Finding financial stability during times of crises can be challenging.  Personal, professional and world-wide events can suddenly affect our money.  Simultaneously, we want to find ways to offer help to those in need.   In this episode, Galia shares financial wisdom you can implement immediately which will calm your nerves during unsteady times such as unstable markets, global volatility, job loss or even family health issues. Susan recounts her indoor skydiving birthday adventure and shares what’s in her personal survival kit including:  a flashlight, gauze and freeze-dried beef stroganoff that can last 25 years.

Money affects all of our relationships.  It’s especially sensitive and crucial with our loved ones. Galia explains how financial transparency with your partner is key.  It’s best to have open lines of communication, go on money dates, use apps to track your couple's joint spending and exchange childhood money history moments to truly understand each other's perspective. Have more involvement, not less.     Susan laments two of her worst dating experiences - one with "Coupon Carl" who tore through a coupon book around town to get her two-for-one steaks, ice cream and putt putt golf on their first (and only) date, as well as a hot lunch stuck in a van. From excess fishing rods to ladybug stick pins, when it comes to love and money - we've got you covered.

Yep. You read right. Galia shares her titillating tips and tricks to save money on taxes.  Learn how to make filing yours as easy as possible so tax time is sizzingly simple. You're welcome - especially you, foxy freelancers.  And if that’s not enough, Susan turns up the heat on her drive-thru coffee order and divulges her passion for all things candle.

Wondering how to handle societal pressure when it comes to your spending?  Galia addresses ways you can curb outside expectations by listening to your own needs and finding practical, creative solutions.  Learn about the FIRE movement (Financial Independence Retire Early) to see if it’s for you.  Susan shares crazy stories of people overseas hiding in their basement to feign being on vacation and how some women during 1940's wartime would attend “Leg Bars” to get their bodies painted as if they were wearing expensive pantyhose to not miss out on a trend even during times of strife.

Very often with investing, we don’t even know where to begin. It all seems so daunting. The Firecrackers give you the essential first steps to take if you’ve never invested and how to do a check-up on your holdings if you’ve already jumped in. Key investing terms are all explained as well as ways to create the healthy habit of socking money away every month even in a volatile market. Susan shares her stories of early childhood earnings making homemade potholders to match her neighbors’ kitchens (that they couldn’t resist) and assigning herself a gig as an elevator operator for tips.