What if your financial fears aren’t failures, but inherited beliefs you were never taught to question? In this episode of Her Second Stage, Hilda Lunderstedt is joined by Steph Wagner, Director of Elevate Her, Northern Trust's Women & Wealth initiative, for a powerful conversation on money, mindset, and the untapped financial power of women over 45. Women today are living longer, earning more, and controlling a growing percentage of global wealth—yet many still feel financially insecure, defer long-term planning, or avoid conversations around money due to shame, fear, or societal conditioning. This episode explores why that happens—and what to do about it. Steph shares her personal story of leaving the finance world to raise a family, facing financial collapse after divorce, and rebuilding her financial life from scratch. With radical honesty and practical wisdom, she explains how women can reclaim their economic agency through awareness, education, and empowered action. 

You’ll learn the difference between making money and creating wealth, why compound interest is the most powerful force most women ignore, and how to break free from generational money wounds that keep you small.

This episode breaks the silence, offering actionable insights into financial literacy, investing, long-term planning, and the emotional patterns that sabotage financial growth.

Whether you’re facing divorce, starting over, or simply ready to stop fearing your finances, this conversation is your roadmap to rewriting your money story. You’ll learn:

• Why women often defer financial decision-making and how to shift into leadership.
• How early childhood messages around money shape adult behaviors
• Why women statistically make better investors—and how to build that confidence.
• How to take inventory of your finances and assess assets, liabilities, and spending.
• The truth about abundance vs. prosperity—and how to build both with intention.
• Why financial literacy is more than numbers—it’s a tool for personal freedom and self-trust.

Steph also introduces her upcoming book, "Fly: A Woman’s Guide to Financial Freedom and Building a Life You Love", which offers a 7-step process to reclaim your money story, expand your financial literacy, and step into your second stage with power, peace, and long-term security. Whether you’ve never managed your finances or you’re ready to level up, this episode is packed with wisdom and clarity for any woman ready to lead with confidence.

Timestamps:

00:00 The Impact of Money on Life Choices

02:10 Personal Journey: From Investment Banking to Financial Independence

05:10 Challenges Women Face with Financial Independence

09:20 Breaking the Taboo: Conversations Around Money

21:06 Understanding Wealth: Making Money vs. Creating Wealth

24:25 The Complexity of Modern Wealth Management

27:01 The Importance of Financial Literacy for Women

35:29 Taking Control: Steps to Financial Empowerment

40:59 The Journey to Financial Freedom: Insights from a New Book

Follow and Find more on Steph Wagner here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephlwagner/

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/steph_l_wagner/?hl=en

Steph’s Book:  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fly-steph-wagner/1146889245

Connect and Follow Hilda for Daily Inspiration:

Website: https://hersecondstage.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HerSecondStage

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hersecondstage/

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PodLink: https://pod.link/1780867494

YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbqHjmEh4_0cFx9aFgucr5bxnQxTZaDrh

sisterhood, women healing, feminine leadership, female empowerment, menopause, women and money, financial literacy, money mindset, financial independence, wealth building for women