Season 7 Episode 3: How To Be Ambitious Without Losing Your Authenticity (with Mandi Woodruff-Santos)

In this final episode of the Crush Your Money Goals podcast, Bernadette Joy and Stefanie Gonzales reflect on key moments from Season 7, “Quit with Conviction.” They discuss standout episodes featuring guests like Erin from Hello Divorce and George Kamel, highlighting the personal growth and lessons learned from these conversations. Listeners are encouraged to embrace the power of quitting with purpose as they announce the end of the podcast and express gratitude to the audience for their support throughout the journey. In this episode, you will learn the following : How to quit with confidence and purpose Lessons from navigating divorce The importance of taking a sabbatical before quitting  Managing career transitions thoughtfully Overcoming biases in personal and professional life Balancing financial freedom with life choices Acknowledging the power of intentional decision-making  Episode Timeline: [00:00:00] - Introduction to Season Finale [00:01:09] - Highlighting Favorite Guests [00:04:40] - Lessons from the Divorce Episode [00:07:30] - Reflecting on Biases and Growth [00:11:10] - Embracing Sabbaticals and Quitting Mindfully [00:17:30] - Personal Growth and Freedom [00:33:09] - Shifts in Business Focus [00:39:20] - Closing Remarks and Farewell Learn more about Stefanie Gonzales and the Women's Wealth Effect: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/stefanie-gonzales-83a87aa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womenswealtheffect/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Womenswealtheffect Early Retirement Planner: https://www.womenswealtheffect.com/planner Book Your Free 1:1 with Stefanie: https://www.womenswealtheffect.com/free Learn more about Bernadette Joy and the Crush Your Money Goals: Order her book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Crush-Your-Money-Goals/Bernadette-Joy/9781507222638 Website: https://www.crushyourmoneygoals.com/ 10 Money Tools: https://www.crushyourmoneygoals.com/freeguide

In this episode of Crush Your Money Goals, Bernadette Joy and Stefanie sit down with Shang, the inspiring force behind Save My Cents. Shang shares her journey to financial independence by age 31, her frugal yet joyful approach to life, and the powerful intersection of mental health and financial wellness. Recorded live from FinCon, this conversation is a must-listen for ambitious women who aspire to break free from the corporate grind, embrace frugality, and achieve financial independence with confidence. In this episode, you will learn the following : Frugality and how it can be a joyful choice rather than a sacrifice The intersection of mental health and financial wellness Living a fulfilling life while being frugal in high-cost areas like Manhattan Addressing mental health as part of financial planning The role of therapy in Shang’s financial and personal journey Handling online negativity and maintaining a positive outlook The importance of having aligned financial goals with a partner Episode Timeline: [00:03:06] - Journey to financial independence [00:05:33] - Intersection of joy, mental health, and financial literacy [00:06:29] - Frugal lifestyle and the misconceptions about frugality [00:11:21] - Making life decisions and the flexibility of those choices [00:16:09] - Prioritizing mental health and seeking therapy. [00:18:14] - Handling online trolls and how to maintain her mental health [00:21:08] - Navigating life and finances with a significant other. [00:24:27] - Upcoming book on mental health and money. Learn more about Shang Saavedra:  Website: https://savemycents.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savemycents/ Linktree: https://linktr.ee/savemycents Learn more about Stefanie Gonzales and the Women's Wealth Effect: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/stefanie-gonzales-83a87aa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womenswealtheffect/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Womenswealtheffect Early Retirement Planner: https://www.womenswealtheffect.com/planner Book Your Free 1:1 with Stefanie: https://www.womenswealtheffect.com/free Learn more about Bernadette Joy and the Crush Your Money Goals: Order her book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Crush-Your-Money-Goals/Bernadette-Joy/9781507222638 Website: https://www.crushyourmoneygoals.com/ 10 Money Tools: https://www.crushyourmoneygoals.com/freeguide

In this episode of Crush Your Money Goals, Bernadette Joy and Stefanie welcome Fernanda, also known as the Relentless Latina, to share her inspiring journey from a struggling engineer to a six-figure investor. As a first-generation immigrant from Mexico, Fernanda reveals the challenges she faced, from workplace discrimination to chronic stress, and how she ultimately transformed her life by quitting toxic environments and embracing her worth. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to learn how to build wealth, especially if you’ve been hesitant about investing or felt underappreciated in your career. In this episode, you will learn the following: Career challenges, such workplace discrimination and chronic stress. Mindset shifts necessary for career growth and financial independence. Importance of investing and how it transformed Fernanda’s approach to money. Fernanda’s passion for empowering Latinas to achieve financial independence. Setting workplace and business boundaries to protect mental health and well-being. Episode Timeline: [00:02:07] - Fernanda’s immigrant background from Mexico and her mission with Relentless Latina. [00:07:47] - Turning point: quitting toxic job and embracing worth [00:09:34] - Mindset shifts around gratitude and claiming worth in the workplace [00:15:20] - Career pivot to project management and the success that followed [00:24:30] - The role of investing in financial independence journey [00:32:18] - Setting boundaries while balancing a 9-to-5 job and side business [00:35:02] - Making decisions that feel right for her health and well-being [00:36:25] - Regularly checking in on boundaries as you grow professionally and personally Learn more about Fernanda: Website: https://relentlesslatina.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relentless.latina/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@relentless.latina Learn more about Stefanie Gonzales and the Women's Wealth Effect: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/stefanie-gonzales-83a87aa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womenswealtheffect/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Womenswealtheffect Early Retirement Planner: https://www.womenswealtheffect.com/planner Book Your Free 1:1 with Stefanie: https://www.womenswealtheffect.com/free Learn more about Bernadette Joy and the Crush Your Money Goals: Order her book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Crush-Your-Money-Goals/Bernadette-Joy/9781507222638 Website: https://www.crushyourmoneygoals.com/ 10 Money Tools: https://www.crushyourmoneygoals.com/freeguide

Imagine almost missing out on an eye-opening conversation because of preconceived notions! In  this episode, Bernadette Joy and Stefanie sit down with George Kamel, a Dave Ramsey personality, to discuss financial independence from a fresh perspective. George shares his journey from being a debt-ridden millennial to achieving millionaire status, discussing the importance of learning from diverse perspectives, unlearning toxic money habits, and embracing intentional financial management. In this episode, you will learn the following : Unlearning harmful beliefs like the need for credit scores and glorifying debt Transitioning from a "YOLO" (You Only Live Once) mindset to "JOMO" (Joy of Missing Out) Dealing with social spending pressures and setting boundaries with friends The difference between job hopping for financial gain and building long-term career stability Addressing common objections to the baby steps and proving their timeless effectiveness. The concept of "enough" and the struggle to find contentment while remaining driven. Episode Timeline: [00:01:48] - Immigrant values and financial beliefs. [00:05:18] -  Unlearning toxic money habits and embracing budgeting. [00:12:29] - Social pressures, setting boundaries with friends [00:15:43] - Benefits of deep-rooted career development. [00:19:13] - Advocating for oneself, and overcoming financial challenges in toxic situations. [00:24:10] - Defining “enough” and the challenges of being present. [00:29:24] - Hope versus cynicism Learn more about George Kamel: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/georgekamel/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GeorgeKamel Website: https://www.ramseysolutions.com/george-kamel Learn more about Stefanie Gonzales and the Women's Wealth Effect: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/stefanie-gonzales-83a87aa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womenswealtheffect/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Womenswealtheffect Early Retirement Planner: https://www.womenswealtheffect.com/planner Book Your Free 1:1 with Stefanie: https://www.womenswealtheffect.com/free Learn more about Bernadette Joy and the Crush Your Money Goals: Order her book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Crush-Your-Money-Goals/Bernadette-Joy/9781507222638 Website: https://www.crushyourmoneygoals.com/ 10 Money Tools: https://www.crushyourmoneygoals.com/freeguide

Can fear become your unexpected ally? Join us for an insightful conversation with the phenomenal Farnoosh Torabi, author of "A Healthy State of Panic!" as we explore how fear can be transformed from a stumbling block into a guiding force. Alongside Bernadette and Stefanie, Farnoosh shares insights on how embracing fear can lead to more authentic and well-prepared life transitions. In this episode, you will learn the following : Embracing fear as a guiding tool rather than bulldozing through it. Impact of social media on career and personal life choices. Importance of carving one's own path and pursuing genuine interests. Benefits of personalized attention, networking, and higher profit margins in workshops. The balance between transparency and maintaining personal boundaries, especially in financial matters. The delicate balance of financial transparency and protecting one's financial privacy. Episode Timeline: [00:00:27] - Overcoming Fear and Taking Risks  [00:03:36] - Importance of Balance in Book Launches  [00:11:48] - Overcoming Fear of Missing Out  [00:17:13] - Book Workshop vs. Online Course Strategy  [00:18:48] - Navigating Transparency and Boundaries  [00:25:19] - Authenticity, Privacy, and Financial Boundaries  [00:30:30] - Utilizing Stand Up Comedy for TikTok  Learn more about Farnoosh Torabi:  Website: https://farnoosh.tv/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/narfoosh Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/farnooshtorabi/ A Healthy State of Panic! Book: https://ahealthystateofpanic.com/ Podcast: https://podcast.farnoosh.tv/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FarnooshTorabi/ Learn more about Stefanie Gonzales and the Women's Wealth Effect: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/stefanie-gonzales-83a87aa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womenswealtheffect/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Womenswealtheffect Early Retirement Planner: https://www.womenswealtheffect.com/planner Book Your Free 1:1 with Stefanie: https://www.womenswealtheffect.com/free Learn more about Bernadette Joy and the Crush Your Money Goals: Order her book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Crush-Your-Money-Goals/Bernadette-Joy/9781507222638 Website: https://www.crushyourmoneygoals.com/ 10 Money Tools: https://www.crushyourmoneygoals.com/freeguide

In this episode of Crush Your Money Goals, we welcome Erin Levine, the founder of Hello Divorce, to discuss strategies for navigating divorce with confidence and financial independence. Explore the rise of “gray divorces” and the financial challenges women face post-divorce, highlighting the resources and support offered by Hello Divorce, including mediation, legal assistance and financial planning. Erin shares her journey from the legal field to creating a platform that empowers women, providing valuable insights into prenuptial and postnuptial agreements and fostering financial literacy. In this episode, you will learn the following : How to navigate the divorce process confidently and emerge financially stronger. Rising trend of divorces among seniors and the specific strategies needed to protect wealth and emotional well being during this phase. Systemic and cultural barriers that contribute to financial disparity for women post-divorce and strategies to overcome them. Benefits of mediation as a cost-effective and less contentious alternative to traditional court battles.  Detailed information on the resources provided by Hello Divorce, such as mediation, legal assistance, financial planning and tools to help manage co-parenting and property division. Significance of prenuptial and postnuptial agreements in safeguarding financial interests and ensuring financial stability, particularly for entrepreneurial couples. The importance of emotional readiness and seeking professional support from therapists or divorce coaches before initiating the divorce process. Episode Timeline: [00:03:25] - Rising Rates of Divorce [00:06:45] -  Challenges in Divorce Representation  [00:11:30] -  Empowering Women in FInancial Literacy  [00:19:06] -  Benefits of Divorce Mediation  [00:22:26] -  Redefining Perception of Divorce  [00:28:12] -  Marriage and Postnuptial Agreements  [00:31:52] -  Importance of Financial Awareness for Entrepreneurs  Learn more about Erin Levine: Website: https://hellodivorce.com/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hellodivorce/?hl=en  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/erinlevine  Learn more about Stefanie Gonzales and the Women's Wealth Effect: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/stefanie-gonzales-83a87aa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womenswealtheffect/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Womenswealtheffect Early Retirement Planner: https://www.womenswealtheffect.com/planner Book Your Free 1:1 with Stefanie: https://www.womenswealtheffect.com/free Learn more about Bernadette Joy and the Crush Your Money Goals: Order her book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Crush-Your-Money-Goals/Bernadette-Joy/9781507222638 Website: https://www.crushyourmoneygoals.com/ 10 Money Tools: https://www.crushyourmoneygoals.com/freeguide

In this episode of Crush Your Money Goals, we sit down with Anne Lester, the former Head of Retirement Solutions at JP Morgan Asset Management, to discuss her transformative journey from Wall Street to personal pilgrimage. Anne delves into her pioneering work on target date funds, offering practical financial advice for professional women navigating their 401(k)s and retirement planning. She also shares her personal experiences of leaving a high pressure career to pursue new passions, including a pilgrimage walk from Canterbury to Rome and writing her forthcoming book. In this episode, you will learn the following : How Anne revolutionized retirement savings with the creation of target date funds Common investment pitfalls and psychological traps Practical advice for professional women on navigating the complexities of 401(k)s and retirement planning Sharing personal financial struggles to foster greater emotional support and financial literacy within the financial services industry Strategies for achieving financial independence post career Anne’s experience with continuous learning and staying professionally engaged  The challenges and uncertainties of transitioning from a structured corporate environment to a more flexible, self directed lifestyle Episode Timeline: [00:00:03] - Finding Inspiration in Personal Crisis [00:04:29] -  Understanding Target Date Funds [00:08:11] -  Reflecting on Career and Identity [00:10:34] -  Deciding to Retire at Career Peak [00:14:55] -  Financial Independence for Women [00:19:11] -  Strategic Plan for Financial Transition [00:23:14] -  Planning Future Tasks and Collaboration [00:30:08] -  Evolution of Writing Passion [00:37:29] -  Navigating Personal Growth and Decisions Learn more about Anne Lester: Website: annelester.com/  TikTok: tiktok.com/@savesmartwanne  Instagram: instagram.com/savesmartwanne Learn more about Stefanie Gonzales and the Women's Wealth Effect: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/stefanie-gonzales-83a87aa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womenswealtheffect/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Womenswealtheffect Early Retirement Planner: https://www.womenswealtheffect.com/planner Book Your Free 1:1 with Stefanie: https://www.womenswealtheffect.com/free Learn more about Bernadette Joy and the Crush Your Money Goals: Order her book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Crush-Your-Money-Goals/Bernadette-Joy/9781507222638 Website: https://www.crushyourmoneygoals.com/ 10 Money Tools: https://www.crushyourmoneygoals.com/freeguide

Get ready for an exciting chat with Giovanna Gonzalez, aka Gigi or the First Gen Mentor! Learn about Gigi's big switch from a corporate gig in financial services to becoming a financial educator and advocate for Latinas. She opens up about leaving her steady job at Northern Trust to chase her passion for financial literacy, sparked by her viral TikTok success. They dive into the emotional rollercoaster Gigi went through, including how it affected her family and the tough times she faced while writing her best-selling book, "Cultura and Cash." The episode is all about quitting with confidence and embracing change to follow your dreams. In this episode, you will learn the following : Pursuing passion for financial literacy and career advocacy for Latinas Impact of quitting on Gigi's family dynamics Going viral on TikTok and gaining a big following Denial of outside compensation by her employer and the emotional response to it Intersection of personal brand identity and corporate restrictions Episode Timeline: [00:02:08] - Quitting a corporate career  [00:04:00] - TikTok and career pivot  [00:11:38] - Family dynamics and quitting  [00:14:20] - Writing "Cultura and Cash" [00:19:57] - Emotional challenges of presenting  [00:23:23] - Serving a Specific Audience. [00:27:27] - Embracing Latina Identity  [00:30:17] - Family Dynamics and Career Success  [00:36:08] - Supportive Influences  Learn more about Giovana Gonzales: Website: https://www.thefirstgenmentor.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/giovannagonzalez/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gigithefirstgenmentor/ Learn more about Stefanie Gonzales and the Women's Wealth Effect: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/stefanie-gonzales-83a87aa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womenswealtheffect/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Womenswealtheffect Early Retirement Planner: https://www.womenswealtheffect.com/planner Book Your Free 1:1 with Stefanie: https://www.womenswealtheffect.com/free Learn more about Bernadette Joy and the Crush Your Money Goals: Order her book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Crush-Your-Money-Goals/Bernadette-Joy/9781507222638 Website: https://www.crushyourmoneygoals.com/ 10 Money Tools: https://www.crushyourmoneygoals.com/freeguide

In this episode of the "Crush Your Money Goals",  Bernadette Joy and Stefanie chat with Mandi Woodruff-Santos to discuss her journey from journalism to entrepreneurship. Mandi shares her experiences with career transitions, balancing work and family life, and empowering women of color through her podcast "Brown Ambition." Mandi talked about her key career moments, mindset and financial stability, and the challenges of authentic content creation.  In this episode, you will learn the following : Balancing entrepreneurship with motherhood and family life Challenges and rewards of being the breadwinner in her family Authenticity in content creation and staying true to oneself Engaging with audience through email, social media, and genuine interactions The importance of mindset and financial stability in pursuing career goals Navigating the demands of entrepreneurship and family life Episode Timeline: [00:02:29] - Mandi's career journey from journalism to marketing [00:09:53] - Fears and doubts women face when making career changes  [00:14:20] - Balancing work and family life  [00:21:11] - Anxiety around being the breadwinner & managing finances [00:24:30] - Authenticity in content creation. [00:26:33] - Building relationships with the audience  [00:28:18] - Consistency and partnership in podcasting  [00:35:14] - Balancing business and friendship [00:38:11] - Engagement and connection with the audience  Learn more about Mandi Woodruff-Santos:  Website: https://www.mandimoney.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandiwoodruff/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mandimoney/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maaandimoney Learn more about Stefanie Gonzales and the Women's Wealth Effect: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/stefanie-gonzales-83a87aa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womenswealtheffect/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Womenswealtheffect Early Retirement Planner: https://www.womenswealtheffect.com/planner Book Your Free 1:1 with Stefanie: https://www.womenswealtheffect.com/free Learn more about Bernadette Joy and the Crush Your Money Goals: Order her book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Crush-Your-Money-Goals/Bernadette-Joy/9781507222638 Website: https://www.crushyourmoneygoals.com/ 10 Money Tools: https://www.crushyourmoneygoals.com/freeguide

Join Bernadette Joy and Stefanie Gonzales for an inspiring conversation with Jannese, a trailblazing content creator and personal finance expert, as she shares her transformative journey and the incredible work she’s spearheading with the Yo Quiero Dinero podcast. Discover how Jannese empowers people of color, particularly women, to overcome systemic obstacles and build wealth, while staying true to oneself and maintaining genuine connections. Dive into the unique financial challenges faced by the Latina community and get an exclusive glimpse into Jannese’s forthcoming book, Financially Lit, packed with insights and actionable advice to help you crush your money goals and embrace change with confidence. In this episode, you will learn the following : How Jannese transitioned from feeling trapped in the American Dream to achieving true financial independence. Understand the mission behind Jannese’s Yo Quiero Dinero podcast which aims to empower people of color, especially women, to overcome systemic financial barriers and build wealth. The significance of being authentic in your personal and professional life. Insights into the emotional aspects of leadership, including dealing with imposter syndrome and the importance of maintaining genuine connections with people. Concept of redefining success on your own terms.  Understanding what ‘enough’ looks like for each individual and how financial security can provide the freedom to support loved ones without stress.  Specific financial challenges faced by the Latina community and the inspiration behind Jannese’s comprehensive financial guide tailored for them. Episode Timeline:  [00:01:10] - Conference Connections and Changing Identities [00:06:21] - American Dream Scam [00:17:14] - Exploring Personal Boundaries in Creation [00:19:38] - Navigating Success With Ease [00:23:49] - Navigating Wealth and Financial Security [00:31:06] - Achieving Financial Independence Through Wealth Building [00:34:52] - Generational Success Through Lived Experiences [00:38:14] -  Diversifying Money Conversations in Publishing Learn more about Jannese and Yo Quiero Dinero LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jannese-t-974421151 Podcast: https://yoquierodineropodcast.com/  Book: https://financiallylitbook.com/  Learn more about Stefanie Gonzales and the Women's Wealth Effect: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/stefanie-gonzales-83a87aa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womenswealtheffect/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Womenswealtheffect Early Retirement Planner: https://www.womenswealtheffect.com/planner Book Your Free 1:1 with Stefanie: https://www.womenswealtheffect.com/free Learn more about Bernadette Joy and the Crush Your Money Goals: Order her book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Crush-Your-Money-Goals/Bernadette-Joy/9781507222638 Website: https://www.crushyourmoneygoals.com/ Free Guide On My Top 10 Money Tools: https://www.crushyourmoneygoals.com/freeguide