City Girl Savings | Budgeting, Money Management, and Goal Setting Tips for Women

Financial freedom is one of those phrases we hear all the time. It's talked about in books, podcasts, social media posts, and financial conversations. But what does it actually mean? Because for many women, especially women who earn good money, financial freedom can feel like a moving target. You hit one goal, only to create another. You make more money, but still don't feel fully in control of it...

Isn't it wild how quickly the year can move? One minute you're setting goals, feeling motivated, thinking about everything you want to accomplish…and the next, you're halfway through the year wondering how you got here so fast. Depending on how the first half of the year went for you, you might be feeling really good right now…like you've built momentum, made progress, and started to see results....

There was a time in my life where I didn't just go into debt once…I went into debt multiple times. And not small amounts. I'm talking tens of thousands of dollars…more than once. If I'm being honest, that used to be one of the most frustrating parts of my journey. Because it wasn't like I didn't know better. I had already learned the lessons. I had already gotten out of debt once. And yet somehow…...

If you know me, then you know there was a time in my life where vacation spending felt so exciting in the moment…and so stressful the second I got home. I remember going on a girls trip to Vegas in my early 20s. Deep down, I knew I couldn't really afford the trip the way I was approaching it, but I went anyway. No real plan, no clear budget…just spending based on what felt good in the moment. And...

There was a time in my life where summer felt like a financial reset. Everything felt lighter. More relaxed. More social. I wasn't thinking about routines the same way, and I definitely wasn't as focused on my budget. I was just… living. In the moment, it felt good. Like I was enjoying my life and taking a break from structure. But what I didn't realize back then was that the kind of "reset" I was...

Summer has a way of making you want to say yes to everything. The trips. The brunches. The outfits. The events. The experiences. Listen…there's nothing wrong with enjoying your life. In fact, you should enjoy your life. But what you don't want is to come out of the summer with credit card debt, financial stress, or feeling like you have to start over when fall hits. Because the truth is, you don't...

I'm going to say something that might sting a little. Inconsistency is the real financial killer. Not low income. Not inflation. Not student loans. Not a lack of knowledge. Inconsistency. Because most women don't struggle with money because they don't know what to do. They struggle because they do it for a few weeks… and then stop. They budget when they feel motivated… and then stop. They save for...

Let me guess. You've tried to "be better" with money before. You've told yourself you'll check your accounts more often. You've promised you'll stick to your budget. You've said this month will be different. And maybe it is… for a week. Then life gets busy. Work gets intense. You get tired. Something unexpected comes up. And suddenly, you're back to reacting instead of leading your money. Here's w...

There was a time in my life where I relied on motivation more than structure. If I felt disciplined, I made good money decisions. If I felt overwhelmed, I avoided things until I felt better. If I was inspired, I planned. If I was tired, I let things slide. What changed my financial life wasn't working harder. It wasn't becoming more naturally organized. It wasn't even making more money. It was bui...

If you've ever felt like you're doing a lot… but still feel behind, this episode is going to feel very familiar. Many working women are productive. They set goals. They work hard. They manage a lot. And yet, it can feel like there are a hundred tabs open at once. There's always something to catch up on, organize, or improve. No matter how much gets done, it rarely feels like enough. That's not a p...

Financial confidence isn't loud. It isn't flashy, and it isn't about knowing every money rule or having a perfect system. It's the calm, grounded feeling that comes from understanding your numbers and trusting yourself to make decisions with them. And here's what I've noticed after more than a decade of coaching working women with their finances: it's rarely intelligence or income holding women ba...

What if success isn't about doing more… but about knowing when to pause? At the end of 2025, I took my first real break in the ten-year history of City Girl Savings. Not because I was failing. Not because I was burned out. But because I realized something important: building a successful life means nothing if you don't have the capacity to live inside it. If you're a high-achieving working woman w...

Have you ever felt like you're doing all the "right" things with your money…working hard, paying bills, maybe even saving…but still don't feel financially settled? If you're a working woman trying to level up your life and money, but something feels slightly unstable underneath it all, this episode will help you pinpoint why. After over a decade of coaching women through budgeting, saving, debt pa...

Managing your money isn't about being perfect…it's about having a system you can rely on. Many working women make good money. They budget. They save when they can. And yet, money can still feel reactive, overwhelming, or harder to manage than it should be. If you've ever felt like you're doing "all the right things" but still don't feel organized or confident, this episode will help you think diff...

Can you believe this is the final episode of 2025? It feels surreal to be closing out another year of the City Girl Savings Podcast—211 episodes of financial education, mindset shifts, and real conversations about building the life you want through better money management. If you've been tuning in all year…whether this is your very first episode or you've listened to all 50+ episodes released in 2...

As the year winds down, I always find myself in reflection mode—looking back at the goals I set at the beginning of 2025, evaluating what went well, what didn't pan out, and most importantly, what I learned along the way that will make me better at goal-setting moving forward. And let me tell you, goal setting is one of my absolute favorite things to do. I love the process of dreaming big, plannin...

Wow, how is it that another year is almost behind us? The older I get, the more I feel like time is just flying by, and if you're not intentional about making the most of your time, you'll get left behind chasing goals you never quite reach. This reality feels even more true as I reflect on 2025 and look ahead to what I want to accomplish in 2026. In the spirit of making the most of my time and st...

We're officially in the final stretch of the year, and you know what that means: holiday parties, family gatherings, and probably a little too much spending on gifts, decorations, and celebrations. But before we get caught up in all the festivities and lose sight of our financial goals, I want to remind you of something important: it's not too late to make some powerful moves with your money befor...

I tell my money coaching clients all the time that if their health isn't right, it doesn't matter how great their money is—they won't be able to make the most of it. You could have a six-figure salary and a robust investment portfolio, but if you're mentally and emotionally depleted from constantly putting everyone else first, none of it brings you peace or fulfillment. Mental health is something...

November is such a wonderful month, not just because of the cozy weather or fall vibes (although those are great), but because it's a season where we naturally slow down and reflect on what we're grateful for. But when it comes to money, I've noticed something troubling: so many of us focus exclusively on what we don't have: the bigger salary, the dream home, the overflowing savings account…and we...

Before you're ready to make more money, you must master the money you currently have, and I will die on this hill. Here's the truth many people don't want to hear: a lot of us convince ourselves we need more income when, in reality, we need to control our spending habits first. It's either an income problem (you truly don't make enough to cover basic needs) or a behavioral problem (you spend too m...

Feeling stuck between where you are and where you want to be? You're not alone. Many high-achievers experience this 'in-between' phase…not quite burned out, but lacking the excitement and motivation that once drove them forward. It's that uncomfortable space where you're functioning at a higher level than before, yet still far from your ultimate goals. The spark is gone, but so is the clarity abou...

Building multiple income streams is no longer optional…it's essential for financial freedom. The average millionaire has 7 income streams, and side hustles are one of the most accessible ways to diversify your earnings. Whether you want to pay off debt faster, save for big goals, or create passive income, starting a side hustle can transform your financial situation. Learn proven strategies from c...

Chronic stress and burnout are epidemic among entrepreneurs and high-achievers. In 2025, prioritizing nervous system regulation isn't just wellness - it's essential for sustainable business success and mental health. After experiencing the physical toll of chronic stress and high cortisol, I'm sharing my journey to healing and the practical steps that are transforming my health. I've made it my mi...

Holiday spending doesn't have to derail your budget or financial goals. Every year, Americans overspend by thousands during the holiday season, but with proper holiday budget planning and money management strategies, you can enjoy the festivities while staying financially on track. One thing about the holidays is that they come around the same time every year. In spite of that fact, is it just me...