Finance Girlies: Money Conversations for Gen Z and Millennial Women

The money advice we needed in our 20s (and still stand by today) / 76

When you’re in your early 20s, it’s easy to feel like you have so much time to figure money out later. Retirement feels impossibly far away, investing feels intimidating, and honestly, a lot of financial advice can feel disconnected from real life when you’re just trying to make rent, navigate your first job, or recover from the chaos of college. The truth is, though, some of the smallest financial habits you build early on can shape your life for decades — not because you need to do everything perfectly, but because small, consistent choices really do add up over time. And while this episode is centered around what we wish we knew in our 20s, almost everything we talk about applies no matter your age or stage of life. It’s never too early or too late to start building habits that make your financial life feel calmer and more intentional. In this conversation, we’re sharing the money advice we genuinely wish someone had told us earlier, from tracking our spending and avoiding lifestyle creep to building credit, learning to invest, and figuring out what actually matters to us. ✨ Episode Highlights ✨ * [02:00] Why tracking your spending is the foundation of intentional money habits * [03:30] The personal finance books that helped us finally understand money * [05:00] How to spot “money leaks” and spend more intentionally * [06:30] Two simple questions to ask before buying something impulsively * [09:00] What lifestyle creep actually looks like in your 20s * [13:00] Why learning to cook is one of the best money-saving skills you can build * [15:00] The financial advantage of cheap housing situations early in adulthood * [17:00] How to prioritize experiences and travel without overspending * [19:30] Building credit responsibly and why starting early matters * [23:00] Emergency funds, future goals, and using extra money intentionally * [27:00] Why investing early matters more than investing perfectly * [32:30] Talking about money with friends, asking for help, and taking imperfect action ✨ Resources ✨ * Our 2 favorite personal finance/investing books: I Will Teach You to Be Rich [https://bookshop.org/p/books/i-will-teach-you-to-be-rich-no-guilt-no-excuses-just-a-6-week-program-that-works-second-edition-ramit-sethi/c94dc625ab30ce95] by Ramit Sethi and The Simple Path to Wealth [https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-simple-path-to-wealth-your-road-map-to-financial-independence-and-a-rich-free-life-jl-collins/9b9e094ba0412523] by JL Collins * Budgeting tool: YNAB (You Need a Budget) [https://www.ynab.com/] * Finance Girlies’ Investing Before You’re Ready [https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/invest] workshop * Finance Girlies episode on bank accounts: Q&A: Choosing the right bank accounts / 3 [https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/podcast-episodes/choosing-the-right-bank-accounts-mm8zj-h56b3] * Finance Girlies episode on travel: Points & miles 101 with Ross Alcorn: Turn your credit card rewards into free travel / 52 [https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/podcast-episodes/points-and-miles-with-ross-alcorn-wr8tx-6ktre] * Finance Girlies episode with Arden Missal: She didn’t want to shrink her lifestyle — so she paid off $150K in debt, fast / 74 [https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/podcast-episodes/arden-missal] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2404002/support] 📩 Get The Finance Girlies newsletter:  https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/newsletter 💻Visit The Finance Girlies website:  https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/ 💖Email us your money questions:  hello@thefinancegirlies.com 📸Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefinancegirlies/

How Elisabeth built a minimalist lifestyle with less stuff and more freedom / 75

When we think about “rich” experiences, it’s easy to assume they have to come with a high price tag. But this week’s guest, Elisabeth Frost, has built a life that challenges that idea in the best way. Elisabeth is a lifestyle blogger, budget traveler, and longtime thrifter currently spending three and a half months traveling across Europe with her husband and two kids — carry-on only. In this episode, we talk about the systems and mindset shifts that help her family travel affordably, live more minimally, and make intentional financial decisions without feeling deprived. We also get into the choices that helped Elisabeth and her husband pay off their house in just seven years, why she approaches secondhand shopping strategically, and the reminder we all probably need sometimes: spending more money doesn’t automatically create better memories. ✨ Episode Highlights ✨ * [02:10] What it’s actually like raising kids with a minimalist and frugal lifestyle * [03:20] How Elisabeth’s family travels internationally on a budget * [05:15] The first thing they prioritize when planning affordable trips * [07:05] Why setting a hard accommodation budget helps them avoid overspending * [09:15] The simple travel habits that save their family money on food and activities * [12:00] How free museum days and off-peak tickets dramatically cut travel costs * [16:10] Why some of their kids’ favorite travel memories were completely free * [20:00] Elisabeth’s “everything needs a home” rule for thrifting and minimalism * [27:00] The difference between thrift stores and consignment shops — and how to shop both intentionally * [35:20] The biggest decisions that helped Elisabeth and her husband pay off their mortgage in seven years ✨ Resources ✨ * Elisabeth’s blog: The Optimistic Musings of a Pessimist [https://optimisticmusings.com/] * Elisabeth’s Patreon community: Lighthouse Keepers [https://www.patreon.com/LighthouseKeeper] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2404002/support] 📩 Get The Finance Girlies newsletter:  https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/newsletter 💻Visit The Finance Girlies website:  https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/ 💖Email us your money questions:  hello@thefinancegirlies.com 📸Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefinancegirlies/

She didn’t want to shrink her lifestyle — so she paid off $150K in debt, fast / 74

There’s a version of debt payoff advice that sounds responsible on paper — make the minimum payments, invest the difference, stay the course. But what if following that plan still leaves you feeling stuck? In this episode with physician assistant and financial educator Arden Missal, we unpack what happens when you question the “default” path — and what it can look like to choose something else. We talk about the emotional side of money, why avoidance is so common, and how your beliefs can shape your financial reality. Arden paid off $150,000 of debt in just 16 months. Interestingly, she doesn’t consider herself frugal — and that’s exactly why she was so determined to eliminate her debt so fast. Arden’s approach wasn’t just about working more or spending less; it started with a complete shift in how she thought about debt, time, and what she actually wanted her life to feel like.  This conversation is part strategy, part mindset reset, and it might even change how you think about what’s possible for you. ✨ Episode Highlights ✨ * [00:00] Why the “make minimum payments” advice didn’t sit right with Arden — and what it revealed * [06:30] What paying off $150K in 16 months looked like behind the scenes * [12:00] How becoming debt-free reshaped her relationship with money * [16:00] The “boiling frog” effect and how debt becomes your normal * [22:00] What money avoidance really is — and how it shows up * [27:00] How shame and limiting beliefs keep people stuck * [34:00] Arden’s favorite exercise for uncovering your money story * [41:00] Why your thoughts drive your financial outcomes * [47:00] Rethinking budgeting as a tool for direction, not restriction * [53:00] What to do if financial freedom feels out of reach ✨ Resources ✨ Connect with Arden: * Grab Arden’s free debt tracker: https://shesfinanciallyfree.com/starter-kit [https://shesfinanciallyfree.com/starter-kit]  Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2404002/support] 📩 Get The Finance Girlies newsletter:  https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/newsletter 💻Visit The Finance Girlies website:  https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/ 💖Email us your money questions:  hello@thefinancegirlies.com 📸Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefinancegirlies/

Roth IRA or 401(k)? Where to invest first with Sean Mullaney / 72

If you’ve spent any time reading personal finance advice, you’ve probably heard the same advice on repeat: max out your Roth IRA. But what if that’s not actually the best move — at least not right now? In this episode, we sit down with advice-only financial planner Sean Mullaney to challenge some of the most common investing advice out there and replace it with something a little more nuanced — and helpful. We talk about how to think about taxes across your lifetime (not just this year), why traditional retirement accounts deserve more attention, and how small shifts in strategy can make a meaningful difference over time. ✨ Episode Highlights ✨ * [00:00] Meet our guest and why “Roth first” isn’t always the best advice * [02:00] The two-sentence framework for retirement planning: investing + taxes * [04:30] Why traditional 401(k)s can be more powerful than Roth accounts * [08:00] What to do if you don’t have access to a 401(k) * [12:30] The real order of operations: emergency fund, employer match, then what? * [15:30] How taxes actually work in retirement (and why they’re often lower) * [18:30] The “hidden Roth IRA” concept explained in plain English * [24:30] Capital gains, cost basis, and why your taxable income may be lower than you think * [28:00] The “compelling three” framework for investing (and how to use it) * [32:00] Where HSAs fit into your overall investing strategy * [34:00] The biggest mistake we see in your 20s and 30s — and how to avoid it * [36:00] Balancing saving for the future with actually enjoying your life now ✨ Resources ✨ Connect with Sean: * Sean’s book: Tax Planning to and Through Early Retirement  [https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tax-planning-to-and-through-early-retirement-cody-garrett/1148112872] * Sean’s blog: FITaxGuy.com [http://fitaxguy.com]  * Sean’s YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/@SeanMullaneyVideos] Listen to The Finance Girlies beginner-friendly investing episodes: * Why you don’t feel ready to invest (and how to start anyway) / 67 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2404002/episodes/18829863] * Health Savings Accounts (HSAs): The incredible financial tool you may be overlooking / 54 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2404002/episodes/18515309] * Q&A: Everything you need to know about Roth IRAs / 12 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2404002/episodes/18043962]  As Sean mentioned, some capital gains in New Zealand are not subject to tax, but some are. As always, tax rules are nuanced. Learn more in this video [https://youtu.be/WBLWYY5YpvE?si=VEULmEu5XclVJssj&t=3095] and this article [https://www.lynchandassociates.co.nz/updates-and-articles/does-new-zealand-really-have-no-capital-gains-tax]. The discussion is intended for general educational purposes only and is not tax, legal, or investment advice for any individual. Cassidy, Emily, and The Finance Girlies podcast do not endorse Sean Mullaney, Mullaney Financial & Tax, Inc. and their services.  Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2404002/support] 📩 Get The Finance Girlies newsletter:  https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/newsletter 💻Visit The Finance Girlies website:  https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/ 💖Email us your money questions:  hello@thefinancegirlies.com 📸Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefinancegirlies/

Feeling disorganized with your money? Try spring cleaning your finances / 71

Spring cleaning isn’t just for your closet — it might be exactly what your finances need, too. In this episode, we talk about why April (not January) can be the most natural time to reset your money habits, especially as your energy shifts, your spending changes, and tax season gives you a clearer picture of your finances. We walk through how to take that “fresh start” feeling and turn it into simple, actionable steps — from deciding what to do with your tax refund to decluttering subscriptions, organizing accounts, and checking in on your bigger financial goals. If your money has felt a little messy, neglected, or just out of sync lately, this is your permission slip to reset — without pressure or perfection. Think of this as your financial reset checklist — approachable, flexible, and designed to help you feel lighter, clearer, and more in control going into the rest of the year. ✨ Episode Highlights ✨ * [00:00] Why spring might be a better time than January to reset your finances  * [02:15] How seasonal shifts impact your spending habits (and why it’s normal for them to change)  * [09:05] What to do with your tax refund — from saving to spending with intention  * [10:20] Using your recent tax experience to make smarter decisions this year  * [12:30] Turning clutter into cash by selling unused items  * [14:45] How to organize financial documents and simplify next tax season  * [16:40] Where to check your credit score for free — and what to look for  * [17:50] Why freezing your credit could give you extra peace of mind  * [19:10] Subscriptions and recurring expenses to review this season  * [20:30] How to lower your bills (and what to say when you call)  * [22:45] Which accounts to close — and what to keep open for your credit score  * [24:05] Checking in on your emergency fund and adjusting your goals  ✨ Resources ✨ *  Episode 69: 7 smart ways to use your tax refund in 2026 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2404002/episodes/18936841]  *  Episode 70: Rethinking the emergency fund: How much do you need to save? [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2404002/episodes/18975922] *  Episode 35: Cassidy's moving budget: The cost of starting over [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2404002/episodes/18043488] *  Episode 3: Q&A: Choosing the right bank accounts [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2404002/episodes/18043974]  *  Free credit report: Annualcreditreport.com [https://www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action]  *  Take our quiz: What Type of Finance Girlie Are You? [https://tally.so/r/VLl69l] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2404002/support] 📩 Get The Finance Girlies newsletter:  https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/newsletter 💻Visit The Finance Girlies website:  https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/ 💖Email us your money questions:  hello@thefinancegirlies.com 📸Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefinancegirlies/