Don't Depend On Daddy

In this Q+A episode, I’m answering your most-asked personal finance and career questions—covering everything from how I manage my money now that I’m self-employed, to navigating career pivots, saving for big goals, and making the most of your 20s and 30s. Whether you're trying to build a budget that actually works, wondering how to balance saving vs. investing, or struggling to figure out your next career step—this episode has the honest, practical advice I wish I had when I was just getting started. We’re covering both tactical money tips and deeper mindset shifts around work, worth, and building a life that feels aligned. If you’re in a season of transition or just want to feel more financially grounded, this one’s for you. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 – Intro: answering your personal finance & career questions00:48 – I’m 24 and feeling lost—should I pay off student loans or save first?03:45 – Any advice for paying off student loans more strategically?06:10 – Which FIRE path are you pursuing now and why?08:00 – What’s the biggest money mindset shift you’ve made lately?10:35 – I’m approaching $100K but still feel poor—what’s going on?13:00 – How did you pivot from your 9–5 into content full time?15:45 – What does the admin side of your business setup look like?18:00 – How do you negotiate a raise or promotion when there’s “no budget”?20:15 – How do you know when it’s time to pivot careers—and manage the risk?23:10 – I quit a toxic job without a backup. Any advice for staying positive? 💸 Personal Finance Dashboard: https://breakyourbudget.com/personal-finance-dashboard [https://breakyourbudget.com/personal-finance-dashboard] 💸 Basic Budgeting Template:  https://breakyourbudget.com/basic-budgeting-template [https://breakyourbudget.com/basic-budgeting-template] 💸 NEW FI/RE Template:  https://breakyourbudget.com/fire-template [https://breakyourbudget.com/fire-template] ✅ Subscribe to Break Your Budget Weekly:  https://breakyourbudget.com/newsletter [https://breakyourbudget.com/newsletter] 📖 My Books:  https://breakyourbudget.com/book [https://breakyourbudget.com/book] 👩🏼‍💻 Task Management System + Promotion Template: https://breakyourbudget.com/own-your-career-template [https://breakyourbudget.com/own-your-career-template] FREE DOWNLOADS: 💸 Recession Guide: https://breakyourbudget.com/recession-guide [https://breakyourbudget.com/recession-guide] ✅ Monthly Audit Checklist: https://breakyourbudget.com/monthly-audit-checklist [https://breakyourbudget.com/monthly-audit-checklist] ✍🏻 Personal Finance Starter Kit: https://breakyourbudget.com/pf-starter-kit [https://breakyourbudget.com/pf-starter-kit] All Other Resources:  https://breakyourbudget.com/links [https://breakyourbudget.com/links] 👩🏼‍💻 Inquiries: michela@breakyourbudget.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakyourbudget/ [https://www.instagram.com/breakyourbudget/] 📲 Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@breakyourbudget [https://www.tiktok.com/@breakyourbudget] 📸 Instagram: ⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/breakyourbudget/]https://www.instagram.com/michela_alloccaa [https://www.instagram.com/michela_alloccaa/?hl=en] 💸 Break Your Budget LTK:  https://www.shopltk.com/explore/MichelaAllocca/ [https://www.shopltk.com/explore/MichelaAllocca/]

I just turned 30, and in this episode I’m walking you through my mid-year life reset. From shifting my workouts and eating more protein, to simplifying my content strategy and decluttering my space—these are the small but intentional changes I’m making to feel better, work smarter, and live with more peace in the second half of the year. If you’re craving more structure or clarity, this reset might be the nudge you need. TIMESTAMPS: (skip 9:00-22:00 for trigger warning)00:00 – Intro: What Don't Depend on Daddy is about01:00 – Housekeeping & digital product discounts03:00 – Turning 30: How it actually feels04:30 – Why I structure my goals in 6-month increments06:00 – Self-reflection questions for a personal reset09:00 – Fitness goals, calorie tracking, and protein adjustments16:30 – Creating a consistent, structured workout plan20:00 – Fitbit, walking goals, and staying motivated22:00 – Morning routine tweaks + reading financial news24:00 – Career strategy shifts + reshaping content creation 💸 Personal Finance Dashboard: https://breakyourbudget.com/personal-finance-dashboard [https://breakyourbudget.com/personal-finance-dashboard] 💸 Basic Budgeting Template:  https://breakyourbudget.com/basic-budgeting-template [https://breakyourbudget.com/basic-budgeting-template] 💸 NEW FI/RE Template:  https://breakyourbudget.com/fire-template [https://breakyourbudget.com/fire-template] ✅ Subscribe to Break Your Budget Weekly:  https://breakyourbudget.com/newsletter [https://breakyourbudget.com/newsletter] 📖 My Books:  https://breakyourbudget.com/book [https://breakyourbudget.com/book] 👩🏼‍💻 Task Management System + Promotion Template: https://breakyourbudget.com/own-your-career-template [https://breakyourbudget.com/own-your-career-template] FREE DOWNLOADS: 💸 Recession Guide: https://breakyourbudget.com/recession-guide [https://breakyourbudget.com/recession-guide] ✅ Monthly Audit Checklist: https://breakyourbudget.com/monthly-audit-checklist [https://breakyourbudget.com/monthly-audit-checklist] ✍🏻 Personal Finance Starter Kit: https://breakyourbudget.com/pf-starter-kit [https://breakyourbudget.com/pf-starter-kit] All Other Resources:  https://breakyourbudget.com/links [https://breakyourbudget.com/links] 👩🏼‍💻 Inquiries: michela@breakyourbudget.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakyourbudget/ [https://www.instagram.com/breakyourbudget/] 📲 Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@breakyourbudget [https://www.tiktok.com/@breakyourbudget] 📸 Instagram: ⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/breakyourbudget/]https://www.instagram.com/michela_alloccaa [https://www.instagram.com/michela_alloccaa/?hl=en] 💸 Break Your Budget LTK:  https://www.shopltk.com/explore/MichelaAllocca/ [https://www.shopltk.com/explore/MichelaAllocca/]

I’m sharing the unfiltered, sometimes uncomfortable but deeply important lessons I’ve learned by 30—from relationships and self-worth to money, boundaries, and doing life your way. Whether you’re in your 20s or already beyond 30, these life lessons cover navigating adulthood, building independence, de-centering external validation, and cultivating confidence in your own timeline. 00:00 – Welcome & turning 30 03:00 – Lesson 1: You have plenty of time 05:45 – Lesson 4: Move to a new place at least once in your 20s 08:00 – Lessons 5–6: Let friendships and people leave naturally 10:45 – Lessons 7–8: Decenter men & develop real hobbies 13:00 – Lessons 9–10: Choose quality over quantity & keep learning 16:00 – Lessons 11–13: News, phones, and self-discipline 20:00 – Lessons 17–21: Appearance, reading, finances & independence 24:00 – Lessons 22–25: Being alone, clothing that fits, and managing space 28:00 – Lessons 26–30: Lifestyle creep, boundaries & living life on your terms 💸 Personal Finance Dashboard: https://breakyourbudget.com/personal-finance-dashboard [https://breakyourbudget.com/personal-finance-dashboard] 💸 Basic Budgeting Template:  https://breakyourbudget.com/basic-budgeting-template [https://breakyourbudget.com/basic-budgeting-template] 💸 NEW FI/RE Template:  https://breakyourbudget.com/fire-template [https://breakyourbudget.com/fire-template] ✅ Subscribe to Break Your Budget Weekly:  https://breakyourbudget.com/newsletter [https://breakyourbudget.com/newsletter] 📖 My Books:  https://breakyourbudget.com/book [https://breakyourbudget.com/book] 👩🏼‍💻 Task Management System + Promotion Template: https://breakyourbudget.com/own-your-career-template [https://breakyourbudget.com/own-your-career-template] FREE DOWNLOADS: 💸 Recession Guide: https://breakyourbudget.com/recession-guide [https://breakyourbudget.com/recession-guide] ✅ Monthly Audit Checklist: https://breakyourbudget.com/monthly-audit-checklist [https://breakyourbudget.com/monthly-audit-checklist] ✍🏻 Personal Finance Starter Kit: https://breakyourbudget.com/pf-starter-kit [https://breakyourbudget.com/pf-starter-kit] All Other Resources:  https://breakyourbudget.com/links [https://breakyourbudget.com/links] 👩🏼‍💻 Inquiries: michela@breakyourbudget.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakyourbudget/ [https://www.instagram.com/breakyourbudget/] 📲 Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@breakyourbudget [https://www.tiktok.com/@breakyourbudget] 📸 Instagram: ⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/breakyourbudget/]https://www.instagram.com/michela_alloccaa [https://www.instagram.com/michela_alloccaa/?hl=en] 💸 Break Your Budget LTK:  https://www.shopltk.com/explore/MichelaAllocca/ [https://www.shopltk.com/explore/MichelaAllocca/]

Welcome back to Don’t Depend on Daddy, the podcast empowering young professionals to build independent, intentional lives. In this Summer 2025 State of the Union, I’m reflecting on what’s in and what’s out this season—from skincare to career goals, dating, therapy, and everything in between. I’m also sharing five things I’m doing to feel my absolute best physically and emotionally this summer. If you’re entering a new era, trying to enjoy your 20s or 30s with more intention, or just want some inspiration for your own “hot girl summer,” this episode is for you. 💸 Personal Finance Dashboard: https://breakyourbudget.com/personal-finance-dashboard [https://breakyourbudget.com/personal-finance-dashboard] 💸 Basic Budgeting Template:  https://breakyourbudget.com/basic-budgeting-template [https://breakyourbudget.com/basic-budgeting-template] 💸 NEW FI/RE Template:  https://breakyourbudget.com/fire-template [https://breakyourbudget.com/fire-template] ✅ Subscribe to Break Your Budget Weekly:  https://breakyourbudget.com/newsletter [https://breakyourbudget.com/newsletter] 📖 My Books:  https://breakyourbudget.com/book [https://breakyourbudget.com/book] 👩🏼‍💻 Task Management System + Promotion Template: https://breakyourbudget.com/own-your-career-template [https://breakyourbudget.com/own-your-career-template] FREE DOWNLOADS: 💸 Recession Guide: https://breakyourbudget.com/recession-guide [https://breakyourbudget.com/recession-guide] ✅ Monthly Audit Checklist: https://breakyourbudget.com/monthly-audit-checklist [https://breakyourbudget.com/monthly-audit-checklist] ✍🏻 Personal Finance Starter Kit: https://breakyourbudget.com/pf-starter-kit [https://breakyourbudget.com/pf-starter-kit] All Other Resources:  https://breakyourbudget.com/links [https://breakyourbudget.com/links] 👩🏼‍💻 Inquiries: michela@breakyourbudget.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakyourbudget/ [https://www.instagram.com/breakyourbudget/] 📲 Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@breakyourbudget [https://www.tiktok.com/@breakyourbudget] 📸 Instagram: ⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/breakyourbudget/]https://www.instagram.com/michela_alloccaa [https://www.instagram.com/michela_alloccaa/?hl=en] 💸 Break Your Budget LTK:  https://www.shopltk.com/explore/MichelaAllocca/ [https://www.shopltk.com/explore/MichelaAllocca/]

In this episode, Michela is breaking down the top 5 financial decisions that helped her cross the $1M net worth threshold before turning 30. From living at home post-grad and building a business, to tracking every dollar and calculating my FIRE number—these choices weren’t flashy, but they were incredibly effective. Whether you’re in your early 20s or heading into your 30s, these are the practical, foundational moves that can create serious financial momentum over time. I’ll also share the mindset shifts that made the biggest difference and how to apply these lessons to your own journey—even if you feel “behind. TIME STAMPS:  00:00 – Intro: approaching 30, thirties reflections 01:30 – Housekeeping: templates, upcoming FIRE & real estate tools 04:30 – Why financial progress takes years, not months 06:00 – Decision #1: Living at home + keeping rent low 10:00 – Decision #2: Starting a business (Break Your Budget) 14:30 – Decision #3: Choosing a practical college major (Finance) 18:30 – Decision #4: Tracking my expenses consistently 22:00 – Decision #5: Calculating my FIRE & work optional numbers 26:30 – Closing thoughts: Your 20s don’t have to be perfect, they just need to be intentional 💸 Personal Finance Dashboard: https://breakyourbudget.com/personal-finance-dashboard [https://breakyourbudget.com/personal-finance-dashboard] 💸 Basic Budgeting Template:  https://breakyourbudget.com/basic-budgeting-template [https://breakyourbudget.com/basic-budgeting-template] 💸 NEW FI/RE Template:  https://breakyourbudget.com/fire-template [https://breakyourbudget.com/fire-template] ✅ Subscribe to Break Your Budget Weekly:  https://breakyourbudget.com/newsletter [https://breakyourbudget.com/newsletter] 📖 My Books:  https://breakyourbudget.com/book [https://breakyourbudget.com/book] 👩🏼‍💻 Task Management System + Promotion Template: https://breakyourbudget.com/own-your-career-template [https://breakyourbudget.com/own-your-career-template] FREE DOWNLOADS: 💸 Recession Guide: https://breakyourbudget.com/recession-guide [https://breakyourbudget.com/recession-guide] ✅ Monthly Audit Checklist: https://breakyourbudget.com/monthly-audit-checklist [https://breakyourbudget.com/monthly-audit-checklist] ✍🏻 Personal Finance Starter Kit: https://breakyourbudget.com/pf-starter-kit [https://breakyourbudget.com/pf-starter-kit] All Other Resources:  https://breakyourbudget.com/links [https://breakyourbudget.com/links] 👩🏼‍💻 Inquiries: michela@breakyourbudget.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakyourbudget/ [https://www.instagram.com/breakyourbudget/] 📲 Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@breakyourbudget [https://www.tiktok.com/@breakyourbudget] 📸 Instagram: ⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/breakyourbudget/]https://www.instagram.com/michela_alloccaa [https://www.instagram.com/michela_alloccaa/?hl=en] 💸 Break Your Budget LTK:  https://www.shopltk.com/explore/MichelaAllocca/ [https://www.shopltk.com/explore/MichelaAllocca/]