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  • How Cassidy paid off $18k in student loan debt in 10 months
    2025/02/05

    💸 Ever wondered what it actually takes to pay off student loans fast?

    In this episode of The Finance Girlies, Cassidy shares her journey of paying off $18,000 in student loan debt in just 10 months — what worked, what didn’t, and what she’d do differently now.

    And whether you’re drowning in student loans or just looking for money strategies that actually work, you’ll walk away with plenty of ideas (and maybe a few “wow, she did what?!” moments from young Cassidy’s frugal habits).

    In this episode, we cover:

    ✅ How Cassidy approached debt payoff with an all-or-nothing mindset

    ✅ The extreme frugality tactics she used (some were…questionable 👀)

    ✅ The lifestyle inflation trap and how she avoided it

    ✅ Small spending tweaks that made a big impact on her finances

    ✅ What she would (and wouldn’t) do the same if she had to do it again

    ✅ Why rewarding yourself along the way actually helps you stay on track

    Resources & mentions:

    🔹Budget Bytes – The go-to resource for cheap & tasty meals

    🔹You Need a Budget (YNAB) – The budgeting tool that changed everything

    Join the conversation!

    💬 Have you ever paid off debt? What worked (or what definitely didn’t)? Email hello@thefinancegirlies.com — we love hearing from you!

    And if you found this episode helpful, we’d love if you shared it with a friend or left us a review. It helps us keep bringing you judgment-free, relatable money convos. 💕

    Love ya,

    Emily & Cassidy

    📩 Join The Finance Girlies email list:
    https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/email-sign-up

    💻Visit The Finance Girlies website:
    https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/

    💖Email us your money questions:
    hello@thefinancegirlies.com

    📸Follow us on Instagram:
    https://www.instagram.com/thefinancegirlies/


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    34 分
  • Debt 101: Is being in debt always bad?
    2025/01/29

    In today’s episode, we kick off part one of our two-part series on debt. Next week, Cassidy will share her personal story of paying off $18,000 in student loans in just 10 months. But first, we’re diving into our general philosophies on debt — when it’s helpful, when it’s harmful, and how to know if you should prioritize paying it off.

    We also share:

    • A surprising (and a bit frustrating) Dave Ramsey clip about debt that sparked our discussion
    • Average U.S. household debt statistics (hint: you’re not alone if you have debt)
    • Our thoughts on “good debt” vs. “bad debt” — and why those terms aren’t always helpful
    • Practical questions to ask yourself when deciding whether to take on or pay off debt
    • How to balance emotional vs. mathematical decisions about managing debt

    Whether you’re wrestling with credit card balances, student loans, or just trying to figure out your next money move, this episode is for you.

    ✒️ Resources mentioned:

    • Dave Ramsey clip referenced in the episode
    • Average U.S. debt statistics (source)
    • Average student loan debt statistics (source)

    Stay tuned for next week:
    Cassidy shares her inspiring journey of paying off $18,000 of student loan debt in 10 months, along with actionable tips you can use to start your own debt-free journey.

    📩 Join The Finance Girlies email list:
    https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/email-sign-up

    💻Visit The Finance Girlies website:
    https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/

    💖Email us your money questions:
    hello@thefinancegirlies.com

    📸Follow us on Instagram:
    https://www.instagram.com/thefinancegirlies/


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    29 分
  • How to financially plan for the new year (5 steps + free worksheet)
    2025/01/16

    In the latest episode of the Finance Girlies podcast, Emily and Cassidy offer a guide to setting your finances in order for the new year with five actionable steps.

    They discuss clarifying financial goals, auditing financial accounts, checking major financial numbers, refreshing spending plans, and making a list of lingering financial tasks.

    Throughout the episode, they share personal anecdotes and practical tips to help listeners implement these steps in a manageable and stress-free way. Plus, they offer a handy checklist to help you stay organized as you work through these five tasks.

    ✨ Grab your checklist here! ✨

    00:00 Welcome to the Finance Girlies Podcast

    02:05 Step 1: Clarify Your Financial Goals

    05:35 Step 2: Audit Your Accounts

    09:40 Step 3: Check In With Your Major Numbers

    14:24 Step 4: Refresh Your Spending Plan

    22:38 Step 5: List Lingering Financial Tasks

    26:38 Final Thoughts and Recap



    📩 Join The Finance Girlies email list:
    https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/email-sign-up

    💻Visit The Finance Girlies website:
    https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/

    💖Email us your money questions:
    hello@thefinancegirlies.com

    📸Follow us on Instagram:
    https://www.instagram.com/thefinancegirlies/


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    30 分
  • 2024 Wrapped: What We Bought, Read & Regret
    2024/12/31

    In the final episode of the Finance Girlies podcast for 2024, hosts Emily and Cassidy reflect on their favorite moments of the year by answering rapid-fire questions.

    They discuss their top books, best and worst purchases, goals for next year, new hobbies, and personal achievements. Emily shares her journey with doggy daycare and buying a new car, while Cassidy talks about a cozy new home and her love for crocheting.

    Join them as they wrap up the year with a heartfelt look back and plans for the future.

    00:00 Welcome to the Final Episode of 2024

    01:16 Hot Seat Questions: Rapid Fire Round

    02:20 Emily's Reflections

    12:11 Cassidy's Reflections

    25:39 Wrapping Up: Reflections and Farewells



    📩 Join The Finance Girlies email list:
    https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/email-sign-up

    💻Visit The Finance Girlies website:
    https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/

    💖Email us your money questions:
    hello@thefinancegirlies.com

    📸Follow us on Instagram:
    https://www.instagram.com/thefinancegirlies/


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    27 分
  • How to spend smarter this holiday season without feeling like a Scrooge
    2024/12/17

    In this Finance Girlies podcast episode, we share practical tips and personal stories on how to give meaningful, budget-friendly gifts during the holidays without feeling like a Scrooge.

    From using credit card points and setting gift budgets to DIY crafts and thoughtful low-waste options, we explore various strategies to keep holiday spending under control.

    We also discuss how to approach gift exchanges with financial consciousness and suggestions for inexpensive yet valuable gifts like food items, homemade crafts, and personalized mugs. Tune in for our top five pieces of advice and a rapid-fire list of creative gift ideas.

    00:00 Welcome to the Finance Girlies Podcast!
    01:04 How to Spend Smarter This Holiday Season
    02:00 Personal Approaches to Gift Giving
    11:27 Thoughtful and Affordable Gift Ideas
    16:16 Tips for Budget-Friendly Holiday Shopping
    28:03 Creative and Cost-Effective Gift Suggestions
    37:01 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

    📩 Join The Finance Girlies email list:
    https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/email-sign-up

    💻Visit The Finance Girlies website:
    https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/

    💖Email us your money questions:
    hello@thefinancegirlies.com

    📸Follow us on Instagram:
    https://www.instagram.com/thefinancegirlies/


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    38 分
  • Q&A: Choosing the right bank accounts
    2024/10/28

    In this episode, co-hosts Cassidy and Emily give their top banking tips to help you maximize your savings and choose the right bank accounts. They discuss how many accounts you need, the benefits of high-yield savings accounts, and how to avoid fees and find good customer service. Learn the pros and cons of local credit unions versus online banks, and get practical advice on managing cash deposits and online banking. With personal stories and actionable tips, you'll be equipped to make smart banking choices and optimize your finances.

    00:00 - Welcome to the Finance Q&A

    01:14 - How many bank accounts do you need?

    08:17 - What are the top three things I should look for in a new bank?

    18:53 - Do you need a local bank?

    27:59 - How do I choose the “best” HYSA when rates change so much?

    32:53 - How can I make sure I can access my money in an HYSA with no ATM access or debit card?

    37:46 - Is it worth switching banks for a bonus?

    41:57 - How much we've earned with our high-yield savings accounts

    📩 Join The Finance Girlies email list:
    https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/email-sign-up

    💻Visit The Finance Girlies website:
    https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/

    💖Email us your money questions:
    hello@thefinancegirlies.com

    📸Follow us on Instagram:
    https://www.instagram.com/thefinancegirlies/


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    46 分
  • Unpacking our money beliefs
    2024/10/28

    In this episode of The Finance Girlies, Emily and Cassidy unpack their lifelong journeys with money—from childhood perceptions shaped by family and experiences to adult financial habits. They discuss the swings between spending and saving, the impact of early financial fears, and the challenge of finding a healthy balance.

    00:00 - Introduction to money beliefs

    01:48 - Early money beliefs and first jobs

    03:39 - Family influence on money perception

    07:01 - Frugality and spending habits

    12:26 - Money as a motivator

    22:45 - Investing fears and overcoming them

    29:45 - You are not bad with money: Developing financial skills

    37:46 - The importance of money in achieving goals

    42:04 - Facing money fears and taking action

    52:02 - Reflecting on money beliefs and next steps

    📩 Join The Finance Girlies email list:
    https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/email-sign-up

    💻Visit The Finance Girlies website:
    https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/

    💖Email us your money questions:
    hello@thefinancegirlies.com

    📸Follow us on Instagram:
    https://www.instagram.com/thefinancegirlies/


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    53 分
  • Meet your host: Emily
    2024/10/28

    In this episode, we get to know Emily, one half of The Finance Girlies duo. Emily shares her journey from outdoor educator to freelance personal finance writer, her reasons behind the transition, and how she managed her own finances along the way. Emily highlights her experience with saving, opening a retirement account, and making career decisions that align with her values. Listen in as Emily shares how broadening her financial knowledge and taking calculated risks changed her relationship with work and money.

    01:00 - Introduction and Emily's background

    03:00 - Early savings habits and childhood money memories

    05:00 - College years and first job

    17:00 - Realizing the limitations of a low-paying job

    21:00 - Discovering freelance writing during the pandemic

    24:00 - The unexpected security of freelancing

    28:00 - Why personal finance matters, especially for women

    30:00 - The power of basic financial knowledge

    31:00 - Wrapping up

    📩 Join The Finance Girlies email list:
    https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/email-sign-up

    💻Visit The Finance Girlies website:
    https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/

    💖Email us your money questions:
    hello@thefinancegirlies.com

    📸Follow us on Instagram:
    https://www.instagram.com/thefinancegirlies/


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    33 分