Finance Girlies: Money Conversations for Gen Z and Millennial Women
Finance Girlies is a money podcast for Gen Z and millennial women who feel unseen by traditional finance advice. Hosts Emily Batdorf and Cassidy Horton share their decade of personal finance research and writing experience to help listeners build confidence with money. Each episode covers saving, investing, and creating an abundant life, tailored for ambitious women. The podcast aims to make financial conversations relatable and empowering.
Episodes
How to bounce back from money mistakes with Bola Sokunbi / 97
Building wealth can feel like a long game, especially when you're doing all the right things but aren't seeing big results yet. Maybe you're contributing to your 401(k), saving what you can, and trying to make smart financial decisions, but you still can't shake the feeling that you're behind. The good news? Making progress with money doesn't have to mean doing everyt
House hunting to homeowner: Emily’s real-life homebuying story / 96
It’s easy to look back on a big financial decision and make the path seem clearer than it actually was. Buying a home is rarely that tidy — especially when you’re still touring houses, weighing compromises, and wondering whether the right one is even out there.In this episode, we get both sides of that experience from our very own Emily as she navigates the first-time homebuying journey. First, yo
Rethinking homeownership for Millennials (with real estate agent Silas Lindenstein) / 95
Buying a home can feel like one of those financial milestones we’re supposed to want — but is homeownership actually the right move for everyone? And if we do want to buy, how do we know when we’re financially (and emotionally) ready? In this episode, we’re talking with Silas Lindenstein, a Seattle-area real estate agent and podcast host to try to answer these questions. Whether buying a home is p
Travel now, or retire early? How Henah Velez is choosing both / 94
Saving for the future matters — but our money should also help us build a life we enjoy along the way. For Henah Velez, creator of the slow travel newsletter Departure, travel is one of the things worth making room for.In this episode, we talk about how Henah went from a scarcity mindset to reaching Coast FI, why she’s prioritized travel at every income level, and how she balances financial indepe
Do you need a will? Probably, and here's why / 93
A will can feel like something for a future version of you — one with a house, kids, a spouse, and a lot more assets to worry about. But when you start thinking about the bank accounts, belongings, pets, and people already in our lives, it may be time to question that assumption. Chances are, a will is worth having sooner than you think.The good news? Creating one might not be nearly as scary — or
Minimalism, money, and finding your “enough” with Kelly Foss / 92
How many things have we bought for a version of ourselves who doesn’t exist yet? The art supplies for a hobby we’ll pick up someday. The clothes for a lifestyle we don’t actually live. The product that promises to make some part of our routine just a little bit better.Those purchases can add up — in our homes, our budgets, and our mental load. But being more intentional with our spending doesn’t h
How to buy a car from start to finish (our car-buying stories) / 91
This episode was previously available exclusively to our paid subscribers and is now being released to all listeners. We’re excited to share it with all the girlies out there! If you enjoy it, please take a minute to leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform — and thanks for listening! 💗Buying a car is one of those financial decisions that can make even the most confident money p
What should I invest in as a beginner? / 90
We truly believe investing can be simple. But all the jargon — 401(k)s, IRAs, ETFs, target date funds — can be enough to stop a new investor in her tracks. When every decision seems to come with another acronym or account type to understand, it’s easy to keep putting off getting started.In this episode, we’re going back to the basics to answer two key questions: Where should your money go, and wha
We tried it: Opening (and investing in) an HSA / 89
Opening a Health Savings Account (HSA) sounds like something that requires hours of research and a dozen decisions. In reality? After putting it off for almost a year, Cassidy finally opened one in eight minutes.In this episode, we’re sharing exactly how we opened, funded, and invested our HSAs — from choosing a provider to deciding how much to keep in cash versus invest. We also talk about when i
10 money rules we don't follow anymore / 88
It's funny how some money rules can feel like absolute truth... until they don't. As we've learned more about personal finance — and lived a little more life — we've found ourselves changing our minds about advice we used to follow (sometimes, without question). Some of those rules helped us build great habits, while others eventually became more limiting than helpful.In this e
Our month-long money diary: Does our spending align with our values? / 87
We love a good “look at your numbers” moment — but what happens when you take it one step further and ask, does this actually reflect the life I want? In this re-release of a previously Insiders-only episode, we map our real-life spending against our core values. And honestly, it felt a little vulnerable.We start by sharing our personal values, then break down exactly where our money went througho
Personality-based budgeting with budget coach Erin Britt / 86
Some people color-code their budgets, reconcile every transaction, and genuinely enjoy a spreadsheet. Others would rather do just about anything else. If you've ever looked at someone else's budgeting system and thought, There's no way I could keep up with that, you’ll want to hear this conversation.In this episode, we chat with budget strategy coach and host of The Budget Effect, E
Is investing $100 a week enough to fund retirement? / 85
When it comes to retirement, one question comes up again and again: How much is actually enough? It’s common to see advice online that says to invest a certain amount every week, but it’s much harder to know whether that number will actually get you where you want to go.In this episode, we break down one of the internet’s most common investing questions: Is investing $100 a week enough for retirem
We tried it: Using points and miles to book travel (without being experts) / 84
There’s no shortage of advice about the right way to use credit card points for travel. Transfer partners, sign-up bonuses, maximizing every redemption... it can start to feel like there’s a test you’re supposed to pass before you’re allowed to book a trip.In this episode, we’re sharing a different perspective. We both recently used credit card points to book summer travel, and neither of us did i
The one skill every woman needs to increase her income with Megan Smyth / 83
When you hear the word "sales," you might think of awkward pitches, pushy tactics, or convincing someone to buy something they don't want. But what if selling actually looked more like listening, building relationships, and creating opportunities for yourself?In this episode, we talk to Megan Smyth, a sales coach and educator who helps female entrepreneurs sell without apology. We t
What the tradwife movement means for women's finances (re-release) / 82
This episode was previously available exclusively to our paid subscribers and is now being released to all listeners. We’re excited to share it with all the girlies out there! --------The trad wife lifestyle is being sold as soft, simple, and secure.But is it financially safe?In this episode, we unpack what the trad wife movement actually promotes, how it differs from choosing to stay home, and wh
How emotions affect your money decisions with Simone Griffin Taylor / 81
Have you ever felt guilty for spending money on something you love, but thought nothing of spending money on something you felt like you should do?Or found yourself thinking, "I'm just bad with money"?In this episode, we're joined by financial wellness coach Simone Griffin-Taylor for a conversation about the emotional side of personal finance. We explore why money decisions are
From $3k to $17k in one month: Lessons from Cassidy’s freelance business / 80
When your income isn't predictable, it can be hard to know whether a slow season is just part of the process or a sign that something needs to change. And when so much financial advice assumes the same paycheck shows up every two weeks, navigating those ups and downs can feel even more frustrating.In this episode, we're diving into Cassidy's freelance business and taking a transpare
Does money buy happiness? Let's talk about it (re-release) / 79
✨💎 RE-RELEASE OF A FORMERLY INSIDERS-ONLY EPISODE 💎✨This episode was previously available exclusively to our paid subscribers and is now being released to all listeners. We’re excited to share it with all the girlies out there!“Money isn’t everything.” It’s advice many of us grew up hearing—from family members, TV shows, even Hallmark movies. But if you’ve ever lived paycheck to paycheck, carried
How Brittany Flammer built a $950k net worth on a 5-figure income / 78
We often assume building wealth requires a high salary, perfect investing decisions, or some kind of shortcut. But sometimes, the biggest results come from years of small, consistent choices.In this episode, we talk with financial coach and mom of five Brittany Flammer. Over the course of her 21-year marriage, Brittany and her husband averaged an income of roughly $40,000 per year while steadily b
The money advice we needed in our 20s (and still stand by today) / 76
When you’re in your early 20s, it’s easy to feel like you have so much time to figure money out later. Retirement feels impossibly far away, investing feels intimidating, and honestly, a lot of financial advice can feel disconnected from real life when you’re just trying to make rent, navigate your first job, or recover from the chaos of college.The truth is, though, some of the smallest financial
How Elisabeth built a minimalist lifestyle with less stuff and more freedom / 75
When we think about “rich” experiences, it’s easy to assume they have to come with a high price tag. But this week’s guest, Elisabeth Frost, has built a life that challenges that idea in the best way.Elisabeth is a lifestyle blogger, budget traveler, and longtime thrifter currently spending three and a half months traveling across Europe with her husband and two kids — carry-on only. In this episo
Arden Missal didn’t want to shrink her lifestyle — so she paid off $150K in debt, fast / 74
There’s a version of debt payoff advice that sounds responsible on paper — make the minimum payments, invest the difference, stay the course.But what if following that plan still leaves you feeling stuck?In this episode with physician assistant and financial educator Arden Missal, we unpack what happens when you question the “default” path — and what it can look like to choose something else. We t
Roth IRA or 401(k)? Where to invest first with Sean Mullaney / 72
If you’ve spent any time reading personal finance advice, you’ve probably heard the same advice on repeat: max out your Roth IRA. But what if that’s not actually the best move — at least not right now?In this episode, we sit down with advice-only financial planner Sean Mullaney to challenge some of the most common investing advice out there and replace it with something a little more nuanced — and
Feeling disorganized with your money? Try spring cleaning your finances / 71
Spring cleaning isn’t just for your closet — it might be exactly what your finances need, too. In this episode, we talk about why April (not January) can be the most natural time to reset your money habits, especially as your energy shifts, your spending changes, and tax season gives you a clearer picture of your finances.We walk through how to take that “fresh start” feeling and turn it into simp
Rethinking the emergency fund: How much do you need to save? / 70
If you’ve ever found yourself staring at your emergency fund, hesitant to spend a dime on something unexpected, this episode's for you. We’re unpacking the pressure, the gray areas, and the real-life moments where this money actually comes into play. Because spoiler: it’s probably not just for worst-case scenarios.We share how we think about emergency funds in a more flexible, human way — fro
7 smart ways to use your tax refund in 2026 / 69
If you’ve ever gotten a tax refund and thought, “Wait… is this free money?” — you’re not alone. In this episode, we’re unpacking why refunds feel like a bonus (even though they’re not), and more importantly, how to actually decide what to do with that lump sum in a way that feels good and makes sense for your life.We walk through seven different ways you can use your refund — from covering immedia
Why you don’t feel ready to invest (and how to start anyway) / 67
When we sent out a listener survey last fall, one topic seemed to be on everyone’s minds: investing. So many of you told us you don’t feel ready to invest yet.We relate to this deeply. Even after years of writing about investing professionally, talking to experts, and researching the topic, we still felt that hesitation ourselves. We kept setting what we jokingly call “procrastination goals” — tel
Feeling stuck with money? Start with your beliefs, not the numbers (ft. Michelle Malawer) / 66
This week, we’re talking about the emotional and behavioral side of money with money coach Michelle Malawer. We explore what money coaching actually looks like, how it differs from working with a financial advisor, and why changing your finances often starts with understanding your patterns — not just your numbers.We also talk about the beliefs and challenges Michelle frequently sees with women ar
Sarah Turner on the money beliefs that followed her to 8 figures / 65
Today we’re joined by Sarah Turner — the mentor who brought us together and helped shape the way we think about building businesses, earning more, and how money shows up in our lives.In this episode, we talk about what it actually looks like to live authentically (especially when “bloom where you’re planted” feels more like rotting in the wrong soil), plus how Sarah’s money story evolved (and how
We tried it: Getting reimbursed for travel delays / 63
We love travel — but we do not love unexpected airport chaos.On a recent work trip to Mexico, we each faced major delays. One of us was marked a no-show while physically inside the airport because we couldn’t get a boarding pass. The other experienced a domino effect — a missing gate agent, de-icing delays, a missed connection, a four-hour crew delay, and a mechanical issue that led to an overnigh
How to make Valentine’s Day feel special (without overconsuming) / 62
If Valentine’s Day has ever made you feel pressured, behind, or annoyed at how expensive it all seems — it’s not just you. In this episode, we’re unpacking how Valentine’s Day became a multi-billion-dollar industry, why it can feel so loaded emotionally (and financially), and how to opt out of overconsumption without opting out of joy.We share the surprising history of Valentine’s Day, the real da
Money, kids, and the myth of being “ready” with Taylor Nelsen, AFC / 61
Parenthood has a way of turning even the most detailed budgeter into a “good enough and moving on” budgeter — and honestly, that’s not a personal failure. It’s reality. In this episode, we’re joined by Taylor Nelson (accredited financial counselor and the voice behind The Financial Planner Substack) to talk about what the “cost of kids” actually looks like in real life — and why it’s not just diap
Claire Wasserman on trusting yourself, asking for more, and letting go of shame / 59
What if knowing your worth intellectually isn’t enough — and the real work has to happen in your body, your nervous system, and your everyday actions? In this episode, we’re joined by Claire Wasserman, founder of Ladies Get Paid, career coach, and writer who offers tactical advice and deep emotional insight in a way that feels grounding, honest, and actually doable.This conversation felt like part
Why your budget isn’t broken (the system is) with Kelsa Dickey / 58
Budgeting is often framed as a discipline problem — try harder, be more consistent, stick to the plan. But what if the real issue isn’t effort or willpower… it’s that the system was never designed for your actual life in the first place?Today we’re joined by Kelsa Dickey, founder of Fiscal Fitness Phoenix and creator of the Spend First System. Kelsa is a former licensed financial advisor who inten
Financial adulting in your 20s & 30s: Saving, retirement, and real-life budgeting with Brigitte Killings / 57
If you’ve ever thought, “I’m doing okay with money… but am I doing the right things?” — this episode is for you. Whether you’re in your late 20s trying to build good habits, juggling family responsibilities, or quietly worrying about what the future version of you will need, this conversation meets you exactly where you are.Today we’re joined by Brigitte Killings, a 30-year veteran in financial se
Your 2026 new year money reset (+ free worksheet!) / 55
Tired of those overwhelming New Year's financial planning checklists? In this short episode, we break down a simple five-step exercise that takes about 30 minutes and actually helps you tackle your biggest money pain point — no perfectionism required.Listen in to learn how to: Identify what's really bothering youName the feeling you're chasing instead of just the goalAnd create a co
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs): The incredible financial tool you may be overlooking / 54
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) might be hiding in your benefits package, and most people have no idea how powerful they actually are. In this episode, we're breaking down everything you need to know about HSAs — from whether you're eligible to how to treat them like a secret retirement account.Emily and Cassidy dive into the triple tax advantage that makes HSAs unlike any other account,
The freedom formula: How to travel, build a career, and save money with Caroline Lupini / 53
If you've ever dreamed about traveling but thought you couldn't afford it, this episode is for you. Caroline Lupini has visited 120+ countries while building a successful career — and she's here to prove that both are totally possible without sacrificing one for the other.Caroline is a travel expert, digital nomad, and managing editor of Travel and Credit Cards at Forbes Advisor. In
Points & miles 101 with Ross Alcorn: Turn your credit card rewards into free travel / 52
Do you ever see all those Instagram influencers flying business class using miles and points and think, “How TF do they do that?” Well… we sat down with points and miles expert Ross Alcorn, CEO and founder of Itinerary Boss, to figure it out.Ross has helped thousands of people turn their everyday spending into five-star luxury travel — and honestly? It's probably more attainable than you migh
Frugality that feels good: Grocery tips + holiday spending with The Frugal Girl / 50
Frugality doesn't have to feel like deprivation — and it definitely doesn't have to ruin your holidays. In this episode, we're sitting down with our friend Kristen, AKA The Frugal Girl, to talk about stretching your dollars while actually enjoying your life. We're breaking down practical grocery strategies for when budgets are tight, tackling the guilt around holiday spending,
Breaking down SNAP: The myths, the facts, and how to actually help / 49
Food insecurity is closer than you think — and it's affecting 40 million Americans right now, including kids, seniors, and working families. In this episode, we're breaking down what's really happening with SNAP benefits, busting the myths that are causing real harm, and sharing concrete ways you can help — whether you need support or you're in a position to give it.We're
A tough love approach to financial planning with Lori Atwood / 48
We're diving deep with Lori Atwood, founder of Fearless Finance, who's worked with 2,000+ clients and isn't afraid to tell it like it is. After 25+ years in finance, she's seen every money mistake in the book — and she's here to share the uncomfortable truths nobody talks about.In this episode, we explore why your biggest financial problem might not be your budget at all.
Financial scaries: Listener money stories that'll give you goosebumps / 46
It's dark. The candles are flickering, and you're about to hear some truly haunting tales. Not ghost stories, but money stories that will send shivers down your financial spine. From credit card curses to haunted house expenses, this episode is all about the scary side of money — and what we can learn from these frightening experiences.We asked our community to share their most terrifyin
Navigating money as a wife, mom, and breadwinner with Jessica Norwood / 45
What happens when you're the higher earner in your marriage? When your 401(k) keeps growing while your spouse builds their own business? When you're navigating motherhood, career ambitions, and being the breadwinner all at once?We love talking about money and relationships, and we're not the only ones. This episode features Jessica Norwood, who co-hosts The Sugar Daddy podcast with
Prenups for modern couples with divorce attorney Aaron Thomas / 44
Would you sign a contract governing half your assets and your entire financial future without reading it first? Because that's exactly what happens when you get married without a prenup.Harvard lawyer Aaron Thomas spent years watching couples drain their savings in divorce court before he realized something crucial: marriage is already a financial contract. You're just letting the state
FinCon: Behind the scenes of the country's biggest personal finance conference / 43
We just got back from FinCon — the biggest personal finance conference in the country — and we're buzzing with ideas, connections, and inspiration for The Finance Girlies community.If you've never heard of FinCon, picture this: around 2,000 personal finance creators, writers, coaches, and entrepreneurs gathered in one place for three jam-packed days of learning, networking, and nerding o
Julie Guntrip on money dysmorphia: When your financial reality doesn't match your feelings / 41
Ever feel like you're constantly stressed about money even when you're technically doing okay? Or wonder why you still feel anxious despite having an emergency fund and being on track for retirement? You might be experiencing money dysmorphia — the disconnect between how we feel about our finances versus our actual financial reality.Julie Guntrip, Head of Financial Wellness at Jenius Ban
How to use money as a tool for change with Kara Pérez / 40
What if your everyday money choices could actually change the world? Meet Kara Pérez, founder of Bravely Go and author of "Money for Change," who proves that aligning your finances with your values doesn't mean sacrificing your financial goals.From $20,000 in student loans to building a business around values-based financial education, Kara shares how she paid off debt in 10 months
Jillian Johnsrud on how mini retirements can enrich your life / 39
What if taking extended time off work could actually boost your lifetime earning potential? Meet Jillian Johnsrud, who by age 40 has taken over a dozen "mini retirements" — month-long career breaks that allowed her to travel to 27 countries, buy real estate, learn new skills, and completely reinvent her career.This conversation reveals why switching jobs combined with strategic breaks of
Rebuilding money beliefs at 40 with neurodivergent coach Laura Shepherd / 37
Laura Shepherd's financial story didn't start at 22 with her first job or even at 30 with a promotion. It started in her 40s, when she opened her first bank account in her own name.For nearly 20 years, Laura lived in a financially controlling relationship where her ex handled all the money while she raised the kids. She'd internalized the story that she was "bad at math,"
Investing before you're ready with financial advisor Zina Kumok / 36
Financial advisor Zina Kumok grew up with something most American kids never get: total transparency about money. Her immigrant parents discussed salary negotiations, 401(k) matching, and insurance trade-offs over dinner like other families talk about the weather. The result? By college, she understood finances better than most.But here's the twist — even with all that knowledge, Zina avoided
Cassidy's moving budget: The cost of starting over / 35
Moving across the country is expensive enough — but what happens when you decide to sell literally everything you own and start completely over? That's exactly what Cassidy did when she moved from Washington to Minnesota after her divorce.Instead of renting a $2,500 pod, her mom had a wild idea: What if she just kept what fits in her car and sold everything else? Three weeks later, Cassidy ha
Navigating divorce: From spectator to CFO with Myra Alport / 33
Whether you're navigating divorce, supporting someone who is, or just ready to stop being a financial spectator in your own life, this conversation can help. Myra Alport is an accredited financial coach with over 20 years of experience who, after her own "gray divorce" following a 27-year marriage, helps women become their own CFOs with confidence, clarity, and humor.This episode ge
How to talk about money without ruining relationships / 32
Money conversations don't have to feel awkward or create drama — they just require a little honesty and practice. In today's Q&A episode, we're tackling all the relationship scenarios that make your palms sweaty: navigating different income levels with friends, splitting costs with a new partner, handling family gift expectations, and everything in between.Whether you're wo
16 ways to save money this summer (while still having fun) / 31
Summer is for slowing down, not stressing about money. In this episode, we're sharing our favorite chill money moves that you can do while lounging poolside, waiting in line at the farmer's market, or taking a sunset stroll. We're talking about financial progress that doesn't require spreadsheets, complicated budgets, or giving up everything that makes summer fun. These are sma
How much we spent on recent vacations (including full budget breakdowns) / 30
In this episode, we’re doing something a little scary: sharing exactly what we spent on some recent vacations. No vague answers — just real numbers and honest thoughts about what felt worth it.Cassidy breaks down her incredible 13-day Italy adventure through four different cities, while Emily shares what she spent on a Utah desert trip that was basically winter therapy. We're getting into the
You're not bad with money: Finances and feminism with Ariel Nathanson / 28
Ever catch yourself saying "I'm just bad with money" and wonder why you feel so much shame around your finances? This episode might just change how you think about your relationship with money forever.Ariel Nathanson, founder of Finances for Feminists and certified financial education instructor, joined us for an amazing conversation that digs into why our money struggles often aren
2025 summer reading list (fiction & fun) / 27
Missing those childhood summers when you could read for hours without a care in the world? We're bringing back that magic with our favorite fiction, memoirs, and pure escapist reads for those lazy midsummer days.In part 2 of our summer reading series, we're diving into seven categories of books designed for pure enjoyment. We also get honest about how our reading habits have evolved over
2025 summer reading list (nonfiction, personal finance, & self help) / 26
Tired of self-help books that feel bro-y and out-of-touch? Us too. That’s why we're excited to share the reads that genuinely changed our relationships with money, gave us confidence in our careers, and made us feel less alone in our financial journeys — just in time for summer days by the pool.In part 1 of this 2-part episode, we break down our favorite reads across six categories: Money boo
Budgeting for chronic illness with Health First Freelancer's Amanda Bourbonais / 24
Is your health budget constantly competing with your financial goals? In this eye-opening conversation with Amanda Bourbonais, founder of Health First Freelancer, we dive into what happens when you make wellness a non-negotiable. Amanda shares how she built a six-figure freelance business while managing chronic Lyme disease and dedicating a big of her budget to health expenses.We explore Amanda&ap
5 strategies to manage money stress (and why women bear the brunt of it) / 23
Ever notice how your chest tightens when you think about checking your bank account? Or how a stressful day somehow leads to an Instagram purchase you may later regret? If so, you're not the only one. The connection between money and mental health affects nearly half of Americans, creating cycles that can feel impossible to break.In this conversation, we open up about our own financial stress
How we use credit cards to earn free travel, cash back, and bonus perks / 22
The world of credit cards can be a little overwhelming. From understanding interest rates and fees to points-hacking and rewards , it can be hard to figure out which cards are actually worth having.That's why today, we're literally opening our wallets to show you the credit cards we each carry around. But don't worry, we're not points-optimization wizards spending hours trackin
How much a wedding costs (and our take on what's actually worth it) / 21
Anyone else think the wedding industry can be a little bit... extra? From the average wedding cost ($33,000) to the costs incurred as a guest, we're breaking down why weddings are so expensive… and how we think about spending when it comes to throwing the biggest party of your life. In this episode, we share what we personally prioritized for our own weddings, which traditions feel overrated,
How to save for your rich girl summer / 20
Summer is just around the corner, and while we're all mentally planning beach trips and patio drinks, our bank accounts are quietly dreading what's coming. In this episode, we break down those sneaky seasonal expenses that somehow surprise us every single year. From al fresco dinners out to wedding travel costs, we're getting real about our own summer spending habits. Spoiler: We bo
Our conscious consumerism experiment: Breaking up with Amazon & big box stores / 19
You know about Dry January, right? It’s where you give up alcohol for the first month of the year. This idea inspired our own challenge, and in March, we each gave up a specific type of spending to see what would happen. For Cassidy, that meant cutting out Amazon completely, while Emily challenged herself to shop only at local businesses for all discretionary purchases. We called it Dry March and
Q&A: Retirement, relationships & budgeting with inconsistent income / 18
Money questions keeping you up at night? You're not alone! In this special Financial Literacy Month episode, we open up our inbox to tackle your burning financial questions related to all things personal finance.From the intimidating "how much do I actually need for retirement?" to the all-too-relatable "why do I feel so behind compared to my friends?", we’re answering you
Tax time: Real talk on filing, myths, and managing tax anxiety / 17
Filing taxes is one of those things we’re all expected to figure it out on our own. Unfortunately, this often means it can be confusing, frustrating, or even downright terrifying.In this episode, we pull back the curtain on their real-life tax experiences, from our first terrified attempts at TurboTax to navigating the complexities of self-employment taxes. We’ll also:Bust common tax myths, includ
Why making friends is so hard (but worth the investment) / 16
Making friends as an adult is like trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces. We've all been there—scrolling through social media, wondering how everyone else seems to have a perfect friend group while we're sitting at home knitting. 🧶In this episode, we're diving deep into the art of building meaningful connections, breaking down the emotional barriers, and uncovering the surpri
How much it actually costs to get a puppy / 15
Let's be real: getting a dog is like accidentally signing up for a financial rollercoaster you never saw coming. Emily's first year with Clover was a wild ride of unexpected expenses, adorable chaos, and more love and cuteness than she ever imagined. 🥹 Spoiler alert: No amount of budgeting could have prepared her for this.In this episode, we cover:😴 The unexpected challenges of getting a
19 things we splurge on without regret / 14
Most personal finance advice tells you to cut all unnecessary spending — but we reject that mindset.Being smart with money doesn’t mean depriving yourself. It means spending intentionally — on things that bring you joy, make life easier, or align with your values.In this episode, we’re breaking down:💸 What makes a “good” splurge vs. reckless spending🛋️ Cassidy’s monthly house cleaner & why she
A Peek Inside Our Actual Budgets / 13
Most budgeting advice is so generic. And it has to be… everyone’s income, priorities, and expenses are different.But we know there’s something helpful (and kind of fun) about seeing how real people budget. So today, we’re taking you inside our actual budgets — how we categorize our spending, what we prioritize, and which expenses always seem to catch us off guard.Even though we both use YNAB, our
Q&A: Everything you need to know about Roth IRAs / 12
The name “Roth IRA” doesn’t scream excitement. (It kinda sounds like a stuffy account you’d open in the 1950s.) But fun fact: Roth IRAs just became a thing in 1998, which is why even older generations are still getting excited about them.If you’ve been seeing everyone online shouting “Max out your Roth IRA!” and you’re like, Okay, but why?? — this episode is for you.Today, we’re answering your lis
How to merge finances with a partner (without losing your mind) / 11
Last week, we tackled the should you merge finances? debate. This week, we’re getting into the nitty-gritty: how to actually do it.Merging finances sounds simple until you’re in the thick of it and wondering:How do we split expenses fairly?What do we do about savings?Who’s in charge of paying the bills?Do we need a joint account? Multiple accounts? None??If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the logist
Should you merge finances with your partner? / 10
Should you merge finances with your partner? Money is one of the spiciest topics in relationships, and merging finances? That’s where things can get real messy.Some people believe not merging finances means you don’t trust your partner. Others think combining everything is a fast track to financial disaster. So… what’s the right move?In this episode, we’re diving deep into:How we personally handle
How Cassidy paid off $18k in student loan debt in 10 months / 9
💸 Ever wondered what it actually takes to pay off student loans fast?In this episode of The Finance Girlies, Cassidy shares her journey of paying off $18,000 in student loan debt in just 10 months — what worked, what didn’t, and what she’d do differently now.And whether you’re drowning in student loans or just looking for money strategies that actually work, you’ll walk away with plenty of ideas (
Debt 101: Is being in debt always bad? / 8
In today’s episode, we kick off part one of our two-part series on debt. Next week, Cassidy will share her personal story of paying off $18,000 in student loans in just 10 months. But first, we’re diving into our general philosophies on debt — when it’s helpful, when it’s harmful, and how to know if you should prioritize paying it off.We also share:A surprising (and a bit frustrating) Dave Ramsey
How to financially plan for the new year (5 steps + free worksheet) / 7
In the latest episode of the Finance Girlies podcast, Emily and Cassidy offer a guide to setting your finances in order for the new year with five actionable steps. They discuss clarifying financial goals, auditing financial accounts, checking major financial numbers, refreshing spending plans, and making a list of lingering financial tasks. Throughout the episode, they share personal anecdotes an
2024 wrapped: What we bought, read, and regret / 6
In the final episode of the Finance Girlies podcast for 2024, we reflect on their favorite moments of the year by answering rapid-fire questions. We discuss their top books, best and worst purchases, goals for next year, new hobbies, and personal achievements. Emily shares her journey with doggy daycare and buying a new car, while Cassidy talks about a cozy new home and her love for crocheting. Jo
How to spend smarter this holiday season without feeling like a Scrooge / 5
In this Finance Girlies podcast episode, we share practical tips and personal stories on how to give meaningful, budget-friendly gifts during the holidays without feeling like a Scrooge. From using credit card points and setting gift budgets to DIY crafts and thoughtful low-waste options, we explore various strategies to keep holiday spending under control. We also discuss how to approach gift exc
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