Finance Girlies: Money Conversations for Gen Z and Millennial Women

Emily & Cassidy | Resident Finance Girlies

Do you feel like you’re making progress with money, but somehow still feel behind?  Maybe you’re already saving, paying your bills on time, and investing a little.  But you still find yourself thinking: "Wait… am I actually doing this right?" And when you try to find the answer, you get even more frustrated because everything online feels like it was made for some Wall Street bro obsessing over his next trade. If you’re craving money conversations that actually reflect you — an ambitious, vibrant woman using her money to build a life that feels abundant in every sense — come hang with us. Welcome to the Finance Girlies, a money podcast for the girlies who’ve never felt seen by traditional finance advice.  We’re your hosts, Emily Batdorf and Cassidy Horton. Between the two of us, we’ve spent more than a decade researching and writing for big publications in the personal finance space.  Now, every Wednesday, we’re sharing our financial knowledge, experience, and hard-won confidence with you. (And when it’s helpful, we bring in trusted experts to help us unpack the more complex topics.)   During each episode of The Finance Girlies, we’ll cover topics like: Why you don’t have to feel “ready” before you start investingHow to be a more conscious consumer when you’re constantly being #influencedHow your career as a freelancer, entrepreneur, or employee affects your financial realityHow to handle money conflicts in relationships — and strategies to avoid them altogetherHow your money beliefs directly impact your financial habits and choices Together, we’ll explore how you relate to money: through conversations with your partner, the paycheck you earn, and how you spend your days. Instead of throwing prescriptive advice at you, we’ll give you helpful reframes, mindset tools, and why-did-nobody-teach-me-this tidbits to help you build financial confidence every day. If you’ve ever felt like personal financial advice was too dry, impractical, condescending — or just too bro-y — we invite you to pop in an earbud and let out a deep exhale. 

  1. 3d ago

    Is lifestyle creep as scary as it sounds? / 99

    A $15 bagel delivery here, a nicer apartment there, and suddenly your paycheck isn't stretching quite as far as it used to. It's called lifestyle creep, and while it might sound a little spooky, spending more as you earn more isn't necessarily a bad thing. The trick is making sure those upgrades are actually improving your life — not getting in the way of your financial goals. In this special Halloween episode, we're exploring the difference between lifestyle creep and intentionally improving your quality of life. Because you shouldn't have to choose between enjoying your money today and building financial security for tomorrow. ✨ Episode Highlights ✨ [00:00] The spooky tale of a $15 bagel delivery and how lifestyle creep can sneak into everyday spending[02:00] What lifestyle creep actually means and why it can happen at any income level[04:00] How spending more after a raise can affect your savings and long-term financial goals[06:30] Why you don't have to choose between saving every extra dollar and spending it all[07:30] How to prioritize lifestyle upgrades that genuinely improve your happiness instead of keeping up with others[10:30] Why some lifestyle upgrades are harder to reverse and how to increase your savings rate as your income grows[12:30] The difference between lifestyle creep and simply wanting a more comfortable, fulfilling life[15:00] Our personal experiences with housing costs, car upgrades, and finding the right amount of space[20:00] Where we've embraced lifestyle inflation, including furniture, handmade home goods, and more comfortable travel[24:00] How our spending priorities have changed around groceries, dining out, and clothing — plus a creative way to experiment with personal style without buying everything✨ Resources ✨ Episode 94: Travel now, or retire early? How Henah Velez is choosing both Send us Fan Mail 📩 Get The Finance Girlies newsletter:  https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/newsletter 💻Visit The Finance Girlies website:  https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/ 💖Email us your money questions:  hello@thefinancegirlies.com 📸Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefinancegirlies/

  2. Oct 21

    6 pieces of classic money advice that might actually make your life worse / 98

    There's a lot of financial advice out there that makes perfect sense on paper — but doesn’t totally pan out when you apply it to real life. After all, what's financially smart for one person might not make sense for someone with different goals, priorities, or circumstances. And sometimes, following all the so-called money rules can come at the expense of actually enjoying your life. In this episode, we're taking a closer look at six pieces of popular financial advice that we think deserve a little more nuance. From buying a home as soon as possible to paying off debt quickly, always chasing a higher salary, and turning your hobbies into side hustles, we're exploring when these recommendations are helpful, when they might backfire, and what to consider before following them. Plus, we're sharing a bonus hot take about whether going to college is still worth the investment. Our goal isn't to convince you to throw out all the traditional money advice you've heard, but to help you feel more confident deciding which advice makes sense for you. ✨ Episode Highlights ✨ [00:00] Why some of the most common financial advice can do more harm than good[01:00] Why delaying all your fun until retirement could leave you with regrets[05:00] Why taking the highest-paying job isn't always the best career move[08:30] Why you don't need a side hustle or have to monetize every hobby[13:00] Why buying a home as soon as possible isn't always the smartest financial decision[18:30] Why paying for convenience can actually be worth the extra money[21:30] Why paying off debt as quickly as possible isn't always the best use of your money[26:30] Bonus: Why going to college to get a good job might not be the best advice anymore[31:00] How to evaluate financial advice and decide what makes sense for your own life✨ Resources ✨ Episode 39 with Jillian Johnsrud, author of Retire Often Die With Zero by Bill PerkinsRich Girl Nation by Katie Gatti TassinEpisode 96: Our conversation about buying a home, choosing a mortgage, and knowing when you're readyEpisode 97 with Bola Sokunbi about money and paying for convenienceSend us Fan Mail 📩 Get The Finance Girlies newsletter:  https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/newsletter 💻Visit The Finance Girlies website:  https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/ 💖Email us your money questions:  hello@thefinancegirlies.com 📸Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefinancegirlies/

  3. Oct 14

    How to bounce back from money mistakes with Bola Sokunbi / 97

    Building wealth can feel like a long game, especially when you're doing all the right things but aren't seeing big results yet. Maybe you're contributing to your 401(k), saving what you can, and trying to make smart financial decisions, but you still can't shake the feeling that you're behind. The good news? Making progress with money doesn't have to mean doing everything perfectly, and your financial mistakes don't have to define your future. In this episode, we're joined by Bola Sokunbi, financial expert, six-time bestselling author, and founder of Clever Girl Finance, to talk about what it really takes to build wealth while still enjoying your life. We explore how to stay motivated when progress feels slow, why investing is one of the most powerful habits you can build, and how to create financial goals that actually reflect the life you want — not just the milestones you're expected to reach. We also get into the money mistakes we all make along the way, including a costly retirement account mistake Bola experienced firsthand. From overcoming investing fears to letting go of financial shame, this conversation is a reminder that building wealth isn't about getting everything right. It's about learning, staying consistent, and giving yourself permission to keep moving forward. ✨ Episode Highlights ✨ [00:30] Meet Bola Sokunbi and learn why feeling financially behind doesn't mean you're actually behind.[03:00] How to build wealth through your 401(k), retirement accounts, and consistent investing, even when you're starting small.[06:00] Why setting short-term financial goals can help you stay motivated through the messy middle of building wealth.[09:30] How to stop chasing traditional money milestones and start defining financial success on your own terms.[10:30] Finding the balance between enjoying your money today and preparing for your future, including why guilt-free spending belongs in your budget.[15:30] The one wealth-building habit Bola recommends prioritizing and how to overcome the fear of getting started with investing.[22:30] Practical ways to create additional income streams without sacrificing your time, energy, or well-being.[26:00] Bola shares her biggest financial mistakes, including a costly 401(k) rollover error, and the lessons she learned from them.[31:00] How to separate financial mistakes from your identity, let go of money shame, and rewrite the stories you tell yourself.[35:00] Why you don't have to wait until you earn more money to start building wealth, plus simple habits you can begin practicing today.✨ Resources ✨ Clever Girl Finance — Free financial education courses, worksheets, and community resourcesClever Girl Millionaire by Bola SokunbiDon't Believe Everything You Think by Joseph NguyenClever Girls Know podcast Send us Fan Mail 📩 Get The Finance Girlies newsletter:  https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/newsletter 💻Visit The Finance Girlies website:  https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/ 💖Email us your money questions:  hello@thefinancegirlies.com 📸Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefinancegirlies/

  4. Oct 7

    House hunting to homeowner: Emily’s real-life homebuying story / 96

    It’s easy to look back on a big financial decision and make the path seem clearer than it actually was. Buying a home is rarely that tidy — especially when you’re still touring houses, weighing compromises, and wondering whether the right one is even out there. In this episode, we get both sides of that experience from our very own Emily as she navigates the first-time homebuying journey. First, you’ll hear an interview from early this summer, when Emily was actively house hunting. Then, we jump forward more than three months to hear from her again, shortly after moving into her new home. She shares how her priorities evolved, why she put less than 20% down, how she chose her mortgage, what surprised her after closing, and how she feels about the decision now. ✨ Episode Highlights ✨ [00:00] Why Emily and her husband decided they were ready to buy after previously planning to rent for years[04:00] Emily’s first steps, including comparing lenders, getting pre-qualified, and finding a realtor[08:30] How long the home buying process took, how many houses Emily toured, and how many offers she made[12:30] How Emily knew she’d found the right house and why location became such an important priority[15:00] The compromises Emily made on her wish list — and why none felt like major sacrifices[17:30] Why Emily felt comfortable putting less than 20% down, paying PMI, and keeping more cash in savings[19:30] How Emily compared different mortgage options and ultimately chose a 30-year conventional loan[23:30] The expenses that came up after closing, plus how Emily feels about homeownership now that she’s moved in✨ Resources ✨ Podcast: You’re Buying a Home with Silas LindensteinEpisode 95 of The Finance Girlies with Silas LindensteinBook: Home Buying Kit For DummiesWant more from The Finance Girlies? Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly money tips, episode drops, our favorite recs, and more. Send us Fan Mail 📩 Get The Finance Girlies newsletter:  https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/newsletter 💻Visit The Finance Girlies website:  https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/ 💖Email us your money questions:  hello@thefinancegirlies.com 📸Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefinancegirlies/

  5. Sep 30

    Rethinking homeownership for Millennials (with real estate agent Silas Lindenstein) / 95

    Buying a home can feel like one of those financial milestones we’re supposed to want — but is homeownership actually the right move for everyone? And if we do want to buy, how do we know when we’re financially (and emotionally) ready? In this episode, we’re talking with Silas Lindenstein, a Seattle-area real estate agent and podcast host to try to answer these questions.  Whether buying a home is part of your five-year plan, you’re actively scrolling listings, or you’re perfectly happy renting, this conversation offers a much more grounded way to think about your housing situation. We’re getting practical about what being ready to buy actually looks like (and when you should feel confident continuing to rent), what deserves your attention (and what probably doesn’t), and how to prepare for a home purchase without putting your life on hold.  Silas is hilarious and refreshingly candid, which makes a conversation about mortgages, inspections, interest rates, and home maintenance way more fun than it has any right to be. This is one of those episodes where we learned a lot, laughed a lot, and walked away thinking about homeownership a little differently. ✨ Episode Highlights ✨ [02:30] Why buying a home looks different for millennials and Gen Z — and why homeownership may be more of a lifestyle choice than a wealth-building strategy[05:30] Renting vs. buying, why renting isn’t automatically “throwing money away,” and the opportunities that can come with homeownership[13:00] What first-time homebuyers tend to worry about too much — and the seemingly small home maintenance issues that can actually matter more[15:30] Why location, community, commute, and your future lifestyle can matter more than having the perfect kitchen[23:00] Not sure whether you’ll buy in one year or five? How to start “paying your mortgage” now to test your budget and build savings[26:00] The difference between qualifying for a mortgage and actually being financially ready for homeownership[28:30] The housing costs that can get overlooked, including taxes, insurance, PMI, maintenance, and repairs[32:00] How to think about housing costs as a percentage of your income, plus the role refinancing can play in your long-term cash flow[38:00] Simple, relatively inexpensive ways to maintain your home and protect its value over time[40:00] Why trying to perfectly time the housing market can be tricky — and how to think through buying when the timing is right for your life[45:30] How fear and past experiences can shape the way we think about homeownership, even when our current circumstances look completely different ✨ Resources ✨ Connect with Silas: Podcast: You’re Buying a Home with Silas Lindenstein Website: https://silasgetsreal.com/ Send us Fan Mail 📩 Get The Finance Girlies newsletter:  https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/newsletter 💻Visit The Finance Girlies website:  https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/ 💖Email us your money questions:  hello@thefinancegirlies.com 📸Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefinancegirlies/

  6. Sep 23

    Travel now, or retire early? How Henah Velez is choosing both / 94

    Saving for the future matters — but our money should also help us build a life we enjoy along the way. For Henah Velez, creator of the slow travel newsletter Departure, travel is one of the things worth making room for. In this episode, we talk about how Henah went from a scarcity mindset to reaching Coast FI, why she’s prioritized travel at every income level, and how she balances financial independence with spending on experiences now. We also get into conscious consumerism and her refreshingly simple approach to points and miles — including beginner-friendly credit card strategies, when to use points versus cash, and tools that can make travel more affordable. ✨ Episode Highlights ✨ [02:00] How working on Money with Katie changed Henah’s relationship with saving, investing, and spending[06:00] Why Henah created Departure and how slow, intentional travel became its focus[10:30] How travel remained a priority when money was tighter — and how her approach changed as her income grew[15:00] Why slow travel can make trips more restorative, especially when plans inevitably go wrong[20:30] Conscious consumerism, creating friction before purchases, and deciding what’s actually worth a splurge[28:30] A beginner-friendly approach to credit card points and miles without tracking a million cards or obsessing over every redemption[35:00] How to use points and price-tracking tools when your travel dates aren’t flexible[40:00] Why day trips and weekends away still count as travel — plus ways to explore when a big trip isn’t in the budget[44:00] What Coast FI means and how Henah balances financial independence with enjoying her life today[47:30] Rapid-fire travel favorites, from repeat destinations to affordable trips and worthwhile splurges✨ Resources ✨ Connect with Henah: joindeparture.com https://www.instagram.com/henah/ Credit cards: Capital One VentureChase Sapphire Preferred*BiltTravel tools: Max Miles Points Bilt points calculatorPodcast episode: Bilt 2.0 Rewards Explained (Points, Cards, and Travel) PointsYeahpoint.me Sky KeyIntrepid TravelGoingThrifty TravelerGoogle FlightsKayakWant more from The Finance Girlies? Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly money tips, episode drops, our favorite recs, and more. *These notes contain a referral link, meaning we may be compensated, at no additional cost to you, if you use the link to apply for a credit card. And of course, we’d never recommend a product or service we don’t use and love. Send us Fan Mail 📩 Get The Finance Girlies newsletter:  https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/newsletter 💻Visit The Finance Girlies website:  https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/ 💖Email us your money questions:  hello@thefinancegirlies.com 📸Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefinancegirlies/

  7. Sep 16

    Do you need a will? Probably, and here's why / 93

    A will can feel like something for a future version of you — one with a house, kids, a spouse, and a lot more assets to worry about. But when you start thinking about the bank accounts, belongings, pets, and people already in our lives, it may be time to question that assumption. Chances are, a will is worth having sooner than you think. The good news? Creating one might not be nearly as scary — or time-consuming — as it sounds. Cassidy recently went through the entire process, and in this episode, she’s walking through exactly what it looked like. We cover what happens if we don’t have a will, how to choose beneficiaries and the people who will carry out our wishes, and why getting a good-enough plan in place can be better than waiting for the “perfect” one. ✨ Episode Highlights ✨ [01:00] What a last will and testament is — and what it can actually cover[01:30] Why a will can matter even if we’re single, don’t have kids, or don’t own a home[03:30] What can happen to our assets, pets, and belongings if we die without a will[05:00] Choosing an executor and why it’s important to talk to them ahead of time[07:00] The different ways to create a will, including using an online service[09:30] A step-by-step look at creating a will, from guardians to beneficiaries[14:30] Choosing an executor, power of attorney, and healthcare directive[19:00] Handling the emotional overwhelm of deciding who gets what[20:30] How long the process actually took — and why breaks helped[21:30] Getting documents notarized, storing them safely, and reviewing a will over time✨ Resources ✨ EthosLegalZoomTrust & WillSend us Fan Mail 📩 Get The Finance Girlies newsletter:  https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/newsletter 💻Visit The Finance Girlies website:  https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/ 💖Email us your money questions:  hello@thefinancegirlies.com 📸Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefinancegirlies/

  8. Sep 9

    Minimalism, money, and finding your “enough” with Kelly Foss / 92

    How many things have we bought for a version of ourselves who doesn’t exist yet? The art supplies for a hobby we’ll pick up someday. The clothes for a lifestyle we don’t actually live. The product that promises to make some part of our routine just a little bit better. Those purchases can add up — in our homes, our budgets, and our mental load. But being more intentional with our spending doesn’t have to mean depriving ourselves or stripping our lives down to the bare minimum. In this episode, we’re talking with Kelly Foss, host of the Millennial Minimalist podcast, to explore what minimalism can teach us about money. We talk about defining our own version of “enough,” recognizing when we’re spending for our aspirational selves, and deciding what’s genuinely worth bringing into our lives. We also get into emotional spending, the purchases that are absolutely worth making, and how buying less can help us feel better about spending on what we truly value. ✨ Episode Highlights ✨ [01:00] What minimalism actually means — and why it’s more about intentionality than owning as little as possible[06:30] The emotional side of clutter, stress spending, and why buying something new rarely fixes the feeling underneath[10:30] How to figure out what “enough” looks like when it comes to clothes, hobbies, and everything else we own[15:00] Practical ways to decide what stays, what goes, and what we’ll realistically use[18:30] The aspirational-self spending trap — and how social media can convince us to buy for a life we aren’t actually living[22:00] How buying less can reduce money anxiety, decision fatigue, and the mental energy we spend thinking about purchases[24:00] Finding our personal “number” and deciding what we genuinely want our money to support[27:00] Spending more on the things we value — from workout classes to coffee — while intentionally spending less elsewhere[33:00] How to enjoy our money without slipping into overconsumption, plus examples of purchases that genuinely improve daily life[40:00] A simple experiment for anyone who keeps buying things and wondering, “Why did I even buy this?”✨ Resources ✨ Kelly’s podcast: Millennial Minimalists Kelly’s website: mastersimplicity.comListen to the Finance Girlies on Kelly’s podcast: Money Made Simple with the Finance GirliesSend us Fan Mail 📩 Get The Finance Girlies newsletter:  https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/newsletter 💻Visit The Finance Girlies website:  https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/ 💖Email us your money questions:  hello@thefinancegirlies.com 📸Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefinancegirlies/

4.9
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Do you feel like you’re making progress with money, but somehow still feel behind?  Maybe you’re already saving, paying your bills on time, and investing a little.  But you still find yourself thinking: "Wait… am I actually doing this right?" And when you try to find the answer, you get even more frustrated because everything online feels like it was made for some Wall Street bro obsessing over his next trade. If you’re craving money conversations that actually reflect you — an ambitious, vibrant woman using her money to build a life that feels abundant in every sense — come hang with us. Welcome to the Finance Girlies, a money podcast for the girlies who’ve never felt seen by traditional finance advice.  We’re your hosts, Emily Batdorf and Cassidy Horton. Between the two of us, we’ve spent more than a decade researching and writing for big publications in the personal finance space.  Now, every Wednesday, we’re sharing our financial knowledge, experience, and hard-won confidence with you. (And when it’s helpful, we bring in trusted experts to help us unpack the more complex topics.)   During each episode of The Finance Girlies, we’ll cover topics like: Why you don’t have to feel “ready” before you start investingHow to be a more conscious consumer when you’re constantly being #influencedHow your career as a freelancer, entrepreneur, or employee affects your financial realityHow to handle money conflicts in relationships — and strategies to avoid them altogetherHow your money beliefs directly impact your financial habits and choices Together, we’ll explore how you relate to money: through conversations with your partner, the paycheck you earn, and how you spend your days. Instead of throwing prescriptive advice at you, we’ll give you helpful reframes, mindset tools, and why-did-nobody-teach-me-this tidbits to help you build financial confidence every day. If you’ve ever felt like personal financial advice was too dry, impractical, condescending — or just too bro-y — we invite you to pop in an earbud and let out a deep exhale. 

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