Finance Girlies: Money Conversations for Gen Z and Millennial Women

✨💎 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 debt, or panicked about an unexpected expense, you know it’s not the full story.

In this episode, we unpack what this phrase really means, where it comes from, and why it can sometimes hold you back. We also share personal stories from our early careers, what research says about money and happiness, and how to figure out your own “enough” number.

✨ Episode Highlights ✨

• [00:00] Cassidy’s recent conversation that sparked this episode
• [01:45] Why Hallmark movies reinforce the “money vs. happiness” myth
• [03:30] Our first low-paying jobs out of college
• [05:00] Where the phrase “money isn’t everything” comes from
• [09:30] Where this phrase becomes unhelpful
• [11:45] Case study: America's Sweethearts
• [13:30] Case study: Maid
• [14:30] What it's like to live on $25k vs. $25 million
• [16:30] Cassidy's anchor point: how where she grew up affected her perceptions of money
• [22:30] What is money, actually? Money as security vs. money as status
• [27:45] Real stories: taking pay cuts for happiness (and regrets)
• [31:00] Our personal experiences earning more through freelancing
• [32:30] How to find your “enough” number

✨ Resources ✨

• Wharton study on money and happiness
• Johnny Harris video: $25,000 vs. $25,000,000
• Maid by Stephanie Land (book + Netflix series)

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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 building a net worth that’s now approaching $1 million. Their story isn’t built on shortcuts or luck — it’s built on patience, intentionality, and a commitment to living below their means.

We talk about everything from investing at age 20 with just $50 a month, to navigating lifestyle creep, raising financially confident kids, and budgeting for family travel. If you’ve ever wondered whether small financial habits can really make a difference, this conversation is a reminder that consistency often pays off in the long run.

✨ Episode Highlights ✨

• [01:30] How Brittany and her husband built nearly $1 million in net worth on an average income of about $40,000 per year
• [03:00] Why starting to invest matters more than knowing everything from day one
• [06:00] How Brittany’s savings and investing strategy evolved as her household income increased over the years
• [08:00] The intentional ways Brittany allows lifestyle upgrades without letting lifestyle creep take over
• [11:30] The surprising expenses they skip — and why Brittany only budgets $25 per month for personal fun money
• [16:00] The budgeting tools Brittany relies on most, including high-yield savings accounts, automation, and weekly budget check-ins
• [20:30] How their family of seven travels on a budget, from affordable road trips to planning international vacations
• [24:30] The low-cost family traditions that have created some of their favorite memories
• [28:30] How Brittany teaches her kids about money, trade-offs, saving, spending, and earning their own income
• [34:30] The expenses she refuses to cut, the role generosity plays in their family, and the money values she hopes to pass down to her children
• [41:00] Where to follow Brittany’s budgeting journey and why publicly sharing her budget helps keep her accountable

✨ Resources ✨

• Brittany’s YouTube channel
• Brittany’s website

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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 habits you build early on can shape your life for decades — not because you need to do everything perfectly, but because small, consistent choices really do add up over time. And while this episode is centered around what we wish we knew in our 20s, almost everything we talk about applies no matter your age or stage of life. It’s never too early or too late to start building habits that make your financial life feel calmer and more intentional.

In this conversation, we’re sharing the money advice we genuinely wish someone had told us earlier, from tracking our spending and avoiding lifestyle creep to building credit, learning to invest, and figuring out what actually matters to us.

✨ Episode Highlights ✨

• [02:00] Why tracking your spending is the foundation of intentional money habits
• [03:30] The personal finance books that helped us finally understand money
• [05:00] How to spot “money leaks” and spend more intentionally
• [06:30] Two simple questions to ask before buying something impulsively
• [09:00] What lifestyle creep actually looks like in your 20s
• [13:00] Why learning to cook is one of the best money-saving skills you can build
• [15:00] The financial advantage of cheap housing situations early in adulthood
• [17:00] How to prioritize experiences and travel without overspending
• [19:30] Building credit responsibly and why starting early matters
• [23:00] Emergency funds, future goals, and using extra money intentionally
• [27:00] Why investing early matters more than investing perfectly
• [32:30] Talking about money with friends, asking for help, and taking imperfect action

✨ Resources ✨

• Our 2 favorite personal finance/investing books: I Will Teach You to Be Rich by Ramit Sethi and The Simple Path to Wealth by JL Collins
• Budgeting tool: YNAB (You Need a Budget)
• Finance Girlies’ Investing Before You’re Ready workshop
• Finance Girlies episode on bank accounts: Q&A: Choosing the right bank accounts / 3
• Finance Girlies episode on travel: Points & miles 101 with Ross Alcorn: Turn your credit card rewards into free travel / 52
• Finance Girlies episode with Arden Missal: She didn’t want to shrink her lifestyle — so she paid off $150K in debt, fast / 74

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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 episode, we talk about the systems and mindset shifts that help her family travel affordably, live more minimally, and make intentional financial decisions without feeling deprived.

We also get into the choices that helped Elisabeth and her husband pay off their house in just seven years, why she approaches secondhand shopping strategically, and the reminder we all probably need sometimes: spending more money doesn’t automatically create better memories.

✨ Episode Highlights ✨

• [02:10] What it’s actually like raising kids with a minimalist and frugal lifestyle
• [03:20] How Elisabeth’s family travels internationally on a budget
• [05:15] The first thing they prioritize when planning affordable trips
• [07:05] Why setting a hard accommodation budget helps them avoid overspending
• [09:15] The simple travel habits that save their family money on food and activities
• [12:00] How free museum days and off-peak tickets dramatically cut travel costs
• [16:10] Why some of their kids’ favorite travel memories were completely free
• [20:00] Elisabeth’s “everything needs a home” rule for thrifting and minimalism
• [27:00] The difference between thrift stores and consignment shops — and how to shop both intentionally
• [35:20] The biggest decisions that helped Elisabeth and her husband pay off their mortgage in seven years

✨ Resources ✨

• Elisabeth’s blog: The Optimistic Musings of a Pessimist
• Elisabeth’s Patreon community: Lighthouse Keepers

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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 talk about the emotional side of money, why avoidance is so common, and how your beliefs can shape your financial reality.

Arden paid off $150,000 of debt in just 16 months. Interestingly, she doesn’t consider herself frugal — and that’s exactly why she was so determined to eliminate her debt so fast. Arden’s approach wasn’t just about working more or spending less; it started with a complete shift in how she thought about debt, time, and what she actually wanted her life to feel like. 

This conversation is part strategy, part mindset reset, and it might even change how you think about what’s possible for you.

✨ Episode Highlights ✨

• [00:00] Why the “make minimum payments” advice didn’t sit right with Arden — and what it revealed
• [06:30] What paying off $150K in 16 months looked like behind the scenes
• [12:00] How becoming debt-free reshaped her relationship with money
• [16:00] The “boiling frog” effect and how debt becomes your normal
• [22:00] What money avoidance really is — and how it shows up
• [27:00] How shame and limiting beliefs keep people stuck
• [34:00] Arden’s favorite exercise for uncovering your money story
• [41:00] Why your thoughts drive your financial outcomes
• [47:00] Rethinking budgeting as a tool for direction, not restriction
• [53:00] What to do if financial freedom feels out of reach

✨ Resources ✨

Connect with Arden:

• Grab Arden’s free debt tracker: https://shesfinanciallyfree.com/starter-kit 

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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 helpful. We talk about how to think about taxes across your lifetime (not just this year), why traditional retirement accounts deserve more attention, and how small shifts in strategy can make a meaningful difference over time.

✨ Episode Highlights ✨

• [00:00] Meet our guest and why “Roth first” isn’t always the best advice
• [02:00] The two-sentence framework for retirement planning: investing + taxes
• [04:30] Why traditional 401(k)s can be more powerful than Roth accounts
• [08:00] What to do if you don’t have access to a 401(k)
• [12:30] The real order of operations: emergency fund, employer match, then what?
• [15:30] How taxes actually work in retirement (and why they’re often lower)
• [18:30] The “hidden Roth IRA” concept explained in plain English
• [24:30] Capital gains, cost basis, and why your taxable income may be lower than you think
• [28:00] The “compelling three” framework for investing (and how to use it)
• [32:00] Where HSAs fit into your overall investing strategy
• [34:00] The biggest mistake we see in your 20s and 30s — and how to avoid it
• [36:00] Balancing saving for the future with actually enjoying your life now

✨ Resources ✨

Connect with Sean:

• Sean’s book: Tax Planning to and Through Early Retirement 
• Sean’s blog: FITaxGuy.com 
• Sean’s YouTube channel

Listen to The Finance Girlies beginner-friendly investing episodes:

• Why you don’t feel ready to invest (and how to start anyway) / 67
• Health Savings Accounts (HSAs): The incredible financial tool you may be overlooking / 54
• Q&A: Everything you need to know about Roth IRAs / 12

 As Sean mentioned, some capital gains in New Zealand are not subject to tax, but some are. As always, tax rules are nuanced. Learn more in this video and this article.

The discussion is intended for general educational purposes only and is not tax, legal, or investment advice for any individual. Cassidy, Emily, and The Finance Girlies podcast do not endorse Sean Mullaney, Mullaney Financial & Tax, Inc. and their services. 

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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 simple, actionable steps — from deciding what to do with your tax refund to decluttering subscriptions, organizing accounts, and checking in on your bigger financial goals. If your money has felt a little messy, neglected, or just out of sync lately, this is your permission slip to reset — without pressure or perfection.

Think of this as your financial reset checklist — approachable, flexible, and designed to help you feel lighter, clearer, and more in control going into the rest of the year.

✨ Episode Highlights ✨

• [00:00] Why spring might be a better time than January to reset your finances 
• [02:15] How seasonal shifts impact your spending habits (and why it’s normal for them to change) 
• [09:05] What to do with your tax refund — from saving to spending with intention 
• [10:20] Using your recent tax experience to make smarter decisions this year 
• [12:30] Turning clutter into cash by selling unused items 
• [14:45] How to organize financial documents and simplify next tax season 
• [16:40] Where to check your credit score for free — and what to look for 
• [17:50] Why freezing your credit could give you extra peace of mind 
• [19:10] Subscriptions and recurring expenses to review this season 
• [20:30] How to lower your bills (and what to say when you call) 
• [22:45] Which accounts to close — and what to keep open for your credit score 
• [24:05] Checking in on your emergency fund and adjusting your goals 

✨ Resources ✨

•  Episode 69: 7 smart ways to use your tax refund in 2026 
•  Episode 70: Rethinking the emergency fund: How much do you need to save?
•  Episode 35: Cassidy's moving budget: The cost of starting over
•  Episode 3: Q&A: Choosing the right bank accounts 
•  Free credit report: Annualcreditreport.com 
•  Take our quiz: What Type of Finance Girlie Are You?

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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 — from unexpected travel costs to medical bills to slow income seasons — and why this money is meant to be used, not just admired. We also dig into the classic “3–6 months” rule, where it falls short, and how to choose a number that actually supports your life (and your nervous system).

✨ Episode Highlights ✨

[00:00] What an emergency fund actually is — and why the name might be part of the problem
[02:00] The “fire extinguisher” mindset: your fund is meant to be used
[03:00] Real-life examples — travel surprises, medical bills, and pet emergencies
[06:00] Using an emergency fund during slow income seasons without panic
[09:00] The classic “3–6 months” rule — and why it’s not one-size-fits-all
[11:00] Why “bare bones expenses” might not mean cutting out all joy
[13:00] Factors that actually matter: job stability, support systems, and flexibility
[16:00] Choosing a number based on how you want to feel, not just math
[19:00] How emergency fund needs evolve over different life stages
[30:00] Reframing: should we call it a “comfort fund” instead?

✨ Resources ✨

• You Don’t Need a Budget by Dana Miranda
• Ally Bank (high-yield savings account option)
• Discover / Capital One (high-yield savings account options) 

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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 immediate needs to investing, spending on convenience, or even doing something purely for joy. Along the way, we talk about the “interest-free loan to the government” concept, why debt payoff doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing, and how to think about your options without pressure or perfection.

✨ Episode Highlights ✨

[00:00] Why tax refunds feel like “extra” money (but they’re actually not)
[02:00] What a tax refund actually is
[03:30] The “interest-free loan to the government” concept
[04:00] Option 1 — use your refund to stabilize your life
[05:00] Option 2 — spend on things that make life easier
[06:30] Option 3 — how to think about paying off debt (without extremes)
[09:00] Option 4 — using your refund to invest (including a Roth IRA tip)
[10:30] Option 5 — using your refund for joy and hobbies
[13:30] Option 6 — combining multiple approaches (you don’t have to choose just one)
[14:30] Option 7 — waiting and letting your refund sit before deciding
[16:00] 3 simple questions to help you decide how to use your refund

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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” — telling ourselves we’d start investing after we saved a little more, paid off one more thing, or learned just a little bit more.

In this episode, we unpack what people often mean when they say “I’m not ready to invest yet.” We walk through the hidden beliefs that keep many of us stuck in that in-between phase — and the signs you might actually be more ready to invest than you think. Finally, we talk about how to overcome the “I’m just not ready” hurdle once and for all. 

If investing has been floating around in the back of your brain for months (or years), this conversation is for you.

✨ Episode Timestamps ✨

• [00:00] The surprisingly common feeling of “I’m not ready to invest” — even among people who know a lot about money
• [03:00] “I don’t have enough money to invest” — when competing financial goals make everything feel tight
• [04:00] When inconsistent income makes investing feel impossible (even though it doesn’t have to be)
• [06:00] When traditional finance advice feels like it wasn’t made for people like you
• [08:00] Why investing feels scary — especially if your first exposure was 2008 crash stories or crypto chaos
• [10:00] The “I need to learn more first” trap (aka procrastinating perfectionism)
• [13:00] The sneaky procrastination mindset: “I still have plenty of time”
• [15:00] Signs you might actually be ready to invest: curiosity, extra money sometimes, and no high-interest debt
• [17:30] The biggest signal of readiness: wanting more freedom in your future
• [18:00] The one thing that actually makes people feel ready to invest — and our live workshop for getting started

✨ Resources ✨

• Book: The Perfectionist’s Guide to Losing Control by Katherine Morgan Schafler

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