Financial Feminist

Ever wondered what it’s like behind the scenes at Saturday Night Live? Well, you’re in for a treat because today I’m sitting down with SNL writer and comedian Ceara O’Sullivan—the brilliant mind behind the viral Domingo sketch. Ceara takes us inside the fast-paced world of late-night comedy, sharing what it’s like to write and pitch sketches for one of the most iconic TV shows of all time. From the grueling weekly schedule at SNL to what actually happens when a sketch bombs, Ceara gives us an inside look at a dream job that’s equal parts exhilarating and exhausting.

But this episode isn’t just about SNL—it’s about the hustle, the rejection, and the financial realities of being a creative. Ceara opens up about her journey from improv in Boston to TikTok during the pandemic, to finally landing SNL (on her second attempt!). We also get into the economics of being a comedian—how she manages money in a field with unpredictable income, when she knew it was time to become an S Corp, and how much it actually costs to build a career in entertainment. If you’ve ever been curious about what it takes to break into comedy, or you just want to hear some wild behind-the-scenes stories from SNL’s 50th season, this episode is for you. 

Ceara’s Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cearajaneo/

Petty Crimes podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/pettycrimespod/#

To get more resources including any freebies mentioned in this episode, head to https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod

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Talking about money with your partner can feel awkward, overwhelming, or straight-up terrifying—but avoiding it? That’s a guaranteed way to create resentment, stress, and financial chaos. Nearly half of couples argue about money, and 36% say it's one of the biggest sources of stress in their relationships. So, how do we break the cycle and actually have productive, meaningful conversations about money with the person we love?

Enter Ramit Sethi—money expert, bestselling author of I Will Teach You to Be Rich, and the host of Netflix’s How to Get Rich. He’s here to help us navigate the messy, emotional, and psychological side of managing finances as a couple. We’re getting real about why money fights happen, the invisible scripts we bring into relationships, and how to align financially even when you and your partner have wildly different incomes, spending habits, or financial values. Plus, we’re tackling one of the biggest taboos—what happens when a woman earns more than her male partner. If you want to stop arguing about money and start feeling financially aligned, this episode is a must-listen.

Ramit’s Links:

Order Money for Couples: https://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/books/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ramitsethi

Money for Couples podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/money-for-couples-with-ramit-sethi/id1577864998

To get more resources including any freebies mentioned in this episode, head to https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod

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Investing your money is one of the most powerful ways to build wealth—but before you even buy your first stock, you’re faced with one of the biggest questions: Which investing platform should you choose? Should you go with a financial advisor? Trust a robo-advisor to do the work for you? Or should you DIY your investments through an all-in-one platform? Each option has its own set of pros, cons, and hidden pitfalls—and I’m breaking it all down for you in this episode.

Today, I’ll walk you through the three main investing routes, expose the sneaky fees that could cost you thousands (or even hundreds of thousands) over time, and help you decide which option is the best fit for you. Plus, I’ll share my personal recommendations, including the platform I don’t recommend for most people. Stick around to the end, and I’ll give you my favorite tool for getting started—without the stress, confusion, or financial bro jargon. 

How to Plan for a Recession:

https://herfirst100k.com/financial-feminist-show-notes/plan-for-recession/

To get more resources including any freebies mentioned in this episode, head to https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod

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Grief is something we all experience, yet no one really prepares us for how to handle it—or how to support others going through it. And here’s the thing: grief isn’t just about losing a loved one. It can come from a breakup, losing a job, or even mourning the life you thought you’d have. In today’s episode, I sit down with Carla Fernandez, co-founder of The Dinner Party and author of Renegade Grief: A Guide to the Wild Ride of Life After Loss, to talk about what grief really looks like, why loneliness makes it harder, and how we can build stronger communities to support ourselves and others through loss. We also dive into something that doesn’t get talked about enough—the financial impact of grief—and why having a plan in place is one of the greatest acts of love you can give your family.

This conversation is honest, raw, and surprisingly hopeful. Carla’s insights will shift the way you think about grief, loneliness, and community care, whether you’re navigating loss yourself or supporting someone who is.

Carla’s Links:

Website: carlafernandez.co

Order Renegade Grief: carlafernandez.co/renegadegrief

The Dinner Party: https://www.thedinnerparty.org/

To get more resources including any freebies mentioned in this episode, head to https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod

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Divorce can be one of the most emotionally and financially challenging experiences of a person’s life. And yet––so many of us walk into marriage without truly understanding the financial implications of merging (and potentially untangling) our lives. In this episode, I sit down with photographer, entrepreneur, and coach Kristin Sweeting, who openly shares her story of getting divorced at 29, the financial mistakes she made, and how she rebuilt her wealth from the ground up. We’re talking about everything from the hidden costs of divorce to why prenups should be a standard practice—and the crucial financial steps every person should take before (and during) marriage. Whether you're married, single, or somewhere in between, this episode is packed with financial lessons. 

Kristin’s Links:

Website: https://kristinsweeting.com/

Study Abroad Programs: https://dangerschool.com/study-abroad

To get more resources including any freebies mentioned in this episode, head to https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod

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Tori answers questions about all things credit cards –– including how to choose the right one for your lifestyle, how many credit cards you should have, how to use a credit card responsibly, and getting to know and utilize your rewards system.

To get more resources including any freebies mentioned in this episode, head to https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod

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What happens when you lose control over the very thing that defines you—your voice, your art, your career? That’s exactly what JoJo faced after signing her first record deal at just 12 years old. A child prodigy turned global pop sensation, JoJo’s career skyrocketed before she found herself locked in a restrictive contract, unable to release new music and legally fighting for her own voice. But instead of letting the industry silence her, she fought back—re-recording her early albums, going independent, and even taking on Broadway.

In this episode, JoJo gets real about the highs and lows of her journey, from navigating the brutal music industry to discovering the power of financial freedom. She shares how reclaiming ownership of her art was one of the most empowering moves of her career, how Broadway changed the way she prepares for performances, and why money has been the key to making decisions from a place of power—not fear. If you’ve ever felt stuck, underestimated, or unsure of how to take control of your future, JoJo’s story is proof that resilience and self-worth can change everything.

Thank you to our friends at Spotify, where we recorded this episode live in their NYC studios!

JoJo’s Links:

Website: https://www.iamjojoofficial.com/

Over the Influence: A Memoir: https://www.iamjojoofficial.com/overtheinfluence

To get more resources including any freebies mentioned in this episode, head to https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod

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The US throws away more food than any other country in the world - over 80 billion pounds per year, with each American throwing out an estimated 30% of the food they purchase. This alarming fact is what propelled today’s guest to create a cookbook & community dedicated to showing people how to transform commonly wasted foods into delicious recipes.

Carleigh Bodrug is the CEO and Founder of PlantYou, a New York Times Bestselling cookbook author, and self-taught plant-based chef famous for her simple take on low-waste and vegan recipes. In this special replay episode she and Tori dive into the topic of reducing food waste and saving money on groceries, with Carleigh sharing her expertise on how to make the most out of ingredients, minimize waste, and maximize flavor, all while sticking to a budget. From innovative recipe ideas to practical tips for utilizing kitchen scraps, this conversation offers valuable insights for anyone looking to eat more sustainably and economically.

Carleigh's Links:

Scrappy Cookbook

To get more resources including any freebies mentioned in this episode, head to https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod

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Job searching is never easy, but for women, the challenges can be even greater—lowball salary offers, confidence gaps, and workplaces still steeped in outdated norms. That’s why I brought on today’s guest, Malia Razzaia, Executive Director of Dress For Success Seattle, to break it all down. Malia has spent years helping women navigate career transitions, salary negotiations, and the systemic barriers that still hold us back. In this episode, we dive into the biggest mistakes women make when job hunting, how to confidently advocate for yourself, and why financial independence isn’t about luxury—it’s about having the power to make choices. Whether you’re actively job searching or just want to future-proof your career, this conversation is full of game-changing advice.

Malia’s Links:

Dress for Success website: dfsseattle.org

Find your local Dress For Success chapter: dressforsuccess.org

To get more resources including any freebies mentioned in this episode, head to https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod

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Today’s guest probably needs no introduction, because I’m sure you’ve heard of him. The Points Guy, aka Brian Kelly, is joining us live in studio to talk about how he transformed his love for travel and financial management into a platform that helps millions of people around the world. We dive into everything from how reward programs have evolved over the years to the big changes the travel industry has seen since 2010.

In this interview he shares personal stories—especially how he navigated the stress of the 2008 financial crisis—and tons of practical tips for anyone looking to choose the right travel credit cards and maximize points and miles. We also cover common travel challenges like jet lag and flying with kids (something I know many of us have struggled with!).

Beyond that, we chat about how to be strategic with your travel bookings, why booking directly through the airline can often be better than using OTAs, and why travel insurance is such a lifesaver. If you’re hoping to get more bang for your buck (or points) the next time you take a trip, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!

Special thanks to Spotify for letting us film this episode in their Spotify Studios in NYC!

Brian’s Links:

Website: https://thepointsguy.com/

How to Win at Travel: https://thepointsguy.com/book/

To get more resources including any freebies mentioned in this episode, head to https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod

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