The Debt-Free CEO Podcast Megan Mendez

Today, we're discussing the realities of spending and finances during the holiday season. The fall and last three months of the year can be hectic and draining on both your schedule and bank account. However, I want to assure you that you don't have to buy everyone a gift during Christmas. You have the permission to prioritize your own financial well-being and not feel obligated to give gifts to every family member. The holidays are about being with loved ones, not excessive gift-giving. If you can't afford to give everyone a present, it's perfectly okay to save your money and prioritize your own financial stability. Remember, your family and friends will understand and appreciate your decision to take care of yourself. Don't let societal expectations dictate your financial decisions during the holiday season.
In this episode I share:Permission to not feel the need to buy everyone in your family a giftPlanning ahead for travelingUsing a shopping list to help you over buy and over spend on things you don’t needHow to save for the holidays year round Using a Sinking Fund to help you save for the holidays ahead of time

Visit the Show Notes:https://meganmendez.com/episode20/

Resources:Start your digital marketing business todayDitch the 9-5 and Go Debt-FreeFinances as a Freelancer: How to pay yourself monthlyFree Budget TemplateFree Training: How to Start Your Freelancing Business to go Debt-FreePassion to Profit and On to Debt-Free Workbook

Don’t Miss Last Week’s Post:Ep. 18 - Prioritizing Profit Over Revenue in Your Online Business

Connect with Megan:Follow on Instagram @thedebtfreeceoWebsite - meganmendez.comJoin The Debt-Free CEO FB Community - The Debt-Free CEO CommunityEmail - info@meganmendez.comPinterest - pinterest.com/meganmendez__/

In today's episode, we have bookkeeper, Annie Hillman. Annie is here to share some invaluable insights and strategies for business owners who are looking to become more financially savvy. She shares her thoughts on understanding income and expenses, provides resources for navigating financial regulations, and offers tips for budgeting and planning for inconsistent income. 
In this episode we share:Understanding income and expenses in a businessTransitioning from one business to multiple clientsKeeping personal expenses separate from business expensesRecommended resources for tax and sales tax informationDealing with inconsistent incomeBudgeting and financial planning and overcoming financial hurdles
Visit the Show Notes:https://meganmendez.com/episode19

Resources:Start your digital marketing business todayDitch the 9-5 and Go Debt-FreeFinances as a Freelancer: How to pay yourself monthlyFree Budget TemplateFree Training: How to Start Your Freelancing Business to go Debt-FreePassion to Profit and On to Debt-Free Workbook

Tax Resources:AvalaraTaxJar

Connect with Annie: Instagram - @1428financialWebsite - www.1428financial.com

Connect with Megan:Follow on Instagram @thedebtfreeceoWebsite - meganmendez.comJoin The Debt-Free CEO FB Community - The Debt-Free CEO CommunityEmail - info@meganmendez.comPinterest - pinterest.com/meganmendez__/

Today's episode delves into the crucial topic of prioritizing profit over revenue in your online business. We discuss how this shift can lead you to financial freedom and the path to becoming debt-free. I want to emphasize the importance of understanding that increasing profit doesn't always require increasing revenue. I’ll guide you through pricing strategies, tracking business numbers, and making informed decisions that will scale your business while also achieving your financial goals. 
In this episode I share:Significance of focusing on profit instead of revenuePractical strategies to increase profit margins and maximize take-home incomeIdentifying unnecessary expenses and reevaluating pricing structuresPricing strategies to increase profitability

Visit the Show Notes:https://meganmendez.com/episode18

Resources:Start your digital marketing business todayDitch the 9-5 and Go Debt-FreeFinances as a Freelancer: How to pay yourself monthlyFree Budget TemplateFree Training: How to Start Your Freelancing Business to go Debt-FreePassion to Profit and On to Debt-Free WorkbookYes/No FlowchartBook your FREE 15 minute Clarity Call

Connect with Megan:Follow on Instagram @thedebtfreeceoWebsite - meganmendez.comJoin The Debt-Free CEO FB Community - The Debt-Free CEO CommunityEmail - info@meganmendez.comPinterest - pinterest.com/meganmendez__/

In today's episode, we have a special guest, Branda Villacob, a copywriter and email marketing expert who shares her insights on maintaining consistent income as a freelancer. We dive into Branda's journey as a former teacher turned solopreneur and how she built her successful freelancing business. We discuss the importance of having a side business while still teaching, saving money, and the mindset shift needed to transition out of the classroom. Branda also shares her experiences with the challenges and growing pains of running a business, particularly the plateau with income and the importance of understanding your worth. If you're a freelancer or aspiring freelance entrepreneur, this episode is packed with valuable tips and advice to help you maintain consistent income. 
In this episode we share:The importance of having a side business while still teaching, saving money, and the mindset shift needed to transition out of the classroomThe challenges and growing pains of running a businessWays to have consistent income as a freelancer
Visit the Show Notes:https://meganmendez.com/episode17/

Resources:Start your digital marketing business todayDitch the 9-5 and Go Debt-FreeFinances as a Freelancer: How to pay yourself monthlyFree Budget TemplateFree Training: How to Start Your Freelancing Business to go Debt-FreePassion to Profit and On to Debt-Free Workbook

Connect with Branda:Instagram - @therelevantcollectiveWebsite - www.therelevantcollective.com

Connect with Megan:Follow on Instagram @thedebtfreeceoWebsite - meganmendez.comJoin The Debt-Free CEO FB Community - The Debt-Free CEO CommunityEmail - info@meganmendez.comPinterest - pinterest.com/meganmendez__/

In this episode of the Debt-Free CEO podcast, we discuss the order of prioritizing debt, saving, and investing. Paying off high-interest consumer debt is the first priority, followed by building a small emergency fund. We compare investing money versus paying off low-interest car loans and highlight the importance of having an emergency fund. 
We also provide information on HSAs, FSAs, and Roth IRAs as investment options. Real estate is mentioned as a good investment, and we emphasize the importance of spending less than you earn. Check out previous episodes for more financial advice and upcoming interviews with a financial advisor.
In this episode I share:The interest rate on your credit cards will determine what to pay off firstBenefits of a high yield savings accountChanges to make when it comes to emergency fundsBest type of savings account to help you save moreThe order in which you should invest your money
Visit the Show Notes:https://meganmendez.com/episode16
Resources:15-Minute FREE Clarity CallStart your digital marketing business todayDitch the 9-5 and Go Debt-FreeFinances as a Freelancer: How to pay yourself monthlyFree Budget TemplateFree Training: How to Start Your Freelancing Business to go Debt-FreePassion to Profit and On to Debt-Free Workbook
Previous Episodes:Ep. 5 - The Framework to Going Debt Free: What I Would Do if Starting OverEp. 10 - Using the Debt-Free Method to Help You Save MoneyEp. 11 - What Debt Do You Pay Off First?Ep. 14 - The Debt Avalanche vs. The Debt Snowball Method
Connect with Megan:Follow on Instagram @thedebtfreeceoWebsite - meganmendez.comJoin The Debt-Free CEO FB Community - The Debt-Free CEO CommunityEmail - info@meganmendez.comPinterest - pinterest.com/meganmendez__/

Most of us work hard at having financial freedom, paying off debt and paying attention to how we save our money. But not many of us do things in a nontraditional way. We tend to stick to what we know works and what is safe.
In today's episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Sierra Scacco, a scaling coach and entrepreneur who made a bold and nontraditional decision with her husband and children that had significant financial involvement. 
Sierra shares her inspiring journey of starting her business while caring for her young son, and how she transitioned from copywriting to coaching. She also reveals a major life change she and her husband made, which involved renting out their home and living in a travel trailer. 
Sierra gives insights into the financial considerations behind this decision and discusses their debt situation, including student loan debt, car loans, and medical debt. Her story is inspiring and helps us gain valuable insights on taking calculated risks and managing finances on your entrepreneurial journey.
In this episode we share:How Sierra made a nontraditional decision to live in a travel trailer to be closer to her husband's work and avoid the high cost of buying a new houseStarted her own business as a scaling coach after leaving her initial career as a copywriterPrioritizing being debt-free, avoiding student loan debt, and managing their other debts, such as car and medical billsThe ways in which making unconventional decisions can lead to exciting opportunities and financial freedom
Visit the Show Notes:https://meganmendez.com/episode15
Resources:Ditch the 9-5 and Go Debt-FreeFinances as a Freelancer: How to pay yourself monthlyFree Budget TemplateFree Training: How to Start Your Freelancing Business to go Debt-FreePassion to Profit and On to Debt-Free Workbook
Connect with Sierra:Follow on Instagram - @sierra.scacco
Connect with Megan:Follow on Instagram @meganmendez__Website - meganmendez.comJoin The Debt-Free CEO FB Community - The Debt-Free CEO CommunityEmail - info@meganmendez.com