The Poppy Payoff Path

So much of my identity has been tied to my career — especially as the first in my family to graduate college, break cultural norms, and build stability in a way no one modeled for me. For years, my job wasn’t just something I did. It was who I believed I was. But when I started wanting something different — consulting, autonomy, a new direction — an old belief surfaced: “There must be something wr...

I think we all know the answer to that question, but the bank asked it anyway. Click here for all the links: https://www.teresastreit.com

S1 E15 - In this episode, I’m sharing an update on the bathroom renovation plan we finally landed on — the choices, the compromises, and the reminder that home projects (like life) rarely go in a straight line. We’ll talk about what it looks like to stick to your goals even when you veer off, and how to gently guide yourself back without shame or drama. Because the truth is: we’re all imperfect hu...

In this episode of The Poppy Payoff Path, Teresa shares insights from Jon Acuff’s Remarkable You Live event and the surprising truth behind why 85% of people want to write a book but only 1% finish. We talk about: • What “resistance” really is and how it keeps us stuck • Why the middle of any goal is the hardest part • How personal stories shape our growth • The moment a book finds you at the exac...

This week, we’re breaking down the everyday choices that shape your financial momentum — the purchases you make, the plans you set, and the practical decisions that keep you moving forward. A quick, honest reset to help you spend with intention and stay aligned with your goals. Links: Website: https://www.teresastreit.com Slicer: https://a.co/d/0iDBc65v Dehydrator: https://a.co/d/04iKMoq4

In this episode, I share a few tips for managing food and drink expenses on a road trip to get the most enjoyment without throwing mindful spending right out of the window. Helpful Links: Website : https://www.teresastreit.com Ice pack Lunchbox : https://www.staples.com/PACKiT-Freezable-Lunch-Bag-Black-PKT-PC-BLA/product_2334840 Iron Flask Cup : https://a.co/d/0htkGtNR

In this episode, I’m getting honest about the part of the debt journey most people avoid: the decisions. The uncomfortable ones. The ones that require you to stop spiraling, face the numbers, and actually do the work that moves you forward. I’m sharing the moment this week when I had to choose between staying overwhelmed or taking the next non‑negotiable step — and how that tiny shift created real...

In this episode, I tell you about the new leaf I have turned over for a new habit. Let me know in comments when is a big expense on your list for saving. https://teresastreit.com

This week, I’m talking about something real: how to stay committed to your financial goals without letting money take over every conversation or every corner of your life. Yes, I’m on a payoff path. Yes, I’m focused. But I’m also a whole human with relationships, hobbies, and a life that deserves space too. In this episode, I’m unpacking what it looks like to stay disciplined without becoming one‑...

This week's reminder: one small shift can change your whole direction. Don't wait for perfect. Just move with intention. https://teresastreit.com

Get ready. I'm pretty excited in this episode and I didn't do as much editing, so you get a lot of the authentic me in this episode. It was fun to share. This week is all about forward motion — financially and creatively. I’m choosing the financial advisor who will help guide my next chapter, and I’m officially forming my LLC to turn this podcast into the foundation for something bigger. M...

Small financial shifts don’t have to feel dramatic. Think bypass, not overhaul — tiny, strategic adjustments that quietly correct your system and build momentum over time. In this Weekend Wallet Warmup, we’re talking about simple swaps that save money without sacrificing what you love. You don’t have to give up restaurants, groceries, or even movie popcorn — just choose differently and let those c...

This episode is all about taking action. From tightening up my Amazon spending to finally preparing to meet with a financial advisor, I’m leaning into the choices that build real momentum. I also talk about the purchases we made to lower our grocery costs and how a break from social media opened up space for clarity and creativity. These are the everyday habits that move us forward — one brave ste...

This episode is a quiet reset — a moment to pause, breathe, and get grounded again. I’m sharing what’s been working for me lately, what hasn’t, and how I’m finding my footing in the middle of real life. If you need a soft place to land today, you’re in the right spot.

In this short and practical episode, I’m sharing a quick money win from the week, a couple of grocery-shopping tips that helped stretch our budget, and a refresher on the snowball and avalanche payoff strategies. Nothing heavy — just real-life progress and a few ideas you can take with you into your own week.

Welcome to the very first Weekend Wallet Warm‑Up. Just like we stretch before a workout, we’re taking a few minutes to warm up our financial muscles before the weekend hits. This is our chance to pause, check in with our budget, make a simple plan, and actually stick to it — so Monday doesn’t arrive with surprises. These short Friday episodes are all about staying grounded, staying aware, and stay...

Welcome to The Poppy Payoff Path . In this short intro episode, I’m sharing the real beginning of my financial reset — the moment I realized something had to change, and the unexpected role a little red 2015 Mini Cooper named Poppy played in helping me start fresh. This podcast isn’t about perfection or expertise. It’s about learning in real time, rebuilding with honesty, and creating a porch‑side...

In this intro episode of The Poppy Payoff Path , I’m sharing where I am in my financial journey — in my 50s, learning how to manage investments, build a budget, and recover from the many money mistakes I’ve made along the way. I’m not a financial advisor, just someone determined to finally get things on track and work toward my big goal of retiring in about ten years… maybe even sooner. In this sh...