Money & You with Michelle Perkins

Michelle Perkins
  • 5.0 (14)
  • Investing
  • Updated Weekly

Your connection with money should be one of the best relationships in your life. Is it? Certified coach and CEO of Limit Free Life, Michelle Perkins breaks down your relationship with money - offering tough love money tips and a money dating plan that focuses on lifting the barriers to success by uncovering underlying money beliefs, illuminating what’s driving money behavior, and paving the way for a better relationship with money and increased wealth. It’s time to take control. Michelle, along with her expert guests, offers insight and understanding from her own career journey that has taken ventures from zero to a Million $$ in five years. We change, the world changes, and our careers can change. Michelle’s mission is to help ambitious, driven entrepreneurs and professionals move into (or better yet, create) work that satisfies the soul, creates the financial prosperity that they need and want, and empowers them to live the life they desire.

  1. 3d ago

    Ep 334: Wired for Money: Change the Patterns Blocking Your Success

    Ep 334: Wired for Money: Change the Patterns Blocking Your Success

  2. Jul 14

    Ep 233: Financial Advisors Rarely Ask These Life-Changing Questions

    Ep 233: Financial Advisors Rarely Ask These Life-Changing Questions

  3. Jul 6

    Ep 232: When Good Investments Go Bad: The Lessons No One Talks About

    Ep 232: When Good Investments Go Bad: The Lessons No One Talks About

  4. Jun 29

    Ep 231: Money, Marriage & Mental Health: What Therapists See Every Day

    Why is talking about money so difficult?For many people, it isn't about math—it’s about fear, shame, childhood beliefs, trauma, trust, and communication.In this powerful episode of Money and You, Michelle Perkins sits down with licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist, and mental health advocate Bonnie Russo to explore the emotional side of money and why so many intelligent, capable people avoid financial conversations.Together they discuss how our earliest experiences shape our relationship with money, why couples often struggle to communicate about finances, how financial abuse can quietly develop inside relationships, and why avoiding money conversations only creates more stress over time.Whether you're married, single, divorced, or simply trying to feel more confident with money, this conversation offers practical insights and compassionate encouragement to help you move forward. In This Episode You'll Learn Why money conversations feel so emotionally chargedHow childhood experiences shape your financial beliefsHow financial avoidance quietly grows into resentmentThe warning signs of financial control and financial abuseWhy women often underestimate their financial valueHow communication—not income—is often the biggest financial challengeHow therapy and financial education can work togetherWhy your self-talk may be holding you back financially Key TakeawaysMoney conversations are relationship conversations.Financial disagreements are often rooted in communication, expectations, trust, and unspoken assumptions—not dollars.Avoidance creates more anxiety.The less we look at our finances or talk about them, the more overwhelming they become.Financial confidence is learned.No one is born knowing how to manage money. Financial literacy is a skill anyone can develop.Ask questions—even if they feel uncomfortable.Understanding your finances isn't a sign of distrust. It's an important part of protecting yourself and participating fully in your own life.Self-talk matters.The stories we tell ourselves about money often become self-fulfilling. Replacing "I can't" with "I can't...yet" creates possibility. Memorable Moments 05:30 — Bonnie explains why so many people avoid money conversations 07:00 — How family beliefs quietly shape financial behavior 12:00 — Financial dependence and the challenges of leaving unhealthy relationships 16:00 — Why financial education creates hope and possibility 19:00 — SMART goals and why vague financial dreams rarely become reality 21:00 — The history of women's financial independence—and why it still matters today 27:00 — How to begin difficult money conversations with your partner 35:00 — Understanding fight, flight, and freeze responses around money 45:00 — The importance of changing your financial self-talk 47:00 — Why adding the word "yet" changes everything Favorite Quotes "We talk about relationships all day long—but we avoid talking about money." "It is okay to ask questions. It is okay to understand your finances." "People push money down the road until later—and later eventually shows up." "Nobody taught a lot of people how to adult." "Your body is talking to you. Listen to what it's trying to tell you." "Feelings aren't facts." "It's never too late." About Bonnie Russo Bonnie Russo, LCSW-QS, is a licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist, speaker, advocate, and founder of Papillon Health & Wellness. She is also the founder of Bridges to Wellness, a nonprofit supporting adults, seniors, and veterans through whole-person care.Her work focuses on the intersection of mental health, trauma recovery, financial stability, relationships, and emotional wellness. Bonnie works with individuals and families navigating high-conflict divorce, financial abuse, grief, trauma, career transitions, and life changes while helping clients build resilience and confidence for the future. For more tools and conversations about money mindset, practical financial tips, confidence, and financial empowerment…Subscribe to the “Money & You With Michelle Perkins” Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/money-you-with-michelle- perkins/id1365907575Please rate, review, and share the show with friends and family who want to feel more confident and in control of their financial lives — it really helps us!Join the Limit Free Life® Community & Newsletter: https://limitfreelife.com/newsletter/Learn more about Michelle Perkins & Limit Free Life®: https://limitfreelife.com  Have a money or career question? Book a free virtual coffee chat with Michelle: https://limitfreelife.com/booking/?utm_source=chatgpt.com  Instagram: @livealimitfreelife  YouTube: The Limit Free Life Channel https://www.youtube.com/@michelleperkins-limitfreel2446

  5. Jun 22

    Ep 230: The Investor's Secret: Live Like You're Already Retired

    In this episode of Money and You, Michelle Perkins welcomes David Stein, host of the popular personal finance podcast Money for the Rest of Us and author of Money for the Rest of Us: 10 Questions to Master Successful Investing. David brings a rare combination of deep investment expertise and thoughtful philosophy. Before launching his podcast, he served as chief investment strategist and chief portfolio strategist at Fund Evaluation Group, a $33 billion investment advisory firm. Today, he helps individuals become more confident investors through his writing, audio, video, and the Money for the Rest of Us Plus community. Michelle and David explore a refreshingly grounded way to think about money — not just as numbers in an account, but as one form of life energy, alongside time, talent, relationships, and personal abundance. They discuss why money itself is “made up,” how our consumer culture keeps us chasing more, and why intentional spending can create more satisfaction than endless accumulation. They also dive into practical investing principles, including why you should never invest in something you can’t explain, why diversification matters, what really drives stock market returns, and why boring, broad-based investing may be much wiser than chasing individual stocks or hot trends. This episode is a thoughtful blend of money mindset, investment education, and real-life wisdom for anyone who wants more clarity, confidence, and peace around money. In This Episode, We Discuss: Why money is only one form of capitalHow to define abundance beyond dollars Why more productivity has not necessarily created more freedom How intentional spending can increase joy * How investing stores life energy for the future *The importance of understanding inflation *Why you should never invest in something you cannot explain *What really drives long-term stock market returns *Why individual stock picking is harder than it looks * The importance of diversification inside a 401(k) *Why facing your numbers is the first step toward financial controlKey Moments 03:57 – Why money itself is “made up” and abundance is much bigger than money 06:21 – John Maynard Keynes’ prediction about work and abundance 10:45 – Michelle and David discuss intentional spending and quality over quantity 17:13 – David’s investing philosophy and the idea of living like you’re already retired 18:59 – Why investments need to earn more than inflation 19:54 – Never invest in anything you can’t explain 22:22 – What really drives stock market returns 26:11 – The risk of owning too much employer stock 30:51 – The “whole bowl of popcorn” analogy for diversified investing 35:53 – David’s final advice: slow down, understand what you own, and face your numbers “Face the music where you’re at.” — David Stein About David Stein David Stein helps individuals become better and more confident investors through his writing, audio, and video. He is the host of the personal finance podcast Money for the Rest of Us, which reaches more than 40,000 listeners per episode and has surpassed 10 million downloads. David is also the author of Money for the Rest of Us: 10 Questions to Master Successful Investing and provides investment insights and model portfolios to members of the Money for the Rest of Us Plus community. Before launching the podcast, David served as chief investment strategist and chief portfolio strategist at Fund Evaluation Group, LLC, a $33 billion investment advisory firm. Resources & Links Money for the Rest of Us: https://moneyfortherestofus.comMoney for the Rest of Us Podcast: https://moneyfortherestofus.com/podcast Money for the Rest of Us: 10 Questions to Master Successful Investing: https://moneyfortherestofus.com/book Money for the Rest of Us Plus: https://moneyfortherestofus.com/plus Connect with Michelle Perkins & Limit Free Life®  If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, review, and share it with someone who wants to feel more informed, empowered, and intentional with money. For more information on Limit Free Life & Michelle Perkins: https://limitfreelife.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/limitfreelife/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livealimitfreelife You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@michelleperkins-limitfreel2446

  6. Jun 15

    Ep 229: Building Wealth & Influence Through Books, Podcasts & Personal Branding

    What if building wealth isn't really about accumulating more money? In this thought-provoking episode of Money and You, Michelle Perkins welcomes David Stein, former Chief Investment Strategist at a $33 billion investment advisory firm and host of the acclaimed Money for the Rest of Us podcast. Together they explore a refreshing perspective on money that goes far beyond investment returns. David shares why money is simply one form of capital—not the destination itself—and explains how true abundance comes from intentionally using all of our resources, including our time, relationships, talents, and life energy. The conversation also dives into practical investing principles, why diversification still works, why chasing individual stocks is usually a losing game, and how slowing down your financial decisions often leads to better outcomes. Whether you're just beginning your investing journey or have been managing your finances for years, this episode offers timeless wisdom for creating both financial confidence and a richer life.  In This Episode You'll Learn Why money is simply a tool—not the ultimate measure of wealth* How defining abundance changes your financial decisions* What the "hedonic treadmill" teaches us about spending* Why buying fewer, higher-quality items often creates greater satisfaction* How intentional spending improves both finances and happiness* David's philosophy of "living like you're already retired"* Why every investment should beat inflation over time* How understanding what you own creates financial confidence* Why facing your financial reality—even when it's uncomfortable—is the beginning of freedom Key Moments 03:55 – Why money is "made up" and abundance is much bigger than money 06:20 – John Maynard Keynes' prediction about the future of work 08:40 – The hedonic treadmill and why buying more never feels like enough 17:10 – David's investing philosophy: live like you're already retired 26:10 – The hidden risk of owning too much employer stock 29:30 – Why most people shouldn't try to beat professional investors 35:50 – Slow down, understand your investments, and face your numbers Memorable Quotes "Money itself is completely made up. It's simply a way to keep score." "Our life energy, our relationships, and our talents are all forms of capital." "We can be satisfied with less and actually experience more joy." "Never invest in anything you can't explain." "When you buy one stock, you're betting that you know more than everyone else." "The goal isn't to become the smartest investor in the room. It's to become a confident one."  About David Stein David Stein is the host of the award-winning Money for the Rest of Us podcast, which reaches more than 40,000 listeners per episode and has surpassed 10 million downloads. His work has been featured by The New York Times, Forbes, Chicago Tribune, and U.S. News & World Report. Before founding Money for the Rest of Us, David served as Chief Investment Strategist and Chief Portfolio Strategist for Fund Evaluation Group, a $33 billion investment advisory firm. He is also the author of Money for the Rest of Us: 10 Questions to Master Successful Investing and provides investment education through the Money for the Rest of Us Plus community.  Resources & Links Money for the Rest of Us: https://moneyfortherestofus.comMoney for the Rest of Us Podcast Money for the Rest of Us: 10 Questions to Master Successful Investing Money for the Rest of Us PlusCommunity Connect with Michelle Perkins & Limit Free Life® If you're ready to build a healthier relationship with money and create greater financial confidence, you'll find more resources, coaching, and conversations at Limit Free Life®. *  Website: https://limitfreelife.com For more information on Limit Free Life & Michelle Perkins: https://limitfreelife.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/limitfreelife/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livealimitfreelife You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@michelleperkins-limitfreel2446

  7. Jun 8

    Ep 228: Franchising: The Perfect Hybrid Between Employee and Entrepreneur

    In this episode of Money and You, Michelle Perkins sits down with strategic franchise advisor Jeff Shafritz, founder of Franchise Guidance, to explore franchising as a practical and often overlooked path to business ownership. Jeff has spent more than 30 years in the franchise world, including experience in franchise development, owning and exiting his own fitness franchise, and helping hundreds of executives, investors, and career changers evaluate franchise opportunities. In this conversation, he breaks down what franchising really is, who it’s best suited for, and how to think about it as a potential transition out of corporate life or into a more flexible income stream. Michelle and Jeff discuss the benefits of buying into an established system, the importance of matching the business model to your strengths and lifestyle goals, and why the “hottest” franchise may not be the best fit for you. They also talk about emerging franchise categories, including wellness, longevity, senior care, fitness, home services, and what Jeff calls “boring businesses” that can be surprisingly strong opportunities. This episode is especially helpful for anyone who is curious about entrepreneurship but doesn’t necessarily want to build a business from scratch. In This Episode, We Discuss:Why franchising can be a hybrid between employment and traditional entrepreneurshipHow franchises reduce some of the heavy lifting of starting a businessWhy fit matters more than chasing a trendy conceptThe difference between established and emerging franchise brandsWhat types of franchises may work for people who want to keep their day jobWhy service-based and “boring” businesses can be powerful opportunitiesHow AI may change the future of white-collar work and increase demand for hands-on service businessesHow franchisees can eventually sell or exit their businessKey Moments 03:46 – What franchising gives you that starting from scratch does not 08:13 – Why franchise fit matters more than popularity or trends 10:04 – The most important qualities of a successful franchise owner 16:08 – Current franchise categories Jeff finds interesting 17:28 – The appeal of “boring businesses” 19:26 – How AI may impact future business ownership opportunities 23:52 – Hiring, staffing, and leadership in service-based franchises 27:50 – What kind of investment franchising may require 39:35 – Exit strategies and scaling through multiple units Memorable Quotes “Franchising is for someone who wants to own their own business but may not have the idea, time, or desire to start something from scratch.” — Jeff Shafritz“ If it’s not a good fit for you operationally, or it doesn’t meet your lifestyle goals, you’re going to be frustrated with the business.” — Jeff Shafritz“ You could take a great operator in an average franchise and have more success than a great franchise with an average operator.” — Jeff Shafritz“ Once you know where you want to go, it’s a lot easier to find the vehicle to help you get there.” — Jeff Shafritz About Jeff Shafritz Jeff Shafritz is a strategic franchise advisor and founder of Franchise Guidance. With more than 30 years of experience across the franchise industry, Jeff has worked in franchise development, owned and exited his own fitness franchise, and advised hundreds of executives, investors, and career changers as they explore franchise ownership.Jeff helps people evaluate franchise opportunities based on their goals, strengths, financial parameters, lifestyle needs, and long-term vision — without hype or pressure. Resources & Links Connect with Jeff at: Franchise Guidance: https://www.franchiseguidance.comConnect with Michelle Perkins & Limit Free Life®For more conversations about money, career, business, mindset, financial empowerment, and building a life with more freedom and intention:Visit Limit Free Life®: https://limitfreelife.comBook a Virtual Coffee Chat with Michelle: https://limitfreelife.comListen to Money and You on your favorite podcast platformWatch episodes on the Limit Free Life YouTube channelIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, review, and share it with someone who may be thinking about business ownership, career change, or new ways to create income and independence.

  8. May 25

    Ep 227: From Chaos to Clarity: Understanding Your Business Finances

    In this episode of Money and You, Michelle Perkins welcomes Walter Miller, founder and owner of Norman Professional Services, for a refreshingly human conversation about accounting, financial literacy, cash flow, and what business owners really need to understand about their numbers. Walter shares his unusual path from actor and English major to accounting advisor and fractional CFO, and how his background as a teacher and communicator shaped the way he works with entrepreneurs. His firm helps professional service business owners move beyond bookkeeping and tax preparation into true financial clarity. Michelle and Walter discuss why so many successful business owners still feel embarrassed about what they don’t know, why financial shame keeps people from asking important questions, and how understanding your numbers can become a powerful tool instead of a source of stress. They also explore practical topics like margins, cash vs. accrual accounting, choosing the right tax accountant, pricing, collections, cash flow problems, owner compensation, and Walter’s powerful “days of cash” metric — a simple way to understand how much financial breathing room your business or household really has. This episode is especially valuable for entrepreneurs, service providers, and accidental business owners who are ready to stop avoiding their numbers and start using them to make better decisions.In This Episode, We Discuss: Why many business owners don’t understand their financial statementsThe shame and embarrassment that can come with not knowing your numbersWhy successful entrepreneurs may still lack financial literacyThe difference between bookkeeping, tax accounting, and business advisory workWhy business owners should feel comfortable asking basic financial questionsThe danger of letting tax strategy drive operational decisionsWhy cash flow problems usually come from pricing, collections, spending, or a combination of all threeHow to calculate “days of cash”The emotional side of cash reservesWhy your business is always “talking” to you through its numbersKey Moments 09:21 – The client story that changed how Walter saw financial education 11:45 – Why business owners need accountants who welcome questions 14:39 – The pressure entrepreneurs feel to pretend everything is going well 19:53 – What good tax accounting service should include 22:07 – Why tax planning should not control operational decisions 24:57 – The three common causes of cash flow problems 29:34 – Walter explains the “days of cash” metric 33:21 – The emotional side of holding too much cash 42:57 – Walter describes his ideal client as the “accidental entrepreneur” 47:16 – What it means when your business is a “teenager” Memorable Quotes“There was value to be delivered beyond the bookkeeping.” — Walter Miller“There’s a lot of embarrassment, sometimes shame, around what business owners do and do not know.” — Walter Miller“Your business is a really interesting conversation partner.” — Walter Miller“Its language is numbers.” — Walter Miller“We don’t blame a teenager because they have acne. We just say that’s part of being a teenager.” — Walter Miller About Walter MillerWalter Miller is the founder and owner of Norman Professional Services, an accounting advisory and bookkeeping practice founded in 2004 and named after his beloved dog, Norman.Today, Walter and his team provide bookkeeping, accounting advisory, and fractional CFO guidance to owners of professional service companies who are ready to understand their numbers and grow their businesses. Their mission is to nurture prosperous relationships as trusted teachers, helping business owners become more financially literate and more confident in their decisions.Walter brings more than technical financial skill to his work — he brings a deep commitment to teaching, translating, and helping entrepreneurs understand what their businesses are trying to tell them. Resources & Links Norman Professional Services: https://normanprof.comConnect with Walter Miller on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.comConnect with Michelle Perkins & Limit Free Life®For more conversations about money, mindset, business, career, financial empowerment, and creating a life with more clarity and freedom: Visit Limit Free Life®: https://limitfreelife.comBook a Virtual Coffee Chat with Michelle: https://limitfreelife.comListen to Money and You on your favorite podcast platformWatch episodes on the Limit Free Life YouTube channelIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, review, and share it with a business owner who could benefit from understanding their numbers with more confidence and less shame.

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About

Your connection with money should be one of the best relationships in your life. Is it? Certified coach and CEO of Limit Free Life, Michelle Perkins breaks down your relationship with money - offering tough love money tips and a money dating plan that focuses on lifting the barriers to success by uncovering underlying money beliefs, illuminating what’s driving money behavior, and paving the way for a better relationship with money and increased wealth. It’s time to take control. Michelle, along with her expert guests, offers insight and understanding from her own career journey that has taken ventures from zero to a Million $$ in five years. We change, the world changes, and our careers can change. Michelle’s mission is to help ambitious, driven entrepreneurs and professionals move into (or better yet, create) work that satisfies the soul, creates the financial prosperity that they need and want, and empowers them to live the life they desire.

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