On this episode of Financially Naked: Stories from The Financial Gym, Shannon McLay, our Founder and CEO is hosting! To celebrate this 100 episode milestone, she is joined by Certified Financial Trainers, Kadri Auguston and Victoria Sechrist. In the almost two years of recording this show, Victoria and Kadri have been the hosts of over 25% of all the time.  Today, the trio sits down to answer listener questions, chat about favorite episodes, and discuss what is so special about recording this show and working at the Gym. 

Shannon has recorded over 400 episodes of her award-winning podcast, Martinis and Your Money. In that time. topics directly related to the Gym have been an aspect of the show. It became clear there were enough stories for a separate show entirely. Which is when Financially Naked was born. 

100 episodes later, here we are! The name, Financially Naked comes from the first session you have with a trainer at the Gym. During these sessions, we have vulnerable conversations and connect on an emotional level. It is a regular part of what we do on this show and as trainers. Podcast Notes

• Podcast episodes are a fun way to learn more about your clients and colleagues than you ever have before. 
• The client base at the Gym is diverse in age, income levels, and backgrounds. 
• They have so many things going on in their lives and hearing the stories is a pleasure. 
• On this podcast, 23 episodes feature clients! 
• Many episodes are inspired by conversations between trainers, their clients and each other. 

 

 PARTS OF THE JOB 

• Trainers are financial historians. It can be hard to see the progress when it feels slow, but your trainers know. They see it and are there to remind you of that amazing work. 
• Clients at the Gym are the bravest people out there. 
• People ask, “Am I your worst client?” or “Is it bad?” Shannon says ‘the worst’ client is not a member of the Gym. If you’re here, showing up, you are doing a brave thing. 
• People think they’re alone in their struggles, but over 70% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck. It’s important to recognize other folks are going through it too and to be gentle with yourself. 
• The hardest part is showing up, especially when it’s not going well. If you keep showing up, you’ll get the results.
• It’s great to look back and remind clients where they were, just a year ago. Seeing the mindset shift is huge. 
• Encouraging self-compassion is a huge aspect of financial training. Reminding people it’s okay to give themselves a break. 
• Also giving credit for the victories like staying out of credit card debt, not adding more debt, or having a cushion in place. 
• Everything you do is financially fixable. We can deal with the finances. It’s just numbers. 
• Trainers are detectives, looking for what Kadri calls the ‘cashflow boogeyman’ 
• When there’s a gap between earning and spending and you have to find creative ways to close it. 
• You may not remember what you spent money on months ago, but it becomes part of your timeline. Your choices in the moment matter and small things can add up quickly. 
• This is a really eye-opening journey for some clients. It is fun to help them confront the Boogeyman and see the lightbulb moments along the way, 

THE POWER OF EXPENSE REPORTS

• At the early stages, clients go through the spending exercises. The spending reports from the Training Zone are a powerful tool. 
• When trainers go through them at the Gym with clients, there is no judgement. 
• They are a conversation starter and provide surprising information for both client and trainer. 
• It helps folks figure out where their money is going. It’s one step on the personal finance journey.
• Some clients graduate from expense reviews, but occasionally want to bring it back for a refresh.  It’s a great tool in that way.
• Kadri will go line by line with clients and instead of focusing on the number, ask questions like, “What was that purchase?’ “Who was that meal with?” “Did it bring you joy?” to help change the relationship with spending. 
• It’s about making room for the things clients want to do. 
• You can have fun AND be financially healthy. 

KADRI’S FAVORITES:

• His episode with Dr. Leslie Faerstein about Wellness and Anxiety during COVID Listen to Wellness and Anxiety During COVID HERE
• His episode with Melissa Blatt all about healthcare for freelancersListen to Healthcare for Freelancers HERE
• The episode with Gus, all about overspending. Shannon reveals this is the second most downloaded episode and loves how honest this one is. Listen to Overspending in Your 20's HERE

VICTORIA’S FAVORITES: 

• Her solo episode about figuring out YOUR goals and why they are important to you! Listen to Your Goals vs. Expectations of Others HERE 
• The episode with Bevin about using your emergency fund. It was coming up for many clients and inspired a great conversation. Listen to Using Your Emergency Fund HERE

IF YOU WANT TO BE ON THIS SHOW

• If you are a client, let your trainer know! Go right to the source. If you have an idea or story to share, they’ll get you set up. 
• You can email [email protected] 
• We welcome real stories from anonymous names if you prefer to stay private as a guest. 

Most Downloaded Episodes

1. First Time Home Buying with Terri and LemonBrew
2. Overspending in Your 20’s with Kadri & Gus
3. Understanding Your Financial Plan with Crystal and Nick
4. Money Mistakes and Regrets with Hector and Garrett 

Meet The TrainersMeet Kadri Augustin, Level 3 Certified Financial Trainer

Meet Victoria Sechrist, Level 3 Certified Financial Trainer