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.

Visit ⁠https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod⁠ to stay up to date and find any resources mentioned on our show!

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

Special thanks to our sponsor:

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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/

Visit ⁠https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod⁠ to stay up to date and find any resources mentioned on our show!

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

Special thanks to our sponsors:

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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/

Visit ⁠https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod⁠ to stay up to date and find any resources mentioned on our show!

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

Special thanks to our sponsors:
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Visit https://www.⁠herfirst100k.com/ffpod⁠ to join our 5 Day Debt Challenge!

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. 

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

Special thanks to our sponsor:

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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 Alev
01:10 – Why Money = Freedom
02:05 – How to Define What You Actually Want (Not What You “Should” Want)
03:10 – Credit 101: Building Credit in Your 20s
04:00 – Easy Credit Score Tips That Actually Work
05:30 – Tori’s Favorite Credit Utilization Trick
06:30 – Should You Keep Old Credit Cards Open? (Yes—Here’s Why)
07:15 – Why Credit Cards Are Tools—Not Traps
08:00 – How to Pay Off Debt and Improve Your Credit Score
09:15 – The Great Debate: Save First or Pay Off Debt First?
10:45 – Why Women Need an F-Off Fund
12:00 – Money ≠ Math: Why It’s Really About Emotions
13:20 – Letting Go of Shame Around Debt & Spending
15:00 – Why Avoiding Your Money Makes It Scarier
16:30 – 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 Cycle
20:15 – How to Curb Impulse Shopping Habits
22:00 – Ask Yourself: “Why Do I Want This?” Before You Buy
23:10 – The “Would I Move This?” Trick for Spending Less on Stuff
24:10 – Boundaries, FOMO, and Saying No to Overspending
26:30 – How to Handle the Cost of Weddings and Friend Events
29:30 – Budgeting with Irregular Income (Freelancers, Creators, etc.)
31:20 – Understanding & Paying Off Student Loans
34:00 – Credit Card Debt vs. Student Loans: What to Tackle First
35:20 – Saving for Retirement While Paying Off Debt
36:15 – The Power of Compound Interest (Explained Simply)
37:30 – How to Start Investing — Even with $20 a Month
38:00 – Final Thoughts + Where to Find Credit Karma’s Free Tools

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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/ 

Visit https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod to stay up to date and find any resources mentioned on our show!

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

Special thanks to our sponsors:

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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:

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?

Want more resources from this episode, like our FREE money quiz, tools, or challenges? Head to https://www.herfirst100k.com/ffpod

Check us out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/herfirst100k

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Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/HerFirst100K 

Visit herfirst100k.com/ffpod to find any resources mentioned on our show!

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.

Read transcripts, learn more about our guests, sponsors and more at https://herfirst100k.com/financial-feminist-show-notes/i-need-your-help-bonus/

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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.

Resources & Links:

Grab your free bridal party script guide: herfirst100k.com/bride

Here Comes the Drama podcast: https://www.christainnis.com/podcast

Read transcripts, learn more about our guests and sponsors, and get more resources at https://herfirst100k.com/financial-feminist-show-notes/couples-money-mistakes/

Save your seat inside Business Bootcamp! Your COMPLETE roadmap to go from idea to income: ⁠herfirst100k.com/business-bootcamp 

Looking for accountability, live coaching, and deeper financial education? Check out our exclusive community! Join the $100K Club: https://herfirst100k.com/100k-pod  

Our favorite travel and cash-back credit cards, plus other financial resources: https://herfirst100k.com/tools

Not sure where to start on your financial journey? Take our FREE money personality quiz! https://herfirst100k.com/quiz

Special thanks to our sponsors:

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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.

Resources mentioned:

Gentle Giant moving company:

https://www.gentlegiant.com/, 1-800-442-6863 

Chelsea Moon - Keller Williams: https://www.sweetlivingrealty.com/agent-profile/chelsea-moon-12338728  

Read transcripts, learn more about our guests and sponsors, and get more resources at https://herfirst100k.com/financial-feminist-show-notes/home-buying-lessons/

Save your seat inside Business Bootcamp! Your COMPLETE roadmap to go from idea to income: ⁠⁠herfirst100k.com/business-bootcamp⁠ 

Looking for accountability, live coaching, and deeper financial education? Check out our exclusive community! Join the $100K Club: https://herfirst100k.com/100k-pod  

Our favorite travel and cash-back credit cards, plus other financial resources: https://herfirst100k.com/tools

Not sure where to start on your financial journey? Take our FREE money personality quiz! https://herfirst100k.com/quiz

Special thanks to our sponsors:

Squarespace

Go to www.squarespace.com/FFPOD to save 10% off your first website or domain purchase.

Indeed

Get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility at Indeed.com/FFPOD.

Rocket Money

Stop wasting money on things you don’t use. Cancel your unwanted subscriptions by going to RocketMoney.com/FFPOD.

Quince

For your next trip, treat yourself to the luxe upgrades you deserve from Quince. Go to Quince.com/FFPOD for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.

Netsuite

If your revenues are at least in the seven figures, download the free e-book Navigating Global Trade: 3 Insights for Leaders at NetSuite.com/FFPOD.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices