Realistic Money Goals for 2026: Ditch the Shame Spiral and Set Intentions That Stick

It's January and the pressure is on to go harder, save more, invest more, and transform your entire life by next year. But piling on intense goals doesn’t always lead to motivation — often it leads straight to anxiety, comparison, and money shame when life inevitably throws a curveball. In this episode, Mandi welcomes back listener‑favorite board‑certified therapist, speaker, writer, and financial therapist Aja Evans, author of Feel Good Finance. Aja helps us rethink how we set money and career goals so they actually fit our real lives — kids, cold weather, surprise plumbing bills and all — instead of sending us into a shame spiral when we “fall off.” You’ll hear Mandi and Aja talk about: • Why January might not be the best time for your most ambitious goals, especially if you’re in hibernation mode and running on low energy.  • How to get brutally honest about your time, energy, and responsibilities so your goals reflect the life you actually have, not the one Instagram says you should have.  • The mindset shift from “I’m starting back at zero” to “I handled that emergency and I’m still on my path,” even when a surprise $1,000 home repair blows up your plans.  • How “under‑promise and over‑deliver” with your money goals can quiet that inner “shitty committee” and help you feel proud of your progress instead of chronically behind.  • Simple reminders from Aja — “be realistic and be nice” — and why it really isn’t that serious if your timeline moves from March to July. If you’ve ever looked at your accounts and thought, “I should be further along by now,” or felt like one unexpected bill erased all your progress, this conversation will help you reset your goals with more compassion, more honesty, and way less shame. Stay tuned at the end of the episode for Mandi’s note about how to send in your juiciest money and career questions for upcoming BA Q&A Fridays in 2026. -- Get listener perks and bonus content on our Patreon! Join the BA Fam here: https://www.patreon.com/c/brownambition/ Follow us on IG @brownambitionpodcast Follow Aja on IG @ajaetherapySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy New Year, BA Fam! In our most popular episode of 2025, Mandi was joined by two of our faves in the finance space: Chris Browning of “Popcorn Finance” and Berna Anat, author of the amazing book “Money Out Loud”. If you’re looking to level up your money game and feel good doing it, this episode’s for you. We get into: - The highs and lows of aggressively saving money   - Gen Z’s "we’re gonna have fun & save money" energy   -Your financial strategy in the age of Tr*mp Tariffs -Are solopreneurs heading back to Corporate America? We also chat about what’s going on in the world—from economic uncertainty and tariffs to the importance of staying informed without losing your peace. And when it comes to career shifts, Berna talks about her transition from full-time solopreneurship back to the 9-5 life…and how she’s doing it on her own terms.  --------- EPISODE CHAPTERS --------- (0:04:49) - Financial Reflections and Regrets (0:18:29) - Realigning Values and Money Habits (0:26:21) - Navigating Economic Uncertainty and Tariffs (0:34:07) - Community Building Through Thrift and Bartering (0:45:56) - Investing Strategies and Debt Management (0:48:58) - Transitioning to Stable Employment (0:56:04) - Exploring Oakland's Black and Brown Community (1:04:37) - Lizzo's Journey to Self-Love (1:10:05) - Navigating Cancel Culture and Redemption -- This episode is all about giving yourself grace, finding balance, and building the life you want—with your finances in check and your spirit intact.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s time for another BA Q&A, where we answer your money and career questions straight from the inbox! This week, we're rewinding to a couple of our favorite questions from this year.💫 “How do I set and stick to financial goals?” — Listen up, Unicorn! We’re breaking down how to get clear on your money priorities, stay consistent when life gets messy, and finally start hitting those goals that keep slipping off your list.💼 “Help me find a financial planner!” — Solange, we got you! We’ll walk you through what to look for in a planner, the questions to ask before you hire one, and how to find your money match—someone who actually gets your goals and your budget.Whether you’re just getting started or ready to level up your finances, this episode is packed with practical tips and real talk to keep your ambition (and your money) growing strong. Don’t forget to: • Share your favorite BA episodes • Follow us @BrownAmbitionPodcast on IG • Send your questions to [email protected]   Until next time, keep stacking that paper and living your best life! 💅🏾 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thinking about switching careers but not sure where to start? In this episode, Mandi Money breaks down what it really takes to make a successful career pivot in 2026 — without burning yourself out or making impulsive moves. We talk about why self-care and self-trust are non-negotiable during career transitions, how to investigate new paths without rushing the process, and the mindset shifts required to move with confidence. Mandi also walks us through a five-step framework for career pivots, helping you identify what’s holding you back, explore different types of pivots, and own your story as you move forward. Whether you’re feeling stuck, curious, or ready for something more, this conversation will help you move strategically toward a career that actually aligns with your goals. WHAT WE GET INTO -Why 2026 is shaping up to be a major year for career change -The role of self-care and self-trust in navigating career pivots -How to identify your personal career blockers and work through them -The three types of career pivots: quit pivots, micro pivots, and bridge pivots -Why you don’t have to quit your job to pivot successfully -How to own your narrative and build confidence during transitions LINKS  Ready to start your own pivot? Access the free guide mentioned in the episode here:https://mandimoney.myflodesk.com/pivot Join the Brown Ambition YouTube Community: Search Brown Ambition Podcast on YouTube Connect with guest mentor Amina Altai: Look up The Ambition Trap Follow Mandi Money on IG & TikTok for more career and money guidance Leave a review on Apple Podcasts — your feedback helps BA grow!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What's up BA Fam! Mandi's back with a new BA QA, taking listener Tina's question about managing credit card debt, specifically focusing on balance transfers. She explains the benefits and risks associated with transferring balances to 0% interest cards, the importance of comparing offers, and the potential pitfalls of deferred interest. Mandi emphasizes the need for a strategic approach to debt management, encouraging listeners to take charge of their finances while also being mindful of their mental health during challenging financial times. As always, these QA episodes are meant for edutainment purposes and are not a replacement for personalized financial advice.  Have a question for the show? Email Mandi at [email protected] or DM her on IG @brownambitionpodcast.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week’s solo episode, Mandi Money invites the BA Fam into a deeply personal, deeply revealing moment of reflection. After attending an intimate one-day mastermind retreat hosted by friend of the show Amina Altai, Mandi found herself sitting with something she rarely lets linger: discomfort. What started as a simple business check-in turned into a powerful lesson on alignment, limiting beliefs, burnout, and trusting your gut—even when it feels like your whole body is screaming, “Girl, run!” From sharing vulnerably about juggling three major projects (the podcast, coaching, and her book), to getting an unexpected wake-up call during her very first Akashic Records reading, this episode is full of emotional clarity, honesty, and a reminder that sometimes the thing we’ve been treating like a side dish is actually the main meal. Plus: Mandi breaks down the viral “3-hour drive” TikTok saga, celebrates Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s genius campaign ad, and calls out the infuriating news about national parks removing free-entry days for Juneteenth & MLK Day. 🧡 LINKS  Join the Brown Ambition YouTube Community: Search Brown Ambition Podcast on YouTube Connect with guest mentor Amina Altai: Look up The Ambition Trap Follow Mandi Money on IG & TikTok for more career and money guidance Leave a review on Apple Podcasts — your feedback helps BA grow! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this BAQA episode, Mandi Money is joined by legendary money expert and Money Coach, Lynnette Khalfani‑Cox, to answer a powerful question from listener Raquel: “I’m 56, I like my paralegal job, I love my podcast, and I know I can’t afford to fully retire… so what does my next act even look like?” Together, we talk honestly about purpose vs. profit, identity beyond your 9–5, and how to design a “second half” of your career that actually feels good—not like another grind. In this episode: • What to do when you can’t imagine not working—but also don’t want to die at your desk • How to separate your identity from your job title  • Ways to test an entrepreneurial or creative “next act” without blowing up your life • Using a podcast or passion project as a door‑opener to paid opportunities • Frameworks for figuring out what you really want this next chapter to feel like • The three key numbers to know before you pull back from your 9–5 (income, expenses, net worth) • Why retirement doesn’t have to be all‑or‑nothing (and what flexible work can look like) Connect with our guest • @LynnetteKhalfaniCox on IG • Grab her latest book Bounce Back: The Ultimate Guide to Financial Resilience See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the show, we’re getting real about the holiday season at the Brown Table because as much as we love the food, the vibes, and a good family kiki, the holidays can bring up a lot. From navigating messy family dynamics to redefining traditions, the hosts open up about what it means to protect your peace, your energy, and yes…your bank account, during one of the most emotionally loaded times of the year. We break down Black Friday and Cyber Monday (are we still doing this??) and how inflation is shifting the way we shop, save, and travel. We dive into the rise of going no-contact, the pressure social media puts on relationships, and why setting boundaries is becoming a form of self-care for this generation. There’s also plenty of laughter, a little baking therapy, some real talk about parenting across generations, and a reminder that collaboration will always take you farther than competition—whether it’s in your career or your personal life. If you’re entering the holidays with mixed feelings, if your family group chat is already on mute, or if you’re trying to grow into your best self while everyone else expects the “old you,” this episode is the one you’ll want to sit with. KEY TAKEAWAYS  The holidays hit differently for everyone—and it’s okay to admit it. Traditions can evolve as you evolve. Inflation is real and your budget is allowed to reflect that. Baking is basically free therapy. Social media has changed how we view family and boundaries. Going no-contact is becoming a valid, empowered choice. Collaboration builds community; competition isolates. You’re allowed to protect your mental health, even from family. Self-reflection is the gateway to better relationships. Therapy helps you hear critique without shrinking. 🎧 Call to Action Follow Brown Ambition on your favorite podcast app Leave us a review — it helps more listeners find the show Share this episode with someone who needs a reminder that slowing down is not giving up See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hi BA Fam - I hope you had the loveliest, peaceful Thanksgiving week and weekend. I will be back with a brand new Brown Table this Weds, and I am recording new BA Q&A episodes as well! So please submit any questions to [email protected] or DM me on IG @brownambitionpodcast.  In the meantime, enjoy this rewind episode of my conversation with THEE incredible Cebo Campbell, a creative director, author and entrepreneur who wrote the bestselling novel The Sky Full of Elephants. SFOE was my first-ever Brown Ambition Book Club Pick of 2025, and if you haven't had a chance to experience it yet, please grab a copy!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy Thanksgiving week, beloved BA Fam! As a special treat, I wanted to share a crossover episode with Nerdwallet's SmartMoney Podcast, featuring their incredible hosts Sean Piles and Elizabeth Ayoola.  We had SUCH a good conversation about career strategies, salary negotiations, and how to navigate this wild job market we’re in right now.We talked about everything—from how I 10x’d my salary by quitting my way to the top, to why you need to stop being loyal to companies that won’t pay you what you’re worth. We even got into the power of storytelling in your career, building community, and why you should always be taking those recruiter calls even when you’re not looking.I hope you enjoy this episode and that wherever you find yourself this holiday week, you're surrounded by loved ones and make time to take care of yourselves as well.  Much love, Mandi & Team BASee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.