Are you wondering how much money you should be saving for retirement? Tired of hearing the same old advice to “save 15% of your income” — without any real explanation of what that means for you?

In this episode of From Middle Class to Millions, Shannon breaks down why the percentage-based retirement advice is not just outdated — it’s misleading. Instead, she introduces a simpler, more effective approach: calculating your personal “work-optional number.” Forget retirement at 65 — this is about knowing exactly how much you need to buy your freedom and start living life on your terms.

Learn how to reverse engineer your retirement plan using the 25x Rule (based on the Trinity Study and the 4% safe withdrawal rate). Discover how to figure out your real retirement number by looking at your current lifestyle expenses, and why this method is a game-changer for high earners, moms, entrepreneurs, and anyone ready to stop guessing and start growing their wealth.

If you're ready to calcultate your retirement number and start working towards your work-optional life, schedule a call with me.

In this powerful episode of From Middle Class to Millions, we’re diving deep into how to raise money-smart kids—even if you’re still learning how to manage money yourself. Inspired by real stories from my own childhood, my clients, and incredible moms I met at the Mom 2.0 Summit, this episode explores how to break generational cycles of financial stress and teach kids to build wealth from a young age.

I share how growing up in a household shaped by poverty and fear of financial risk impacted my own money mindset—and how I chose to shift that narrative with my kids. I discuss a relatable example from The Real Housewives of Atlanta, where Kenya Moore’s risky business move with her daughter's college fund highlights the importance of intentional money planning and focus.

You'll learn:

• Why children begin to absorb money beliefs by age 7

• Four key “money buckets” to teach your kids: Spend, Save, Invest, and Give

• How to build a household culture where money is talked about openly and without shame

• How to balance your own financial growth while modeling better habits for your children

Plus, I give an exciting update on the Smart Moms Build Wealth coaching series—designed specifically for moms and content creators who want to grow their wealth with confidence and clarity.

🎧 Tune in and learn how to stop the cycle of confusion around money and create a legacy of financial confidence in your family.

👉 Don’t forget to re-subscribe (thanks, Apple updates!) and share this episode with anyone who uses money. Let’s grow together

Fresh from the Mom 2.0 Summit in Orlando, this episode dives into the money questions that moms, entrepreneurs, influencers, and content creators are really asking—from budgeting and debt to investing and legacy building. Shannon shares takeaways from the conference and introduces her upcoming live coaching series, Smart Moms Build Wealth—a powerful space for women ready to take control of their financial futures.

Whether you’re navigating a W-2 job, running your own business, or just starting your money journey, this episode covers how to: ✔️ Build emergency savings ✔️ Tackle high-interest debt ✔️ Increase income—even during economic downturns ✔️ Ride out stock market volatility ✔️ Reclaim your financial confidence

Money is emotional, but with the right strategies, support, and mindset, you can weather any financial storm.

🎁 Special Offer: $50 off Smart Moms Build Wealth for Mom 2.0 attendees who sign up by Friday, April 11th.

Episode 1 - Ways To Maximize Your Day Job To Build Wealth

Episode 20 - Everything's A Mess! How Do I Begin To Clean Up My Finances?

Book a call with me today, so that you can get on the other side of this economic crisis with more money in your pocket!

In this episode of From Middle Class to Million$, I’m coming to you straight from sunny Orlando, where I’m speaking at the Mom 2.0 Summit—a premier event for content creators, influencers, and media professionals. While everyone’s focused on growing their audience and landing brand deals, I’m bringing something different to the table: how to make the money you’re earning work for you.

I dive into the challenges faced by content creators and entrepreneurs who don’t have the security of a steady paycheck. I share my journey from W-2 employee to full-time entrepreneur, explaining how I created multiple income streams to reduce income variability and build lasting wealth. Whether you’re a content creator, business owner, and/or high-income earner, this episode highlights:

✅ How to maintain a steady income despite fluctuating revenue ✅ The importance of diversifying income streams to build wealth ✅ Why reinvesting in your business is smart—but don’t stop there ✅ How to safeguard your financial future so you have the freedom to pivot when creativity evolves

Key Takeaways:

• The dangers of relying solely on one income stream

• How to create options for yourself with passive income

• Why money gives you choices—time, security, and flexibility

Ready to take control of your money? Book a call with me to start your journey toward financial independence. And don’t forget—share this episode with anyone who uses money!

🎧 Listen now and learn how to make your money grow while you create!

In this eye-opening episode, we explore how first-generation millionaires navigate wealth preservation and growth. Shannon shares her experience with an exclusive investment group that reviews private equity deals typically only accessible to accredited investors (those earning $200,000+ individually or with $1M+ net worth).

The episode highlights two critical wealth-building topics:

• The barriers preventing middle-class investors from accessing lucrative private equity opportunities

• How networking and financial education can bridge the investment knowledge gap

• The importance of diversifying income streams beyond your primary source

• Strategic micro-decisions that compound into significant wealth over time

• How career breaks (maternity leave, caregiving) impact women's long-term wealth

• The gender pay gap and its effect on retirement savings and Social Security benefits

• A cautionary example from The Breakfast Club controversy where Jess Hilarious lost her position after maternity leave

Key financial strategies shared include purchasing multi-family homes, redirecting funds from paid-off debts to investments, and systematically converting small savings into income-generating assets.

Whether you're focused on financial independence, retirement planning, or building generational wealth, this episode provides practical wisdom for anyone on the journey from middle class to millions.

In this bonus episode of From Middle Class to Million, Shannon shares key insights from her highly attended November webinar, How to Create Disposable Income in 2025. If you’re ready to stop trading time for money and start making your money work harder than you do, this episode is a must-listen.

Shannon introduces the Middle Class to Millionaire Budgeting Framework, a customized system designed to prioritize what truly matters to you and redirect your income to create financial freedom. She breaks down how to: ✅ Identify leaks in your budget and plug them with ease ✅ Align your spending with your values to eliminate guilt and confusion ✅ Automate and simplify investing to build long-term wealth effortlessly

You’ll also hear success stories from real clients, like Rosemary and Jeremy, who went from feeling overwhelmed by their six-figure income to achieving financial security, paying off debt, and even buying their dream lake house.

Key Takeaways: 🔹 Why creating disposable income is the first step toward wealth 🔹 How to shift your focus from “working harder” to “working smarter” 🔹 The importance of automating investments to grow wealth over time

Ready to create disposable income and unlock financial freedom? Tune in now and start making your money work harder than you do!

🎧 Listen now and take control of your financial future!

In this episode of From Middle Class to Millions, we dive into the unique challenges faced by high earners who are the first in their families to reach this income level. Many of you have worked hard—through education, business, and careers—to earn a great salary, yet the knowledge of how to build and grow wealth is often missing.

I explore the mindset shift required to move beyond just earning a high income and into true wealth-building. We discuss the importance of investing beyond your 401(k) and IRA, diversifying your income, and creating assets that generate money for you. If you’ve ever felt unsure about where to start or how to leverage your income for long-term financial freedom, this episode is for you!

Key Takeaways:

• The experience of being a first-generation high earner and why managing wealth feels unfamiliar.

• The limitations of a traditional middle-class money mindset and how to break free from it.

• Why a 401(k) and IRA alone aren’t enough to build lasting wealth.

• How the wealthy use assets to generate money and preserve financial security.

• The importance of diversifying income streams and making your money work for you.

Connect With Me:

• Instagram: @thewholebudget

• Join the From Middle Class to Millions community on TikTok

Be sure to subscribe and leave a review if you found this episode helpful! 🚀

In this eye-opening episode, Shannon breaks down critical misconceptions about taxes, income tax refunds, and wealth-building strategies that keep many middle-class individuals financially stuck.

• Tax Bracket Myths Debunked: Understand how the marginal progressive tax system actually works

• Strategic Tax Reduction: Learn legitimate ways to lower your taxable income

• Wealth-Building Approaches: Discover how high-income earners manage their taxes differently

Contrary to popular belief, moving into a higher tax bracket doesn't mean all your income is taxed at the higher rate. The U.S. tax system is progressive, with different portions of your income taxed at different rates.

• Maximize 401(k) contributions to lower taxable income

• Understand the difference between earned income and capital gains taxes

• Learn how strategic investing can minimize your tax burden

Stop treating your tax refund like a bonus. Instead, learn how to:

• Keep more money in your paycheck throughout the year

• Invest strategically

• Build an emergency "life happens" fund

• Create multiple income streams

1. Review your W-4 withholdings

2. Create a robust budgeting strategy

3. Build an emergency "life happens" fund

4. Explore investment opportunities beyond traditional income

It's time to stop relying on this artificial bonus and start investing for your future, schedule a call with me today!

Feeling overwhelmed by your finances despite bringing home a good income? You're not alone! In this down-to-earth episode of "From Middle Class to Millions," we tackle the question so many six-figure earners are afraid to ask: "Why am I still struggling financially?"

Let's face it – making money is one thing, but knowing what to do with it is another story entirely. We break down why 80% of Americans (yes, even high earners!) are trapped in debt, and share the straightforward steps to join the wealth-building 20%.

• How to finally get real about what's coming in and where it's actually going (no judgment, just clarity!)

• Why you need a "Life Happens Fund" of $500-1000 to stop the debt cycle in its tracks

• The Snowball vs. Avalanche debt methods – which fits your personality and will keep you motivated?

• How to set a concrete debt-free date (and why this changes everything)

• Why you shouldn't wait to start investing until you're debt-free

• The importance of building multiple income streams in today's unpredictable economy

Whether you're staring at a mountain of credit card statements or just feeling like your finances need a reset button, this episode gives you the simple, actionable framework to take control of your money and start your journey toward financial independence.

Stay tuned for next week when we dive into the next level: investing strategies and creating additional income streams that work while you sleep!

New episodes drop every Thursday. Subscribe, rate, and share with anyone who uses money (so... everyone!)

Want to talk to Shannon directly?  Book a call and get the support you need on your personal financial journey.

In this episode of From Middle Class to Millions, I’m tackling an important yet often unspoken challenge for first-generation six-figure earners and millionaires: financially supporting aging parents while building your own wealth. Whether this expectation was ingrained culturally or it has recently become a pressing reality, the emotional and financial weight of this responsibility can feel overwhelming.

Join us as we discuss:

• The cultural and personal expectations surrounding financial support for parents

• How to navigate these financial obligations without jeopardizing your own future

• The importance of securing your own financial foundation first

• A strategic approach to balancing family support using the WINS™ budgeting framework

• How to have tough but necessary conversations with your parents about their financial situation

You don’t have to choose between your family’s well-being and your own financial freedom. 

Book a Call to learn how.