Debt can make you feel anxious and shameful. As a six-figure earner, I know how tempting it is to put all of your focus on paying off credit cards or loans. But when you are only working at paying down debt, you lose sight of all your other financial goals.

In today's episode, I share the five main reasons I tell my clients to look beyond paying off debt. I explain how creating a budget that incorporates debt payments is an essential tool for financial management. You deserve to enjoy life and spend money on what brings you joy. Every extra dollar you earn should not go towards paying off debt. Financial freedom starts with intentional spending, knowing your numbers, and leveraging a budget that works for your lifestyle. Paying off debt is only a small factor in creating financial freedom. 

During this episode, I share reasons why paying off debt should not be your sole focus and what to do instead:

[07:55] Paying off credit cards isn’t the only marker of success

[09:00] Focusing on paying down debt overshadows intentional spending

[10:08] There is no plan for what to do when debt is paid off

[11:05] Miss opportunities to invest in yourself

[12:00] What you SHOULD be doing: the importance of budgeting

If you are ready to learn how to think beyond paying off debt, tune into this episode of Money Files!

Get full show notes and the episode transcript: https://wealthovernow.com/5-reasons-why-you-shouldnt-only-focus-on-paying-off-debt/

Links mentioned in this episode…

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

Saving money $10,000 can be an intimidating goal, especially if you are someone who doesn't identify as a saver. But reaching a savings goal is easier than you think!

In today's episode, I share my special 'Magic Ten' process to save $10,000. This is the method I coach my clients on, and it is successful for anyone. Not only will the Magic Ten process help you achieve your savings goal, but it will also help you shift your mindset and build financial confidence. If you feel like you don't know how to save, are constantly dipping into your savings, or feel like money just slips through your fingers, this episode is for you! So tune in and get started on a $10k savings plan! 

During this episode, I share my Magic Ten process to save $10,000. Follow along with these key points:

[02:20] Intro to my ‘Magic 10’ process to save $10,000

[05:30] Adopt the belief you are a saver

[06:50] Build a $10k plan

[12:06] Identify and reframe your roadblocks

If you are ready to learn how to save $10,000, tune into this episode of Money Files!

Get full show notes and the episode transcript: https://wealthovernow.com/a-stress-free-way-to-save-10000/

Links mentioned in this episode…

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

Download my free five-day Financial Habit Tracker.

You can save money, pay down debt, and still spend money on things that make you happy! When you are focused on money goals like increasing savings and paying off credit card debt, it is easy to feel shameful about spending money. But you work too hard as a six-figure earner not to invest in fun.

In today’s episode, I share the importance of a personal allowance. By establishing an allowance in your spending plan or budget, you give yourself permission to treat yourself to a manicure, fancy dinner, or special treat in a controlled way that still aligns with your financial goals. 

If you make good money but can’t get out of the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle, are hyper-focused on paying down debt, or feel shame about spending on items that make you feel good, this episode is for you! 

During this episode, I offer five reasons why you need a personal allowance:

[04:25] Align spending with financial goals

[06:08] Permission to invest in yourself

[07:07] Overcome shame of spending money

[08:11] Promotes financial wellness

[10:07] Give couples permission to spend, maintain financial autonomy, and reach partnership savings goals without impacting bills or debt

If you are ready to learn how to spend guilt-free and still hit all your money goals, tune into this episode of Money Files!

Get full show notes and the episode transcript: https://wealthovernow.com/why-you-need-a-personal-allowance/

Links mentioned in this episode…

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

Do you want to gain control of your spending? No matter how much money you earn, now is the right time to start building financial awareness and creating healthy spending behaviors. If you are someone who wants to gain control of your spending because you are tired of being up at night thinking about your finances, this episode is for you!

Today, I share the process I use during coaching sessions to help clients who feel like they are out of control with money. My judgment-free method focuses on how you think about your finances so that you can start shifting your spending habits so your spending is in alignment with your financial goals. I will take you through how to complete these exercises at home so you start feeling more confident about how you manage your money.  

During this episode, I share comprehensive steps to start gaining control of your spending habits:

[02:06] Why do you think you aren’t in control of your spending?

[04:40] How would you know if you were in control?

[06:35] Track your spending for the next five days

[07:57] Observe your spending habits

[11:35] Continue the habit & create a plan

[13:40] Evaluate your purchases

If you are ready to take back control of your spending, tune into this episode of Money Files!

Get full show notes and the episode transcript: https://wealthovernow.com/how-to-take-control-of-your-spending/

Links mentioned in this episode…

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

Download my free five-day Financial Habit Tracker

Most of my clients are scared of debt. Society has created rules and regulations around when it is “okay” to get into debt. Going into debt for a house or car is normalized, but accumulating debt on shopping or healthcare is taboo. There is so much negative talk about debt that you might feel shame about your own credit card balance or the need to use credit.

Today’s episode is about changing how you think and feel about debt. I share several helpful tips for managing debt, strategizing a payment plan, and overcoming feelings of overwhelm and shame. Debt can afford you amazing things, and having debt does not mean you are bad with money. So tune in to learn how you can make peace with your debt and take back control of your finances.

Are you ready to make peace with your debt? Start with these steps to improve your relationship with money, overcome feelings of shame, and start paying down debt with confidence.

[01:08] Learn to think of debt as being neutral.

[05:10] Make peace with your debt.

[08:20] Create a budget so you can see where your money is going.

[09:12] Prepare to pay off the debt with a clear strategy.

[11:18] Be consistent with your plan to pay off debt.

[12:35] Celebrate along your debt payoff journey.

If you want to change how you think about debt, tune into this episode of Money Files!

Get full show notes and the episode transcript: https://wealthovernow.com/simple-steps-to-pay-down-debt/

Links mentioned in this episode…

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

One of the top questions I get asked is, "How do I stick to a budget?" Society tells us we have to budget to manage our money well, but most teachings focus on restriction. If you are someone who has tried spreadsheets and apps and still struggle to maintain a budget, this episode is for you!

Today, I talk specifically about maintaining the habit of budgeting. I am excited to share this episode because it gives you five practical ways to navigate maintaining your budget.

This easy five-step plan will help you create a budget that works for you. 

Listen as I explain five steps to help you maintain the habit of budgeting:

[04:30] Define the purpose of budgeting in your life

[07:37] How did you feel the last time you went over your budget?

[11:28] What does it mean when you say you want to stick to the budget?

[14:25] Make space in your budget for fun

[15:18] Schedule weekly money dates

If you are ready to change how you think about budgeting, tune into this episode of Money Files!

Get full show notes and the episode transcript: 

https://wealthovernow.com/5-ways-to-maintain-the-habit-of-budgeting/

Links mentioned in this episode...

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

The home buying process can feel overwhelming whether you’re looking to buy your first home or you want to make the transition to a new home. Today, I’m sharing four steps I used to prepare for homeownership. If you want to feel financially prepared to buy a home tune into this episode.

In this episode, I share four financial tips to get ready to buy a house. Whether you are a new home buyer or looking to upgrade to a larger property, my four-step process makes purchasing property a seamless and stress-free experience. Learn what to budget for, how to prepare for mortgage payments, and which type of loans could benefit you. This is the same process I’ve used to help my clients  realize their dreams of homeownership, and I am excited to share this financial strategy plan with you!

Listen as I explain the importance of taking these four financial steps before considering home ownership: 

[06:00] create a budget to see what you can afford

[07:06] create a budget for home ownership

[09:50] save money and pay off debt

[13:23] get prequalified for the house you want to buy

If you are considering buying a home, don’t miss this episode of Money Files!

Get full show notes and the episode transcript: https://wealthovernow.com/4-financial-tips-to-help-plan-for-homeownership/

Links mentioned in this episode…

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

On today’s episode, I am joined by former client and career coach, Kim Tran.  Kim is a hiring manager and owner of Your Work Inspired, a company with a mission to provide a holistic approach to closing the wage and wealth gap for women of color regardless of job titles and industry. 

In this episode, we discuss the perceived challenges of pivoting in your career. It might feel familiar to maintain the status quo when it comes to your career but there is also power in pursuing new careers with curiosity. As a hiring manager, Kim shares three key insights on:

Tune in as Kim, and I share our personal stories and client experiences. We hope this episode inspires you to overcome feelings of fear and overwhelm to apply for new roles. 

In this episode, Kim and I discuss these points about career pivots:  deciding to pivot your career:

[06:00] Why you might want to pivot your career

[09:00] Figuring out how to network in a way that is comfortable to you

[19:15] How to identify where you go next in your career

[23:50] How to apply for a job that you don’t meet every requirement for

[34:54] The importance of constructive voices

[35:00] When to know it’s the time to pivot in your career

[39:57] Benefits of “dating around” in the job world

Listen to this episode of Money Files for an insightful discussion about pivoting your career and getting the salary you deserve.

Get full show notes and the episode transcript: https://wealthovernow.com/how-to-make-a-career-pivot-with-kim-tran/

Links mentioned in this episode…

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

Negotiating for the Salary You Desire & Deserve with Kim Tran - Wealth Over Now

CliftonStrengths Online Talent Assessment | EN - Gallup

Salary.com

Today I discuss a problem that impacts current clients, past clients, and potential clients. There’s a sneaky thought you might have when it comes to managing your finances: I’m afraid I’ll fall back into bad financial habits.

This fear can hold you back from applying to work with a financial coach. It can cause you to freeze and go into a downward spiral when you have to put an expense on a credit card unexpectedly. Do not let this sneaky thought prevent you from reaching your money goals.

These powerful questions will help you find the reason behind your financial choices and keep you moving forward by helping you to…

[08:32] Identify your fears

[09:45] Reflect on success

[13:39] Be your own lifesaver

[16:06] Embrace continuous growth

Tune into this episode for six steps to overcome the fear of falling back into bad money habits. 

Get full show notes and the episode transcript: https://wealthovernow.com/personal-finances-budgeting-financial-habits-financial-self-concept-money-problems-self-doubt-bad-habits/

Links mentioned in this episode…

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

76 | Defining And Understanding Your Financial Self Concept

37 | How Brent Ditched Perfectionism and Got Intentional with His Spending

Today I share 15 things you need to start doing right now to stay on top of your financial health. Managing your money successfully is about more than just paying off debt, saving money, and sticking to a budget. These 15 tips are designed to help you see the big picture so you can manage your money with current and future goals in mind.

I will cover every aspect of personal finances today! Listen in for tips on everything from saving for retirement to monitoring automatic bill payments. This episode is all about practical advice that you can add to your financial wellness toolkit. 

I designed this episode with these goals in mind…

[01:17] I want you to have a holistic approach to your financial health.

[02:00] I wanted to give you 15 things to think about and so you can go through and say: Am I doing this? How do I consider this? Where is this in terms of my tool kit and how I think about money?

Tune in to this episode of Money Files for 15 of my best tips to improve your overall financial health. 

Get full show notes and the episode transcript: https://wealthovernow.com/personal-finances-budgeting-bill-tracking-paying-down-debt-saving-money-financial-management-retirement-high-yield-savings-credit-card-debt-bill-autopay/

Links mentioned in this episode…

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