One thing you probably know about me by now is that I’m always trying to improve.

I’m always working towards new goals, new levels and being better than I was yesterday.

Certain areas of my life are much easier to work on than others, but overall, I’m constantly striving to be the next best version of myself.

To do that, it requires building habits and routines that support my growth and development.

It also requires letting go of habits and routines that no longer serve me. I spend a lot of time at the end of the year reflecting on things that work and don’t work in my life, money and business.

In this episode, I’m sharing the habits I plan to implement as quickly as possible to help me step into the next best version of me.

Here's a glance at this episode:

• [02:00] Raya vows to be proactive when expanding her knowledge. She plans on reading physical books, listening to audiobooks and taking online classes.
• [05:50] Raya shares what she recently learned from the book Think and Grow Rich – that having knowledge is irrelevant if that knowledge is never used.
• [08:41] Tracking macros in My Fitness Pal is a high priority for Raya in 2025, even though it sounds intimidating. 
• [12:53] Raya wants to initiate virtual coffee chats with guests from the City Girl Savings podcast, this can help expand her network.
• [16:22] Let’s vow to do more of what makes us happy. As cheesy as it sounds, doing more of what makes you happy is a lifelong pursuit.

Rate, Review, & Follow:

Did you love this episode? Are you a fan of the City Girl Savings podcast? If so, please consider rating and reviewing the show!

This helps spread the word about City Girl Savings, and hopefully helps more people make the best money moves possible on the way to their dream life!

To leave a review on Apple Podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, please make sure you’re subscribed and following the City Girl Savings podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Raya Recommends: Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

Learn about Raya’s Financial Focus Coaching Program

Follow City Girl Savings on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok

Join the City Girl Savings Facebook Group

Subscribe to the City Girl Savings Newsletter!

There is nothing wrong with wanting to be a wealthy individual.

I REPEAT: There is nothing wrong with wanting to be a wealthy individual. The more wealth we have, the more good we can do.

I saw a post on social media that said the world needs more women billionaires – women like MacKenzie Scott, Melinda Gates and Taylor Swift – women using their financial resources for good.

I couldn’t agree more.

In 2025, my focus is definitely on building my wealth, and hopefully yours is too!  But what is built must also be protected.

That’s why I’m so excited to talk with former financial advisor, now Certified Financial Planner Brittney Castro on the show today.

Brittney and I are going to talk about how women can build and protect their wealth for the long haul.

Here's a glance at this episode:

• [02:52] Brittney breaks down her journey in the financial services industry, including the experience of selling her financial planning business.
• [11:51] Do you struggle with knowing your values? Brittney acknowledges that it can be a struggle to know your next steps when you’re unsure.
• [17:10] Not sure if you should save or pay off debt? Brittney shares her advice for deciding whether to save or pay off your debt or do both!
• [32:49] Brittney walks through different investment vehicles, including life insurance and leveraging it for building wealth.
• [40:44] If you leverage your life insurance policy properly, you can access tax-free dollars and use how you’d like.

Rate, Review, & Follow:

Did you love this episode? Are you a fan of the City Girl Savings podcast? If so, please consider rating and reviewing the show!

This helps spread the word about City Girl Savings, and hopefully helps more people make the best money moves possible on the way to their dream life!

To leave a review on Apple Podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, please make sure you’re subscribed and following the City Girl Savings podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Follow Brittney on Instagram

Learn about Raya’s Financial Focus Coaching Program

Follow City Girl Savings on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok

Join the City Girl Savings Facebook Group

Subscribe to the City Girl Savings Newsletter!

If I think back to 10 years ago today, I was literally days away from launching City Girl Savings!

I had come up with the idea for City Girl Savings near the end of 2013 and started taking action all through 2014.

I hired a company to design a website with the capability of fostering a community, technology to allow me to create customer budget plans through the website and hold a plethora of blog articles.

My mission at the time was to help show women they could live a life of fashion, travel and self-care while reaching money milestones through budgeting.

That website was a site for sore eyes, but on January 1st, 2015, City Girl Savings came to life.

As we approach our 10-year anniversary, I want to share what 10 years in business has looked like for City Girl Savings.

In this episode, I’m reflecting on the growth, the changes, and the lessons learned after 10 years in business.

Here's a glance at this episode:

• [02:06] City Girl Savings was not an overnight success. The first business sale came 8 months after launching.
• [04:44] 2023 was the first year City Girl Savings saw a large reduction in revenue. Raya shares more about business finances over the years.
• [08:29] Raya has learned that City Girl Savings isn’t for everyone. It was hard not to take this personal in the beginning.
• [12:46] Another struggle Raya had in the early stages of the company was understanding that no one is going to love the business as much as her. It’s her baby, no one else’s.
• [18:29] Comparison is something Raya is good about not doing. While she’s human and has her moments, she doesn’t stay in those moments of comparison.

Rate, Review, & Follow:

Did you love this episode? Are you a fan of the City Girl Savings podcast? If so, please consider rating and reviewing the show!

This helps spread the word about City Girl Savings, and hopefully helps more people make the best money moves possible on the way to their dream life!

To leave a review on Apple Podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, please make sure you’re subscribed and following the City Girl Savings podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Listen to CGS Podcast Episode 77 – Behind the Scenes of the CGS Team

Get 20% off Custom Budget Plans. Use code 2025!

Get 20% off 1-on-1 money coaching with Raya! Use code 2025.

Request a complimentary call with Raya to discuss your finances!

Learn about Raya’s Financial Focus Coaching Program

Follow City Girl Savings on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok

Join the City Girl Savings Facebook Group

Subscribe to the City Girl Savings Newsletter!

The older I get, the more I realize how important money management is.

Having money, keeping money, and growing money – things that we really aren’t taught early in life, but things that make a huge difference in the quality of our lives.

I was fortunate enough to be in a tough financial situation in my early 20s that opened my eyes to the importance of doing the right things with money.

Now, I strive to help women see the value of budgeting and money management and learn what it takes to succeed with it.

If you’ve been wanting to prioritize your money, but haven’t gotten around to it yet, this episode is for you.

I’m sharing 5 empowering reasons to prioritize your money next year and keep it a priority indefinitely.

Here's a glance at this episode:

• [01:43] Raya breaks down inflation, how it’s calculated and how it has changed over time.
• [04:00] Inflation and cost of living increases are inevitable. Prioritizing your money can help you stay ahead of the curve.
• [07:18] Raya doesn’t believe Social Security benefits will ever go away, but relying on them to get you through the future is not a smart move.
• [08:02] As a way to face fear and focus on solutions, Raya and her fiancé run through their worst-case scenarios and things they can do to counter them.
• [13:09] Prioritizing your money now means you won’t have to stress and worry about money as much in the future. Invest in real estate and the stock market as early as possible.

Rate, Review, & Follow:

Did you love this episode? Are you a fan of the City Girl Savings podcast? If so, please consider rating and reviewing the show!

This helps spread the word about City Girl Savings, and hopefully helps more people make the best money moves possible on the way to their dream life!

To leave a review on Apple Podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, please make sure you’re subscribed and following the City Girl Savings podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Listen to CGS Podcast Episode 1 – Big City Spender to City Girl Saver

Request a complimentary call with Raya to discuss your finances!

Learn about Raya’s Financial Focus Coaching Program

Follow City Girl Savings on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok

Join the City Girl Savings Facebook Group

Subscribe to the City Girl Savings Newsletter!

I can’t believe I’m getting ready to share my 2025 goals with you on the podcast!

Not only is time flying, but I think back to when I shared my goals on the podcast for the 2023 year.

I’m so grateful for another year of the City Girl Savings Podcast, but I’m also grateful to have learned long ago that time keeps going, so every opportunity I get to make the most of it, I take full advantage. 

I’ve been setting goals for decades and I have no doubt they’ve helped me get to where I am today, whether I actually reached the goals I set or not.

Alright, since we’re getting very close to the New Year, the time for me to reflect on my progress and set goals for the next year has come!

In this episode, I’m sharing my personal and business goals for 2025. I’m also giving you an update on my 2024 goals!

Here's a glance at this episode:

• [03:04] Raya kicks off by sharing her progress towards the goals she set in 2024 for both personal and business.
• [05:10] One goal for Raya in 2024 was to start therapy. She achieved this goal but may have to make some adjustments in 2025, thanks to insurance.
• [09:54] Trending back to normal revenue numbers for the business in 2024, but not quite reaching the goal of increasing revenue by 50%.
• [13:53] Raya was not expecting to reach a goal of owning a second home in Palm Springs. In 2025, Raya wants to see a short-term rental profit.
• [18:00] Similar to last year, Raya wants to focus on increasing City Girl Savings Newsletter subscribers in 2025.

Rate, Review, & Follow:

Did you love this episode? Are you a fan of the City Girl Savings podcast? If so, please consider rating and reviewing the show!

This helps spread the word about City Girl Savings, and hopefully helps more people make the best money moves possible on the way to their dream life!

To leave a review on Apple Podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, please make sure you’re subscribed and following the City Girl Savings podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Listen to CGS Podcast Episode 134 – 2024 Mid-Year Personal and Business Goal Check-In

Subscribe to the City Girl Savings Newsletter!

Learn about Raya’s Financial Focus Coaching Program

Follow City Girl Savings on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok

Join the City Girl Savings Facebook Group

Be honest with me. Have you ever considered working with a money coach but immediately thought: “why should I spend money to have someone help me with money”?

As a money coach who’s nearly a decade in, I’ve heard that sentiment more than you’d imagine…and I’m sure people have thought it without saying it out loud!

It’s a valid thought but requires deeper analysis.

If you needed help with the electrical wiring in your house and didn’t know what to do, you wouldn’t think twice about spending money on getting the help you need.

Same goes with other services, same goes with other areas of your life.

If you need help with your money and haven’t been able to figure it out on your own, there’s nothing wrong with paying to get the help you need.

In this episode, I’m sharing 6 ways a money coach can turn your life around. Let this episode serve as your sign to seek the help you need!

Here's a glance at this episode:

• [01:53] Raya shares her specialty when it comes to money coaching. She helps clients create and stick to realistic budget and spending plans.
• [04:03] When you don’t know what’s happening in your money situation, you’re likely not doing the best things with your money. That’s where a money coach can make a difference.
• [07:23] Willpower and self-accountability have limits. A money coach can help you stay strong and accountable with your financial decisions.
• [12:00] A money coach can motivate and encourage you to reach your goals faster.
• [15:15] It’s hard to deal with money struggles on your own. Having a money coach to talk things through can help relieve some stress.

Rate, Review, & Follow:

Did you love this episode? Are you a fan of the City Girl Savings podcast? If so, please consider rating and reviewing the show!

This helps spread the word about City Girl Savings, and hopefully helps more people make the best money moves possible on the way to their dream life!

To leave a review on Apple Podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, please make sure you’re subscribed and following the City Girl Savings podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Learn about Raya’s Financial Focus Coaching Program

Listen to CGS Podcast Episode 25 – How Financial Coaching Changed Her Life with Vanessa

Listen to CGS Podcast Episode 81 – Manifesting Money, Trips and More with Tymika

Listen to CGS Podcast Episode 129 – Budgeting Multiple Six Figures with Rachel

Follow City Girl Savings on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok

Join the City Girl Savings Facebook Group

Subscribe to the City Girl Savings Newsletter!

I don’t think anyone goes into a marriage thinking it could eventually end. However, life happens.

Sometimes, things don’t work out as we hope or plan they will and we have to course correct.

As someone who’s newly engaged, I want to make sure I think about all aspects of life and finances once our marriage begins.

I’ve also worked with plenty of clients who have been divorced or have gone through a divorce during our time together. It’s hard.

That’s why I’m so excited to chat with attorney Ashley Nicole Green on this week’s episode of the City Girl Savings podcast.

Ashley and I are going to discuss how women can navigate life and finances before marriage, after a divorce and everything in between.

Here's a glance at this episode:

• [05:00] Ashley shares that when she and her husband were newly engaged, they sat down and had a candid conversation about each of their financial situations.
• [13:30] Ashley explains how costly divorce can be, just because of how much time goes into it. This is where having a prenup can save both parties a lot of money.
• [20:30] Avoiding going to court for child support and custody arrangements is best. Ashley shares why and when it is necessary to go to court.
• [34:50] Ashley shares her advice for women who think they may need a divorce but don’t have a prenuptial agreement in place.
• [42:50] When navigating divorce with children, a great motto to uphold is “children at the center of every decision.”

Rate, Review, & Follow:

Did you love this episode? Are you a fan of the City Girl Savings podcast? If so, please consider rating and reviewing the show!

This helps spread the word about City Girl Savings, and hopefully helps more people make the best money moves possible on the way to their dream life!

To leave a review on Apple Podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, please make sure you’re subscribed and following the City Girl Savings podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Follow Ashley on Instagram

Learn more about Ashley’s Attorney Services

Learn about Raya’s Financial Focus Coaching Program

Follow City Girl Savings on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok

Join the City Girl Savings Facebook Group

Subscribe to the City Girl Savings Newsletter!

I don’t know about you, but the end of the year always puts me in a state of gratitude and reflection. 

Gratitude for all that has happened in the year and reflection on what has and hasn’t worked during the year.

Considering that Thanksgiving is only a few days away (at least if you’re listening to this live), I want to take some time to share the things I’m most grateful for in my life right now.

The beauty of gratitude is that there is truly so much to be grateful for. To be alive is a gift.

In this episode, I’m sharing 7 things I’m grateful for in my life. I encourage you to make your own list of things you’re grateful for as the holidays approach!

Here's a glance at this episode:

• [02:18] Raya kicks off her list of things she’s grateful for with her health. She shares why gratitude for her health is so important.
• [04:25] While Raya’s parents are deceased, she shares why she’s grateful for the family she does still have here with her.
• [07:20] Sometimes, Raya’s coaching clients end up turning into friends, and this is something Raya is always grateful for.
• [10:19] Raya ends her gratitude list with appreciation for her dogs, Milo and Toby.

Rate, Review, & Follow:

Did you love this episode? Are you a fan of the City Girl Savings podcast? If so, please consider rating and reviewing the show!

This helps spread the word about City Girl Savings, and hopefully helps more people make the best money moves possible on the way to their dream life!

To leave a review on Apple Podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, please make sure you’re subscribed and following the City Girl Savings podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Listen to CGS Podcast Episode 102 – 6 Ways Gratitude Makes for a Richer Life

Learn about Raya’s Financial Focus Coaching Program

Follow City Girl Savings on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok

Join the City Girl Savings Facebook Group

Subscribe to the City Girl Savings Newsletter!

If you’re listening to this episode when it’s released, we’re about six weeks away from the new year.

I love everything about this time – wrapping up a year, reflecting on how things have gone, and setting goals for another year.

I think now is the perfect time to get things in order. Don’t wait for a new year to start, start now!

If better money management is on your new year’s resolution list, what better time than now to begin? 

In this episode, I’m sharing some money systems to set up before the year ends.

Make it a point to implement these money systems in preparation for a new year, so this next year can be your best one yet!

Here's a glance at this episode:

• [02:15] It should come as no surprise that Raya recommends everyone set up a budgeting system – no matter what a person’s situation looks like.
• [06:09] Raya breaks down the important aspects of your budgeting system. This includes setting up your budget, tracking your spending and closing out your budget.
• [12:49] To start your debt pay off system, Raya walks through how to organize your debt to help you take action.
• [18:25] Retirement is an investing system anyone can work towards. Raya shares some things to keep in mind when setting up your retirement contributions.

Rate, Review, & Follow:

Did you love this episode? Are you a fan of the City Girl Savings podcast? If so, please consider rating and reviewing the show!

This helps spread the word about City Girl Savings, and hopefully helps more people make the best money moves possible on the way to their dream life!

To leave a review on Apple Podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, please make sure you’re subscribed and following the City Girl Savings podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Let Raya create your next budget plan!

Learn about Raya’s Financial Focus Coaching Program

Follow City Girl Savings on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok

Join the City Girl Savings Facebook Group

Subscribe to the City Girl Savings Newsletter!

Great things happen on the other side of our comfort zones.

I’ve talked about this before on the podcast and I believe it wholeheartedly.

Over the course of my life, I’ve constantly pushed my own boundaries and pushed past my own comfort zone.

Doing so has helped me reach new levels in life, ingrain resiliency into my character, and have a deep level of self-trust.

I consider myself a capable person who can accomplish what I set out to do. That’s not to say things always go as planned or even work out.

They don’t. But, every time I’ve gone outside my comfort zone, new levels await.

In this episode, I’m sharing 5 times I pushed past my comfort zone and reached new heights in my life.

Here's a glance at this episode:

• [02:05] Raya breaks down her mindset when she decided to go full-time with City Girl Savings and how that helped her reach a new level.
• [05:11] If you never take action or get uncomfortable, you don’t know what amazing things are on the other side of those decisions.
• [12:18] Raya gives insight into her past relationship style. She breaks down how she finally let go and gave into her current relationship.
• [16:43] Hindsight is 20/20. Raya shares how moving to LA ended up costing her more than she ever thought it would…even though she has no regrets.

Rate, Review, & Follow:

Did you love this episode? Are you a fan of the City Girl Savings podcast? If so, please consider rating and reviewing the show!

This helps spread the word about City Girl Savings, and hopefully helps more people make the best money moves possible on the way to their dream life!

To leave a review on Apple Podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, please make sure you’re subscribed and following the City Girl Savings podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Listen to CGS Podcast Episode 88 – How to Get Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable

Learn about Raya’s Financial Focus Coaching Program

Follow City Girl Savings on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok

Join the City Girl Savings Facebook Group

Subscribe to the City Girl Savings Newsletter!