Walli Miller is a first-generation millionaire, financial coach, and early retiree who left her 9-to-5 before age 40. After a career in public service, Walli reached financial independence and now helps high-achieving, primarily first-generation women build wealth, create financial freedom, and design a life they love. Through her private coaching business, Walli empowers others to rewrite their money stories and achieve what once felt impossible.

On this episode we talk about:

Walli’s first job in New York City through the Summer Youth Program and what it taught her about work and money

Her transition from public service to financial independence, reaching millionaire status, and retiring early—all on a government salary

The generational impact of money mindsets, and why credit, wealth, and financial habits are “hereditary”

The “aha!” moment that changed Walli’s relationship with money and launched her journey to wealth

How she used tax-advantaged accounts, intentional saving, and mindset shifts to build seven figures in her stock portfolio

The importance of automating savings, increasing investments gradually, and eliminating mindless spending

The difference between math and mindset: why 80% of financial success is mental and emotional

Her path from unpaid coaching to a thriving coaching business—helping others, especially women and people of color, break cycles and become work-optional

The FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement, and what it looks like to be “work optional”

Top 3 Takeaways

Financial independence is possible without a massive salary—strategic saving, investing, and automation can build real wealth.

Money stories and mindsets inherited from childhood play a huge role in our financial behaviors; changing the narrative is key to breaking cycles.

Achieving “work optional” status isn’t about deprivation—it’s about intentionality, paying your future self first, and living aligned with your values.

Notable Quotes

“I thought wealth was for somebody in a velvet robe, not for federal employees earning $100,000.”

“I realized after years of coaching that about 15% is numbers and 85% is mindset and relationships.”

“Paying your future self first—before you spend on anything else—is the most powerful habit for building freedom.”

Connect with Walli Miller:

Website: financiallythriving.com

https://www.instagram.com/financially_thriving/?hl=en

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