UNLOCKED: Ready for the Year Ahead – The Most Underrated Money Habit

Send us a textWe’re finally at the goal-setting part of the journey — and this isn’t about overwhelming yourself with huge targets you forget by February. It’s about building goals that fit into your monthly routine so you actually hit them.In this episode, Laura talks about:Why we all love a fresh start but lose motivation fastWhy most goals never get reached (too vague, too many, no plan)How tracking progress creates healthy dopamineWhy micro tracking leads to macro resultsWhy 2026 is about long-term, sustainable glow ups, not overnight onesThe power of seeing your progress visually with debt, net worth and goal trackersLaura also shares some of her own goals for 2026; from investing more intentionally (LISA, S&S ISA, JISA) to getting the mortgage down and building a lifestyle where saving, spending, investing and giving all work together.Takeaways:Your 2026 glow up is trackable.Tracking is the difference between wishing and doing.Next week, we’ll be modelling some of the Financielle community’s goals and showing how to turn them into realistic, achievable plans.If you’re enjoying the Unlocked series, subscribe to The Vault, leave us a review, and tell us how you’re resetting and rebuilding in the comments or the Financielle App community.#moneystory #goalsetting #Financielle #TheVaultUnlocked #moneygoalsConnect with our Partners*🫶 Get life insurance with our friends at Lifesearch. Speak to a female advisor here.🏡 Meet our Financielle approved Mortgage Brokers.💸 Get cashback that reduces your mortgage interest with Sprive (£5 extra for you using code: FINANC)*The above are tracked links, which tells our partners we sent you and may in future result in a payment or benefit to our site.The Vault is an entertaining yet thought provoking podcast that answers our community’s dilemmas and confessions surrounding women and money.Visit https://www.financielle.com to download our app.Watch the podcast on YouTube.Follow Financielle for more:▶︎ TikTok▶︎ InstagramAbout Financielle:Financielle is a female focussed finance app helping women to take back control of their money, ditch debt, increase savings and invest in their future.Recorded and Produced by Liverpool Podcast Studios▶︎ Web ▶︎ Instagram▶︎ LinkedIn

Send us a textHo ho ho! Here’s a special Christmas Eve episode of The Vault 🎄🎁This week, we’re getting festive with a brand new game, “Jail or No Jail”, using your money confessions! We also share a Twixmas money checklist to help you reset between Christmas and New Year, and dive into a community dilemma we know so many of you will relate to:“We’ve overspent this Christmas” 🫣If money feels a bit heavy right now, you’re not alone, and this episode is here to help you feel calmer, clearer and more in control going into the new year.Links to things we mentioned in the episode:Reflect on 2025 with: UNLOCKED: How Looking Back at Your Money Habits Can Set You Up for Success Take back control of your money with our digital course: The Money Playbook Use code NEWYEAR for 25% OFF Send this to your self-employed friendsConnect with our Partners*🫶 Get life insurance with our friends at Lifesearch. Speak to a female advisor here.🏡 Meet our Financielle approved Mortgage Brokers.💸 Get cashback that reduces your mortgage interest with Sprive (£5 extra for you using code: FINANC)*The above are tracked links, which tells our partners we sent you and may in future result in a payment or benefit to our site.The Vault is an entertaining yet thought provoking podcast that answers our community’s dilemmas and confessions surrounding women and money.Visit https://www.financielle.com to download our app.Watch the podcast on YouTube.Follow Financielle for more:▶︎ TikTok▶︎ InstagramAbout Financielle:Financielle is a female focussed finance app helping women to take back control of their money, ditch debt, increase savings and invest in their future.Recorded and Produced by Liverpool Podcast Studios▶︎ Web ▶︎ Instagram▶︎ LinkedIn

Send us a textUNLOCKED Week 3: Ready for the Year AheadLast week we touched lightly on sinking funds. This week, we’re going all in because your year will fail without them (sorry, not sorry).In a world of credit and BNPL, saving up for the things you want is one of the most underrated money habits there is. Sinking funds are about delayed gratification, being prepared, and having money waiting for future you.In this episode, Laura covers:Why sinking funds are her favourite under-the-radar money habitThe “unexpected” costs that show up every single year (MOTs, birthdays, holidays, Christmas…)Why sinking funds are elite money behaviourHow they remove guilt, overspending and last-minute stressWhy people resist them (yes, they can feel boring… and revealing)How sinking funds create emotional stability, not just financial stabilityHow to set them up using tools like Starling, Monzo and RevolutWhy the Financielle community pushed for the sinking fund tracker and how to use itIf you want to change your spending habits in 2026, you need sinking funds. Save now. Buy later. Feel calmer all year long.If you’re enjoying the Unlocked series, subscribe to The Vault, leave us a review, and tell us how you’re resetting and rebuilding in the comments or the Financielle App community.#moneystory #sinkingfunds #Financielle #TheVaultUnlocked #personalfinanceforwomenConnect with our Partner🫶 Protect yourself and loved ones with our friends at Lifesearch** The above is a tracked link, which tells our partner we sent you and may in future result in a payment or benefit to our site.The Vault is an entertaining yet thought provoking podcast that answers our community’s dilemmas and confessions surrounding women and money.Visit https://www.financielle.com to download our app.Watch the podcast on YouTube.Follow Financielle for more:▶︎ TikTok▶︎ InstagramAbout Financielle:Financielle is a female focussed finance app helping women to take back control of their money, ditch debt, increase savings and invest in their future.Recorded and Produced by Liverpool Podcast Studios▶︎ Web ▶︎ Instagram▶︎ LinkedIn

Send us a text“Debt-free status is way more important than a luxurious lifestyle” - we unpack this week’s controversial opinion, then dive into your dilemmas:💸 ”Do I sacrifice take-home pay for a bigger pension?”💸 ”Should I use child benefits for my debts?”Got a money win or (totally anonymous) dilemma? Share it via the Financielle app community or email [email protected] 💌You’re not alone in figuring this stuff out. Get honest, helpful reads at financielle.com 💖💸Connect with our Partners*🫶 Get life insurance with our friends at Lifesearch. Speak to a female advisor here.🏡 Meet our Financielle approved Mortgage Brokers.💸 Get cashback that reduces your mortgage interest with Sprive (£5 extra for you using code: FINANC)*The above are tracked links, which tells our partners we sent you and may in future result in a payment or benefit to our site.The Vault is an entertaining yet thought provoking podcast that answers our community’s dilemmas and confessions surrounding women and money.Visit https://www.financielle.com to download our app.Watch the podcast on YouTube.Follow Financielle for more:▶︎ TikTok▶︎ InstagramAbout Financielle:Financielle is a female focussed finance app helping women to take back control of their money, ditch debt, increase savings and invest in their future.Recorded and Produced by Liverpool Podcast Studios▶︎ Web ▶︎ Instagram▶︎ LinkedIn

Send us a textUNLOCKED Week 2: Reset & RebuildThis week, we’re talking about the budgeting tool: the heart of your routine and the thing most people get wrong.In this episode, Laura opens with a mini rant about how budgeting gets framed as restrictive and punishing… even though we build routines for everything else in life but somehow still wing it with our money.We get into:- Why people don’t stick to budgets (hint: they’re not built for *your* life)- Why a budget isn’t about being strict- How the Financielle budgeting method actually works- The psychology behind it: structure → safety → confidence- Breaking the “new year, new budget I’ll never look at again” curse- How to make budgeting sustainable and enjoyable- How Laura and Carl approach their own check-ins and what really matters each monthYou don’t need the perfect plan — just one you can adjust each month to fit your life, your season and your goals.And your budget tool? It’s the heart of your 2026 routine.If you’re enjoying the Unlocked series, subscribe to The Vault, leave us a review, and tell us how you’re resetting and rebuilding in the comments or the Financielle App community.Join the community by downloading the Financielle App 💖📲 #moneystory #Financielle #TheVaultUnlocked #budgetingroutine #personalfinanceforwomen Connect with our Partners*🫶 Get life insurance with our friends at Lifesearch. Speak to a female advisor here.🏡 Meet our Financielle approved Mortgage Brokers.💸 Get cashback that reduces your mortgage interest with Sprive (£5 extra for you using code: FINANC)*The above are tracked links, which tells our partners we sent you and may in future result in a payment or benefit to our site.The Vault is an entertaining yet thought provoking podcast that answers our community’s dilemmas and confessions surrounding women and money.Visit https://www.financielle.com to download our app.Watch the podcast on YouTube.Follow Financielle for more:▶︎ TikTok▶︎ InstagramAbout Financielle:Financielle is a female focussed finance app helping women to take back control of their money, ditch debt, increase savings and invest in their future.Recorded and Produced by Liverpool Podcast Studios▶︎ Web ▶︎ Instagram▶︎ LinkedIn

Send us a text“Spending your younger years travelling is shortsighted” - we unpack this week’s controversial opinion, then dive into your dilemmas:💸 ”Should I increase my credit card allowance?”💸 ”Should I still have an F-off fund?”Got a money win or (totally anonymous) dilemma? Share it via the Financielle app community or email [email protected] 💌You’re not alone in figuring this stuff out. Get honest, helpful reads at financielle.com 💖💸Connect with our Partners*🫶 Get life insurance with our friends at Lifesearch. Speak to a female advisor here.🏡 Meet our Financielle approved Mortgage Brokers.💸 Get cashback that reduces your mortgage interest with Sprive (£5 extra for you using code: FINANC)*The above are tracked links, which tells our partners we sent you and may in future result in a payment or benefit to our site.The Vault is an entertaining yet thought provoking podcast that answers our community’s dilemmas and confessions surrounding women and money.Visit https://www.financielle.com to download our app.Watch the podcast on YouTube.Follow Financielle for more:▶︎ TikTok▶︎ InstagramAbout Financielle:Financielle is a female focussed finance app helping women to take back control of their money, ditch debt, increase savings and invest in their future.Recorded and Produced by Liverpool Podcast Studios▶︎ Web ▶︎ Instagram▶︎ LinkedIn

Send us a textWelcome to The Vault Unlocked with Laura from Financielle! We’re kicking off a five-week Unlocked series, and first up is all about ✨reflection✨. Looking back at your money habits can feel awkward and icky, but it’s the secret to actually getting ahead.In this episode, Laura dives into:- Why we avoid checking our accounts- Why a “fresh start” doesn’t magically fix everything- The patterns you only spot when you zoom out- How to shift from “I was so sh*t with money” to “this is actually useful information”She also shares her own reflections — from overspending on food shops to dipping into savings — and why automating her money has been a game-changer.One honest look back can set you up for a better year ahead.If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Financielle, leave a review, and join the conversation in the comments or in the Financielle App community. 💖Connect with our Partners*🫶 Get life insurance with our friends at Lifesearch. Speak to a female advisor here.🏡 Meet our Financielle approved Mortgage Brokers.💸 Get cashback that reduces your mortgage interest with Sprive (£5 extra for you using code: FINANC)*The above are tracked links, which tells our partners we sent you and may in future result in a payment or benefit to our site.The Vault is an entertaining yet thought provoking podcast that answers our community’s dilemmas and confessions surrounding women and money.Visit https://www.financielle.com to download our app.Watch the podcast on YouTube.Follow Financielle for more:▶︎ TikTok▶︎ InstagramAbout Financielle:Financielle is a female focussed finance app helping women to take back control of their money, ditch debt, increase savings and invest in their future.Recorded and Produced by Liverpool Podcast Studios▶︎ Web ▶︎ Instagram▶︎ LinkedIn

Send us a text“Using a boyfriend to fund your lifestyle is embarrassing” - we unpack this week’s controversial opinion, then dive into your dilemmas:💸 ”Is my job costing me too much?”💸 ”I’m scared to move in with my new partner after losing everything once before”Got a money win or (totally anonymous) dilemma? Share it via the Financielle app community or email [email protected] 💌You’re not alone in figuring this stuff out. Get honest, helpful reads at financielle.com 💖💸Connect with our Partners*🫶 Get life insurance with our friends at Lifesearch. Speak to a female advisor here.🏡 Meet our Financielle approved Mortgage Brokers.💸 Get cashback that reduces your mortgage interest with Sprive (£5 extra for you using code: FINANC)*The above are tracked links, which tells our partners we sent you and may in future result in a payment or benefit to our site.The Vault is an entertaining yet thought provoking podcast that answers our community’s dilemmas and confessions surrounding women and money.Visit https://www.financielle.com to download our app.Watch the podcast on YouTube.Follow Financielle for more:▶︎ TikTok▶︎ InstagramAbout Financielle:Financielle is a female focussed finance app helping women to take back control of their money, ditch debt, increase savings and invest in their future.Recorded and Produced by Liverpool Podcast Studios▶︎ Web ▶︎ Instagram▶︎ LinkedIn

Send us a text#ad A special investing episode, brought to you with our friends at AJ Bell Dodl 📲🤑The Financielle team walk you through their personal investing journey and chat through community dilemmas. If you're curious about investing and want to get started - this episode’s for you. 🫵💰Thanks to our episode sponsors Dodl. The low-cost, little-effort app designed to help you on your investing journey. You can download the app here https://dodl.onelink.me/uBIb/zl3xxzv7Just remember, investing comes with both risk and reward.The Vault is an entertaining yet thought provoking podcast that answers our community’s dilemmas and confessions surrounding women and money.Visit https://www.financielle.com to download our app.Watch the podcast on YouTube.Follow Financielle for more:▶︎ TikTok▶︎ InstagramAbout Financielle:Financielle is a female focussed finance app helping women to take back control of their money, ditch debt, increase savings and invest in their future.Recorded and Produced by Liverpool Podcast Studios▶︎ Web ▶︎ Instagram▶︎ LinkedIn

Send us a text“30 free hours childcare is a scam” - we unpack this week’s controversial opinion, then dive into your dilemmas:💸 ”I just won a car…”💸 ”Should I Invest in my pension or property?”Got a money win or (totally anonymous) dilemma? Share it via the Financielle app community or email [email protected] 💌You’re not alone in figuring this stuff out. Get honest, helpful reads at financielle.com 💖💸Connect with our Partners*🫶 Get life insurance with our friends at Lifesearch. Speak to a female advisor here.✍ Write a will that is tailored to you with Octopus Legacy.🏡 Meet our Financielle approved Mortgage Brokers.*The above are tracked links, which tells our partners we sent you and may in future result in a payment or benefit to our site. Chapters:00:00 Welcome to the Vault00:15 Cozy Studio Vibes00:52 Jigsaw Puzzle Addiction04:30 Childcare Controversy09:30 Winning a Car Dilemma18:53 Entering Competitions: Worth the Cost?19:07 Community Wins and Personal Finance Success Stories19:28 The Importance of Emergency Funds20:00 Building and Maintaining an Emergency Fund21:19 Balancing Fun and Financial Goals22:06 Planning for Potential Emergencies22:58 Insurance and Emergency Funds: Finding the Right Balance23:52 Sinking Funds and Financial Peace of Mind26:24 Pension vs. Property: A Financial Dilemma28:14 Financial Advice for Young Professionals32:35 The Power of Diversification and Future Planning36:39 Understanding and Maximizing Pension Contributions38:41 Closing Thoughts and EncouragementThe Vault is an entertaining yet thought provoking podcast that answers our community’s dilemmas and confessions surrounding women and money.Visit https://www.financielle.com to download our app.Watch the podcast on YouTube.Follow Financielle for more:▶︎ TikTok▶︎ InstagramAbout Financielle:Financielle is a female focussed finance app helping women to take back control of their money, ditch debt, increase savings and invest in their future.Recorded and Produced by Liverpool Podcast Studios▶︎ Web ▶︎ Instagram▶︎ LinkedIn