Don't Depend On Daddy

In this Q+A episode, I’m answering your most-asked personal finance and career questions—covering everything from how I manage my money now that I’m self-employed, to navigating career pivots, saving for big goals, and making the most of your 20s and 30s. Whether you're trying to build a budget that actually works, wondering how to balance saving vs. investing, or struggling to figure out your...

I just turned 30, and in this episode I’m walking you through my mid-year life reset. From shifting my workouts and eating more protein, to simplifying my content strategy and decluttering my space—these are the small but intentional changes I’m making to feel better, work smarter, and live with more peace in the second half of the year. If you’re craving more structure or clarity, this reset migh...

I’m sharing the unfiltered, sometimes uncomfortable but deeply important lessons I’ve learned by 30—from relationships and self-worth to money, boundaries, and doing life your way. Whether you’re in your 20s or already beyond 30, these life lessons cover navigating adulthood, building independence, de-centering external validation, and cultivating confidence in your own timeline. 00:00 – Welcome &...

Welcome back to Don’t Depend on Daddy, the podcast empowering young professionals to build independent, intentional lives. In this Summer 2025 State of the Union, I’m reflecting on what’s in and what’s out this season—from skincare to career goals, dating, therapy, and everything in between. I’m also sharing five things I’m doing to feel my absolute best physically and emotionally this summer. If...

In this episode, Michela is breaking down the top 5 financial decisions that helped her cross the $1M net worth threshold before turning 30. From living at home post-grad and building a business, to tracking every dollar and calculating my FIRE number—these choices weren’t flashy, but they were incredibly effective. Whether you’re in your early 20s or heading into your 30s, these are the practical...

In this episode of Don’t Depend on Daddy , Michela shares the five best purchases she made throughout her twenties—ranging from a $20 book to a $9,000 cosmetic procedure. These investments weren’t just splurges—they deeply impacted her confidence, routines, finances, and lifestyle. From at-home coffee rituals and skincare to the transformative power of a nose job, Michela breaks down why each purc...

In this episode of Don’t Depend on Daddy , Michela is joined by Christina Mychas—pharmacist turned YouTuber and stylist—to talk all things intentional living, personal style, and Christina’s signature concept: minimalist-ish . Together, they unpack how to shift from chronic overspending and shame-driven “no buys” to curating a wardrobe (and lifestyle) that feels aligned, elevated, and joyful. Expe...

On this episode of DDOD, Michela is sharing her journey of breaking up with social media as a creator. Content creation is an integral aspect of her business, but social media can become a toxic place. Michela shares how she is breaking her phone addiction to stop habitually scrolling, work through a dopamine detox, and create sustainable boundaries with social media. She covers why she is doing t...

On this episode of DDOD, Michela sits down with Lucy Bedewi, the owner of MyWriteHandWoman. Lucy is a verbal and messaging strategist and she built her business while traveling full-time, after being fired from her first corporate job after 90 days. In this episode, Lucy shares her tips for getting started with a service business, landing your first client, selling high-ticket offers, and how she...

On this episode of DDOD, Michela shares a 2 year reflection on living alone. At first, living alone was scary, but Michela shares how she has navigated this period of her life and fostered both an intentional space as well as intentional activities that she does by herself. If you are feeling down about living alone, or want to live alone but are scared to do it, this episode is for you! TIME STAM...

On this episode of DDOD, Michela shares how she is approaching upgrading her wardrobe with the seasons in mind. Having a well-rounded wardrobe is HARD, especially if you live in a place that experiences 4 distinct seasons. In this episode, Michela is sharing some rules for approaching your seasonal wardrobe, financial guidelines to incorporate for spending on your seasonal wardrobe, and her though...

On this episode of DDOD, Michela is joined by the lovely Kate Robb, a digital entrepreneur with EIGHT streams of income! We focus this conversation primarily on her Etsy business, where she has scaled her shops selling print on demand and digital on demand products. We cover how to get started on Etsy, the Etsy algorithm, if the space is overcrowded (it’s not), and so much more! If you are wanting...

On this episode of DDOD, Michela is sharing how she is reclaiming her routines this spring and summer. As we move into the warmer months, it is time to seize the day and take control of your time. She is sharing the psychology behind why routines make you happier, elements of successful morning, work, and night routines, and how she is incorporating some changes into her daily routines to feel bet...

On this episode of DDOD, Michela is hopping on the TikTok trend and sharing some things she finds incredibly chic. These go beyond just your personal style (although there are a few style items) and transcend into how you operate, from hobbies to cooking to navigating friendships as an adult.  TIME STAMPS:  Episode Starts at 3:24 💸 NEW FI/RE Template:   https://breakyourbudget.com/fire-template...

On this episode of DDOD, Michela is sharing how she cleared her hormonal acne in her 20s. She discusses how following a high fiber, whole foods diet can help improve digestion to clear skin, the impact going off birth control had on her skin, and her current skincare routine. DISCLAIMER: Michela is not a doctor and this is not medical advice.  TIME STAMPS:  Episode Starts at 3:22 💸 NEW FI/RE Temp...

On this episode of DDOD, Michela is sharing 5 small habits she has incorporated into her routine that have made her life better. The habits include ritualizing her morning coffee, implementing a daily content hour, using a written to-do list, going on a long walk, and taking the extra 10 minutes at night for self–care. It truly is the little things that make it possible to find joy in the mundane...

On this episode of DDOD, Michela is sharing her 3 month low-buy & underconsumption update. She reflects on her consumption rules she set at the beginning of 2025 and gets honest about what is and isn’t working. Plus, she shares the things she bought in Q1 and what her spending plans are in Q2!  TIME STAMPS:  Episode Starts at 5:15 💸 NEW FI/RE Template:   https://breakyourbudget.com/fire-templ...

On this episode of DDOD, Michela is sharing the key lessons from the 12 Week Year. After successfully implementing this method for the first 12 weeks of 2025, Michela can confirm that condensing your planning cycle into 12 week sprints vs. annual targets really DOES make a different. Learn about why annual planning doesn’t work, the 5 disciplines of execution (vision, planning, process control, me...

AUDIO NOTE!!! I've been told the audio is only coming out on the left for some. I don't know what happened!! I am sorry !!!!! On this episode of DDOD, Michela is sharing how you can SPRING CLEAN your life and find new motivation as the winter comes to an end. She covers personal finances, your professional life, personal goals, a wardrobe cleanout, digital decluttering, and cleaning out yo...

On this episode of DDOD, Michela is back with another State of the Union episode! This time, she is focusing specifically on ins and outs for spring 2025, because we are having a healthy and happy and hot spring! From letting go of a scaredy cat mentality to adding color into her wardrobe, this episode unveils a more personal side to Michela and you’re going to love it. If you have an In or Out fo...

On this episode of DDOD, Michela is discusses the concept of a Dopamine Menu! This was a trend from 2024 that covers all the little habits and special things that you can implement throughout your day when you need to boost your mood or spark a little joy. This is especially helpful if you are experiencing the winter blues, or just overall want to feel better without reaching for your phone. You’l...

On this episode of DDOD, Michela is joined by Paige Pritchard, founder of Overcoming Overspending which is an online community of tens of thousands of women who are developing more disciplined and purposeful spending habits. Paige and Michela discuss how social media influences your spending habits, the 3 Ds of shopping (distance, desire, decision), spending guilt, FOMO, emotional shopping and esc...

On this episode of DDOD, Michela is sharing how she manages her time to balance building and scaling a business with health and wellness and also having time for a personal life! “Doing it all” is impossible, but getting things DONE is a result of having strong systems in place. Michela follows a variety of frameworks and routines to ensure that everything to run the business as well as ensure she...

On this episode of DDOD, Michela is sharing 10 lessons she learned throughout her 20s. In honor of 2025 being the year she turns 30, this is part one of many self-reflective episodes to come that cover important topics for your 20s. In this episode specifically, Michela shares some tough love around owning your choices and your life, learning how to find happiness at work, and being intentional ab...

On this episode of DDOD, Michela shares habits/routines/systems that have helped her be successful in her 20s. The goal is to enter your 30s feeling SUPER proud of what you accomplished in your 20s, and this episode breaks down the stand-out actions she has taken across 5 pillars of life: personal finance, career, appearance, health/wellness, and personal relationships. Plus, a few life lessons le...