Latina Money Diaries

EPISODE 8 — Diary Entry #8: New Year, New Boundaries

In this episode of Latina Money Diaries, host Itzel discusses the importance of setting financial boundaries to achieve financial peace and independence. She emphasizes that many people struggle with money not due to a lack of income, but because they allow too many obligations and emotional pressures to dictate their financial decisions. Itzel shares her personal experiences and insights on how to say no, the cultural expectations surrounding family and money, and the difference between generosity and obligation. She encourages listeners to prioritize their financial well-being and offers practical steps to establish boundaries that protect their peace and promote financial growth. financial boundaries, money management, cultural expectations, personal finance, financial independence, budgeting, emotional obligations, generosity, self-care, financial peace

Episode 7- Diary Entry #7 3 things I learned before Buying a Home (the Hard Way)

In this episode of Latina Money Diaries, host Itzel Flores gets real about the lessons she learned the hard way before buying her first home. From low pre-approvals to working with the wrong realtor, Itzel shares the real-life mistakes that nearly made her give up and the strategies that helped her come back stronger, smarter, and with three homes to her name. Learn how to protect your wallet, choose the right team, and treat your mortgage like a long-term wealth strategy instead of just a bill. 💖 This one’s for every woman who’s ready to own a home without losing her peace or her money. financial boundaries, money management, cultural expectations, personal finance, financial independence, budgeting, emotional obligations, generosity, self-care, financial peace

Episode 6- Diary Entry #6: The cost of darkness

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, host Itzel Flores opens up about why her family chooses not to celebrate Halloween and how faith, discernment, and financial wisdom all come together during this time of year. Itzel shares her perspective on how Halloween isn’t as innocent as it seems, explaining the spiritual side that many overlook from the darkness it glorifies to how it quietly seeps into our homes, schools, and even churches. She breaks down how the enemy uses distraction and fear to pull us away from peace, purpose, and God’s light. But this isn’t just a spiritual talk it’s a financial one too. 💰  Itzel reminds us how easily Halloween (and other cultural “traditions”) drain our wallets, our focus, and our energy. From costume shopping to candy to over-the-top decorations, the costs add up and so does the distraction. She encourages listeners to be intentional with their money and their mindset, reminding us that not every trend deserves our participation or our paycheck. You’ll hear how her family stands firm in their faith focusing instead on peace, gratitude, prayer, and time together. She opens up about teaching her daughter that not everything fun is good for us and that choosing light over darkness is one of the most empowering financial and spiritual decisions we can make. As the episode closes, Itzel begins to share her next journey buying her family’s home and the lessons she learned about choosing the right realtor, staying patient through the process, and how faith and finances once again came together to guide her. financial boundaries, money management, cultural expectations, personal finance, financial independence, budgeting, emotional obligations, generosity, self-care, financial peace

Episode 5- Diary Entry #5: Hidden Costs of a New Business

In this heartfelt episode of Latina Money Diaries, host Itzel opens up about the leap of faith that changed everything — leaving the safety of corporate life to build a family business from the ground up. After years in banking, learning the ins and outs of credit, lending, and financial growth, Itzel and her husband decided to start their mobile welding and fabrication business in 2019. With no loans, no investors, and no backup plan besides faith, they trusted God and took their first step into entrepreneurship. sharing what those early days were really like — the fear, the excitement, and the powerful moment they realized their first $3,000 job brought in more profit in one day than a week and a half of a 9-to-5 paycheck. From that point on, faith and strategy became their foundation. This episode dives into the real-life lessons that every aspiring entrepreneur needs to hear: 💼 How they ran their business with wisdom — saving, planning, and paying everything in cash. 💖 The power of saying “no” to debt until they were ready to build credit intentionally. 📊 What it really costs to start and maintain a business — from insurance and tools to licenses and taxes. 🙏 How faith guided them through uncertainty, slow seasons, and big breakthroughs. Itzel reminds listeners that success isn’t about how much money you make — it’s about how wisely you manage what you have, and who you trust to guide you through it. Through tears, gratitude, and laughter, she paints a picture of what it means to build not just a business, but a life rooted in purpose and peace. financial boundaries, money management, cultural expectations, personal finance, financial independence, budgeting, emotional obligations, generosity, self-care, financial peace

Episode 4- Diary Entry #4: Building Financial Literacy and Business Success

Join Itzel Flores in this episode of Latina Money Diaries as she shares her journey from college days to stepping into the world of finance. Discover how she navigated her career as a mortgage and home equity specialist, learned the intricacies of financial products, and transitioned to becoming a business owner. Itzel offers insights on financial literacy, the importance of internships, and the challenges and rewards of starting a business. Don't miss her personal stories and practical advice for taking control of your financial future. Subscribe and share with your amigas! financial boundaries, money management, cultural expectations, personal finance, financial independence, budgeting, emotional obligations, generosity, self-care, financial peace