Finance Girlies: Money Conversations for Gen Z and Millennial Women

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 details of flights, hotels, food tours, e-bike rentals, and yes — even that overpriced airport sandwich.

Whether you're dreaming of your own big trip, trying to figure out realistic travel budgets, or just curious what people actually spend when they're being honest about it, we think this conversation might be exactly what you need to hear.

✨ Episode Highlights ✨

• [01:00] Why we decided to share our real travel spending 
• [02:00] Cassidy's Italy adventure: Rome, Cinque Terre, Dolomites & Venice 
• [03:00] Flights and transportation breakdown 
• [07:00] Lodging choices: paying for location vs. saving money 
• [08:00] Tours, activities, and food: what made the cut and why 
• [13:00] The comments that proved everyone thinks about money differently 
• [17:00] Emily's Utah trip: winter escape to the desert 
• [19:00] Flight sticker shock and why some trips are just worth it 
• [21:00] Credit card perks that actually saved the day 
• [24:00] The e-bike splurge that became the trip highlight 
• [26:00] What we'd definitely spend on again vs. skip next time 
• [29:00] Small wins that actually added up to big savings 
• [32:00] Why your travel budget doesn't have to look like ours

Send us Fan Mail

📩 Get The Finance Girlies newsletter: 
https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/newsletter

💻Visit The Finance Girlies website: 
https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/

💖Email us your money questions: 
[email protected]

📸Follow us on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/thefinancegirlies/

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 details of flights, hotels, food tours, e-bike rentals, and yes—even that overpriced airport sandwich.

Whether you're dreaming of your own big trip, trying to figure out realistic travel budgets, or just curious what people actually spend when they're being honest about it, we think this conversation might be exactly what you need to hear.

📌 Time Stamps: 

[00:01:00] Why we decided to share our real travel spending 

[00:02:00] Cassidy's Italy adventure: Rome, Cinque Terre, Dolomites & Venice 

[00:03:00] Flights and transportation breakdown 

[00:07:00] Lodging choices: paying for location vs. saving money 

[00:08:00] Tours, activities, and food: what made the cut and why 

[00:13:00] The comments that proved everyone thinks about money differently 

[00:17:00] Emily's Utah escape: winter escape to the desert 

[00:19:00] Flight sticker shock and why some trips are just worth it 

[00:21:00] Credit card perks that actually saved the day 

[00:24:00] The e-bike splurge that became the trip highlight 

[00:26:00] What we'd definitely spend on again vs. skip next time 

[00:29:00] Small wins that actually added up to big savings 

🎬 Watch Cassidy’s YouTube video detailing her trip's cost here!

📩 Join The Finance Girlies on Substack: https://thefinancegirlies.substack.com/ 

💖 Email us your money questions: [email protected] 

📸 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefinancegirlies/

🎉 Join The Finance Girlies Insiders by upgrading on Substack and enjoy:

Bonus episodes, starting with anonymous wedding confessions, money drama, and a full script workbook

Juicier convos that are too real (or too spicy) for the main feed

Real listener coaching sessions + deeper stories from our lives

Early access to Q&As, exclusive polls, and discounts on future events and products

Plus, surprise extras we’re cooking up behind the scenes

Support the show

📩 Join The Finance Girlies email list:
https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/email-sign-up

💻Visit The Finance Girlies website:
https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/

💖Email us your money questions:
[email protected]

📸Follow us on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/thefinancegirlies/

Hillary Gale joins us for the most honest conversation about millennial homeownership we've ever had. As a copywriter, agency owner, and two-time homeowner, Hillary shares every detail of her home buying journey — from feeling like homeownership was "impossible" to closing on her second house this year.

But this isn't just about the numbers (though she shares all of those too). Hillary gets real about the guilt, shame, and anxiety that came with both purchases, plus the "oh crap" moments that nobody warns you about.

Time stamps:

[02:30] Hillary's background and why homeownership felt "impossible"

[05:00] The financial reality when she bought her first home

[11:00] How she actually started the home buying process

[16:00] Why Hillary and her husband decided to buy their second home during "bad" market conditions

[25:00] The numbers: What they paid, what they sold for, and current mortgage payment

[30:00] How they make their mortgage payment work

[40:00] The immediate "oh crap" moments in their new house

[48:00] How being self-employed affected getting approved

[51:00] What Hillary loves about homeownership vs. renting

[58:00] Hillary's advice for people who stuck

Hillary Gale is a finance copywriter and owner of Moneta Copy, where she works with financial advisors and coaches on their websites, emails, and content. She also hosts The Finance Marketing Podcast.

Connect with Hillary:

Website: Monetacopy.com 

Email: [email protected] 

LinkedIn: Connect and send her a DM

Podcast: The Finance Marketing Podcast

Support the show

📩 Get The Finance Girlies newsletter: 
https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/newsletter

💻Visit The Finance Girlies website: 
https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/

💖Email us your money questions: 
[email protected]

📸Follow us on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/thefinancegirlies/

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't personal failures. Instead, they're the result of systems that weren't built with women in mind.

If you've ever felt behind on investing, guilty about your spending, or overwhelmed by financial advice that doesn't seem to fit your life, this episode will help you reframe those feelings and take some concrete next steps.

✨ Episode Highlights ✨

• [03:00] Ariel's journey from software executive to financial educator
• [06:00] Why financial feminism matters (and what it actually means)
• [11:00] The Equal Credit Opportunities Act of 1974—and why it matters today 
• [14:00] "It's not a you problem, it's a system problem" 
• [18:00] How money conversations feel exclusionary (and what to do about it) 
• [22:00] Mindful spending: the framework that actually works
• [24:00] Adding friction to impulse purchases 
• [27:00] The one-week spending tracking method 
• [34:00] Investing basics: You're probably already doing it 
• [37:00] Understanding fees and why they matter so much 
• [40:00] The Zillow test for investment anxiety 
• [42:00] One small action you can take this week 
• [44:00] Ariel's best recent purchase and how to stay in touch

✨ Resources ✨

Connect with Ariel Nathanson:

• Website: financesforfeminists.com 🌐
• Newsletter: financesforfeminists.com/newsletter
• Instagram: @financesforfeminists

Send us Fan Mail

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

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

📩 Get The Finance Girlies newsletter: 
https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/newsletter

💻Visit The Finance Girlies website: 
https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/

💖Email us your money questions: 
[email protected]

📸Follow us on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/thefinancegirlies/

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 the years, share what's currently stacked on our summer TBR lists, and challenge each other with book picks we have to report back on.

Whether you're craving light entertainment or something that completely transports you to another world, this episode will give you plenty of options for your summer reading stack.

✨ Episode Highlights ✨

• [00:05:00] "The one your book club will actually want to discuss" 
• [00:08:00] "Perfect beach read for lazy days" 
• [00:11:00] "Audio book for your summer road trip" 
• [00:16:00] "I can't put it down page-turner" 
• [00:19:00] "Guilt-free escape" 
• [00:24:00] "Cozy evening read" 
• [00:27:00] "Books that make you want to put your phone away" 
• [00:31:00] What's on our summer TBR lists 

✨ Resources ✨

📚 Books Mentioned:

• Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
• Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley
• We Are The Beast by Gigi Griffis
• Lies and Weddings by Kevin Kwan
• I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
• Educated by Tara Westover
• The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
• Breathless by Amy McCulloch
• Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld
• Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto
• Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting by Claire Pooley
• A Bit Much by Lindsay Rush
• Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur
• The Sun and Her Flowers by Rupi Kaur
• Instructions for Traveling West by Joy Sullivan
• The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab
• The Hour of Land by Terry Tempest Williams
• Beach Read by Emily Henry
• Shades of Magic trilogy by V. E. Schwab
• Rich Girl Nation by Katie Gatti Tassin
• Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy
• God of the Woods by Liz Moore
• We Solve Murders by Richard Osmond

Send us Fan Mail

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

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

📩 Get The Finance Girlies newsletter: 
https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/newsletter

💻Visit The Finance Girlies website: 
https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/

💖Email us your money questions: 
[email protected]

📸Follow us on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/thefinancegirlies/

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 books that don't feel like a chore

Books that have shifted our entire money mindset 

Financial classics worth your time

Career-leveling must-reads

Fascinating nonfiction to keep you curious

Books that made us feel completely seen 

Whether you're looking to finally tackle investing, level up your career, or just want something that makes personal finance feel like a conversation with your smartest friend, we've got you covered with this summer TBR list. 

Join us next week for part 2: our favorite fun + fiction reads!

✨ Episode Highlights ✨

• [01:30] Our reading habits and how often we dive into finance books 
• [03:30] "The money read that doesn't feel like homework" 
• [07:45] "The read that'll change your relationship with money" 
• [13:00] "The financial classic worth revisiting" 
• [17:00] "The book that'll help you level up your career" 
• [20:00] "Learn something new nonfiction" 
• [25:00] "The one that'll make you feel seen" 
• [30:00] What's coming in part two: fiction and fun reads

✨ Resources ✨

📚 Books Mentioned: 

• Money for Couples by Ramit Sethi 
• How to Money by Jean Chatzky and Katheryn Tuggle 
• The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel 
• We Should All Be Millionaires by Rachel Rogers 
• Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey 
• A Simple Path to Wealth by JL Collins 
• I Will Teach You To Be Rich by Ramit Sethi 
• Bet on Yourself by Sarah Turner 
• We Should Get Together by Kat Vellos 
• How to Win At Travel by Brian Kelly Untamed by Glennon Doyle 
• The Perfectionist's Guide to Losing Control by Katherine Morgan Schafler
• Untamed by Glennon Doyle

Send us Fan Mail

📩 Get The Finance Girlies newsletter: 
https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/newsletter

💻Visit The Finance Girlies website: 
https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/

💖Email us your money questions: 
[email protected]

📸Follow us on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/thefinancegirlies/

When it comes to weddings and money, there’s SO MUCH to talk about. That’s why we wanted to dedicate our first subscriber-only episode to your juicy wedding confessions - the good, the expensive, and the "omg did that really happen?!"

From the savvy bride who hired babysitters and pizza for kids so adults could enjoy the reception, to the revealing confessions about cash bars (a bartender's perspective had us in LOLING), this episode is packed with real-talk about wedding finances. We even cover those awkward family dynamics when parents contribute but then expect you to invite their friends and distant relatives.

This episode unpacks all the financial questions we're too polite to ask at actual weddings - with real answers from our community. A special thank you to all the girlies who contributed!

📌 Time Stamps: 

[00:00:00] Welcome to our first subscriber-only episode! 

[00:01:00] Your wedding stories & guest expense confessions 

[00:04:00] What guests really spend on wedding gifts (spoiler: not what Vogue suggests) 

[00:06:00] The wildest bachelorette party expenses you've shared 

[00:09:00] How to say "no" to being in a wedding party (with scripts!) 

[00:12:00] Real wedding budgets from our listeners: regrets & victories 

[00:17:00] Overrated wedding expenses you wish you'd skipped 

[00:21:00] The debt question: 56% of newlyweds take on debt for weddings 

[00:24:00] Worth the splurge: What you never regretted spending on 

[00:27:00] Cash bars: The great debate 

[00:31:00] Family dynamics when others contribute to your wedding budget 

[00:39:00] Special script for talking about expectations before accepting money

As a special bonus for this episode, we've created a complete wedding finance workbook with scripts for declining being in a bridal party, handling family expectations, and navigating all those tricky wedding money conversations.

🌟 DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE WEDDING SCRIPTS & WORKBOOK HERE 🌟

📩 Have thoughts on our first paid episode? Hit reply and let us know what you thought and what topics you'd like us to cover next!

💖 Email us your money questions: [email protected] 

📸 Follow us on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thefinancegirlies/

Support the show

📩 Get The Finance Girlies newsletter: 
https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/newsletter

💻Visit The Finance Girlies website: 
https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/

💖Email us your money questions: 
[email protected]

📸Follow us on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/thefinancegirlies/

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's approach to health spending (treating it like rent — absolutely essential), her journey from $20/hour jobs to a thriving freelance business, and even her experience ditching traditional insurance for an alternative that costs under $200/month. 

Whether you're managing a chronic condition or just trying to prioritize wellness without going broke, Amanda offers practical strategies that don't require a six-figure income — from budget-friendly supplements to simple mindset shifts that make health spending feel less guilt-inducing.

✨ Episode Highlights ✨

• [03:00] Amanda's journey with chronic Lyme disease to creating Health First Freelancer 
• [09:00] What being a "Health First Freelancer" means in practice 
• [13:00] When health became a financial priority for Amanda 
• [18:30] Breaking down Amanda's monthly health budget
• [24:00] Budget-friendly health tips for those without six-figure incomes 
• [28:00] Overcoming limiting money beliefs as a freelancer 
• [39:00] Amanda's health budget categories and priorities 
• [42:00] CrowdHealth: Amanda's alternative to traditional health insurance 
• [49:00] Inside the Health First Freelancer community 

✨ Resources ✨

Connect with Amanda: 

• YouTube: @healthfirstfreelancer
• HFF newsletter: health-first-freelancer.kit.com

Send us Fan Mail

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

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

📩 Get The Finance Girlies newsletter: 
https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/newsletter

💻Visit The Finance Girlies website: 
https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/

💖Email us your money questions: 
[email protected]

📸Follow us on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/thefinancegirlies/

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 triggers, share the jaw-dropping stats that made us realize this isn't just a "you problem," and explore why even simple money tasks can feel completely overwhelming when you’re struggling with your mental health. Most importantly, we offer gentle, judgment-free strategies that don't require a complete financial overhaul — just small, sustainable steps that help soften the edges of money anxiety. 

✨ Episode Highlights ✨

•  [04:00] The shocking statistics on money and mental health
•  [06:00] How financial stress and mental health affect each other
•  [07:00] Our personal experiences with stress shopping and financial avoidance
•  [09:00] Why talking about money still feels so shameful
•  [13:00] Breaking down the harmful "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" mentality
•  [15:00] Practical, gentle strategies for managing financial stress
•  [20:00] How to start breaking your own money stress cycle

Send us Fan Mail

📩 Get The Finance Girlies newsletter: 
https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/newsletter

💻Visit The Finance Girlies website: 
https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/

💖Email us your money questions: 
[email protected]

📸Follow us on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/thefinancegirlies/

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 tracking categories or timing applications. We're just two regular gals who've figured out how to get some pretty sweet perks without making our money lives too complicated.

✨ Episode Highlights ✨

• [00:00:00] The cards in our wallets right now 
• [00:05:00] Emily's personal credit cards and annual fee philosophy 
• [00:09:00] Cassidy's credit card lineup and favorite card 
• [00:15:00] How we split spending between different cards 
• [00:21:00] Our business credit cards (spoiler: we have the same one!) 
• [00:27:00] Why keep business and personal spending separate 
• [00:29:00] How we actually use our points and rewards 
• [00:35:00] Our credit card philosophies and how they've evolved 
• [00:43:00] Credit score checks, regrets, and final thoughts

Send us Fan Mail

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

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

📩 Get The Finance Girlies newsletter: 
https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/newsletter

💻Visit The Finance Girlies website: 
https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/

💖Email us your money questions: 
[email protected]

📸Follow us on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/thefinancegirlies/