Episode 223: How to Pay Off Debt Without Sacrificing Your Life: Smart Strategies for Intentional Spending

In this episode, we explore how to tackle debt without sacrificing the things that bring joy and meaning to life. From intentional travel planning to evaluating extracurriculars for your kids, we discuss ways to align spending with personal values and maintain a sustainable financial journey. Plus, we dig into practical tools and mindset shifts to help you make confident, values-based decisions around money. In this episode, we chat about: Intentional spending  Aligning spending with your values Understanding the trade-offs and balance   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Empowered Money Academy   TODAY’S PODCAST SPONSOR Crew Finance Sign up today for free and Crew is giving $25 to any Toasties who deposit $500 or more trycrew.com/toast  Use code TOAST ABOUT PRICE OF AVOCADO TOAST: Listen in with Haley and Justin Brown-Woods, married millennials picking up the pieces from the financial fiasco they created as a young couple.  They want to normalize conversations about money and learn from others on the path towards financial empowerment. Whether you are just getting started on your debt-free journey, or if you are really starting to hit your stride, this podcast is for YOU!  Join weekly as they interview some others who have done it the right way, the wrong way, and every way in between. Avocado toast may cost a pretty penny, but that doesn't mean it can't be in your budget! FIND HALEY AND JUSTIN ONLINE + SOCIAL MEDIA HERE: Join Empowered Money Academy priceofavocadotoast.com Price of Avocado Toast Instagram Price of Avocado Toast Twitter Price of Avocado Toast Threads Price of Avocado Toast on TikTok Price of Avocado Toast Facebook Join the Price of Avocado Toast Newsletter OTHER LINKS: Apply for 1:1 Coaching With Haley & Justin Schedule a Budget Builder call with Haley & Justin Price of Avocado Toast customizable 12 month budgeting template   RECOGNITION: Audio engineer: Garrett Davis

On today’s episode we go over an exercise we do with all of our clients to find clear numbers on the savings journey. The canned tuna and sushi numbers reflect the pitstops you might make when saving for the future. You’ll find out how to calculate the numbers for your household and some questions to ask as you navigate this important step of debt-proofing your life. Finally, we’ll tell you where to park your savings so that it is safe and maybe even give you some additional support toward your goals.   In this episode, we chat about: Emergency fund numbers How to find what you need Questions to spark conversations   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Find your canned tuna and sushi numbers here Empowered Money Academy TODAY’S PODCAST SPONSOR Crew Finance Sign up today for free and Crew is giving $25 to any Toasties who deposit $500 or more by April 30, 2025.  trycrew.com/toast  Use code TOAST ABOUT PRICE OF AVOCADO TOAST: Listen in with Haley and Justin Brown-Woods, married millennials picking up the pieces from the financial fiasco they created as a young couple.  They want to normalize conversations about money and learn from others on the path towards financial empowerment. Whether you are just getting started on your debt-free journey, or if you are really starting to hit your stride, this podcast is for YOU!  Join weekly as they interview some others who have done it the right way, the wrong way, and every way in between. Avocado toast may cost a pretty penny, but that doesn't mean it can't be in your budget! FIND HALEY AND JUSTIN ONLINE + SOCIAL MEDIA HERE: Join Empowered Money Academy priceofavocadotoast.com Price of Avocado Toast Instagram Price of Avocado Toast Twitter Price of Avocado Toast Threads Price of Avocado Toast on TikTok Price of Avocado Toast Facebook Join the Price of Avocado Toast Newsletter OTHER LINKS: Apply for 1:1 Coaching With Haley & Justin Schedule a Budget Builder call with Haley & Justin Price of Avocado Toast customizable 12 month budgeting template   RECOGNITION: Audio engineer: Garrett Davis

Today’s guest is our good friend, David Gourley. David comes on to walk step by step through the process needed to discover your financial needs in retirement. While retirement looks very different for each person, having a general idea and understanding of the amount you’ll need will help you feel empowered moving forward. David shares a simple tool you can use to find this number and walks through an example so that you can try it on your own along with us on the show. Enjoy!   In this episode, we chat about: Budgeting + cash flow Pensions + social security Cutting expenses to raise income   TODAY’S PODCAST SPONSOR Crew Finance Sign up today for free and Crew is giving $25 to any Toasties who deposit $500 or more by April 30, 2025.  trycrew.com/toast  Use code TOAST   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Crew Finance Empowered Money Academy https://www.k-12planning.com/links David's retirement calculator tool Former episodes of POAT with David Episode 112: The Current State of Student Loans w/ Financial Planner, David Gourley Episode 073: The Budget Teacher CONNECT WITH TODAY’S GUEST:  Three time podcast guest, David Gourley is joining us today. He is a former teacher, a father to three sweet babies, and a current Financial Planner focusing on helping other educators and public servants. He specializes in student loan planning and loves talking about taxes, retirement, and of course, budgeting! https://www.k-12planning.com/links  Twitter @DavidG_CSLP  LinkedIn David's retirement calculator tool ABOUT PRICE OF AVOCADO TOAST: Listen in with Haley and Justin Brown-Woods, married millennials picking up the pieces from the financial fiasco they created as a young couple.  They want to normalize conversations about money and learn from others on the path towards financial empowerment. Whether you are just getting started on your debt-free journey, or if you are really starting to hit your stride, this podcast is for YOU!  Join weekly as they interview some others who have done it the right way, the wrong way, and every way in between. Avocado toast may cost a pretty penny, but that doesn't mean it can't be in your budget! FIND HALEY AND JUSTIN ONLINE + SOCIAL MEDIA HERE: Join Empowered Money Academy priceofavocadotoast.com Price of Avocado Toast Instagram Price of Avocado Toast Twitter Price of Avocado Toast Threads Price of Avocado Toast on TikTok Price of Avocado Toast Facebook Join the Price of Avocado Toast Newsletter OTHER LINKS: Apply for 1:1 Coaching With Haley & Justin Schedule a Budget Builder call with Haley & Justin Price of Avocado Toast customizable 12 month budgeting template   RECOGNITION: Audio engineer: Garrett Davis  

We asked and you told! Today we share the “unhinged” ways you all said you have paid off some debt. This list comes from an Instagram poll, so if we missed anything then let us know! You’ll hear some of the ways real folks have paid off debt, from the biggest sale of someone’s life to joining the site where you can bare it all for viewers. Enjoy!   In this episode, we chat about: Non-conventional ways to pay off debt Action steps we personally took What we’d do if we started today   TODAY’S PODCAST SPONSOR Crew Finance Sign up today for free and Crew is giving $25 to any Toasties who deposit $500 or more by April 30, 2025.  trycrew.com/toast  Use code TOAST MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Crew Finance Empowered Money Academy ABOUT PRICE OF AVOCADO TOAST: Listen in with Haley and Justin Brown-Woods, married millennials picking up the pieces from the financial fiasco they created as a young couple.  They want to normalize conversations about money and learn from others on the path towards financial empowerment. Whether you are just getting started on your debt-free journey, or if you are really starting to hit your stride, this podcast is for YOU!  Join weekly as they interview some others who have done it the right way, the wrong way, and every way in between. Avocado toast may cost a pretty penny, but that doesn't mean it can't be in your budget! FIND HALEY AND JUSTIN ONLINE + SOCIAL MEDIA HERE: Join Empowered Money Academy priceofavocadotoast.com Price of Avocado Toast Instagram Price of Avocado Toast Twitter Price of Avocado Toast Threads Price of Avocado Toast on TikTok Price of Avocado Toast Facebook Join the Price of Avocado Toast Newsletter OTHER LINKS: Apply for 1:1 Coaching With Haley & Justin Schedule a Budget Builder call with Haley & Justin Price of Avocado Toast customizable 12 month budgeting template   RECOGNITION: Audio engineer: Garrett Davis  

It’s been four years since we sold our first home and we have lived a lot of life in the meantime. We sat down to chat and share our feelings around this big leap we made. Was it the right choice? Do we regret selling a home with a 3% mortgage? You might be surprised by the conversation and our thoughts. Enjoy!   In this episode, we chat about: Selling our first home Contentment in life Raising our young family   TODAY’S PODCAST SPONSOR Crew Finance Sign up today for free and Crew is giving $25 to any Toasties who deposit $500 or more by April 30, 2025.  trycrew.com/toast  Use code TOAST MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Crew Finance Empowered Money Academy ABOUT PRICE OF AVOCADO TOAST: Listen in with Haley and Justin Brown-Woods, married millennials picking up the pieces from the financial fiasco they created as a young couple.  They want to normalize conversations about money and learn from others on the path towards financial empowerment. Whether you are just getting started on your debt-free journey, or if you are really starting to hit your stride, this podcast is for YOU!  Join weekly as they interview some others who have done it the right way, the wrong way, and every way in between. Avocado toast may cost a pretty penny, but that doesn't mean it can't be in your budget! FIND HALEY AND JUSTIN ONLINE + SOCIAL MEDIA HERE: Join Empowered Money Academy priceofavocadotoast.com Price of Avocado Toast Instagram Price of Avocado Toast Twitter Price of Avocado Toast Threads Price of Avocado Toast on TikTok Price of Avocado Toast Facebook Join the Price of Avocado Toast Newsletter OTHER LINKS: Apply for 1:1 Coaching With Haley & Justin Schedule a Budget Builder call with Haley & Justin Price of Avocado Toast customizable 12 month budgeting template   RECOGNITION: Audio engineer: Garrett Davis  

This is not your normal money conversation. Today’s episode is a deep dive into self-rescue swim lessons with Master Instructor, Gaylynne Sword. We talk about how drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children ages 1-4 and the second leading cause for children 5 and older. This is a topic that we have been passionate about since we first enrolled our eldest daughter in lessons at 18 months. We’ve since put all three of our kids through self-rescue lessons and could talk about this topic for hours. With summer right around the corner, this conversation is one that we want to share with you ASAP.    In this episode, we chat about:   Accessibility and affordability of swim lessons  Why self rescue lessons actually work  Self-rescue swimming methodology Water safety tips for parents  MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Empowered Money Academy SafeSwimSolutions.com  https://castwatersafety.org/  CONNECT WITH TODAY’S GUEST:  Today’s guest, Master Swim Instructor, Gaylynne Sword, has worked in the drowning prevention community since 2009. She has taught thousands of lessons and trained nearly 50 instructors across the country. She’s passionate about helping families breathe a little easier, knowing that they have done everything they can to protect their child from an aquatic accident. Gaylynne recently developed SafeSwimSolutions to make obtaining aquatic survival skills easier, in hopes that it will become as mainstream as taking children to well-checks and buckling them into car seats. She believes in accessibility for all children to become aquatic problem solvers! SafeSwimSolutions.com    ABOUT PRICE OF AVOCADO TOAST: Listen in with Haley and Justin Brown-Woods, married millennials picking up the pieces from the financial fiasco they created as a young couple.  They want to normalize conversations about money and learn from others on the path towards financial empowerment. Whether you are just getting started on your debt-free journey, or if you are really starting to hit your stride, this podcast is for YOU!  Join weekly as they interview some others who have done it the right way, the wrong way, and every way in between. Avocado toast may cost a pretty penny, but that doesn't mean it can't be in your budget! FIND HALEY AND JUSTIN ONLINE + SOCIAL MEDIA HERE: Join Empowered Money Academy priceofavocadotoast.com Price of Avocado Toast Instagram Price of Avocado Toast Twitter Price of Avocado Toast Threads Price of Avocado Toast on TikTok Price of Avocado Toast Facebook Join the Price of Avocado Toast Newsletter OTHER LINKS: Apply for 1:1 Coaching With Haley & Justin Schedule a Budget Builder call with Haley & Justin Price of Avocado Toast customizable 12 month budgeting template   RECOGNITION: Audio engineer: Garrett Davis  

Are you stuck spinning your wheels within your budget? Do you love a good life hack to come out on top? Today's episode features five little known budget hacks that we’ve seen with clients that we think could be the catalyst for you and your budget!   In this episode, we chat about: Rising food costs Ways you can tackle your debt  The influence of social media   TODAY’S PODCAST SPONSOR Crew Finance Sign up today for free and Crew is giving $25 to any Toasties who deposit $500 or more by April 30, 2025.  trycrew.com/toast  Use code TOAST   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Crew Finance Empowered Money Academy   ABOUT PRICE OF AVOCADO TOAST: Listen in with Haley and Justin Brown-Woods, married millennials picking up the pieces from the financial fiasco they created as a young couple.  They want to normalize conversations about money and learn from others on the path towards financial empowerment. Whether you are just getting started on your debt-free journey, or if you are really starting to hit your stride, this podcast is for YOU!  Join weekly as they interview some others who have done it the right way, the wrong way, and every way in between. Avocado toast may cost a pretty penny, but that doesn't mean it can't be in your budget! FIND HALEY AND JUSTIN ONLINE + SOCIAL MEDIA HERE: Join Empowered Money Academy priceofavocadotoast.com Price of Avocado Toast Instagram Price of Avocado Toast Twitter Price of Avocado Toast Threads Price of Avocado Toast on TikTok Price of Avocado Toast Facebook Join the Price of Avocado Toast Newsletter OTHER LINKS: Apply for 1:1 Coaching With Haley & Justin Schedule a Budget Builder call with Haley & Justin Price of Avocado Toast customizable 12 month budgeting template   RECOGNITION: Audio engineer: Garrett Davis

Today’s episode stems from trends we’ve seen with our coaching clients and Empowered Money Academy members over the past year. Many folks are losing jobs and spending significant time unemployed in this volatile job market. This conversation is quick, but we wanted to give you some actionable steps to be thinking of while navigating your job instability. Hang in there, Toasties!    In this episode, we chat about: Unemployment trends Things we don’t recommend Action steps to protect yourself   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Empowered Money Academy Crew - our favorite Fintech and HYSA Use the code TOAST and the link above for $25 when you deposit $500 before April 30, 2025 ABOUT PRICE OF AVOCADO TOAST: Listen in with Haley and Justin Brown-Woods, married millennials picking up the pieces from the financial fiasco they created as a young couple.  They want to normalize conversations about money and learn from others on the path towards financial empowerment. Whether you are just getting started on your debt-free journey, or if you are really starting to hit your stride, this podcast is for YOU!  Join weekly as they interview some others who have done it the right way, the wrong way, and every way in between. Avocado toast may cost a pretty penny, but that doesn't mean it can't be in your budget! FIND HALEY AND JUSTIN ONLINE + SOCIAL MEDIA HERE: Join Empowered Money Academy priceofavocadotoast.com Price of Avocado Toast Instagram Price of Avocado Toast Twitter Price of Avocado Toast Threads Price of Avocado Toast on TikTok Price of Avocado Toast Facebook Join the Price of Avocado Toast Newsletter OTHER LINKS: Apply for 1:1 Coaching With Haley & Justin Schedule a Budget Builder call with Haley & Justin Price of Avocado Toast customizable 12 month budgeting template   RECOGNITION: Audio engineer: Garrett Davis  

Today’s guest is Janine Firpo, an accomplished speaker, author, and entrepreneur who consistently challenges gendered norms in the finance world. She joins us to chat about impact investing and how aligning your investing with your values is key to feeling empowered on your money journey. We chat about the stigmas facing women as investors and ways to begin growing wealth that don’t sacrifice your ethics and your morals. This is such a timely episode for this current political climate so we couldn’t be more thrilled to share Janine with you all. Enjoy!   In this episode, we chat about:   Impact investing The importance of money conversations  Women and investing power   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Empowered Money Academy As you Sow, Invest Your Values  Activate Your Money book CONNECT WITH TODAY’S GUEST:  Today’s guest is JANINE FIRPO an accomplished speaker, author, and social entrepreneur, with a long history of working at the intersection of women and their money. From the early years of Apple to senior positions with HP, the World Bank, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Janine has always found herself making an impact.   She is the author of Activate Your Money: Invest to Grow Your Wealth and Build a Better World and the co-founder of Invest for Better, a nonprofit that is catalyzing a movement in which millions of professional women are educated, enabled, and empowered to activate the power of their money for themselves and for the world.  In 2024, Forbes named Janine one of “50 Over 50” female leaders who continue to make an impact later in life. LinkedIn  Invest for Better Membership ABOUT PRICE OF AVOCADO TOAST: Listen in with Haley and Justin Brown-Woods, married millennials picking up the pieces from the financial fiasco they created as a young couple.  They want to normalize conversations about money and learn from others on the path towards financial empowerment. Whether you are just getting started on your debt-free journey, or if you are really starting to hit your stride, this podcast is for YOU!  Join weekly as they interview some others who have done it the right way, the wrong way, and every way in between. Avocado toast may cost a pretty penny, but that doesn't mean it can't be in your budget! FIND HALEY AND JUSTIN ONLINE + SOCIAL MEDIA HERE: Join Empowered Money Academy priceofavocadotoast.com Price of Avocado Toast Instagram Price of Avocado Toast Twitter Price of Avocado Toast Threads Price of Avocado Toast on TikTok Price of Avocado Toast Facebook Join the Price of Avocado Toast Newsletter OTHER LINKS: Apply for 1:1 Coaching With Haley & Justin Schedule a Budget Builder call with Haley & Justin Price of Avocado Toast customizable 12 month budgeting template   RECOGNITION: Audio engineer: Garrett Davis

Today’s episode features Paige Connell, a mom and wife sharing the realities of mental load and unequal partner support on social media. We chat about the financial burdens women face as they step away from their careers throughout motherhood, as well as the ramifications of unpaid leave and childcare costs. Paige’s content resonates for many women and as such she has become a leading advocate for equal partnerships in the home. This is an episode that might have some listeners feeling discomfort - we ask that you lean into that discomfort and identify what it brings up. It is an important conversation as we navigate the changes we need in the world. Enjoy!   In this episode, we chat about: The truth of the SAHM life Unequal mental load in relationships The state of childcare in the United States   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Empowered Money Academy Fair Play by Eve Rodsky CONNECT WITH TODAY’S GUEST:  TikTok @sheisapaigeturner  Instagram @sheisapaigeturner  Do You Want The Truth Podcast   ABOUT PRICE OF AVOCADO TOAST: Listen in with Haley and Justin Brown-Woods, married millennials picking up the pieces from the financial fiasco they created as a young couple.  They want to normalize conversations about money and learn from others on the path towards financial empowerment. Whether you are just getting started on your debt-free journey, or if you are really starting to hit your stride, this podcast is for YOU!  Join weekly as they interview some others who have done it the right way, the wrong way, and every way in between. Avocado toast may cost a pretty penny, but that doesn't mean it can't be in your budget! FIND HALEY AND JUSTIN ONLINE + SOCIAL MEDIA HERE: Join Empowered Money Academy priceofavocadotoast.com Price of Avocado Toast Instagram Price of Avocado Toast Twitter Price of Avocado Toast Threads Price of Avocado Toast on TikTok Price of Avocado Toast Facebook Join the Price of Avocado Toast Newsletter OTHER LINKS: Apply for 1:1 Coaching With Haley & Justin Schedule a Budget Builder call with Haley & Justin Price of Avocado Toast customizable 12 month budgeting template   RECOGNITION: Audio engineer: Garrett Davis