Finance Girlies: Money Conversations for Gen Z and Millennial Women

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 logistics, we’ve been there. And today, we’re walking you through how to set up a system that actually works for you and your partner.

We’re covering:
🏦 The three ways couples split finances (fully merged, partially merged, or separate)
📊 How to divide bills in a way that feels fair—whether that’s 50/50 or proportional to income
🛠️ The best ways to structure your bank accounts (without making it a logistical nightmare)
📅 How to set up systems for checking in on money and adjusting as needed
📚 Resources to help you go even deeper, including Money for Couples by Ramit Sethi and Smart Couples Finish Rich by David Bach

There’s no “right” way to handle money in relationships—only what works for you. So tune in, take notes, and send this episode to your partner!

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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 finances with our partners (full merge? partial merge? separate?)
• The morality debate — Is it wrong not to merge? Does separate money mean less trust?
• Real stories from couples who merged (and those who didn’t)
• The different ways couples can structure their finances — so you can decide what works for you

Plus, we share an anonymous listener-submitted story about how merging finances went wrong — and what they wish they had done differently.

🎧 Tune in now to get the full conversation, and don’t forget to catch next week’s episode, where we dive into the logistics of merging finances!

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💸 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 (and maybe a few “wow, she did what?!” moments from young Cassidy’s frugal habits).

In this episode, we cover:

✅ How Cassidy approached debt payoff with an all-or-nothing mindset

✅ The extreme frugality tactics she used (some were…questionable 👀)

✅ The lifestyle inflation trap and how she avoided it

✅ Small spending tweaks that made a big impact on her finances

✅ What she would (and wouldn’t) do the same if she had to do it again

✅ Why rewarding yourself along the way actually helps you stay on track

Resources 

• Budget Bytes – The go-to resource for cheap & tasty meals
• You Need a Budget (YNAB) – The budgeting tool that changed everything

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefinancegirlies.substack.com/subscribe

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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 clip about debt that sparked our discussion
• Average U.S. household debt statistics (hint: you’re not alone if you have debt)
• Our thoughts on “good debt” vs. “bad debt” — and why those terms aren’t always helpful
• Practical questions to ask yourself when deciding whether to take on or pay off debt
• How to balance emotional vs. mathematical decisions about managing debt

Whether you’re wrestling with credit card balances, student loans, or just trying to figure out your next money move, this episode is for you.

 Resources 

• Dave Ramsey clip referenced in the episode
• Average U.S. debt statistics (source)
• Average student loan debt statistics (source)

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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 and practical tips to help listeners implement these steps in a manageable and stress-free way. Plus, they offer a handy checklist to help you stay organized as you work through these five tasks.

✨ Episode Highlights ✨

[02:05] Step 1: Clarify your financial goals

[05:35] Step 2: Audit your accounts

[09:40] Step 3: Check in with your major numbers

[14:24] Step 4: Refresh your spending plan

[22:38] Step 5: List lingering financial tasks

[26:38] Final thoughts 

✨ Grab your checklist here! ✨

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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. 

Join us as we wrap up the year with a heartfelt look back and plans for the future.

✨ Episode Highlights ✨

[00:00] Welcome to the final episode of 2024

[01:16] Hot seat questions: Rapid fire round

[02:20] Emily's reflections

[12:11] Cassidy's reflections

[25:39] Wrapping up: Reflections 

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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 exchanges with financial consciousness and suggestions for inexpensive yet valuable gifts like food items, homemade crafts, and personalized mugs. Tune in for our top five pieces of advice and a rapid-fire list of creative gift ideas.

✨ Episode Highlights ✨

[01:04] How to Spend Smarter This Holiday Season

[02:00] Personal Approaches to Gift Giving

[11:27] Thoughtful and Affordable Gift Ideas

[16:16] Tips for Budget-Friendly Holiday Shopping

[28:03] Creative and Cost-Effective Gift Suggestions

[37:01] Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

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WTF! Women Talk Finance breaks down the world of money. No jargon, no...

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

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In this episode of the Finance Girlies Podcast, host Cassidy shares her financial and professional journey. Cassidy recounts her transition from a struggling college student with debt to a successful freelance personal finance copywriter earning over $100,000. She and Emily discuss the importance of financial planning, overcoming early career challenges, and the role of a supportive community. Cassidy highlights her experience with budgeting, managing student loans, and making career decisions like pursuing an MBA. Listen in on Cassidy shares how increasing her income and taking calculated risks have transformed her financial life. 

✨ Episode Highlights ✨

[01:10] Cassidy's professional journey

[01:38] Cassidy and Emily's origin story

[03:47] Cassidy's personal side

[05:02] Cassidy's interest in personal finance

[07:25] College life and financial struggles

[11:44] Graduate school and career uncertainty

[14:40] First job after graduation

[17:30] Paying off student loans

[20:14] Transition to freelancing

[22:41] Impact of financial security

[24:11] Freelancing success

[27:04] Mindset shift and income growth

[29:44] Investing in yourself

[32:04] Wrapping up

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In this episode, co-hosts Cassidy and Emily give their top banking tips to help you maximize your savings and choose the right bank accounts. They discuss how many accounts you need, the benefits of high-yield savings accounts, and how to avoid fees and find good customer service. Learn the pros and cons of local credit unions versus online banks, and get practical advice on managing cash deposits and online banking. With personal stories and actionable tips, you'll be equipped to make smart banking choices and optimize your finances.

✨ Episode Highlights ✨

[01:14] How many bank accounts do you need?

[08:17] What are the top three things I should look for in a new bank?

[18:53] Do you need a local bank?

[27:59] How do I choose the “best” HYSA when rates change so much?

[32:53] How can I make sure I can access my money in an HYSA with no ATM access or debit card?

[37:46] Is it worth switching banks for a bonus?

[41:57] How much we've earned with our high-yield savings accounts

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WTF! Women Talk Finance breaks down the world of money. No jargon, no...

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

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In this episode of The Finance Girlies, Emily and Cassidy unpack their lifelong journeys with money—from childhood perceptions shaped by family and experiences to adult financial habits. They discuss the swings between spending and saving, the impact of early financial fears, and the challenge of finding a healthy balance. 

✨ Episode Highlights  ✨

[00:00] Introduction to money beliefs

[01:48] Early money beliefs and first jobs

[03:39] Family influence on money perception

[07:01] Frugality and spending habits

[12:26] Money as a motivator

[22:45] Investing fears and overcoming them

[29:45] You are not bad with money: Developing financial skills

[37:46 ] The importance of money in achieving goals

[42:04] Facing money fears and taking action

[52:02] Reflecting on money beliefs and next steps

Send us Fan Mail

WTF! Women Talk Finance breaks down the world of money. No jargon, no...

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

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