Money Files is back with another client check-in!
In this episode, I reconnect with my former client Ellie, who first appeared on the show two years ago. Since our time working together, Ellie’s net worth has grown by over $100K, she’s traveled the world, and she’s continued to use the budgeting framework I helped her create.
But as Ellie shares, financial growth doesn’t mean every month feels perfect. From revisiting credit card debt to navigating lifestyle changes and dating expenses, she opens up about what it looks like to sustain progress even when new challenges appear.
Tune in as Ellie and I discuss how financial coaching helped her develop awareness, systems, and confidence, tools that continue to serve her through each new season of life. Together, we explore how to approach money with curiosity instead of shame, identify patterns that need adjustment, and celebrate the long-term wins that make lasting financial transformation possible.
Listen in to learn:
[01:25] How Ellie’s net worth grew by six figures in two years
[03:40] The truth about “financial backslides” and how to recover without guilt
[07:10] How to handle lifestyle shifts like dating and higher living costs
[10:50] Why perfection isn’t the goal, but awareness and consistency are
[18:35] The power of weekly money dates and how to bring them back
[23:45] Building an emergency fund without the overwhelm
[30:40] The mindset shift from fear to trust with your finances
[44:30] Why financial coaching creates sustainable results years later
Tune into this episode of Money Files to hear the real-life impact of financial coaching and how to keep growing your confidence and your bank account, even when things get messy.
Get full show notes and the episode transcript: https://wealthovernow.com/how-ellie-grew-her-net-worth-by-100k-and-still-traveled/
Links mentioned in this episode…
Set up a call | Financial Coach Washington, DC | Wealth Over Now
You’ve heard me talk about The Money Table, The Money Edit, and The Money Rhythm, but today, I’m closing this series with the final piece of my four-part framework: The Money Legacy.
The Money Legacy is where true sustainability begins. It’s not about budgeting or cutting back, it’s about building trust with your money and creating long-term possibilities that reflect your values. This is the phase where my clients go from managing debt and expenses to setting bigger goals, investing in their future, and building a financial legacy that changes what’s possible for them and their families.
In this episode of Money Files, I share how The Money Legacy helps you move beyond financial survival mode and into a space of grounded confidence. You’ll hear how clients like Lynae and Clara used this process to redefine their goals, from paying off debt to building savings, changing careers, and even buying their first home.
When you build your Money Legacy, you stop operating from urgency and start living from intention. You make decisions based on what matters most and begin to see yourself as someone who manages money well.
Listen in to learn:
[01:25] What The Money Legacy is and why it’s the key to sustainability
[03:40] How to build financial trust and confidence that lasts
[05:00] Client story: How Lynae moved from debt payoff to freedom and choice
[08:25] Why expanding your goals starts with managing what you already have
[10:40] How to plan for your next financial chapter with clarity and confidence
[12:10] Why your relationship with money shapes your opportunities
[12:45] The truth about shame, perfection, and trusting yourself with money
Tune into this episode of Money Files to learn how to build a Money Legacy that expands your possibilities, strengthens your trust with money, and creates a financial foundation that grows with you.
Get full show notes and the episode transcript: https://wealthovernow.com/the-money-legacy-building-trust-and-expanding-possibilities-with-your-finances/
Links mentioned in this episode…
Set up a call | Financial Coach Washington, DC | Wealth Over Now
If you’ve ever said, “I just need to be more disciplined with money,” this episode is for you.
In this episode of Money Files, I introduce you to The Money Rhythm which is the third step in my coaching framework, following The Money Table and The Money Edit. While the first two steps are about clarity and structure, The Money Rhythm is about sustainability and putting your plan into motion and learning how to trust yourself with money.
This is where my clients stop chasing perfection and start finding flow. We look at how their plan actually works in real life: the grocery trips, the forgotten birthday parties, the unexpected car repairs, the promotions, the slow months, and everything in between. The Money Rhythm is about building flexibility into your system so you can respond to life instead of reacting with guilt or shame.
Through real client examples, you’ll hear how we catch fake math, make realistic budget adjustments, and create systems that help clients make confident, proactive money decisions. This is the stage where coaching truly pays for itself, not just through the dollars saved, but in the peace, control, and confidence you gain.
Listen in to learn:
[01:15] What The Money Rhythm is and why it matters
[03:50] How to build sustainability into your money system
[06:45] Why perfection isn’t the goal and honesty is
[10:10] How to stop fake math and create realistic numbers that work
[13:25] Client stories: adjusting for real-life expenses without shame
[17:40] Why discipline isn’t the answer. What you need is rhythm
[19:00] How finding your rhythm builds confidence and trust in yourself
Tune into this episode of Money Files to learn how to create a rhythm with your money that helps you sustain financial peace, build consistency, and finally feel in control.
Get full show notes and the episode transcript: https://wealthovernow.com/the-money-rhythm-finding-your-flow-for-sustainable-financial-health/
Links mentioned in this episode…
160 | Financial Grazing: How Little Habits Can Derail Big Goals
Set up a call | Financial Coach Washington, DC | Wealth Over Now
What does it look like to go from feeling financially overwhelmed to fully owning your money story?
In this episode of Money Files, I sit down with my client Clara, a hairstylist in Washington, D.C., who transformed the way she managed her finances. Before working together, Clara earned good money but constantly wondered, “Where is it all going?” Like many 1099 earners, her income fluctuated, and without a system, that led to stress, uncertainty, and missed opportunities.
Together, we built a framework that gave her structure, clarity, and confidence. Clara learned how to separate her business and personal finances, plan for taxes, and create a simple system that helped her build savings and prepare for slower seasons. With her new mindset and money plan, she stopped stressing about her finances, bought her first home, and even planned an international trip, without panic or guilt.
This conversation is about more than numbers; it’s about what happens when you finally take ownership of your financial life.
Listen in to learn:
[02:15] How Clara realized she needed help managing her money
[05:00] Why accountability and structure are key to financial success
[08:25] How she stopped stressing over inconsistent income[11:40] How she prepared for slow business seasons with confidence
[15:20] The mindset shift that helped her buy her first home
[18:40] How she learned to fit her lifestyle into her budget instead of restricting it
[21:45] Building confidence to earn more and plan for retirement
Tune into this episode of Money Files to hear how Clara went from overwhelmed to empowered and how financial coaching helped her build a system that supports her goals and her peace of mind.
Get full show notes and the episode transcript: https://wealthovernow.com/financial-predictability-how-clara-created-financial-ease-as-a-hairstylist/
Links mentioned in this episode…
Set up a call | Financial Coach Washington, DC | Wealth Over Now
Paying your bills on time isn’t the same as being in control of your money.
In this episode of Money Files, I walk you through The Money Edit, the second step in my coaching framework that helps clients create 25% more choice with their money without earning more or cutting out everything fun.
The Money Edit is where we stop the leaks and clean up financial clutter. Instead of restrictive “no-spend challenges” or quick fixes, this process helps you decide what to keep, revisit, or cancel so your money reflects the life you actually want. From subscriptions you’ve forgotten to household expenses that no longer serve you, the Money Edit gives you back control and clarity.
You’ll hear client stories that show how one decision, like changing a cleaning schedule or canceling overlapping subscriptions, freed up thousands of dollars each year to redirect toward savings, debt payoff, and lifestyle goals that matter.
Listen in to learn:
[02:30] Why no-spend challenges don’t fix long-term habits
[06:45] How to identify leaks and financial clutter in your budget
[11:15] Client story: saving $9,600 a year by shifting one expense
[17:20] How canceling overlapping subscriptions saved $380 instantly
[22:40] How small edits uncovered over $3,200 in annuals savings in one call
[28:15] Why The Money Edit gives you freedom to reallocate, not restrict, your money
Tune into this episode of Money Files to learn how The Money Edit can help you keep more of what you earn and finally create a plan that feels good and works.
Get full show notes and the episode transcript: https://wealthovernow.com/the-money-edit-stop-the-leaks-and-create-more-choice-with-your-money/
Links mentioned in this episode…
Set up a call | Financial Coach Washington, DC | Wealth Over Now
Download my FREE spending plan
EP. 195 | The Money Table: How to Create a Real Budget (and Stop Fake Math)
Have you ever felt like no matter how much you earn, or how diligently you pay your bills, your money still slips through your fingers?
In this episode of Money Files, I introduce you to the Money Table, the first step of my coaching framework that helps clients create 25% more choice with their money without earning more or making extreme cuts. The Money Table is where we lay everything out, your bills, subscriptions, lifestyle expenses, even the purchases you avoid looking at so you can finally see the full financial picture.
For most people, fake math runs the show. You tell yourself that a bonus will cover your expenses or that holidays “don’t cost that much,” only to find yourself overspending and underprepared. At the Money Table, we stop the fake math by naming, numbering, and planning for the expenses that quietly drain your account.
Through client stories, you’ll hear how this simple step transformed how they think about money, whether it was planning for tutoring, travel, or even giving money to family. Once you see the full puzzle, you can finally make confident, intentional choices about your money instead of scrambling paycheck to paycheck.
Listen in to learn:
[02:10] What the Money Table is and why it matters
[05:35] How fake math quietly drains your accounts
[09:15] Client story: turning tutoring expenses into predictable monthly planning
[14:40] How to plan for annual expenses so they don’t wreck your budget
[20:25] Why naming hidden expenses creates immediate relief
[25:10] How clients start making their coaching investment back from Day One
Tune into this episode of Money Files to discover how the Money Table helps you stop hiding from your numbers and finally see the full financial picture.
Get full show notes and the episode transcript: https://wealthovernow.com/the-money-table-how-to-create-a-real-budget-and-stop-fake-math/
Links mentioned in this episode…
Set up a call | Financial Coach Washington, DC | Wealth Over Now
Download my FREE spending plan
EP. 190 Lisa’s Story: How Lisa Stopped Using Her Planner To Budget
Not every paycheck-to-paycheck cycle is caused by poor spending habits, sometimes the root issue is your income.
In this episode, I unpack the three most common reasons people face an income problem, and why acknowledging it isn’t about shame but empowerment. From cost-of-living mismatches to household changes to underearning, I explain how to identify the real gap in your budget so you can finally make a plan that works.
Through client examples, including Emily’s story of adding income to ease her family’s finances, you’ll hear how reframing an income problem can lead to solutions that actually support your lifestyle and values. Because the truth is, you don’t have to cut back harder or live with guilt. You may simply need to earn more.
Listen in to learn:
[01:40] How to know if your paycheck-to-paycheck cycle is mindset or income
[04:12] Why cost-of-living mismatches create hidden income problems
[07:58] Household and lifestyle changes that shrink your paycheck overnight
[12:40] The trap of “money ceilings” and underearning
[17:15] How to identify the real gap between your income and expenses
[21:45] Why knowing your numbers is empowering—not shameful
Tune into this episode of Money Files to discover how to identify and solve income problems so you can finally stop living paycheck to paycheck.
Get full show notes and the episode transcript: https://wealthovernow.com/how-to-know-if-your-paycheck-to-paycheck-cycle-is-an-income-problem/
Links mentioned in this episode…
Set up a call | Financial Coach Washington, DC | Wealth Over Now
Do you make a great income but still feel like you’re living paycheck to paycheck?
In this episode of Money Files, I dive into what I call High Earner Syndrome, the mindset trap that keeps six-figure earners stuck in cycles of overspending, fake math, and financial stress.
On paper, you’re making more than ever before, $12K, $20K, even $30K a month, but you still don’t feel like you have enough to show for it. Raises, bonuses, and promotions come and go, but your savings doesn’t grow, your debt lingers, and your stress remains.
The problem isn’t your income, it’s the way you think about and manage your money. And until you shift your mindset and create a plan, lifestyle creep and fake math will keep you stuck, no matter how much you earn.
In this episode, I share:
[02:00] What High Earner Syndrome really is and why it’s not an income problem
[05:45] Why big bonuses disappear before you can enjoy them
[10:10] How fake math sabotages even six-figure earners
[15:30] Why planning 14 days at a time keeps you broke (and what to do instead)
[20:25] How a client went from paycheck stress to having $14,000 in her account
[24:10] The one mindset shift that puts you in control of your money today
Tune into this episode of Money Files to learn how to break free from High Earner Syndrome, stop overspending, and create financial freedom with the income you already have.
Get full show notes and the episode transcript: https://wealthovernow.com/why-even-high-earners-are-living-paycheck-to-paycheck/
Links mentioned in this episode…
Set up a call | Financial Coach Washington, DC | Wealth Over Now
What happens when your relationship with money is ruled by shame?
In this powerful client interview, Emily shares her deeply personal journey of moving from money avoidance, panic attacks, and “FU spending” to clarity, empowerment, and peace with her finances. Before coaching, Emily’s money habits were fueled by old stories, guilt, and a constant feeling of not doing enough, even while homeschooling four kids and managing a household.
Together, we worked through her “platter of shame,” rewired her money story, and created a system that aligned with her values instead of morality or judgment. Today, Emily not only feels in control of her spending but has also transformed how she communicates about money with her husband and children.
Her story is proof that real financial freedom doesn’t start when you hit a certain number, it starts when you release shame and embrace compassion for yourself.
Listen to learn:
[02:10] How money shame can manifest as panic attacks and avoidance
[05:40] What “FU spending” looks like and why it’s more emotional than financial[12:15] Why being underfunded isn’t the same as overspending
[20:25] How Emily shifted from level-10 money panic to calm, empowered decisions[27:45] Breaking the belief that she “owed” her kids certain purchases[35:10] How adding income became an empowering choice instead of a shame spiral
[42:00] Why small wins, like paying bills on time are just as important as big milestones
Tune into this episode of Money Files to hear Emily’s inspiring journey from money shame to financial freedom and learn how you can start rewriting your own money story.
Get full show notes and the episode transcript: https://wealthovernow.com/from-panic-to-peace-even-looking-at-bills-made-me-panic-emilys-story/
Links mentioned in this episode…
Set up a call | Financial Coach Washington, DC | Wealth Over Now
Most people believe their debt is the reason they can’t save, travel, or feel free with their money. But here’s the truth: your debt isn’t the villain, the story you’re telling yourself about your debt is what’s holding you back.
In this episode of Money Files, I unpack one of the biggest mindset shifts that changed my own financial life and has transformed the lives of my clients: learning how to stop villainizing debt and start rewriting your money story.
I’ll share my journey of paying $500 a month toward student loans in my 20s, and how shifting my perspective helped me stop waiting for freedom and start creating it even while carrying debt. You’ll also hear client examples that reveal how often we think debt is the problem, when the truth is, the lifestyle we want simply requires more clarity, intention, or income.
If you’ve ever said, “I’d be further ahead if I didn’t have this debt,” this episode is for you. You don’t have to wait for a zero balance to feel at peace. You can create freedom now.
Listen to learn:
[01:05] Why the real problem isn’t your debt, it’s the story you’re telling yourself
[06:18] How a mindset shift turned $500 student loan payments into opportunity
[10:30] The exercise I walk clients through to uncover what’s really holding them back
[16:42] Why more income, not less debt, might be the key to funding the life you want
[22:55] How to live, save, and pay off debt at the same time
[28:20] The real byproduct of shifting your money story: peace, confidence, and freedom now
Tune into this episode of Money Files to discover how to stop villainizing your debt and start living the life you want even before it’s all paid off.
Get full show notes and the episode transcript: https://wealthovernow.com/the-surprising-mindset-shift-that-makes-paying-off-debt-easier/
Links mentioned in this episode…
Set up a call | Financial Coach Washington, DC | Wealth Over Now
What if your financial stress isn’t about how much you earn, but how your money is (or isn’t) working for you?
In this candid and encouraging episode, I sit down with my client Lisa to talk about the real shift that changed her life, not just her bank balance. Lisa thought she had a system… until she realized she was doing fake math, chasing checks, and constantly feeling like she should have more to show for her income.
Together, we unpack how she let go of shame and guilt around money, created a spending plan that gives every dollar a job, saved over $2,300 for a Disney cruise without stress, developed a plan to eliminate credit card debt without burnout, traveled freely while still building a financial cushion, and ultimately found peace, confidence, and clarity in her relationship with money.
Lisa’s story is for anyone who’s ever felt like they’re doing “okay” on the outside, but overwhelmed on the inside. If you’ve been juggling spreadsheets, mental math, and a planner filled with due dates, but still feeling behind this episode will resonate deeply.
Listen to learn:
[03:10] The difference between a planner and a real system
[06:34] How fake math fuels paycheck-to-paycheck stress
[10:12] What shifted when Lisa gave every dollar a home
[12:47] The power of intentional saving and planning for joy
[18:02] The unexpected emotional weight of overlooked expenses
[23:30] Moving from money anxiety to empowered spending decisions
[27:44] Finding freedom without sacrificing fun or travel
[30:21] Why Lisa now feels like her money system creates “overflow”
Get full show notes and the episode transcript: https://wealthovernow.com/lisas-story-how-lisa-stopped-using-her-planner-to-budget/
Links mentioned in this episode…
Set up a call | Financial Coach Washington, DC | Wealth Over Now
You’ve been celebrating your three-paycheck month like it’s a financial bonus, but I’m here to tell you, that third paycheck? It’s not extra money. It’s fake math in action.
In this episode of Money Files, I help you shift your mindset and your money systems so you can stop overspending and start building financial peace. I walk you through the exact budgeting strategy I use with clients during three-paycheck months, my simple Three Money Bucket System and how it helps high earners stop leaking money and start getting ahead.
You’ll learn why this third paycheck is the perfect opportunity to build a buffer, pay annual subscriptions, and get out of the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle for good.
If you’ve ever wondered, “Where did my money go?” after a month with a little more income, this episode is for you.
Listen in to learn:
[01:11] Why your third paycheck isn’t actually “extra”
[06:08] The trap of fake math and how to avoid it
[09:02] How to apply the Three Money Bucket System in a 3-paycheck month
[13:44] The real way to build a buffer and automate peace
[18:03] Why predictability not spontaneity creates financial ease
Tune in now to learn how to treat every paycheck with intention and finally stop letting fake math run your finances.
Get full show notes and the episode transcript: https://wealthovernow.com/turn-your-3rd-paycheck-into-a-financial-power-move/
Links mentioned in this episode…
Set up a call | Financial Coach Washington, DC | Wealth Over Now
Ever feel like you're stuck in a loop where unexpected expenses always ruin your budget?
In this episode, I break down what I call the “This Always Happens” Money Fix, a two-step process that helps my clients stop spiraling and start building real budgeting confidence. If you’ve ever looked at your account and thought, “Ugh, how did this happen again?” this is for you.
I’ll show you how to shift from shame to strategy using my signature process: Respond and Recalibrate. These simple but powerful questions will help you navigate unexpected charges, stop the guilt cycle, and actually make your budget more responsive to your real life.
If you've ever paid a surprise dental bill, forgotten about a recurring charge, or panicked over a financial “oops,” this episode will help you move from frustration to freedom without ditching your budget.
[01:04] Why unexpected charges don’t mean you’re failing with money
[02:20] The “This Always Happens” Money Fix: Respond and Recalibrate
[06:10] Real client examples and how we tackled hidden expenses
[10:23] What a dental emergency taught my client about budgeting on purpose[14:55] How to build a money system that grows with you
Tune in to learn how to make your money system sustainable so you're not just budgeting for the month but building financial resilience for life.
Get full show notes and the episode transcript: https://wealthovernow.com/a-better-way-to-handle-unexpected-expenses/
Links mentioned in this episode…
Set up a call | Financial Coach Washington, DC | Wealth Over Now
Download my FREE spending plan
Fall might feel like a break after a busy summer, but if you’re not careful, it can catch you off guard, especially financially.
In this episode, I talk about what it really means to be “always ahead” with your money. I don’t mean skipping brunch or deleting a budgeting app. I mean planning intentionally for the next 90 days before your spending happens. Whether you’re prepping for back-to-school, travel, holiday hosting, or just want to enjoy cozy hikes and solo retreats, this episode will help you align your spending with your real life, not just your calendar.
I share the exact questions I walk my clients through and how to use your photo album (yes, really!) to build a budget that supports your joy, not restricts it.
So if you’re feeling the pressure to “cut back” as fall rolls in, this episode will help you shift from reactive to proactive and put your dollars to work on purpose.
Listen now to learn how to plan your money with intention and…
[00:42] What “being ahead” actually looks like
[03:12] The false promise of fall being a low-spend season
[06:47] Why “just cutting back” isn’t a real plan
[09:05] How to budget for joy using your personal photo album
[10:50] My fall reset invitation and how to work with me 1:1
Tune in to learn how planning ahead can help you stop reactive budgeting, align your money with your real life, and feel confident about what’s coming next.
Get full show notes and the episode transcript: https://wealthovernow.com/always-ahead-how-to-budget-for-the-fall-season-without-falling-behind/
Links mentioned in this episode…
Set up a call | Financial Coach Washington, DC | Wealth Over Now
Thinking about coaching but not sure what to expect?
In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on my five-month coaching partnership. You’ll hear answers to the five most common questions I get about what coaching looks like, how it works week-to-week, and how it helps you create long-term results.
I break down exactly what happens inside the coaching container from building your first real budget to the “ah-ha” moments that help you stay out of debt and stop overspending for good.
If you’ve been lurking, this episode was made for you.
In this episode, you'll learn:
[01:04] Why booking a consult is the most important step
[04:39] Yes, you’ll get a real budget and no, it’s not just a list of bills
[08:02] How we layer in cultural, family, and life context to make your plan work
[10:16] What weekly coaching actually looks like
[13:22] How clients make their investment back (sometimes within weeks)
[16:15] Why you don’t need to be debt-free to start
[18:45] There’s never a “perfect time”, here’s why you should start now
Tune in to learn how coaching can shift your relationship with money, create sustainable habits, and help you finally feel in control of your finances.
Get full show notes and the episode transcript: https://wealthovernow.com/what-really-happens-in-a-5-month-money-coaching-partnership/
Links mentioned in this episode…
Set up a call | Financial Coach Washington, DC | Wealth Over Now
Download my FREE spending plan
Saving money shouldn’t feel like a mystery or a one-time event. Whether you're building your first $500 or trying to break a savings plateau, this episode will help you learn how to save on purpose.
In this episode, I walk you through my Magic 10 Method, a simple, repeatable process to help you save $10,000 with control, intention, and ease. We’ll explore what it means to treat saving as a skill, how to break out of the save-spend cycle, and how to stop leaving your financial peace to chance.
Whether you’re a new saver or someone trying to rebuild after dipping into your fund, this episode is your guide to becoming a consistent, confident saver.
Listen to learn how to build and maintain a five-figure savings account that doesn’t just sit pretty, but works for you.
In this episode, you'll learn:
[00:48] Why saving is a skill, not a personality trait
[02:35] Introducing the Magic 10 Method
[06:09] The 6 phases of the savings continuum
[11:42] How to calculate your Magic 10 savings pace
[14:55] Real talk: $200/month is better than $0/month
[18:30] Option 1 vs. Option 2: Choose your savings strategy
[21:10] The #1 commitment you need to make today
Tune in now and learn how to use the Magic 10 Method to save $10K with ease, consistency, and confidence.
Get full show notes and the episode transcript: https://wealthovernow.com/the-hustler-saver-why-making-more-money-still-leaves-you-broke/
Links mentioned in this episode…
Set up a call | Financial Coach Washington, DC | Wealth Over Now
You know how to make money. You’ve always made it work. But now, hustling feels like the only plan you’ve got to create more financial space.
In this episode of Money Files, I talk to my high earners, the folks who’ve always made it happen, about why hustle is no longer a sustainable savings plan. I’ll unpack how relying on your ability to earn (and earn again) keeps you in a reactive financial cycle that looks like freedom from the outside but feels exhausting on the inside.
You’ll learn how to shift from hustle to ease by creating an options fund, a pot of money that supports the lifestyle you actually want, not just the one your hustle can cover. I’ll walk you through how my clients are building financial systems that finally reflect their income, values, and future goals.
If you’re tired of making money only to watch it disappear, this episode will help you pause the grind, get off the hustle hamster wheel, and move your money with purpose.
In this episode, you'll learn:
[01:11] What defines a Hustler Saver
[03:18] Why hustle is not a sustainable savings plan
[06:39] The difference between fake financial freedom and real security
[10:44] How high earners fall into hustle traps, even with 7-figure businesses
[12:10] The Options Fund: your safety net and freedom tool
[15:00] How to build a repeatable, purpose-filled money system
Tune in now and learn how to break free from the Hustler Saver cycle and finally build savings that stick.
Get full show notes and the episode transcript: https://wealthovernow.com/the-hustler-saver-why-making-more-money-still-leaves-you-broke/
Links mentioned in this episode…
Set up a call | Financial Coach Washington, DC | Wealth Over Now
You’re saving money, but somehow you’re still always transferring money out of savings to cover expenses. That’s what I call the Dipper Identity. And if this is you, it’s not about willpower. It’s about your budget.
In this episode, I walk you through the sneaky cycle of dipping into savings and why it happens even when you're doing “all the right things.” I break down the signs that fake math is running your money and the four steps you can take to finally break free. From budgeting beyond your bills to naming your savings accounts, I’ll show you how to stop feeling like life is constantly knocking you back.
If your savings account is a roller coaster instead of a steady climb, it’s time to reflect, reset, and rebuild a system that supports you.
Listen to learn how to move past the Dipper Identity and finally protect your savings…
[00:43] What it means to be a dipper
[03:01] Why this isn’t about discipline, it’s about your budget
[04:15] Signs fake math is running your financial life
[06:08] Step 1: Identify your last three dips
[08:44] Step 2: Budget beyond your bills
[10:23] Step 3: Separate your savings accounts
[12:49] Step 4: Use rolling savings for recurring expenses
[14:30] What real financial safety looks like
Tune in now and learn how to stop dipping into your savings and start building a budget that actually works.
Get full show notes and the episode transcript: https://wealthovernow.com/how-to-stop-dipping-into-savings-budgeting-tips-personal-finance-money-coaching-emergency-fund-strategy-savings-account-financial-planning-fake-math-rolling-savings-intentional-saving/
Links mentioned in this episode…
Set up a call | Financial Coach Washington, DC | Wealth Over Now
Are you the kind of saver who says, “I’ll save whatever’s left over after the bills are paid”?
Here's the spoiler alert. There usually isn't anything left over.
In this episode, I’m calling out the leftover saver mindset and walking you through what it takes to become someone who saves money with clarity and consistency.
I’ll show you why saving has nothing to do with willpower and everything to do with worth. You’ll hear why $25 saved with intention is more powerful than $250 saved with guilt and how my clients have shifted from not saving at all to confidently setting aside thousands each month.
Inside this episode, I’ll help you:
[05:00] The biggest mindset blocks keeping you from saving
[03:40] Why saving is a radical act of self-care, not a luxury
[12:03] How to start with as little as $25 and still see real results
[13:58] A practical 4-step strategy to finally become a confident saver
Saving is not a luxury. It's a necessity. If you’re ready to stop leaving yourself out of your financial plan, this episode is for you.
Tune in now and learn how to stop saving what's left and start saving on purpose.
Get full show notes and the episode transcript: https://wealthovernow.com/the-leftover-saver-how-to-stop-trying-to-save/
Links mentioned in this episode…
Set up a call | Financial Coach Washington, DC | Wealth Over Now
Saving for a rainy day doesn’t always spark motivation. That’s why in this episode, I introduce the concept of the Side Eye Fund—a money stash that empowers you to say “no thanks” to toxic jobs, burnout, and financial fear.
If traditional emergency funds haven’t inspired you to save, this episode will reframe what savings can mean for your life. It’s not about disaster prep, it’s about options.
I'll share how my clients use the Side Eye Fund to build financial peace on their own terms. Whether you want to walk away from a draining job, take an unpaid break, or support a loved one without stress, this episode will help you start saving for the life you actually want.
You’ll also hear a real-life example from a client working toward her $24,000 fund goal and why slow, intentional saving beats hustle and sacrifice.
Listen to learn how to build a savings system that puts you in control of your choices…
[00:36] Why I want you to have options, not just budgets
[02:04] What a Side Eye Fund is and why you need one
[06:14] Rethinking the traditional “emergency fund”
[08:45] What the Side Eye Fund allows you to do in real life
[10:30] A client story: growing a $24,000 Side Eye Fund
[13:35] How to start your own Side Eye Fund today
[15:22] Why you don’t need a crisis to start saving
Tune into this episode of Money Files to discover how a Side Eye Fund can give you the freedom to walk away, say yes to yourself, and save without fear.
Get full show notes and the episode transcript: https://wealthovernow.com/emergency-funds-are-out-side-eye-funds-are-in/
Links mentioned in this episode…
Set up a call | Financial Coach Washington, DC | Wealth Over Now