Does paying off debt feel impossible?

Well, it's not.

You just need to remember that small wins add up and that you need a community of supportive women cheering you on.

Come join our amazing community of women just like that are on the journey–even with–life's ups and downs.

Try out Money Success Club for just $1!

Sometimes we get so caught up in what’s not perfect with our finances — the debt we still have, the savings we wish were bigger, the retirement number that feels so far away — that we forget to notice the progress we are making.

Today I want to help you pause and celebrate the small victories, because every big financial success is made up of dozens of little wins.

Because here’s the thing — so many women I talk to are doing better than they think. They’re making progress, but they don’t recognize it, so they feel stuck or discouraged.

In this episode, I’m sharing 7 little wins that prove you’re moving in the right direction with your money — even if it doesn’t feel like it yet.

Come try out Money Success Club for just $1 - https://leads.budgetsmadeeasy.com/msc-membership-1-trial-offer-ty-offer

Dustin shared his personal journey from being risk-averse and financially constrained to owning multiple properties and achieving financial independence.

He emphasized the importance of building a business mindset, using creative financing methods like conventional loans, DSCR loans, and assumable loans, and leveraging home equity lines of credit.

Follow Dustin:

Grab his FREE Real Estate Investing Course:

For easy step by step directions and worksheets on getting your budget together and done in 30 minutes a month, download my FREE Budget Starter Kit on www.budgetsmadeeasy.com/start

And if you enjoyed the podcast today and got some great takeaways, I’d really appreciate it if you followed the Money Mindset Podcast so you don’t miss out on future episodes

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Special Guest: Dustin Heiner.

Does it ever feel like your money’s gone before you even realize it? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’re talking about simple, realistic ways to get a handle on overspending and feel more in control of your finances.

We’ll cover everything from what to do with the money left after paying bills, to avoiding impulse buys, and even how to limit all those tempting ads. You’ll get simple, realistic tips that are easy to stick with.

Learn how to make your budget work for you, stay intentional with your spending, and build habits that support your goals, without the stress.

Hosting Today:

I'm Ashley Patrick, ex detective turned debt-free CEO of my very own business and stay at home mom of three. Not too long ago, my dreams of staying at home with my kids seemed impossible. I thought I'd have to stay miserable in a high stress demanding job, just so I could retire someday.

After gaining the confidence in my own ability to manage my family's finances and a simple step-by-step plan to make it happen, I was able to pay off $45,000 in just 17 months, which then allowed me to finally quit my job, stay at home with my kids, and build a debt-free business.

Now, my mission is to help moms like you conquer debt and free themselves from the mental load of handling their family's finances.

“It's important to have that bigger goal, but have a very clear, specific breakdown of those goals with milestones along the way, so that you can stay focused on what that big goal is and stay on track as you are moving forward.”

For easy step by step directions and worksheets on getting your budget together and done in 30 minutes a month, download my FREE Budget Starter Kit on www.budgetsmadeeasy.com/start

And if you enjoyed the podcast today and got some great takeaways, I’d really appreciate it if you followed the Money Mindset Podcast so you don’t miss out on future episodes

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Have you ever felt like it’s too late to fix your finances? Are old money habits from your past still influencing your decisions today?

This episode dives into the financial mindset shifts that are especially important in midlife. We’re unpacking how your upbringing, past choices, and long-held beliefs might be keeping you stuck, and what you can do to change that.

Tune in for simple advice and real encouragement to help you take the next step with confidence.

Hosting Today:

I'm Ashley Patrick, ex detective turned debt-free CEO of my very own business and stay at home mom of three. Not too long ago, my dreams of staying at home with my kids seemed impossible. I thought I'd have to stay miserable in a high stress demanding job, just so I could retire someday.

After gaining the confidence in my own ability to manage my family's finances and a simple step-by-step plan to make it happen, I was able to pay off $45,000 in just 17 months, which then allowed me to finally quit my job, stay at home with my kids, and build a debt-free business.

Now, my mission is to help moms like you conquer debt and free themselves from the mental load of handling their family's finances.

“You've got to prioritize yourself, learn to say no, and just really set the boundaries and expectations so that you're not responsible for taking care of everybody in your life, and that is okay. There is nothing wrong with that.”

Tired of feeling like your money disappears before you know where it went? It’s time to take back control! Join the FREE Spring Savings Challenge and start finding money you didn’t even realize you had. Go to https://leads.budgetsmadeeasy.com/spring-savings-challenge-2025 to sign up today!

And if you enjoyed the podcast today and got some great takeaways, I’d really appreciate it if you followed the Money Mindset Podcast so you don’t miss out on future episodes

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Budgeting can often feel like just another item on your endless to-do list, but it doesn’t have to be that way. In this episode, we’re sharing smart and creative ways to make budgeting something you actually enjoy, so it becomes a habit you look forward to—not one you keep putting off.

Whether it’s setting the vibe with cozy lighting, grabbing your favorite treat, turning on a good playlist, or turning your savings goals into a game, this episode is packed with ideas to help shift your perspective and make money management feel more like self-care than a chore.

If you’re new to budgeting or just looking to shake things up, you’ll find simple, uplifting tips to bring more ease and joy into your financial routine.

Hosting Today:

I'm Ashley Patrick, ex detective turned debt-free CEO of my very own business and stay at home mom of three. Not too long ago, my dreams of staying at home with my kids seemed impossible. I thought I'd have to stay miserable in a high stress demanding job, just so I could retire someday.

After gaining the confidence in my own ability to manage my family's finances and a simple step-by-step plan to make it happen, I was able to pay off $45,000 in just 17 months, which then allowed me to finally quit my job, stay at home with my kids, and build a debt-free business.

Now, my mission is to help moms like you conquer debt and free themselves from the mental load of handling their family's finances.

“Remember you don't have to be perfect with your money to start enjoying the process. We want to focus on progress and not perfection. Take one small step at a time. You deserve to feel good about your money. Okay, so it's okay to do things that make it fun and enjoyable so that you can enjoy your money.”

For easy step by step directions and worksheets on getting your budget together and done in 30 minutes a month, download my FREE Budget Starter Kit on www.budgetsmadeeasy.com/start

And if you enjoyed the podcast today and got some great takeaways, I’d really appreciate it if you followed the Money Mindset Podcast so you don’t miss out on future episodes

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Connect with Ashley:

Navigating your finances in your 40s and beyond often comes with unexpected challenges and shifts in priorities. This episode explores what it means to manage money during one of the highest earning seasons of life—while also managing the weight of responsibilities, from caring for kids to supporting aging parents. It’s a time of reflection, growth, and sometimes regret—but more importantly, it’s a chance to take control of your financial future.

From letting go of past mistakes to embracing your power to negotiate, build wealth, and diversify your income, this episode blends practical advice with empowering encouragement. Whether you’re planning for retirement, feeling stretched too thin, or simply wondering what’s next, it will help you shift your mindset and move forward with clarity.

Hosting Today:

I'm Ashley Patrick, ex detective turned debt-free CEO of my very own business and stay at home mom of three. Not too long ago, my dreams of staying at home with my kids seemed impossible. I thought I'd have to stay miserable in a high stress demanding job, just so I could retire someday.

After gaining the confidence in my own ability to manage my family's finances and a simple step-by-step plan to make it happen, I was able to pay off $45,000 in just 17 months, which then allowed me to finally quit my job, stay at home with my kids, and build a debt-free business.

Now, my mission is to help moms like you conquer debt and free themselves from the mental load of handling their family's finances.

“I want you to realize that you're just getting started. You are doing the best that you can and that you were never too old. It is never too late to get things going and take control of your finances and get things back on track. So even in this season, it is not too late.”

If you need help paying off your debt, go to www.budgetsmadeeasy.com/debt for your Paying Off Debt Starter Kit. This will help you really get going on your journey to longer-term investing strategies.

And if you enjoyed the podcast today and got some great takeaways, I’d really appreciate it if you followed the Money Mindset Podcast so you don’t miss out on future episodes.

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Connect with Ashley:

Finding contentment with what you already have can be a powerful tool for financial success.

In this episode, we dive into the connection between gratitude and money habits, exploring how emotional spending often stems from a lack of fulfillment. When we focus on appreciating what we have, we reduce impulse purchases, avoid lifestyle creep, and ultimately build a healthier financial mindset.

We’ll also discuss practical steps to cultivate gratitude, from mindful spending habits to journaling, and how these small shifts can lead to big financial wins.

Hosting Today:

I'm Ashley Patrick, ex detective turned debt-free CEO of my very own business and stay at home mom of three. Not too long ago, my dreams of staying at home with my kids seemed impossible. I thought I'd have to stay miserable in a high stress demanding job, just so I could retire someday.

After gaining the confidence in my own ability to manage my family's finances and a simple step-by-step plan to make it happen, I was able to pay off $45,000 in just 17 months, which then allowed me to finally quit my job, stay at home with my kids, and build a debt-free business.

Now, my mission is to help moms like you conquer debt and free themselves from the mental load of handling their family's finances.

“Remember, what we do with our money when it comes to reaching our big goals really boils down to being mindful of our actions and intentions, making sure they line up, and ensuring that you are actually doing what you truly want to do.”

For easy step by step directions and worksheets on getting your budget together and done in 30 minutes a month, download my FREE Budget Starter Kit on www.budgetsmadeeasy.com/start

And if you enjoyed the podcast today and got some great takeaways, I’d really appreciate it if you followed the Money Mindset Podcast so you don’t miss out on future episodes

Resources and Links Mentioned:

Connect with Ashley:

This is the replay of the Money Success Blueprint - setting yourself up for success in 2025 masterclass.

Starting the year with strong financial habits can make all the difference in reaching your money goals.

In this episode, we dive into a proven blueprint for financial success, focusing on key areas like setting yourself up for success, reining in overspending, and getting accountability.

You’ll learn how to recognize and manage spending triggers, avoid mindless purchases, and take intentional steps toward paying off debt and saving more. Plus, we’ll discuss the importance of accountability and how it can significantly increase your chances of financial success.

Whether you're looking to break the cycle of overspending or finally gain control over your budget, this episode will give you the strategies and insights to make it happen.

Hosting Today:

After gaining the confidence in my own ability to manage my family's finances and a simple step-by-step plan to make it happen, I was able to pay off $45,000 in just 17 months, which then allowed me to finally quit my job, stay at home with my kids, and build a debt-free business.

Now, my mission is to help moms like you conquer debt and free themselves from the mental load of handling their family's finances.

“When you know what is causing you to spend mindlessly, you can change your response, right? You can put in some safeguards, some barriers. That's going to take practice, because it's a habit right now for you to spend mindlessly on whatever trigger comes up. And so that's going to take some practice. But once you start to make those changes, then you're going to be able to stop doing those things that you don't want to do.”

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Do you find it tough to talk about money with your partner? In this episode, we explore the challenges of financial conversations in relationships, focusing on the importance of mutual understanding, confidence, and emotional awareness.

We discuss how emotional factors, like the mental load of managing finances, can impact these talks and share ways to help both partners feel involved and informed. Our guest, Adam Kol of The Couples Financial Coach, brings valuable insights on how to navigate these conversations.

Tune in to discover how empowering both partners with financial knowledge can transform your relationship and finances.

Meet Adam!

Adam Kol is The Couples Financial Coach. He helps couples go from financial overwhelm or fighting to clarity, teamwork, and peace of mind.

Adam is a Certified Financial Therapist-I™, Certified Mediator, and Tax Attorney with a Duke Law degree and a Master's in Tax Law from NYU. He is a husband, dad, and musician, as well.

Adam's wisdom has been shared with The Wall Street Journal, the Baltimore Ravens, CNBC, NewsNation, and more.

“Your partner wants to connect with you about finances. It may seem like they don't, and you might convince yourself that they don't. They do. They may not realize that they're avoiding it or why, but they do because it has such a profound effect on the lives that we live. I mean, it really touches every aspect, from how we raise our families to what we do for jobs, to the kind of food we eat, to the kind of things we have, etc. So your partner does want to feel like they can connect with you. It's just that people don't feel confident in that a lot of times, partly because it is true that money is still a taboo. But keep in mind that this is something where you both will feel a lot better if you're on the same page.”

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Special Guest: Adam H. Kol, J.D. .