#122 Today I'm talking with Renie Cavallari. She's the author of Head Trash and CEO of Aspire- a leadership development, training and consulting firm. Renie is an expert at helping people stop sabotaging their own success by helping them trade their anxiety and fear for bigger potential, and a better quality of life.

We're talking about how to identify your own head trash, why mindset work really is the most important work, and why the quality of the questions you ask can determine the quality of your life.

(5:33) Not sure what head trash is? Find out right here

(8:50) Discover how to identify your disconnected thoughts faster

(11:41) This is why mindset is absolutely the most important work

(14:16) Do you know which of the Four Big Lies you're believing?

(32:48) Here are some strategies to practice dumping your head trash

Looking for more information, mama?

Visit the show notes at https://www.smartmoneymamas.com/122

Grab your FREE Healthy Money Mindset Workbook https://smartmoneymamas.com/healthy-money-mindset-workbook

#121 Today I'm talking with children's author, Maria Dismondy. Maria has published a handful of delightful books that focus on diversity and character education. Learn how a lack of diverse literature inspired Maria to leave the classroom to publish children's books.

We're talking about how you can use literature for creative conversations starters, tips for helping kids navigate anxiety with a new school year, and why we should always encourage curiosity!

(1:33) Learn how Maria decided to transition from teaching to writing children’s books 

(5:33) Here’s why children’s lit is the perfect tool for teaching character education 

(7:20) These are some creative ways to build a life-long love of reading 

(22:22) Check out these tips for helping kids work through pandemic anxiety in the new school year

(37:01) Ever wanted to write and publish a book? Start here!

Looking for more information, mama? Visit the show notes at  https://www.smartmoneymamas.com/121

Grab your FREE Passion Project Workbook https://smartmoneymamas.com/passion-project-workbook

#112 Are you currently expecting or planning to start - or grow a family? New babies are exciting blessings. As you prepare for your family to get bigger, it's hard to stop looking at baby clothes, cribs, and imagining what your little one is going to look like.

But it doesn’t take long for your mind to start to spin about all the ways your life is about to change and all the decisions you need to make. 

In this episode, we're going to discuss creating a baby budget, understanding your healthcare costs, getting the right estate plan in place, thinking about maternity leave and your career, and more!

Looking for more information, mama? Check out the full show notes at https://www.smartmoneymamas.com/112

#022: Thinking about death and estate planning is probably the absolute last thing you feel like doing, right? But here’s the thing—if you want to be sure your wishes are honored after you're gone, you need a plan.

In this episode, Heather Satin of Satin Legal shares her extensive knowledge of estate planning and makes a particularly scary topic seem a little easier to understand. Heather gives us so much valuable information—from the importance of having an estate plan and HIPAA forms in place to choosing guardians for our children and beneficiary designations. 

(02:35) Heather explains why it’s so important to have an estate plan and what happens to your estate if you don’t have a plan in place if something happens to you 

(09:17) Why parents of minor children need to have a plan in place rather than relying on the state to handle their estate 

(14:31) What we, as parents, should consider when choosing a guardian for our children 

(34:23) When it’s worth considering a trust and what could go wrong with beneficiary designations and life insurance if you don’t have a trust in place 

(40:24) How we can make sure our estate plan doesn’t just plan for our death but also plans for end of life care and medical issues 

(51:46) At what point kids entering adulthood should have their own forms of power of attorneys in place 

(1:04:28) Chelsea’s Top Takeaways 

Looking for more information, mama? Visit the show notes at https://www.smartmoneymamas.com/heather 

Free Financial Emergency Preparedness Checklist: https://smartmoneymamas.com/financial-emergency-preparedness-checklist/ 

#021: Are you financially prepared today if something were to happen to you tomorrow? Financial emergency and estate planning often falls into that “important but not urgent” area of our to-do list that gets pushed off time and again. 

In today’s episode, I’m sharing everything you need to know about effective financial emergency planning so you can feel at peace knowing that your family is taken care of in the event of the unspeakable. I will discuss the different types of insurance most families need, wills and trusts, how to keep all of your financial records organized, and so much more. 

(02:56) Why establishing a robust emergency fund is a must 

(06:18) 5 core types of insurance most families need 

(11:18) Why, if you have children, you absolutely need a will to be sure your wishes are honored 

(15:49) The importance of creating a Family Emergency Binder 

(18:29) The purpose of a grab & go bag and creating a disaster plan for your family 

(21:11) Chelsea recaps the steps to an effective emergency plan 

Looking for more information, mama? Visit the show notes at https://www.smartmoneymamas.com/21 

Free Financial Emergency Preparedness Checklist: https://smartmoneymamas.com/financial-emergency-preparedness-checklist/ 

#020: Do you crave more options and greater freedom in your finances? You’re definitely not the only one. Obtaining financial security can sometimes feel impossible, but if we can learn to identify the emotional roadblocks standing in our way, the journey can be so much smoother—even enjoyable. 

In this episode, Chelsea talks with Kiersten Saunders of Rich & Regular, a blog dedicated to the simple goal of providing an honest, informative take on how to improve your life through mastering personal finance. She shares how she and her husband overcame their differing views of money, the steps she took to permanently change her money habits, and how you can become better with your money and find success on your own journey to financial security. 

(08:10) Kiersten explains her and her husband’s differing views on money and how their first discussion about finances came about 

(15:58) The first steps Kiersten took to change her money habits permanently 

(26:08) How she and her family decided what kind of house they wanted, how much they would spend, and what worked best for their family 

(35:37) The first steps you need to take in your own journey to become better with your money 

(38:40) Kiersten talks about why her main focus is creating more black millionaires and how her platform is changing the narrative 

(43:41) Chelsea’s Top Takeaways 

Looking for more information, mama? Visit the show notes at https://www.smartmoneymamas.com/kiersten 

Free Financial Emergency Preparedness Checklist: https://smartmoneymamas.com/financial-emergency-preparedness-checklist/

#019: Still have questions about growing your wealth through investments and diversified income streams? We’ve got you covered in this special Q&A style episode made possible by the mamas in our Mamas Talk Money Facebook community. 

Whether you want to learn more about different investment accounts available to you or get inspired to invest in yourself and your side hustle, today’s episode will help to clear the confusion surrounding some of the most common questions regarding investing and growing your wealth. 

(04:39) What to do if you feel uneasy about parting with your hard-earned money and investing during unknown times 

(07:14) Is it too late to start investing, and if not, where do you even start? 

(11:24) The difference between all retirement plans such as 401k, 403b, Roth, IRA, and so on 

(15:35) Why investing in yourself to pursue a side hustle is worth the risk and tips on how to make it work 

(18:37) Steps you can take to make your retirement accounts more diversified and well-rounded as a small business owner 

(20:27) With everything going on with COVID-19, is this a good or bad time to start investing? 

Looking for more information, mama? Visit the show notes at https://www.smartmoneymamas.com/19 

Free Money Mamas Guide to Investing: https://smartmoneymamas.com/mamas-investing-guide/ 

Free 200+ Home Business Ideas: https://smartmoneymamas.com/home-biz-ideas/ 

#018: Have you ever considered flipping houses? What about living in them, with your kids, through the renovations? I promise, it’s not as crazy as it sounds. And If you’re just getting started in real estate investing, it could actually be a really great option for you. 

In this episode, Chelsea talks with Mindy Jensen, community manager of Bigger Pockets, host of the Bigger Pockets Money Podcast, and the author of the book - How to Sell Your Home. Mindy shares how live-in flips work, what it looks like with kids, and how to sell your house for the best price—whether you’re a real estate investor or just ready for your next home. 

Looking for more information, mama? Visit the show notes at https://www.smartmoneymamas.com/mindy 

Free Money Mamas Guide to Investing: https://smartmoneymamas.com/mamas-investing-guide/

#017: Have you thought about starting a side hustle but aren’t sure your idea will make any money? That it might be a giant waste of your time? Until you give yourself permission to explore the idea and get out there and try it, you can’t possibly know. And if you don’t put yourself out there, you’ll never find the perfect side hustle for you—the one that lights you up! 

Whether you just want to earn a little extra cash or pursue your dream business by starting it on the side, today’s episode will walk you through 4 steps you need to take to build a profitable side hustle. 

(02:17) The first step you need to take to start a profitable side hustle 

(05:39) The importance of taking your time with choosing a side hustle that’s right for you 

(06:48) The necessary action steps you can take today to help you choose the best side hustle for you 

(14:44) Why you have to put yourself out there in order for your side hustle to succeed 

(18:01) Why it’s important to make a commitment to yourself 

(20:15) Chelsea recaps the 4 steps to starting a profitable side hustle 

Looking for more information, mama? Visit the show notes at https://www.smartmoneymamas.com/17 

Free 200+ Home Business Ideas: https://smartmoneymamas.com/home-biz-ideas/

#016: As a single mom, it can seem impossible to build wealth, let alone make enough to support your family, right? The narrative out there for single moms makes us believe that we have to struggle to support our little ones while trying to earn enough to make it by. 

In this episode, Chelsea talks with Emma Johnson, founder of Wealthy Single Mommy, the world's largest platform for single moms. Emma shares how she’s empowering moms from all over to break the narrative out there that says it’s next to impossible to build wealth and security as a single parent. 

Episode Highlights: 

(04:31) Emma shares her backstory and how she was able to go from struggling with her finances to a wealthy single mama 

(09:48) How to start to change your mindset surrounding finances and how to not feel ashamed about where you’re at right now 

(17:02) How Emma encourages women in her community to release the anger towards their exes 

(25:06) How to overcome mom guilt when you’re a working mama 

(31:21) Emma’s 3 key pieces of advice to surviving and thriving as a single mom 

(51:49) Chelsea’s Top Takeaways 

Looking for more information, mama? Visit the show notes at https://www.smartmoneymamas.com/emma 

Free Money Mamas Guide to Investing: https://smartmoneymamas.com/mamas-investing-guide/

#015: We’re all taught that we need to invest and prepare ourselves for retirement, right? But how do we do that when the world of investing seems so complicated and hard to navigate? Don’t fret, we’ve got you covered! 

In this episode, Chelsea covers investing tips for beginners—what all new investors need to know to get started, costly mistakes to avoid, and easy to understand examples of investing and the power of compound interest. 

Episode Highlights: 

(1:51) Chelsea dives into the main reasons why you should invest 

(4:34) Why investing is particularly important for us mamas 

(11:20) What you need to know about the fees associated with investing & what to look out for 

(15:01) How to handle the ups and downs of investing 

(16:01) How and where to get started investing 

Looking for more information, mama? Visit the show notes at https://www.smartmoneymamas.com/15 

Free Money Mamas Guide to Investing: https://smartmoneymamas.com/mamas-investing-guide/

#014: Would you love to have money rolling in each month from more than just your day job? If so, now is the perfect time to start thinking about multiple streams of income. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or not, having more than one income stream is a guaranteed way to grow your wealth and have more flexibility within your finances. 

In this episode, Chelsea talks with Tiffany “The Budgetnista” Aliche, an award-winning teacher of financial education, about how multiple streams of income can provide stability in your life. She also shares some ideas to expand your income streams and tips on where you should get started. 

Looking for more information, mama? Visit the show notes at https://www.smartmoneymamas.com/tiffany 

Free 200+ Home Business Ideas: https://smartmoneymamas.com/home-biz-ideas/

#013: Traditionally, we’re taught the way to earn an income is by going to our jobs - trading time for money, right? Well, with passive income, you can earn money without the need for continued work. 

In this episode, Chelsea introduces the concept of passive income, discusses how you can get started earning more money on the side of your traditional 9-5, and her best tips to make sure you don’t get overwhelmed in the process. 

Looking for more information, mama? Visit the show notes at https://www.smartmoneymamas.com/13 

Free 200+ Home Business Ideas: https://smartmoneymamas.com/home-biz-ideas/ 

#111 Today I'm talking with fellow podcaster and founder of Thriving in Motherhood, Jessica Jackson. After struggling through difficult pregnancies and other health challenges, she has discovered the tools to help moms go from surviving to thriving in any season of motherhood.

We're talking about why you don't have to struggle alone, why you need to choose which balls to drop, and why noticing your thoughts can help you live a life that is full of what you love most.

(3:59) Find out how Thriving in Motherhood got its start during a mastermind of moms on the playground

(8:27) This is how cognitive behavioral therapy helped Jessica take more responsibility for her own thought life

(10:57) Check out the 5 step path to go from Surviving to Thriving in Motherhood

(21:20) Listen to what changed for the Jackson family as they increased their income when Jessica was able to monetize her biz

(28:07) Learn how you can let yourself off the hook for more of the "should" statements you battle every day as a mama

(31:13) Discover the habits that Jessica has helped her family practice that allow them thrive most consistently

(37:14) Chelsea’s Top Takeaways 

Looking for more information, mama? Visit the show notes at https://www.smartmoneymamas.com/111

Grab your FREE Family Money Values Template https://smartmoneymamas.com/family-money-values-template/

#012: If investing seems out of reach, you can be certain that you’re not alone. Too often, we’re led to believe that investing has to be an all-or-nothing, one-size-fits-all approach. Today, we want to bring a level of understanding and compassion to a topic that is scary for a lot of moms. 

In this episode, Chelsea talks with Bobbi Rebell, a certified financial planner and podcast host, who shares how to get started investing when you’re a beginner and how investing can help you gain long-term financial success. 

Looking for more information, mama? Visit the show notes at https://www.smartmoneymamas.com/bobbi 

Money Mama’s Guide to Investing: https://smartmoneymamas.com/mamas-investing-guide/

#011: At first glance, the idea of financial growth can seem intimidating and a bit like a pipe dream, if we’re being honest. But building wealth is something each and every one of us can do, regardless of where we stand with our finances right now. 

In this episode, Chelsea introduces the concept of financial growth, discusses how it’s easier to do than you may think, and shares ways you can start to grow your wealth and make the small changes that lead to big results. 

Looking for more information, mama? Visit the show notes at https://www.smartmoneymamas.com/11 

Free Money Mamas Guide to Investing: https://smartmoneymamas.com/mamas-investing-guide/ 

Free 200+ Home Business Ideas: https://smartmoneymamas.com/home-biz-ideas/

#010: Having the courage to take risks and go after your biggest money goals can be exciting and scary all at the same time. And more often than not, the fear of failure is enough to keep us playing it small. But failure will always be a part of the process. Learning to embrace the failures and view them as an opportunity to learn from is the key to creating success. 

In today’s episode, Jamila Souffrant - founder of Journey to Launch - shares how she knew two things from an early age: she wanted to be rich and she wanted to work for herself. We’ll explore how that mindset has led to a more profitable business and how her failures have actually made her a more successful business owner. She’ll motivate you to create your own confidence to go after your biggest goals without being afraid of the failures that may come your way. 

Looking for more information, mama? Visit the show notes at https://www.smartmoneymamas.com/jamila 

Free Healthy Money Mantras Worksheet: https://smartmoneymamas.com/healthy-money-mindset-workbook/

#009: Earning more money means something different to each of us. Most of us are conditioned to think that if we want to make more, we need to work more. And it’s true to some degree, but hustling longer and harder will often lead to burnout if we don’t first address the mindset that has us locked in a place of underearning. 

If we want to make more without necessarily working more, we have to first do the mindset work that allows us to earn more per hour of hustle. The work that lets us value our skills and ourselves enough to demand more. In today’s episode, Chelsea shares 5 mindset shifts that will help you own your value, embrace your potential for growth, and increase your earning potential. 

Looking for more information, mama? Visit the show notes at https://www.smartmoneymamas.com/9 

Free Healthy Money Mantras Worksheet: https://smartmoneymamas.com/healthy-money-mindset-workbook/ 

#008: Having a healthy mindset surrounding money doesn't guarantee that financial anxiety won’t ever creep in. In fact, financial anxiety is a normal, and very common, emotion that we all experience, no matter where we are on our financial journey. Learning how to conquer that anxiety is crucial to stopping negative beliefs about our abilities and what we’re able to achieve when it comes to our money. 

Lindsay Bryan-Podvin—founder of Mind Money Balance and author of the brand new book, The Financial Anxiety Solution—combines financial literacy with the emotional and psychological side of money. In today’s episode, Lindsay is going to take us on a journey into how she came to focus on financial anxiety and why deprivation-based personal finance advice isn’t for everyone. She’ll explain how you can identify your own sources of anxiety surrounding money and steps you can take to create healthier money stories. 

Looking for more information, mama? Visit the show notes at https://www.smartmoneymamas.com/lindsay 

Free Healthy Money Mantras Worksheet: https://smartmoneymamas.com/healthy-money-mindset-workbook/ 

#007: Far too often, budgeting is discussed as a way to limit, restrict, or tighten down our spending. Words matter—and these ways of talking and thinking about budgeting are holding us back from having the healthy relationship with money and wealth we want.

But we all have the power to change the way we think. If we can associate budgeting with mindfulness, intention, and joy, we can change the way we feel about it. In this episode, Chelsea shares 5 strategies to help you shift your mindset to budget from a place of abundance and love. 

Looking for more information, mama? Visit the show notes at https://smartmoneymamas.com/7

Free Healthy Money Mantras Worksheet: https://smartmoneymamas.com/healthy-money-mindset-workbook/

#006: Talking about money with your spouse can be tough, especially if it hasn’t gone well in the past. Having the same life goals doesn’t necessarily mean you have the same financial goals or the same ideas about how to get there. 

In today's episode, Elle Martinez - founder of Couple Money and author of Jumpstart Your Marriage and Your Money - shares how managing money with your partner is all about learning to work better together as a couple in all areas of life. It’s not about blame—it’s about self-awareness and compassion and respect. If you work on understanding your own money mindset first, then your partner’s, it’s so much easier to create and stick to a plan that will take you where you both want to go. 

Looking for more information, mama? Visit the show notes at https://www.smartmoneymamas.com/elle

Free Healthy Money Mantras Worksheet: https://smartmoneymamas.com/healthy-money-mindset-workbook/

#005: Money mantras are powerful things - they open us up to a whole new way of seeing the world. But they aren’t magic wishes from a genie. To make them work, we have to commit to changing the habits that will then make our mantra reality.

In this episode, Chelsea talks about how to make mantras work for you, so you can use them to build your own money confidence and find new ways to pursue your goals.

Looking for more information, mama? Visit the show notes at https://www.smartmoneymamas.com/003

Free Healthy Money Mantras Worksheet: https://smartmoneymamas.com/healthy-money-mindset-workbook/

#004: Any successful person will tell you that having a healthy mindset is an ongoing effort. You have to work to maintain that healthy mindset as you keep working towards becoming your best self. As we grow and change, our mindset has to grow and change with us. Rosemarie Groner grew her wildly successful blog, The Busy Budgeter, to a full-time income in 10 months and to $100K per month by year 2. But finding rapid business and financial success didn’t change her deeply ingrained money beliefs. The emotions we have around money are deep-rooted and having more money doesn’t necessarily change that. In fact, it can sometimes complicate things even more. 

In this episode, Rosemarie shares how her mindset helped her grow her business so quickly and how it had to shift as she found success. 

Looking for more information, mama? Visit the show notes at https://www.smartmoneymamas.com/rosemarie 

Free Healthy Money Mantras Worksheet: https://smartmoneymamas.com/healthy-money-mindset-workbook/

#003: For most of us, our family is our first money community so we naturally pick up money beliefs from our parents as we’re growing up. As we get older, we often find that we want to develop money beliefs that better serve us individually. Finding a new money community can be tricky, but your people are out there, and having the right money community and support system can be the secret weapon to achieving your biggest financial goals. 

In this episode, Chelsea talks with Stephonee from Poorer than You, Angela from Tread Lightly, Retire Early, and Julie from Millennial Boss—all moms and bloggers that have built incredible online money communities. Together, they dive into where our early money stories came from, how that influences our lives as we became adults and moms, and how to find a positive support network if you don’t already have one. 

Looking for more information, mama? Visit the show notes at https://www.smartmoneymamas.com/3  

Free Healthy Money Mantras Worksheet: https://smartmoneymamas.com/healthy-money-mindset-workbook/

#110 Today I'm talking with educator, blogger, and the founder of Tech-Savvy Mama, Leticia Barr. She has brilliantly combined all of her superpowers to help families navigate the difficult task of parenting in the digital age to keep your kids safe online. 

We're talking about the difference between passive and productive screen time, how to encourage kids to ask for help when they stumble on inappropriate material, and what tools you can use to monitor screen time usage.

(4:01) This is the difference between productive time and downtime on a screen 

(6:39) Discover some of the best tools and apps for keeping kids safe online

(15:45) Consider these ways to navigate boundaries for kids who are wanting to use social platforms

(18:05) Find out how to protect yourself in terms of your digital footprint 

(39:43) Here are some things to explore when it comes to trust vs. over-monitoring your kid's screen time

(45:33) Chelsea’s Top Takeaways 

Looking for more information, mama?

Visit the show notes at https://www.smartmoneymamas.com/110

Grab your FREE Family Money Values Template https://smartmoneymamas.com/family-money-values-template/

#002: When was the last time you really paid attention to your money? Not from a place of stress or overwhelm, but from a compassionate angle that aimed to connect your values with your financial situation? 

For many of us, our relationship with money is one of avoidance. We feel overwhelmed and just wish things would magically get better. We know there isn’t enough money for the things we want, but we’re not entirely sure where all our money is going. It’s scary. 

That’s why Ashley Feinstein Gerstley created The 30-Day Money Cleanse. It was a way for her to reconnect with her spending and heal her relationship with money. Since her first money cleanse, she’s helped thousands of individuals through the same process, save more money, and pursue amazing goals. In today’s episode, she wants to share how you can do the same. 

Looking for more information, mama? Visit the show notes at https://www.smartmoneymamas.com/Ashley 

Free Healthy Money Mantras Worksheet: https://smartmoneymamas.com/healthy-money-mindset-workbook/ 

#001: Having a healthy money mindset is a necessity—cultivating a wealthy money mindset is downright powerful. Our individual money beliefs play into every area of our financial life and getting clear on what those beliefs are and what we’d like them to be can impact our relationship with money in amazing ways. 

In this episode, Chelsea introduces the concept of money mindset, how it might be holding you back, and how to start embracing its power to create a healthier relationship with money and build wealth. 

Looking for more information, mama? Visit the show notes at https://www.smartmoneymamas.com/001 

Free Healthy Money Mantras Worksheet: https://smartmoneymamas.com/healthy-money-mindset-workbook/ 

Meet your new best, money-savvy mom friend.

In this episode, you'll hear more about your host, Chelsea Brennan, and the goal of the Smart Money Mamas Show.

Chelsea is a mom of two and ex-hedge fund investor turned full-time online entrepreneur, focused on helping moms everywhere feel confident with their money and live their best lives. Together, we're going to make money fun, discussing everything from budgeting and debt to investing, career, and entrepreneurship. Not to mention, raising independent, money-savvy kids who - someday - move out of your basement.

Learn more about the show and Smart Money Mamas at https://www.smartmoneymamas.com

Keep talking money, mama!

#109 Today I'm talking with the author and founder of You Need a Budget, Jesse Mecham. The YNAB app started with a simple spreadsheet he created so he and his wife could generate an extra $300 a month. Now they are busy discovering how to teach their seven children about why they need a budget.

We're talking about why budgets are ever-changing, how to engage your kids' money personalities, and why you don't have to be a money expert to teach your kids about budgeting.

(8:54) Learn where people most often overcomplicate their budgets 

(11:09) Here are some tips for helping a reluctant partner understand why you need a budget 

(25:24) Wondering how you can discourage kids from buying things you don’t want them to buy? Check out these tips! 

(27:16) Check out the four YNAB rules and why they are easy enough for kids to understand  (31:00) Hear about the many different versions of budgeting systems Jesse and Julie have tried in their home

(42:35) This is how Jesse is thinking about raising kids who will likely find partners as adults who aren't as financially savvy as his kids will be

(47:13) Chelsea’s Top Takeaways  Looking for more information, mama? Visit the show notes at

https://www.smartmoneymamas.com/109

Grab your FREE Family Money Values Template https://smartmoneymamas.com/family-money-values-template/

#108 In today's episode I'm talking with registered dietician, mama, and founder of Kids Eat in Color, Jennifer Anderson. Jennifer is an expert in helping parents help their kids develop a healthy relationship with food by reducing the stress of mealtime battles. 

We're talking about managing food waste, the unnecessary scare tactics used in food marketing, and how to encourage choices with boundaries at mealtimes. 

(5:27) Learn why offering smaller portions may solve a lot of the power struggles at mealtimes 

(7:35) Find out why food marketing has made us feel terrible if we can't afford to feed our kids "fancy foods" or organic foods 

(18:35) Do you know what a food desert is? Here are some tips for feeding your family if you live in one 

(25:38) This is how you can manage the stress of food waste on the days your kids aren't eating what's available 

(31:26) Find out how you can successfully navigate food battles with "extreme" picky eaters 

(55:08) Chelsea’s Top Takeaways 

Looking for more information, mama? Visit the show notes at https://www.smartmoneymamas.com/108

Grab your FREE Meal Planning Templates! https://smartmoneymamas.com/meal-planning-printables/

#107 In today's episode I'm talking with money mentor for world changers and author of Get Rich, Lucky Bitch, Denise Duffield-Thomas. She helps women charge premium prices, release the fear of money, and create First Class lives.

We're talking about how to start tapping into your money story, how to up-level your life in increments, and how to stop being the bottleneck in your own life.

(4:17) Let's define manifesting: what it is and what it's NOT

(9:49) Discover how to uncover the layers of your money story and money memories

(19:41) Learn why you're not a diva if you just want to raise your standards and keep your boundaries

(38:03) If you want to start thinking wealthy, here's how to up-level your life in small steps

(50:45) Learn how to train your brain to practice reverse-paranoia

(56:32) Chelsea’s Top Takeaways

Looking for more information, mama? Visit the show notes at https://www.smartmoneymamas.com/107

Grab your FREE Passion Project Workbook! https://smartmoneymamas.com/passion-project-workbook/

#106 In today's episode, I'm talking with digital product coach for women, Monica Froese. She is the founder of both Redefining Mom and most recently, Empowered Business. Monica is on a mission to help 1000 women hit $100,000 in their business.

We're talking about that one time she chatted with Barack Obama, why our money stories can help us understand our spending habits, and why you're already 100% qualified to create and sell a digital product.

(4:29) Hear about the time Monica's blog got her an invite to chat with President Barack Obama

(11:39) Learn how Monica's business started with the motto that she couldn’t fail

(22:32) Listen to Monica unpack part of her money story and why a desire for control drove her decisions

(32:01) Check out the first step in making sustainable money online

(41:10) Find out when it’s time to launch a product

(47:01) Want to learn how to start selling? It’s simpler than you think

(55:34) Chelsea’s Top Takeaways Looking for more information, mama?

Visit the show notes at https://www.smartmoneymamas.com/106

Grab your FREE Passion Project Workbook! https://smartmoneymamas.com/passion-project-workbook/

#105 For this episode, we asked the mamas in our free Mamas Talk Money Community on Facebook to send us their questions. If one person in our community has a question, there are no doubt others wondering the same thing.

Today we’re going to discuss more specifics about inheriting money, retirement resources, leaving your 9-5, and more!

(00:58) Our first question comes from Jacqueline who asks, "My husband and I would love to move out of the country at some point soon. When we do, what happens to our retirement and any other investment accounts?"

(6:22) Alice wonders - "We're inheriting some money from in IRA which apparently we have to take out in the next ten years. What do we need to know to be smart about this?"

(10:14) Robin asks, "At 65 and 60 my husband and I feel like we are still "adulting." What are some resources that can help you decide when you can retire?"

(14:45) Tiffany wants to know, "Are there any good podcasts or blogs you’d recommend for Smart Money daddies? My husband is intrigued by all that I’ve been learning, and I might have actually inspired him a bit with my hard work!"

(17:25) Our last question is a fun one: "What did you say to your boss when you decided to leave the corporate world and start SMMs? How did the conversation go?"

Looking for more information, mama? 

Visit the show notes at https://www.smartmoneymamas.com/105

Grab your FREE Meaningful Money Kickstarter Guide: https://smartmoneymamas.com/meaningful-money-goal-worksheet/

#104 Today I'm talking with author and financial literacy and mental health advocate, Natalie Torres-Haddad. As an immigrant and first-generation college student, Natalie had a tremendous challenge dealing with her student loan debt after college. She learned the hard way how her financial health directly impacts her mental health, but now she teaches people of all ages how to be financially savvy. 

We're talking about what boundaries you need to put in place to protect your mental and financial health, how to make financial conversations less taboo, and how to make finances less stressful and even fun for kids.

(4:55) Learn how Natalie's mental health took the biggest hit because of the overwhelm of her student loan debt

(09:05) Hear how Natalie has put new boundaries in place to protect her mental health

(14:21) This is a truth about therapy we don't always talk about

(21:13) Find out how Natalie makes taking care of her finances relaxing and part of her self-care

(23:56) Bet you never dance while you budget, but you might after you hear this

(29:51) Want to teach kids about money? Try this budgeting activity with your kids 

(36:54) Chelsea’s Top Takeaways

Looking for more information, mama?

Visit the show notes at https://www.smartmoneymamas.com/104

Grab your FREE Healthy Money Mindset Workbook https://smartmoneymamas.com/healthy-money-mindset-workbook/

#103 In today's episode, I'm talking with financial expert, startup executive, and author, Jennifer Barrett. In her book, Think Like A Breadwinner, Jennifer is helping women re-examine the false narrative that women shouldn't or can't earn more than men.

We're talking about how societal expectations play a role in how women think about money, why you need to think like a breadwinner even if you aren't one, and why being a female breadwinner is worthy of celebrating!

(5:00) Have you noted this difference in how we talk to our son vs. our daughters about money in our society?

(8:26) Listen as Jennifer describes what the breadwinner mindset looks like

(10:06) Find out about the moment Jennifer committed to negotiating her pay and advocating for herself 

(25:31) Discover why companies that implement a paid maternity and paternity leave are seeing a direct return on that investment

(28:38) Learn about the work that Jennifer is doing with Acorns to help you invest -starting by just rounding up the spare change

(34:01) If you're ready to take more responsibility for your finances and adopt the breadwinner mindset, here's your first step

(47:58) Chelsea’s Top Takeaways

Looking for more information, mama? Visit the show notes at https://www.smartmoneymamas.com/103

Grab your FREE Healthy Money Mindset Workbook https://smartmoneymamas.com/healthy-money-mindset-workbook/

Today I'm talking with the founder of Bilingual Birdies, Sarah Farzam. Sarah is sharing her journey of launching her business back in 2006, which was entirely bootstrapped. Through this language learning program, children can learn Spanish, Mandarin, French, and English through an engaging mix of song and play.

Learn how Sarah is also helping others start their own business teaching kids and families in their local community. She'll share all about how you can get paid to play too!

(2:09) Learn what it was like growing up in a household speaking 3 languages 

(4:28) Hear about how Bilingual Birdies was brought to life 

(13:22) This is how Sarah managed to bootstrap her business

(14:42) Hear why Sarah’s secret to success was learning to fail fast 

(27:59) Discover how you can use your language skills to launch your own Bilingual Birdies business in your area

Looking for more information, mama? Visit the show notes at https://www.smartmoneymamas.com/120

Grab your FREE Passion Project Workbook

https://smartmoneymamas.com/passion-project-workbook

#102 In today's episode, I'm talking with certified personal coach, Cassidy Nasello. I wanted to bring Cassidy on the show to share how using the KonMari method (of Marie Kondo) can help you do a reset on your life as you dive into spring cleaning. 

We're talking about the best place to start using the KonMari Method, the deeper emotional work you will dive into, and how you can even simplify and declutter your finances.

(3:45) Learn how Cassidy took the plunge to start her own business even as a typically risk-averse personality

(06:03) Listen to Cassidy describe why the KonMari Method is way more about your vision for your life than it is about tidying and systems 

(14:29) Discover how you can use the KonMari Method even as a busy mama 

(18:35) Find out how you can declutter without filling up the landfills at the same time 

(32:29) Listen to how Cassidy and her husband simplify and declutter their finances

Looking for more information, mama? Visit the show notes at https://www.smartmoneymamas.com/102

Grab your FREE Passion Project Workbook: https://smartmoneymamas.com/passion-project-workbook/

#101 In today's episode I'm talking with America's favorite personal finances advisor, Tiffany "The Budgetnista" Aliche. She's used her teaching degree to become an expert in helping women transform their relationships with money so they can become financially whole.

We're talking about the 10 steps to financial wholeness that she covers in Get Good with Money, how to reframe your long-term savings goals, and how to protect your dignity while working to pay off debt.

(9:08) Listen to Tiffany’s definition of financial wholeness

(10:37) Discover how you can simplify your expenses into three categories so you can have more control over your budget

(15:13) Find out why it might be worth it to say no to brunch and yes to Morocco

(20:23) Struggling to prioritize saving for retirement? This idea will help!

(28:58) This is how you can reduce your anxiety when dealing with debt collectors

(32:39) Here are some quick tips if you’re trying to balance saving an emergency fund and paying off debt at the same time

(57:42) Chelsea’s Top Takeaways

Looking for more information, mama? Visit the show notes at https://smartmoneymamas.com/101

Grab your FREE Meaningful Money Kickstart Guide! https://smartmoneymamas.com/meaningful-money-goal-worksheet/

#100 For this episode, we asked the mamas in our free Mamas Talk Money Community on Facebook to send us their questions. If one person in our community has a question, there are no doubt others wondering the same thing.

Today we’re going to discuss 529 savings goals, forming LLCs and new home budgets as we celebrate and reflect on 100 episodes on the Smart Money Mamas Show! 

(1:35) Find out which episodes have been favorites for Lauren and the SMM team

(8:07) Discover what Chelsea learned and loved about starting her own podcast 

(10:31) Erica asks, "How do I come up with a goal for 529 savings? I'm wondering how to make a decision on whether to prioritize college savings over other FI goals."

(17:13) Justine asks, "How do I choose which ETFs to invest in?"

(26:13) Nicole says, "For hobby incomes at what point does it make sense to create an LLC or issue yourself a 1099 so you can write off expenses?"

(29:50) Beth says, "I know we're generally encouraged to put 20% down on a new home. Is there a suggested amount to save for on-going home maintenance and/or emergencies?"  

https://smartmoneymamas.com/100

#099 In today's episode, I'm talking with best-selling author and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, Leah Hadley. Leah has faced many challenging life transitions including adopting three kids overnight, divorce, and a job loss. Now she works with moms who need to rebuild a strong financial foundation for the next phase of their life.

We're talking about how to take the emotion out of the hard decisions, how to stay in control of your income even when it changes, and why you need to let yourself dream again.

(5:16) Learn how Leah works with couples to get on the same page financially

(10:49) Listen to Leah tell about their foster to adopt journey with her three kiddos

(18:55) Find out what resources Leah used most to work through the stress of the divorce

(21:25) Discover Leah's advice if you find yourself needing to transition from 2 incomes down to 1. 

(42:57) This is how you can stay in control of your income even in an unstable season

(48:19) Chelsea’s Top Takeaways

Looking for more information, mama? Visit the show notes at https://www.smartmoneymamas.com/99

Grab your FREE Emergency Preparedness Checklist https://smartmoneymamas.com/financial-emergency-preparedness-checklist/

#098 In today's episode, I'm talking with author and founder of Redefining Wealth, Patrice Washington. She's passionate about helping women build the 6 pillars of wealth which she breaks down in her book Redefine Wealth For Yourself.

Patrice's personal journey of having wealth, losing it, and rebuilding it again is a story of resilience we all need to hear. We're talking about prioritizing your physical health as a mom, setting boundaries to protect what's most important, and how to tap into your network of support as you chase your big goals. 

(11:03) Learn how self-diagnosing almost cost Patrice her life

(16:58) Find out why it's critical for you to build in your pillars of support

(24:25) Learn how Patrice and her husband rebuilt their lives after financial disaster

(35:48) Struggling with boundaries to separate family and work? Start here

(40:18) Why you need to stay honest about your money story - even with your kids

(35:48) Chelsea’s Top Takeaways

Looking for more information, mama? Visit the show notes at https://www.smartmoneymamas.com/patrice

Grab your FREE Meaningful Money Kickstarter Guide https://smartmoneymamas.com/meaningful-money-goal-worksheet/

#097 Today I'm talking with author and podcast host of Terrible, Thanks for Asking, Nora McInerny. Nora became a widow at a young age. While grief hit her like a freight train, she still manages to find cracks of light through humor and amazing communities like the Hot Young Widows Club and Still Kickin.

Still Kickin is the fulfillment of her late husband's dream to help families find support in hard times. We're talking about the impact of grief on your brain and body, and the practical financial advice Nora has for anyone else walking out a similar journey.

Mama, please know that this episode does cover difficult topics like cancer, loss of a spouse, and miscarriage. If you need to, skip this one and check out another episode today.

(3:23) Why humor has become a way for Nora to find those cracks of light in the middle of grief

(12:07) Find out about the financial situation Nora and Aaron were facing when he got sick

(20:59) Check out the emotional and financial resources Still Kickin offers

(26:53) These are the ways Nora is paving a new path with her finances (and what she’s having grace on herself for)

(39:52) This is permission for you to release all expectations on yourself while you’re grieving

(43:39) Chelsea’s Top Takeaways

Looking for more information mama? Visit the show notes at https://www.smartmoneymamas.com/nora

Grab your FREE Family Emergency Preparedness Checklist: https://smartmoneymamas.com/financial-emergency-preparedness-checklist/

#096 In today's episode, I'm talking with co-founders of The Rebel Mama, Nikita Stanley and Aleks Jassem. These two are paving a new road for the face of motherhood that centers around authenticity and empowerment.

We're talking about how they built their business on maternity leave, mindful consumerism as a new mom, and how they overcame their fears about their own finances in order to empower other mamas.

(5:03) How these two built their business on maternity leave

(10:34) Why you need to get a hold of Rebel Mamas' self-published book, The Handbook for Cool Moms

(13:47) Why mindful consumerism needs to replace your fear of being a bad mom

(16:45) Discover exactly why money is so important to empowerment for mothers

(18:55) This was Aleks and Nikita's money mindset before they started paving a new path

(31:18) Have you thought about your plan for returning to work after the baby comes? Here are some things to consider if you haven't

(49:53) Chelsea's Top Takeaways

#095 In this episode, we asked the mamas in our free Mamas Talk Money Community on Facebook to send us their questions.

If one person in our community has a question, there are no doubt others wondering the same thing.

Today we’re going to discuss more specifics about retirement funds, and investing!

(03:44) Kelli wants to know, "What is the recommended percentage to save for retirement? Should you have a Roth IRA in addition to a 401K?" 

(9:51) Court asks, "I know we need to be invested in small caps, medium and large caps - How do I know if I'm diversified into all three groups?" 

(19:12) Amanda says, "My employer-sponsored 401K offers target-date funds as an investment option. Do you recommend?" 

(23:03) Cathryn asks "Is FOREX a real way to make money? Pros and cons?" 

(27:07) Evelyn wonders, "Is it necessary for each spouse to have a retirement account? My employer offers a 401k with 4% match and pays the yearly fees while my husband is a teacher and his employer offers a 403b with no match and he has to pay the maintenance fees. 

Looking for more information, mama? Visit the show notes at https://www.smartmoneymamas.com/95

Money Mamas Guide to Investing Template: https://smartmoneymamas.com/mamas-investing-guide/

#094 In today’s episode, I’m talking with Global Philanthropy Advisor and Expert, Kris Putnam-Walkerly. She is the author of Delusion Altruism, which highlights the truth that how we give is just as important as how much we give.

We’re talking about why you don’t need to be wealthy to be a philanthropist, why philanthropists can struggle with a scarcity mindset, and how you can take your first step to give with more impact today!

(4:33) This is a definition of philanthropy you might connect with

(6:56) This is why how we give is just as important as how much we give

(11:45) Listen to find out how non-profits find ways to measure their impact 

(15:17) Why philanthropists can ironically carry a scarcity mindset

(37:22) Why we need to be adaptive as funders and stop being paralyzed by the unknown

(40:22) Here’s step one of how you can become a philanthropic family

(45:49) Chelsea's Top Takeaways

Looking for more information, mama? Visit the show notes at https://www.smartmoneymamas.com/kris

Grab your FREE Family Money Values Worksheet https://smartmoneymamas.com/family-money-values-template/

#093 In today’s episode, I'm talking with power couple and financial educators, Tai and Talaat McNeely. They are passionate about helping you and your spouse or partner get on the same page so you can become tenacious about reaching your financial goals together.

We're talking about dealing with bringing debt into a marriage, how to start money conversations with your partner, and how to establish your own family money values.

(4:12) Discover how this couple got out of debt in their first year of marriage and went on to pay off their house 

(9:09) This is why you always need to put all your financial cards on the table 

(13:25) Find out how getting on the same team financially improved other areas of Tai and Talaat's marriage 

(16:29) Hear the story of that time they flipped a house right in time for the recession 

(38:56) This is how you can stop blaming your partner for your money struggles

(43:52) Chelsea’s Top Takeaways

Looking for more information, mama?

Visit the show notes at https://www.smartmoneymamas.com/93

Grab your FREE Family Money Values Worksheet https://smartmoneymamas.com/family-money-values-template/ 

#119 When you're having a new baby, one of the biggest expenses - and greatest unknowns - is medical costs. There is an unfortunate lack of transparency when it comes to birth costs, in addition to the uncertainty of whether you or your child will need specialist care after delivery.

To make sure you understand the costs and get the most out of your health insurance, we're bringing in expert and naturopathic physician and twin mom, Dr. Ashley Burkman. We're talking about how to understand what your insurance covers, ways you can save money on birth costs, what expenses to expect after delivery, and more! 

Looking for more information, mama? Check out the full show notes at https://www.smartmoneymamas.com/119

#092 In today’s episode, I'm talking with the full-time content creator and influencer, Mattie James. Mattie now creates content for her blog, Youtube, and podcast and collaborates with some really big brands like Samsung and TJ Maxx.

She's sharing about how her current six-figure income all started with a blog and the inside scoop on what it's really like to be an authentic influencer. 

(5:34) Find out how motherhood impacted Mattie's business in a dramatic way 

(17:45) Why Mattie is making sure that her kids have the choice between being an employee and being an entrepreneur 

(21:05) Learn why Mattie wants to redefine the word "influencer" and unpack the misconceptions about being one 

(36:25) Are you curious about how you make money as an influencer? Listen here! 

(46:30) There's no way around it. You just have to suck in the beginning. So just start!  

(51:38) Chelsea’s Top Takeaways Looking for more information, mama? 

Visit the show notes at https://www.smartmoneymamas.com/mattie

Grab your FREE Passion Project https://smartmoneymamas.com/passion-project-workbook

#091 In today’s episode, I'm talking with board-certified nurse and trainer, Angel Cellucci about how to identify medical fraud.  Angel is on a mission to help empower individuals to be better consumers of healthcare. She helps people make sure the medical care they get is necessary and offered at a fair and reasonable price. 

We're talking about how often medical fraud happens, what you can do to prevent medical fraud, and how you can be more effective when you do have to advocate for yourself.

(4:28) Do you know the difference between medical abuse and medical fraud? 

(10:15) Follow the DOVE framework to actively prevent medical fraud

(20:34) Learn the 4 blatant types of billing errors or medical fraud

(32:41) Here's how you can approach the process in order to make sure you get errors resolved

(51:21) Chelsea’s Top Takeaways

Looking for more information, mama? Visit the show notes at https://www.smartmoneymamas.com/angel

Grab your FREE Meaningful Money Kickstarter Guide https://smartmoneymamas.com/meaningful-money-goal-worksheet/

#90 For this episode, we asked the mamas in our free Mamas Talk Money Community on Facebook to send us their questions.

If one person in our community has a question, there are no doubt others wondering the same thing. Today we’re going to discuss increasing credit scores, Bitcoin investing, finding the best provider for term life insurance, and more! 

(05:05) Christine asks, "I recently opened 529 plans for my children, and while I was there, the representative told me that I should keep depositing into my 403b and before I retire transfer the money into a ROTH IRA, does this make sense?"​ 

(10:56) Christine had a second question, "My children now have debit cards. What rules should I set up as far as making purchases? 



(16:59) Court wants to know, "What is your advice regarding credit cards? I was a die hard Dave Ramsey fan and when I began my debt free journey in January 2015, I did need to get rid of all credit cards because my spending was out of control. Now, my husband and I are about to buy the house we’re renting and payoff our van loan. 


(28:14) Nancy says, "What is your take on Bitcoin investing?"  


(41:35) Amanda asks, "Hubs and I are saving up to do some home renovations in 5 years. I am toying with the idea of putting it into our brokerage account so that it can get better growth than in a plain savings account. I want to continuously add money so a CD is out. Other than the possibility of losses from potential market dips, what kind of tax implications could I see from my brokerage path?" 

(48:19) Tiffany says, "Where do I start for figuring out term life insurance for my husband and I? There are so many options online!! I have a small policy from work, but I know it will never be enough." 

Looking for more information, mama? Visit the show notes at https://www.smartmoneymamas.com/90

Grab your FREE Money Mamas Guide to Investing Template: https://smartmoneymamas.com/mamas-investing-guide/