First Money Moves

Glow-ups are great. The most powerful one is in your bank account. Michelle walks you through a simple framework to set 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year money goals, then turn them into action with one clear step for each. Build your foundation with a starter emergency fund and debt plan, add momentum with travel or car savings, and think bigger with down payments and consistent investing. What you’ll l...

The latte is not the problem. The lack of a money plan is. Michelle flips the narrative and uses your $5 coffee to show how small, consistent investing builds serious wealth over time. You will learn the basics of compound interest, a simple $150 per month investing example, and how to treat investing like a subscription with automatic transfers. Keep the coffee and grow your net worth. What you’l...

Paycheck to paycheck is not a personality trait. It is a trap. In this episode, Michelle shows you how to get breathing room fast with a practical 4-step plan: a 30-day money audit, a $500 starter emergency fund, set-and-forget savings automation, and quick ways to create margin without burnout. You will leave with one simple action to do this week that breaks the cycle. What you’ll learn: • A qui...

Your credit score is your financial reputation. In your 20s, every decision counts. Michelle explains how credit actually works and gives you a clear playbook to build trust with lenders: pay on time, keep utilization low, be intentional with new accounts, and start with a secured card if you are new to credit. We also bust common myths so you stop leaving money on the table with high rates and de...

Your first job offer feels amazing — but what if you’re leaving money on the table without even knowing it? In this episode of Talk Wealthy to Me, Michelle Taylor shares exactly how to negotiate your salary with confidence (and without the cringe). Too many women skip this step and it can cost them hundreds of thousands of dollars over their career. Michelle walks you through why negotiation is ex...

Your first paycheck hits different… until taxes, bills, and brunch plans make it disappear. In this episode, Michelle breaks down exactly how to use that first paycheck with a simple 50/30/20 plan you can start today. We cover needs vs wants, plugging “money leaks,” and the cheat code of paying yourself first so your savings grow on autopilot. Plus, the first milestones every post-grad should hit:...