Financial Feminist

This week, we’re bringing you a special replay crossover episode with Lucie Fink — podcast host, video producer, digital educator, and host of “The Real Stuff with Lucie Fink.” In this insightful conversation, Tori details her journey to becoming a multimillionaire, demystifying the concept of "coast FIRE" and the significance of reaching that initial $100,000 savings goal. Tori generously shares her knowledge on effective investment strategies and highlights the power of financial literacy. This discussion goes beyond building wealth — it's a call to normalize conversations about money, sex, societal norms, and navigating the balance between privacy and openness in our personal lives. Lucie’s links: The Real Stuff Podcast: https://lnk.to/TheRealStuffWithLucieFink Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/ Talking about money with your partner can be hard, but it’s necessary. Visit https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod to download our Money Conversation Cards –– 30 question cards to help spark fun, intimate, and beneficial conversations about money with your partner.00:00 The power of financial stability 07:16 From her first $100K to multi-millionaire 29:41 Navigating the challenges of financial transparency and safety 39:12 Authenticity, success, and mental health online 40:17 Addressing internet trolls and financial transparency 41:42 Navigating body image 47:50 Exploring confidence, pain, and self-care 50:07 Discussing future plans and personal growth 51:57 The realities of publishing and achieving milestones 54:39 Personal relationships and privacy boundaries 01:03:17 The importance of financial conversations in relationships 01:11:00 Understanding prenups and financial independence Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To work to change a system, you have to understand it first. But as today’s guest will show you, it turns out our understanding of American patriarchy is completely different than what we thought it was. Today I sat down with Anna Malaika Tubbs –– two-time New York Times bestselling author, sociologist, and storyteller with a PhD in sociology and a master's in gender studies from the University of Cambridge, plus a BA from Stanford (whew!) — and we're talking about American patriarchy. We get into why the Founding Fathers and the Constitution are inherently patriarchal, what history actually teaches us about how change happens, and why Anna wasn't surprised by Trump's reelection. I threw out almost every prepared question because this conversation was that good. This episode will make you furious and hopeful in the same breath. Anna’s links: Website: https://annamalaikatubbs.com/   Erased by Anna Malaike Tubbs:  https://bookshop.org/a/90037/9781250876690  The Three Mothers by Anna Malaika Tubbs: https://bookshop.org/a/90037/9781250756138  Also mentioned in this episode: Steve Phillips, How We Win the Civil War: https://bookshop.org/a/90037/9781620978481 Sarah McBride on Why the Left Lost on Trans Rights | The Ezra Klein Show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KlbNFsAGFRc  Bookshop.org website:  http://Bookshop.org  Not sure what to do with your money? Visit ⁠https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod⁠ and take our FREE Money Plan Quiz to get your personalized money plan, and find any resources mentioned on our show   00:00 Intro 01:40 What "American patriarchy" actually means 06:37 The Founding Fathers' blueprint  15:21 The tug-of-war at the center of all American history 19:19 Why Trump's re-election wasn't a surprise 25:10 How slow progressive change actually works 31:55 Do all roads lead back to patriarchy? 36:04 "We haven't arrived anywhere new" 45:28 Moving rights to the states: a repeating tactic 52:48 Can you get rich in a system that wasn't built for you? 58:51 The power you already have Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A video I posted about the tradwife movement blew up, and the comments made one thing clear: most people are using "tradwife" and "stay-at-home mom" interchangeably. They are not the same thing, and the difference matters. In this episode, I'm breaking down what a tradwife actually is versus what Tiffany Dufu calls a "non-compensated working mom," why romanticizing financial dependence is dangerous no matter how happy your marriage is right now, and the seven concrete moves every woman; married, partnered, or neither; needs to make to protect herself financially. This isn't anti-marriage or anti-stay-at-home mom. It's pro protecting you from financial ruin. Not sure what to do with your money? Visit ⁠https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod⁠  and take our FREE Money Plan Quiz to get your personalized money plan, and find any resources mentioned on our show. 00:00 Intro: The 15-word post that broke the internet 00:37 Meet Tori + episode overview 01:46 What is a tradwife, actually? 02:32 Why the tradwife aesthetic is so appealing 04:21 The Ballerina Farm irony 05:01 Tradwife vs. stay-at-home mom: not the same thing 06:39 Tori's parents: how to stay home without losing financial power 07:52 Why women hand over financial control 11:09 "Your boss can starve you too" — debunked 12:10 "Just marry the right man" — what the data says 15:28 Tradwife trend = burnout in a sundress 15:44 The real villain: the system, not the woman 18:28 The 7-step financial protection plan 18:48 1. Put your name on everything 19:13 2. Have your own money 19:51 3. Keep your credit alive 20:08 4. Know every number 21:08 5. Keep your skills and network warm 21:38 6. Know your legal protections 23:00 7. Have the "what if" conversation 23:37 Closing: bet on yourself Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this edition of Study Hall, I'm compiling all of our best credit card debt advice into one place so you can stop Googling in a shame spiral at 2 a.m. and actually understand what's going on with your debt. I'm breaking down how interest really works (and why credit card debt is uniquely expensive), walking you through step-by-step payoff strategies,  including the avalanche method, the Debt Free Guys' lasso method, and using personal loans to consolidate, and I'm finishing with some real talk about why shame is the worst debt payoff strategy on the planet. If you're carrying credit card debt and you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or like it's somehow your fault: this episode is your starting line. Pay off credit card debt fast. Check your eligibility without it affecting your credit score. Go to ⁠https://herfirst100k.com/payoff to see if you qualify. Terms apply. 00:00 What makes up debt?  01:00 How credit card interest actually works 04:00 Why credit card debt compounds into a "slippery slope" 05:30 Paying down the principal to reduce total cost 06:30 Getting your debt payoff plan together 07:00 Step-by-step: list debts, calculate payments, find extra 08:30 The avalanche method explained 09:30 Tori's Toyota story: paying toward principal 12:00 The Debt Lasso Method with the Debt Free Guys 16:00 Why balance transfers only work with a real plan 18:30 Personal loans: what they are and why they work 22:00 Simple interest vs. compound interest for debt 23:00 Things to consider before getting a personal loan 25:00 When personal loans are NOT the right move 28:00 What personal loans should NOT be used for 29:00 Debt settlement and your rights as a consumer with Leslie Tayne, Esq. 31:00 The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act 33:00 Tori's closing pep talk: debt is not a personal failing 35:00 Goal-setting hack: specific, timely, and mission-driven 37:00 Writing goals in past tense — the visualization hack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today I'm sitting down for another chat with one of my favorite guests, Danielle Robay. Danielle’s a TV host, journalist, host of Question Everything, co-executive producer of Bookmarked alongside Reese Witherspoon, and also one of my IRL good friends (a friendship that started, fittingly, as a work relationship). We're getting into how to turn relationships into your next job, business, or opportunity, and what to stop doing immediately if you want to earn more. Danielle reframes "networking" as long-game relationship-building, hands you a follow-up template you can use tomorrow, and explains why the cold "can I pick your brain?" email is going straight to the trash. If you're in transition — graduating, switching careers, getting a business off the ground — this one's for you.  Danielle’s links: Website: https://www.daniellerobay.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daniellerobay/ Danielle's podcast: https://www.daniellerobay.com/prettysmart Question Everything card game: https://questioneverything.us/    Catch our other podcast episodes with Danielle: How to be the Most Interesting Person in the Room with Danielle Robay: https://herfirst100k.com/financial-feminist-show-notes/ask-better-questions/ Owning Your Ambition with Danielle Robay: https://herfirst100k.com/financial-feminist-show-notes/owning-your-ambition-danielle-robay/  Visit ⁠https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod⁠ to grab our free Goal Setting Worksheet for a framework that will help you set actionable goals to take your dreams from ‘hope’ to ‘action.’   00:00 Intro  00:59 Why ambitious women network constantly but don't earn more 02:30 How Danielle's relationship to networking changed as her platform grew 04:30 The invented husband + two kids: a boundary hack 06:00 What makes a bad ask (and how to make a good one) 08:00 The "Quick question" subject-line hack 09:00 Why the "why" matters more than the "how" 11:00 Curiosity is a skill — and you already have it 13:00 The bamboo plant story 17:00 How to stay motivated when nobody's replying 19:00 What high earners do differently when they network 22:00 "What's your biggest pain point?" — the email that lands interviews 26:00 Mid-episode: free goal-setting worksheet 27:00 Where women network in ways that get them liked but not paid 33:00

If you've been checking every box, hitting every goal, and somehow feeling further away from yourself than ever, this episode is for you. Our guest today is Michelle Razavi, and she’s back with an important message. Since she was last on the show, she and her co-founder Nikki have grown their business Elavi into a multimillion-dollar business now in Costco, Whole Foods, H-E-B, and Thrive Market. Michelle is one of the rare founders who builds with absolute tenacity and protects her peace. In this episode we get into the neuroscience of why hustle mode is working against you, the tech boundaries that actually hold, the real psychology of why you won't delegate, and what it takes to build as a woman of color when the odds are stacked against you.  MIchelle’s links: Website: https://elavi.co/  Visit ⁠https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod⁠ to grab a copy of our free Side Hustle Skill Finder to figure out exactly which of your existing skills can make you money!   00:00 Intro  03:30 Energy management vs. time management 05:00 Executive function vs fight-or-flight  09:30 Getting comfortable being uncomfortable 14:00 "Why isn't it happening for me?"  19:00 Urgent vs. important 24:00 "Can it wait?" and "Is this serving me?" 27:00 The physical first signs of burnout  36:00 When online harassment becomes a panic response 40:00 You can't go from chaos to calm in two minutes 42:00 The five senses checklist + sitting on the ground 44:00 Redefining relationships and "balance" across seasons 47:00 Technology boundaries that actually hold 54:00 Let's rebrand delegation: accepting 80% 59:00 Building as a woman of color when people doubt you 1:05:00 Envy as information 1:09:00 One small shift this week: put your phone away Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visit ⁠⁠https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod⁠⁠ to grab a copy of our free Side Hustle Skill Finder to figure out exactly which of your existing skills can make you money, and what to do with them first! The real reason you haven't started your business isn't that you're not ready. It's that you're waiting to feel ready, and those are not the same thing. Today I'm sitting down with Jasmine Star, entrepreneur, business strategist, and CEO of Social Curator, who has built multiple seven and eight figure businesses starting from literally nothing. We're getting into how to find the skill you're already sitting on, why clarity only comes after you take action, how to price yourself when you're just starting out, and what it actually takes to build something real without an audience, a degree, or a perfect plan. If you've been waiting for a sign to start, this is it. Jasmine’s links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasminestar  Website: https://jasminestar.com/  Social Curator: https://www.socialcurator.com/  00:00 Intro 02:08 What Skill Are You Already Sitting On? 03:05 Every Market Is Saturated — So What? 04:59 Humans Buy from Humans: Your Unique Value 06:28 Treat It Like a Test, Not a Failure 07:38 Identity & Separating Yourself from Results 08:09 Jasmine's Origin Story: Starting with Nothing 18:41 Why Clarity Only Comes After Action 20:44 The Belief Gap: Do You Think You Have What It Takes? 23:55 Start Small: Build Belief Through Evidence 26:03 Three Questions to Find Your Business Idea 27:27 New Levels, New Devils 30:40 Pricing: Start Low & Let the Market Push You Up 32:54 Side Hustle First or Burn the Boats? 37:48 Your First Business Is a Bridge, Not the Destination 38:42 Common Busy Work Mistaken for Progress 45:18 Entrepreneurship Creates Options, Not Just Income 52:34 The First Step to Take This Week Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the reason you're afraid of building wealth has nothing to do with you, and everything to do with a system designed to keep you that way? In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on something most people won't say out loud: the reason so many women are afraid to build wealth isn't a personal failing, it's by design. From the fears holding us back before we even start, to every way my own financial success made me a "bad woman" by the patriarchy's standards, this episode is giving you permission to stop apologizing for wanting more. Because every dollar you earn, save, and invest? It's a vote against a system that never wanted you to have it. Visit https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod to find any resources mentioned on our show! Listen to Erin Gallagher episode on being an uncontrollable woman: ⁠https://herfirst100k.com/financial-feminist-show-notes/inner-mean-girl/⁠  00:00 Intro: Why Women Fear Wealth 01:57 FOG: Fear, Obligation & Guilt Explained 04:50 Money Avoidance & the Ostrich Effect 05:25 The Key Reframe: You're Not Bad With Money 06:00 The "Good Woman" Checklist 06:38 Female Financial Dependence Is by Design 08:45 The Data: Wage Gap, Wealth Gap & Unpaid Labor 09:34 You Still Have to Play the Game 13:05 Tori's Personal Story: Building Wealth Fast 13:48 "Money Doesn't Change You — It Shows You Who You Are" 16:31 Wealth as an Amplifier, Not a Transformer 17:25 Staying Broke Doesn't Make You Virtuous 20:45 How Becoming Rich Made Me a Bad Woman 28:35 I Became Dangerous to Anyone Who Benefited From My Smallness 29:27 The Double Standard: Wealthy Man vs. Wealthy Woman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if your thirties were about impressing yourself instead of others? In this episode, Tori gets real about the shift in priorities that comes with entering a new decade, reflecting on everything from financial independence and self-care to setting boundaries. She encourages listeners to stop apologizing for their choices and start building a life that aligns with their values. Whether you're navigating your twenties or already thinking ahead, this episode is packed with insights that will inspire you to take control of your finances and well-being with confidence and purpose. Not sure where to start on your financial journey? Take our FREE money plan quiz and get access to my favorite money tools: https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod My personal trainer: https://www.instagram.com/adaispresent/  00:00 Welcome & Free Money Personality Quiz 01:00 Managing Money Differently in Your 30s 02:45 Stop Apologizing for Your Purchases 06:00 Prioritize New Financial Goals 07:00 Navigating Money With a Partner 08:00 Investing in Your Health 10:00 Why Health Spending Pays Off Long-Term 13:30 Adjusting Your Investment Strategy 14:30 Financial Independence & Living Off Investments 15:00 Setting Better Work-Life Boundaries 16:45 Why You Need a Will and Life Insurance 19:00 Business Planning & What's Coming Next 20:00 Final Thoughts & How Your Money Shifts by Decade Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the real reason you're not hitting your money goals has nothing to do with how hard you're working? In this millionaire mindset episode, I'm introducing you to the Lever Theory, the framework that completely changed the way I run my $7.5 million dollar business and manage my own finances. Ever felt like you're pushing a boulder up a hill and getting nowhere? Well this episode is going to reframe everything. We're talking about why hustle culture is lying to you, why you have to know your numbers before anything else works, and how to find the one single move that closes the gap between where you are and where you want to be. No grinding required. Visit ⁠https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod⁠⁠ to sign up for the free Savings Sprint and stay up-to-date on all resources mentioned on our show! The #1 Mindset Holding You Back podcast episode: https://herfirst100k.com/financial-feminist-show-notes/142-the-1-mindset-holding-you-back-in-life/  00:00 Intro 00:47 Why working harder is almost never the answer 01:10 What Millionaire Mindset is about 03:19 Why hustle culture disproportionately traps women 04:07 The lie: more hours = more output = more worth 06:05 Grinding past a certain point is just expensive noise 08:45 You can't set goals if you don't know your numbers 10:05 The ostrich effect: putting your head in the sand 11:36 You cannot pull a lever you can't see 13:06 The Lever Theory explained 14:28 Finding the gap: a revenue example 15:43 The three questions to find your lever 18:35 Implementing the Lever Theory beyond business 20:49 Working smarter, not harder 22:09 Saving Sprint announcement 24:09 Why we resist finding the lever 26:14 The all-or-nothing mindset sabotaging your goals 27:10 Analysis paralysis and the fear of simplicity 29:21 How to find your lever (5 steps) 33:29 Your homework: find the lever this week Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why do we stay in jobs, relationships, and financial patterns we know aren't working? Author and journalist Simone Stolzoff is back on the show to talk about his new book, How to Not Know — and the surprising answer has everything to do with our relationship with uncertainty. We're getting into the three certainty traps keeping you stuck, why more information is actually making your anxiety worse, the difference between one-way and two-way door decisions, and what it really takes to break the cycle when you can see the problem but can't seem to move. This is one of the most powerful conversations we've had on this show, and one you'll want to send to everyone you know. Simone’s links: How to Not Know: https://bookshop.org/a/90037/9781324089452 Learn the exact strategies to save money, pay off debt, improve your money mindset, increase your net worth, in The $100K Club. Get the details here: ⁠https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod⁠. 00:00 Intro  01:08 Why Uncertainty Feels Worse Than Bad News 03:14 Three Certainty Traps: Comfort, Hubris & Control 04:49 Why We Struggle to Admit We Were Wrong 05:36 Identity, Doubling Down & Changing Your Mind 10:23 Why Our Tolerance for Uncertainty Is Declining 14:28 More Information, More Anxiety 16:18 Escalating Commitment 16:52 Stop Loss Strategies & Rules-Based Decision Making 20:13 Outsourcing Your Willpower & Knowing Your "Enough" 28:08 Connie & Andrew's "Year of Living Dangerously" 30:21 How to Run Your Own Low-Stakes Life Experiment 35:16 One-Way Door vs. Two-Way Door Decisions 44:39 Ghost Ships: Making Peace with the Paths Not Taken 50:39 The Miscarriage, the Uncertainty & Finding Your Anchors 54:54 How to Not Know Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You might be the loneliest you've ever been — and have no idea why. One of my favorite guests and favorite humans, Liz Moody, is back on the show to talk about why loneliness isn't an exposure problem. It's not about being around more people. It's a discomfort problem. We're getting into why our frictionless, optimized lives are quietly killing our ability to connect, what it actually takes to build real friendships from scratch, why vulnerability is the shortcut nobody wants to take, and the one shift you can make this week that will move you toward deeper connection — no new plans required. Liz’s links: Website: https://www.lizmoody.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizmoody/  Podcast: https://www.lizmoody.com/the-liz-moody-podcast/  Book: A Hundred Ways to Change Your Life: http://Bookshopbookshop.org/a/90037/9780063333710  Not sure what to do with your money? Visit ⁠https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod⁠ and take our FREE Money Plan Quiz to get your personalized money plan, and find any resources mentioned on our show! 00:00 Intro 00:13 Why We've Never Been More Connected — Yet More Alone 02:34 The "Creation Era" of Friendship & Why Discomfort Is the Price of Connection 03:23 The Cozy Era vs. The Creation Era of Friendship 06:17 Loneliness Is a Discomfort Problem, Not an Exposure Problem 11:37 Misdiagnosing Loneliness — What You're Actually Missing 13:05 The Harvard Study of Adult Development & the #1 Predictor of a Long Life 14:59 Face-Down Phone Theory & What Your Phone Is Costing Your Relationships 11:27 Match Theory: Stop Impressing, Start Finding Your People 17:32 The 50-Hour Rule: How Long It Really Takes to Make a Friend 21:17 From Transaction to Connection — Getting Past Tit for Tat 21:13 Human Beings vs. Human Doings: Productivity Culture & Friendship 38:21 Shared Experiences, Novelty & Building Deeper Bonds 38:16 "Abouts" — The Secret Ingredient to Lasting Friendships 50:24 Healthy Solitude vs. Loneliness (and Why Most of Us Never Actually Rest) 58:20 The One Shift to Make This Week If You Feel Lonely Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if every bill you're already paying could get you closer to a free flight? Today I'm talking to Shakeemah "Keem" Smith — founder of Bills to Boarding Passes, solo travel educator, and the woman her family literally nicknamed The Passport Abuser — to talk about how she's traveled to nearly 100 countries without paying out of pocket for a single flight in three years. And no, you don't need a high-limit credit card or a six-figure salary to do this. Keem breaks down her Bills to Boarding Passes method, the airline partnerships most people have never heard of, why solo travel might be the most powerful thing you do for yourself this year, and the exact first steps to take this week, no matter your income, your debt situation, or your starting point. You’re gonna want to share this episode with a friend! Ready to turn your everyday bills into free flights? Sign up for our FREE Bills to Boarding Passes workshop with Keem & Tori: ⁠https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod⁠ Compare the cheapest flights from all major airlines at ⁠Skyscanner.com⁠ Visit https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod to find our credit card recommendations and any other resources mentioned on our show! 00:00 Intro 01:36 Your Bills Are Your Boarding Passes 04:07 Airline Miles vs. Credit Card Points: What's the Difference? 07:05 How Airlines Make Money When You're Not Flying  09:32 Earning Miles on Your Utility Bills (NRG Partnership) 11:03 How Keem Got to Her First 20 Countries for Under $100  13:55 How to Travel for Free Without a Credit Card  16:22 What Started Solo Travel: A Friendship Betrayal in Amsterdam 19:10 Learning to Enjoy Your Own Company at 30 21:29 Traveling as a Black Woman — Safety, Research & Real Talk 28:24 Actionable Steps for the Woman Who Thinks She Can't Afford to Travel 31:44 Japan for $6 — Three Times (and Other Receipt-Worthy Receipts) 35:19 Treating Retailers Like You Treat Men: The 2-Out-of-3 Rule 38:44 Country That Surprised Me Most: Kuwait 39:31 The One Thing I Always Pack: A Carbon Monoxide Detector 41:27 Worst Travel Disaster: Saint Kitts Airport Scam 44:45 Best Flight Deal: $5 Flights as a Lifestyle 45:42 Most Underrated Solo Destination: Antigua and Barbuda 47:20 Final Message to the Woman Who Thinks Travel Isn't for Her Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Yes, my $100K story has been in the New York Times, Business Insider, and on ABC News — and yes, I did it in 2019. But every time it goes viral, my DMs say the same thing: "Cool for you, Tori, but that was a different economy." So let's actually talk about it. In this episode, I'm breaking down exactly what I would do differently if I were starting from zero in my early 20s today — what still works from my original system, what I'd change, and why hitting your first $100K in 2026 is harder, but absolutely not impossible. This isn't a motivation episode. This is a framework episode built for the economy we're actually living in, with real numbers, real talk about systemic barriers, and a step-by-step system you can plug into your own money starting today. Want to build your first $100K, but not sure where to start? Visit ⁠https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod⁠ to get my free guide. Get my HYSA recommendation, my book, Financial Feminist, and more resources from this episode at ⁠https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod⁠ How I Saved $100K at 25: ⁠https://herfirst100k.com/financial-feminist-show-notes/how-to-save-100k/⁠  00:00 Intro 00:18 How Tori Hit $100K (Origin Story) 00:55 What Actually Went Into It 02:43 What Tori Didn't Have 03:28 Why 2016–2019 Was Different Than Now 07:18 What's Genuinely Harder Today 09:10 The Latte Factor Era Is Dead 10:03 The System Still Works 11:57 If I Was Starting Today 12:11 Step 1: Stop Trying to Be Perfect 15:22 Step 2: Don't Write Off Someone's Story 17:35 Step 3: Redefine What Your $100K Means 19:43 Step 4: Automate Your Savings 22:19 Step 5: Focus on Growing Income 23:57 Negotiate Every Job Offer 26:01 Step 6: Start Investing Now 29:11 Step 7: Values-Based Spending 31:11 The Full Plan Recap & Free Resource 32:28 Closing: You're Not Behind Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if you never had to choose between building wealth and honoring where you came from? Bricia Lopez didn't –– and she built something incredible because of it. She grew up translating for her immigrant parents, learned money by watching her family create and lose and rebuild, and went on to become a restaurateur, cookbook author, and the woman behind one of LA's most iconic Oaxacan restaurants, Guelaguetza. Today she's sharing everything, the mindset, the hard lessons, the margarita vs. martini moment that changed how she thinks about her own worth. Come for the food, stay for the money talk. Bricia’s links: Website: https://www.ilovemicheladas.com/ Join the savings sprint to get your finances on track and take control of your money: https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod.  00:00 Intro  00:20 The First Money Lesson: You Can Just Make It 02:57 Being the Family Translator & Business Partner at 12 05:25 Redefining Success at Every Decade 09:08 Cutting Personal Comfort, Not Quality, During Hard Times 16:58 Why Bricia Talks Money Openly With Her Friends 17:22 The Margarita vs. Martini — Running Your Own Race 25:52 Why Customers Hesitate to Pay for Quality Mexican Food 26:37 The Importance of Knowing Your Worth 38:47 How Wealth Is More Than a Number 29:00 Building Something Meaningful Without Abandoning Your Roots 31:09 When Women Are Financially Free, the World Changes 32:38 Rapid Fire: Best Dish to Order, Desert Island Ingredients & More 38:58 Where to Find Bricia & What's Coming Next To stay up to date and find any other resources mentioned on our show visit: ⁠https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you've ever thought, "I know what I'm supposed to be doing with my money, so why can't I just do it?"–– this episode is going to change everything. I'm sitting down with Dr. Nick, a licensed neuropsychologist and executive cognition specialist, to unpack the brain science behind why smart, capable women still make emotional financial decisions. We're going into the dopamine deficit that makes long-term financial goals feel impossible to start, the norepinephrine surge that only kicks in when things become an emergency, and why "I'm bad with money" is a story your brain makes up — not a fact about who you are. Dr. Nick breaks down how emotional dysregulation silently drives impulse spending, financial avoidance, and the boom-bust cycle so many of us know too well, and more importantly, how to build systems, practice self-compassion, and rewire your brain's relationship with money, one small win at a time. Dr. Nick’s links: Website: https://www.drnicolemurray.com/ Visit ⁠https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod⁠⁠ to stay up to date and find any resources mentioned on our show. If you're feeling stressed about money, we've created a money plan to help you, no matter where you're getting started. Taking a quick 2-minute quiz to get your money plan at https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod In this episode: 00:00 How Emotional Decisions Shape Your Finances 01:47 Why Knowing Isn't Enough: The Brain Science 02:56 The Role of Dopamine in Financial Decisions 05:11 How to Create Urgency Before a Crisis 07:52 "I'm Just Bad With Money" — Debunked 10:15 What Is Emotional Regulation (And Why It Matters) 14:52 The Intensity Gauge: Rating Your Emotions 15:02 Managing the "Always at an 8" vs. Numb Baseline 17:29 Making Financial Decisions at a 5, 6, or 7 19:19 Replacing Mindless Spending With Systems 29:54 Willpower Is a Myth — Here's What Actually Works 32:11 The Case for Self-Compassion Over Willpower 35:43 The Boom-Bust Cycle of Financial Motivation 39:28 How Emotional Regulation Changes With Age 42:24 Preparing for Life's Transitions 49:00 Rebuilding Trust With Yourself and Your Money Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you've ever power posed in a bathroom mirror or blasted a Beyoncé song before a big negotiation hoping it would make you believe in yourself, this episode is going to completely change the way you think about confidence. I'm sitting down with return guest Kara Loewentheil, founder of The School of New Feminist Thought, host of the internationally top-ranked podcast Unfuck Your Brain, and author of the instant New York Times bestseller Take Back Your Brain, and we're getting into the real, evidence-backed truth about what confidence actually is — and why everything you've been told about building it is probably doing you more harm than good. Kara breaks down her Confidence Compass framework — self-knowledge, self-compassion, self-belief, and self-actualization — and why real confidence has nothing to do with a feeling or a pose, and everything to do with building a trusting relationship with yourself so you can take risks, go after your financial goals, and create the life you actually want. Kara’s links: Website: http://unfuckyourbrain.com/HSC  Unf*ck Your Brain podcast: https://schoolofnewfeministthought.com/podcasts/  Take Back Your Brain book: https://www.takebackyourbrainbook.com/  Learn what you need to decide, start, & succeed as a coach in Coach-Curious Prep School: https://socraticcoaching.com/curious/?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=toridunlap&utm_campaign=socraticcoachingaffiliates0626&utm_content=coachcurious Visit ⁠https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod⁠ to read the transcript and find any resources mentioned in this episode! 0:00 Intro 0:59 Confidence Is a Skillset, Not a Feeling 2:08 Why Power Poses and Beyoncé Songs Don't Work 4:19 Does "Fake It Till You Make It" Actually Work? 5:19 Kara's Background: Yale, Harvard Law, and Becoming a Coach 5:34 Betting on Yourself Without Feeling Confident 7:55 Confidence vs. Certainty and Control 9:30 Confidence as a Relationship with Yourself 12:02 The Confidence Compass Framework 14:40 Money, Shame, and Which Block Shows Up Most 16:47 How Shame Disguises Itself as Responsibility 19:37 The Permission Slip Problem 27:31 How to Uncouple Shame and Build New Beliefs 38:28 Unlearning Selflessness Without Feeling Selfish 43:04 Confidence Doesn't Come from Having Things — It Creates Them 45:37 Using the Confidence Compass for Money Goals 48

Summer travel is something most of us look forward to all year. But without a plan, it can leave you with a maxed-out credit card and a lot of financial stress to come home to. In this episode of Financial Feminist, I'm breaking down exactly how to budget for summer travel so you can enjoy your trip without the money anxiety hanging over you the whole time. I'll walk you through how to set a realistic trip cap before you ever open a flight search tab, why travel is a known predictable expense and not just a fun splurge, and how to build a sinking fund so the money is already there when it's time to book. If you’re craving a getaway this summer, I'm giving you a step-by-step framework, plus my favorite money-saving tools and practical tips, so you can travel well and come home financially intact. *Important note: this episode was recorded in January 2026, before the increase in gas prices My favorite tool for finding flight deals: https://going.sjv.io/c/1408818/3039272/10802 Get my Bill Breakthrough scripts: https://herfirst100k.com/bill-breakthrough Compare offers for Auto Insurance: https://herfirst100k.com/auto Visit https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod to get my free Travel Budgeting Spreadsheet!  See my credit card recommendations: https://herfirst100k.com/credit-cards 00:00 Intro 00:16 Why Summer Travel Feels So Expensive 02:50 Step 1: Set Your Total Trip Cap 03:49 A Budget Is Not a Killjoy 05:46 Let Flight Deals Decide Where You Go 07:55 Step 2: Break the Trip Into Real Categories 12:22 Step 3: Plan Backwards 15:13 Step 4: Cut Costs Without Ruining the Trip 17:48 Book Experiences in Advance & Pick Your Splurges 19:21 Use Credit Card Points 19:58 What to Do If You Can't Afford the Trip You Want 22:05 Travel Is Part of a Rich Life Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If paying off debt is starting to feel like it's swallowing your whole life–– this episode is for you. Today I’m getting honest with you about something the personal finance world doesn't say enough: debt payoff isn't just a numbers problem, it's an emotional one. The mental load of tracking balances, watching interest undo your progress, and feeling like you have to earn joy before you've hit zero is exhausting, and it's not what sustainable financial freedom looks like. In this episode, I'm giving you the pep talk you actually need, breaking down why hyper-vigilance around debt isn't discipline, what to do when debt payoff has consumed your entire personality, and four practical ways to protect your energy so you can keep going without burning out. Watch How to Payoff Credit Card Debt FAST: ⁠https://youtu.be/qLR-x0Zg4eY⁠  Visit https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod to join the free 5-Day Debt Payoff Challenge!  00:00 Intro 00:23 The Pep Talk You Need 01:16 Debt as Cognitive Labor 01:50 Why Debt Payoff Feels So Hard 02:28 Shame & Moral Failure Around Debt 03:02 The Invisible, Unpaid Work of Debt 03:52 Hyper-Vigilance Is Not Discipline 04:15 When Debt Becomes Your Whole Identity 05:22 You Don't Have to Suffer to Be Responsible 08:02 4 Ways to Protect Your Energy 08:09 #1 – Automate Everything 09:00 #2 – Stop Checking Your Accounts Daily 10:52 #3 – Give Yourself Permission to Have a Personality 11:24 #4 – Slow Progress Beats Burnout 11:33 Closing Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If there's one episode I need every woman in your life to hear, it's this one — because what Erin and I unpack together has the power to completely transform the way you show up for yourself and the women around you. Erin Gallagher is the CEO and founder of Hype Women, an inclusive network unlocking women's access to human, social, and financial capital, and the author of the book Hype Women. In this episode, we get into the real reason women are conditioned to put everyone else first, how to tell the difference between anxiety and intuition, and why you cannot build real wealth, real friendships, or a real life until you stop abandoning yourself. We walk through the three stages of metamorphosis, and break down the spectrum from mean girl to hype woman so you can finally audit the women in your life (and the woman inside your head). This episode is the pep talk you didn't know you needed. Erin’s links: Website: www.hypewomen.com  Visit ⁠https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod⁠ to see the show notes and read the transcript of this episode! 00:00 Intro 01:08 The Phrase That Changed Everything 02:55 Why Women Abandon Themselves 06:40 The Constant Threat Assessment 09:45 Remembering Who You Are 13:30 The Difference Between Intuition and Anxiety 17:40 Is It Still Working? 21:00 The Three Stages: Caterpillar, Cocoon, Monarch 25:10 Looking Around at 40 29:30 Renegotiating Your Life 33:15 The Mean Girl Inside of Us 37:00 You Can't Hype Others Until You Hype Yourself 41:45 Recognizing Your Conditioning 46:00 The Five Types on the Spectrum 51:00 Learning to Hype Yourself 56:00 Building Your A-Team 60:00 The Power of Women's Communities Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’ve been doing everything "right" financially and still feel like you’re failing, this episode is for you. In this third installment of the millionaire mindset series, I'm talking about one of the most transformative (and underrated) wealth skills there is: parenting yourself. I'm breaking down why self-discipline without self-care is just self-abandonment, how your unmet basic needs are quietly costing you money and momentum, and the practical, tactical ways you can start treating yourself like someone worth taking care of––starting right now. Because you can't out-hustle a dysregulated nervous system, and the most successful people I know aren't bullying themselves into success. They're parenting themselves into it. Mentioned in this episode: millionaire mindset: taking risks - https://herfirst100k.com/financial-feminist-show-notes/millionaire-mindset-taking-risks/  millionaire mindset: time wealth - https://herfirst100k.com/financial-feminist-show-notes/millionaire-mindset-time-wealth/  Amanda Goetz episode - https://herfirst100k.com/financial-feminist-show-notes/earn-more-money-without-hustle/  Visit ⁠https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod⁠ to get your free daily reset worksheet & any other resources mentioned on or show! 00:00 Intro 00:23 What Millionaire Mindset series is about 02:08 Taking care of yourself like a child 03:35 Seeing future you as someone to take care of 06:16 Becoming someone you can rely on 07:37 Self-discipline without self-care is self abandonment 13:09 Create a bedtime routine 16:16 Building transitions into your day 17:58 Talking to yourself 19:21 Creating safety within your own brain and body 21:21 When feeling emotionally overwhelmed 23:19 Self-talk scripts to try 25:41 Finding joy and play again 28:42 Free daily reset sheet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you want to land a job you actually love and make more money in 2026, this episode is one you’ll come back to again and again. I’m joined by Claire Wasserman––bestselling author, founder of Ladies Get Paid, and one of the smartest people I know when it comes to navigating the job market, negotiating pay, and owning your worth at work. We break down how to position yourself for higher compensation, why everything is a negotiation, and how to stop sabotaging your own success with guilt, fear, or hustle culture. From negotiating raises and reframing your value to job searching smarter, building relationships, and redefining success on your own terms, this conversation will change how you think about your career. Claire’s links: Website: https://www.coachmeclaire.com/ Ladies Get Paid: https://ladiesgetpaid.com/ Visit ⁠https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod⁠ to see the show notes and read the transcript of this episode! 0:00 Intro 01:15 Knowing Your Worth Changes Everything 03:30 Being Underpaid and Taking Action 06:40 Why This Work Matters for Women 09:45 Negotiating with Yourself First 13:30 Getting Data to Confirm You're Underpaid 17:40 The LLC of Me Framework 21:00 Translating Your Value to Dollars 25:10 Mistakes Women Make in Negotiations 29:30 Beyond Your Job Description 33:15 Building Relationships at Work 37:00 Navigating a Tough Job Market 41:45 Fractional Work as an Alternative 46:00 Managing the Job Search While Working Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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  To get more resources including any freebies mentioned in this episode, head to ⁠⁠https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod⁠⁠ 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. Catch up on episode 1 of millionaire mindset: https://herfirst100k.com/financial-feminist-show-notes/millionaire-mindset-taking-risks/ To get more resources including any freebies mentioned in this episode, head to ⁠⁠https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod⁠⁠ 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  To get more resources including any freebies mentioned in this episode, head to https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod 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

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. To get more resources including any freebies mentioned in this episode, head to ⁠https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod⁠ 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/⁠ 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 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 stay up to date and find any resources mentioned on our 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.  Visit ⁠https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod⁠ to stay up to date and find any resources mentioned on our show! 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. Visit ⁠https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod⁠ to stay up to date and find any resources mentioned on our show! 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 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

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

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 <p

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. To get more resources including any freebies mentioned in this episode, head to https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 To get more resources including any freebies mentioned in this episode, head to https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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/ To get more resources including any freebies mentioned in this episode, head to https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’ve ever felt like no matter how hard you try, you can’t get ahead — like you’re constantly putting out financial fires instead of building the life you want — this episode is for you. I’m breaking down exactly what financial survival mode looks like, why it’s not your fault, and how to finally get out of it. We’ll talk about the emotional and psychological patterns that keep you stuck, how to retrain your brain to take control of your money, and the simple, actionable steps you can start today to move from scarcity to stability. Because you’re not bad with money, you’re just trying to survive in a system that wasn’t built for you.  To get more resources including any freebies mentioned in this episode, head to https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod 00:00 — You’re Not Bad With Money (Here’s Why You Feel Stuck) 01:00 — What “Financial Survival Mode” Actually Looks Like 02:00 — Signs You’re in Financial Scarcity Mode 04:00 — “I’m Bad With Money” Is a Lie We’ve Been Taught 05:00 — Free Resource: The 5-Day Debt Payoff Challenge 06:00 — How Scarcity Mindset Affects Your Decisions 07:00 — Why “Just Work Harder” Advice Misses the Point 08:00 — The Real Source of Money Stress (It’s Not What You Think) 09:00 — The Gas Tank Metaphor: Know What’s in the Tank 10:00 — The Horror Movie Rule: Face the Monster 11:00 — How to Get Out of Financial Scarcity Mode (Step-by-Step) 12:00 — What a “Money Date” Looks Like 13:00 — How to Analyze Your Spending Patterns 15:00 — The Hidden Benefit of Tracking Progress 16:00 — Setting Money Goals That Actually Work 18:00 — A Goal Without a Plan Is Just a Wish 19:00 — Your 30-Day Action Plan for Financial Progress 20:00 — Small Wins Create Big Momentum 21:00 — The Power of Accountability (And Why We All Need It) 23:00 — The Role of Mindset and Financial Trauma 24:00 — Must-Listen Episodes to Go Deeper 25:00 — Final Pep Talk: You’re Doing Great Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wish you could go back and give your younger self some honest, no-nonsense financial advice? In this episode, we’re talking about the money lessons we all wish we’d learned sooner. Today I’m joined by Courtney Alev, Intuit Credit Karma’s Consumer Financial Advocate. Courtney helps shape Credit Karma’s products with real people in mind—empowering millions to know, grow, and protect their wealth. Her insights have been featured in everything from The New York Times to Marie Claire, and she’s basically your financial big sister: here to make money feel less overwhelming and help you build confidence with every dollar. Together, we’re diving into credit, debt, savings, and how to make smarter financial decisions that give you more freedom and less stress. Thanks to Credit Karma for sponsoring this episode! Get personalized, judgment-free insights on how to pay off debt and make your money work harder for you with Intuit Credit Karma! Visit: https://www.creditkarma.com/lp/financialfeminist  Visit ⁠⁠https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod⁠ to stay up to date and find any resources mentioned on our show! 00:00 – Intro: The Money Advice I Wish I Took Sooner — with Credit Karma’s Courtney Alev01:10 – Why Money = Freedom02:05 – How to Define What You Actually Want (Not What You “Should” Want)03:10 – Credit 101: Building Credit in Your 20s04:00 – Easy Credit Score Tips That Actually Work05:30 – Tori’s Favorite Credit Utilization Trick06:30 – Should You Keep Old Credit Cards Open? (Yes—Here’s Why)07:15 – Why Credit Cards Are Tools—Not Traps08:00 – How to Pay Off Debt and Improve Your Credit Score09:15 – The Great Debate: Save First or Pay Off Debt First?10:45 – Why Women Need an F-Off Fund12:00 – Money ≠ Math: Why It’s Really About Emotions13:20 – Letting Go of Shame Around Debt & Spending15:00 – Why Avoiding Your Money Makes It Scarier16:30 – Are High-Yield Savings Accounts Still Worth It?17:20 – High-Yield vs. Regular Savings: What’s the Difference?18:40 – Mindful Spending 101: Stop the Doom-Spending Cycle20:15 – How to Curb Impulse Shopping Habits22:00 – Ask Yourself: “Why Do I Want This?” Before You Buy23:10 – The “Would I Move This?” Trick for Spending Less on Stuff24:10 – Boundaries, FOMO, and Saying No to Overspending26:30 – How to Handle the Cost of Weddings and Friend Events29:30 – Budgeting with Irregular Income (Freelancers, Creators, etc.)31:20 – Understanding & Paying Off Student Loans34:00 – Credit Card Debt vs. Student Loans: What to Tackle First35:20 – Saving for Retirement While Paying Off Debt36:15 – The Power of Compound Interest (Explained Simply)37:30 – How to Start Investing — Even with $20 a Month38:00 – Final Thoughts + Where to Find

What if earning more starts with ditching the BS toxic hustle culture we’ve been sold? In today’s episode I’m sitting down with Amanda Goetz — two-time founder, four-time CMO, single mom of three, and author of Toxic Grit: How to Have It All and Actually Love What You Have. We’re talking about how to earn more, buy back your time, and redefine ambition on your own terms without falling into the trap of hustle culture. From the rise and fall of the “girlboss” era to the guilt that comes with labels like “tradwife” and “soft girl,” Amanda shares how to find balance between building wealth, protecting your peace, and creating room for every version of yourself. If you’ve ever felt torn between chasing big goals and actually enjoying your life, this episode is for you. Amanda’s links: Book: https://www.toxicgrit.com/  Website: https://www.amandagoetz.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theamandagoetz/  To get more resources including any freebies mentioned in this episode, head to https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod 00:00 Intro 01:23 Amanda on Applying Mindset Shifts 02:06 The "Girl Boss" Era and Its Impact 04:06 Competing Versions of Ourselves 05:02 Seasons of Hustle and Avoiding Burnout 07:10 Defining Toxic Grit 09:15 Surviving Divorce and Building Resilience 12:18 Outsourcing, Rituals, and Reclaiming Time 15:55 Scarcity vs. Abundance Mindset 19:54 Defining Toxic Grit for Women 21:15 Creating Checkpoints and Avoiding Spin Cycles 23:28 Burnout, Alignment, and the Ambition Cycle 29:31 The Five-Phase Ambition Cycle 33:34 The Importance of Rituals and Transitions 38:48 New Models for Ambition and Redefining Success Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It took me three years — and more than half a million dollars — to learn this lesson. In today’s episode, I’m breaking down the biggest business mistake I’ve ever made: ignoring my gut, following “expert” advice, and paying the price. We’re diving into what happens when you give away your power for credibility, why trusting yourself is the best business strategy, and how to rebuild self-trust after a big mistake. If you’ve ever been told, “That’s just how it’s done,” this episode will remind you that sometimes the best thing you can do is trust your instincts — even when it goes against the norm. You’ll learn: Why “industry standard” doesn’t always mean right for you The true cost of outsourcing your power How to rebuild self-trust in your money and business decisions In this episode: 00:00 — The mistake that cost me $500,000 03:00 — What it means to sign with an agency or network (and why it’s risky) 05:00 — Losing transparency and control in my own business 07:00 — When credibility costs more than it’s worth 08:30 — The moment I realized I’d given away 40% of my revenue 10:00 — The danger of doing things just because “that’s how it’s done” 13:30 — What running everything in-house has taught me 14:00 — The deeper lesson: self-trust, transparency, and ownership 16:00 — How to support independent creators and shows like this one 17:00 — Learning from mistakes without shame 17:30 — The challenge: where can you trust yourself more? To get more resources including any freebies mentioned in this episode, head to https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To get more resources including any freebies mentioned in this episode, head to https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod We’re taking a quick break this week, but don’t worry, we’ll be back in your feeds next week. And next week’s episode is a BIG one. I’m going to be sharing about something that has cost our business hundreds of thousands of dollars over the last few years. But that’s not all––for the last three and a half years, we’ve been building this show together—and now, the Financial Feminist podcast is about to look and feel a little different. I can’t say too much just yet, but trust me, you don’t want to miss what’s coming! Tune in to hear how you can help. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When it comes to love, weddings, and money — things can get messy. In this special episode, we’re re-releasing a conversation I had on the Here Comes the Drama podcast with Christa Innis, to talk about one of the most common (and costly) mistakes couples make: avoiding real conversations about money. From wedding budgets and bachelorette party expectations to navigating debt, boundaries, and financial transparency, we’re unpacking all the drama around love and money. Whether you’re planning your big day, standing beside a friend, or just love a juicy “Am I the A**hole?” wedding story, this episode is full of hot takes, practical scripts, and no-shame advice to help you protect your wallet and your relationships. Plus, we’ll talk about how to plan a wedding you can actually afford. To get more resources including any freebies mentioned in this episode, head to https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I’ve been that multi-millionaire who rents, proudly defending why homeownership wasn’t the right choice for me—until now. At 31, I bought my first house, and in this episode, I’m sharing everything I learned along the way: the emotional rollercoaster of finding “the one,” the financial surprises (like hidden $50,000 repairs), why I chose a mortgage over paying cash, and what finally made me change my mind after years of renting. Whether you’re saving for your first home, debating if renting still makes sense, or just curious about how a self-proclaimed renter became a homeowner, this is the honest truth about what it really takes to buy a house. To get more resources including any freebies mentioned in this episode, head to https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it really cost to survive — on reality TV and in real life? In this episode of Financial Feminist, I sit down with Parvati Shallow — Survivor legend, and author of “Nice Girls Don’t Win: How I Burned It All Down to Claim My Power.” We talk about her journey from growing up in a high-control spiritual community (yes, basically a cult) to winning multiple seasons of Survivor and becoming one of the most iconic players in reality TV history, and how the scarcity mindset shaped her money, relationships, and self-worth for decades. Parvati opens up about what it means to rewire survival into abundance, motherhood’s lessons in surrender, queerness, and why playing “villain” on TV mirrors the punishment women face for stepping into their power. If you’ve ever been told you’re “too much” or felt you had to play small to belong, this conversation is for you. Parvati’s links: Website: https://www.parvatishallow.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pshallow/?hl=en  To get more resources including any freebies mentioned in this episode, head to https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices