City Girl Savings | Budgeting, Money Management, and Goal Setting Tips for Women

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How to Make Your Money Decisions Stick Long Term Sep 28, 2026

Show notes

It's one thing to decide you want to save more money.

It's one thing to decide you want to stop overspending, pay off debt, stick to your budget, build your emergency fund, invest consistently, or become more intentional with your spending.

It's another thing entirely to keep honoring that decision when real life shows up.

When work gets stressful. When you're tired. When your friends invite you out. When your favorite store is having a sale. When the fresh-start energy wears off and you simply don't feel like making the responsible choice.

That's where lasting financial change actually happens. Not in the decision itself, but in the follow-through.

In this episode, I'm sharing six ways to make your money decisions stick long term without requiring perfection, cutting out everything you enjoy, or turning your budget into a punishment plan.

Because making a financial decision is only the beginning. If you want that decision to become a lasting habit, you need a plan designed to support it in your real life.

In this episode, we discuss:

Why making a money decision isn't the same as designing a system to support it
How to make saving, spending less, and sticking to your budget easier to follow through on
Why your real priorities need to be reflected in your financial decisions
How knowing what you value makes financial tradeoffs feel less restrictive
Why I keep iced coffee in my budget, and willingly make tradeoffs elsewhere
How to turn vague financial goals into specific actions you can actually follow
Why mapping out your money by paycheck can make financial decisions clearer
How regular reviews and adjustments help your money plan work through changing seasons
Why consistency doesn't mean doing the exact same thing forever
How to recover quickly after overspending or getting off track
Why small promises kept to yourself can rebuild financial self-trust

This episode is especially helpful if you:

Make good financial decisions but struggle to follow through consistently
Keep restarting your budget or financial goals
Want to stop overspending without feeling overly restricted
Know what you want to change with your money but aren't sure how to make it stick
Tend to abandon your plan after one mistake or unplanned purchase
Want to feel more confident trusting yourself with money

Why this matters:

Making the decision is often the easiest part. The harder (and more important) work is creating a financial life that makes following through on that decision realistic.

That's why a decision to save more needs a savings system behind it. A decision to spend less may need new boundaries or a different environment. A decision to stick to your budget needs regular check-ins. And any financial plan you create needs enough flexibility to adjust when your life changes.

Your decisions also need to reflect what you genuinely value.

Because long-term money management isn't about proving how much you can deny yourself. It's about knowing which tradeoffs are worth making so your money can support the priorities that matter most to you.

And when something doesn't go according to plan, you don't need to punish yourself or throw everything away. You review. You adjust. You make the next best decision. That's how consistency becomes sustainable, and how you start trusting yourself to follow through.

Timestamps:

[03:27] You have to ask, "What needs to be true for this decision to be easier to keep?" That question changes the game.
[08:06] Raya doesn't follow someone else's version of what a "good budget" should look like. She's not cutting out something just to look more disciplined on paper.
[11:51] Mapping out your money by pay period is a common practice for Raya and her clients because it makes money management less overwhelming.
[16:50] The goal is not to never get off track. The goal is to not stay off track. That is how your decisions start to stick long term.

Resources Mentioned:

Listen to CGS Podcast #70 – My Budget Non-Negotiables

Request a free money call with Raya

City Girl Savings Personal Finance Portfolio

Financial Focus Coaching Program

If you've made a money decision that you haven't been able to maintain, don't automatically assume the decision was wrong, or that you're incapable of following through. Look at the design around it.

What needs to change to make that decision easier to honor in your actual life?

Maybe the goal needs to become more specific. Maybe you need an automatic transfer, a weekly money check-in, or a realistic spending category for something you genuinely enjoy. Maybe you need to adjust the timeline. Or maybe you simply need a plan for what you'll do the next time you get off track.

Remember, the goal isn't to never make a mistake. It's to not let one mistake become a reason to abandon everything you've been building. Come back to the next best decision.

Every time you follow through on a small promise to yourself, you're building evidence that you can trust yourself with money. And over time, those individual decisions become habits. Those habits become systems. And those systems become part of how you manage your money.

That's how lasting change happens. Not through one perfect financial decision, but through continuing to show up for the decisions that matter to you.

You are not behind! You are building. Consistency compounds. The steady work you're doing now is preparing you for your next level.

Why Motivation Isn't Enough to Change Your Money Habits Sep 21, 2026

Show notes

Have you ever had one of those moments where you suddenly feel completely motivated to get your money together?

Maybe you looked at your credit card balance and decided enough was enough. Maybe you got tired of making good money but still feeling like you had nothing to show for it. Or maybe a new month gave you that fresh-start feeling and you decided this was finally going to be the month everything changed.

That motivation can feel powerful. It gives you energy. It gives you hope. And sometimes, it's exactly the spark you need to get started. But motivation usually isn't enough to keep you going.

Because eventually, work gets busy. You're tired. Your stress level changes. An unexpected expense comes up. Your friends want to go out. Or online shopping starts looking especially tempting after a long day.

That's real life, and your financial plan needs to be able to work there too. In this episode, we're talking about why motivation isn't enough to create lasting money habits and what you actually need to stay consistent with budgeting, saving, spending, and your financial goals.

Because if you keep falling off, you may not need more discipline. You may need a better system.

In this episode, we discuss:

Why motivation can get you started but usually can't keep you consistent
How relying on a feeling can make your financial plan fragile
Why I increased my automatic savings and investing transfers instead of relying on motivation to reach my 2026 goal
How your environment can make good money habits easier (or harder) to maintain
Simple ways to create more friction around impulse spending and less friction around saving
Why your budget needs to work for your actual life, not an idealized version of it
How making room for the things you genuinely enjoy can make a financial plan easier to sustain
Why accountability is a strategy, not a sign that you're bad with money
How regular money check-ins can help you reconnect before you completely fall off track
Why lasting financial change comes from building systems, routines, and an identity that supports your goals

This episode is especially helpful if you:

Start each month motivated to manage your money differently but struggle to stay consistent
Know what you "should" be doing with your money but have trouble following through
Feel frustrated because budgeting, saving, or tracking your spending never seems to stick
Have tried restrictive or generic financial plans that don't fit your actual life
Want to stop relying on willpower to make good money decisions
Are ready to build money habits and systems you can maintain long-term

Why this matters:

It's easy to make inconsistency mean something about you. You fall off your budget, stop tracking your spending, miss a savings goal, or start overspending again, and suddenly the story becomes, "I just need to be more disciplined."

But discipline may not be what's missing. If your financial plan only works when you're motivated, energized, emotionally regulated, and able to give it your full attention, the plan isn't built to withstand real life.

That's why systems matter.

Automating your savings removes a decision. Changing your environment reduces temptation. Building a realistic budget gives you something you can actually follow. Regular check-ins give you a rhythm to return to. Accountability helps you reconnect before a rough week becomes six months of avoidance.

None of those things require you to feel motivated every single day. And that's the point. Sustainable money management isn't about creating the perfect version of yourself. It's about creating enough structure around the person you already are that following through becomes easier.

Timestamps:

[02:15] Relying on a feeling to support a habit is a problem because feelings change. This means your habits change too.
[05:59] Raya shares an example of how she took action towards a goal instantly, instead of leveraging motivation to try to achieve it.
[12:51] If you know something matters to you, don't make it hard on yourself by leaving it out of your budget. Cutting those things out is not a recipe for being good with money.
[16:03] The goal of Raya's 12 week money coaching program is to build a money management system that sticks long term.

Resources Mentioned:

Listen to CGS Podcast #209 – My Personal and Business Goals for 2026

Get a Custom Budget Plan by Raya

Request a free money call with Raya

City Girl Savings Personal Finance Portfolio

Financial Focus Coaching Program

If you've been telling yourself that you just need to try harder with your money, I want you to consider a different question: What would make following through easier?

Maybe you need to automate the savings transfer instead of hoping there's money left at the end of the month. Maybe you need to remove the shopping apps that make impulse spending too convenient.

Maybe you need a budget that actually includes the things you enjoy instead of requiring you to become a completely different person. Or maybe you know you do better with accountability and regular check-ins.

Use that information instead of judging it. You don't need a financial plan that only works when you're at your best. You need one that can support you when work gets busy, motivation disappears, or life simply feels like a lot.

The goal isn't to never fall out of rhythm. It's to have a system that makes it easier to come back. And every time you do, you're creating evidence that you are someone who can check in with her money, make intentional decisions, save on purpose, enjoy her life, and still make progress.

That's how lasting money habits are built. Just a friendly reminder – you're not behind, you're building! Consistency compounds. The steady work you're doing now is shaping your next level, so keep going.

5 Frugal Habits that Actually Build Wealth Sep 14, 2026

Show notes

When you hear the word "frugal," what comes to mind? Clipping coupons? Eating the same boring meals every day? Saying no to every fun thing you want to do?

That's not the kind of frugality we're talking about here.

Being frugal on purpose isn't about spending as little money as possible. It's about being intentional with the money you have so you can keep more of it, use it well, and create more options for your future.

And when you practice the right frugal habits consistently, you're not just saving a few dollars here and there. You're building behaviors that can help you save more, reduce impulse spending, make better financial decisions, and ultimately build wealth.

In this episode, I'm breaking down five frugal habits that actually support long-term financial progress, without requiring you to feel deprived or give up everything you enjoy.

Because the goal isn't to spend the least. It's to make sure your money is going toward what matters most.

In this episode, we discuss:

The difference between being frugal and simply being cheap
Why pausing before a purchase can help reduce impulse spending
How planning your income before you receive it makes intentional spending easier
Why your budget should reflect your actual life, priorities, and personality
How automating your savings helps turn saving into a consistent habit
Why realistic savings goals can be more powerful than aggressive ones you can't maintain
How to recognize the difference between value-based and emotional spending
Why something being on sale doesn't automatically make it a good financial decision
How weekly money check-ins help you identify spending leaks, opportunities, and wins
Why intentional frugal habits can create more options and support long-term wealth

This episode is especially helpful if you:

Want to save more money without feeling deprived
Make good money but still find yourself impulse spending
Want practical frugal habits that fit into a full, busy life
Struggle to consistently prioritize savings
Want your spending to better reflect what you actually value
Are looking for sustainable ways to build wealth without cutting everything you enjoy

Why this matters:

Building wealth isn't only about how much money you make. What you consistently do with that money matters too. Frugal habits can help create space between earning and spending so more of your income can go toward savings, debt payoff, investing, experiences, and the other goals that matter to you.

But sustainable frugality isn't about cutting back everywhere. It's about knowing where you're willing to spend less so you can intentionally build more somewhere else.

That's why something as simple as pausing before a purchase, planning your paycheck before it arrives, or reviewing your spending every week can have an impact far beyond that one decision. Repeated over time, those choices help you build awareness, strengthen your financial habits, and create more options for your future.

That's the kind of frugality that can support wealth, not because you're constantly saying no, but because you're getting much clearer about what deserves a yes.

Timestamps:

[02:10] A lot of people hear the word frugal and think of being cheap. Raya breaks down the difference between frugal and cheap.
[06:55] Having a plan for income before you get it is one of the best practices a person can implement for successful budgeting.
[13:48] Give your future self options by building the habit of automating your savings and making it a positive money cycle.
[18:15] Raya's clients don't like to look at their accounts because they don't want to face what's happening with their money. If you avoid your money, you're not alone.

Resources Mentioned:

Join the Frugal Fall Savings Challenge

Get a Custom Budget Plan by Raya

CGS Podcast #70 – My Budget Non-Negotiables

Request a free money call with Raya

City Girl Savings Personal Finance Portfolio

Financial Focus Coaching Program

If you've been thinking that becoming more frugal means making your life smaller, I want you to leave this episode with a different perspective.

Being frugal on purpose is about deciding what deserves your money before everything else gets the chance to claim it.

It's pausing long enough to recognize an impulse. It's giving your paycheck a plan. It's consistently saving for future you. It's confidently spending on the things that genuinely add value to your life. And it's staying connected to your money so you can make adjustments before small decisions become bigger problems.

You don't need to implement all five habits perfectly starting tomorrow. Choose the one that would make the biggest difference for you right now and practice it consistently.

If you're listening when this episode goes live and you want some extra support putting these ideas into action, join us for the Free Frugal Fall Savings Challenge. And if you're listening later, create your own mini frugal reset: choose a savings goal, identify one area where you want to spend more intentionally, and give yourself a timeframe to work toward it.

Managing your money well isn't about saying no to everything. It's about saying yes to the things that matter most, with a plan to support them. You are not behind…You are building. Consistency compounds. The steady work you're doing now is shaping your next level.

Frugal on Purpose: How to Save Money Without Feeling Restricted with Kara Stevens Sep 07, 2026

Show notes

One of the biggest money questions I hear from women is this: How do I enjoy my life today without sacrificing my financial future?

Because most of us don't actually want to stop spending money.

We want to travel. We want dinners with friends. We want the occasional shopping trip, concert tickets, or weekend getaway. We just don't want every one of those decisions to leave us wondering where our paycheck went.

And that's where intentional spending, and intentional frugality, can make such a difference.

In this episode, I'm joined by Kara Stevens, founder of The Frugal Feminista, to talk about what it really means to be frugal on purpose. Kara paid off $40,000 of debt in two years on her journey to eliminating $65,000 in student loan and consumer debt, and her work focuses on helping women build wealth by strengthening both their relationship with money and their relationship with themselves.

We're talking about how to stop impulse spending without feeling restricted, why even smart and successful women can struggle with overspending, and how your beliefs, habits, and priorities shape the way you use your money.

Because being frugal doesn't have to mean depriving yourself. Done intentionally, it can help you spend more confidently on what matters while creating more room for your financial goals.

In this episode, we discuss:

What it really means to be frugal, and why frugality doesn't have to mean deprivation
Why the word "frugal" has developed such a negative reputation
What can trigger impulse spending, even for smart and successful women
How social media can influence our spending habits and financial priorities
The signs that you're spending out of habit instead of intention
How to decide what truly deserves your money
How to budget for travel, dining out, shopping, and other things you enjoy without neglecting your financial goals
Why consistency matters when you're working toward long-term wealth
Where people may be wasting money without realizing it
How gratitude can contribute to financial contentment
The money beliefs that can keep women from building wealth
How to start becoming more intentional with your money right now

This episode is especially helpful if you:

Want to save more money without feeling like you have to give up everything you enjoy
Struggle with impulse spending or purchases you later regret
Make good money but still wonder where your paycheck went
Want to become more intentional about what deserves your money
Feel like being "good with money" requires too much restriction
Want to build wealth while still enjoying your life along the way

Why this matters:

Frugality isn't about spending as little money as possible. It's about being more intentional with the money you have.

When you understand what you value, what triggers your spending, and what actually adds value to your life, you can start making financial decisions from a place of purpose instead of habit, impulse, or outside pressure.

That might mean spending less on things you don't care about so you can spend more on the things you do. It might mean questioning a purchase before automatically making it. And it might mean realizing that enjoying your money and building wealth aren't opposing goals.

The point isn't deprivation. It's creating enough clarity around your priorities that you can confidently say no to what doesn't matter, and yes to what does. That's what being frugal on purpose can make possible.

Timestamps:

[04:30] Your budget should include the things you love. It may not include all the things, but you can work towards your goals and enjoy your life.
[13:35] Kara shares why women struggle with impulse spending and how a woman's menstrual cycle plays a role in spending triggers.
[29:05] Fill your cup before you go on social media. Focus on the things you need to bring joy into your life before you start scrolling. This is your anti-social media plan.
[40:11] Allow your problems to build something that can build you up. This is a great way to help others and help your own finances.

Resources Mentioned:

Follow Kara on Instagram

Grab your FREE Excerpt of Heal Your Relationship with Money

City Girl Savings Personal Finance Portfolio

Financial Focus Coaching Program

If you've ever associated frugality with restriction, I hope this conversation encourages you to look at it differently.

You don't have to cut everything fun from your budget to make meaningful financial progress. And you don't have to feel guilty every time you spend money on something you genuinely enjoy.

What matters is knowing why you're spending. The more intentional you become about what deserves your money, the easier it becomes to let go of spending that doesn't serve you, and create more room for the things, experiences, and financial goals that actually do.

That's the kind of frugality I want us to think about this month. Not spending less just for the sake of spending less. Spending with purpose so your money can support both the life you're living today and the future you're building.

You are not behind, you are building. Consistency compounds. The steady work you're doing now is shaping your next level.

The Kind of Wealth I'm Building: Travel, Experiences, and Rental Properties I Love Aug 31, 2026

Show notes

When we think about wealth, it's easy to focus on the numbers.

A savings goal. A net worth milestone. A retirement account balance. A debt payoff target.

Those things absolutely matter. But lately, I've been thinking about something bigger. What is all of this for?

Because the more I've reflected on the next chapter of my life, the more I've realized that the wealth I'm building has very little to do with impressing other people, and everything to do with creating a life that feels meaningful to me.

A life filled with travel. Meaningful experiences. Time freedom. Purposeful work. Rental properties in places I genuinely love. And hopefully, a legacy that extends beyond me.

In this episode, I'm sharing the vision I'm working toward, why I believe it's important to dream beyond financial milestones, and how having a clear vision for your future can make today's financial decisions feel much more meaningful.

Because your money isn't just helping you reach goals. It's helping you build a life.

In this episode, we discuss:

Why financial goals should support a bigger life vision
How travel changed the way I define wealth and success
Why experiences continue to shape my financial priorities
My long-term vision for building a rental property portfolio
The dream of owning homes in places that bring us joy
Why multiple income streams fit into my long-term financial plan
How financial freedom creates more options, not just more money
Why you don't need every answer before you start pursuing a dream
The importance of building wealth that aligns with your values
How creating a clear vision makes everyday financial decisions easier

This episode is especially helpful if you:

Have financial goals but haven't thought about the life they're supporting
Want to build wealth with more intention and purpose
Dream about traveling more or creating additional income streams
Feel ready to think beyond budgeting and into long-term lifestyle design
Want your money to reflect your personal values instead of someone else's expectations
Need encouragement to dream bigger about your future

Why this matters:

Financial goals are important, but they're only part of the picture. The numbers themselves aren't the destination.

They're the vehicle that helps you create more freedom, more flexibility, and more opportunities to spend your time in ways that matter to you.

When you have a clear vision for the life you're building, your financial decisions become more intentional because they have a purpose behind them.

Saving becomes easier because you know what you're saving for. Investing becomes more meaningful because you're investing in the future you want to create.

And budgeting becomes less about restriction and more about making sure your money reflects what matters most.

Because wealth isn't just measured by what you own. It's also measured by the life you're able to create because of it.

Timestamps:

[02:35] Over the last few years, Raya has spent a lot of time thinking about what she's working so hard for. What's her bigger picture?
[04:17] Building a portfolio of rental properties is a dream for Raya and her fiancé. She already has experience with this, but plans to take it to the next level.
[08:32] Having time freedom, location freedom, and options is what drives Raya to build wealth for her life.
[11:16] Raya shares how her dad would hype her up and her mom would allow her to stay hyped up. They shaped Raya's belief system.

Resources Mentioned:

Request a free money call with Raya

City Girl Savings Personal Finance Portfolio

Financial Focus Coaching Program

If there's one thing I hope you take away from this episode, it's this: Don't just build financial goals. Build a vision.

Give yourself permission to think beyond your next savings milestone or debt payoff target and ask yourself what kind of life you're actually working toward.

What experiences do you want to have? Where do you want to spend your time? Who do you want to share your life with?

Because once you have a vision that's rooted in your values, your financial decisions begin to feel more connected and intentional.

You don't need every detail figured out before you begin. You don't need the entire roadmap. You simply need a direction that's meaningful enough to keep taking the next step.

Money isn't just meant to be managed well…it's meant to support a life you're excited to live.

You are not behind, you are building. Consistency compounds. The steady work you're doing now is shaping your next level.

What Traveling Taught Me About Money, Freedom, and Priorities Aug 24, 2026

Show notes

Some of the most valuable financial lessons I've ever learned didn't come from a budgeting book, a money course, or even years of coaching women with their finances.

They came from stepping on a plane.

When I first started traveling, I simply wanted to see new places and have fun. But over time, I realized travel was changing much more than the stamps in my passport.

It changed the way I thought about money. It changed the way I defined financial freedom. It changed what I valued, how I spent my money, and even how I measured success.

In this episode, I'm sharing five of the biggest lessons travel has taught me about money, freedom, gratitude, and building a life that's aligned with what matters most.

Because sometimes the greatest return on your money isn't something you can measure…it's the perspective you gain along the way.

In this episode, we discuss:

Why experiences often create more lasting value than material possessions
How travel helped me become more intentional with my spending
The unexpected gratitude that comes from seeing different parts of the world
Why financial freedom is about more than reaching a certain number
How travel helped me redefine success on my own terms
Why rest is an essential part of building a healthy, sustainable life
The connection between experiences, relationships, and lasting memories
Why money is a tool…not the ultimate goal
How identifying your values makes financial decisions easier
The role experiences can play in creating a richer, more meaningful life

This episode is especially helpful if you:

• Love to travel or want to travel more intentionally

• Feel like you're working hard but want your money to support a more meaningful life

• Are trying to align your spending with your personal values

• Want to build financial freedom that reflects your own definition of success

• Feel pulled between saving for the future and enjoying the present

• Want a healthier relationship with money and the life it's helping you create

Why this matters:

Managing your money isn't just about growing your savings or reaching financial milestones.

It's about creating a life that reflects what matters most to you.

When you're clear on your values, financial decisions become easier because you're no longer spending based on pressure, comparison, or impulse. You're spending with intention.

For me, travel became one of the experiences that clarified those values. It reminded me that freedom isn't just measured by a bank account. It's measured by the choices you have, the relationships you invest in, the memories you create, and the life you're able to build along the way.

That's why I believe money management is about so much more than numbers.

It's about using your money as a tool to support the people, experiences, and priorities that make your life feel meaningful.

Timestamps:

[02:05] Raya shares some of the most important things travel has given her that can't be measured in dollars.
[04:45] Thinking about all the places Raya hasn't been to brings excitement to her. That is a sign that travel equals joy for her.
[09:55] Raya used to believe that working hard was always the answer. Over time, travel has taught her that rest really does matter.
[13:17] When people ask Raya why she's so passionate about budgeting, her answer is because it helps her leverage her money to create experiences.

Resources Mentioned:

Episode #65: How Traveling Feeds My Soul and Keeps Me Motivated

Request a free money call with Raya

City Girl Savings Personal Finance Portfolio

Financial Focus Coaching Program

If there's one thing I hope you take away from this episode, it's that money isn't the destination.

It's the tool that helps you create the life you want to live.

Whether that's traveling more, spending meaningful time with the people you love, building flexibility into your schedule, or simply feeling more present in your everyday life, your financial decisions have the power to support what matters most.

So take a little time to think about your own priorities.

What experiences have shaped you? What memories do you want to create? What kind of life are you working toward?

Because when you're clear on those answers, your budget becomes more than a spending plan…it becomes a reflection of your values and a roadmap for the life you want to build.

6 Steps to Budget for Travel Without Stress or Guilt Aug 17, 2026

Show notes

There was a time when I planned vacations completely backwards. I'd decide where I wanted to go, book the trip, and then figure out how I was going to pay for it later.

Sometimes that meant relying on credit cards. Sometimes it meant pulling money from other priorities. And almost every time, it meant coming home from an incredible trip feeling financially stressed.

Thankfully, that's no longer how I travel.

Today, I still prioritize experiences and vacations, but I have a system that allows me to enjoy them without bringing financial regret home in my suitcase.

In this episode, I'm walking you through the six-step travel budgeting process I use before every trip. We'll talk about planning ahead, building a travel fund, using travel rewards strategically, and making room in your budget for the experiences that matter most.

Because a vacation should leave you with great memories, not lingering financial stress.

In this episode, we discuss:

Why planning your trip before spending money changes everything
How to estimate travel costs without feeling overwhelmed
Why pricing flights, hotels, and transportation early gives you more flexibility
How a travel sinking fund makes vacations less stressful
Why breaking a trip into monthly savings goals makes it more achievable
How to use credit card points and travel rewards responsibly
Why travel rewards should support your budget—not replace it
How to enjoy your vacation without guilt or financial anxiety
Why you don't have to stop traveling while working toward other financial goals
How intentional planning allows you to enjoy both financial progress and meaningful experiences

This episode is especially helpful if you:

Love to travel but struggle to budget for it
Feel guilty spending money on vacations
Usually pay for trips after you've already taken them
Want to travel without relying on credit cards
Are balancing travel goals with saving, investing, or paying off debt
Want a simple system for planning future vacations

Why this matters:

Travel doesn't become stressful because you took the trip.

It becomes stressful when the financial planning happens after the vacation instead of before it.

One of the biggest mindset shifts you can make is realizing that budgeting for travel isn't about limiting your experiences…it's about protecting them.

When you've planned ahead, saved intentionally, and built travel into your financial plan, you're able to enjoy the experience without worrying about how you'll pay for it later.

That's what intentional budgeting makes possible. It allows you to create memories without creating financial setbacks.

Because your financial goals and your travel goals don't have to compete with each other. With the right plan, they can support one another.

Timestamps:

[02:19] Travel hacking can absolutely help you save money, but most of us still need a plan for how we're going to pay for everything that comes along with a trip.
[04:47] When budgeting for your trip, price out the biggest expenses first. Raya shares she researches flights, hotels, and transportation before anything else.
[08:01] Even if Raya doesn't have a trip planned, she saves for it regularly throughout the year in a sinking fund.
[13:06] Give yourself permission to enjoy the experience of your trip. If you plan and save for it, allow yourself to enjoy it.

Resources Mentioned:

Episode #30: Vacation Planning on a Budget

Episode #12: An Introduction to Travel Hacking

Request a free money call with Raya

City Girl Savings Personal Finance Portfolio

Financial Focus Coaching Program

If you've been waiting until the last minute to figure out how you'll pay for your next vacation, I hope this episode encourages you to flip that process around.

Start with the plan. Build the savings. Give yourself time.

Then, when it's finally time to pack your bags, you can focus on making memories instead of worrying about money.

Travel doesn't have to derail your financial goals, and your financial goals don't have to keep you from experiencing the world.

With a little planning, patience, and intention, you really can have both. Money isn't just meant to be managed well…it's meant to support a life you're excited to live.

Don't forget: You are not behind, you are building. Your consistency compounds, and the steady work you're doing now is shaping your next level.

Why Experiences are Worth Budgeting For (More than Things) Aug 10, 2026

Show notes

If someone had handed me $1,400 in college, I would have spent every dollar shopping.

In fact...I did.

I walked away with bags of clothes, shoes, and accessories that made me feel happy in the moment. Years later, I can barely remember what I bought. I even accidentally threw away one of the shopping bags before realizing there was still a dress inside.

Today, if you handed me that same $1,400, I'd spend it completely differently. I'd book a trip.

Not because buying things is wrong. And not because spending money is bad. But because I've learned that some purchases continue adding value to your life long after the money is gone.

For me, those purchases are experiences.

In this episode, I'm sharing why I believe experiences are worth budgeting for, what research says about experiences and happiness, and how to spend intentionally on the things that truly enrich your life—without sacrificing your financial goals.

Because building wealth isn't just about growing your bank account. It's about creating a life that your money allows you to fully enjoy.

In this episode, we discuss:

Why experiences often create more lasting happiness than material purchases
What research says about spending money on experiences versus things
How travel and shared experiences become part of your story
Why experiences often strengthen relationships and create lasting memories
How experiences can help you discover what you truly value
Why intentional spending looks different for everyone
Why meaningful experiences don't have to be expensive
How to balance financial goals with enjoying your life today
Letting go of guilt around spending on what matters most
How to build a budget that reflects your values instead of someone else's expectations

This episode is especially helpful if you:

Feel guilty spending money on travel or experiences
Want to enjoy life without feeling like you're falling behind financially
Are trying to balance saving money with creating meaningful memories
Want your spending to better reflect your values
Have financial goals but don't want to put your life completely on hold
Are working toward a life that feels both financially secure and deeply fulfilling

Why this matters:

Managing your money isn't about saying no to everything you enjoy. It's about making intentional decisions that support both your future and your present.

When your spending reflects what truly matters to you, money becomes more than numbers on a spreadsheet. It becomes a tool for creating memories, strengthening relationships, exploring new places, and building a life that feels rich in more ways than one.

The goal isn't to spend more. The goal is to spend better. To spend on the experiences, people, and priorities that continue adding value long after the money is gone.

Because when your budget aligns with your values, it becomes easier to spend confidently, save intentionally, and let go of the guilt that so often surrounds money.

Timestamps:

[01:23] Raya shares her evolution with spending: some purchases continue adding value to your life long after the money is gone.
[04:40] Research has shown that experiences bring more lasting happiness over material purchases. Experiences become a part of our story.
[09:07] Raya shared the background of her first international trip with her then-boyfriend. It was quite intense for 23-year-olds who had never traveled together.
[13:06] There is a big difference between mindless spending and intentional spending. If it's planned for and fits in your budget, don't feel guilty for spending.

Resources Mentioned:

Episode #143: My Travel Bucket List and Destination Experiences

Request a free money call with Raya

City Girl Savings Personal Finance Portfolio

Financial Focus Coaching Program

If this episode encouraged you to think differently about your spending, I hope you'll take a moment to ask yourself a simple question:

What experiences matter most to me?

Because once you're clear on the answer, you can start building a budget that reflects it. Your financial goals and your life experiences don't have to compete with each other.

With planning, intention, and the right financial systems, they can work together. Money isn't just meant to be managed well; it's meant to support a life you're excited to live.

You are not behind…you are building. Consistency compounds. The steady work you're doing now is shaping your next level.

How to Travel More for Less Using Credit Card Points and Miles with Julia of Geobreeze Travel Aug 03, 2026

Show notes

If travel is one of the things that brings you the most joy, but you also want to be responsible with your money, this episode is for you.

One of the biggest misconceptions about affordable travel is that you either need a huge travel budget or you have to give up your financial goals to make it happen.

The truth is, with the right strategy, you can do both. You can build wealth and prioritize experiences.

In this episode, I'm joined by Julia Menez, founder of Geobreeze Travel and an expert in using credit card points and miles to make travel significantly more affordable. Together, we're talking about how travel rewards actually work, who they're a good fit for, and why they should always be built on top of a strong financial foundation, not used as an excuse to overspend.

If you've ever wondered whether travel hacking is worth it, or you've wanted to travel more without putting your finances at risk, this conversation will help you understand how to use points and miles as a tool, not a temptation.

In this episode, we discuss:

What travel hacking is and how credit card points and miles actually work
Common misconceptions about travel rewards
Why travel doesn't have to be financially out of reach
How to get started with travel rewards as a beginner
How many credit cards you really need (and why more isn't always better)
Why paying off your credit cards in full is essential before earning travel rewards
The financial habits that should come before travel hacking
How to balance travel goals with other financial priorities
Additional ways to save money on travel beyond points and miles
Why investing in experiences can be one of the most meaningful ways to use your money

This episode is especially helpful if you:

Love to travel but worry about the cost
Want to learn how credit card points and miles work
Are interested in travel hacking but don't know where to start
Want to travel more without going into debt
Are working toward financial goals while still making room for experiences
Want to be more intentional with how you spend your money

Why this matters:

Travel doesn't have to compete with your financial goals.

When you build a strong financial foundation first, tools like credit card rewards and travel points can help you stretch your dollars further and create experiences that might have otherwise felt out of reach.

The key is remembering that travel rewards aren't the goal…they're simply one way to support the life you want to build.

Financial freedom isn't about saying no to everything you enjoy.

It's about making intentional decisions that allow you to enjoy more of what matters without creating financial stress later.

When your money supports your priorities instead of working against them, experiences become something you can plan for confidently, not something you have to feel guilty about.

Timestamps:

[03:12] Julia breaks down what travel hacking means, and all of the different aliases for the process.
[14:01] Have a plan for how you will meet the minimum spend for high-reward credit cards. Julia talks through typical points coming from the sign-up bonus.
[25:20] Do some research on the best cards that will work for your situation, instead of taking the advice of influencers.
[38:54] There are different ways to approach overspending on travel. Quick wins come from cutting expenses. Big wins come from increasing income.

Resources Mentioned:

Follow Julia on Instagram

Learn more about Geobreeze Travel

City Girl Savings Personal Finance Portfolio

Financial Focus Coaching Program

If you've been putting off travel because it feels financially out of reach, I hope this conversation reminds you that there are often more options than you realize.

Whether you decide to use points and miles or simply become more intentional with how you plan for travel, the goal isn't to take more trips at any cost.

The goal is to build a financial life that creates room for the experiences that matter most to you.

Because money isn't just meant to be managed well, it's meant to support a life you genuinely enjoy living.

You are not behind…you are building. Consistency compounds. The steady work you're doing now is shaping your next level.

5 Levels of Financial Freedom (and How to Reach the Next One) Jul 27, 2026

Show notes

When people talk about financial freedom, they often talk about it like it's one destination. Like one day you'll make enough money, save enough money, invest enough money...and suddenly you've arrived.

But that's not how financial freedom works. Financial freedom isn't one moment, it's a progression. It's something you build over time through awareness, consistency, control, growth, and intentional decision-making.

If you've ever felt like you're doing some things right with your money but still don't feel fully in control, there's a good chance you're in between levels. You're not where you started, but you're not where you want to be yet either.

In this episode, I'm walking you through the five levels of financial freedom, how to identify where you are today, and what it takes to move to the next level.

Because financial freedom isn't about perfection, it's about progress; and understanding where you are can help you focus on the next step instead of feeling overwhelmed by the entire journey.

In this episode, we discuss:

The 5 levels of financial freedom and what each one looks like
The difference between financial awareness and financial control
Why many people get stuck between knowing what to do and actually doing it
How consistent money habits create financial confidence
What financial control really looks like in everyday life
The shift from managing money to growing money
How investing, saving, and increasing income contribute to financial growth
Why financial freedom looks different for everyone
How to identify your current level and focus on the right next step
The habits, systems, and mindset shifts needed to move forward

This episode is especially helpful if you:

Feel like you're making progress but aren't sure where you stand financially
Want to build wealth but don't know what to focus on next
Feel stuck between budgeting and long-term financial growth
Want a clearer roadmap to financial freedom
Are looking for a practical way to measure your financial progress
Want your money to support more freedom, flexibility, and choice in your life

Why this matters:

One of the biggest mistakes people make with financial freedom is believing they're either "there" or they're not…but financial freedom isn't binary. It's built in stages.

When you don't understand the stage you're in, it's easy to become frustrated, discouraged, or focused on the wrong things. Someone in financial instability needs something very different than someone focused on growing wealth. Someone building financial awareness has different priorities than someone working toward financial freedom.

That's why understanding your current level matters. It helps you stop comparing yourself to people who are on a different part of the journey and start focusing on the habits, systems, and decisions that will move you forward.

Because every level serves a purpose. The awareness creates consistency. The consistency creates control. The control creates growth. The growth creates options. Over time, those options become the foundation of financial freedom.

Timestamps:

[02:01] Does your money feel inconsistent or unpredictable? You're likely in the first stage of financial freedom: instability.
[05:35] When you know what you should be doing with your money but you're not doing it – this is a common place where a lot of women get stuck.
[09:57] Control does not mean perfection. Just because you have control of your money doesn't mean things won't come up. The biggest difference is those things don't derail you.
[15:40] You have enough money and enough control of your money to decide how you spend your time and where you spend your life…this is financial freedom.

Resources Mentioned:

Request a free money call with Raya

City Girl Savings Personal Finance Portfolio

Financial Focus Coaching Program

I want you to ask yourself one simple question: Where am I right now?

Not where you want to be. Not where you think you should be. Not where someone else says you should be. Where are you today?

Because once you're honest about your current level, you can focus on what actually matters next. You don't need to master every aspect of money all at once. You don't need to jump from financial instability to financial freedom overnight.

Real progress happens when you focus on the next right step. The next habit. The next decision. The next level. If you're feeling stuck between levels, or you've built some momentum but aren't sure how to keep moving forward, support can make all the difference.

Sometimes the breakthrough isn't working harder. It's having the right structure, the right systems, and the right guidance to help you see what comes next.

Financial freedom isn't something you arrive at by accident. It's something you build intentionally, one decision at a time. You're not behind, you're building. That consistency compounds, and the steady work you're doing now is shaping your next level.

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