Smart Spending for Fall: Holiday Budgeting, Sinking Funds, and Stress-Free Money Moves - Back-to-School, Back-to-Budget Mini-Series (Part 3 of 4)

The next three months—Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the holidays—are basically a budgeting minefield. Even if you’ve been disciplined all year, this season can throw your money game completely off. In Part 3 of our Back-to-School, Back-to-Budget series, I’m giving you a clear strategy to holiday-proof your wallet and make sure your spending reflects your priorities—not panic. We’re talking sinking funds for things you know are coming—gifts, school events, sports travel—and how to build a 3-month forecast that gives you room to breathe and room to celebrate. This episode isn’t about being the holiday Grinch—it’s about putting boundaries in place so you can actually enjoy the season without carrying guilt or a January credit card hangover into the new year. You’ll learn: how to map out your fall spending from Halloween through New Year’s how to budget for all those "surprise-but-not-really" expenses how to shift your mindset from restrictive to intentional. By the end, you’ll walk away with a simple fall money plan, sinking funds set up for what’s ahead, and the confidence to celebrate without sabotaging your financial goals. If you’re a busy professional or parent who dreads the financial chaos of the holidays but still wants to enjoy every bit of it—this one’s for you. And if this episode gives you the holiday money reset you’ve been craving, share it with a friend and make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss the final episode in this series: Building Momentum for Year-End Success. 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

What if your biggest money blocks aren’t in your bank account—but in your unconscious relationship with money? In this powerful and deeply personal episode, I’m joined by Morgana Rae, internationally recognized money mentor, bestselling author of Financial Alchemy: Twelve Months of Magic & Manifestation, and the woman her clients call the Money Goddess. Morgana’s unconventional (and wildly effective) approach has helped clients generate five, six, and even seven figures—sometimes within hours of doing this work. We’re not just talking mindset here—we’re talking total transformation. Morgana shares how she went from making $100/month in Los Angeles to generating millions by decimating her old toxic money narrative and replacing it with love, worthiness, and intentional action. If you’re a high-achieving woman who’s done all the “right” things—budgeted, invested, hustled—but still feels like wealth is a moving target or doesn’t stick… this episode will change the game. You'll walk away with: A completely new perspective on what it means to have a relationship with money The 6-step Financial Alchemy® process to eliminate hidden blocks and attract aligned abundance Why “hustling harder” actually repels money—and what to do instead How to use visualization, emotional safety, and self-worth to magnetize wealth What it means to love money without greed, guilt, or scarcity How unresolved family trauma, fear of betrayal, and emotional avoidance show up in your bank account Practical actions to reset your money energy—whether you’re struggling to make ends meet or managing millions Grab Morgana’s 10-Year Anniversary Edition of Financial Alchemy: Twelve Months of Magic & Manifestation: https://amzn.to/3IHRUen Follow the show on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode. Keep the conversation going on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney Leave a quick rating and review to help others discover the show. And remember: money should be a tool to live life on your terms. 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

Financial wellness isn’t just math—it’s mindset. Today, Jack Howard, strategic program and communications lead at Ally and secretary of the Ally Charitable Foundation, joins me to unpack money psychology, values-based spending, and why “financial confidence” has very little to do with your income bracket. We break down social spending, the Gen Z impulse loop fueled by Instagram/TikTok, and how to start having real money conversations with your friends—without tanking your budget or your relationships. You’ll hear: How your earliest money memories quietly drive adult decisions—and what to do about it The “money wellness chain reaction” to interrupt anxiety and take action today Social spending vs. social connection: lower-cost ways to get a higher “return on joy” Why women (especially high earners) still feel financially fragile—and how to fix it A values-based alternative to traditional budgeting that actually sticks What women of color need to hear about building real, generational wealth—on their terms 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

Feeling that late-summer bank account hangover? In Part 2 of my Back-to-School, Back-to-Budget mini-series, we run a Fall Financial Checkup—so you stop flying blind and start making confident money moves before holiday spending hits. I walk you through a 30-minute cash-flow audit, a ruthless subscription/money-leak review, and a realistic September budget using either the 50/30/20 rule or my BFF Budget (Budgeting Financial Friend). We’ll firm up your emergency fund, set sinking funds for predictable costs (gifts, travel, winter gear, annual bills), and choose a debt payoff strategy (snowball vs avalanche) you can actually stick with. You’ll learn: How to calculate true cash flow (not just salary) and spot hidden spending A 15-minute subscription audit to kill money leaks fast The difference between needs, wants, and “future you” (savings/debt) How to build sinking funds to holiday-proof your budget Debt snowball vs avalanche: which to use and when The weekly money check-in ritual that keeps you out of panic mode Perfect for: anyone craving a September budget reset, prepping for holiday spending, or ready to ditch autopilot and build an intentional fall budgeting routine. Share this with a friend who needs a money cleanup, follow us on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney for more tips and subscribe so you don’t miss Part 3: Smart Spending for a Busy Season. 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

So you’re making six figures (or more)… but why does financial confidence still feel out of reach? In this episode of Everyone’s Talkin’ Money, I’m joined by personal finance speaker and educator Linda Grizely, creator of The MeMoney™ Method, to talk about what really holds successful women back from prioritizing themselves financially. We unpack why hitting income milestones doesn’t automatically translate into security or self-trust, how to spot the biggest money lies high-achieving women tell themselves, and the guilt that sneaks in when you finally start spending on yourself in bigger, bolder ways. You’ll hear: Why the “High-Earner’s Paradox” keeps women stuck in scarcity thinking even after they’ve “made it” What it really means to build a life you love on a budget you don’t hate How values-based money decisions can transform your financial confidence The first step you can take today if you’re crushing it at work but not with your money Linda’s personal money decision that changed her life forever This conversation is about moving past survival, shame, and self-doubt into a financial strategy that actually feels aligned with your values—and your success. Follow Linda on Instagram. Hit follow on Everyone’s Talkin’ Money so you never miss smart, shame-free conversations about wealth. Leave a quick rating and review—it helps more successful women like you find the show and build their own money confidence. Join the conversation on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney and share the money lies you’ve told yourself—and how you’re rewriting the script. 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

Thinking about a career move but worried about trading stability for growth? In this episode, Shari Rash sits down with Amy Adler (CMRW, CERM, NCOPE)—president of Five Strengths Career Transition Experts—to unpack fearless career transitions, executive résumé writing, LinkedIn strategy, and career portfolio development. You’ll learn how to position your impact, optimize for ATS keywords without losing your voice, and build a personal brand that opens doors to C-suite roles, board seats, and better compensation. You’ll hear: How to reframe the “golden handcuffs” and evaluate real earning potential in a new role The resume art + science formula: metrics that matter, language that passes ATS, copy that sounds human What actually belongs in an executive career portfolio (résumé, LinkedIn, bio, thought leadership, more) When to tailor a résumé (and why tweaks should take minutes, not hours) The truth about networking vs. cold applying, and building relationships before you need them Personal branding on LinkedIn without the cringe—rules that keep your reputation clean and compelling Résumé “rules” that are outdated (one-page mandates, graduation years, GPA) and what to do instead How to identify your five strengths and translate them into executive-level language Guest: Amy Adler — President, Five Strengths Career Transition Experts; author of Courageous Career Change. Website: fivestrengths.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/amyladler Podcast: How I Hire Listener Perk: Amy is offering a complimentary résumé or LinkedIn review for our audience! Sign up here: https://fivestrengths.com/letschat  Be sure to follow the show 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

Summer was fun—your bank account says otherwise. In this kickoff to our Back-to-School, Back-to-Budget mini-series, Shari lays out a simple, no-shame plan to reset your budget after summer, rebuild your money routine, and set up a fall financial reset that actually sticks. If camps, travel, iced lattes, and “just this once” dinners left you with a summer spending hangover, this episode gives you five practical moves to get back on track before holiday spending hits. In this series, you’ll learn how to run a fast cash-flow audit, spot money leaks (hello, unused subscriptions), build realistic September budgets, and create fall financial containers for predictable expenses—so you walk into Q4 confident, not scrambling. You’ll hear: Why routines (not willpower) drive real financial confidence The honest summer spending reality check—and how to stop the shame spiral A step-by-step cash-flow review you can do in 30 minutes The One-Cut Challenge to reclaim cash this week (subscription audit, anyone?) How to build a realistic September budget you’ll actually follow “Financial containers” for fall: back-to-school, holidays, travel, winter wear The weekly money check-in that keeps you out of panic mode You’ll walk away with: A clear, judgment-free picture of where your money went this summer One recurring expense canceled—and dollars redirected to what matters A realistic September budget (not perfection—direction) A simple system to prep for fall + holiday costs before they hit A 15-minute weekly check-in ritual to stay accountable This episode is perfect for: Anyone feeling behind after summer who wants a fresh start for fall, listeners prepping for holiday spending, and busy adults who need a budget reset they can keep up with. Series note: This is Part 1 of 4. Next up: Your Fall Financial Checkup—cash flow, savings, debt, and the sneaky leaks draining your budget. If this helped, share it with a friend who needs a post-summer money reset, follow the show so you never miss an episode, and come hang with me on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney for weekly tips and prompts. 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

What does life look like when you stop trading time for money and start living on your own terms? In this episode of Everyone’s Talkin’ Money, I sit down with Daniel C. Rodgers — award-winning author of Escape The Clock: Your Program Guide for Financial Freedom and Early Retirement and host of the Escape the Clock Podcast. After 20 years in tech, Daniel walked away from the 9-to-5 grind to design a life filled with purpose, freedom, and impact. Today, he teaches financial literacy, coaches people one-on-one, and helps others create personalized roadmaps to financial independence. You’ll hear: Why the traditional retirement model no longer works — and what’s replacing it The truth about FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) and whether it’s realistic How to calculate your number instead of chasing someone else’s formula The psychology of money, golden handcuffs, and what really holds people back Why financial freedom isn’t about escaping work — it’s about choosing purpose If you’ve ever dreamed of retiring early, ditching the clock, or simply creating more freedom in your life, this conversation will give you both the mindset and the practical steps to make it happen. Keep up with all things Everyone’s Talkin’ Money by following us 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

What if the biggest thing holding you back from making bold money moves... was your own inner voice saying you should be doing something else? In this episode, I’m joined by Jessica Frew—mom, stepmom, ex-wife, wife, and the bold action-taking creator of The BOLD Logic and author of Shove Your Shoulds. We’re unpacking the hidden price tag of indecision and the financial weight of those “shoulds” that keep so many women stuck in careers, relationships, and money patterns that no longer serve them. Jessica shares her personal journey through divorce, remarriage, and entrepreneurship, and how she learned to break free from inherited money beliefs and make aligned financial choices that feel good and make sense. If you're constantly second-guessing your financial decisions or over-researching every move, this episode is the permission slip you’ve been waiting for. You’ll walk away with: Why “shoulds” cost you money, energy, and confidence How to spot decision debt and what it’s doing to your financial progress The 3-step method Jessica teaches to make bold, aligned decisions Why waiting for “clarity” might be costing you more than you think How to create emotional safety around money decisions What it actually means to make confident, values-aligned financial moves Be sure to follow the podcast so you never miss an episode. Follow us on Instagram @Everyonestalkinmoney to stay in the know of everything ETM.  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 mean to your money? If money were a person, would it actually want to hang out with you—or would it be ghosting your calls? In this episode of Everyone’s Talkin’ Money, Shari Rash takes you on a deep dive into the surprising ways we mistreat our money without even realizing it—and how to turn things around. From ignoring bank statements to impulse spending to never asking for the money you’re owed, these everyday habits can add up to what Shari calls financial neglect and abuse. But here’s the good news: money doesn’t hold grudges. The moment you start treating your money with attention, respect, and consistency, it begins to show up for you in powerful ways. You’ll hear: Why thinking of money as a relationship changes everything The sneaky ways you might be disrespecting your money (and yourself) How financial avoidance, inconsistency, and comparison keep you stuck Practical strategies to build trust and treat your money like a valued friend A simple reflection exercise to reframe your money habits without shame If you’ve ever felt like your financial life is chaotic, avoidant, or just plain complicated, this conversation will help you reset your mindset and build a healthier, more supportive relationship with your money. Keep up with the show by following us 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