Having honest and open conversations about real topics with our close friends is an essential part of life. And sometimes, knowing what other people are chatting with their pals can be truly eye-opening. If you’ve ever wondered how a conversation between two GenX women who are going through similar life experiences sounds like, you’re in for a true reveal. In this week’s episode, I’m having an informal chat with my good friend Librada Estrada about our kids stepping into adulthood, our health, and, of course, preparing financially for our future. Have you ever found yourself going through challenges or circumstances that no one else seems to be relating to? It’s not that your issues are uncommon or only specific to you, not at all. It’s more that you would prefer to have an open conversation with someone who not only is close to you but is also going through the same life stage as you are. Someone who relates to your lived experience in the way only a close friend can. Well, this week’s episode is a great opportunity to sneak peek into how such a conversation unfolds! This week I’m having an informal chat with my long-time friend Librada Estrada on all things money, planning, and, of course, health. In this episode, you’ll get to be a fly on the wall while two GenX women going through similar experiences talk about life, money, and health.In this episode you will learn: Thoughts on helping your kids transition into adulthood (plot twist: it ain’t simple!)Why always keeping in mind your future needs is the best mindset to have when thinking about retirement.The importance of having (and holding to) a vision when setting up your goals.For a quick recap of this episode go to https://www.jenhemphill.com/407The post, A Conversation Entre Amigas | HDM 407 appeared first on the Her Dinero Matters Podcast.

If you are among the millions of people who rely on Google Maps to get to places, use Task Rabbit to find contractors, or have groceries delivered almost anywhere through Instacart, you are not alone. These services may feel like separate entities, but at the end of the day they all have one major thing in common: they are extremely convenient and, as such, most of them come with a hefty price tag. Does this mean you shouldn’t use them? The goal of this week’s episode is to answer that eternal question. Today, I’ll share my thoughts on the price of convenience and how you can use this bonus to your advantage.Picture the following scenario. It’s mid-week, and instead of decreasing, your workload is at an all-time high. You leave the office exhausted and in a daze, only to realize a few minutes into your commute that, yet again, you forgot about dinner. It seems that your brain just can’t plan a proper grocery haul so, just like you did last week, you decide to take the convenient approach. With just two or three flips through your phone screen, your problem is solved. Dinner will be served at your door in less than half an hour, courtesy of Uber Eats. Convenience may be just a noun, but on a busy Wednesday evening, when you have no mental space left available, it becomes a life-saver. The glue that holds together your packed schedule.The only problem? Just like any luxury item, choosing the most convenient option usually has an extra fee. Yes, your meal delivery, house cleaning, and transportation services may be extra handy, but they ain’t cheap. This is why in today’s episode we are going to have an in-depth discussion about the price of convenience. Why is it that the United States consumer loves convenience so much and what is the true price you are paying for getting some time back in your calendar? In this episode you will learn: Snap history: how did these convenient services come to be?One risk of relying too much on handy solutions.Key things you need to know before signing up for these services.For a quick recap of this episode go to https://www.jenhemphill.com/406The post, The Price of Convenience | HDM 406 appeared first on the Her Dinero Matters Podcast.

Although no one likes to think about financial bumps, the harsh reality is that, as long as you have money in this game, total financial loss and bankruptcy will always be part of the spectrum of possible outcomes, and while I’m all about positive thinking, I also want to stress the importance of being prepared for even the worst case scenario. This is why, in this week’s episode  I’ll share with you five reasons why you should have a backup plan to protect you when the possibility of total financial loss starts to loom over the horizon. We all have our own version of the worst nightmare ever. For some, that no-go scenario is filled with creepy crawlers (shudder), crazy heights, or bad news. For others horrible traffic jams, crowded places, and unfortunate circumstances are all that it takes to qualify something as a seriously bad dream. However, if we leave the specifics aside, we can all agree that most of us consider total financial loss as one of the most accurate definitions of nightmarish scenarios.In today’s day and age, it’s hard to imagine a more anxiety-generating situation than the loss of all our material wealth. In fact, for some people, the possibility of experiencing total financial loss is such an unthinkable scenario that the act of simply considering the possibility is enough to trigger a mini-panic attack. While I always strive to remain positive and uplifting, I have to recognize that sometimes being prepared for our worst-case scenarios does pay off. When it comes to total financial loss having a plan in place (aka, your emergency protocol) will always be a savvy choice. This is why in this week’s episode, I’ll share with you five reasons why you should have a backup plan to protect you when the possibility of total financial loss starts to loom over the horizon.In this episode you will learn: Five key reasons why you should always be prepared, both for the good and the bad.My insights on how I answered the “What would I do if…?” question.How others have responded to this question and their bid takeaways.For a quick recap of this episode go to https://www.jenhemphill.com/405The post, Total Financial Loss: Can You Prepare For It? | HDM 405 appeared first on the Her Dinero Matters Podcast.

Splurging or saving? That is the question. And if you have a financial goal that requires you to save big and consistently, you probably know firsthand how stressful and frustrating spending decisions can feel. You see an item that catches your eye big time and, while former you would have proceeded to buy it without any additional thoughts, the new you is running a full forecasting projection the minute you gaze upon the price tag. If this scenario sounds familiar, you’re in good company! In this week’s episode, I’ll share with you a set of guiding questions that will help you navigate the delicate art of figuring out when it’s better to save and when it’s safe to splurge.No adult life is fully complete without a full set of (deceptively) crucial decisions. Whole wheat or white bread? Cats or dogs? A relaxing staycation or an adventurous one-week vacation? Green juice or salad? All of these will give you a few guaranteed harsh minutes.However, when it comes to deceptively simple decisions, saying yay or nay to a specific purchase stands in its own category… especially when you’re committed to reducing your spending to the minimum (hello, Great Financial Goals!). What’s more, this mini-mental ordeal becomes even more challenging when you perceive said expense as something with the potential to transform your life (think high-end organic foods, hot and in-demand kitchen appliances, or home & garden items that just feel right).If you are on a tight spending budget, but also feel compelled to just go and get that item now, the framework I will share in today’s episode might be just what you need. From navigating the complicated emotions that arise when spending decisions show their bizarre face, to actually understanding the thinking that takes place the minute you see that lush patio furniture, this episode has it all!In this episode you will learn: The I-Needed-This-Yesterday mentality sometimes plays tricks on you, and here’s why.Why the road to Big Financial Goals is not always paved with sacrifices.The five questions you need to ask yourself before making that spending decision.For a quick recap of this episode go to https://www.jenhemphill.com/404The post, Splurging or Saving? Five Guiding Questions to Help You Make Better Spending Decisions| HDM 404 appeared first on the Her Dinero Matters Podcast.

Have you ever been through a phase in your life when all you want is a serious reset? If you suspect this need to overhaul everything won’t just go away with a few days off or even a short trip to the beach, you’ve landed in the right space. In this week’s episode, I’m sharing a few exciting updates on the direction this podcast will be taking in this new season. And, spoiler alert, it all boils down to one single thing: balance.How does life look like when we are so busy that we can’t even see properly what’s standing right in front of us? I’m sure that, like most women I know, at some point, you too have been overwhelmed and swamped by life’s circumstances. Whether it’s because you have a demanding job, are in charge of small children with multiple activities and conflicting schedules, or just happen to be the unlucky victim of a complicated commute, sometimes functioning without a good dose of overwhelm is just not an option. When that happens, all we need (all we crave, in fact) is a big, massive break. Which is exactly what this podcast did over the summer since, just like you, I’ve also been through one of the busiest seasons ever.Now that we are back, it is time to share some exciting (and much-needed) updates on what’s going on over the other side of the mic. In this episode you will learn: A quick update on the format (hint: we are going back to our roots).Two exciting business updates (did anyone say better resources?)A quick recap of what’s happening on the personal side.For a quick recap of this episode go to https://www.jenhemphill.com/403The post, The Start of a Fresh New Season | HDM 403 appeared first on the Her Dinero Matters Podcast.

Budgeting doesn’t need to be complicated! There are plenty of great budgeting tools out there that make it easier to manage your finances, but how do you choose the best one for you with so many to choose from? Once you do choose, how do you not overwhelm yourself? And what is the trick for staying consistent? We discuss this and more in this solo episode. Creating a monthly budget can help you gain an understanding of your financial situation and set clear goals. With so many options available when it comes to budgeting tools, it can be overwhelming to decide which ones to go with. In this episode, I share several budgeting tools as well as help you figure out how to choose the best one for you without a headache.In this episode you will learn: Three key details to help you choose the budgeting tool for you Why you should define financial responsibility for you.One key tip on how to manage your finances without stressFor a quick recap of this episode go to https://www.jenhemphill.com/338The post, Budgeting Tools: How to Choose, Organize and Simplify Your Finances  | HDM 338 appeared first on the Her Dinero Matters Podcast

Are you needing new ideas or inspiration when it comes to saving that money? Our Reina Crew this month discusses just that! Don’t miss out and tune into this episode.A little bit about our panelists for this episode:🙋🏻‍♀️ Cindy Zuniga is the founder of Zero-Based Budget Coaching LLC.  After graduating from law school in 2015 with over $210,000 of debt, Cindy took control of her money by immersing herself in the world of personal finance.In 2018, she launched @zerobasedbudget to document her debt payoff journey and simplify personal finance concepts.  After recognizing, through her platform, people’s unique needs and goals, Cindy founded Zero-Based Budget Coaching LLC and offers personal finance coaching services and speaks to audiences small and large about budgeting, saving, investing, and more.Cindy practices law full time as a commercial litigator.🙋🏻‍♀️ Katia Perez-Chesnok is an entrepreneur, financial literacy blogger & advocate and millennial mom. She worked investment and commercial banking for more than 10 years, in institutions such as Bank of America, Royal Bank of Canada among others.Katia runs the personal finance blog Economikat dedicated to all women and especially Latinas, to empower, inform and inspire them on their financial journeys while sharing tips on savings, budgeting, investing and others.She also co-founded CP Clicks, a digital marketing and e-commerce agency.In this episode you will learn: Challenges they have had when it comes to savingHow they overcame those challenges and started saving moreSome creative ways they have saved and others they are wanting to tryFor a quick recap of this episode go to https://www.jenhemphill.com/193The post, Thinking ‘Outside the Box’ to Save Your Money  | HDM 193 appeared first on the Her Dinero Matters Podcast

How to stop being broke starts from within, not with your paycheck.In this episode, we chat with Angelina Rosario who found herself broke.This was a turning point in her life which lead to reflection, growth and to thriving in her financial life.For a quick recap of this episode go to https://www.jenhemphill.com/182The post, How to Stop Being Broke and Thrive with Angelina Rosario | HDM 182 appeared first on the Her Dinero Matters Podcast

Did you know that according to studies conducted by Andrew Naber, an organizational psychologist, the average person spends roughly 90,000 hours at work in a lifetime? It’s wild. Since work is such an important part of our lives, spending our days in an unsupportive and draining environment (aka, a job with toxic work conditions) definitely has the potential to turn our lives upside down. But, what do you do when this unfortunate situation becomes your reality? Is it possible to find a way out? That’s exactly what Doris Quintanilla, founder of the Melanin Collective, will attempt to answer in today’s episode. It’s Sunday evening and your body knows it. As soon as the day starts to fade out, an annoying and anxious voice in your head starts to turn up the volume. Before you know it, your heart is racing, your palms are sweaty, and a bone-aching sense of dread, like a Siberian tiger pouncing out of nowhere, engulfs you. The proverbial Sunday Scaries, an ever-present malaise that two years ago you believed to be the name of (yet another) over-hyped  cereal brand, is paying his regular weekly visit. The reason? The prospect of facing yet another work week is making your stomach turn. Admitting this, however, is not easy. At the end of the day, you still love what you do —you find meaning and joy in your career. The real problem (or, as some would say, the only problem) is that the work environment where you currently operate is sucking your soul out. It may be an unresponsive/unsupportive manager, passive-aggressive coworkers, long and exhausting working hours or unrealistic expectations from the leadership team —you name it. Regardless of the circumstances,  the problem remains: doing your job has become a race to the bottom that slowly (but oh, very steadily) is running you dry. If this situation sounds familiar, here goes the million-dollar question: how do you get out of this space? How can you recover your peace at work? Is there an actual way out of a toxic work environment? In this week’s episode, Doris Quintanila, founder of the Melanin Collective, will share her key to surviving toxic work environments. In this episode you will learn: The impact marching the streets, helping in fundraisers, and an abundance of determination had in her personal life.The story of  how her work environment soured up  after suffering a concussion.Her best tip to help you survive and overcome  a toxic work environment.For a quick recap of this episode go to https://www.jenhemphill.com/196The post, This Is NOT the End: The Key to Overcoming Toxic Work Environment  | HDM 196 appeared first on the Her Dinero Matters Podcast.

Did you know that believing in your capacity to make things happen (aka, believing in yourself) plays a huge role in the outcome of your projects and plans? It may not seem like a big deal, but a lack of belief can actually hinder you in ways that are hard to calculate with a simple spreadsheet. In this episode, I’ll share with you why belief in yourself is so important and what to do to cultivate this skill. Have you ever had a project in which you meticulously planned every step? In fact, everything was so well thought out in advance that you were certain this thing was going to turn out to be nothing short of amazing…except it didn’t. And now, with the advantage of hindsight on your side, you can finally start to see there was indeed a missing ingredient: belief. Or to be more specific: a lack of belief in yourself (and your skills).A lack of belief that, more often than not, translates into a lack of trust in your ability to make things happen. In this episode, we are going to dig deep and discuss what’s the role of belief in your everyday life and what you can do to harness its power. In this episode you will learn: The difference between belief, mindset, and confidence. How beliefs impact your work and the way you carry yourself in the world. What to do if you’re stuck in the lack of belief cycle. For a quick recap of this episode go to https://www.jenhemphill.com/199The post, [Summer Playlist] Harnessing the Power of Believing in Yourself | HDM 199 appeared first on the Her Dinero Matters Podcast.

Have you ever heard the story of someone who managed to overcome a dire financial situation and immediately thought “I would love to know how they did it”? I know I have! As any curious human would do, I’m always on the lookout for stories that showcase what others have done to overcome hurdles, especially if those roadblocks were money-related. In this episode, Kara Perez, the founder of Bravely Go, an award-winning financial education company, will share with us how she overcame some major financial challenges and how the experience shaped her.  Financial resilience is probably one of the most important skills you will ever develop. The ability to bounce back from setbacks and be strategic when organizing your priorities will always serve you well. The only problem with this? A huge catch-22:  to develop financial resilience you have to “walk the talk”, as Kara Perez's story aptly demonstrates. Kara grew up on the East Coast and, just as many of us do, she was raised in an environment where money was tight. And yet, at the tender age of 24, she decided that enough was enough and managed to pay back her student loans, fix her finances, and build a community that teaches people how to make sustainable money choices.  In this week’s episode, Kara will share with us her story and the big takeaways she got out of her journey. In this episode you will learn: Kara’s story on becoming financially resilient. Thought-provoking insights on the gender wealth gap and why this matters.Two things Latinas can do to minimize the impact of the gender wealth gap. For a quick recap of this episode go to https://www.jenhemphill.com/198The post, [Summer Playlist] A Journey Towards Financial Resilience | HDM 198 appeared first on the Her Dinero Matters Podcast.

When it comes to organizing our lives, we all have our ways and secret hacks… but in my opinion, nothing will ever beat the joys of having a realistic, well-thought checklist supporting your daily musings. No matter what my goals are, when I have them properly laid out in a list, magical things happen. If you are the type of person who also thrives when a handy checklist is provided, and you’ve been wanting to do some financial re-organization, I’ve got you covered. In this episode, I will share the  4-step checklist that I regularly use to review my finances whenever I feel some extra organization may be in order.When was the last time you had an incredibly productive day? The kind of day when the stars magically align and, out of the blue,  you become a task-crushing machine that just makes stuff happen? I’ll be the first to admit that, for me, a day like this doesn’t happen as often as I would like, but regardless of that one thing is certain: the productivity gods do tend to visit more when I plan my day with intention.And that planning usually involves a carefully curated checklist. Whether it is for tackling my list of regular chores, getting a headstart on an important project, or doing a healthy dose of financial reviewing, checklists are an essential tool in my planning kit. And because I know so many of us have the nagging tendency to postpone tasks that we perceive as complex or time-consuming, especially when it comes to finances (yes Tax Filing, I’m looking at you), I’ve created a 4-step checklist that will allow you to do a quick but thorough overview of the current state of your finances. In this episode you will learn: Why you should consider using a checklist to organize yourself and stay on track with all the different aspects of your finances.Insights on how to set up realistic and achievable goals. My tested-and-tried 4-step checklist that will help you advance your finances.For a quick recap of this episode go to https://www.jenhemphill.com/347The post, [Summer Playlist] A 4-Step Financial Checklist to Spring Clean Your Finances | HDM 347 appeared first on the Her Dinero Matters Podcast.

Ever heard of no-spend challenges? Although the name may sound a tad bit intimidating, this is a new challenge trend that I’m actually looking forward to trying out. At the end of the day, when done with intention, no-spend challenges can be a great way to reboot and rethink your regular spending habits. This is why in this week’s episode I’ll share with you my best tips and tricks to get the most out of a No-Spend challenge. Have you ever found yourself taking all sorts of wrong turns when driving to a new destination? Maybe you’re visiting a friend for the first time, or you just landed a new job and are commuting to a brand new workplace for the first time, ever. Regardless of the specifics, it seems that some part of your brain didn’t get the memo and now it’s trying to take you to a familiar place. If you’ve ever had this experience, you probably know firsthand how powerful the forces of our repeated behaviors are. More often than not, our habits (especially the tricky ones) tend to get in our way without us even noticing. If you want to give yourself a major surprise, just pay close attention to the way your day goes, especially when it comes to the tiny (and repetitive) tasks. This is exactly why No-Spend challenges are such a great way to reset your spending habits. When you start focusing your attention on the number of times you get your wallet out on any given day, some revealing patterns start to emerge. However, if you are considering putting yourself in a No-Spend challenge, there are a few things you gotta nail down first. In this episode, I will walk you through my checklist of tips and tricks so you can get the most out of your No-Spend challenge. In this episode you will learn: The benefits of putting yourself through a No-Spend challenge. My list of do’s and dont’s (hint: it all has to do with your intentions).The things you have to do after your challenge ends (yes, there’s homework!)For a quick recap of this episode go to https://www.jenhemphill.com/190The post, [Summer Playlist] Need a Habit Reset? How to Use No-Spend Challenges Like a Pro  | HDM 190 appeared first on the Her Dinero Matters Podcast.

Have you ever found yourself in a financial situation that just feels hopeless? Whether it is massive credit card debt or student loans with balances that never actually shrink, at some point in our lives, almost everyone has walked through this long, dark-ish corridor, and it’s not a great place to be. And yet, one fact remains: overcoming a financial crisis might be hard, but it’s not impossible. In this week’s episode, our guest Nashira Lynton will share how she managed to get out of a dire financial situation without losing her sense of self in the process. Money is something we all think about. Not doing so it’s almost impossible: we all have bills to pay, groceries to buy, and loved ones to take care of. However, when it comes to assessing the health of your financial situation, admitting (especially to yourself) that you are, in fact, living through a seemingly endless financial crisis, with no end in sight, is one of the most challenging things ever. Accepting that you are in a dire money situation evokes all sorts of negative emotions and associations: shame, anxiety, the fear of being judged, and, most commonly, a profound sense of hopelessness. So here goes the million-dollar question: is it possible to get out of that stressful, mentally taxing place and move on with life? This week’s HDM  guest, Nashira Lynton, is living proof that there’s indeed a way out. Nashira is a financial therapist and owner of Renewed Wealth Therapy. She has helped families pay off cars, reduce debt, build wealth, and decrease financial stress.In this episode you will learn: The simple question you should ask yourself to help you have a deeper understanding of your current mindset (so you can make a shift that aligns with you). How therapy can help you unlock your financial potential and achieve your money goals.Understanding how the financial missteps of our parents can have a negative impact on our lives.For a quick recap of this episode go to https://www.jenhemphill.com/337The post, [Summer Playlist] Overcoming a Financial Crisis Without Losing Yourself: A Rule of Thumb  | HDM 337 appeared first on the Her Dinero Matters Podcast.

Have you ever felt disconnected from your money? As if you and your wallet had nothing in common? Maybe you have even caught yourself saying things like “It’s just money, we’ll be ok” whenever you lose some, or “I’ll figure something out” when, financially, things don’t go as planned. The weirdest thing is that, even if today you are not in a financially tough spot, money is not exactly flowing into your hands. If this disconnect rings true, would you believe me if I said that a lack of clarity about your values and beliefs around money might be the main culprit? Well, today’s episode might make you change your mind. At this stage of the game, we all have a general idea of how important values and beliefs are in our daily lives, especially when it comes to all things money management. In fact, for most people, the relationship that exists between them and their money depends almost entirely on the type of beliefs they have about it. Do you see money as a source of conflict and future anxiety? Then dealing with your finances may not be your favorite activity in the world. Of course, the opposite is also true: if you believe that money is a tool that can help you maximize your impact, you’ll be eager to learn more. So, what can you do if your current money beliefs and values need a lil’  overhaul? For this week’s episode, I had an enlightening conversation with Pedro Sanchez Jr, a leadership and financial coach with a huge mission: empower the Latino community through financial literacy. Pedro shared with us why values and beliefs around money are crucial for having healthy finances and what you can do to elevate yours.In this episode you will learn: All about Pedro's core values and their origin story.Why Pedro decided to teach financial literacy to the Latino community.Pedro’s take on the biggest financial challenges in the community.For a quick recap of this episode go to https://www.jenhemphill.com/288The post, [Summer Playlist] Beliefs and Values: The Key to Your Financial Success? | HDM 288 appeared first on the Her Dinero Matters Podcast.

Picture the following scenario. You’re at the bank, reviewing the contract for the new savings account that you’re about to open when you stumble upon a term you’ve never seen before. You reread the sentence, trying to figure it out and make sense of the language, but the terms are just not ringing a bell. What do you do? Do you bring the issue to the attention of the Account executive, asking for further clarification, or do you just let it slide? If you are the type of person who would rather forget the whole situation instead of taking the risk of looking bad, this week’s episode with Gidget Benitez is a must-listen.I get it: openly admitting that you don’t know or understand something that everyone else seems to get right away is not easy. The fear of being judged for our lack of knowledge of things that everyone considers “essential” can push us to hide and pretend we get it when we actually don’t. Some people even seem to believe that feigning understanding is the only way to operate and make things move forward (#gasp). But, what if I told you that raising your hand every single time you don’t get something is a better way to go? And even better: what if you could hear firsthand the story of someone who managed to figure her finances out by adopting this attitude? Would you be curious to know more? If you are, then stay tuned because this week’s interview with Gidget Benitez will surely inspire you to take some bold action. Gidget is the creator and producer of Afro Latina, a podcast dedicated to sharing tips for African and Latina women interested in becoming lawyers.In this episode you will learn: The story behind the financial struggles Gidget endured. The wake-up call she got when she started a colleague.What being an Afro Latina means for Gidget. For a quick recap of this episode go to https://www.jenhemphill.com/188The post, [Summer Playlist] Figuring Your Way To Financial Freedom with Gidget Benitez | HDM 188 appeared first on the Her Dinero Matters Podcast.

Have you ever found yourself questioning your hard-earned money skills time and time again? Maybe you’ve spent months (or years) learning all there is to know about investing and budgeting. You’ve done the courses, attended the webinars, read the books, and even chatted with professionals and qualified advisors. And yet, for some reason, when it comes to owning your knowledge, of saying “heck yes” to your budding money skills, something in you wavers. You hesitate. You feel uncomfortable and out of place accepting that yes, you have become financially literate. Sounds familiar? Then this week’s convo with Kayla Nedza may make you reconsider. Let’s be honest: putting your most honest, confident, and self-assured money self out in the world is no easy feat. In fact, when it comes to owning your money skills (and knowledge!) a weird paradox usually pops up: the more you know about a topic, the less confident you feel about the accuracy of your claims and beliefs (btw, this is why most subject matter experts always respond to questions with what seems to be vague “it depends”.  It’s not that they don’t know —it’s just that they are trying to avoid over-generalizations). This is why in this week’s episode our guest, Kayla Nedza, will walk us through two key money lessons that will help you to finally take ownership of your money skills and grow your confidence.In this episode you will learn: How Kayla’s dad set her up for success from early on.Why grace and compassion are an integral part of every money journey.One big money challenge Kayla is tackling today. For a quick recap of this episode go to https://www.jenhemphill.com/179The post, [Summer Playlist] The Key to Reclaim Your Money Skills & Confidence | HDM 179 appeared first on the Her Dinero Matters Podcast.

Are you always “saving” on little things here and there? You may not be the type of person who consistently saves 10% of their income for retirement, but anyone who knows you can tell you’re the queen of frugality.  Between avoiding brand names at the grocery store (in favor of the Store Brand) and being a die-hard fan of a zero-waste lifestyle (did anyone say reused Mason jars?), you are the living embodiment of the frugal person. But, do you know how much money you are actually saving through your frugal lifestyle? Or, are these imaginary savings just that —a pretty illusion?  As a self-declared frugal person, a close friend of mine is always looking for new ways to save a couple hundred extra dollars a month. For the past six months, saving on fuel has become one of her biggest goals. On a regular recharging day, she travels to the other side of her city to refuel at a tiny gas station that charges 30% less than her regular Shell station. That sounds like a sweet deal…until you consider her regular station is just one block away from her apartment, but the cheaper place is 45 minutes away #gasp.My friend’s example comes to my mind whenever I say that, sometimes,  being the most frugal person doesn’t always help your bottom line. Our brains are so complex that, sometimes, being ultra-focused on saving a few dollars doesn't allow us to see the forest for the trees. And you know what’s the most perplexing part? This mistake is more common than you think. This is why in this week’s episode, I want to talk about frugality and the traps usually associated with our reflex of trying to cut down on expenses when finances are tight.In this episode you will learn: Why frugality, by itself,  is not enough to improve your financial situation.The 3 things you have to do to leverage a frugal lifestyle. One question you NEED to ask yourself before going frugal. For a quick recap of this episode go to https://www.jenhemphill.com/181The post, [Summer Playlist] Lessons Learned From Frugality | 181  appeared first on the Her Dinero Matters Podcast.

If you have a budget, I’m sure you know why keeping track of your expenses is important. What you probably don’t know is that daily ins and outs are not the only numbers worth tracking. In fact, if you want to truly stay on top of your finances there are four numbers you should keep an eye on. In this episode, I’ll share what these numbers are, how to keep up with them, and why tracking them will make a difference in the long run. Keeping track of your expenses is an essential part of budgeting: there’s just no way around it. However, I get why you might find this whole expense tracking thing a little bit tedious (or just plain boring!), especially if you are new-ish to budgeting and you’re still working on creating a system that works for you.  If that sounds all too familiar, this week’s episode might be just what you need. Today, we’ll start with a quick review of the basics of expense tracking (a lil’ refresher is always welcome!) and why it’s important to keep up with those numbers. Then, we’ll move on to the nitty-gritty of this week’s topic: four not-so-common numbers that you should keep in mind when evaluating your finances. Most people don’t usually see big, drastic changes in these numbers month over month, but that doesn’t make them less important. Keeping a close eye on them will not only give you valuable info on your current financial situation, it will also help you find all sorts of growth opportunities.In this episode you will learn: Why expense tracking doesn’t have to be tedious.3 expense types to keep up with (and why they matter).4 numbers that are not that common, but are worth keeping in your tracker.For a quick recap of this episode go to https://www.jenhemphill.com/402The post, Four Numbers You Need to Start Tracking Today | HDM 402 appeared first on the Her Dinero Matters Podcast.

What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear “money rules”? If you’re anything like me, you probably think about complicated must-dos, or old-as-time financial practices that, by now, are pretty much set in stone. But, what if I told you that money rules don’t have to be inflexible (or even tied to money per se) to be effective and life-changing? Would you believe me? Well, let’s put that to the test! In today’s episode, I’ll share with you 8 money rules that have helped me take my money management to a whole new level. If every time you hear the words “money rules” you hear the distant echo of Scrooge McDuck rigidly screaming “I made my money by being tougher than the toughies and smarter than the smarties!”, maybe it’s time to reconsider your approach to the concept of “rules” (plot twist: being inflexible is not part a money rule job description! #notreally).Here’s the deal: when it comes to money management & finances, having rules that work is crucial. Not only they will help you make better decisions (and in less time), but they can also reduce the mental load that usually comes with money management. However, just because rules are important it doesn’t mean they have to be rigid or set in stone. In fact. It’s quite the opposite! My experience has taught me that the best money rules are those that are tailored to my situation and thus resonate deeply with my personal money story. And you know what? You can also have rules like these. This is why, in this episode, I’ll share with you 8 money rules that have helped me take my money management to a whole new level. In this episode you will learn: The reason why not all money rules have to be about money (#gasp!)How to set up money rules that work for you… when you are rule-averse.Why creating your own money rules is 100% possibleFor a quick recap of this episode go to https://www.jenhemphill.com/401The post, Money Rules That Don’t Have To Do With Money? | HDM 401 appeared first on the Her Dinero Matters Podcast.