Everyone's Talkin' Money

I’m joined by Rod Griffin, Senior Director of Public Education and Advocacy at Experian, to unpack some surprising insights from their latest survey on paying off debt [https://www.experianplc.com/newsroom/press-releases/2025/americans-tackling-debt-to-achieve-their-own-cinderella-story]. You’d think paying down debt would instantly feel like a weight lifted – but for many, it’s not that simple. Rod shares why some people don’t feel that immediate impact and what you can do to make the most of your financial progress. In this episode we discuss:  * The unexpected emotional disconnect some people experience after paying off debt. * Why a three-month period may be key to fully feeling the benefits of being debt-free. * How mindset shifts – not just willpower – are essential for staying out of debt. * Why having cash on hand might not prevent people from taking on more debt. * How social media can fuel unnecessary spending and financial pressure. * The concept of quiet debt and why so many people struggle to talk about it. * How open conversations about money can alleviate shame and guilt. * The critical difference between credit and debt – and why that distinction matters. You’ll walk away knowing: * Paying off debt can have emotional benefits, but not everyone feels a significant change immediately. * A three-month period is often needed to fully feel the impact of paying off debt. * Mindset shifts are crucial for staying out of debt; willpower alone isn't enough. * Having cash on hand may not prevent people from taking on debt. * Social media can create pressure to keep up with others, leading to unnecessary spending. * Finding personal anchors and understanding true needs can help manage debt. * People are looking for ways to both reduce expenses and increase income to manage debt. * Quiet debt refers to hidden financial struggles that people often don't discuss. * Shame around money is common, but open conversations can relieve that pressure. * Credit and debt are different; understanding this can help manage finances better. Follow the show so you never miss an episode, and keep the conversation going on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney [https://www.instagram.com/everyonestalkinmoney/]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Ever feel like you’re wearing a mask of success but underneath, you’re drowning in self-doubt? You’re not alone. In this episode, I sit down with Kamini Wood, CEO of Live Joy Your Way and founder of AuthenticMe® Life Coaching, to uncover why so many of us feel like imposters despite our accomplishments. Kamini shares her personal journey from chronic people-pleaser to self-worth advocate and the strategies she uses to help high achievers reclaim their power and stop outsourcing their value. We dig into why imposter syndrome isn’t just a buzzword, how to break free from the trap of perfectionism, and why acknowledging your wins is more than just self-care — it’s self-leadership. You’ll hear: * The truth about imposter syndrome and why it’s more common than you think * How Kamini shifted from feeling like she wasn’t enough to embracing her worth * The surprising connection between perfectionism and financial stress Why we struggle to celebrate our wins — and how to start doing it right now * How to turn self-doubt into self-leadership without toxic positivity You’ll walk away with: * An understanding of how imposter syndrome is holding you back financially and emotionally * Practical ways to identify and reframe limiting beliefs * A simple gratitude practice that helps calm your inner critic and boost self-worth * The importance of acknowledging your wins — and a powerful way to start doing it today * Kamini’s top tip for building self-leadership that aligns with your true values Connect with Kamini Wood: 🌐 Website: https://www.kaminiwood.com/6-ways-to-improve-your-relationship-with-money/ [https://www.kaminiwood.com/6-ways-to-improve-your-relationship-with-money/] 📸 Instagram: @itsauthenticme [https://www.instagram.com/itsauthenticme/] 📘 Facebook: @itsauthenticme [https://www.facebook.com/itsauthenticme/] 🎥 YouTube: Kamini Wood - AuthenticMe [https://www.youtube.com/@KaminiWood-itsauthenticme] 🎧 Podcast: Rise Up, Live Joy Your Way [https://www.kaminiwood.com/riseup-live-joy-your-way-podcast/] Follow Everyone’s Talkin’ Money on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney [https://www.instagram.com/everyonestalkinmoney] for more financial insights and behind-the-scenes content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Does the word “budget” make your skin crawl? You’re not alone – but it doesn’t have to be that way. In this episode, we’re flipping the script on traditional budgeting and showing you how to build a spending plan that empowers rather than restricts. You’ll hear: * Why most budgeting systems are set up to fail – and how to create one that actually works for you. * How to identify your core money values and align your spending with what truly matters. * The Three-Bucket Spending Plan that turns your budget into a tool for growth, security, and joy. * Powerful mindset shifts that transform financial scarcity into abundance. * Shari’s personal story of breaking the scarcity cycle and embracing a values-based spending plan. You’ll walk away learning:  * Your financial reality will always align with your financial energy  * Common money values include: * Freedom and flexibility * Security and stability * Growth and learning * Comfort and well-being * Impact and contribution * Recognition and status * How to reframe budgeting from a punishment to a powerful tool for aligning your spending with your values. * Why most budgeting systems set you up for failure – and the three critical mindset shifts that will transform your financial approach. * The Three-Bucket Spending Plan that simplifies money management without sacrificing what you love. How to identify your top money values and use them to build a spending plan that actually sticks. * Why emotional spending isn’t just about lack of discipline – it’s about unaddressed financial traumas and how to heal them. * How to stop saying “I can’t afford that” and start saying, “I’m choosing to spend differently.” * How to recognize the scarcity mindset patterns that keep you stuck – and practical steps to break free. Whether you’re tired of feeling guilty every time you spend or you’re ready to start building wealth without sacrificing your sanity, this episode is for you. Tune in, take notes, and get ready to reframe how you manage your money. Follow us on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney for more money mindset shifts and practical tips! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Are you trapped in a career that pays well but leaves you feeling unfulfilled? In this episode, career coach Eliana Goldstein reveals why so many ambitious professionals find themselves in the 'golden handcuffs'—high-paying jobs that don't align with their values—and how to break free without sacrificing financial security. You'll hear: * Why the 'golden handcuffs' trap so many high achievers * The common financial and emotional patterns Eliana sees in her clients * How to identify your career values and align them with your financial goals * The importance of strategic career pivots and side hustles * How to quantify your 'enough' number and avoid the endless money chase You’ll Walk Away Learning:  * Many high achievers feel trapped in unfulfilling careers. * The 'golden handcuffs' create financial and emotional conflict. * Societal expectations can lead to career dissatisfaction. * Mindset shifts are crucial for career fulfillment. * The Career Upgrade Framework helps align values with career choices. * Financial stress often impacts career decisions. * People often assume they must take a pay cut for fulfillment. * Comparison with peers can lead to dissatisfaction. * Side hustles can provide purpose and confidence. * Self-auditing is essential for understanding career engagement. Follow Eliana on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/eliana_goldstein/] for daily career tips, and check out her Career Upgrade Framework at ElianaGoldsteinCoaching.com [https://www.elianagoldsteincoaching.com/] and use the code TALKIN on the checkout page to get $150 off! Here is the link to the course [https://d12mvs04.na1.hs-sales-engage.com/Ctc/2M+23284/d12mVs04/Jl22-6qcW7lCdLW6lZ3m5W19DRDT7Ss_hnN25VLB9XZt3lW7VCTKC5R52H_N34l6LrgmCGYW2tZvML5Q1VfDW4qJRmZ6RP8XnW3q0MCY2j_W_SV8r2dv8jLG_2W821Hkc3m9ZpKW3RF0Nc2Zj-DFW7TBfkm671nswVpGvTV3nw2yvW39G5k85tWtRLW61_fLv5dsddnW89lNsB7g2ycGW4rW5_P6w-9TvW3XhCyP4h2SdqW381LZq8XWvfwW1GZfBj5B_JQ6W90qv827Lm5J6N8Y2krJYpry6W6_NW2k3QTzVNW2NrL4S4_YMfbW56p3C29b40j3f87cNpq04]. And don’t forget to follow us @everyonestalkinmoney [https://www.instagram.com/everyonestalkinmoney/] for more money mindset insights and behind-the-scenes content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

In this episode of Everyone’s Talkin’ Money, we’re diving into the untold story of stay-at-home moms and financial independence with Karen Johnson, also known as The 21st Century SAHM. Karen opens up about her powerful new book, What Do I Want to Be When They Grow Up?, and the identity crisis many mothers face when they step away from a paycheck to raise their kids. You’ll hear: * How to reclaim your financial worth as a stay-at-home mom — even if you’re not bringing in income * The emotional and financial cost of sacrificing your career for your family and how to rebuild your sense of self * Why investing in yourself isn’t selfish — and how to do it without the mom guilt * How to have honest money conversations with your partner when you’re not earning a paycheck * Karen’s top advice for women in their 40s navigating big life pivots and financial decisions Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom, a working mom, or somewhere in between, this conversation will remind you that your worth isn’t defined by a paycheck — and that it’s never too late to invest in you. You’ll walk away learning:  * Many women feel guilt about pursuing interests outside of motherhood. * Motherhood can feel like a death of previous identity. * Social media often portrays an unrealistic view of motherhood. * Women are conditioned to feel guilty about not enjoying every moment. * Perfectionism can negatively impact mental health in motherhood. * It's important to focus on accomplishments rather than shortcomings. * Unpaid labor in the household is valuable and should be recognized. Women should feel empowered to ask for what they deserve. * Many women handle day-to-day finances but lack knowledge of larger financial matters. * It's crucial for both partners to be educated about household finances. * Financial literacy can prevent future hardships in case of unexpected events. * Women often feel guilty about spending money on themselves. * Selfishness in financial decisions can be redefined as self-care. * Finding personal hobbies is essential for mental well-being. * Aging can bring a sense of freedom and acceptance. * Conversations about money should be open and honest, without guilt. Follow Karen on social media @21stcenturysahm [https://www.instagram.com/21stcenturysahm] and visit the21stcenturysahm.com [https://the21stcenturysahm.com] to pre-order her book, What Do I Want to Be When They Grow Up? And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney [https://www.instagram.com/everyonestalkinmoney] for more real talk about money, motherhood, and finding your power. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]