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Our guest today is Michelle Schroeder, a licensed real estate broker and realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices in the Chicagoland area. She’s not your average realtor—Michelle brings years of experience and expertise, with a strong background in real estate investing and property renovations.

We’re excited to have her on the show to walk us through the ins and outs of real estate investing—from buying your first property to building a portfolio that sets you up for long-term financial growth. We’ll discuss how to find the right investment properties, securing great tenants, making smart renovations to boost property value, and much more!

You’ll also get a glimpse into Michelle’s holistic approach to real estate, where she prioritizes education and supporting her clients throughout the entire investment journey. If you’ve ever been curious about how to get started in real estate investing, this episode is for you!

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

0:00 – Intro

1:28 – Getting to know Michelle

3:07 – Getting started in real estate investing

12:05 – The benefits of multi-unit buildings for first-time investors

16:25 – The hands-on nature of real estate investing

21:42 – Evaluating a property’s potential for renovation

29:25 – Tenant selection and management

32:16 – Selling and value-add opportunities


Learn more about Michelle HERE

Episodes Links

Michelle on Purse Strings

https://pursestrings.co/professional/real-estate-agent/illinois/chicago/michelle-schroeder/

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

https://www.bhhschicago.com/

Michelle on Socials

X: https://x.com/manni_michelle

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-schroeder-a0027646/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelleschroeder.realtor/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichelleSchroederRE

Join the Purse Strings Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/pursestringsco/

To learn more about money and access additional episodes, visit us online: https://pursestrings.co/

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As the holiday season approaches, many of us find ourselves caught up in the whirlwind of shopping, gifting, and planning. But what if this year, we took a step back and approached the festivities with a more thoughtful and intentional mindset? In this episode of Women and Money, let’s dive into the holiday shopping conversation with two people who aren’t big on gift-giving- Barb and Maggie!

We’ll talk about conscious consumerism and discuss alternative ways to celebrate the season that focus on connection and meaning rather than material things. Plus, we’ll share thoughtful ideas for showing appreciation to those who make a difference in our daily lives—like our house cleaners, hairstylists, and the friendly faces at Trader Joe’s.

Wishing you a joyful and meaningful holiday season!

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

0:00 – Intro

2:01 – Memorable gifts and family traditions

6:16 – Alternative gift ideas and experiences

11:32 – Thoughtful gestures for the holiday season

Join the Purse Strings Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/pursestringsco/

To learn more about money and access additional episodes, visit us online: https://pursestrings.co/

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Today’s episode is perfect for parents looking to raise money-savvy kids! We are joined by CFP®, RFC, CCFC and author, Jamie Bosse, who is on a mission to help families tackle one of the most important—and often overlooked—topics: teaching kids about money.

For the past six years, Jamie has helped make financial literacy fun and approachable for families through her engaging books, like, Milton the Money Savvy Pup. Listen in as she shares some creative strategies for introducing essential money concepts to children- like budgeting, saving, and even understanding taxes.

Whether you’re just starting to teach your little ones about allowance or tackling big-picture ideas like gratitude and conscious spending, this episode is packed with valuable insights to set your family on the path to financial success.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

0:00 – Intro

1:26 – Getting to know Jamie

6:56 – Jamie’s journey into writing children’s books

14:29 – Implementing money concepts in real life

18:35 – Making money a tangible concept for kids

21:21 – Jamie’s book for moms

24:35 – Jamie’s work as a financial advisor + future books


Learn more about Jamie HERE


Use the code “MBM10” for 10% Jamie’s books until December 24th!

Milton the Money Savvy Pup Books

https://www.miltonthemoneysavvypup.com/

Jamie’s other books

https://www.moneybossmom.com/buy-books

Episodes Links

www.moneybossmom.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moneybossmom/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneybossmom/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiebosse/

Join the Purse Strings Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/pursestringsco/

To learn more about money and access additional episodes, visit us online: https://pursestrings.co/

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This week’s episode is a bit different from the usual- we wanted to catch up with you all and share a few fun life updates!

With exciting events and conferences around the corner, Barbara decided it was time for a closet refresh (and Maggie scored some great new finds, too!). Enter Annie, the stylist who helped Barbara step out of her comfort zone and find the perfect pieces to revamp her wardrobe. It was a fun experience and, for Barb, well worth the investment.

Tune in as we share more about this experience today! We thought it was the perfect way to highlight how investing in yourself- whether it’s a wardrobe upgrade, learning something new, or taking time for self-care- is all part of building confidence and showing up as your best self. Heading into 2025, we’re excited to bring you more casual conversations like this. Let's keep talking about this shit!

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

0:00 – Intro

1:48 – Barb’s experience with a stylist

10:41 – How much Barb spent

15:35 – Maggie’s new clothing purchases

18:15 – What we’re looking forward to in 2025

Join the Purse Strings Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/pursestringsco/

To learn more about money and access additional episodes, visit us online: https://pursestrings.co/

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Our guest today is Susan Washburn, CFP®, CeFT®, JD, Senior Financial Advisor of ProVise Management Group. Forced to rebuild her life after Hurricane Katrina and an unexpected divorce, Susan found herself feeling overwhelmed and lost in the world of finance. Instead of letting this define her, she decided to get smart about money and pursue a career in financial planning.

Today, Susan helps women take ownership of their financial lives. Join us as we discuss the importance of setting personal financial goals, seeking out supportive financial professionals, and, most importantly, taking small, actionable steps toward financial independence. We’re so grateful to have her on the show today to share her inspiring story and remind us that it’s never too late to get started!

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

0:00 – Intro

1:22 – Susan’s story

9:34 – Being involved in financial affairs

12:11 – How Susan started over

17:03 – The importance of communication in financial planning

21:53 – Taking small steps toward and finding a supportive network

Learn more about Susan HERE

Episodes Links

ProVise Management Group

https://www.provise.com/

Join the Purse Strings Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/pursestringsco/

To learn more about money and access additional episodes, visit us online: https://pursestrings.co/

Send us a text

We’re excited to be joined by Tiffany Irving, CFP®, CEPA®, Senior Vice President and Wealth Advisor at Mesirow Wealth Management. She is also a first-generation college graduate, the daughter of a single mother and a mother herself. There are so many aspects of her journey that many of us can relate to, and today, we’ll dive into her experience being the primary breadwinner in her household.

In a world where more women are navigating the responsibilities of being the primary earner, we thought this would be an insightful conversation to bring to the podcast. She’ll discuss the societal expectations and judgments that women often encounter in this role, as well as the importance of empowerment and education in building financial confidence. From regular "money dates" to effective risk management she has some great insights to share!

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

0:00 – Intro

2:03 – The female breadwinner

6:57 – Having conversations about money

8:48 – The challenges of female breadwinners

16:24 – Financial planning as a couple

24:52 – The changing financial landscape

27:52 – Open communication about family finances

Learn more about Tiffany

Read Tiffany’s Bio HERE

Episodes Links

Tiffany on Purse Strings

https://pursestrings.co/professional/financial-advisor/illinois/chicago/tiffany-irving-cfp-cepa/

Mesirow Wealth Management

https://www.mesirow.com/home

Tiffany’s Team

https://www.mesirow.com/capabilities/wealth-management/irving-team#1849274314-1719998646

Join the Purse Strings Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/pursestringsco/

To learn more about money and access additional episodes, visit us online: https://pursestrings.co/

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This week’s guest is Carolyn Howard, a certified financial planner and senior wealth manager at Accurate Advisory Group, as well as one of our Purse Strings-approved professionals. Having personally navigated the challenges of widowhood, she brings invaluable expertise to those facing the same difficult path.

After her late husband fell ill and passed away within just ten months, Carolyn faced profound grief and a sense of paralysis, even with her extensive financial knowledge. This experience fueled her passion for helping other families navigate similar situations.

Today, her mission is to guide, support, and encourage those navigating finances after loss. Tune in as she shares financial first steps for newly widowed individuals, powerful tips on financially preparing for the unknown with your partner, and ways to support loved ones through loss.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

0:00 – Intro

1:26 – Carolyn’s background and story

6:53 – The importance of financial preparation

11:31 – A checklist for widowed people

18:06 – Important financial decisions after widowhood

25:10 – Supporting friends and family after loss


Learn more about Carolyn

Read Carolyn’s Bio HERE


Episodes Links

Carolyn on Purse Strings

https://pursestrings.co/professional/financial-advisor/florida/sarasota/carolyn-howardcfp/

Sign up for Carolyn’s newsletter ‘Hopeful Ever After’

https://www.hopefuleverafter.com/

Carolyn’s Love Letter To-Do List

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ikUBolyINpS5LYKAqBd_d79p8s1FH5n-/view?usp=sharing

Accurate Advisory Group

https://www.accurateadvisory.com/

Join the Purse Strings Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/pursestringsco/

To learn more about money and access additional episodes, visit us online: https://pursestrings.co/

Send us a text

Jodie Stauffer, CFP® is the founder and lead financial planner at Parallax Planning & Wealth Inc, and one of our Purse Strings-Approved Professionals! She specializes in working with women and is particularly passionate about working with ADHD and neurodiverse clients. Today, she’ll share her personal journey with ADHD and how it has shaped her unique approach to financial planning.

Diagnosed with ADHD in her mid-thirties, Jodie has spent years researching and understanding her diagnosis. This experience inspired her to create a financial planning method that prioritizes understanding and creativity, recognizing that traditional approaches often overlook how neurodivergent brains process information. We’re thrilled to have her with us to discuss what this process looks like and to offer planning tips for those who think they may be neurodivergent or have ADHD.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

0:00 – Intro

1:12 – Jodie’s story and financial firm

7:53 – Understanding neurodivergence and ADHD

12:43 – Financial planning with ADHD

26:42 – Accounting for a client’s unique needs

30:28 – Tips to stay focused and accountable

35:32 – ADHD as a superpower

Learn more about Jodie

Jodie Stauffer is an experienced fee-for-service financial planner specializing in personal finance and small business owners. She is passionate about working with mid-to-high-income ADHD and neurodiverse women, and this is reflected in her business, volunteer, and personal life.

In 2019, Jodie founded JL Stauffer Financial as an independent financial planning firm. In 2022, she co-founded Parallax Planning & Wealth, a niche-based financial planning firm offering advice-only finance planning and consulting services. Although Parallax primarily focuses on planning, Jodie believes that putting plans into action for clients sets them apart.

Her financial services approach always includes plan execution for her clients. With over 25 years of experience in financial management, sales, and leadership, She is committed to providing unbiased financial planning and consulting services to successful women like herself. She possesses a unique blend of expertise and passion, which, coupled with her ADHD superpowers, allows her to think differently and bring about change.

Episodes Links

Jodie on Purse Strings

https://pursestrings.co/professional/financial-planner/alberta/edmonton/jodie-l-stauffer/

Jodie’s website

https://www.jlstaufferfinancial.ca/

Jodie on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodie-l-stauffer-cfp/?originalSubdomain=ca

Parallax Planning:

https://www.parallaxplanning.ca/

Parallax on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/parallaxplanning

Parallax on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/parallaxplanning/

Smarter, Faster, Crazier Podcast:

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/smarter

Join the Purse Strings Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/pursestringsco/

To learn more about money and access additional episodes, visit us online: https://pursestrings.co/