In this episode of the Miko Love Podcast, host Kumiko Love explores the true meaning of financial freedom, challenging the conventional notions that equate it with wealth and success. She emphasizes the importance of defining financial freedom on a personal level, rather than adhering to societal standards.

Kumiko discusses the emotional aspects of money, including financial trauma and the impact of comparison on personal goals. She provides actionable steps for listeners to create their own financial systems that align with their values and emotional needs, ultimately encouraging them to build a life of freedom through intentional choices.

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Financial freedom is often misunderstood as a destination.
• Defining financial freedom for yourself is essential.
• Freedom starts with truth, not a dollar amount.
• Financial trauma can persist even after achieving financial goals.
• True freedom is about feeling safe, not just being in control.
• You can create moments of fulfillment now, not just in the future.

EPISODE CHAPTERS

00:00 Redefining Financial Freedom
06:19 The Emotional Side of Money
12:29 Creating Your Own Financial System
17:10 Building a Life of Freedom

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 issue of habitual shopping, exploring its psychological roots, emotional triggers, and the societal influences that perpetuate compulsive spending. 

She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, self-compassion, and community support in overcoming these habits. Listeners are encouraged to identify their spending triggers, regulate their emotional responses, and create a spending plan that aligns with their values and healing goals. 

Ultimately, the episode serves as a reminder that healing from habitual shopping is possible and that individuals can cultivate a healthier relationship with money and themselves.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Habitual shopping is a coping mechanism for emotional pain.
• Dopamine plays a significant role in reinforcing shopping habits.
• Awareness is the first step to changing spending patterns.
• Your identity influences your financial behaviors.
• Regulating your nervous system can improve decision-making.
• Creating a spending plan should reflect your values and goals.
• Community support is vital in overcoming habitual shopping.
• You can rewrite your relationship with money and shopping.

EPISODE CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Habitual Shopping
02:50 Understanding the Psychology Behind Shopping Habits
06:05 Identifying Triggers and Patterns
09:01 The Role of Self-Compassion and Identity
11:52 Regulating Your Nervous System
15:13 Creating a Healing-Centered Spending Plan
17:51 Building Community and Support for Change

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 shares her personal journey of buying her dream home with cash. She discusses the importance of vision, discipline, and financial planning, as well as the emotional challenges she faced along the way. 

Kumiko emphasizes the significance of tracking progress, staying consistent, and believing in oneself, regardless of financial circumstances. Her story serves as an inspiration for anyone working towards their own financial goals, reminding listeners that they are capable of achieving their dreams.]

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Everyone's financial journey is different, and that's okay.
• Small savings can lead to significant success over time.
• Visualizing your dream home is crucial to achieving it.
• You must have a strategic financial plan to reach your goals.
• Listening to your heart is important in decision-making.
• Don't let others' opinions deter you from your dreams.
• Slow progress is still progress, and every step counts.

OTHER RESOURCES

Watch when I reveal to my son that I was able to buy us a home: https://youtu.be/QklH6gAVgjU?si=VFefvFXKtyO5tRRQ

Read the article: https://thebudgetmom.com/my-journey-to-buying-my-dream-home-with-cash/

EPISODE CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to the Journey
02:45 The Dream of Homeownership
06:04 Financial Planning and Vision
08:54 The Decision to Buy with Cash
12:11 Overcoming Challenges and Setbacks
15:00 The Emotional Journey to Homeownership
17:54 Investing for the Future
21:13 The Importance of Tracking Progress
24:05 Consistency and Small Goals
26:51 The Final Steps to Homeownership
30:05 Reflections on the Journey

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 explores the pervasive issue of perfectionism in the age of social media, particularly Instagram. She discusses how the definition of perfectionism has shifted from achievement to appearance, leading to emotional costs and pressures that affect not only adults but also children. 

Kumiko emphasizes the importance of redefining what 'enough' means and encourages listeners to choose presence over perfection in their lives.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Perfectionism today is about being seen doing well, not just doing well.
• Social media has commercialized perfectionism, profiting off our insecurities.
• Perfectionism can chip away at our ability to show up honestly.
• 'Enough' has been redefined by comparison rather than sufficiency.
• True contentment comes from resting and honoring our reality.

IMPACTFUL QUOTES

• "To be accepted, they must be flawless."
• "Enough has been hijacked by comparison."

EPISODE CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Perfectionism in the Social Media Era
03:13 The Shift from Achievement to Appearance
05:58 The Emotional Cost of Perfectionism
09:14 Impact on Children and Future Generations
12:00 Redefining 'Enough' and Choosing Presence Over Perfection

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 shares her transformative journey from being over $77,000 in debt to achieving financial freedom & fulfillment. 

She reflects on the emotional and practical aspects of her experience, discussing the importance of family support, the challenges of budgeting, and the mindset shifts necessary for lasting financial success. 

Kumiko emphasizes that being debt-free is not just about the numbers, but about understanding one's relationship with money and the deeper motivations behind financial goals.

EPISODE RESOURCES

• Create a realistic budget that actually works: https://courses.thebudgetmom.com/p/building-blocks-of-budgeting
• Watch my Attack Your Debt Mini Lesson: https://youtu.be/aAutYJLHm00
• Read the article "My Debt Story – Accomplishing the Unimaginable": https://thebudgetmom.com/my-debt-story-accomplishing-the-unimaginable/

EPISODE CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to the Journey
03:00 The Impact of Debt Freedom
05:51 The Road to Debt Repayment
11:59 Facing Financial Hardships
18:10 The Role of Family and Support
23:58 Building a Sustainable Budget
29:49 The Importance of Mindset in Financial Success
35:58 Life After Debt: New Perspectives

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 engages with wellness expert Kristel Bauer to explore the complexities of work-life balance. They discuss whether true balance is achievable or merely a myth, the evolution of balance in modern life, and the importance of defining personal balance based on individual values and priorities. 

The conversation emphasizes the significance of mindfulness, community support, and the need to embrace imperfection in the pursuit of a fulfilling life. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own definitions of balance and to seek resources that support their well-being.

KEY TAKAWAYS

• The concept of balance has evolved with technology and modern work culture.
• Finding inner balance is more important than striving for external balance.
• Personal definitions of balance vary and should reflect individual values.
• Community support is crucial in navigating work-life challenges.
• Living a fulfilling life involves prioritizing meaningful relationships and experiences.
• Embracing imperfection can lead to a more satisfying pursuit of balance.
• Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

EPISODE CHAPTERS

00:00 Exploring Work-Life Balance: Myth or Reality?
02:53 The Evolution of Balance in Modern Life
06:51 Defining Personal Balance: Individual Perspectives
11:06 Finding Inner Balance: The Work-Life Tango
15:41 Mindfulness and Daily Habits for Stress Management
20:45 The Importance of Community and Support
23:19 Living a Fulfilling Life: The Bigger Picture
27:22 Embracing Imperfection in the Pursuit of Balance
32:34 Finding Resources and Support for Balance

ABOUT KRISTEL

Kristel Bauer is a top Keynote Speaker, corporate wellness and performance expert sharing insights for more happiness and success. Bauer is the author of Work-Life Tango: Finding Happiness, Harmony & Peak Performance Wherever You Work and she is the host of the "Live Greatly" podcast.

More from Kristel:
➡️ Order her book, Work-Life Tango: Finding Happiness, Harmony and Peak Performance Wherever You Work: https://bit.ly/3DUdPgs
➡️ Listen to her podcast, Live Greatly: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/live-greatly/id1500457853
➡️ Find her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livegreatly_co/

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 speaks with Maya Corbic, a financial educator passionate about teaching kids about money. They discuss the importance of financial literacy in today's consumer-driven society, the impact of social media on children's spending habits, and effective methods for teaching financial concepts to kids of different ages.

Maya shares her journey from being a first-generation immigrant to becoming a CPA and a financial educator, emphasizing the need for parents to be transparent about money and to instill good financial habits in their children. 

They also explore various allowance methods, the significance of investing for kids, and how to encourage saving over spending. The conversation concludes with success stories that highlight the importance of building confidence in financial literacy.

EPISODE CHAPTERS

>> 00:00 Introduction to Financial Literacy for Kids
>> 03:02 Maya's Journey: From Immigrant to Financial Educator
>> 06:10 The Importance of Financial Literacy in a Consumer Society
>> 08:56 Navigating Social Media's Impact on Kids' Spending Habits
>> 12:00 Teaching Financial Concepts to Different Age Groups
>> 14:59 Allowance Methods: Balancing Work and Financial Education
>> 17:58 Conversations About Money: Transparency with Kids
>> 20:58 Investing for Kids: Starting Young
>> 23:47 Encouraging Saving Over Spending
>> 26:58 Balancing Financial Independence with Providing for Kids
>> 30:10 Success Stories: Building Confidence in Financial Literacy

ABOUT MAYA

Maya Corbic, CPA, CA is the author of a kids’ book "From Piggy Banks to Stocks: The Ultimate Guide for a Young Investor" and the founder of the Wealthy Kids Investment Club. 

Her popular Instagram account @teach.kids.money that has 171K+ subscribers inspires parents to raise financially independent kids.

Her work has been featured in CBS News, NBC, ABC, Fox, CP24, etc.

• The Book, From Piggy Banks To Stocks, The Ultimate Guide for a Young Investor  https://amzn.to/41590Ko
• The Free 4-Step Cheat Sheet on How I Successfully Invest With My Kids https://www.wealthykids.club/4-step-cheat-sheet
• My Wealthy Kids Investment Club https://www.wealthykids.club/

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 critical issue of running safety for women. As she trains for her first ultra marathon, she reflects on the risks women face while running, sharing personal experiences and tragic stories of women who have been harmed or murdered. Kumiko emphasizes the importance of safety precautions, community support, and raising awareness about these issues to create safer environments for all runners.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Every woman who runs has to think about safety.
• Women face unique risks while running.
• Statistics show that 84% of women have been harassed while running.
• Self-defense tools can provide an extra layer of protection.
• Community support is crucial for safety.
• We need to demand safer communities for all.
• Raising awareness is essential to change the narrative.

EPISODE CHAPTERS

>> 00:00 Introduction to the Journey
>> 01:01 The Reality of Running Safety for Women
>> 05:20 Heartbreaking Stories of Women Runners
>> 08:11 Precautions for Personal Safety
>> 14:36 The Need for Safer Communities
>> 18:48 Raising Awareness and Conclusion

LINKS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:

• Self-defense running tool Go Guarded: https://goguarded.com/
• Garmin LiveTrack Feature: https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=HbqxxbiBGA3mDhlLX4GUw8

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 deeply personal episode of the Miko Love Podcast, host Kumiko Love shares her journey through grief following the unexpected loss of her mother. She discusses the challenges faced in navigating the autopsy process, the lack of information provided by hospitals, and the emotional turmoil that ensued.

Kumiko advocates for legislative change through 'Shirley's Law,' aimed at ensuring families are informed of their rights and options regarding autopsies. The episode emphasizes the need for transparency and compassion in healthcare, especially during times of loss.

SIGN & SHARE THE PETITION

https://chng.it/ZHYFSQqjv8

EPISODE CHAPTERS

• 00:00 Introduction to a Personal Journey
• 01:30 The Unexpected Loss of a Loved One
• 06:15 Navigating Grief and Autopsy Decision
• 12:20 Advocating for Autopsy Rights
• 15:50 Call to Action and Legislative Change

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 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!