In this episode of the Miko Love Podcast, host Kumiko Love reflects on the significance of choosing a word for the year as a guiding principle for personal growth.

She shares her own word for 2025, 'consistency,' and discusses how it has shaped her journey. Kumiko emphasizes the importance of small, consistent actions in achieving goals and encourages listeners to select their own words for the year, providing practical steps to do so.

The episode concludes with a reflection on the past year and a motivational message for the new year ahead.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Choosing a word for the year can be transformative.
• Small actions lead to significant results over time.
• Reflection on the past year is essential for growth.
• Your chosen word should resonate with your personal goals.
• It's important to show up for yourself consistently.
• Progress is not always linear; embrace the journey.
• Celebrating small victories is crucial for motivation.
• Creating a vision board can help keep your word visible.
• The new year is about continuing your journey, not starting over.

IMPACTFUL QUOTES

• "Real change comes from the simple act of doing."
• "Progress isn't always linear and that's okay."

EPISODE CHAPTERS

>> 00:00 Introduction to the Miko Love Podcast
>> 00:30 Reflecting on the New Year
>> 01:54 The Tradition of Choosing a Word for the Year
>> 03:51 Kumiko's Word for 2025: Consistency
>> 07:42 Implementing Consistency in Daily Life
>> 10:28 Choosing Your Own Word for the Year
>> 12:50 Reflecting on 2024 and Looking Ahead to 2025

About Kumiko:

Kumiko Love is the creator of The Budget Mom, LLC, a national bestselling author of the book "My Money My Way," and an Accredited Financial Counselor.

She is a dedicated mom of two boys, a passionate sourdough baker, and the proud owner of Pine Manor Naturals.

With over 2 million followers across social media, Kumiko's expertise and approachable style have been featured in major media outlets such as Forbes, The New York Times, and Good Morning America.

As the host of The Miko Love Podcast, Kumiko dives into the exploration of her own passions and a range of captivating topics, offering fresh perspectives and engaging discussions about life. She inspires millions to take control of their financial lives while embracing passionate living and life fulfillment.

Thank you for being a part of our community!

Contact The Miko Love Podcast

• Follow me on Instagram @mikolovepodcast
• Email me at [email protected]

Thanks for listening & keep feeding your curiosity!

In this reflective episode, Kumiko Love, the host of the Miko Love Podcast, shares insights from the first season, highlighting key moments, listener engagement, and the importance of community.

She discusses standout episodes, including topics like invisible labor and investing for beginners, and emphasizes the lessons learned throughout her podcasting journey.

Looking ahead, she teases exciting topics for season two, including mental health and financial empowerment, while expressing gratitude for her audience's support.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The podcast achieved over 35,000 downloads in its first season.
• Starting messy is better than not starting at all.
• Chasing perfection hinders progress in any journey.
• Season two will include new guests and solo episodes.
• Listener feedback is crucial for shaping future content.
• The journey continues even during the podcast break.

EPISODE CHAPTERS
>> 00:00 Reflecting on Season One
>> 02:55 Key Takeaways from Notable Episodes
>> 05:49 Looking Ahead to Season Two

About Kumiko:

Kumiko Love is the creator of The Budget Mom, LLC, a national bestselling author of the book "My Money My Way," and an Accredited Financial Counselor.

She is a dedicated mom of two boys, a passionate sourdough baker, and the proud owner of Pine Manor Naturals.

With over 2 million followers across social media, Kumiko's expertise and approachable style have been featured in major media outlets such as Forbes, The New York Times, and Good Morning America.

As the host of The Miko Love Podcast, Kumiko dives into the exploration of her own passions and a range of captivating topics, offering fresh perspectives and engaging discussions about life. She inspires millions to take control of their financial lives while embracing passionate living and life fulfillment.

Thank you for being a part of our community!

Contact The Miko Love Podcast

• Follow me on Instagram @mikolovepodcast
• Email me at [email protected]

Thanks for listening & keep feeding your curiosity!

In this episode of The Miko Love Podcast, host Kumiko Love uncovers the unseen world of invisible labor—the mental and emotional work that keeps households running yet often goes unrecognized.

Kumiko explores the different forms of invisible labor, from the mental load of planning and organizing to the emotional labor of managing relationships. She dives deep into its emotional and societal toll, revealing how this imbalance disproportionately affects women and impacts families and communities.

Through heartfelt insights and research-backed examples, Kumiko sheds light on why this hidden work matters and why it’s time to start acknowledging and redistributing it. The episode wraps up with actionable strategies for fostering healthier relationships, creating equity at home, and valuing the labor we don’t always see.

IMPACTFUL QUOTES

• "Invisible labor is the mental load we carry."
• "You're not failing when you ask for help."
• "The work you do matters, even if unseen."

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Invisible labor is the mental load we carry.
• It often falls disproportionately on women.
• Invisible labor can cause burnout and resentment.
• Cognitive, emotional, and anticipatory labor are key types.
• Invisible labor affects mental health and relationships.
• Recognition of invisible labor is crucial for equity.
• Societal norms contribute to the invisibility of this labor.
• Open conversations can help redistribute responsibilities.
• Teaching children about shared responsibilities is vital.
• Asking for help is a sign of strength, not failure.

EPISODE CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction to Invisible Labor 
02:52 Understanding the Concept of Invisible Labor
06:09 The Emotional Toll of Invisible Labor
08:58 Types of Invisible Labor
11:53 The Societal Impact of Invisible Labor
15:11 Solutions and Moving Forward

About Kumiko:

Kumiko Love is the creator of The Budget Mom, LLC, a national bestselling author of the book "My Money My Way," and an Accredited Financial Counselor.

She is a dedicated mom of two boys, a passionate sourdough baker, and the proud owner of Pine Manor Naturals.

With over 2 million followers across social media, Kumiko's expertise and approachable style have been featured in major media outlets such as Forbes, The New York Times, and Good Morning America.

As the host of The Miko Love Podcast, Kumiko dives into the exploration of her own passions and a range of captivating topics, offering fresh perspectives and engaging discussions about life. She inspires millions to take control of their financial lives while embracing passionate living and life fulfillment.

Thank you for being a part of our community!

Contact The Miko Love Podcast

• Follow me on Instagram @mikolovepodcast
• Email me at [email protected]

Thanks for listening & keep feeding your curiosity!

In this episode of The Miko Love Podcast, Kumiko Love sits down with Jeremy Schneider, the founder of @PersonalFinanceClub, to make investing less intimidating and more accessible. Jeremy shares his inspiring journey from a struggling entrepreneur to achieving financial independence, offering straightforward strategies and lessons for anyone looking to build wealth.

They cover:

• The essential steps to start investing and build confidence.
• Budgeting and living below your means to free up money for investments.
• How to use target date index funds and three-fund portfolios for a simple, effective investment strategy.
• The role of compound interest in accelerating wealth-building.
• Common investing mistakes to avoid, including chasing trends or market timing.

Kumiko also introduces Hello Nectarine, Jeremy's new service designed to offer accessible, conflict-free financial advice, empowering listeners to take control of their finances with confidence.

If you’re ready to demystify investing and make smarter money moves, this episode is packed with practical tips and inspiration to help you get started.

IMPACTFUL QUOTES

• "Live below your means, invest early and often."
• "Simplicity serves the individual investor."

EPISODE CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction to Investing Basics
10:10 Key Principles of Wealth Building
20:01 Understanding Investment Accounts
30:06 Choosing Investments: Simplicity vs. Complexity
39:00 The Three Fund Portfolio Explained
45:11 The Power of Compound Interest
48:07 Introducing Hello Nectarine: A New Financial Service

ABOUT JEREMY

Jeremy Schneider is a successful entrepreneur and personal finance expert! After starting an internet company in college and selling it at the age of 34 for over $5M and retiring at 36, Jeremy has dedicated his life to teaching personal finance. He founded Personal Finance Club, a community of champions of the individual investor who help further financial education and went on to found Nectarine, an advice-only financial advisor marketplace. Jeremy likes playing beach volleyball and writing bios about himself in the third person.

Instagram: instagram.com/personalfinanceclub
Website: personalfinanceclub.com

About Kumiko:

Kumiko Love is the creator of The Budget Mom, LLC, a national bestselling author of the book "My Money My Way," and an Accredited Financial Counselor.

She is a dedicated mom of two boys, a passionate sourdough baker, and the proud owner of Pine Manor Naturals.

With over 2 million followers across social media, Kumiko's expertise and approachable style have been featured in major media outlets such as Forbes, The New York Times, and Good Morning America.

As the host of The Miko Love Podcast, Kumiko dives into the exploration of her own passions and a range of captivating topics, offering fresh perspectives and engaging discussions about life. She inspires millions to take control of their financial lives while embracing passionate living and life fulfillment.

Thank you for being a part of our community!

Contact The Miko Love Podcast

• Follow me on Instagram @mikolovepodcast
• Email me at [email protected]

Thanks for listening & keep feeding your curiosity!

In this episode of The Miko Love Podcast, host Kumiko Love, an Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC), sits down with Jessica Moorhouse, an Accredited Financial Counselor Canada (AFCC), to explore the unique aspects of their certifications and their shared passion for financial education.

They discuss their journeys to becoming accredited, the challenges of working in financial counseling, and the importance of regulatory oversight in the industry. The conversation highlights the shift from one-on-one client work to broader educational efforts, emphasizing financial literacy, budgeting, and support for underserved communities.

Jessica also shares insights from her upcoming book, delving into the emotional barriers to financial success and the importance of self-identity, happiness, and community in fostering a healthy relationship with money.

EPISODE CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to the AFC Designation
02:46 The Unique Value of AFC Counseling
06:02 Personal Journeys to Becoming AFCs
09:11 The Importance of Financial Education
12:03 Challenges in the Financial Counseling Field
14:51 Navigating the Financial Industry Landscape
17:57 The Role of Regulatory Bodies
21:07 Transitioning from One-on-One to Mass Education
26:21 The Foundation of Financial Education
30:33 Understanding Yourself Before Your Money
31:58 The Hidden Barriers to Financial Freedom
36:37 The Toxic Relationship with Money
40:52 Finding Happiness Beyond Financial Success
45:47 The Importance of Self-Identity
48:13 Book Release and Community Connection

ABOUT JESSICA

Jessica is a sought-after money expert, TV personality and speaker. She is an Accredited Financial Counsellor Canada®, an award-winning financial content creator and the host of the chart-topping More Money Podcast (4+ million downloads).

As a personal finance educator for over 12 years, she has given presentations throughout North America and is regularly featured by major Canadian and US media including CBC News, CTV News, BNN Bloomberg, the Toronto Star, Forbes and USA Today.

Her debut book Everything but Money: The Hidden Barriers Between You and Financial Freedom comes out on December 31, 2024 (HarperCollins Canada). 

Website: https://jessicamoorhouse.com
Podcast: https://jessicamoorhouse.com/podcast
Book: https://jessicamoorhouse.com/bo

About Kumiko:

Kumiko Love is the creator of The Budget Mom, LLC, a national bestselling author of the book "My Money My Way," and an Accredited Financial Counselor.

She is a dedicated mom of two boys, a passionate sourdough baker, and the proud owner of Pine Manor Naturals.

With over 2 million followers across social media, Kumiko's expertise and approachable style have been featured in major media outlets such as Forbes, The New York Times, and Good Morning America.

As the host of The Miko Love Podcast, Kumiko dives into the exploration of her own passions and a range of captivating topics, offering fresh perspectives and engaging discussions about life. She inspires millions to take control of their financial lives while embracing passionate living and life fulfillment.

Thank you for being a part of our community!

Contact The Miko Love Podcast

• Follow me on Instagram @mikolovepodcast
• Email me at [email protected]

Thanks for listening & keep feeding your curiosity!

In this episode of the Miko Love Podcast, host Kumiko Love discusses the psychological tactics used by retailers during the holiday season that often lead consumers to overspend.

She explores various marketing strategies such as scarcity, social proof, emotional marketing, and the influence of technology on consumer behavior.

Kumiko also provides practical strategies for listeners to maintain a strict holiday budget and make intentional purchasing decisions, emphasizing the importance of experiences over material gifts.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The holiday season is filled with marketing tactics that can lead to overspending.
• Understanding consumer psychology can help you make informed decisions.
• Scarcity and urgency are powerful motivators in retail marketing.
• Emotional marketing plays a significant role in holiday spending.
• Awareness of your emotions is crucial to resisting unnecessary purchases.
• Retailers use anchoring to skew your perception of value.
• Door buster deals are designed to lure you into stores for bigger purchases.
• Countdown timers create a false sense of urgency to buy.
• Buy more, save more promotions often lead to unnecessary spending.
• Setting a strict holiday budget can help you avoid impulse purchases.

EPISODE CHAPTERS
>> 00:00 Navigating Holiday Spending: An Introduction
>> 04:37 Understanding Marketing Tactics: The Psychology Behind Spending
>> 09:04 Sneaky Sales Strategies: How Companies Manipulate Prices
>> 14:12 The Role of Technology: Targeted Ads and Influencer Marketing
>> 18:31 Staying Disciplined: Strategies for Smart Holiday Spending

About Kumiko:

Kumiko Love is the creator of The Budget Mom, LLC, a national bestselling author of the book "My Money My Way," and an Accredited Financial Counselor.

She is a dedicated mom of two boys, a passionate sourdough baker, and the proud owner of Pine Manor Naturals.

With over 2 million followers across social media, Kumiko's expertise and approachable style have been featured in major media outlets such as Forbes, The New York Times, and Good Morning America.

As the host of The Miko Love Podcast, Kumiko dives into the exploration of her own passions and a range of captivating topics, offering fresh perspectives and engaging discussions about life. She inspires millions to take control of their financial lives while embracing passionate living and life fulfillment.

Thank you for being a part of our community!

Contact The Miko Love Podcast

• Follow me on Instagram @mikolovepodcast
• Email me at [email protected]

Thanks for listening & keep feeding your curiosity!

In this episode of The Miko Love Podcast, host Kumiko Love and therapist Laura Caruso dive into attachment styles and their impact on relationships. They unpack the origins and types—secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized—and discuss how childhood experiences shape these patterns. The conversation highlights the importance of self-awareness, the potential for change, and the value of therapy in breaking generational cycles.

Kumiko and Laura also explore the link between attachment styles and narcissism, the role of confidence in building secure relationships, and the complexities of parenting and emotional regulation. They share insights into overcoming fears as parents and emphasize the power of communication and seeking support for healthier relationships and family dynamics.

EPISODE CHAPTERS

>> 00:00 Introduction to Attachment Styles
>> 02:49 Understanding Attachment Theory
>> 06:04 Types of Attachment Styles
>> 08:45 Impact of Childhood on Attachment
>> 12:09 Identifying Your Attachment Style
>> 15:04 Narcissism and Attachment Styles
>> 17:58 Evolving Attachment Styles
>> 21:09 Building Secure Attachments
>> 23:30 Navigating Parenting Fears and Responsibilities
>> 27:15 Understanding Attachment Styles in Relationships
>> 31:34 The Impact of Life Events on Attachment Styles
>> 38:00 Regulating Emotions and Seeking Reassurance
>> 41:24 Attachment Styles and Major Life Transition

ABOUT LAURA

Laura is a therapist and relationship expert based in New York City. She practices from a relational lens and prides herself as a down-to-earth and “no bullshit” therapist. She is working on a revolutionary, self-customized course called Wired for Connection (W4C) to help you reprogram attachment for stronger, healthier relationships, which launches December 1st. You can follow her on Instagram for updates about the launch, including major discounts for pre-registration.

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauracaruso.therapy/ 
• Website: https://www.wellpsychnyc.com/ 

About Kumiko:

Kumiko Love is the creator of The Budget Mom, LLC, a national bestselling author of the book "My Money My Way," and an Accredited Financial Counselor.

She is a dedicated mom of two boys, a passionate sourdough baker, and the proud owner of Pine Manor Naturals.

With over 2 million followers across social media, Kumiko's expertise and approachable style have been featured in major media outlets such as Forbes, The New York Times, and Good Morning America.

As the host of The Miko Love Podcast, Kumiko dives into the exploration of her own passions and a range of captivating topics, offering fresh perspectives and engaging discussions about life. She inspires millions to take control of their financial lives while embracing passionate living and life fulfillment.

Thank you for being a part of our community!

Contact The Miko Love Podcast

• Follow me on Instagram @mikolovepodcast
• Email me at [email protected]

Thanks for listening & keep feeding your curiosity!

In this episode of the Miko Love podcast, host Kumiko Love delves into the complex topic of spending guilt, exploring its emotional and psychological roots, societal pressures, and practical strategies to overcome it.

Kumiko emphasizes the importance of reframing one's mindset about spending, viewing money as a tool for enhancing life rather than a source of stress. She provides actionable strategies such as value-based spending, creating a guilt-free spending fund, and practicing gratitude to help listeners cultivate a healthier relationship with their finances.

IMPACTFUL QUOTES

• "Spending is often equated with recklessness."
• "Spending money isn't a moral failing."
• "Money is a tool, and it is meant to be used."
• "Embrace the concept of enough to let go of guilt."

EPISODE CHAPTERS

>> 00:00 Introduction to Spending Guilt
>> 03:07 Emotional Roots of Spending Guilt
>> 05:53 Psychological Factors Behind Spending Guilt
>> 09:09 Societal Pressures and Spending Guilt
>> 11:52 Reframing Your Mindset on Spending
>> 15:08 Practical Strategies to Overcome Spending Guilt
>> 17:53 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

KEY TAKEWAYS

• Spending guilt is a common emotional experience.
• Upbringing influences our beliefs about money and spending.
• Societal pressures equate financial responsibility with frugality.
• Spending can be part of a healthy financial life.
• Recognizing money as a tool can shift your mindset.
• Value-based spending aligns purchases with personal values.
• Practicing gratitude can reduce feelings of guilt after spending.
• Tracking emotional spending triggers helps identify patterns.
• Embracing the concept of enough can alleviate spending guilt.
• Intentional spending enhances financial well-being.

About Kumiko:

Kumiko Love is the creator of The Budget Mom, LLC, a national bestselling author of the book "My Money My Way," and an Accredited Financial Counselor.

She is a dedicated mom of two boys, a passionate sourdough baker, and the proud owner of Pine Manor Naturals.

With over 2 million followers across social media, Kumiko's expertise and approachable style have been featured in major media outlets such as Forbes, The New York Times, and Good Morning America.

As the host of The Miko Love Podcast, Kumiko dives into the exploration of her own passions and a range of captivating topics, offering fresh perspectives and engaging discussions about life. She inspires millions to take control of their financial lives while embracing passionate living and life fulfillment.

Thank you for being a part of our community!

Contact The Miko Love Podcast

• Follow me on Instagram @mikolovepodcast
• Email me at [email protected]

Thanks for listening & keep feeding your curiosity!

In this episode of the Miko Love Podcast, host Kumiko Love delves into the pervasive issue of comparison, particularly in the context of social media. She discusses how comparison can rob individuals of joy and self-worth, leading to anxiety and distress.

Kumiko emphasizes the importance of embracing one's unique journey and offers actionable strategies to combat the negative effects of comparison, including practicing gratitude, setting personal goals, and limiting social media exposure.

The episode encourages listeners to focus on their own growth and celebrate their achievements, no matter how small.

IMPACTFUL QUOTES

• "Comparison really is the thief of joy."
• "You're comparing your entire full story to someone else's edited version."
• "Gratitude is a powerful antidote to envy."

EPISODE CHAPTERS

>> 00:00 Introduction to Comparison and Its Impact
>> 06:02 The Role of Social Media in Comparison
>> 12:14 Embracing Your Unique Journey
>> 17:54 Strategies to Overcome Comparison

KEY TAKEWAYS

• Comparison is harmful and can chip away at self-worth.
• Social media often presents a highlight reel, not reality.
• Gratitude shifts focus from lack to abundance.
• Your journey is unique; stop measuring against others.
• Limit social media exposure to reduce comparison triggers.
• Celebrate your own wins, no matter how small.
• Surround yourself with positive influences.
• Mindfulness helps refocus on your own path.
• Setting personal goals aligned with values is key.
• Digital detox can provide mental space for self-reflection.

About Kumiko:

Kumiko Love is the creator of The Budget Mom, LLC, a national bestselling author of the book "My Money My Way," and an Accredited Financial Counselor.

She is a dedicated mom of two boys, a passionate sourdough baker, and the proud owner of Pine Manor Naturals.

With over 2 million followers across social media, Kumiko's expertise and approachable style have been featured in major media outlets such as Forbes, The New York Times, and Good Morning America.

As the host of The Miko Love Podcast, Kumiko dives into the exploration of her own passions and a range of captivating topics, offering fresh perspectives and engaging discussions about life. She inspires millions to take control of their financial lives while embracing passionate living and life fulfillment.

Thank you for being a part of our community!

Contact The Miko Love Podcast

• Follow me on Instagram @mikolovepodcast
• Email me at [email protected]

Thanks for listening & keep feeding your curiosity!

In this episode of the Miko Love Podcast, host Kumiko Love dives into a variety of topics centered around personal finance, budgeting, and the journey of financial fulfillment.

She shares her own experiences as The Budget Mom, discusses the importance of motivation versus self-discipline in budgeting, and offers insights on balancing family spending with long-term financial goals.

Kumiko also emphasizes the significance of teaching children about money management, shares success stories from her community, and provides practical advice on building an emergency fund and handling joint finances in relationships.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Financial freedom and financial fulfillment are two different concepts.
• Staying motivated in budgeting requires self-discipline and routine.
• Life events can shift your perspective on spending and saving.
• Sinking funds help manage holiday spending stress-free.
• Teaching kids about money involves showing them how to provide value.

EPISODE CHAPTERS

>> 00:00 Introduction to the Miko Love Podcast
>> 01:26 The Journey of The Budget Mom
>> 09:22 Staying Motivated on a Budget
>> 15:27 Balancing Family Spending and Long-Term Goals
>> 20:04 Managing Holiday Spending with Sinking Funds
>> 25:18 Teaching Kids About Money
>> 30:00 Success Stories from the Budget Mom Community
>> 34:15 Building an Emergency Fund
>> 38:13 Handling Joint Finances in Relationships

About Kumiko:

Kumiko Love is the creator of The Budget Mom, LLC, a national bestselling author of the book "My Money My Way," and an Accredited Financial Counselor.

She is a dedicated mom of two boys, a passionate sourdough baker, and the proud owner of Pine Manor Naturals.

With over 2 million followers across social media, Kumiko's expertise and approachable style have been featured in major media outlets such as Forbes, The New York Times, and Good Morning America.

As the host of The Miko Love Podcast, Kumiko dives into the exploration of her own passions and a range of captivating topics, offering fresh perspectives and engaging discussions about life. She inspires millions to take control of their financial lives while embracing passionate living and life fulfillment.

Thank you for being a part of our community!

Contact The Miko Love Podcast

• Follow me on Instagram @mikolovepodcast
• Email me at [email protected]

Thanks for listening & keep feeding your curiosity!