Traveling Towards Wealth

Sarah

Welcome to Traveling Towards Wealth—the podcast where money meets adventure and freedom is always on the horizon. I’m Sarah Jones: financial coach, full-time traveler, houseplant lover, sourdough baker, and your guide to building a life that’s as rich in experiences as it is in peace of mind. Each month, we dive deep into a new theme—whether it’s real money stories, the ins and outs of full-time travel, building a business on the road, or finding wellness and simplicity wherever you are. Here, you’ll get practical tips, honest conversations, and a gentle push to spend, save, and live according to your values—not someone else’s rules.

  1. 5d ago

    EP. 26 Wellness, Simplicity Series - What Sturgis, RV Life, and Letting Go Taught Me About Living Intentionally

    In this episode, Sarah Jones gets real about one of the most misunderstood words in intentional living - simplicity. Sparked by her behind-the-scenes experience at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally’s clothing-optional campground, Sarah unpacks how judgment from outsiders can complicate our pursuit of peace. She shares honest stories from RV life, challenges the myth that “downsizing” is the only path to simplicity, and offers practical steps for decluttering your life and finances. This episode is a grounding reminder that simplicity isn’t about owning less - it’s about choosing more intentionally. What You Will Learn ✦ Why the loudest judgment about “simple living” often comes from outside the community - and how that blocks our own peace.✦ How to redefine simplicity on your own terms, regardless of what your life looks like to others.✦ What real-life simplicity looks like for a full-time RVer: morning walks, sunrises, and grounding routines.✦ How your spending habits mirror the chaos or peace in your life, and how to use this insight for financial clarity.✦ Why buying things that require ongoing attention is really buying complexity - not comfort.✦ A practical 4-step Simplicity Audit to help you identify and eliminate what’s adding noise to your life.✦ How to make one intentional choice this week to move closer to your version of a simple, wealthy life. Support the show Ready to take your first step? Book your FREE call with Sarah: 👉 Schedule your free call today Connect with Sarah and keep the conversation going: Instagram: @KeepingUpWithTheJonesesFCFacebook: Sarah JonesWebsite: Traveling Towards Wealth Subscribe and review the podcast wherever you listen to podcasts - your support helps others find the show and join our journey!

  2. Jul 28

    Ep. 25 - Money & Mindset Series: Financial Prioritization & The Order of Operations for Your Money Plan

    Recap of Episode What do I focus on first? If you’ve ever stared at your finances and felt stuck, this episode is for you. Host Sarah Jones cuts through the noise and delivers a straightforward, no-fluff framework for prioritizing your personal finances. Whether you’ve just received a financial gift, an inheritance, a work bonus, or you’re simply trying to figure out where your money should go next - Sarah walks you through the real order of operations for your money plan. She gets honest about the two biggest reasons people feel stuck (spoiler: it’s not just about the numbers), calls out the most common - but totally wrong - places people start, and introduces the concept of the Peace of Mind Fund as your non-negotiable first financial move. Because life will throw curveballs, and Sarah’s here to make sure you’re ready for them. This is the kind of real, practical, and empowering conversation that makes your money feel manageable - and your life feel a little more free. What You Will Learn Why following too many financial gurus on Instagram, TikTok & YouTube is keeping you stuck - and what to do insteadThe surprising reason your financial priorities feel unclear (hint: it’s not the math - it’s the vision)Why tracking expenses and making more money are NOT the best places to start on your financial journeyThe Order of Operations for your money: Peace of Mind Fund → Debt Payoff → Other GoalsHow much to put in your Peace of Mind Fund to start ($2,500–$5,000 range) and why it comes before paying off debtThe “two focuses at a time” rule that will simplify your entire money planThe 5 most common budget disruptors you need to plan for (and why generic budget templates never work)Your non-negotiable essential expenses and the order they must be fundedHow to realign your spending habits with your actual financial values Timestamps [00:00] | Introduction  What does financial prioritization even mean? Sarah frames the big question listeners are asking. ] | Reason #1: Information Overload  Too many financial gurus = too much noise. Why following only 1–2 people is your first money move. [03:30] | Reason #2: You Don’t Know What You Want Yet  The power of building a life vision before you tackle your finances. [05:30] | The Two Biggest Misconceptions  Why expense tracking and chasing more income aren’t the right starting points (yet). [07:00] | The Order of Operations: Peace of Mind Fund First  The core framework. Why you fund your safety net before paying off debt - every single time. ($2,500–$5,000 starter target.) [09:30] | Two Focuses at a Time  The simplicity rule that keeps your money plan followable and your brain from burning out. [11:00] | Building Your Personalized Money Plan  The 5 budget disruptors (medical, car, home, pets, kids) and why your plan must account for them specifically. [12:30] | Non-Negotiables First  Housing, utilities, food, transportation, medical, and insurance: the foundation of every money plan. [14:30] | Realigning Your Priorities & Wrap-Up  A real talk on misaligned spending, how to bring your habits back in line with your goals, and how to book a complimentary call with Sarah. Support the show Ready to take your first step? Book your FREE call with Sarah: 👉 Schedule your free call today Connect with Sarah and keep the conversation going: Instagram: @KeepingUpWithTheJonesesFCFacebook: Sarah JonesWebsite: Traveling Towards Wealth Subscribe and review the podcast wherever you listen to podcasts - your support helps others find the show and join our journey!

  3. Jul 21

    Ep. 24 - Money & Mindset Series: How to Break the Impulse Spending Cycle Without Restriction

    Recap of Episode Let’s get brutally honest - impulse spending isn’t just about “bad habits” or lack of willpower. In this episode, Sarah Jones dives deep into the emotional rollercoaster behind those “add to cart” moments, from FOMO and dopamine hits to the myth of retail therapy. She unpacks why no-spend challenges set you up to fail, shares her own unfiltered stories, and hands you practical, real-life strategies to break the cycle - without ever feeling deprived. If you’re ready to spend in ways that actually align with your values (and still have fun), this one’s for you. What You Will Learn The Emotional Triggers Behind Impulse Spending: Discover how FOMO, social comparison, dopamine hits, retail therapy, decision fatigue, and scarcity messaging fuel your spending habits.Why Restriction Fails: Learn why no-spend challenges and rigid budgets almost never work long-term - and what actually does.The Real Costs of Impulse Spending: See how “just $20” can quietly snowball into debt, overdrafts, missed goals, and relationship stress.Practical Strategies to Break the Cycle: Get actionable tips: delete shopping apps, unsubscribe from marketing emails, unattach saved payment info, disable one-click buying, track your triggers (even your cycle!), and use a 48-hour purchase window.How to Build a Flexible, Values-Aligned Money Plan: Find out how to create a plan that includes “free money” for guilt-free, planned impulse spending - so you can enjoy life and still hit your financial goals.Permission to Spend (Without Guilt): Learn how to say yes to what matters, ditch the shame, and make your money plan a true reflection of your values and dreams. Timestamps 00:00 | Welcome Back & Why This Episode Matters‌ Sarah normalizes the impulse spending struggle and sets the stage for a judgment-free conversation. 02:15 | Defining Impulse Spending & Emotional Drivers‌ The rush, the regret, and why the world is designed to make us spend. 06:30 | Social Comparison, FOMO & Dopamine Hits ‌How “keeping up with the Joneses,” scarcity, and limited-time offers hijack your brain. 11:00 | Why Restriction Doesn’t Work ‌The truth about no-spend challenges and why they backfire. 15:45 | The Real Costs of Impulse Spending‌ Debt, overdrafts, missed goals, and relationship strain—how small purchases add up. 20:30 | Practical Strategies to Break the Cycle ‌Track your triggers, delete apps, unattach payment info, and create friction to slow down spending. 28:00 | Creating a Flexible, Values-Aligned Money Plan ‌How to build in “free money” and spend intentionally - without shame. 33:30 | Outro & Call to Action‌ Sarah invites you to book a complimentary coaching call and reminds you: you get to choose your hard, so choose the one that moves you closer to your goals. Support the show Ready to take your first step? Book your FREE call with Sarah: 👉 Schedule your free call today Connect with Sarah and keep the conversation going: Instagram: @KeepingUpWithTheJonesesFCFacebook: Sarah JonesWebsite: Traveling Towards Wealth Subscribe and review the podcast wherever you listen to podcasts - your support helps others find the show and join our journey!

  4. Jul 14

    Ep. 23 Money & Mindset - Stop Paying Full Price: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Negotiating Medical Bills

    Real talk time, friend - did you know you can negotiate almost every single medical bill you receive? If that surprises you, you’re not alone, and that’s exactly why Sarah is breaking it all down in this episode. In this episode, Sarah pulls back the curtain on the healthcare billing system, sharing the hard truth: it was not designed with YOUR best interest in mind. That means the responsibility falls on YOU to advocate for yourself - and the good news is, you absolutely can. Sarah walks you through the exact steps she uses herself (yes, she spent 45 minutes on the phone negotiating her own medical bills!) and breaks down a clear, actionable framework anyone can follow. Whether you have insurance or not, whether the bill is $200 or $20,000, you have more power than you think. From requesting an itemized statement to confidently making a counter-offer, Sarah covers it all with her signature blend of straight talk, personal stories, and practical guidance. This episode is a must-listen if you’ve ever opened a medical bill, felt your stomach drop, and had no idea what to do next. Spoiler: the answer is never just to pay it without asking questions first. What You Will Learn Why the healthcare billing system is NOT designed with your best interest in mind - and what that means for you as a patientWhy you should NEVER pay a medical bill without attempting to negotiate first (yes, even with insurance!)How to request an itemized statement and why reviewing every line item can save you hundreds (or thousands) of dollarsWhy knowing your numbers and having a clear money plan is your secret weapon at the negotiating tableHow to approach medical billing departments with confidence, friendliness, and a plan - without anxiety or overwhelmWhat to ask about programs, discounts, and financial assistance options that most hospitals will never proactively tell you aboutHow to negotiate a reduced lump-sum payment and make an offer they’ll actually acceptWhy getting everything in writing is non-negotiable (pun intended)How a Peace of Mind Fund and a medical sinking fund fit into your bigger financial pictureSarah’s personal story of spending 45 minutes on the phone—and why every minute was worth itSupport the show Ready to take your first step? Book your FREE call with Sarah: 👉 Schedule your free call today Connect with Sarah and keep the conversation going: Instagram: @KeepingUpWithTheJonesesFCFacebook: Sarah JonesWebsite: Traveling Towards Wealth Subscribe and review the podcast wherever you listen to podcasts - your support helps others find the show and join our journey!

  5. Jul 7

    Ep. 22 - Money & Mindset Series:Grief & Money: The Bitter Battle Nobody Talks About (And How a Solid Money Plan Helps You Finally Breathe)

    This episode is as real and unfiltered as it gets. Host Sarah Jones cracks open the conversation nobody wants to have: what happens when grief and money collide? Whether you’re mourning a loved one, a job, or a dream, Sarah reveals how grief can quietly take over your financial decisions - leading to retail therapy, YOLO spending, and even fear of spending at all. She shares her own stories of loss, from her father’s passing (with no will or life insurance) to her grandmother’s death (and how a Peace of Mind Fund changed everything). You’ll hear why basic budgets don’t protect you, how emotional spending masks true pain, and why a real money plan is the best gift you can give yourself when life gets messy. If you’re tired of pretending everything’s fine, this episode is for you. WHAT YOU WILL LEARN Why grief and money are locked in a silent battle - and how that shapes your financial choicesThe many faces of grief: loss of a person, job, business, or dream, and how each impacts your walletSarah’s personal stories: the financial chaos after her dad’s passing, and the peace of mind after her grandmother’s deathThe “f* it” spending period:** why YOLO justifications feel good in the moment but leave you emptyWhy traditional budgets fail you in real life - and how Sarah coaches differently nowHow a Peace of Mind Fund can change everything when grief hitsThe truth about retail therapy: why it’s a quick fix that never lastsHow grief can cause both overspending and financial scarcity - sometimes at the same timeWhy a solid money plan won’t erase grief, but will help you actually process itHow to stop letting grief and money fight each other - and start letting them work togetherA supportive invitation: Book a complimentary call with Sarah to get real help, no judgmentSupport the show Ready to take your first step? Book your FREE call with Sarah: 👉 Schedule your free call today Connect with Sarah and keep the conversation going: Instagram: @KeepingUpWithTheJonesesFCFacebook: Sarah JonesWebsite: Traveling Towards Wealth Subscribe and review the podcast wherever you listen to podcasts - your support helps others find the show and join our journey!

  6. Jun 30

    Ep. 21 Money & Mindset Series - Head of Household Is Not a Tax Checkbox - It’s Your Responsibility to Protect Your Family Financially

    In this fiercely honest episode, Sarah Jones drops the filter and gets real about a topic too many people avoid: the true responsibility of being the head of your household. Drawing from her own heartbreaking experience of losing her father - who left no will, no life insurance, and no financial plan - Sarah shares the chaos and pain that comes when families are left unprotected. She’s fired up, emotional, and determined to make sure you don’t repeat the same mistakes. Sarah walks you through the essential steps every family leader must take: from setting up POD (Payable Upon Death) accounts and updating beneficiaries, to understanding wills, trusts, life insurance, power of attorney, and healthcare directives. She calls out financial abuse, urges you to know your numbers, and gives you the tools to build a financial binder that will save your loved ones from unnecessary heartache. This is your invitation to stop putting it off, start the hard conversations, and show your family you truly care - by taking action now. Support the show Ready to take your first step? Book your FREE call with Sarah: 👉 Schedule your free call today Connect with Sarah and keep the conversation going: Instagram: @KeepingUpWithTheJonesesFCFacebook: Sarah JonesWebsite: Traveling Towards Wealth Subscribe and review the podcast wherever you listen to podcasts - your support helps others find the show and join our journey!

  7. Jun 23

    Ep. 20 Building Business on the Road Series - Traveling with a Product-Based Business: Hidden Costs and Lost Income

    Nobody talks about this - and it’s costing traveling business owners real money. In this episode, Sarah pulls back the curtain on the financial realities of running a product-based business while living life on the road. From unexpected tax headaches across state lines to shipping costs that quietly eat your profit margins, Sarah gets honest about the lessons she and her husband James learned the hard way with their metal printing business. If you’re dreaming of selling your goods from the road (or you’re already doing it), this episode is your no-fluff financial playbook for doing it sustainably - and actually paying yourself along the way. What You Will Learn Why the size of a market doesn’t predict your sales - and why Sarah’s smallest show outperformed her biggest one (the South Texas coast story will surprise you)The full cost equation for doing a market on the road: entry fees, equipment requirements, sales tax licenses, and how to price your products to actually cover it allHow your shipping costs change depending on where you are in the country - and how that ripples through your cost of goods sold, operating costs, and profitThe truth about bulk buying vs. lean inventory when space and weight are at a premium on the road (hint: idle inventory is costing you money, not making it)How to track travel expenses and mileage as potential business write-offs when attending shows (and a reminder to always consult your tax professional!)Why ditching business cards and building a VIP customer list is one of the most profitable things a traveling vendor can do - and how to make it work on the roadHow reliable internet and a solid point-of-sale system can make or break your show-day experience - and why it matters for your bottom lineSupport the show Ready to take your first step? Book your FREE call with Sarah: 👉 Schedule your free call today Connect with Sarah and keep the conversation going: Instagram: @KeepingUpWithTheJonesesFCFacebook: Sarah JonesWebsite: Traveling Towards Wealth Subscribe and review the podcast wherever you listen to podcasts - your support helps others find the show and join our journey!

  8. Jun 16

    Ep. 19 Building Business on the Road Series: Networking & Community Building while traveling

    Let’s get honest: RV life isn’t all campfire chats and instant friendships. In this episode, Sarah Jones opens up about the surprising loneliness that comes with life on the road - even for someone who seems outgoing. She shares her journey from feeling isolated to intentionally building community, both online and in the real world. From volunteering at local organizations to joining industry rallies and making small talk in unexpected places (hello, Walmart pen aisle!), Sarah reveals how she’s learning to be “present” and create connection wherever she parks her home. This episode is packed with practical strategies, real-life stories, and encouragement for anyone craving deeper relationships while living a life of adventure. 🌟 What You Will Learn What it means to be an “extroverted introvert” and why travel can feel unexpectedly lonelyHow RV life exposed Sarah’s blind spots and inspired personal growthThe difference between haphazard online posting and intentional relationship marketingWhy in-person connection is more important than ever - even in a digital worldHow to use local chambers of commerce as a free networking toolThe power of volunteering at food banks, library sales, and community events to build authentic relationshipsBlending in-person moments with online community for lasting connectionsThe value of industry-specific rallies (Grand Design, HDT, Sturgis) for finding your tribeSarah’s “word of the year”—present—and how she’s practicing it in everyday lifeReal stories of connection: from helping a stranger find a plant at Walmart to chatting with farmers market vendorsSupport the show Ready to take your first step? Book your FREE call with Sarah: 👉 Schedule your free call today Connect with Sarah and keep the conversation going: Instagram: @KeepingUpWithTheJonesesFCFacebook: Sarah JonesWebsite: Traveling Towards Wealth Subscribe and review the podcast wherever you listen to podcasts - your support helps others find the show and join our journey!

Trailer

About

Welcome to Traveling Towards Wealth—the podcast where money meets adventure and freedom is always on the horizon. I’m Sarah Jones: financial coach, full-time traveler, houseplant lover, sourdough baker, and your guide to building a life that’s as rich in experiences as it is in peace of mind. Each month, we dive deep into a new theme—whether it’s real money stories, the ins and outs of full-time travel, building a business on the road, or finding wellness and simplicity wherever you are. Here, you’ll get practical tips, honest conversations, and a gentle push to spend, save, and live according to your values—not someone else’s rules.