Long gone are the days where we put our financial wellbeing into someone else’s hands.

Not only do most financial advisors prefer working with individuals who already have wealth built, but sole responsibility for our financial situation lies within ourselves.

Each of us must take ownership of our situation and work to make positive changes in it. This is even more important for women.

Personal finance planning isn’t always an easy topic to discuss, but it’s a necessity.

That’s why I’m so excited to welcome Mabel Nunez of Girls on the Money to the show today.

Mabel and I are discussing how women can start preparing for their financial future and build wealth through investing.

Mabel also gives insight into how she started investing and how one class changed the overall trajectory of her life.

If you’ve been holding off on investing, Mabel’s insight will encourage you to finally dive in and get started. Your future self will thank you!

Here's a glance at this episode:

• [04:05] Mabel shares that no one ever talked to her about investing, so when she took a class to learn more, the trajectory of her life changed.
• [12:25] Emergencies don’t announce that they’re coming. Mabel shares the importance of having a savings account dedicated to emergencies.
• [18:00] Don’t overthink getting started with investing. Mabel discusses hurdles that could stop someone from investing.
• [27:54] If you’re a long-term investor, you can expect your money to grow and compound by 10% per year. There’s no better return.
• [41:12] If you’re buying quality company stock, your portfolio will bounce back. That means you’ll want to be careful with how you react to dips.

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 Mabel 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!

In this week’s City Girl Savings podcast episode, and the final of our rewind series, we’re rewinding to an episode recorded just last year – Financial Education versus Financial Experiences.

I chose to rewind to this episode because I want you to know that the experiences you have with your money are significantly more powerful than any financial education you may have. And I’m speaking from experience.

I have a B.S. degree in Finance, but my financial experiences have shaped what I do with my money now and how I leverage it to get ahead.

In this episode, I share how my financial education and my financial experiences impacted my life…ultimately leading me to the conclusion that you don’t need a formal education in finance to be good with money.

A financial education is great, and I encourage you to seek it, but it’s not a necessity to have a financially stable, financially free life. Enjoy this final episode of our rewind series.

Here's a glance at this episode:

• [02:31] Raya shares her early experiences with money as a child and her perspective on how things were covered back then.
• [04:57] A money belief that Raya absorbed early on was that if you go to work every day you will come home and have what you need. 
• [07:45] The money principles Raya learned before college went out the drain when she got to college and had access to credit cards.
• [11:25] Raya learned the importance of paying her bills on time but only because she almost faced eviction for failing to pay rent on time.
• [14:41] 9 years after starting City Girl Savings, most of what Raya learns is through financial experiences compared to financial education. 

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 1 – Big City Spender to City Girl Saver

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!

In this week’s City Girl Savings podcast episode, we’re rewinding to another more seasoned episode, recorded in the second year of this podcast – Why You Need to Pay to Get Better with Money.

I chose this episode to rewind to because there is still a collective doubt about the power of investing your own dollars to learn what it takes to better your financial situation.

Have you considered working with a financial coach or therapist and talked yourself out of it? You’re not alone!

In this episode, I break down the value of investing money to improve with your money, along with the necessary mindset shift a person needs to make to not only willingly put up their money to improve in their financial situation, but to see an infinite return on that investment in the form of true results.

If you know you need to get help in your situation but haven’t been able to justify the cost, this episode will change your entire perspective.

Here's a glance at this episode:

• [02:22] In this City Girl Solutions segment, I’m sharing some ideas for budget-friendly wedding planning.
• [04:35] If you’ve never invested in any type of coach or trainer, it can probably be hard to wrap your head around spending money to get better with something that you can learn on your own.
• [10:23] You can spend a lot of time researching and learning what you can do to improve your finances. The research may not cost money. However, you’re giving up your time at the expense of not spending money.
• [14:00] Nothing happens overnight – whether you work with a coach or not. You have to be consistent and put in the work to see the results.
• [18:09] Paying down your debt balances is a big part of building wealth. With the right plan, you can see progress in this area.

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:

Get on the waitlist for the Money Management Mastery program!

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!

In this week’s City Girl Savings podcast episode, we’re rewinding to a more seasoned episode, recorded in the second year of this podcast – 9 Ways to Manifest More Money Into Your Life.

I personally love this episode and chose to rewind to it because not everyone believes in the power of manifestation, or you just need some encouragement to manifest money into your own life.

In the episode, I share 9 ways anyone can start manifesting more money into their lives. I also share my manifesting journey.

What’s not included is how I manifested my life goal of owning a second home in Palm Springs. If I were to re-record this episode, I’d have another firsthand example of how powerful manifesting can be.

Here's a glance at this episode:

• [02:15] When you start believing something to be true, your brain acts accordingly. This is the science behind manifestation.
• [04:20] One tip to help you manifest more money is to write yourself a million-dollar check and keep it some place where you can see it often. 
• [06:48] I hate to say it, but the more negative you think, the more negative things will happen. This is because you’re constantly focused on the negative, so it becomes much more apparent.
• [10:00] Already have goals? Have you shared them? Putting your goals out into the world adds an extra layer of accountability, which can help you work harder to achieve them.
• [14:10] The more thought-aware you become, the easier it will be for you to notice thoughts that aren’t in line with what you want to manifest.

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:

Get on the waitlist for the Money Management Mastery program!

Listen to Episode #43 – 6 Negative Thoughts Hurting Your Money Situation

Listen to Episode #53 – My Personal and Business Goals for 2023

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!

In this week’s City Girl Savings podcast episode, we’re rewinding to an episode in the early stages of this podcast – How to Stop Holding Yourself Back with Money.

I chose this episode to rewind to because it can serve as your true wake up call to take responsibility for your financial situation. I get real, honest and debatably harsh. 

In the episode, I share 6 incredibly effective ways to help you break free from your own self-imposed financial chains.

Not only that, I make sure that each of the solutions provided are things that can be implemented immediately.

The power to change is in your hands, and I want you to take that power and level up your money situation. Enjoy!

Here's a glance at this episode:

• [02:20] Changing your mindset allows you to see opportunities instead of problems. This is critical for getting ahead with your money.
• [04:04] Now, I welcome being uncomfortable because it’s a sign that I’m getting to another level and growing.
• [07:49] If you don’t have any idea where you want to be in life, you may find yourself unhappy. Take the time you need to get clear on what you want out of life.
• [10:05] Start reframing your thoughts! Instead of thinking “I’m unhappy with the money I make”, think “I’m grateful to have money coming in.” 

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:

Check out the Life Coach School Podcast for mindset help

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!

In this week’s City Girl Savings Podcast episode, the first of our rewind series, we’re rewinding to one of my first episodes of the podcast – How I Curbed My Desire to Spend.

I chose this episode to rewind to because it lays out the 2 specific phases of my life where I intentionally decided to control my spending.

First, when I had no choice and second, when I wanted to make something of the additional income I started to have. 

This episode also breaks down the habits that helped me curb my desire to spend for the long haul.

These weren’t quick fixes, but true behavioral changes that impacted my impulse to shop and accumulate material things.

I hope you can take something from my experiences and apply it to your own situation – especially if you struggle with overspending. Enjoy this first episode of our rewind series.

Here's a glance at this episode:

• [01:20] There were two specific times in my life where I had to curb my desire to spend. One of those times, I had no choice. The other, I made the conscious effort.
• [04:31] Although I was forced to get my spending in order, it helped propel me into the mindset of wanting to avoid overspending so that I could get ahead in life.
• [06:53] I learned an important lesson about myself – I’m a natural-born spender. I can always find something to spend my money on.
• [11:50] Keeping my goals front and center allows me to constantly remind myself that I shouldn’t overspend, especially if it’s going to be at the expense of my goals and dreams.

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 custom budget plan for you! Get started here.

Download the CGS Money Moves Packet

Free 5 Day Money Mindset and Manifestation Challenge

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!

When I first start working with my money coaching clients, I set the expectation that the first month of our budgeting and tracking together is more about mindfulness than control.

I’m not focused on how well they can control their spending right off the bat.

I’m more focused on how mindful and intentional they are. Are they aware of what they’re doing with their money, or is it mindless behavior?

Before any positive change can happen, awareness is the first step. You can’t fix a problem you don’t know exists.

In this episode, I’m sharing 7 ways to be more mindful with your money. Build that awareness of your money habits, patterns and decisions. Then, make changes where you see fit.

Here's a glance at this episode:

• [02:23] If your total monthly income doesn’t cover your monthly expenses and spending, you need to find additional means of income.
• [05:31] It’s not enough to just create your budget. We need to close the loop by tracking your spending to make sure you’re sticking to the budget.
• [09:08] We only have so many resources when it comes to our income. We can only dedicate so much to goals. Focusing on 1-2 goals at a time is a great starting point.
• [14:33] Some examples of values people can align their spending to include family, friendships, time freedom, and working for yourself.
• [18:24] Consume better things for your mind. Mindfulness isn’t just effective in money – it is extremely effective in our overall lives as well.

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 custom budget plan for you! Get started here.

Listen to CGS Podcast Episode 151 – Money and Sustainable Living with Kara Perez

Raya Recommends: The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

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!

Do you constantly find yourself saying “I’m only young once” or “I’ll figure out how to make more money later” or any other combination of short-term, in the moment justifications for bad spending behavior?

While the last thing I’d want to do is kill your vibe, the money coach in me needs you to start thinking long-term with money!

Instead of letting YOLO (“you only live once”) be your driving mantra behind spending, learn to accommodate your future self as well.

It won’t happen overnight, but you can train your brain to think long-term with money.

In this episode, I’m sharing 5 ways you can start that training process today.

Here's a glance at this episode:

• [02:06] If you want to start thinking long-term with money, you have to visualize your life in the future. What do you want your life to look like?
• [04:49] If mental health is impacting your finances, you’re not alone. There are solutions. Raya recommends an episode with a client who shares how mental health impacts her finances.
• [09:08] Give yourself some grace when you first start out with delayed gratification, intentionality, and mindful spending. 
• [11:51] Raya shares an example of how a past-time with her mom of visiting discount stores caused unplanned spending.
• [15:30] Get into the habit of always going back to your why. It doesn’t have to be a defense mechanism, but can serve as a motivator.

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 38 – Money and Mental Health

Listen to CGS Podcast Episode 37 – How Practicing Delayed Gratification Sets You Up for Financial Success

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!

When it comes to your money, certain habits and behaviors can negatively impact your bottom line.

In financial terms, your “bottom line” essentially means your profit.

Whether it’s what’s left after you’ve allocated your income to expenses and spending in the month (via your budget).

Or, if you’re calculating your net worth by deducting your total debts from your total assets.

Either way, we want our “bottom line” number to be as high as possible. The more profit, the more we can grow our wealth.

Unfortunately, certain toxic money habits can reduce our bottom line number. It can happen in small, sneaky ways, or it can happen in big, drastic ways.

Regardless, it’s important to know what those bad habits are, especially since they can have the opposite effect of what we want.

In this episode, I’m sharing 5 toxic money habits to break as soon as you possibly can.

Here's a glance at this episode:

• [02:23] You can spend money on non-necessities. The goal is to make sure spending is moderated by factoring those things into your budget.
• [05:18] Are you constantly pulling money out of your savings account? It’s very likely you have too much going into savings in the first place.
• [08:53] Depending on how much debt you have, it can take a long time to pay it off. That’s okay. Slow and steady can be effective. 
• [12:45] Comparing your life or trying to live a life similar to someone else’s will only lead to unhappiness and feeling less than.
• [15:40] If you tend to spend money before you get it, this toxic money habit could be causing you issues over the long haul.

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 70 – My Budget Non-Negotiables

Download the free Debt Repayment Checklist

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!

When it comes to your finances, organization is everything.

In fact, organization is everything in EVERY area of your life!

An organized life helps you feel confident, in control and gives you the necessary clarity of what should be happening next.

On the flip side, a disorganized life leaves you feeling stressed, anxious and surrounded by chaos.

When it comes to your money, chaos is not the way to go!

That’s why I’m so excited to welcome back to the show, planning expert Alaina Fingal of The Organized Money.

Alaina is joining me today to help you properly plan, prepare and organize your finances!

Here's a glance at this episode:

• [03:22] Every time Alaina would create a budget, she would end up blowing that budget. She identified a lack of planning as the real culprit.
• [12:51] Write down what’s happening in your life over the course of 2 weeks. This will give you a good idea of how you truly are spending your time.
• [22:22] Alaina keeps her old budget data. She refers to it when preparing for expenses that are coming up again. Things like back to school and the holidays.
• [34:54] Adapt your planning routine to where you currently are in life. It’s okay if your planning system changes – we have different seasons of life!
• [43:26] Alaina breaks down her daily, weekly, monthly and annual planning process and how much time it takes.

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:

Subscribe to Alaina’s YouTube Channel

Follow Alaina 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!