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You've probably heard it all before, "Just stop buying lattes." "Get a better job." "Cut out everything non‑essential."

But what if some of the most popular money advice doesn't actually work, at least, not for real life or in your current season of life?

On this episode, I'm breaking down six common pieces of financial advice that sound good but often fall flat, plus what to do instead to actually make progress with your money.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

• Why "stop buying coffee" won't make you rich
• Smarter ways to increase your income (beyond "get a better job")
• The truth about saving vs. investing
• How to cut expenses without feeling deprived Why it's never too late to start building wealth
• How talking about money openly can transform your finances

AND MORE

Real wealth isn't built on trendy tips, it's built on smart, sustainable habits. Take the advice that fits your life, leave what doesn't, and keep moving forward.

More Clever Girl Finance Resources:

❤ Get the best-selling Clever Girl Finance Books: clevergirlfinance.com/books

❤ Get access to 30+ free courses, worksheets, savings challenges, and our favorite banking resources: clevergirlfinance.com/course-packages

❤ Read the Clever Girl Finance Blog: clevergirlfinance.com/blog

❤ Follow us on Instagram: @clevergirlfinance

❤ Subscribe to the Clever Girl Finance newsletter for weekly motivation! clevergirlfinance.com/subscribe

On this episode of the podcast, we're joined by Tracy Coenen, a forensic accountant with over 25 years of experience uncovering financial secrets in everything from corporate fraud to high net worth divorces. Tracy didn't originally plan on this path, she once dreamed of becoming a prison warden and pursued a criminology degree.

But a college class on financial crime reignited her childhood love for solving mysteries, leading her to become a CPA and expert in finding hidden money. Today, she's best known for helping women navigate the financial side of divorce with clarity, confidence, and the tools to protect themselves when trust has been broken.

• Her unique journey from criminology student to forensic accountant.

• The role a forensic accountant plays in helping women uncover financial deception and protect their assets during divorce.

• A powerful case example where she helped a woman navigate the financial side of divorce.

• Red flags that may indicate financial dishonesty in a relationship—even before divorce.

• First financial steps women should take when preparing for or going through divorce.

• How women who haven't managed household finances can begin to take ownership during divorce.

• Unique challenges faced by high-income women and how to protect their assets.

• The difference between a divorce attorney and a forensic accountant—and how they work together.

• Common financial mistakes women make during divorce and how to avoid them.

• How to financially rebuild after divorce, especially from a place of uncertainty or limited income.

• What to do if you suspect your partner is hiding money but don't know where to start.

AND SO MUCH MORE

• Follow on Instagram: @divorcemoneyguide

• Learn more: divorcemoneyguide.com and sequenceinc.com

❤ Get the best-selling Clever Girl Finance Books: clevergirlfinance.com/books ❤ Get access to 30+ free courses, worksheets, savings challenges, and our favorite banking resources: clevergirlfinance.com/course-packages ❤ Read the Clever Girl Finance Blog: clevergirlfinance.com/blog ❤ Follow us on Instagram: @clevergirlfinance

❤ Subscribe to the Clever Girl Finance newsletter for weekly motivation! clevergirlfinance.com/subscribe

On this episode of the podcast, we're joined by Lauren Morley, creator of The 20 Outfit Wardrobe, a simple and effective system designed to help women streamline their closets, feel confident in their personal style, and stop the cycle of overspending on clothes they never wear.

Lauren shares how her own journey of wardrobe overwhelm and emotional shopping led her to develop a system that prioritizes intentionality, confidence, and financial clarity. Whether you're tired of staring at a full closet with "nothing to wear," or you're ready to make more mindful money decisions around fashion, Lauren's approach will help you simplify your style—and save your wallet in the process.

• Her background and the inspiration behind creating The 20 Outfit Wardrobe system.

• How simplifying her own wardrobe helped her stop overspending and feel more confident.

• The first step to take when simplifying a closet to save money and reduce clutter.

• Common financial mistakes people make with their wardrobes and how to avoid them.

• A breakdown of how the 20 Outfit Wardrobe system works and why it's effective.

• How a simplified wardrobe can reduce decision fatigue and make daily life easier.

• Tips for shifting from emotional or impulsive shopping to intentional, value-based purchases.

• How to build a wardrobe that aligns with your real lifestyle—not just online aesthetics.

• Ways to make your closet more sustainable for your budget and the environment.

• Advice for women who feel overwhelmed by their closets but don't know where to start.

AND MUCH MORE

• Follow on Instagram: @twentyoutfitwardrobe

• Learn more: www.twentyoutfitwardrobe.com

• Explore her guides: stan.store/twentyoutfitwardrobe

❤ Get the best-selling Clever Girl Finance Books: clevergirlfinance.com/books ❤ Get access to 30+ free courses, worksheets, savings challenges, and our favorite banking resources: clevergirlfinance.com/course-packages ❤ Read the Clever Girl Finance Blog: clevergirlfinance.com/blog ❤ Follow us on Instagram: @clevergirlfinance

❤ Subscribe to the Clever Girl Finance newsletter for weekly motivation! clevergirlfinance.com/subscribe

It's time to shift away from all-or-nothing thinking!

Do you ever think, "If I can't save $500, what's the point of saving anything at all?"

Or "If I messed up my budget once, I might as well give up"?

That, my friend, is all-or-nothing thinking, and it's quietly sabotaging your financial progress. So in this episode, I'm sharing how to break free from the perfection trap and finally make progress with your money (and your mindset). Because truthfully? Small, consistent steps matter more than perfect ones.

What you'll learn:

• How to stop giving up on your goals when things don't go perfectly
• Why flexible budgets work better than "perfect" ones
• How to reframe your negative self-talk about money
• The importance of celebrating small habits, not just big milestones
• The power of adopting an "all or something" mindset

AND MORE

Whether you're saving, budgeting, paying off debt, or trying to build consistency with your finances, this video will help you stay on track without shame or guilt.

More Clever Girl Finance Resources:

❤ Get the best-selling Clever Girl Finance Books: clevergirlfinance.com/books

❤ Get access to 30+ free courses, worksheets, savings challenges, and our favorite banking resources: clevergirlfinance.com/course-packages

❤ Read the Clever Girl Finance Blog: clevergirlfinance.com/blog

❤ Follow us on Instagram: @clevergirlfinance

❤ Subscribe to the Clever Girl Finance newsletter for weekly motivation! clevergirlfinance.com/subscribe

No Savings. No Investments. Here's Exactly What I'd Do To Start Over!

What would I do if I had to start over, with $0 in savings, no investments, and no financial cushion? On this episode, I'm walking you through the exact money plan I'd follow to rebuild my finances from scratch.

Whether you're starting over after a setback or just beginning your financial journey, this step-by-step plan will help you move from survival mode to stability, and then to success.

What you'll learn:

• How to assess your real financial starting point
• How to cut expenses and survive on the bare essentials
• Creative ways to generate fast cash flow
• How to build a starter emergency fund (even on a low income)
• A simple budget formula that actually works
• Choosing the best debt payoff method for your situation
• The importance of rest and celebrating small wins

AND MORE

This is a realistic, actionable plan for anyone rebuilding from $0. Start where you are. Use what you have. And take the next right step!

More Clever Girl Finance Resources:

❤ Get the best-selling Clever Girl Finance Books: clevergirlfinance.com/books

❤ Get access to 30+ free courses, worksheets, savings challenges, and our favorite banking resources: clevergirlfinance.com/course-packages

❤ Read the Clever Girl Finance Blog: clevergirlfinance.com/blog

❤ Follow us on Instagram: @clevergirlfinance

On this episode of the podcast, we're joined by Deon Stokes, MBA—entrepreneur, speaker, strategist, and founder of The Ambition Brand—for a powerful conversation about what it really takes to reinvent yourself at 40 (or any age).

Deon shares her own journey from political campaigns to building successful businesses in media, strategy, and tech, and now dedicates her platform to helping ambitious women design lives and careers that align with their purpose and financial goals.

With nearly two decades of experience, Deon breaks down the mindset shifts, planning tools, and practical strategies women need to confidently pivot, whether they're launching a new business, starting over after a setback, or simply craving a life that feels more aligned and fulfilling.

What Deon Discussed on the Podcast:

• Her personal story and how it shaped her mission to help women reinvent themselves.
• What reinvention looks like after 40 and why this stage of life is so powerful for transformation.
• Key financial mindset shifts women need to make before leaping into a new career, business, or passion project.
• How to craft an intentional reinvention plan that aligns with ambition and financial wellness.
• Using planners, clarity exercises, and income projections to map out a new chapter.
• Encouragement for women who feel it's "too late" to make a bold pivot.
• The role of discipline in turning purpose into sustainable financial and personal progress.
• The first three steps to take when ready for reinvention but unsure where to start.

AND SO MUCH MORE

How to Keep Up With Deon:

• Follow Deon on all platforms: @TheFaceOfAmbition

❤ Subscribe to the Clever Girl Finance newsletter for weekly motivation: clevergirlfinance.com/subscribe

❤ Get the best-selling Clever Girl Finance Books: clevergirlfinance.com/books

❤ Get access to 30+ free courses, worksheets, savings challenges, and our favorite banking resources: clevergirlfinance.com/course-packages

❤ Read the Clever Girl Finance Blog: clevergirlfinance.com/blog

❤ Follow us on Instagram: @clevergirlfinance

Tired of complicated budgeting systems that never stick? On this podcast eisode, I'm sharing my exact monthly budgeting routine; from reviewing last month's numbers to planning for irregular expenses and closing out the month with reflection.

This is a realistic, flexible approach to budgeting that actually works. Whether you're just getting started or want to refresh your process, these steps will help you stay consistent without feeling overwhelmed.

What you'll learn:

• How I start with a financial reflection, not shame
• My method for planning income (even with variable pay!)
• Why I budget for my goals first before any expenses
• How I build a realistic, values-aligned spending plan
• The importance of planning for irregular expenses
• Why I track my budget weekly (not daily!)
• How I close out each month to stay consistent

This budgeting routine is simple, sustainable, and designed to help you make real financial progress. No perfect templates. Just a system that works.

❤ Subscribe to the Clever Girl Finance newsletter for weekly motivation: clevergirlfinance.com/subscribe

❤ Get the best-selling Clever Girl Finance Books: clevergirlfinance.com/books

❤ Get access to 30+ free courses, worksheets, savings challenges, and our favorite banking resources: clevergirlfinance.com/course-packages

❤ Read the Clever Girl Finance Blog: clevergirlfinance.com/blog

❤ Follow us on Instagram: @clevergirlfinance

On this episode of the podcast, I'm breaking down 7 everyday financial habits that seem harmless—but are quietly draining your bank account, delaying your progress, and keeping you stuck in stress mode.

From only saving what's left over, to using credit cards like income, to ignoring your actual numbers, these habits might be the reason you're not hitting your financial goals. No judgment, just real talk and practical fixes to turn things around.

You'll Learn:

• Why paying yourself first is a game changer
• How minimum payments are costing you thousands
• What to do instead of emotional sale shopping
• Why lifestyle inflation keeps you stuck
• How to shift from credit card dependency
• The power of knowing your numbers
• Why you don't need a lot of money to start investing

🎯 These are the mindset shifts and action steps that will help you build real wealth—starting now.

❤ Subscribe to the Clever Girl Finance newsletter for weekly motivation: clevergirlfinance.com/subscribe

❤ Get the best-selling Clever Girl Finance Books: clevergirlfinance.com/books

❤ Get access to 30+ free courses, worksheets, savings challenges, and our favorite banking resources: clevergirlfinance.com/course-packages

❤ Read the Clever Girl Finance Blog: clevergirlfinance.com/blog

❤ Follow us on Instagram: @clevergirlfinance

On this episode of the podcast, we're joined by powerhouse entrepreneur and Fortune 500 sales veteran Mara Dorne to talk about going From Rock Bottom to $1B. Mara shares her incredible journey from financial struggle to building a billion-dollar sales career and becoming a self-made millionaire by 35.

She opens up about the mindset shifts, intentional money moves, and fearless leadership strategies that helped her rise in a male-dominated industry. As the founder of the BILF (Boss I'd Like to Follow) podcast and leader of a nationwide team of over 1,500 health insurance agents, Mara is on a mission to empower women to lead boldly, build wealth with purpose, and redefine what success looks like, on their own terms.

What Mara Discussed on the Podcast:

• Her personal story, career background, and the defining moments that shaped her journey.
• How hitting rock bottom sparked the transformation that led to $1B+ in sales.
• The financial mindset shifts that were key to building lasting wealth.
• Lessons learned from leading large teams as a woman in a male-dominated industry.
• The impact of the 2008 financial crisis on her approach to money, risk, and resilience.
• Encouragement for women looking to lead with confidence despite fear, finances, or imposter syndrome.
• How she cultivates high-performing teams and integrates financial education into leadership.
• What intentional money management looks like in both her personal and professional life.
• How to turn purpose into profitable and sustainable business ventures.

AND SO MUCH MORE

How to Keep Up With Mara:

• Follow on Instagram: @maradorne
• Listen and follow the podcast: @bilfpod

❤ Subscribe to the Clever Girl Finance newsletter for weekly motivation: clevergirlfinance.com/subscribe

❤ Get the best-selling Clever Girl Finance Books: clevergirlfinance.com/books

❤ Get access to 30+ free courses, worksheets, savings challenges, and our favorite banking resources: clevergirlfinance.com/course-packages

❤ Read the Clever Girl Finance Blog: clevergirlfinance.com/blog

❤ Follow us on Instagram: @clevergirlfinance

In this episode, I open up about losing my dad and how I'm navigating grief, reflection, and healing. He lived a long, full life - married to my mom for 55 years, and in his final days, he told us his time was near and even called to say goodbye.

While the pain of loss is real, I find peace in the chance I had to say goodbye and in the words my dad told me often: "Bola, be happy! Nothing is that serious."

Right now, I'm giving myself grace, taking breaks as needed, and choosing to honor his legacy by holding onto joy. I hope this episode reminds anyone going through loss that it's okay to grieve in your own way and to take things one day at a time. ❤️