Summer is just around the corner, and while we're all mentally planning beach trips and patio drinks, our bank accounts are quietly dreading what's coming. 

In this episode, we break down those sneaky seasonal expenses that somehow surprise us every single year. From al fresco dinners out to wedding travel costs, we're getting real about our own summer spending habits. Spoiler: We both spend more this time of year! 

Not only do we help you plan for what’s coming, we also cover practical strategies to enjoy summer for less.

You know about Dry January, right? It’s where you give up alcohol for the first month of the year. This idea inspired our own challenge, and In March, we each gave up a specific type of spending to see what would happen. For Cassidy, that meant cutting out Amazon completely, while Emily challenged herself to shop only at local businesses for all discretionary purchases. We called it Dry March and recorded everything to share in this episode.

What began as a money experiment revealed a lot about convenience, community connection, and the hidden mental load of modern shopping habits. 

Money questions keeping you up at night? You're not alone! In this special Financial Literacy Month episode, we open up our inbox to tackle your burning financial questions related to all things personal finance. 

From the intimidating "how much do I actually need for retirement?" to the all-too-relatable "why do I feel so behind compared to my friends?", we’re answering your questions with our own experiences — without judgment or jargon.

Whether you're stressed about investing, puzzled about budgeting with inconsistent income, or simply too scared to even look at your bank account, listening to this episode is the perfect first step.

No one grows up dreaming about filing taxes, yet somehow we're all expected to figure it out on our own. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on their real-life tax experiences, from our first terrified attempts at TurboTax to navigating the complexities of self-employment taxes. 

In this episode, we’ll…

• Bust common tax myths, including what a “write-off” actually is and how tax brackets work

• Share personal stories of surprise tax bills

• Offer practical advice for building confidence during tax season 

• Help you figure out when it’s time to outsource 

Whether you're an employee or business owner, a DIY filer or a CPA enthusiast, this honest conversation will help you approach tax season with less anxiety and more clarity.

Making friends as an adult is like trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces. We've all been there—scrolling through social media, wondering how everyone else seems to have a perfect friend group while we're sitting at home knitting. 🧶

In this episode, we're diving deep into the art of building meaningful connections, breaking down the emotional barriers, and uncovering the surprising ways friendships can impact your financial and personal growth. 

From mindset shifts to practical strategies, we're sharing our own messy, beautiful journey of finding community (though it’s always a work in progress) and why it's worth every initial coffee meetup and uncomfortable first chat.

Let's be real: getting a dog is like accidentally signing up for a financial rollercoaster you never saw coming. Emily's first year with Clover was a wild ride of unexpected expenses, adorable chaos, and more love and cuteness than she ever imagined. 🥹 Spoiler alert: No amount of budgeting could have prepared her for this.

We’ve all heard the classic money advice that tells you to cut out all unnecessary spending.

Cancel your gym membership. Stop buying lattes. Cook all your meals at home.

But we reject that mindset — and we think you should too.

Sure, spending mindlessly can get you into trouble. But intentional spending? That’s what makes life feel good.

That’s why this week, we’re talking about the things we gladly splurge on — the little luxuries that make us feel like we’re living the high life. 💅

Most budgeting advice is… kind of useless. Not because it’s wrong, but because it’s so generic.

👉 “Spend less than you earn.” Cool, groundbreaking.
👉 “Stick to a budget.” Okay, but how??

The truth is, everyone’s budget looks different. That’s why we thought it would be fun (and hopefully helpful!) to take you inside our actual budgets.

Roth IRAs are everywhere in personal finance advice, but what makes them so special? 

In this episode, we’re breaking it all down — answering listener-submitted questions about how to open one, when to contribute, and why people won’t stop talking about them.

How to merge finances with your partner.

Last week, we tackled the should you merge finances? debate. This week, we’re getting into the nitty-gritty: how to actually do it.

Merging finances sounds simple until you’re in the thick of it and wondering:

• How do we split expenses fairly?

• What do we do about savings?

• Who’s in charge of paying the bills?

• Do we need a joint account? Multiple accounts? None??

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the logistics, we’ve been there. And today, we’re walking you through how to set up a system that actually works for you and your partner.

Should you merge finances with your partner? 

Money is one of the spiciest topics in relationships, and merging finances? That’s where things can get real messy.

Some people believe not merging finances means you don’t trust your partner. Others think combining everything is a fast track to financial disaster. So… what’s the right move?

In this episode, we’re diving deep into:

• How we personally handle finances with our partners (full merge? partial merge? separate?)

• The morality debate—Is it wrong not to merge? Does separate money mean less trust?

• Real stories from couples who merged (and those who didn’t)

• The different ways couples can structure their finances — so you can decide what works for you

Plus, we share an anonymous listener-submitted story about how merging finances went wrong — and what they wish they had done differently.

🎧 Tune in now to get the full conversation, and don’t forget to catch next week’s episode, where we dive into the logistics of merging finances!

💸 Ever wondered what it actually takes to pay off student loans fast?

In this episode of The Finance Girlies, Cassidy shares her journey of paying off $18,000 in student loan debt in just 10 months—what worked, what didn’t, and what she’d do differently now.

And whether you’re drowning in student loans or just looking for money strategies that actually work, you’ll walk away with plenty of ideas (and maybe a few “wow, I did what?!” moments from Cassidy’s past frugal habits).

This episode is all about the dreaded D word — debt! Tune in as Cassidy and Emily unpack their personal philosophies on debt — from tackling high-interest loans to deciding when it’s okay to carry debt. They break down what terms like “good debt” and “bad debt” really mean (and why they might not be the best way to think about borrowing). Plus, they share practical tools for evaluating your debt and how to prioritize paying it off without shame or stress.

Tune in for relatable insights, some eye-opening stats, and actionable advice to help you take control of your financial story.

In the final episode of the Finance Girlies podcast for 2024, hosts Emily and Cassidy reflect on their favorite moments of the year by answering rapid-fire questions. 

They discuss their top books, best and worst purchases, goals for next year, new hobbies, and personal achievements. Emily shares her journey with doggy daycare and buying a new car, while Cassidy talks about a cozy new home and her love for crocheting. 

Join them as they wrap up the year with a heartfelt look back and plans for the future.

In this Finance Girlies podcast episode, we share practical tips and personal stories on how to give meaningful, budget-friendly gifts during the holidays without feeling like a Scrooge.

From using credit card points and setting gift budgets to DIY crafts and thoughtful low-waste options, we explore various strategies to keep holiday spending under control.

We also discuss how to approach gift exchanges with financial consciousness and suggestions for inexpensive yet valuable gifts like food items, homemade crafts, and personalized mugs. Tune in for our top five pieces of advice and a rapid-fire list of creative gift ideas.

In this episode, co-hosts Cassidy and Emily give their top banking tips to help you maximize your savings and choose the right bank accounts. They discuss how many accounts you need, the benefits of high-yield savings accounts, and how to avoid fees and find good customer service. Learn the pros and cons of local credit unions versus online banks, and get practical advice on managing cash deposits and online banking. With personal stories and actionable tips, you'll be equipped to make smart banking choices and optimize your finances.

In this episode of The Finance Girlies, Emily and Cassidy unpack their lifelong journeys with money—from childhood perceptions shaped by family and experiences to adult financial habits. They discuss the swings between spending and saving, the impact of early financial fears, and the challenge of finding a healthy balance. 

In this episode, we get to know Emily, one half of The Finance Girlies duo. Emily shares her journey from outdoor educator to freelance personal finance writer, her reasons behind the transition, and how she managed her own finances along the way.  Emily highlights her experience with saving, opening a retirement account, and making career decisions that align with her values. Listen in as Emily shares how broadening her financial knowledge and taking calculated risks changed her relationship with work and money.

In this episode of the Finance Girlies Podcast, host Cassidy shares her financial and professional journey. Cassidy recounts her transition from a struggling college student with debt to a successful freelance personal finance copywriter earning over $100,000. She and Emily discuss the importance of financial planning, overcoming early career challenges, and the role of a supportive community. Cassidy highlights her experience with budgeting, managing student loans, and making career decisions like pursuing an MBA. Listen in on Cassidy shares how increasing her income and taking calculated risks have transformed her financial life.