In this episode of Money Files, I am talking about debt. So many of my clients come to me feeling overwhelmed about the amount of debt they have accumulated. It’s time to learn how to be intentional with your debt and move through your shame or fear about owing money. I want you to have a healthy relationship with debt and be able to assess your debt without judgment.

While listening to this episode, I challenge you to consider who taught you about debt. Your first understanding of debt shaped how you perceive owing money now. Therefore, it is essential to understand when your feelings about debt started so you can move past the shame and create an effective money plan for the future.

Next, I want you to think about what you were able to buy with your debt. You will be surprised to realize that most of your debt was accumulated in investments like buying your home, healthcare procedures, or education. Learning what you are willing to spend money on and go into debt will empower you to make smart financial decisions in the future.

While listening to this episode, think about your answers to these questions…

[00:01:45] Who taught me about debt?

[00:02:57] What beliefs do I hold about debt? What am I willing to go into debt for? What am I not willing to go into debt for?

[00:04:00] What do I make debt mean about my success?

[00:08:00] What has your debt afforded you?

Tune in to this episode of Money Files to learn how to be intentional with your debt and move through the shame or fear you have about owing money.

Get full show notes and the episode transcript:

https://wealthovernow.com/how-to-take-the-shame-out-of-debt/

Links mentioned in this episode…

Set up a call | Financial Coach Washington, DC | Wealth Over Now

Money circumstances can happen at any time. Things like overdraft fees, missed payments, or unexpected credit card bills can be money triggers. At lower salary levels, these circumstances are normalized, but as you grow your income, it is scary to experience something that feels like a step backward in your money journey.

I want you to feel empowered to handle money triggers in both your business and personal finances. In this episode, I am equipping you with tools so that you know what to do when you get a big credit card statement or have a bad month in your business. Fear is paralyzing and it keeps you from making changes and continuing with your financial plan. I will help you manage self-talk to overcome self-doubt and money insecurities.

My goal is to help you experience money differently and become confident enough in your ability to manage money so that triggers don’t bother you anymore. I encourage you to look at your spending without judgment and logically analyze how you got to the place you are in with money. These tools will support your future self in achieving stability and confidence with your finances.

In this episode, answer these questions…

[00:12:32] What are my money triggers? What are the things that make you feel insecure when it comes to your finances?

[00:13:15] How do I want to handle my money triggers? What is going to be your first response?

[00:13:36] How will you manage yourself when you experience a trigger?

Tune in to this episode of Money Files to move through shame and fear caused by money triggers and create a plan that confidently manages your finances.

Get full show notes and the episode transcript:

https://wealthovernow.com/how-to-navigate-money-triggers-without-self-judgment/

Links mentioned in this episode…

Masterclass:  Three Keys to Drama Free Spending

Set up a call | Financial Coach Washington, DC | Wealth Over Now

In this episode of Money Files, I sit down with my mom to talk about how her early experiences with money shaped how she taught my siblings and me about finances. My Mom got her first job very young and used her paycheck to save for new school clothes. Her commitment to saving has remained constant throughout her life.

We also discuss how my journey with money began. I remember always hearing the word “budget” at home. When I got my first babysitting job, I worked hard to grow my young business and save. The foundational principle of putting money aside for a rainy day led me to get my first bank account and start making my own purchases. As I talk with my Mom, it becomes evident that my parent’s dedication to saving influenced my financial choices from a young age.

Finally, my Mom and I touch on the intentional sacrifices my parents made to support my siblings and me. I ask how they decided what to spend money on and how those spending boundaries were formed. Learning about the similarities between my mother’s relationship with money and mine is interesting.

I hope you enjoy our banter as my mother and I reminisce about my childhood and our money memories. I also encourage you to have a discussion with whoever your biggest financial influence was as a child to see how those early conversations have shaped your feelings about money.

In this episode, I speak to my mother about…

[01:42:00] What was your experience growing up with money?

[00:04:07] Is (the importance of saving) what you took away from the lessons learned as a child when it came to managing money? How did that shape how you handled money as an adult?

[00:07:29] You and daddy got married in 1975. What conversations did you guys have about how you wanted to manage money?

Tune in to this episode of Money Files as I sit down with my Mom to talk about how her early experiences with money shaped how she taught my siblings and me about finances.

Get full show notes and the episode transcript:

https://wealthovernow.com/how-my-parents-influenced-my-relationship-with-money/

Links mentioned in this episode…

Set up a call | Financial Coach Washington, DC | Wealth Over Now

2023’s Biggest Question: Why Do You Want To Be Rich? - Wealth Over Now

Masterclass:  Three Keys to Drama Free Spending

In this episode of Money Files, I am starting the conversation about retirement. There is so much embarrassment around learning how to save for the future. Many of my clients think 401(k)s and IRAs are something they should just magically understand, despite never learning about saving for retirement from their parents or teachers. They are embarrassed to ask questions and admit they don’t know if they are doing the right things to prepare.

I am here to give you permission to stop feeling guilty or embarrassed about where you are right now with saving for retirement. 401(k)s and IRAs are relatively new entities and they aren’t something we were educated on. Saving for retirement is not done in the same way as when our parents were working. Their jobs provided pension plans or company stock options. Saving for retirement wasn’t a common practice.

I want to erase the stigma or shame around retirement knowledge. I encourage you to find a financial advisor or certified financial planner and ask questions. It is okay to not know the ins and outs of 401(k)s and IRAS. Write down a list of questions and allow yourself to be honest with your feelings about retirement. It is important that you feel comfortable with your financial plan for the future. I assure you that wherever you are now is a buildable starting point to reach your goals.

If you are someone who feels guilty or embarrassed about saving for retirement I want you to listen to this podcast and remember…

[00:09:34] The 401(k) is a relatively new tool

[00:18:58] Enlist financial support from someone who is willing to educate you as you ask questions

[00:19:52] You don’t know what you don’t know when it comes to thinking about 401(k)s or 403Bs

Tune in to this episode of Money Files as I start a conversation on retirement and invite you to give yourself permission to stop feeling guilty or embarrassed about where you are right now with saving for retirement and start educating yourself so that you can establish the desired financial plan for your future.

Get full show notes and the episode transcript:

https://wealthovernow.com/stop-feeling-guilty-about-not-knowing-your-retirement-plan/

Links mentioned in this episode…

https://wealthovernow.com/appointment

30 | The Difference Between Financial Coaching and Financial Planning

Masterclass:  Three Keys to Drama Free Spending

In this episode of Money Files, I share more about my background and what inspired me to not only start my business but to continue to build wealth throughout my life. I am a first-generation college graduate. My parents supported and blessed me with the opportunity to follow my educational and career dreams. At a young age, I recognized I did not want money to be an obstacle in my life.

A friend of mine recently asked, “Why do you want to be rich?” For me, that answer lies within my values of community and family. My purpose in building wealth and in building my business is to create bigger and better opportunities for future generations. My vision with my money is to use it to create change. I want to develop generational wealth and influence so that my nieces and nephews have a better starting spot in their adult lives than I did. I am passionate about education and helping underserved communities. Whether this passion evolves into a nonprofit or building an organization, I just know that the core reason I want to be rich is to help others and help my community.

Money is an excellent resource. But the vision behind wealth is just as important as the money itself. I hope that hearing about my life experiences and my goals inspires you to step out of the place you are in now. I challenge you to dream and shift your perspective.  Working with a coach is a great first step to getting on the path to obtaining that dream. While you listen to this episode, I want you to think about your own values and why being rich is important to you. Get inspired and start the work towards building your future and dreaming bigger.

In this episode I challenge you…

[00:18:56] I just want you to sit with that question: why do you want to be rich? Why do you want to be wealthy? And get clear on that picture for yourself.

[00:24:23]  I want you to choose something this week that scares you. I need you to do it.

Tune in to this episode of Money Files to hear a bit about my money story and my purpose for building wealth.

Get full show notes and the episode transcript:

https://wealthovernow.com/2023s-biggest-question-why-do-you-want-to-be-rich/

Links mentioned in this episode…

https://wealthovernow.com/appointment

Masterclass: Three Keys to Drama Free Spending

One of the hardest things about running your own business is managing your personal paycheck. In this episode of Money Files, I discuss the three budgets every entrepreneur needs to set to create financial confidence. Having a multi-angled personal paycheck plan removes the stress from revenue fluctuations. Regardless of good or bad months, this plan will keep your mind focused on selling and growing instead of worrying about shifts in cash flow.

Personal and business finances are strongly connected when you own your own business. Knowing how much to pay yourself and when to write that personal check is easier than you think. I encourage you to look at your numbers and establish three budget angles: gold, silver, and bronze.

The silver budget represents what you currently pay yourself. This amount is the midpoint that the gold and bronze levels are based on. Think of the bronze budget as your bare minimum. This figure should cover how much money you need for the essentials. Comparatively, the gold budget is your dream income. That paycheck covers goals a level up from where you are now.

Establishing three budgets will give you confidence in your finances. Cash flow and paychecks fluctuate when you are your own boss. Some months you make record numbers, while the following months might only bring in half that amount of revenue. Entrepreneurs experience so much stress around worrying about financial unknowns. I will help you create a plan involving gold, silver, and bronze budgets. Together we will deep dive into your personal and business finances and put your money worries to rest.

While listening to this episode, I want to guide you in considering…

[00:07:11] What is the personal paycheck that I need? What do I need to make sure that I am able to pay for and then how does that inform my business goals?

[00:05:57] That your ability to make money decisions in your business is going to be grounded in you knowing your numbers. And the numbers I want to talk about today are actually going to be on your personal side.

Tune in to this episode of Money Files to learn the three budgets every entrepreneur needs to establish to create financial confidence.

Get full show notes and the episode transcript:

https://wealthovernow.com/three-budgets-every-entrepreneur-needs/

Links mentioned in this episode…

https://wealthovernow.com/appointment

23 | How to Create Consistency With Fluctuating Cash Flow

Masterclass: How to Budget Without Restriction

I don’t know about you, but I am tired of opening up my social media and being overwhelmed with posts about New Year's resolutions. It is great to set goals, but the pressure to establish an intention for 2023 seemed stronger than usual to me. It got me thinking about how you might be thinking about your finances this year and what those goals or intentions look like.

I often see clients bring a diet mentality to their budget goals. They force themselves to be super restrictive with their spending. While there are little wins here and there, no-spend challenges end in failure. It is not sustainable. I am here to tell you budgeting doesn’t have to be about restriction.

I can help you map out a plan that you will stick to long term. You can reach your money goals without missing out on things you enjoy doing like traveling and going out with friends. I encourage you to ask yourself how you really want to feel about your finances and what would make you feel confident when looking at your bank account.

I invite you to join me Wednesday, January 18 at 12:30 PM Eastern standard time for my money class called, ‘How to Budget Without Restriction.’ Registration is available on my website. Come learn with me and take control of your money and reach your goals. I am excited to support you in 2023 in creating a system that allows you to manage your finances drama free.

While listening to this episode, I want you to think about…

[00:11:10] What type of money system you desire to have that is in alignment with your lifestyle

[00:16:09] How do you desire to experience money, long-term and what feelings are you trying to generate?

Tune in to this episode of Money Files to learn how to budget without restriction.

Get full show notes and the episode transcript:

https://wealthovernow.com/setting-sustainable-money-goals-for-2023/

Links mentioned in this episode…

https://wealthovernow.com/appointment

32 | How Financial Coaching Transformed Amy and Jennifer’s Joint Finances

Masterclass: How to Budget Without Restriction

Today I sat down with my client, Lauren who just celebrated her 1 year anniversary of working with me. Just like you, Lauren struggled with wanting to pay off debt and wanting to spend money on things like travel or experiences. As much as she tried, even with a budget of her own, she was not able to pay off and stay out of debt.

Lauren made the decision to ask for financial help after listening to one of my clients share her story on the podcast. It was only fitting to have her journey come full circle and invite her on my podcast to share her financial accomplishments.

She started her journey with the goal to break out of her debt cycle and put aside money to do things that she loves. She wanted to spend money on travel without feeling guilty or adding to her debt. By setting money aside for a travel fund every month, she was able to pay down debt, establish a healthy emergency fund, and go on several trips this year. She reached all of her money goals without sacrificing fun or needing to earn additional income.

If you are like Lauren - if you know you are making more than enough money to support your goals, but still end up short at the end of the month, I can help you. Together we will align your spending and saving patterns with what matters most to you. I hope Lauren’s story inspires you to start on your own journey with me to reach financial freedom and happiness.

In this episode, Lauren will answer…

[00:01:43] What made her reach out for coaching?

[00:22:30] Outside of paying off debt and building up savings, what her desires are, and how her money funds those priorities?

[00:24:41] The results she is most proud of after applying what she has learned in coaching.

Get full show notes and the episode transcript:

https://wealthovernow.com/how-lauren-paid-off-30000-in-credit-card-debt-and-saved-10000/

Links mentioned in this episode…

https://wealthovernow.com/appointment

If you are someone who wants to make a change in your finances as a goal for the New Year but are unsure where to start, I want to show you that your goals are possible. I am sharing a recent client panel from my most recent webinar of women who started their financial coaching journey with me in the last two years. Before working with me, they were experiencing the same fear and hesitation around managing money that you are right now.

These women all started with me unsure of whether or not they could be helped. They went from being stressed and ashamed of their financial situations to confidently saving and reaching financial goals like home ownership, starting a business, and paying off credit card debt.

If you are on the fence about asking for help with your finances, listen to their experiences. You will certainly borrow inspiration from my client’s stories. Just like you, they started their coaching journeys unsure of what the outcome would be. How was coaching going to be different than any other way they have tried before? Now, they are empowered to take control of their futures and confident about their financial security.

I hope their stories give you the confidence to make a decision about working with me in  2023 even if you don’t feel ready. You can change how you relate to money and make a path forward to achieving money wins.

In this episode, you’ll hear thoughts from the client panel on…

[00:3:07] How you can shift your thoughts and feelings about finances

[00:6:07] How coaching is different than any other system that you’ve tried before

[00:10:12] Money shifts that you can experience

[00:31:52] The results that are possible when you move towards achieving your money goals

[00:19:21] What else can be uncovered because you engaged in this work

Get full show notes and the episode transcript:

https://wealthovernow.com/life-after-coaching-three-women-share-their-financial-transformations/

Links mentioned in this episode…

https://wealthovernow.com/appointment

One of the common financial challenges I see with six-figure and high-income earners is that they outsource their financial awareness to the amount of money they make.

If you’re making more than you’ve ever made before and you still wonder if you’re doing the right thing with your money or you feel like you should have more to show - you’ve probably outsourced your financial awareness.

In this episode, you will learn why it’s important for you to create a financial system that allows you to spend money on travel while you also build towards your goal of creating a five or even six-figure savings account.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

[01:04] What is outsourcing your financial awareness

[03:32] The fear of financial restriction and how it can lead to stagnation

[05:40] How to take ownership of your finances to have more control and live the lifestyle that you desire

[10:32] How to shift from thinking like a struggling $30k earner to someone who makes six figures and is in control of their numbers

Tune in to this episode of Money Files to learn more about creating a money system that allows you to spend your money drama-free and craft the financial results you desire.

Get full show notes and the episode transcript:

wealthovernow.com/how-six-figure-owners-outsource-their-financial-awareness/

Links mentioned in this episode…

https://wealthovernow.com/appointment