With all the things we have going on in our lives, it can be hard to find the time to be productive.

And while I’m a firm believer in “good things take time”, if there’s an opportunity for me to be as productive and effective as possible, in the shortest amount of time, you better believe I’m taking it!

My money and finances have been a top priority for me for decades, and that has allowed me to learn tricks and hacks to manage my money as efficiently as possible.

In this episode, I’m sharing 6 productive ways to manage your money in 10 minutes a day or less. 

Thankfully, you don’t have to spend hours and hours on your finances to see results and reach your goals.

Here's a glance at this episode:

• [01:55] If you haven’t started tracking your spending regularly, Raya breaks down the importance of doing so for growth in your finances.
• [04:16] Building the habit of tracking your spending daily will result in you spending minimal time on this task, but get maximum benefit.
• [07:50] Regularly looking at your budget makes sure you’re staying aligned with your goals and financial intentions.
• [11:34] Tie daily goals towards your bigger long-term goals. Break down those bigger goals, especially savings goals, into easier-to-manage chunks.
• [14:45] You don’t have to spend long hours and a lot of time working on your finances. You can make an impact with strategic short-and-sweet tasks.

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 a budget plan for you!

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!

Have you ever wanted to do something but didn’t know what step to take first, so you start researching? 

Before you know it, research leads to too much information and you decide not to do the thing you originally wanted?

Welcome to analysis paralysis.

Analysis paralysis is when overthinking and over-analyzing a problem or decision prevents you from taking action.

It's a state of being unable to move forward because you’re overwhelmed by data, options, or the fear of making a mistake.

With so much information at our fingertips, it doesn’t take much to feel overwhelmed.

In this episode, I’m sharing 5 ways to overcome analysis paralysis so you can start taking action towards the things you want to do or the problems you want to solve.

Here's a glance at this episode:

• [01:51] While analysis paralysis isn’t something Raya struggles with, not seeking enough information has posed some problems for her in the past.
• [04:51] Let momentum from completing the first small step help you build the confidence you need to move forward without overwhelm.
• [07:58] Progress over perfection – easy concept to say but much harder to implement, especially for women.
• [11:34] Too many options often results in too much data to go through, decreasing your confidence in successfully making a decision.
• [14:31] Raya shares an example of how to pinpoint feelings associated with future goals or decisions to help you decide to move forward or not.

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 Episode #57 – How to Spark Inspiration Within Yourself

Listen to Episode #75 – Stop Putting Off Improving Your Situation

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 started City Girl Savings back in 2015, while I didn’t go-full time with running the business until 2021, I’ve had women working for me long before then.

I always had the intention of hosting a team retreat, but the timing was never right.

In 2024, I declared there would never be a “perfect” time, so I made the decision to get our dates on the calendar!

I reached out to The CGS Team via slack to confirm dates nearly 8 months out. By the end of December, I received final RSVPs and started booking everything.

In this episode, I’m sharing a behind-the-scenes look at the first ever CGS Team Retreat and how the overall weekend together went.

Here's a glance at this episode:

• [01:53] In spite of working together since 2022, the CGS Team retreat was the first time CGS Team members met in person.
• [03:27] Meeting at Raya’s place in Palm Springs was a great location since 2 of the 5 CGS Team Members already lived in California.
• [07:00] Curious who the first one to fall asleep each night was? If you guessed Raya, you’re right! She shares some background on why that was.
• [10:03] The CGS Team proved they could work well together while trying to get off The Titanic during an Escape Room activity.
• [12:06] Before parting ways Sunday morning, the CGS Team had their final meal together at a local Palm Springs diner!

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 Episode #77 – BTS of the CGS Team

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!

Is it just me, or does life almost seem to feel like one big balancing act?

Between work, school, kids, families, partners, relationships, businesses, finances, and health, the older we get, the more we need to manage.

I personally don’t think things will always be 100% in balance, but I do believe women can achieve the productivity results they want, without feeling like something has to give.

That’s why I’m so excited to talk with Non-Profit CEO and CGS Client Tiffany Tate today about pursuing top-tier productivity.

Let me stress that high-level productivity isn’t about being perfect, it’s about making it all work for your world.

If you struggle with the balancing act of all areas of life, you don’t want to miss this conversation.

Here's a glance at this episode:

• [03:05] Tiffany shares that while life is what led her to becoming a go-getter, she does feel like she recently learned how to work smarter, not harder.
• [12:08] Being guilt-oriented has made it hard for Tiffany to follow traditional routines and habit ideologies. Instead, she shares what works for her.
• [21:50] Tiffany shares how compartmentalization has helped her power through and grow professionally, but offers words of caution.
• [34:37] Lessons, not losses. Tiffany shares that you must move forward with your decisions and learn from those that could be perceived as mistakes.
• [42:27] Instead of focusing far into the future, when thinking about goals, identify what needs to be fixed or worked on now.

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 Tiffany on LinkedIn

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!

Part of my success in life has been attributed to seeing what I want and believing it’s possible for me. 

Having a vision of what I want, where I want to be, or who I want to be has helped me do what I need to on a day-to-day basis to get there.

Seeing is believing, so if you can’t see yourself achieving your goals, you’re much less likely to actually reach them.

The mind is a beautiful thing.

If you start picturing yourself already having what you want, your brain will function to do things that will help you get there.

In this episode, I’m sharing how a healthy mindset fuels success and some ways you can foster a healthy mindset to reach your financial goals.

Financial success is possible, and you need to believe it before you achieve it!

Here's a glance at this episode:

• [01:50] Do you think you are worthy of your dream life? Raya challenges listeners to get clear on how worthy they feel about the life of their dreams.
• [04:03] If you are constantly thinking you’re broke, you’re probably always spending money to affirm that you’re broke. Your mind is a powerful tool.
• [07:25] Raya shares that getting to the root of her gut issues has tremendously impacted her mindset because she’s consuming better things.
• [11:36] Picture yourself living your dream life. You must be able to see what it looks like for you so you believe it’s possible for you to achieve.
• [14:43] Raya shares that consistent journaling allows her to look back at old journal entries and see the growth that happens over time.

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 Episode 101 – Adversity Breeds Resilience

Listen to Episode 11 – The Power of Visualization to Reach Your Goals

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!

As someone who has been in and out of debt multiple times, but now actively maintains an 800+ credit score, I can honestly say that credit plays a huge role in building a strong financial foundation.

Having healthy credit habits can open the door for you to leverage credit to your advantage – whether that’s buying assets, increasing your cash flow, or using it for investment purposes.

If your credit score isn’t where you want it to be, don’t fret! You can start implementing credit habits now that cultivate a strong financial foundation.

And, I want to help you do that!

In this episode, I’m sharing 5 credit habits to build into your normal routine to cultivate a solid financial foundation. Remember, if I can do it, anyone else can too!

Here's a glance at this episode:

• [01:50] Raya shares what her debt and credit situation looked like before she started focusing on building good credit habits.
• [05:20] Automation can be a life saver for anyone’s financial situation. Raya recommends setting up auto pay to make sure no bills are left behind.
• [08:31] Raya leveraged the Snowball Method to pay off her debt. She prefers putting extra money towards the smallest balance debt to pay it off faster.
• [13:51] Reviewing your credit report is not the same as looking at your credit score. Raya shares where everyone can pull their credit reports to review.
• [17:34] Raya strategically uses open, no-balance credit cards to get activity on the card without carrying monthly balances.

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 Episode 15 – My Debt Free Story and Biggest Takeaways

Request a complimentary call with Raya to discuss your money goals!

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 quite believe it, but we’ve reached the halfway point of another year.

2025 has been a whirlwind, and I know I’m not the only one who feels that way.

Despite everything that may be happening outside of our control, we need to keep working towards our dream life…and hopefully the goals you’ve set for the year help you get there!

At the end of 2024, I shared my personal and business goals for 2025, and since we’ve reached the halfway point of the year, I want to do a quick mid-year goal check in!

This helps me stay on top of what I set out to accomplish in the year and holds me accountable by sharing with you!

Hopefully this episode encourages you to do your own mid-year goals check in as well!

Here's a glance at this episode:

• [02:10] Raya kicks off with sharing her personal goals for 2025 and the progress that has been made towards those goals.
• [04:40] One of Raya’s 2025 personal goals is to max out her Roth IRA. She has contributed $5500 of the $7000 needed to max out for the year.
• [07:44] Another personal goal for Raya is to read 2 books per month. Due to family coming into town, this goal is not on track, but Raya shares her plan for getting back on schedule.
• [10:07] While revenue is still a focus for business, Raya has shifted focus to increasing the profit margin for the business. Progress is being made this year.
• [12:30] Have a friend who would like this podcast? Help us reach our 2025 goals of getting 45,000 episode downloads!

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 Episode 157 – My Personal and Business Goals for 2025

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!

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve seen and felt the importance of maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle.

Not only do you feel better in the present, but you prevent future health problems from messing with your quality of life.

I truly believe enhancing your mind and body with proper fuel is essential to a healthy quality of life. 

That’s why I’m so excited to talk with Fitness Coach Michael Williams today.

Michael is a certified personal trainer who specializes in women’s fat loss.

While there’s so much more to being healthy than getting rid of body fat, a lot of the health and physical activity benefits will result in less fat!

Michael and I are talking about the importance of prioritizing health for women, building healthier habits, and staying consistent with healthy living.

Here's a glance at this episode:

• [04:40] Michael always leads with “why”. What’s your why for wanting to get in shape? Understanding that helps you stay on track.
• [12:43] Eating 1 or 2 meals a day doesn’t cut it for women. Michael shares what women need to do to see the fat loss results they want.
• [24:50] YouTube can be a great resource for learning how to properly train and lift weights, especially if you’re tight on funds.
• [31:40] Michael shares that the scale isn’t the best indicator of progress, especially if weightlifting is involved. “The scale is a liar”.
• [51:20] You don’t have to deprive yourself when you go out to eat, just do your best to plan your meals out as best 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:

Follow Michael 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!

Are you on track with your money goals for this year?

If you’re listening to this episode in real-time, then we’re wrapping up the first half of the year.

What better time to assess your goal progress, acknowledge what’s working and not working, and reset your money goals for the rest of the year?

Failing to take the time to assess your annual goal progress before the year ends can result in you not achieving your goal.

Wouldn’t it be worth a little time to assess and finish the year off strong? Of course it would!

In this episode, I’m sharing 5 ways to reset your money goals to get you through year end feeling as accomplished as possible.

You may not hit each and every goal you’ve set, but I have no doubt serious progress will be made!

Here's a glance at this episode:

• [02:08] Your money goals are never supposed to be a source of shame. Give yourself grace when things don’t go according to plan.
• [04:50] Reconnect with the “why” behind your goals. This is an important step for resetting because it will keep you focused on working towards your goals.
• [07:55] It’s okay to be optimistic with your goals, but it’s important to reset your goal based on where you currently stand.
• [10:24] Breaking your goals down into monthly milestones to make them much more attainable on a day-to-day basis.
• [13:30] Raya shares some examples for adding accountability into your life. Whatever that looks like for you, it’s an important step to reaching your goals.

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:

Need help crushing the second half of the year? Request a call with Raya now!

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’s no denying that Summer brings the “let’s be OUTSIDE” energy!

The sun is usually shining, the pool is calling our names, and the days are longer.

If you’re not careful though, summer can do a number on your budget.

You may be killing your money goals and then a few months of the summer season can undo all that progress. Don’t let that be you, my friend!

Fight the summer FOMO and need to just spend without consequence. You’ll be so much better off for it!

In this episode, I’m sharing 5 hacks that keep me on track with my budget and goals, especially when the summer season temptation is calling my name!

Here's a glance at this episode:

• [01:43] FOMO stands for Fear of Missing Out. Summer is primetime for FOMO. Raya shares how to identify Summer FOMO.
• [04:23] Summer is a vibe, so acting like you won’t spend money in the summer season is a recipe for disaster. Instead, plan for summer fun spending.
• [07:11] No matter where you live, you can always find something free happening in your area or in surrounding areas.
• [11:00] Be honest and open about your budget and money goals. Communicate with your friends or family when you’re trying to avoid excess spending.
• [15:13] Tracking your spending every day or two doesn’t sound exciting in the summer, but it can be instrumental in keeping you on financial track.

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:

Don’t have a budget? Grab a copy of my FREE Monthly Budget Overview Tracker!

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!