of The Masters Division, Managing Director at Nest Seekers Development Marketing, #1 Real Estate Broker in NYC & NY State, and author of Mastering Intentions—joins Shari to unpack how high-achieving women move from scarcity to self-trust. We get into values-aligned decisions, setting real boundaries, building simple systems that compound, and a grown-woman version of “manifestation” you can actually use. Get your Seven Day Sprint here! You’ll hear: The compounding effect of small, intentional decisions (not one “big break”) How to spot scarcity in your behavior—and replace it with self-trust Boundaries that protect time, energy, and revenue (without feeling mean) The winner’s mindset vs. toxic positivity (and why the difference matters) You’ll walk away with: Recognizable tells of scarcity you can stop this week A 7-day plan to set boundaries and redirect your time to aligned work A simple systems checklist to track leads, costs, and ROIA practical mindset shift to make confident money moves Grab Bianca’s book Mastering Intentions. Show notes and more at everyonestalkinmoneypodcast.com. Follow the show so you never miss an episode, leave a quick rating/review, and come say hi on IG @everyonestalkinmoney⁠Talkin’ Points → where your money gets smarter. Real talk, practical tips, zero guilt straight to your inbox. Sign up here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’ve already blown your holiday gift budget… breathe. You are not the only one scrolling through your cart at 11 p.m., refreshing the screen, praying the total magically drops by $200. Your holiday spending didn’t “get away from you.” It sprinted off in glitter-covered sneakers — and today we’re going to get you back in control. In this episode, Shari breaks down why the holidays turn even the savviest women into overspending zombies, how guilt and obligation collide with Pinterest-level expectations, and what really causes December budgets to explode (hint: it’s not just the gifts). You’ll learn how to rebuild your gift budget in 10 minutes, how to set real boundaries with group gifts and family expectations, and what to do right now if you’ve already overspent. We’ll also dive into the forgotten budget busters — the holiday parties, school events, matching pajamas, cookie swaps, travel incidentals, and “small traditions” that add up faster than a Target cart on a Tuesday. And yes, we’ll walk through a step-by-step damage-control plan so you can fix this month without sacrificing your entire January. If you want more practical, shame-free money help (and frankly, fewer financial plot twists in December), join the newsletter at everyonestalkinmoneypodcast.com. And if you’re ready for personal planning support designed for real life, not Pinterest perfection, connect with Shari at GWAwealth.com to build a financial plan that won’t collapse at the first sight of twinkle lights. Stay merry — without the money stress. Talkin’ Points → where your money gets smarter. Real talk, practical tips, zero guilt straight to your inbox. Sign up here.  Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app! Keep the conversation going on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So many smart, successful women are running companies, leading teams, and managing full lives… yet flying blind when it comes to their own household finances. Not because they’re clueless, but because money is quiet when you ignore it — and trust feels easier than clarity. In this episode, Shari breaks down the real reason high-earning women get financially blindsided and the three guardrails every woman needs to stay informed, secure, and empowered. Then forensic accountant Tracy Coenen joins the conversation to reveal what she sees behind the scenes: the blind spots, red flags, and financial dynamics that quietly derail even the most capable women. Whether you’re single, partnered, or somewhere in between, this conversation will help you protect your money, strengthen your confidence, and take back control without creating relationship drama or adding one more thing to your mental load. You’ll walk away with: – The #1 reason smart women get blindsided financially – The three essential “Money Guardrails” every woman needs – How comfort turns into vulnerability (and how to stop it) – The red flags Tracy sees most often in high-asset households – How to talk about money in relationships without damaging trust – Simple routines to stay informed, independent, and protected Learn how Shari works with her clients by visiting GWAwealth.com. Talkin’ Points → where your money gets smarter. Real talk, practical tips, zero guilt straight to your inbox. Sign up here.  Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app!Keep the conversation going on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Part 2 of this intimate conversation, Shari continues her discussion with Carl Richards, the New York Times “Sketch Guy.” If Part 1 was about the behavior behind money, Part 2 is about the beliefs behind your life. Carl opens up about how his simple sketches began, how a single comment from his wife reshaped his entire career, and why permission—not math—is often the missing piece in big financial and life decisions. He shares unforgettable stories, including the woman who left her prestigious Wall Street law job to return home and help her father run the family farm—because Carl granted her the “permission” she already had inside her. Shari and Carl also dig into fear, impostor syndrome, our inherited money stories, and why most of us wait far too long to trust what we know is true about our lives. This is the kind of conversation you don’t just listen to—you feel it. You’ll walk away with: – Why permission is often the bridge between intention and action – The emotional patterns that keep people stuck – How fear shows up at every major life moment – The story behind Carl’s famous sketches – The one money belief Carl would give his 25-year-old self – Shari’s own reflections on her younger self —and what she wishes she knew Shari closes the episode by sharing how Carl’s influence shaped her practice, her philosophy, and the human-centered way she guides clients inside GWA Wealth. Explore more episodes at everyonestalkinmoneypodcast.com. Talkin’ Points → where your money gets smarter. Real talk, practical tips, zero guilt straight to your inbox. Sign up here.  Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app!Keep the conversation going on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Money doesn’t behave the way math does—and no one knows that better than today’s guest, Carl Richards, the New York Times “Sketch Guy” and author of The Behavior Gap. In Part 1 of this powerful two-part series, Shari Rash, sits down with Carl to unpack the exact moment he realized that investing is less about spreadsheets and more about psychology, fear, wiring, and real-life behavior. Carl shares the story of stumbling into finance by accident, landing on the trading floor during the Netscape IPO frenzy, and discovering firsthand that humans—not numbers—drive markets. Together, Shari and Carl explore why smart, capable people still buy high, sell low, and spiral during market chaos… and what it actually takes to become a better investor. If you’ve ever wondered why the “right financial move” can feel impossible in the moment, this episode will make you exhale. The problem isn’t you—it’s human nature. You’ll walk away with: Why money decisions rarely follow logic How your hardwiring pushes you toward emotional investing What it really means to become a “good investor” Carl’s “Deeper Yes” framework to avoid panic-selling How Shari uses this work inside GWA Wealth to help clients stay grounded This episode is deeply personal for Shari—Carl’s work shaped her entire approach to financial planning—and Part 1 sets the stage for an even more transformative conversation in Part 2. Listen to Behavior Gap Radio. And if you’re ready to build a plan that honors both your numbers and your humanity, connect with Shari Rash on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney. Learn more and listen to past episodes at everyonestalkinmoneypodcast.com. Talkin’ Points → where your money gets smarter. Real talk, practical tips, zero guilt straight to your inbox. Sign up here.  Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices