How to Tackle Debt — Without Cutting Coffee, Joy, or Your Sanity - Part 2 of 4 Financial Confidence Bootcamp

This is Part 2 of our Financial Confidence Bootcamp — Four Weeks. Four Habits. One Confident You. Check out Episode 1 of my Financial Confidence Bootcamp If you’ve been stuck in the debt shame spiral — avoiding statements, swiping with guilt, or believing you have to give up everything fun until you’re debt-free — this episode will change how you think about paying off what you owe. We’re breaking down exactly how to tackle debt without cutting out joy, living on rice and beans, or putting your life on hold. I’ll walk you through my full Debt Detox Framework, the same step-by-step process I use with clients to help them pay down thousands while still traveling, going out to dinner, and building a life they love. You’ll hear: Why debt isn’t a moral failure — and what it actually is The four-step plan to pay it off without burning out How to build a budget that includes guilt-free joy Simple systems and boundaries that keep you from sliding back into debt Debt isn’t the end of your financial story — it’s just one chapter. And by the end of this episode, you’ll know exactly how to turn the page with confidence. Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app! Keep the conversation going on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney Thank you to our sponsors!  Policygenius - Head to policygenius.com to compare free life insurance quotes from top companies and see how much you could save.  Ava - Help build your credit score with Meetava.com. Use promo code: Money Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You’ve done everything “right”—built the career, raised the kids, earned the credentials, checked all the boxes—and yet, something still feels... empty. In this conversation, Shari Rash sits down with Danielle McGeough, PhD, a recovering overachiever, educator, and certified Elite Life Coach who’s spent the past two decades helping people move from surviving their routines to creating lives that actually feel good. Danielle is also the creator and host of the Plan Goal Plan podcast (ranked in the top 1.5% globally), where she blends research, ritual, and real-world strategy to help high achievers find meaning, motivation, and joy again. Together, Shari and Danielle dive into how our obsession with “doing more” often disconnects us from what truly matters—and how redefining success can transform not just your mindset, but also how you spend your time, money, and energy. ✨ This episode is part of a special podcast swap — catch Shari’s conversation with Danielle on Plan Goal Plan the same day for part two of this deeper dive into achievement, burnout, and balance. You’ll hear: Why achievement doesn’t always equal fulfillment—and what to do when you hit that wall How to move from to-do goals to to-be goals The daily “Top 3” practice that helps you reconnect with what matters How to align your time and money with your core values Simple ways to bring more joy, creativity, and delight into everyday life Check out Danielle’s Stuck assessment - Ways that you are stuck Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app! Keep the conversation going on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney Thank you to our sponsors!  Policygenius - Head to policygenius.com to compare free life insurance quotes from top companies and see how much you could save.  Ava - Help build your credit score with Meetava.com. Use promo code: Money Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is Part 1 of my 4-Part Financial Confidence Bootcamp, and we’re starting with the money habit everyone loves to hate: budgeting. If you’ve ever opened your budgeting app and immediately felt like you were failing, this episode will change the game. I’m breaking down how to build a budget that fits your real life—not the one social media tells you to have. You’ll hear: Why guilt-driven budgets never stick My Money CHIC Framework for creating a guilt-free, flexible plan The simple 5-minute money check-in that keeps you consistent Systems that make your budget run on autopilot (so you don’t have to think about it) No shame. No spreadsheet stress. Just confidence, clarity, and cash flow that actually supports your life. Tune in, take notes, and get ready to finally feel in control of your money. Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app! Keep the conversation going on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney Thank you to our sponsors!  Policygenius - Head to policygenius.com to compare free life insurance quotes from top companies and see how much you could save.  Ava - Help build your credit score with Meetava.com. Use promo code: Money Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Money and love don’t come with a rulebook—but they do come with plenty of emotions, power dynamics, and unspoken expectations. In this episode of Everyone’s Talkin’ Money, I sit down with Heather and Douglas Boneparth, the husband-and-wife team behind the new book Money Together. Heather, a lawyer-turned-writer, and Douglas, a nationally recognized financial advisor, share candid insights about the real challenges couples face when it comes to money—and how to turn those challenges into stronger, more equitable partnerships. You’ll hear: Why “trust” isn’t enough when one partner disengages from money decisions. How caregiving and emotional labor factor into financial fairness. The biggest money missteps couples make (and how to avoid them). How to move from financial independence to true interdependence without losing yourself. Why “fair” doesn’t always mean “even”—and how to redefine equity when income levels differ. How to start money conversations earlier in dating to gauge compatibility. Practical ways to bring more joy and balance to your financial life as a couple. If you’ve ever wondered how to merge love and money without resentment, hidden debt, or endless fights, this episode will give you the tools and inspiration to start building wealth together. Follow Douglas on Instagram @dougboneparth Follow Heather on Instagram @averagejoelle Get their new book: Money Together: How to find fairness in your relationship and become an unstoppable financial team Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app! Keep the conversation going on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney Thank you to our sponsors!  Policygenius - Head to policygenius.com to compare free life insurance quotes from top companies and see how much you could save.  Ava - Help build your credit score with Meetava.com. Use promo code: Money Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Leaving a marriage isn’t just a legal process — it’s an identity shift. And when money, kids, and years of investment are on the line, the decision can feel impossible. In this episode of Everyone’s Talkin’ Money, Shari Rash sits down with Kate Anthony — author of The D Word: Making the Ultimate Decision About Your Marriage and host of the critically acclaimed Divorce Survival Guide Podcast. Kate opens up about her own journey from what looked like a “perfect” marriage on the outside to recognizing emotional abuse and gaslighting behind closed doors. Together, Shari and Kate unpack the hidden fears that keep women in unhappy relationships, the role of money in staying or leaving, and why communication breakdowns are rarely about numbers but about values. You’ll walk away with: Why money fears and financial dependency keep women stuck in marriages longer than they want to be How your earliest “marriage memories” and “money memories” shape the choices you make as an  adult The difference between spender vs. saver conflicts — and how to finally speak the same financial language as your partner How to shift from “we” to “me” when divorce forces a new money mindset The #1 reality check Kate says every woman should face before deciding to stay or leave Whether you’re happily married, questioning your relationship, or just want to better understand the money-relationship connection, this conversation is packed with wisdom, humor, and hard truths. Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app! Keep the conversation going on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney Thank you to our sponsors!  Policygenius - Head to policygenius.com to compare free life insurance quotes from top companies and see how much you could save. Ava - Help build your credit score with Meetava.com. Use promo code: Money Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Retirement may feel far away, but the decisions you make today will shape how much freedom and flexibility you have tomorrow. In Episode 4 of 40 Money Lessons at 40, Shari Rash unpacks nine essential lessons for building long-term wealth. This isn’t about chasing hot stocks or becoming a Wall Street expert—it’s about practical, proven strategies that anyone can use to make time and money work together. You’ll hear: Why diversification is your financial safety net (and how to do it easily). The biggest mistake people make with employer 401(k) matches—and how to fix it today. How Roth IRAs deliver decades of tax-free growth. Why borrowing from retirement accounts robs Future You. How to avoid a “retirement tax bomb” with the right mix of pre-tax and Roth contributions. The tax-efficient accounts (Roth, HSA, 529) that quietly add six figures over time. Why HSAs are the unicorn account for retirement healthcare costs. What you need to know about taxes on W-2, 1099, dividends, and capital gains. The one factor that beats investment returns or contribution size: starting early. Whether you’re in your 20s, 30s, or hitting your 40s like me, these lessons prove that money is forgiving—you can start fresh today and still build the wealth you need for tomorrow. Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app! Keep the conversation going on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney Thank you to our sponsors!  Policygenius - Head to policygenius.com to compare free life insurance quotes from top companies and see how much you could save.  Ava - Help build your credit score with Meetava.com. Use promo code: Money Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you drowning in “stuffication”? It’s that suffocating feeling when your home is so overrun with clutter that it steals your focus, your joy, and even your financial security. In this episode of Everyone’s Talkin’ Money, I sit down with professional organizer Mary Beth MacKinnon to uncover why clutter is never just about stuff—it’s about emotions, money, and the stories we attach to our belongings. Mary Beth explains why pantries become money pits, how subscription boxes and impulse buys fuel the clutter cycle, and why storage units are really just “renting a house for your crap.” We dive deep into the psychology of guilt, nostalgia, and overconsumption—and talk about practical systems and mindset shifts that can help you stop overspending and start living lighter. You’ll hear: Why “stuffication” happens and how to know when clutter has crossed the line into overwhelm The hidden financial costs of clutter (from subscription traps to storage units) Why emotions like guilt and shame keep us stuck with things we don’t even use Smart strategies for breaking the buy-more-organize-more cycle How decluttering your home can also declutter your finances and free up money for what really matters If you’ve ever stood in front of an overflowing closet or pantry and felt paralyzed, this episode will help you understand what’s really going on—and give you tools to clear the clutter for good. Follow Mary Beth on Instagram @marybeth.mackinnon or visit www.simplify-me.net for tips that make both your home and your budget feel a little lighter. Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app! Keep the conversation going on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney Thank you to our sponsors!  Policygenius - Head to policygenius.com to compare free life insurance quotes from top companies and see how much you could save.  Ava - Help build your credit score with Meetava.com. Use promo code: Money Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Too many women entrepreneurs are hustling hard, making sales, and still not seeing the money hit their personal bank account. Sound familiar? In this episode of Everyone’s Talkin’ Money, Shari Rash sits down with Danielle Hayden—Co-Founder and CEO of Kickstart Accounting—to unpack the myths, mindset blocks, and money mistakes that keep successful business owners stuck. Danielle shares why it’s irresponsible not to pay yourself, the real difference between a bookkeeper, tax accountant, and CFO-level support, and how to use your numbers as a story—not a math problem—to make better decisions. You’ll learn where most women overspend (and underspend), how to balance business needs with household needs, and why hiring the right money team can transform your business into a sustainable source of wealth. You’ll walk away knowing: Why saying “I’m not a numbers person” is keeping you broke in business How to structure your money team (bookkeeper, tax accountant, CFO, and more) The percentages you should be spending on payroll, marketing, and operations What to do if your business is seasonal or cash flow feels lumpy How to stop the shame spiral and finally pay yourself confidently If you’re ready to shift from “making money” to keeping and using money in a way that supports both your business and your life, this episode is a must-listen. Rules of Thumb for business spending. Check out the worksheet Danielle mentioned here: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/healthy Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app! Keep the conversation going on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney Thank you to our sponsors!  Policygenius - Head to policygenius.com to compare free life insurance quotes from top companies and see how much you could save.  Ava - Help build your credit score with Meetava.com. Use promo code: Money Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Turning 40 has me thinking about the money lessons that actually matter — not the flashy hacks, but the real, sometimes boring, strategies that keep your financial life from falling apart. In part three of my 40 Money Lessons at 40 series, I’m digging into debt, credit, and protection — the unsexy side of money that quietly saves you thousands. I’ll break down why paying off high-interest credit cards is the best guaranteed return you’ll ever get, how lifestyle creep sneaks up with an “I deserve this” disguise, and why carrying a balance on your credit cards is the ultimate wealth killer. I’m also sharing the protection strategies most people ignore — from freezing your credit (free, easy, and way more effective than monitoring) to keeping disability insurance because your income is your biggest asset, and adding umbrella insurance once your net worth grows. You’ll walk away knowing: Why killing high-interest debt beats almost any investment strategy How to recognize lifestyle creep before it drains your wealth The golden rule of credit cards (hint: the magic number is zero) The simplest way to stop identity theft before it happens Why insurance may be boring, but it’s the backbone of financial freedom These aren’t the lessons that get headlines or TikTok views, but they’re the ones that give you real peace of mind — and by 40, I’ve learned peace of mind is worth more than any hot stock tip. Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app! Keep the conversation going on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney Thank you to our sponsors!  Policygenius - Head to policygenius.com to compare free life insurance quotes from top companies and see how much you could save.  Ava - Help build your credit score with Meetava.com. Use promo code: Money Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While everyone else is waiting for January to set resolutions they won’t keep, savvy money managers know the real financial new year starts in September. In this final episode of the Back-to-School, Back-to-Budget series, Shari Rash shows you why fall is the perfect time to reset your money goals—and how to make them stick through the holiday season and beyond. You’ll learn: Why September has natural momentum that January can’t match How to harness “fresh start” energy to set one powerful financial goal The exact framework for choosing, sizing, and sticking to that goal How to avoid the 3 most common mistakes people make when setting money goals Why finishing the year strong can completely transform your financial confidence Forget failed resolutions. September gives you the time, structure, and energy to create real change. Whether your goal is saving, paying off debt, or finally building that emergency fund, this episode will help you focus, follow through, and step into the new year already ahead. If this series helped you, now’s the perfect time to binge all four episodes: Part 1: resetting your money routine Part 2: checking your money basics Part 3: building a smart seasonal spending plan, and Part 4: finishing the year strong with a financial goal that actually sticks. Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app! Keep the conversation going on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney Thank you to our sponsors!  Policygenius - Head to policygenius.com to compare free life insurance quotes from top companies and see how much you could save.  Ava - Help build your credit score with Meetava.com. Use promo code: Money Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices