Hey everyone, Jess here! In our latest episode of "Sex and Money with Jess," we dove into the empowering world of personal finance. I shared insights on how to carve out your own financial path, emphasizing the importance of making decisions that resonate with your unique life story and goals.

We discussed the common trap of following others' financial advice without considering if it aligns with our personal dreams and circumstances. While financial advisors are valuable for their expertise, I reminded listeners that they only see parts of our financial puzzle. As a money coach myself, I admitted that even I seek professional advice, but ultimately, we are the ones responsible for our financial choices.

I shared a story about a friend's dilemma between choosing a high-yield savings account and a credit union offer, highlighting that there's no one-size-fits-all solution in finance. We explored the idea that financial gurus like Rich Dad Poor Dad or Dave Ramsey offer perspectives based on their experiences, but it's crucial to filter their advice through our own life lens.

The episode encourages listeners to ask themselves what they truly want from their financial journey and to seek knowledge to make informed decisions. I stressed the importance of taking responsibility for our financial choices, as they shape our journey and teach us valuable lessons.

We also touched on the dynamic nature of our financial paths, how they can change direction based on new life events or goals, and the power we have to rewrite our financial narratives at any point.

I want you to enjoy the process, learn from it, and get excited about the future they're creating. I believe in the power of personal responsibility and the joy that comes from making our financial journey our own.

Remember, your financial journey is unique, and I'm here to support you every step of the way. Let's continue to grow and thrive together. Can't wait to catch up with you all in the next episode. Until then, keep dreaming big and taking charge of your money story!

Connect with Jess

Website: www.lovealwaysjess.com/getstarted

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/confident_sexuality

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In today's episode we tackled the empowering topic of asking for more money and recognizing your worth. We delved into the current climate where workers are advocating for fair compensation and the importance of understanding your value in the workplace.

I shared my personal journey of going from a $50,000 salary at a gaming company to being put on probation and facing a pay cut, to eventually landing a job that paid $60,000 and then successfully negotiating a 40% raise to $90,000 with a 10% bonus. This story highlighted the courage it takes to ask for what you deserve and the importance of being prepared with a list of your accomplishments and a clear idea of your worth.

We discussed the gender differences in job applications and promotions, noting that women often wait until they feel 100% qualified before asking for a raise, while men might do so when they feel 60% ready. I encouraged listeners to trust in their ability to learn and grow into new roles.

The episode emphasized the power of negotiation and the reality that companies aim to save money. I advised listeners to go into salary discussions with a higher figure in mind, as it opens up room for negotiation. It's important to remember that the worst outcome is simply a "no," and there are always options available, whether it's accepting the offer, finding a new job, or negotiating further.

I also offered insights from my experience in payroll and budgeting, explaining how companies approach salary decisions and the importance of advocating for yourself since companies prioritize their bottom line.

Remember, you are worth it, and it's up to you to chase what you deserve. Show up with confidence, negotiate your value, and don't be afraid to ask for more.

Share this episode with someone who could benefit from it, and don't forget to leave a review. Here's to thriving in all aspects of life!

Connect with Jess

Website: www.lovealwaysjess.com/getstarted

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/confident_sexuality

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In this episode of Sex and Money with Jess, I delve into the importance of starting your financial journey, regardless of your age or past hesitations. I share my personal experiences and the realization that it's never too late to take control of your finances and work towards your goals.

I discuss the societal pressures and shame that often hold us back from pursuing our financial dreams. I reflect on my own hesitations about starting this podcast and how I overcame the fear of entering an already established market. This journey has taught me valuable lessons about growth and the power of starting, no matter how late it may seem.

I open up about my goal of buying a house within the next year and the steps I'm taking to achieve it, such as cutting back on expenses and saying no to certain opportunities.

I encourage you, to identify your goals and the reasons behind them, and to take small, consistent steps towards achieving them. Starting earlier might have led to different outcomes, it's the decision to start now that truly matters.

I believe in your ability to reach your goals and the importance of taking action today. I invite you to join me on this journey of financial empowerment and to share this message with others who might benefit from it.

Remember, it's not about where you could have been, but where you can go from here. Let's chase our dreams together and create the future we desire.

Connect with Jess

Website: www.lovealwaysjess.com/getstarted

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/confident_sexuality

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In today's episode of Sex and Money with Jess, we explored the delicate balance between enjoying life's pleasures and being financially responsible. I shared insights on how to deepen your relationship with yourself and others when it comes to sex and money, and how to step into your empowered self without shame or societal pressures.

We kicked off the discussion with my personal experience in a book club, where we're currently reading "Daring Greatly" by Brene Brown. This led to a reflection on the courage it takes to pursue podcasting and personal growth.

I am debunking the myth that small indulgences like avocado toast or Starbucks coffee are the reasons behind not achieving financial milestones like buying a house. Instead, I emphasized the importance of enjoying your money without excessive restriction.

I shared a creative approach to saving for big purchases, like setting a task and assigning a dollar value to it, which adds an element of fun and satisfaction to the process. Additionally, I discussed the importance of cutting back on non-essential expenses, like multiple streaming services, to free up funds for more meaningful experiences.

The key takeaway is to identify what truly brings you joy and to make conscious choices about where to cut back. It's about setting clear financial goals, understanding the sacrifices needed to reach them, and still allowing yourself the pleasures that make life worth living.

Life is meant to be enjoyed and that we should dare greatly to reach our goals without sacrificing joy. I invited listeners to reflect on their own financial and personal joy, and to join me again next week for more empowering discussions.

Connect with Jess

Website: www.lovealwaysjess.com/getstarted

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/confident_sexuality

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Welcome back to Sex and Money w/ Jess, let's dive into today's topic: quick fixes. I often find myself having conversations with people facing financial challenges or laying the foundation for their future. Quick fixes like selling possessions or making impulsive decisions may seem tempting, but there's more to consider.

Before jumping into a quick fix, take a moment to analyze all angles. Consider scenarios like selling your car to buy a bike for commuting. While it sounds eco-friendly and healthy, factors like weather, terrain, and unexpected situations need attention.

Financially, selling items or making quick changes can bring in income, but have you thought about what you'll do with that money? Are you pausing to decide if it goes into savings, investments, or paying off debts?

The issue arises when people revert to old spending habits after a quick financial boost. The key is to align the newfound income with your financial goals. Enjoying money is essential, but when you have specific financial objectives, a quick fix might not be the best approach.

When considering a quick fix, pause and discuss it with someone you trust. Seek a second opinion and talk through the pros and cons. Write down the numerical value of the quick fix and create a financial scenario, looking ahead to months or even years. The goal is to make a decision aligned with your financial future.

Don't rush into quick fixes without assessing the impact. Sleep on it, and physically act out scenarios. Ask yourself if it feels right and if it aligns with your goals. Quick fixes aren't always bad, but taking the time to pause and assess leads to more informed decisions.

I've learned from experience that impulsive decisions without a financial foundation can lead to regrets. Whether it takes days or hours, create a routine of understanding your finances. It'll benefit you more in the long run.

If you're in the midst of contemplating a quick fix and need an opinion, feel free to shoot me an email. I'm here to help.

Connect with Jess

Website: www.lovealwaysjess.com/getstarted

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/confident_sexuality

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In this episode, we dive into the crucial topic of ignoring your finances. We explore why many of us adopt the habit of turning a blind eye to our financial realities and the potential consequences of doing so. It's a common mindset to believe that if we ignore financial issues, they will resolve themselves or disappear over time. However, I challenge this notion and emphasize the importance of facing financial truths head-on.

One of the goals of this episode  is to get you to reflect on your current state of mind regarding finances. Are you content with staying in a state of fear and avoidance, hindering our progress and the pursuit of our dreams? This  extends beyond the immediate concerns of financial hardship, acknowledging that even those in a stable situation may miss out on fully understanding and leveraging their finances.

One of the key reasons for ignoring your finances is the belief that there's always time to address financial matters later in life. I want to  challenge this procrastination mentality, and urge you  to start taking steps today for a more impactful and secure financial future. There are so many excuses why not to start, but I want you to think about what you could create if you just start now. 

I also dive into the fear associated with knowing your financial standing is another obstacle. Whether it's student loan debt, credit card debt, or simply not being aware of account balances, face these fears. There is so much power in taking control of your financial situation.

Start small. Start today. Do one small thing today to get you closer to where you want to be. Make sure to tune in as I share with you some small steps you can start taking now to take control of your finances.

Connect with Jess

Website: www.lovealwaysjess.com/getstarted

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/confident_sexuality

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In today's episode, we delve into a powerful emotion that often lurks behind our financial decisions: shame. I believe that shame is the underpinning, the very core, of the emotions we associate with our money troubles, concerns, and anxieties. As Brené Brown aptly puts it, shame is the intensely painful feeling or experience of believing that we are flawed and therefore unworthy of love and belonging.

At 35, having traversed different phases of my own money journey, I can assure you that even I grapple with shame. It emerges when I scrutinize my spending, ponder my financial future, or compare myself to others on divergent paths. That inner voice whispers, "You're falling short; you won't make it." But here's the truth: you're not doing anything wrong; your priorities simply differ.

In this episode we explore the origins of shame. Society often dictates what is deemed the "superior" way to handle money. Influencers like Dave Ramsey or the lifestyles of friends and family can become benchmarks, leading to shame if we fall short of these standards.

Consider this: shame creeps in when we attempt to fit ourselves into someone else's life framework. Trying to replicate their financial choices may not align with our true desires, causing dissatisfaction and shame. It's crucial to recognize that your path, unique to you, is not wrong; it's simply different.

I confess to feeling shame in my own financial journey. Initially fixated on societal expectations, I believed owning a house was the key to financial wisdom. However, my 2020 choice to move into an apartment sparked criticism from those advocating homeownership. Little did I know, the world would change in three months.

Had I succumbed to shame, I might have missed out on invaluable experiences. The pandemic allowed me to grow independently in my first solo living experience. Financially, I could afford an apartment in California. It granted me freedom during remote work, privacy in relationships, and ultimately led me to meet the love of my life in my apartment complex.

While some may view my years in the apartment as "throwing money away," the memories, personal growth, and relationships formed make it priceless. The key is acknowledging shame but not letting it dictate your worth or decisions. It's a tool teaching valuable lessons but should never make you feel unworthy or unlovable.

As we navigate our financial journeys, let's prioritize decisions aligned with our true selves. Pause, reflect, and ask: Does this decision feel right to me? Is it propelling me towards my desired future? If the answer is yes, let go of shame; thank it for its concern. If not, embrace the opportunity to reevaluate without succumbing to shame.

Remember, you are a beautiful soul, and your decisions impact the world uniquely. Put your money where it feels right, silencing the voice of shame.

Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Sex and Money with Jess podcast! I'm Jessica, and I'm thrilled to embark on this journey with you, whether you're tuning in during your daily commute, workout, or enjoying some quality me time. Thank you for joining me as we delve into the intertwined realms of sex and money.

Growing up in a household where discussions about sex and money were open and encouraged, I realized that my family dynamic was not the norm. Conversations with friends and observations of societal norms unveiled a significant shroud of shame and silence surrounding these topics. This fueled my curiosity – why the hesitancy to discuss these vital aspects of our lives openly?

My journey initially led me to pursue a career as a youth pastor, but a realization during my freshman year of college prompted a shift. I observed the lack of proper sex education, particularly in religious institutions with an abstinence-only approach. This eye-opening experience led me to aspire to become a sex therapist.

However, the extensive education required led me to switch gears, and I pursued accounting, eventually becoming an associate director of finance in the music industry. Alongside my financial journey, I attained credentials as a sex coach during a hiatus from pursuing formal education.

In this podcast, we'll kick off by focusing on money, a pervasive force in our lives. Money influences every facet, and its impact is undeniable. Despite my privileged background, I've faced financial struggles – from probation and a pay cut to managing credit card debt. Through these experiences, I've learned valuable lessons that I'm eager to share.

Over the next episodes, we'll discuss various money-related topics, addressing shame, navigating finances, and negotiating for better compensation. Money paths are unique to individuals, shaped by personal goals and current situations. The goal is to empower you, helping you unearth confidence and trust in yourself while making gradual shifts toward financial well-being.

I want you to feel secure, confident, and excited about your financial future. By the end of this series, my aim is for you to take control of your money, reframing your mindset and initiating positive changes. I truly believe in your power to transform your financial narrative.

Whether you engage through this podcast, workshops, or coaching, together, we'll explore what money means to you, crafting a story that leads to a brighter future. It's time to break down the doors of silence and embrace conversations around sex and money. Let's get excited about managing, looking at, and utilizing our money.

You've got this!

Connect with Jess

Website: www.lovealwaysjess.com/getstarted

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/confident_sexuality

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Hello and welcome to Sex & Money with Jess! The podcast that will have you cozying up with yourself, or your partner, and asking the real, honest questions surrounding two of the most vulnerable topics.

Jess' light hearted approach will have you growing more intimate with your feelings, goals, and reality surrounding your finances and sex life. Put on your favorite lingerie, grab your bank statements, and cuddle up with Jess every Monday to deepen your exploration into the alluring world of sex and money.