Today we’re talking about one of my favorite truths in personal finance:

👉 Making money is only half the game. The other half is learning how to hold onto it.

It sounds simple, right? But it’s one of the biggest financial blind spots I see.

Some people make incredible incomes but are constantly stressed about money.
 Others earn modest paychecks but somehow build quiet, lasting wealth.

The difference isn’t luck—it’s balance.
 It’s how well you play both sides of the money game: offense and defense.

So, let’s unpack the psychology, the habits, and the mindset shifts behind making money vs. holding onto money.

It’s one of those lines that can feel blurry. Because being careful with your money sounds wise, right? But sometimes that same caution crosses into territory that can actually cost you — not just in dollars, but in relationships, opportunities, and even peace of mind.

So in this episode, we’ll break down:

• What truly separates frugal from cheap
• Why the difference matters more than you think
• The hidden costs of being too extreme
• And how to find your healthy middle ground

Today’s episode is for anyone who’s ever wondered, “Am I actually doing okay with my money?”

Because here’s the truth — personal finance can feel like a moving target. The more you learn, the more goals appear on the horizon. And sometimes, it feels like you’re never quite “there.”

So today, I want to walk you through 10 money milestones that prove you’re actually crushing it — even if it doesn’t always feel like it.

These aren’t just random benchmarks. They’re practical signs of progress that show you’re building not just wealth, but financial stability, confidence, and freedom.

Today, we’re talking about something deceptively simple — and yet it might be the most important mindset in all of personal finance:

👉 Focus on what you can control.

We live in a world where money feels unpredictable. The markets swing. Prices rise. Interest rates jump. Layoffs happen.

And it’s easy — so easy — to feel powerless.

But here’s the truth: you don’t need control over everything to make progress.
You just need to focus your energy where it actually makes a difference.

Today, I want to break that idea down — how it applies to your money, how it protects your peace, and why mastering it changes everything. 

Today, we’re getting real — like, uncomfortably real.
Because the truth is, personal finance isn’t all about spreadsheets, savings hacks, and investing apps.
Sometimes, it’s about facing the hard stuff — the kind of truths nobody puts on social media.
These are the conversations that don’t always sound pretty, but they’re the ones that change how you see your money — and yourself.

So today, we’re talking about five hard truths about personal finance nobody talks about.
They might sting a little, but by the end of this episode, you’ll see them for what they are — freedom disguised as discomfort.

Most people think mastering personal finance is about learning the right facts — understanding credit scores, investment strategies, or budgeting formulas. But information alone doesn’t build wealth or prevent debt. The truth is, managing money is less about math and more about mindset. It’s about how you act when faced with temptation, uncertainty, or pressure. Personal finance isn’t a knowledge problem; it’s a behavior problem. And recognizing that difference is the key to lasting financial success. 

Money and love are two of the most powerful forces in our lives — and when they collide, things can get complicated. We all know that communication is key in relationships, but few of us are taught how to talk about money. It’s awkward, emotional, and sometimes even shame-filled. That’s why many couples don’t just avoid money talks — they hide money truths.

That’s where financial infidelity enters the picture. 

If the word “budget” makes you cringe, you’re not alone. Many people imagine endless spreadsheets, strict limits, and a life stripped of fun. But the truth is, managing your money doesn’t have to feel like punishment. Budgeting is really about giving yourself more freedom, not less—freedom to spend on what matters, reduce stress, and build security. For those who hate traditional budgets, there are simple, flexible hacks that take the pressure off and still keep your finances on track. Think of it less as budgeting, and more as making money work quietly in the background while you live your life. Let’s talk about that today!

A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is one of the most underutilized benefits offered by employers. Many employees either forget about it, underfund it, or fail to spend their funds before the plan year ends. Yet, when used correctly, an FSA can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars annually by allowing you to pay for eligible healthcare or dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars. Today’s episode is all about how FSAs work, what expenses qualify, strategies for maximizing your contributions, and tips for year-round management.

Money traps are deceptive financial behaviors or situations that drain your wealth over time, often making it difficult to build savings and achieve financial security. They can range from high-interest debt to not investing and diversifying properly. These traps are designed to feel harmless in the moment, but together they add up and keep you from reaching your financial goals. Recognizing them is the first step to avoiding them—and reclaiming control over your money. Let’s talk about that today!