The penny has officially been laid to rest — and while most of us won’t shed a tear, its retirement marks a surprisingly big moment in how America handles money. In this quick update, I’m walking you through what happened to the penny, why the U.S. finally pulled the plug, and what this tiny change means for your wallet and the future of cash. You’ll hear: Why the U.S. Mint stopped making pennies and how much money it saves How other countries (like Canada) ditched their low-value coins decades ago What rounding rules mean for your everyday purchases Why this signals a major shift toward a digital-first financial system What to do if you still have jars of pennies hiding in your house A little funeral, a little financial education, and a lot of clarity about where money is heading next. Talkin’ Points → where your money gets smarter. Real talk, practical tips, zero guilt straight to your inbox. Sign up here.  Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app! Keep the conversation going on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If open enrollment season makes your eyes glaze over faster than a holiday spreadsheet, this one’s for you. In Part 3 of the Smart Money Moves Before Year-End series, Shari dives into all the hidden ways you can squeeze more value out of your paycheck before December 31. From health plans to hidden perks, this is your reminder that benefits are part of your compensation — and it’s time they pulled their weight. You’ll walk away with: A step-by-step guide to reviewing your health, dental, and vision plans The real difference between FSAs and HSAs (and how to use them wisely) A strategy for planning your bonus before it hits your account A quick insurance checkup to make sure you’re covered, not overpaying The overlooked perks most people forget they already have access to Because if you’re going to work this hard for your benefits, they should be working just as hard for you. Talkin’ Points → where your money gets smarter. Real talk, practical tips, zero guilt straight to your inbox. Sign up here.  Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app! Keep the conversation going on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens after the awareness? After you stop spending on autopilot… how do you start building on purpose? In part two, Shari connects money mindfulness to business-building — and why your exit number should be based on the life you actually want, not what Instagram says counts as “success.” Guest Kathryn Finney returns to share how she grew her blog into a real media company, figured out her number, and made the hard call to sell it — even though she could’ve made more by staying. She also breaks down the difference between a startup and a small business (spoiler: you don’t have to build to sell) and why clarity is more profitable than hype. This is your episode if you’re sitting on a side hustle, business, or creative project and wondering: “Do I grow this… or let it go?” Talkin’ Points → where your money gets smarter. Real talk, practical tips, zero guilt straight to your inbox. Sign up here.  Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app! Keep the conversation going on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We don’t always spend because we’re “bad with money.” We spend because we’re human — grieving, stressed, lonely, or trying to feel in control. In this episode, Shari breaks down emotional spending as a signal, not a flaw, and shows you how to start asking the one question that changes everything: “What am I actually trying to feel right now?” Then you’ll hear from Kathryn Finney, who was shopping to cope after losing a parent… and ended up turning that emotional spending into The Budget Fashionista, one of the earliest successful fashion blogs. You’ll hear how she redirected that energy, why she started asking “does this match my values?” and how mindful purchasing can actually make you happier. Perfect if you’ve ever looked at your bank statement and thought, “This isn’t even who I am.” Talkin’ Points → where your money gets smarter. Real talk, practical tips, zero guilt straight to your inbox. Sign up here.  Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app! Keep the conversation going on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Simple, legal, and smart ways to shrink your tax bill while boosting your wealth. If you’ve ever filed your taxes in April and thought, “Well… I wish I’d known that sooner,” this episode is your redo moment. In Part 2 of the Smart Money Moves Before Year-End series, Shari breaks down the strategic moves you can still make before December 31 that could literally save you hundreds — or even thousands — next year. Be sure to consult with your tax professional before implementing any of these strategies. You’ll walk away with: A checklist of five smart tax moves to make before year-end Simple steps to lower your taxable income (without complicated math) Smart strategies for charitable giving, retirement contributions, and benefits usage The confidence to approach tax season feeling proactive, not panicked Because you can’t time the market — but you can time your tax bill. Talkin’ Points → where your money gets smarter. Real talk, practical tips, zero guilt straight to your inbox. Sign up here.  Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app! Keep the conversation going on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s time for your money’s annual checkup — and no, there’s no waiting room or copay required. In this first episode of our Smart Money Moves Before Year-End series, Shari walks you through a four-part year-end audit to help you see exactly where your money went, what worked, and what needs a little TLC before the clock strikes midnight on December 31st. You’ll walk away with: A clear picture of where your money actually went this year One spending category to rein in before January A strategy to finish the year saving smarter (not harder) A confidence boost that comes from knowing exactly where you stand Because your future self doesn’t need another “I’ll figure it out in January.” She needs clarity — and that starts today. Talkin’ Points → where your money gets smarter. Real talk, practical tips, zero guilt straight to your inbox. Sign up here.  Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app! Keep the conversation going on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s time to turn confidence into ownership. In the final episode of the Financial Confidence Bootcamp, we’re breaking down the world of investing — minus the Wall Street jargon and overwhelm. Because investing isn’t just for finance bros and millionaires. It’s for anyone who wants their money to grow quietly in the background while they live their life. You’ll learn how to simplify your investing decisions, overcome the fear of “doing it wrong,” and build a portfolio that works for your real life — not someone else’s. You’ll walk away with: A simple, 3-step framework to start investing (even if you feel clueless) The truth about fear, confidence, and analysis paralysis Exactly where to start — from 401(k)s to Roth IRAs to brokerage accounts How to automate your investments so growth happens on autopilot What “staying the course” really means when the market gets bumpy This episode will leave you thinking, “I can actually do this.” Because you can — and it’s time you did. Part 1 - Budgeting That Actually Fits Your Life Part 2- How to Tackle Debt — Without Cutting Coffee, Joy, or Your Sanity Part 3- Save Like You Mean It! Talkin’ Points → where your money gets smarter. Real talk, practical tips, zero guilt straight to your inbox. Sign up here.  Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app! Keep the conversation going on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For too long, financial advice came with strings attached — confusing titles, hidden commissions, and “suitable” recommendations that didn’t always serve you. But the future of financial planning looks a lot different. In this episode, I’m joined by Lori Atwood, CFP®, founder of Fearless Finance, to unpack the evolution from sales-driven advice to fiduciary, fee-for-service financial planning. We get real about what fiduciary actually means, why hourly advice is changing the game, and how women can finally get help with their money — without the pressure or the pitch. You’ll walk away with: The real difference between “suitable” and fiduciary advice (and why it matters for your money) How hourly planning makes expert advice more accessible — and judgment-free The emotional side of money that most advisors completely overlook Why financial adulting isn’t about perfection — it’s about peace of mind If you’ve ever wondered whether your advisor is really acting in your best interest, this episode will help you ask the right questions — and take back control of your financial decisions. Talkin’ Points → where your money gets smarter. Real talk, practical tips, zero guilt straight to your inbox. Sign up here.  Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app! Keep the conversation going on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why do smart people still fall into debt traps? The truth is, debt is marketed to us in ways to exploit our psychology. We underestimate the true cost of borrowing, overestimate our ability to pay, and let lenders hide the fine print in plain sight. In this episode, Shari sits down with John Dinsmore—Professor of Marketing at Wright State University and author of The Marketing of Debt: How They Get You. Together, they unpack the marketing tricks and mental blind spots that keep people swiping, tapping, and signing up for loans they may regret later. Talkin’ Points → where your money gets smarter. Real talk, practical tips, zero guilt straight to your inbox. ⁠Sign up here.⁠ You’ll hear: Why your “future self” isn’t as financially heroic as you think How irregular expenses—not daily bills—fuel most credit card debt The hidden dangers of “0% interest” offers and long-term car loans Why paying with cash feels painful (and tapping to pay feels too good) The most important step you can take today to avoid debt traps If you’ve ever wondered why debt feels so easy to get into—and so hard to get out of—this episode will give you the insight (and strategies) you need to outsmart the marketing of debt. Talkin’ Points → where your money gets smarter. Real talk, practical tips, zero guilt straight to your inbox. Sign up here.  Follow John on X https://x.com/jdinsmore Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app! Keep the conversation going on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney Thank you to our sponsors!  Policygenius - Head to policygenius.com to compare free life insurance quotes from top companies and see how much you could save.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when technology meets money mindset? In this conversation, Elizabeth Ayoola — writer, finance expert, and co-host of NerdWallet’s Smart Money Podcast — shares how she went from writing $8 articles as a new mom to building lasting financial freedom. We get into how AI is reshaping personal finance, why emotional awareness still beats automation, and what it really takes to feel confident with your money — no spreadsheets required. You’ll walk away with: A smarter way to think about AI’s role in your financial life How to choose tools that actually support your habits and goals Why mindset (not math) drives lasting wealth A practical framework for building confidence with your money Want more real talk like this — plus practical tips to help you use what you hear on the show? Sign up here for Talkin' Points, a weekly newsletter with smart, judgment-free money insights delivered straight to your inbox. Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app! Keep the conversation going on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney Thank you to our sponsors!  Policygenius - Head to policygenius.com to compare free life insurance quotes from top companies and see how much you could save.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Part 1 - Budgeting That Actually Fits Your Life Part 2- How to Tackle Debt — Without Cutting Coffee, Joy, or Your Sanity We’re rewriting the story of saving today — because saving isn’t about restriction, it’s about freedom. It’s about building a life where unexpected expenses don’t derail you, where opportunities don’t slip by because you’re unprepared, and where your money quietly works for you in the background without constant effort. In this episode, I’m walking you through the three-tier savings system I use with clients to turn saving from something you “should” do into something that just happens — automatically and effortlessly. We’ll talk about why saving feels so hard (hint: the system is stacked against you), how to reframe it as an act of self-care, and the exact steps to automate your way to financial peace of mind. You’ll walk away with: A new mindset about saving — one rooted in freedom, not deprivation 3-tier savings strategy that makes your money work for real life Practical tips for setting up automation and removing decision fatigue A quarterly “money check-in” routine to keep your goals on track Tools and apps that make saving practically effortless This is the episode that helps you stop overthinking and start building financial confidence — one automated transfer at a time. Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app! Keep the conversation going on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney Thank you to our sponsors!  Policygenius - Head to policygenius.com to compare free life insurance quotes from top companies and see how much you could save.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’ve ever felt like the stock market was a boys’ club you weren’t invited to, this episode is about to change that. Diana Perkins — CPA, investor, and founder of Trading with Diana — joins Shari to break down why trading isn’t as intimidating as it looks, how women’s natural strengths give them an investing edge, and the simple, practical steps you can take to start building wealth through the markets. They get real about the psychology of trading, emotional decision-making, and why confidence matters more than capital. You’ll learn how to separate feelings from strategy, avoid the most common (and costly) beginner mistakes, and why financial literacy is one of the most powerful forms of self-care. You’ll walk away with: A clear understanding of what trading actually is — and why it’s not just for Wall Street pros. The truth about how much money (and time) you really need to get started. Practical strategies to manage risk, control emotions, and trade with confidence. A fresh perspective on how trading income can transform your financial independence — and your career options. Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app! Keep the conversation going on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney Thank you to our sponsors! Policygenius - Head to policygenius.com to compare free life insurance quotes from top companies and see how much you could save. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This isn’t a conversation you hear every day. In fact, most people will never talk about it out loud. But money—whether you have too much or not enough—always brings feelings with it: guilt, pressure, shame, confusion. In this powerful episode, I sit down with Chase Collins, a fifth-generation trust fund inheritor and the founder of Trust Your Trust Fund. Chase opens up about the real emotional cost of inherited wealth: the guilt of receiving money you didn’t earn, the isolation of being treated like a walking dollar sign, and the identity crises that come with trying to define your worth outside your bank account. You’ll hear: What it feels like to inherit money… and still feel completely lost. How Chase’s family history—spanning Texaco, massive real estate losses, and generational silence—shaped his financial beliefs. The most common emotional and behavioral mistakes trust fund inheritors make. How to create your own financial identity when you’ve been labeled “the heir” or “the trust fund baby.” Why inherited guilt can quietly sabotage your ability to live a meaningful life—and how to move through it. The difference between giving out of guilt… and giving from alignment. Whether you’ve inherited wealth, expect to one day, or are simply curious about the hidden dynamics of money and family legacy, this episode will challenge what you think you know about “having it all.” Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app! Keep the conversation going on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney Thank you to our sponsors!  Policygenius - Head to policygenius.com to compare free life insurance quotes from top companies and see how much you could save.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most of us think money mistakes are big, obvious moves — but more often, it’s the small, everyday decisions that quietly drain our wealth. In this final episode of 40 Money Lessons at 40, Shari uncovers the subtle ways we sabotage our financial progress and shows you how to spot, stop, and redirect those habits. Learn how to align your spending with your values, avoid common traps, and make every dollar work harder for the life you want. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why “great deals” and clearance finds often cost more than they save. How to rethink social spending and avoid lifestyle creep. Practical strategies to buy quality over quantity and reduce financial regret. Ways to keep your money aligned with what truly matters — without deprivation. ⁠40 Money Lessons at 40 - Part 1 40 Money Lessons at 20 - Part 2 40 Money Lessons at 40 - Part 3 40 Money Lessons at 40 - Part 4 Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app! Keep the conversation going on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney Thank you to our sponsors!  Policygenius - Head to policygenius.com to compare free life insurance quotes from top companies and see how much you could save.  Ava - Help build your credit score with Meetava.com. Use promo code: Money Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is Part 2 of our Financial Confidence Bootcamp — Four Weeks. Four Habits. One Confident You. Check out Episode 1 of my Financial Confidence Bootcamp If you’ve been stuck in the debt shame spiral — avoiding statements, swiping with guilt, or believing you have to give up everything fun until you’re debt-free — this episode will change how you think about paying off what you owe. We’re breaking down exactly how to tackle debt without cutting out joy, living on rice and beans, or putting your life on hold. I’ll walk you through my full Debt Detox Framework, the same step-by-step process I use with clients to help them pay down thousands while still traveling, going out to dinner, and building a life they love. You’ll hear: Why debt isn’t a moral failure — and what it actually is The four-step plan to pay it off without burning out How to build a budget that includes guilt-free joy Simple systems and boundaries that keep you from sliding back into debt Debt isn’t the end of your financial story — it’s just one chapter. And by the end of this episode, you’ll know exactly how to turn the page with confidence. Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app! Keep the conversation going on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney Thank you to our sponsors!  Policygenius - Head to policygenius.com to compare free life insurance quotes from top companies and see how much you could save.  Ava - Help build your credit score with Meetava.com. Use promo code: Money Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You’ve done everything “right”—built the career, raised the kids, earned the credentials, checked all the boxes—and yet, something still feels... empty. In this conversation, Shari Rash sits down with Danielle McGeough, PhD, a recovering overachiever, educator, and certified Elite Life Coach who’s spent the past two decades helping people move from surviving their routines to creating lives that actually feel good. Danielle is also the creator and host of the Plan Goal Plan podcast (ranked in the top 1.5% globally), where she blends research, ritual, and real-world strategy to help high achievers find meaning, motivation, and joy again. Together, Shari and Danielle dive into how our obsession with “doing more” often disconnects us from what truly matters—and how redefining success can transform not just your mindset, but also how you spend your time, money, and energy. ✨ This episode is part of a special podcast swap — catch Shari’s conversation with Danielle on Plan Goal Plan the same day for part two of this deeper dive into achievement, burnout, and balance. You’ll hear: Why achievement doesn’t always equal fulfillment—and what to do when you hit that wall How to move from to-do goals to to-be goals The daily “Top 3” practice that helps you reconnect with what matters How to align your time and money with your core values Simple ways to bring more joy, creativity, and delight into everyday life Check out Danielle’s Stuck assessment - Ways that you are stuck Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app! Keep the conversation going on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney Thank you to our sponsors!  Policygenius - Head to policygenius.com to compare free life insurance quotes from top companies and see how much you could save.  Ava - Help build your credit score with Meetava.com. Use promo code: Money Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is Part 1 of my 4-Part Financial Confidence Bootcamp, and we’re starting with the money habit everyone loves to hate: budgeting. If you’ve ever opened your budgeting app and immediately felt like you were failing, this episode will change the game. I’m breaking down how to build a budget that fits your real life—not the one social media tells you to have. You’ll hear: Why guilt-driven budgets never stick My Money CHIC Framework for creating a guilt-free, flexible plan The simple 5-minute money check-in that keeps you consistent Systems that make your budget run on autopilot (so you don’t have to think about it) No shame. No spreadsheet stress. Just confidence, clarity, and cash flow that actually supports your life. Tune in, take notes, and get ready to finally feel in control of your money. Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app! Keep the conversation going on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney Thank you to our sponsors!  Policygenius - Head to policygenius.com to compare free life insurance quotes from top companies and see how much you could save.  Ava - Help build your credit score with Meetava.com. Use promo code: Money Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Money and love don’t come with a rulebook—but they do come with plenty of emotions, power dynamics, and unspoken expectations. In this episode of Everyone’s Talkin’ Money, I sit down with Heather and Douglas Boneparth, the husband-and-wife team behind the new book Money Together. Heather, a lawyer-turned-writer, and Douglas, a nationally recognized financial advisor, share candid insights about the real challenges couples face when it comes to money—and how to turn those challenges into stronger, more equitable partnerships. You’ll hear: Why “trust” isn’t enough when one partner disengages from money decisions. How caregiving and emotional labor factor into financial fairness. The biggest money missteps couples make (and how to avoid them). How to move from financial independence to true interdependence without losing yourself. Why “fair” doesn’t always mean “even”—and how to redefine equity when income levels differ. How to start money conversations earlier in dating to gauge compatibility. Practical ways to bring more joy and balance to your financial life as a couple. If you’ve ever wondered how to merge love and money without resentment, hidden debt, or endless fights, this episode will give you the tools and inspiration to start building wealth together. Follow Douglas on Instagram @dougboneparth Follow Heather on Instagram @averagejoelle Get their new book: Money Together: How to find fairness in your relationship and become an unstoppable financial team Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app! Keep the conversation going on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney Thank you to our sponsors!  Policygenius - Head to policygenius.com to compare free life insurance quotes from top companies and see how much you could save.  Ava - Help build your credit score with Meetava.com. Use promo code: Money Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Leaving a marriage isn’t just a legal process — it’s an identity shift. And when money, kids, and years of investment are on the line, the decision can feel impossible. In this episode of Everyone’s Talkin’ Money, Shari Rash sits down with Kate Anthony — author of The D Word: Making the Ultimate Decision About Your Marriage and host of the critically acclaimed Divorce Survival Guide Podcast. Kate opens up about her own journey from what looked like a “perfect” marriage on the outside to recognizing emotional abuse and gaslighting behind closed doors. Together, Shari and Kate unpack the hidden fears that keep women in unhappy relationships, the role of money in staying or leaving, and why communication breakdowns are rarely about numbers but about values. You’ll walk away with: Why money fears and financial dependency keep women stuck in marriages longer than they want to be How your earliest “marriage memories” and “money memories” shape the choices you make as an  adult The difference between spender vs. saver conflicts — and how to finally speak the same financial language as your partner How to shift from “we” to “me” when divorce forces a new money mindset The #1 reality check Kate says every woman should face before deciding to stay or leave Whether you’re happily married, questioning your relationship, or just want to better understand the money-relationship connection, this conversation is packed with wisdom, humor, and hard truths. Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app! Keep the conversation going on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney Thank you to our sponsors!  Policygenius - Head to policygenius.com to compare free life insurance quotes from top companies and see how much you could save. Ava - Help build your credit score with Meetava.com. Use promo code: Money Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

40 Money Lessons at 40 - Part 1⁠⁠ 40 Money Lessons at 20 - Part 2⁠⁠ 40 Money Lessons at 40 - Part 3⁠⁠ 40 Money Lessons at 40 - Part 4⁠ 40 Money Lessons at 40 - Part 5 Retirement may feel far away, but the decisions you make today will shape how much freedom and flexibility you have tomorrow. In Episode 4 of 40 Money Lessons at 40, Shari Rash unpacks nine essential lessons for building long-term wealth. This isn’t about chasing hot stocks or becoming a Wall Street expert—it’s about practical, proven strategies that anyone can use to make time and money work together. You’ll hear: Why diversification is your financial safety net (and how to do it easily). The biggest mistake people make with employer 401(k) matches—and how to fix it today. How Roth IRAs deliver decades of tax-free growth. Why borrowing from retirement accounts robs Future You. How to avoid a “retirement tax bomb” with the right mix of pre-tax and Roth contributions. The tax-efficient accounts (Roth, HSA, 529) that quietly add six figures over time. Why HSAs are the unicorn account for retirement healthcare costs. What you need to know about taxes on W-2, 1099, dividends, and capital gains. The one factor that beats investment returns or contribution size: starting early. Whether you’re in your 20s, 30s, or hitting your 40s like me, these lessons prove that money is forgiving—you can start fresh today and still build the wealth you need for tomorrow. Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app! Keep the conversation going on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney Thank you to our sponsors!  Policygenius - Head to policygenius.com to compare free life insurance quotes from top companies and see how much you could save.  Ava - Help build your credit score with Meetava.com. Use promo code: Money Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices