If I’m Doing Everything Right, Why Doesn’t This Feel Better? - Listener Q&A!

You did the work. You earn good money. You’re saving, investing—or at least trying to. So why does it still feel unsettled? In this Ask Shari episode, Shari Rash, founder of GWA Wealth, answers real listener questions from women who are objectively doing well with money—but emotionally stuck in doubt, comparison, and quiet anxiety. You’ll hear questions like: “How do I start investing without feeling reckless?” “Why do I keep moving the financial goalposts?” “How do I know if I actually need to do more—or if I’m just comparing myself to everyone else?” Want to ask Shari your own question? CLICK HERE! This episode is for the woman who’s no longer in survival mode—but hasn’t fully defined what enough looks like yet. Because money isn’t meant to be a constant test of your worth or intelligence. It’s a tool—to support your life, your values, and your peace of mind. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’ve been saying yes to the wrong clients, under-pricing out of fear, or treating exhaustion like a strategy, this one’s for you. Bianca D'Alessio, CEO/founder of The Masters Division, Managing Director at Nest Seekers Development Marketing, #1 Real Estate Broker in NYC & NY State, and author of Mastering Intentions—joins Shari to unpack how high-achieving women move from scarcity to self-trust. We get into values-aligned decisions, setting real boundaries, building simple systems that compound, and a grown-woman version of “manifestation” you can actually use. Get your Seven Day Sprint here! You’ll hear: The compounding effect of small, intentional decisions (not one “big break”) How to spot scarcity in your behavior—and replace it with self-trust Boundaries that protect time, energy, and revenue (without feeling mean) The winner’s mindset vs. toxic positivity (and why the difference matters) You’ll walk away with: Recognizable tells of scarcity you can stop this week A 7-day plan to set boundaries and redirect your time to aligned work A simple systems checklist to track leads, costs, and ROIA practical mindset shift to make confident money moves Grab Bianca’s book Mastering Intentions. Show notes and more at everyonestalkinmoneypodcast.com. Follow the show so you never miss an episode, leave a quick rating/review, and come say hi on IG @everyonestalkinmoney⁠Talkin’ Points → where your money gets smarter. Real talk, practical tips, zero guilt straight to your inbox. Sign up here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’ve already blown your holiday gift budget… breathe. You are not the only one scrolling through your cart at 11 p.m., refreshing the screen, praying the total magically drops by $200. Your holiday spending didn’t “get away from you.” It sprinted off in glitter-covered sneakers — and today we’re going to get you back in control. In this episode, Shari breaks down why the holidays turn even the savviest women into overspending zombies, how guilt and obligation collide with Pinterest-level expectations, and what really causes December budgets to explode (hint: it’s not just the gifts). You’ll learn how to rebuild your gift budget in 10 minutes, how to set real boundaries with group gifts and family expectations, and what to do right now if you’ve already overspent. We’ll also dive into the forgotten budget busters — the holiday parties, school events, matching pajamas, cookie swaps, travel incidentals, and “small traditions” that add up faster than a Target cart on a Tuesday. And yes, we’ll walk through a step-by-step damage-control plan so you can fix this month without sacrificing your entire January. If you want more practical, shame-free money help (and frankly, fewer financial plot twists in December), join the newsletter at everyonestalkinmoneypodcast.com. And if you’re ready for personal planning support designed for real life, not Pinterest perfection, connect with Shari at GWAwealth.com to build a financial plan that won’t collapse at the first sight of twinkle lights. Stay merry — without the money stress. Talkin’ Points → where your money gets smarter. Real talk, practical tips, zero guilt straight to your inbox. Sign up here.  Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app! Keep the conversation going on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So many smart, successful women are running companies, leading teams, and managing full lives… yet flying blind when it comes to their own household finances. Not because they’re clueless, but because money is quiet when you ignore it — and trust feels easier than clarity. In this episode, Shari breaks down the real reason high-earning women get financially blindsided and the three guardrails every woman needs to stay informed, secure, and empowered. Then forensic accountant Tracy Coenen joins the conversation to reveal what she sees behind the scenes: the blind spots, red flags, and financial dynamics that quietly derail even the most capable women. Whether you’re single, partnered, or somewhere in between, this conversation will help you protect your money, strengthen your confidence, and take back control without creating relationship drama or adding one more thing to your mental load. You’ll walk away with: – The #1 reason smart women get blindsided financially – The three essential “Money Guardrails” every woman needs – How comfort turns into vulnerability (and how to stop it) – The red flags Tracy sees most often in high-asset households – How to talk about money in relationships without damaging trust – Simple routines to stay informed, independent, and protected Learn how Shari works with her clients by visiting GWAwealth.com. Talkin’ Points → where your money gets smarter. Real talk, practical tips, zero guilt straight to your inbox. Sign up here.  Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app!Keep the conversation going on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Part 2 of this intimate conversation, Shari continues her discussion with Carl Richards, the New York Times “Sketch Guy.” If Part 1 was about the behavior behind money, Part 2 is about the beliefs behind your life. Carl opens up about how his simple sketches began, how a single comment from his wife reshaped his entire career, and why permission—not math—is often the missing piece in big financial and life decisions. He shares unforgettable stories, including the woman who left her prestigious Wall Street law job to return home and help her father run the family farm—because Carl granted her the “permission” she already had inside her. Shari and Carl also dig into fear, impostor syndrome, our inherited money stories, and why most of us wait far too long to trust what we know is true about our lives. This is the kind of conversation you don’t just listen to—you feel it. You’ll walk away with: – Why permission is often the bridge between intention and action – The emotional patterns that keep people stuck – How fear shows up at every major life moment – The story behind Carl’s famous sketches – The one money belief Carl would give his 25-year-old self – Shari’s own reflections on her younger self —and what she wishes she knew Shari closes the episode by sharing how Carl’s influence shaped her practice, her philosophy, and the human-centered way she guides clients inside GWA Wealth. Explore more episodes at everyonestalkinmoneypodcast.com. Talkin’ Points → where your money gets smarter. Real talk, practical tips, zero guilt straight to your inbox. Sign up here.  Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app!Keep the conversation going on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Money doesn’t behave the way math does—and no one knows that better than today’s guest, Carl Richards, the New York Times “Sketch Guy” and author of The Behavior Gap. In Part 1 of this powerful two-part series, Shari Rash, sits down with Carl to unpack the exact moment he realized that investing is less about spreadsheets and more about psychology, fear, wiring, and real-life behavior. Carl shares the story of stumbling into finance by accident, landing on the trading floor during the Netscape IPO frenzy, and discovering firsthand that humans—not numbers—drive markets. Together, Shari and Carl explore why smart, capable people still buy high, sell low, and spiral during market chaos… and what it actually takes to become a better investor. If you’ve ever wondered why the “right financial move” can feel impossible in the moment, this episode will make you exhale. The problem isn’t you—it’s human nature. You’ll walk away with: Why money decisions rarely follow logic How your hardwiring pushes you toward emotional investing What it really means to become a “good investor” Carl’s “Deeper Yes” framework to avoid panic-selling How Shari uses this work inside GWA Wealth to help clients stay grounded This episode is deeply personal for Shari—Carl’s work shaped her entire approach to financial planning—and Part 1 sets the stage for an even more transformative conversation in Part 2. Listen to Behavior Gap Radio. And if you’re ready to build a plan that honors both your numbers and your humanity, connect with Shari Rash on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney. Learn more and listen to past episodes at everyonestalkinmoneypodcast.com. Talkin’ Points → where your money gets smarter. Real talk, practical tips, zero guilt straight to your inbox. Sign up here.  Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is a recession coming? Maybe. But here’s the truth: the only recession that really matters is the one happening in your household. In this candid, practical conversation, Shari Rash and financial coach Dylan Snowden reframe “Recession Core” from a fashion trend into a living, breathing money protocol. You’ll learn how to strip out the hidden “cost of comfort,” build sustainable habits you won’t abandon by February, and prepare for income dips without living like a monk. You’ll hear: Why “personal recession” planning beats doom-scrolling economic headlines The “cost of comfort” leaks (parking, water bottles, drinks out) that quietly drain your budget Borrow > buy: tool libraries, Buy Nothing groups, and building community while saving cash DIY vs. pay the pro: when expertise is cheaper than mistakes A simple weekly “say no” rep to build your money boundaries If you loved this episode, keep the money convo going at everyonestalkinmoneypodcast.com— and join our newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The most rewarding money move you can make before December 31st isn’t a tax hack, an investment tweak, or a budgeting trick — it’s generosity. But not the chaotic, guilt-driven kind that leaves you staring at your credit card bill wondering what happened. We’re talking intentional, values-aligned giving that feels good, makes sense financially, and creates real impact. In this episode, Shari breaks down how to build a year-end giving plan that’s thoughtful, strategic, and completely aligned with what matters most to you. From setting a realistic giving budget to choosing between cash, stuff, or experiences, to vetting charities and teaching kids the meaning of generosity — this is your blueprint for giving with clarity instead of pressure. You’ll hear: How to set a values-based giving budget that actually feels good The difference between gifting stuff, gifting cash, and gifting experiences — and why one is almost always best How to vet nonprofits so your contribution makes real impact Ways to teach kids (and family) the habit of intentional generosity A step-by-step year-end generosity checklist you can use today If you’re ready to end the year feeling aligned, not drained — this one’s for you Talkin’ Points → where your money gets smarter. Real talk, practical tips, zero guilt straight to your inbox. Sign up here.  Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app! Keep the conversation going on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The penny has officially been laid to rest — and while most of us won’t shed a tear, its retirement marks a surprisingly big moment in how America handles money. In this quick update, I’m walking you through what happened to the penny, why the U.S. finally pulled the plug, and what this tiny change means for your wallet and the future of cash. You’ll hear: Why the U.S. Mint stopped making pennies and how much money it saves How other countries (like Canada) ditched their low-value coins decades ago What rounding rules mean for your everyday purchases Why this signals a major shift toward a digital-first financial system What to do if you still have jars of pennies hiding in your house A little funeral, a little financial education, and a lot of clarity about where money is heading next. Talkin’ Points → where your money gets smarter. Real talk, practical tips, zero guilt straight to your inbox. Sign up here.  Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app! Keep the conversation going on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If open enrollment season makes your eyes glaze over faster than a holiday spreadsheet, this one’s for you. In Part 3 of the Smart Money Moves Before Year-End series, Shari dives into all the hidden ways you can squeeze more value out of your paycheck before December 31. From health plans to hidden perks, this is your reminder that benefits are part of your compensation — and it’s time they pulled their weight. You’ll walk away with: A step-by-step guide to reviewing your health, dental, and vision plans The real difference between FSAs and HSAs (and how to use them wisely) A strategy for planning your bonus before it hits your account A quick insurance checkup to make sure you’re covered, not overpaying The overlooked perks most people forget they already have access to Because if you’re going to work this hard for your benefits, they should be working just as hard for you. Talkin’ Points → where your money gets smarter. Real talk, practical tips, zero guilt straight to your inbox. Sign up here.  Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app! Keep the conversation going on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices