City Girl Savings | Budgeting, Money Management, and Goal Setting Tips for Women

Raya Reaves
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Make good money but still feel behind financially? Struggling with budgeting, overspending, or figuring out where your money actually goes? Whether you're living paycheck to paycheck, earning a solid income but struggling to stay organized, or ready to finally build real wealth...The City Girl Savings Podcast is your weekly money reset. Hosted by Money Coach and City Girl Savings founder Raya Reaves, this podcast helps women master budgeting, improve money management, stop overspending, pay off debt, and confidently build wealth...without giving up the lifestyle they love. Raya knows what it feels like to make money and still feel out of control. After years of overspending and credit card debt, she transformed her finances using simple budgeting systems and intentional money habits. Today, she's a full-time financial coach, second-home owner in Palm Springs, and wealth-building entrepreneur...and she teaches women how to do the same. Each episode covers topics like: • Budgeting systems that simplify your life • Money mindset shifts that build confidence • How to stop overspending and save consistently • Paying off debt and keeping it at $0 • Building wealth while still enjoying your lifestyle • Financial organization, goal setting, and long-term security If you're a working woman who makes good money but knows you could be doing more with it, this podcast is your weekly money reset. Press follow and let Raya be the money coach in your ear every Monday...helping you budget your way to a life you truly love. Follow City Girl Savings on your favorite podcast platform, or visit: citygirlsavings.com to learn more! Join the weekly newsletter for practical money strategies and mindset shifts: https://citygirlsavings.activehosted.com/f/31 Connect with Raya on TikTok, Facebook, or Instagram: @citygirlsavings

  1. 6 days ago

    Frugal on Purpose: How to Save Money Without Feeling Restricted with Kara Stevens

    One of the biggest money questions I hear from women is this: How do I enjoy my life today without sacrificing my financial future? Because most of us don't actually want to stop spending money. We want to travel. We want dinners with friends. We want the occasional shopping trip, concert tickets, or weekend getaway. We just don't want every one of those decisions to leave us wondering where our paycheck went. And that's where intentional spending, and intentional frugality, can make such a difference. In this episode, I'm joined by Kara Stevens, founder of The Frugal Feminista, to talk about what it really means to be frugal on purpose. Kara paid off $40,000 of debt in two years on her journey to eliminating $65,000 in student loan and consumer debt, and her work focuses on helping women build wealth by strengthening both their relationship with money and their relationship with themselves. We're talking about how to stop impulse spending without feeling restricted, why even smart and successful women can struggle with overspending, and how your beliefs, habits, and priorities shape the way you use your money. Because being frugal doesn't have to mean depriving yourself. Done intentionally, it can help you spend more confidently on what matters while creating more room for your financial goals.   In this episode, we discuss: What it really means to be frugal, and why frugality doesn't have to mean deprivation Why the word "frugal" has developed such a negative reputation What can trigger impulse spending, even for smart and successful women How social media can influence our spending habits and financial priorities The signs that you're spending out of habit instead of intention How to decide what truly deserves your money How to budget for travel, dining out, shopping, and other things you enjoy without neglecting your financial goals Why consistency matters when you're working toward long-term wealth Where people may be wasting money without realizing it How gratitude can contribute to financial contentment The money beliefs that can keep women from building wealth How to start becoming more intentional with your money right now   This episode is especially helpful if you: Want to save more money without feeling like you have to give up everything you enjoy Struggle with impulse spending or purchases you later regret Make good money but still wonder where your paycheck went Want to become more intentional about what deserves your money Feel like being "good with money" requires too much restriction Want to build wealth while still enjoying your life along the way   Why this matters: Frugality isn't about spending as little money as possible. It's about being more intentional with the money you have. When you understand what you value, what triggers your spending, and what actually adds value to your life, you can start making financial decisions from a place of purpose instead of habit, impulse, or outside pressure. That might mean spending less on things you don't care about so you can spend more on the things you do. It might mean questioning a purchase before automatically making it. And it might mean realizing that enjoying your money and building wealth aren't opposing goals. The point isn't deprivation. It's creating enough clarity around your priorities that you can confidently say no to what doesn't matter, and yes to what does. That's what being frugal on purpose can make possible.   Timestamps: [04:30] Your budget should include the things you love. It may not include all the things, but you can work towards your goals and enjoy your life. [13:35] Kara shares why women struggle with impulse spending and how a woman's menstrual cycle plays a role in spending triggers. [29:05] Fill your cup before you go on social media. Focus on the things you need to bring joy into your life before you start scrolling. This is your anti-social media plan. [40:11] Allow your problems to build something that can build you up. This is a great way to help others and help your own finances.   Resources Mentioned: Follow Kara on Instagram Grab your FREE Excerpt of Heal Your Relationship with Money  City Girl Savings Personal Finance Portfolio Financial Focus Coaching Program If you've ever associated frugality with restriction, I hope this conversation encourages you to look at it differently. You don't have to cut everything fun from your budget to make meaningful financial progress. And you don't have to feel guilty every time you spend money on something you genuinely enjoy. What matters is knowing why you're spending. The more intentional you become about what deserves your money, the easier it becomes to let go of spending that doesn't serve you, and create more room for the things, experiences, and financial goals that actually do. That's the kind of frugality I want us to think about this month. Not spending less just for the sake of spending less. Spending with purpose so your money can support both the life you're living today and the future you're building. You are not behind, you are building. Consistency compounds. The steady work you're doing now is shaping your next level.

  2. 31 Aug

    The Kind of Wealth I'm Building: Travel, Experiences, and Rental Properties I Love

    When we think about wealth, it's easy to focus on the numbers. A savings goal. A net worth milestone. A retirement account balance. A debt payoff target. Those things absolutely matter. But lately, I've been thinking about something bigger. What is all of this for? Because the more I've reflected on the next chapter of my life, the more I've realized that the wealth I'm building has very little to do with impressing other people, and everything to do with creating a life that feels meaningful to me. A life filled with travel. Meaningful experiences. Time freedom. Purposeful work. Rental properties in places I genuinely love. And hopefully, a legacy that extends beyond me. In this episode, I'm sharing the vision I'm working toward, why I believe it's important to dream beyond financial milestones, and how having a clear vision for your future can make today's financial decisions feel much more meaningful. Because your money isn't just helping you reach goals. It's helping you build a life.   In this episode, we discuss: Why financial goals should support a bigger life vision How travel changed the way I define wealth and success Why experiences continue to shape my financial priorities My long-term vision for building a rental property portfolio The dream of owning homes in places that bring us joy Why multiple income streams fit into my long-term financial plan How financial freedom creates more options, not just more money Why you don't need every answer before you start pursuing a dream The importance of building wealth that aligns with your values How creating a clear vision makes everyday financial decisions easier   This episode is especially helpful if you: Have financial goals but haven't thought about the life they're supporting Want to build wealth with more intention and purpose Dream about traveling more or creating additional income streams Feel ready to think beyond budgeting and into long-term lifestyle design Want your money to reflect your personal values instead of someone else's expectations Need encouragement to dream bigger about your future   Why this matters: Financial goals are important, but they're only part of the picture. The numbers themselves aren't the destination. They're the vehicle that helps you create more freedom, more flexibility, and more opportunities to spend your time in ways that matter to you. When you have a clear vision for the life you're building, your financial decisions become more intentional because they have a purpose behind them. Saving becomes easier because you know what you're saving for. Investing becomes more meaningful because you're investing in the future you want to create. And budgeting becomes less about restriction and more about making sure your money reflects what matters most. Because wealth isn't just measured by what you own. It's also measured by the life you're able to create because of it.   Timestamps: [02:35] Over the last few years, Raya has spent a lot of time thinking about what she's working so hard for. What's her bigger picture? [04:17] Building a portfolio of rental properties is a dream for Raya and her fiancé. She already has experience with this, but plans to take it to the next level. [08:32] Having time freedom, location freedom, and options is what drives Raya to build wealth for her life. [11:16] Raya shares how her dad would hype her up and her mom would allow her to stay hyped up. They shaped Raya's belief system.   Resources Mentioned: Request a free money call with Raya City Girl Savings Personal Finance Portfolio Financial Focus Coaching Program If there's one thing I hope you take away from this episode, it's this: Don't just build financial goals. Build a vision. Give yourself permission to think beyond your next savings milestone or debt payoff target and ask yourself what kind of life you're actually working toward. What experiences do you want to have? Where do you want to spend your time? Who do you want to share your life with? Because once you have a vision that's rooted in your values, your financial decisions begin to feel more connected and intentional. You don't need every detail figured out before you begin. You don't need the entire roadmap. You simply need a direction that's meaningful enough to keep taking the next step. Money isn't just meant to be managed well…it's meant to support a life you're excited to live. You are not behind, you are building. Consistency compounds. The steady work you're doing now is shaping your next level.

  3. 24 Aug

    What Traveling Taught Me About Money, Freedom, and Priorities

    Some of the most valuable financial lessons I've ever learned didn't come from a budgeting book, a money course, or even years of coaching women with their finances. They came from stepping on a plane. When I first started traveling, I simply wanted to see new places and have fun. But over time, I realized travel was changing much more than the stamps in my passport. It changed the way I thought about money. It changed the way I defined financial freedom. It changed what I valued, how I spent my money, and even how I measured success. In this episode, I'm sharing five of the biggest lessons travel has taught me about money, freedom, gratitude, and building a life that's aligned with what matters most. Because sometimes the greatest return on your money isn't something you can measure…it's the perspective you gain along the way.   In this episode, we discuss: Why experiences often create more lasting value than material possessions How travel helped me become more intentional with my spending The unexpected gratitude that comes from seeing different parts of the world Why financial freedom is about more than reaching a certain number How travel helped me redefine success on my own terms Why rest is an essential part of building a healthy, sustainable life The connection between experiences, relationships, and lasting memories Why money is a tool…not the ultimate goal How identifying your values makes financial decisions easier The role experiences can play in creating a richer, more meaningful life   This episode is especially helpful if you: • Love to travel or want to travel more intentionally • Feel like you're working hard but want your money to support a more meaningful life • Are trying to align your spending with your personal values • Want to build financial freedom that reflects your own definition of success • Feel pulled between saving for the future and enjoying the present • Want a healthier relationship with money and the life it's helping you create   Why this matters: Managing your money isn't just about growing your savings or reaching financial milestones. It's about creating a life that reflects what matters most to you. When you're clear on your values, financial decisions become easier because you're no longer spending based on pressure, comparison, or impulse. You're spending with intention. For me, travel became one of the experiences that clarified those values. It reminded me that freedom isn't just measured by a bank account. It's measured by the choices you have, the relationships you invest in, the memories you create, and the life you're able to build along the way. That's why I believe money management is about so much more than numbers. It's about using your money as a tool to support the people, experiences, and priorities that make your life feel meaningful.   Timestamps: [02:05] Raya shares some of the most important things travel has given her that can't be measured in dollars. [04:45] Thinking about all the places Raya hasn't been to brings excitement to her. That is a sign that travel equals joy for her. [09:55] Raya used to believe that working hard was always the answer. Over time, travel has taught her that rest really does matter. [13:17] When people ask Raya why she's so passionate about budgeting, her answer is because it helps her leverage her money to create experiences.   Resources Mentioned: Episode #65: How Traveling Feeds My Soul and Keeps Me Motivated Request a free money call with Raya City Girl Savings Personal Finance Portfolio Financial Focus Coaching Program If there's one thing I hope you take away from this episode, it's that money isn't the destination. It's the tool that helps you create the life you want to live. Whether that's traveling more, spending meaningful time with the people you love, building flexibility into your schedule, or simply feeling more present in your everyday life, your financial decisions have the power to support what matters most. So take a little time to think about your own priorities. What experiences have shaped you? What memories do you want to create? What kind of life are you working toward? Because when you're clear on those answers, your budget becomes more than a spending plan…it becomes a reflection of your values and a roadmap for the life you want to build.

  4. 17 Aug

    6 Steps to Budget for Travel Without Stress or Guilt

    There was a time when I planned vacations completely backwards. I'd decide where I wanted to go, book the trip, and then figure out how I was going to pay for it later. Sometimes that meant relying on credit cards. Sometimes it meant pulling money from other priorities. And almost every time, it meant coming home from an incredible trip feeling financially stressed. Thankfully, that's no longer how I travel. Today, I still prioritize experiences and vacations, but I have a system that allows me to enjoy them without bringing financial regret home in my suitcase. In this episode, I'm walking you through the six-step travel budgeting process I use before every trip. We'll talk about planning ahead, building a travel fund, using travel rewards strategically, and making room in your budget for the experiences that matter most. Because a vacation should leave you with great memories, not lingering financial stress.   In this episode, we discuss: Why planning your trip before spending money changes everything How to estimate travel costs without feeling overwhelmed Why pricing flights, hotels, and transportation early gives you more flexibility How a travel sinking fund makes vacations less stressful Why breaking a trip into monthly savings goals makes it more achievable How to use credit card points and travel rewards responsibly Why travel rewards should support your budget—not replace it How to enjoy your vacation without guilt or financial anxiety Why you don't have to stop traveling while working toward other financial goals How intentional planning allows you to enjoy both financial progress and meaningful experiences   This episode is especially helpful if you: Love to travel but struggle to budget for it Feel guilty spending money on vacations Usually pay for trips after you've already taken them Want to travel without relying on credit cards Are balancing travel goals with saving, investing, or paying off debt Want a simple system for planning future vacations   Why this matters: Travel doesn't become stressful because you took the trip. It becomes stressful when the financial planning happens after the vacation instead of before it. One of the biggest mindset shifts you can make is realizing that budgeting for travel isn't about limiting your experiences…it's about protecting them. When you've planned ahead, saved intentionally, and built travel into your financial plan, you're able to enjoy the experience without worrying about how you'll pay for it later. That's what intentional budgeting makes possible. It allows you to create memories without creating financial setbacks. Because your financial goals and your travel goals don't have to compete with each other. With the right plan, they can support one another.   Timestamps: [02:19] Travel hacking can absolutely help you save money, but most of us still need a plan for how we're going to pay for everything that comes along with a trip. [04:47] When budgeting for your trip, price out the biggest expenses first. Raya shares she researches flights, hotels, and transportation before anything else. [08:01] Even if Raya doesn't have a trip planned, she saves for it regularly throughout the year in a sinking fund. [13:06] Give yourself permission to enjoy the experience of your trip. If you plan and save for it, allow yourself to enjoy it.   Resources Mentioned: Episode #30: Vacation Planning on a Budget Episode #12: An Introduction to Travel Hacking Request a free money call with Raya City Girl Savings Personal Finance Portfolio Financial Focus Coaching Program If you've been waiting until the last minute to figure out how you'll pay for your next vacation, I hope this episode encourages you to flip that process around. Start with the plan. Build the savings. Give yourself time. Then, when it's finally time to pack your bags, you can focus on making memories instead of worrying about money. Travel doesn't have to derail your financial goals, and your financial goals don't have to keep you from experiencing the world. With a little planning, patience, and intention, you really can have both. Money isn't just meant to be managed well…it's meant to support a life you're excited to live. Don't forget: You are not behind, you are building. Your consistency compounds, and the steady work you're doing now is shaping your next level.

  5. 10 Aug

    Why Experiences are Worth Budgeting For (More than Things)

    If someone had handed me $1,400 in college, I would have spent every dollar shopping. In fact...I did. I walked away with bags of clothes, shoes, and accessories that made me feel happy in the moment. Years later, I can barely remember what I bought. I even accidentally threw away one of the shopping bags before realizing there was still a dress inside. Today, if you handed me that same $1,400, I'd spend it completely differently. I'd book a trip. Not because buying things is wrong. And not because spending money is bad. But because I've learned that some purchases continue adding value to your life long after the money is gone. For me, those purchases are experiences. In this episode, I'm sharing why I believe experiences are worth budgeting for, what research says about experiences and happiness, and how to spend intentionally on the things that truly enrich your life—without sacrificing your financial goals. Because building wealth isn't just about growing your bank account. It's about creating a life that your money allows you to fully enjoy.   In this episode, we discuss: Why experiences often create more lasting happiness than material purchases What research says about spending money on experiences versus things How travel and shared experiences become part of your story Why experiences often strengthen relationships and create lasting memories How experiences can help you discover what you truly value Why intentional spending looks different for everyone Why meaningful experiences don't have to be expensive How to balance financial goals with enjoying your life today Letting go of guilt around spending on what matters most How to build a budget that reflects your values instead of someone else's expectations   This episode is especially helpful if you: Feel guilty spending money on travel or experiences Want to enjoy life without feeling like you're falling behind financially Are trying to balance saving money with creating meaningful memories Want your spending to better reflect your values Have financial goals but don't want to put your life completely on hold Are working toward a life that feels both financially secure and deeply fulfilling   Why this matters: Managing your money isn't about saying no to everything you enjoy. It's about making intentional decisions that support both your future and your present. When your spending reflects what truly matters to you, money becomes more than numbers on a spreadsheet. It becomes a tool for creating memories, strengthening relationships, exploring new places, and building a life that feels rich in more ways than one. The goal isn't to spend more. The goal is to spend better. To spend on the experiences, people, and priorities that continue adding value long after the money is gone. Because when your budget aligns with your values, it becomes easier to spend confidently, save intentionally, and let go of the guilt that so often surrounds money.   Timestamps: [01:23] Raya shares her evolution with spending: some purchases continue adding value to your life long after the money is gone. [04:40] Research has shown that experiences bring more lasting happiness over material purchases. Experiences become a part of our story. [09:07] Raya shared the background of her first international trip with her then-boyfriend. It was quite intense for 23-year-olds who had never traveled together. [13:06] There is a big difference between mindless spending and intentional spending. If it's planned for and fits in your budget, don't feel guilty for spending.   Resources Mentioned: Episode #143: My Travel Bucket List and Destination Experiences Request a free money call with Raya City Girl Savings Personal Finance Portfolio Financial Focus Coaching Program If this episode encouraged you to think differently about your spending, I hope you'll take a moment to ask yourself a simple question: What experiences matter most to me? Because once you're clear on the answer, you can start building a budget that reflects it. Your financial goals and your life experiences don't have to compete with each other. With planning, intention, and the right financial systems, they can work together. Money isn't just meant to be managed well; it's meant to support a life you're excited to live. You are not behind…you are building. Consistency compounds. The steady work you're doing now is shaping your next level.

  6. 3 Aug

    How to Travel More for Less Using Credit Card Points and Miles with Julia of Geobreeze Travel

    If travel is one of the things that brings you the most joy, but you also want to be responsible with your money, this episode is for you. One of the biggest misconceptions about affordable travel is that you either need a huge travel budget or you have to give up your financial goals to make it happen. The truth is, with the right strategy, you can do both. You can build wealth and prioritize experiences. In this episode, I'm joined by Julia Menez, founder of Geobreeze Travel and an expert in using credit card points and miles to make travel significantly more affordable. Together, we're talking about how travel rewards actually work, who they're a good fit for, and why they should always be built on top of a strong financial foundation, not used as an excuse to overspend. If you've ever wondered whether travel hacking is worth it, or you've wanted to travel more without putting your finances at risk, this conversation will help you understand how to use points and miles as a tool, not a temptation. In this episode, we discuss: What travel hacking is and how credit card points and miles actually work Common misconceptions about travel rewards Why travel doesn't have to be financially out of reach How to get started with travel rewards as a beginner How many credit cards you really need (and why more isn't always better) Why paying off your credit cards in full is essential before earning travel rewards The financial habits that should come before travel hacking How to balance travel goals with other financial priorities Additional ways to save money on travel beyond points and miles Why investing in experiences can be one of the most meaningful ways to use your money This episode is especially helpful if you: Love to travel but worry about the cost Want to learn how credit card points and miles work Are interested in travel hacking but don't know where to start Want to travel more without going into debt Are working toward financial goals while still making room for experiences Want to be more intentional with how you spend your money Why this matters: Travel doesn't have to compete with your financial goals. When you build a strong financial foundation first, tools like credit card rewards and travel points can help you stretch your dollars further and create experiences that might have otherwise felt out of reach. The key is remembering that travel rewards aren't the goal…they're simply one way to support the life you want to build. Financial freedom isn't about saying no to everything you enjoy. It's about making intentional decisions that allow you to enjoy more of what matters without creating financial stress later. When your money supports your priorities instead of working against them, experiences become something you can plan for confidently, not something you have to feel guilty about.   Timestamps: [03:12] Julia breaks down what travel hacking means, and all of the different aliases for the process. [14:01] Have a plan for how you will meet the minimum spend for high-reward credit cards. Julia talks through typical points coming from the sign-up bonus. [25:20] Do some research on the best cards that will work for your situation, instead of taking the advice of influencers. [38:54] There are different ways to approach overspending on travel. Quick wins come from cutting expenses. Big wins come from increasing income.   Resources Mentioned: Follow Julia on Instagram Learn more about Geobreeze Travel City Girl Savings Personal Finance Portfolio Financial Focus Coaching Program If you've been putting off travel because it feels financially out of reach, I hope this conversation reminds you that there are often more options than you realize. Whether you decide to use points and miles or simply become more intentional with how you plan for travel, the goal isn't to take more trips at any cost. The goal is to build a financial life that creates room for the experiences that matter most to you. Because money isn't just meant to be managed well, it's meant to support a life you genuinely enjoy living. You are not behind…you are building. Consistency compounds. The steady work you're doing now is shaping your next level.

  7. 27 Jul

    5 Levels of Financial Freedom (and How to Reach the Next One)

    When people talk about financial freedom, they often talk about it like it's one destination. Like one day you'll make enough money, save enough money, invest enough money...and suddenly you've arrived. But that's not how financial freedom works. Financial freedom isn't one moment, it's a progression. It's something you build over time through awareness, consistency, control, growth, and intentional decision-making. If you've ever felt like you're doing some things right with your money but still don't feel fully in control, there's a good chance you're in between levels. You're not where you started, but you're not where you want to be yet either. In this episode, I'm walking you through the five levels of financial freedom, how to identify where you are today, and what it takes to move to the next level. Because financial freedom isn't about perfection, it's about progress; and understanding where you are can help you focus on the next step instead of feeling overwhelmed by the entire journey.   In this episode, we discuss: The 5 levels of financial freedom and what each one looks like The difference between financial awareness and financial control Why many people get stuck between knowing what to do and actually doing it How consistent money habits create financial confidence What financial control really looks like in everyday life The shift from managing money to growing money How investing, saving, and increasing income contribute to financial growth Why financial freedom looks different for everyone How to identify your current level and focus on the right next step The habits, systems, and mindset shifts needed to move forward   This episode is especially helpful if you: Feel like you're making progress but aren't sure where you stand financially Want to build wealth but don't know what to focus on next Feel stuck between budgeting and long-term financial growth Want a clearer roadmap to financial freedom Are looking for a practical way to measure your financial progress Want your money to support more freedom, flexibility, and choice in your life   Why this matters: One of the biggest mistakes people make with financial freedom is believing they're either "there" or they're not…but financial freedom isn't binary. It's built in stages. When you don't understand the stage you're in, it's easy to become frustrated, discouraged, or focused on the wrong things. Someone in financial instability needs something very different than someone focused on growing wealth. Someone building financial awareness has different priorities than someone working toward financial freedom. That's why understanding your current level matters. It helps you stop comparing yourself to people who are on a different part of the journey and start focusing on the habits, systems, and decisions that will move you forward. Because every level serves a purpose. The awareness creates consistency. The consistency creates control. The control creates growth. The growth creates options. Over time, those options become the foundation of financial freedom.   Timestamps: [02:01] Does your money feel inconsistent or unpredictable? You're likely in the first stage of financial freedom: instability. [05:35] When you know what you should be doing with your money but you're not doing it – this is a common place where a lot of women get stuck. [09:57] Control does not mean perfection. Just because you have control of your money doesn't mean things won't come up. The biggest difference is those things don't derail you. [15:40] You have enough money and enough control of your money to decide how you spend your time and where you spend your life…this is financial freedom.   Resources Mentioned: Request a free money call with Raya City Girl Savings Personal Finance Portfolio Financial Focus Coaching Program   I want you to ask yourself one simple question: Where am I right now? Not where you want to be. Not where you think you should be. Not where someone else says you should be. Where are you today? Because once you're honest about your current level, you can focus on what actually matters next. You don't need to master every aspect of money all at once. You don't need to jump from financial instability to financial freedom overnight. Real progress happens when you focus on the next right step. The next habit. The next decision. The next level. If you're feeling stuck between levels, or you've built some momentum but aren't sure how to keep moving forward, support can make all the difference. Sometimes the breakthrough isn't working harder. It's having the right structure, the right systems, and the right guidance to help you see what comes next. Financial freedom isn't something you arrive at by accident. It's something you build intentionally, one decision at a time. You're not behind, you're building. That consistency compounds, and the steady work you're doing now is shaping your next level.

  8. 20 Jul

    2026 Mid-Year Personal and Business Goals Check In

    It's hard to believe we're already halfway through 2026. One thing I've learned over the years is that time is going to keep moving whether we're paying attention or not. That's why I've made it a habit to set annual goals, revisit them regularly, and share my progress publicly. At the end of 2025, I shared my personal and business goals for 2026. Now that we've reached the halfway point of the year, it's time for a check-in. In this episode, I'm giving you a behind-the-scenes look at what's working, what's not, what goals are on track, and where I need to refocus for the second half of the year. We'll talk about everything from health goals and reducing stress to business growth, podcast downloads, content creation, and the realities of running a business in today's economy. My hope is that this episode encourages you to pause and do your own mid-year review. Because sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is stop, reflect, and make intentional adjustments before the year gets away from you.   In this episode, we discuss: Progress toward my personal health and wellness goals What I've learned about slowing down, reducing stress, and prioritizing recovery My progress toward maxing out my Roth IRA in 2026 Why my honeymoon and wedding plans have shifted Efforts to reduce screen time and be more intentional with technology What the first half of 2026 has taught me about managing a full life The current state of City Girl Savings and our business goals Revenue, profitability, and navigating economic uncertainty Podcast growth, content creation, and audience building Why consistency matters even when results take longer than expected The mindset I'm carrying into the second half of the year   This episode is especially helpful if you: Set goals at the beginning of the year and haven't revisited them Feel behind on your personal or financial goals Want motivation to reset and refocus for the second half of the year Are working toward health, money, or business goals Need a reminder that progress isn't always linear Want a realistic look at what goal pursuit actually looks like   Why this matters: Too many people treat goals like a January activity. They set ambitious intentions, get excited for a few weeks, and then never revisit them until December. But real progress happens when you're willing to check in honestly along the way. A mid-year review isn't about judging yourself for what hasn't happened yet. It's about recognizing what's working, acknowledging what needs adjustment, and deciding how you want to move forward. Some goals will be ahead of schedule. Some will be behind. Some may need to change entirely. That's not failure. That's life. The goal isn't perfection. The goal is staying engaged with the life you're trying to build. Often, the willingness to reassess and adjust is what ultimately creates the results you're looking for.   Timestamps: [02:21] Raya breaks down her progress on her first personal goal of 2026 – improving her health for long-term functioning. This goal was harder to measure, but indicators of growth exist. [06:03] Raya's honeymoon and courthouse wedding timeframe has been pushed out. This goal likely will not be achieved in 2026.  [10:57] After 5 months of no breaks in daily workouts, Raya learned she needs to prioritize recovery (which means more frequent traveling)! [14:36] A business goal is to increase newsletter growth by 20%. Currently, this goal is trending about 4%. Raya shares things that can help improve this before the year ends.   Resources Mentioned: Episode #209: My Personal and Business Goals for 2026 Request a free money call with Raya City Girl Savings Personal Finance Portfolio Financial Focus Coaching Program   If you've been feeling behind on your goals, consider this your reminder that there's still plenty of year left. You don't need to wait until January to reset. You don't need a perfect first half of the year to have a strong second half. The truth is, most meaningful progress doesn't happen in a straight line. Some goals move faster than expected. Others take longer. Some priorities shift completely because life shifts. One of the biggest lessons I've learned over the years is that goals aren't just about achieving an outcome. They're about who you become in the process. They're about building consistency, learning from setbacks, making adjustments, and continuing to move forward even when things don't go exactly according to plan. So if you've fallen behind in an area of your life, give yourself permission to be honest about where you are without judging yourself for it. Then decide what the next best step looks like from here. Maybe that means recommitting to a goal. Maybe it means adjusting the goal. Maybe it means celebrating progress you've overlooked because you're too focused on what hasn't happened yet. Whatever your situation, don't let the first half of the year determine the second half. Take time to reflect. Acknowledge how far you've come. Make the adjustments you need to make. Then keep building. Remember: You are not behind…you are building. Consistency compounds. The steady work you're doing now is shaping your next level.

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Make good money but still feel behind financially? Struggling with budgeting, overspending, or figuring out where your money actually goes? Whether you're living paycheck to paycheck, earning a solid income but struggling to stay organized, or ready to finally build real wealth...The City Girl Savings Podcast is your weekly money reset. Hosted by Money Coach and City Girl Savings founder Raya Reaves, this podcast helps women master budgeting, improve money management, stop overspending, pay off debt, and confidently build wealth...without giving up the lifestyle they love. Raya knows what it feels like to make money and still feel out of control. After years of overspending and credit card debt, she transformed her finances using simple budgeting systems and intentional money habits. Today, she's a full-time financial coach, second-home owner in Palm Springs, and wealth-building entrepreneur...and she teaches women how to do the same. Each episode covers topics like: • Budgeting systems that simplify your life • Money mindset shifts that build confidence • How to stop overspending and save consistently • Paying off debt and keeping it at $0 • Building wealth while still enjoying your lifestyle • Financial organization, goal setting, and long-term security If you're a working woman who makes good money but knows you could be doing more with it, this podcast is your weekly money reset. Press follow and let Raya be the money coach in your ear every Monday...helping you budget your way to a life you truly love. Follow City Girl Savings on your favorite podcast platform, or visit: citygirlsavings.com to learn more! Join the weekly newsletter for practical money strategies and mindset shifts: https://citygirlsavings.activehosted.com/f/31 Connect with Raya on TikTok, Facebook, or Instagram: @citygirlsavings

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