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

Hosted by Raya Reaves

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Aug 2026

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Make good money but still feel behind financially? Struggling with budgeting, overspending, or figuring out where your money actually goes? Whether you're living paycheck to paycheck, earning a solid income but struggling to stay organized, or ready to finally build real wealth...The City Girl Savings Podcast is your weekly money reset. Hosted by Money Coach and City Girl Savings founder Raya Reaves, this podcast helps women master budgeting, improve money management, stop overspending, pay off debt, and confidently build wealth...without giving up the lifestyle they love. Raya knows what it feels like to make money and still feel out of control. After years of overspending and credit card debt, she transformed her finances using simple budgeting systems and intentional money habits. Today, she's a full-time financial coach, second-home owner in Palm Springs, and wealth-building entrepreneur...and she teaches women how to do the same. Each episode covers topics like: • Budgeting systems that simplify your life • Money mindset shifts that build confidence • How to stop overspending and save consistently • Paying off debt and keeping it at $0 • Building wealth while still enjoying your lifestyle • Financial organization, goal setting, and long-term security If you're a working woman who makes good money but knows you could be doing more with it, this podcast is your weekly money reset. Press follow and let Raya be the money coach in your ear every Monday...helping you budget your way to a life you truly love. Follow City Girl Savings on your favorite podcast platform, or visit: citygirlsavings.com to learn more! Join the weekly newsletter for practical money strategies and mindset shifts: https://citygirlsavings.activehosted.com/f/31 Connect with Raya on TikTok, Facebook, or Instagram: @citygirlsavings

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August 17, 2026Episode 23117 min

6 Steps to Budget for Travel Without Stress or Guilt

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 Budge t 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.

August 10, 2026Episode 23016 min

Why Experiences are Worth Budgeting For (More than Things)

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.

August 3, 2026Episode 22752 min

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

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.

July 27, 2026Episode 22820 min

5 Levels of Financial Freedom (and How to Reach the Next One)

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.

July 20, 2026Episode 22719 min

2026 Mid-Year Personal and Business Goals Check In

It's hard to believe we're already halfway through 2026. One thing I've learned over the years is that time is going to keep moving whether we're paying attention or not. That's why I've made it a habit to set annual goals, revisit them regularly, and share my progress publicly. At the end of 2025, I shared my personal and business goals for 2026. Now that we've reached the halfway point of the year, it's time for a check-in. In this episode, I'm giving you a behind-the-scenes look at what's working, what's not, what goals are on track, and where I need to refocus for the second half of the year. We'll talk about everything from health goals and reducing stress to business growth, podcast downloads, content creation, and the realities of running a business in today's economy. My hope is that this episode encourages you to pause and do your own mid-year review. Because sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is stop, reflect, and make intentional adjustments before the year gets away from you. In this episode, we discuss: Progress toward my personal health and wellness goals What I've learned about slowing down, reducing stress, and prioritizing recovery My progress toward maxing out my Roth IRA in 2026 Why my honeymoon and wedding plans have shifted Efforts to reduce screen time and be more intentional with technology What the first half of 2026 has taught me about managing a full life The current state of City Girl Savings and our business goals Revenue, profitability, and navigating economic uncertainty Podcast growth, content creation, and audience building Why consistency matters even when results take longer than expected The mindset I'm carrying into the second half of the year This episode is especially helpful if you: Set goals at the beginning of the year and haven't revisited them Feel behind on your personal or financial goals Want motivation to reset and refocus for the second half of the year Are working toward health, money, or business goals Need a reminder that progress isn't always linear Want a realistic look at what goal pursuit actually looks like Why this matters: Too many people treat goals like a January activity. They set ambitious intentions, get excited for a few weeks, and then never revisit them until December. But real progress happens when you're willing to check in honestly along the way. A mid-year review isn't about judging yourself for what hasn't happened yet. It's about recognizing what's working, acknowledging what needs adjustment, and deciding how you want to move forward. Some goals will be ahead of schedule. Some will be behind. Some may need to change entirely. That's not failure. That's life. The goal isn't perfection. The goal is staying engaged with the life you're trying to build. Often, the willingness to reassess and adjust is what ultimately creates the results you're looking for. Timestamps: [02:21] Raya breaks down her progress on her first personal goal of 2026 – improving her health for long-term functioning. This goal was harder to measure, but indicators of growth exist. [06:03] Raya's honeymoon and courthouse wedding timeframe has been pushed out. This goal likely will not be achieved in 2026. [10:57] After 5 months of no breaks in daily workouts, Raya learned she needs to prioritize recovery (which means more frequent traveling)! [14:36] A business goal is to increase newsletter growth by 20%. Currently, this goal is trending about 4%. Raya shares things that can help improve this before the year ends. Resources Mentioned: Episode #209: My Personal and Business Goals for 2026 Request a free money call with Raya City Girl Savings Personal Finance Portfolio Financial Focus Coaching Program If you've been feeling behind on your goals, consider this your reminder that there's still plenty of year left. You don't need to wait until January to reset. You don't need a perfect first half of the year to have a strong second half. The truth is, most meaningful progress doesn't happen in a straight line. Some goals move faster than expected. Others take longer. Some priorities shift completely because life shifts. One of the biggest lessons I've learned over the years is that goals aren't just about achieving an outcome. They're about who you become in the process. They're about building consistency, learning from setbacks, making adjustments, and continuing to move forward even when things don't go exactly according to plan. So if you've fallen behind in an area of your life, give yourself permission to be honest about where you are without judging yourself for it. Then decide what the next best step looks like from here. Maybe that means recommitting to a goal. Maybe it means adjusting the goal. Maybe it means celebrating progress you've overlooked because you're too focused on what hasn't happened yet. Whatever your situation, don't let the first half of the year determine the second half. Take time to reflect. Acknowledge how far you've come. Make the adjustments you need to make. Then keep building. Remember: You are not behind…you are building. Consistency compounds. The steady work you're doing now is shaping your next level.

July 13, 2026Episode 22617 min

How Gaining Control of My Money Gave Me My Life Back

I often think back to a time in my life when I was digging through couch cushions looking for enough money to order takeout. Not because I didn't have access to money…but because I had already spent it. Every dollar. Every credit card limit. Every option…and if you had looked at my life from the outside, you probably wouldn't have thought anything was wrong. I was living in Los Angeles. I was in college. I had the clothes, the social life, and the experiences I wanted, but behind the scenes, my finances were completely out of control. In this episode, I'm sharing the story of how taking control of my money didn't just change my finances, it changed my life. We'll talk about the wake-up call that forced me to stop avoiding my reality, the mindset shifts that helped me regain control, and the unexpected ways financial stability created more peace, confidence, and freedom. Because if your money feels like it's running your life right now, I want you to know that it doesn't have to stay that way. In this episode, we discuss: The spending habits that led me into financial chaos in my early twenties How credit cards allowed me to maintain a lifestyle I couldn't actually afford The wake-up call that forced me to take responsibility for my finances Why gaining control of your money starts with awareness, not restriction How budgeting helped me stop reacting and start making intentional decisions The connection between money management and mental peace Why financial control creates options, flexibility, and confidence The shift from living for today to building for the future Why making more money alone doesn't solve financial problems The first steps you can take to regain control of your finances This episode is especially helpful if you: Feel like you're making money but never getting ahead Struggle with overspending or impulse spending Feel stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed about your finances Want more control over your money and financial decisions Are working toward financial freedom but aren't sure where to start Feel like your money is running your life instead of supporting it Why this matters: A lot of people believe financial freedom starts when they make more money, but often, financial freedom starts when they gain control of the money they already have. Because without control, more income simply creates more opportunities to repeat the same patterns. Control isn't about restriction. It's about awareness. It's about understanding what's coming in, what's going out, and making decisions that align with the life you want to build. When you gain control of your money, something bigger starts to happen. You stop living in constant reaction mode. You stop avoiding your accounts. You stop feeling like every unexpected expense is a crisis. Over time, you create something that many women are truly looking for: peace. Not because everything is perfect, but because you know where you stand and where you're going. That's where financial freedom begins. Timestamps: [02:13] Raya shares how she fully leaned into the "LA lifestyle", even though she didn't have the funds to support it. [05:18] Not paying rent on time led to an almost-eviction. This is the catalyst that forced Raya to change her money habits. [10:07] The biggest shifts that came from proper money management were more personal than financial. For example, Raya gained a level of peace she didn't even know was missing. [13:45] You can make good money and still feel stuck if you don't have control. It's not about how much you make, it's what you do with what you make. Resources Mentioned: Episode #1: Big City Spender to City Girl Saver: How City Girl Savings Came to Be Request a free money call with Raya City Girl Savings Personal Finance Portfolio Financial Focus Coaching Program If you've ever felt like your finances are creating more stress than peace, this episode is your reminder that change doesn't happen all at once. It starts with awareness. It starts with one honest look at your numbers. It starts with one intentional decision to stop avoiding and start paying attention. You don't have to wait for a financial breaking point to take control of your money. You can start building that control (and the freedom that comes with it) today. You are not behind—you are building. Consistency compounds. The steady work you're doing now is shaping your next level.

July 6, 2026Episode 22545 min

What Financial Freedom Really Looks Like with Marc Russell

Financial freedom is one of those phrases we hear all the time. It's talked about in books, podcasts, social media posts, and financial conversations. But what does it actually mean? Because for many women, especially women who earn good money, financial freedom can feel like a moving target. You hit one goal, only to create another. You make more money, but still don't feel fully in control of it. You save, invest, and work hard...yet you're not quite sure when you'll finally feel "free." The truth is, financial freedom isn't just about reaching a certain number in your bank account or investment portfolio. It's about having options. It's about creating a financial life that supports your goals, your values, and the way you want to spend your time. In this episode, I'm joined by Marc Russell, founder of BetterWallet and a financial educator who has helped hundreds of thousands of people pay off debt, start investing, and build long-term wealth. We're talking about what financial freedom really looks like, some of the biggest misconceptions people have about it, and the habits, behaviors, and mindset shifts that help create it. Whether you're just getting started or already making progress, this conversation will help you think differently about what freedom means for you. In this episode, we discuss: What financial freedom really means and how the definition can evolve over time Common misconceptions people have about financial freedom Why some high earners still feel stuck financially The behaviors and spending habits that can keep people from building wealth How income and behavior work together to create financial freedom The connection between investing and long-term financial independence How to stay consistent with investing without feeling overwhelmed Why consistency matters more than intensity when building wealth The identity shifts that often happen as people build financial confidence The first steps someone can take to start building financial freedom today This episode is especially helpful if you: Make good money but don't feel fully in control of it Want to build wealth without feeling restricted Feel unsure whether you're making enough progress financially Want to better understand how investing supports financial freedom Are working toward long-term financial goals and want a clearer roadmap Why this matters: Many people think financial freedom is something they reach someday in the future, but financial freedom is often built long before you arrive there. It's built through consistent decisions, intentional spending, healthy financial habits, and systems that support your goals. It's built when you stop chasing someone else's definition of success and start creating a financial life that reflects what matters most to you. The more intentional you become with your money, the more options you create for yourself. And those options can look different for everyone. For one person, it might mean retiring early. For another, it might mean changing careers, traveling more, working fewer hours, or simply feeling confident that an unexpected expense won't derail their progress. Timestamps: [03:30] Marc shares his progression of financial freedom and how it has changed as he's gotten older. It's about leveraging time wisely, now. [10:55] Can I utilize the skills God has given me to make sure I'm changing the lives of others? This question helped guide Marc towards his version of financial freedom. [24:25] If you have family asking for money, you need to assess how this is impacting your situation. This can hold back your own financial freedom. [34:40] The big secret to wealth building is taking the human factor (yourself) out of it. Automate as much as possible. Resources Mentioned: Follow Marc on Instagram Learn more about BetterWallet Listen to Episode #107: Adding Investing to Your Money Goals City Girl Savings Personal Finance Portfolio Financial Focus Coaching Program If you've been working toward financial freedom but still feel unsure about what it actually looks like, this episode is a reminder that freedom isn't just about reaching a number. It's about building a financial life that gives you options. A life where your money supports your goals, your values, and the experiences that matter most to you. The path to financial freedom doesn't require perfection. It requires intention, consistency, and a willingness to keep showing up for your future self. You're not behind…you're building. Consistency compounds. The steady work you're doing now is shaping your next level.

June 29, 2026Episode 22415 min

How to Keep the Momentum Going for the Second Half of the Year

Isn't it wild how quickly the year can move? One minute you're setting goals, feeling motivated, thinking about everything you want to accomplish…and the next, you're halfway through the year wondering how you got here so fast. Depending on how the first half of the year went for you, you might be feeling really good right now…like you've built momentum, made progress, and started to see results. Or…you might be feeling a little off. Maybe you started strong and fell off. Maybe things didn't go the way you planned. Maybe you've been meaning to "get back on track" for a while now. Here's what I want you to know: where you are right now is not a problem. It's just information. In this episode, we're walking through how to keep (or rebuild) your momentum for the second half of the year in a way that feels structured, realistic, and sustainable. Because finishing the year strong isn't about having a perfect start…it's about how you choose to move forward from here. In this episode, we discuss: Why the first half of the year doesn't determine your overall success How to get honest about your current progress without judgment Why reconnecting to your goals is key to building momentum How to adjust or refine your goals based on your current season A simple mid-year reset ritual to help you reflect and refocus Why simplifying your plan makes it easier to stay consistent How weekly routines help you stay connected to your goals Why planning for setbacks helps you stay on track long-term This episode is especially helpful if you: Feel like you've fallen off track with your goals this year Started strong but struggled to stay consistent Want to reset your finances, routines, or habits mid-year Feel overwhelmed trying to "fix everything" at once Want to build momentum for the rest of the year Are ready to feel more focused, intentional, and in control Why this matters: The women who finish the year strong aren't the ones who had a perfect first half. They're the ones who re-engage, reassess, reset, and recommit. Momentum doesn't come from doing everything perfectly…it comes from staying connected to your goals and continuing to move forward, even when things aren't going exactly as planned. When you get clear on where you are, simplify your plan, and build routines that support your goals, you make it easier to stay consistent. And consistency is what creates real results. Timestamps: [02:00] The women who finish the year strong are usually not the ones who had a perfect first half of the year. They've just recommitted. [04:02] Reconnecting and refining your goals is a key part of building momentum for the second half of the year. [04:30] Your goals are allowed to evolve. It's okay if your goals need to change for the second half of the year. [09:49] Simplify your plan so you follow through. When it comes to goals, one of the biggest reasons for losing momentum is a complicated plan. Resources Mentioned: Request a free money call with Raya City Girl Savings Personal Finance Portfolio Financial Focus Coaching Program The second half of the year isn't about catching up, it's about moving forward with intention. You don't need to fix everything overnight. You don't need to be perfect. You just need to get clear, reconnect to what matters, simplify your plan, and stay consistent. Momentum builds from small, intentional decisions made over time. If you're ready to build more structure, clarity, and consistency with your money and your goals, that's exactly what we focus on inside coaching. You can request a free money call using the link in the Resources section. Where you are right now is just your starting point. What matters most is what you do next.

June 22, 2026Episode 22318 min

5 Routines to Help You Stay Focused on Paying Off Debt

There was a time in my life where I didn't just go into debt once…I went into debt multiple times. And not small amounts. I'm talking tens of thousands of dollars…more than once. If I'm being honest, that used to be one of the most frustrating parts of my journey. Because it wasn't like I didn't know better. I had already learned the lessons. I had already gotten out of debt once. And yet somehow…I found myself right back in it again. In this episode, I'm not just talking about how to pay off debt…I'm talking about how to stay focused long enough to actually finish the journey. Getting out of debt isn't about knowing what to do…it's about becoming someone who can stay consistent long enough to do it. And that's where routines come in. In this episode, we discuss: Why paying off debt requires more than just knowledge or motivation The real reason people fall back into debt after getting out How inconsistency slows down your debt payoff progress Why daily awareness of your spending is a game changer How your budget gives context to your spending decisions The importance of weekly debt check-ins and staying engaged Why pre-deciding your spending helps you avoid emotional decisions How to create a strong "why" that keeps you motivated long-term Why tracking progress beyond balances helps you stay consistent This episode is especially helpful if you: Feel like you've been in and out of debt more than once Struggle to stay consistent with your debt payoff plan Know what to do financially, but have trouble following through Feel overwhelmed or discouraged by your current debt balances Want to build better money habits while paying off debt Are ready to stay focused and actually finish your debt payoff journey Why this matters: Getting into debt can happen quickly. Getting out of it takes time. If your habits, routines, and patterns don't support that long-term process, it becomes easy to fall into a cycle of starting and stopping. That cycle is what keeps people stuck. But when you build routines that keep you connected to your money (daily, weekly, and consistently), you stay engaged in the process. You make better decisions. You build momentum. And over time, that momentum turns into real progress. Because paying off debt isn't just about the numbers…it's about the behavior behind those numbers. Timestamps: [00:09] Raya opens with her experiences with getting into and out of debt multiple times. [03:40] A pattern Raya had while in debt was disconnection. She wasn't aware of what she was spending. It was all about the moment. [08:00] Realizing that her spending wasn't random, Raya was able to see how her spending was tied to her identity (in a negative way). [13:45] Tracking your progress beyond balances is a great way to keep you focused on the journey. Resources Mentioned: Episode #15: My Debt-Free Story and the Biggest Takeaways Get a Custom Budget Plan created by Raya Request a free money call with Raya City Girl Savings Personal Finance Portfolio Financial Focus Coaching Program Getting out of debt isn't about being perfect, it's about being consistent. It's about building routines that support you even on the days you don't feel motivated. Because motivation will come and go. But your routines are what keep you moving forward. If you're on a debt payoff journey right now, you're not behind…you're in the process. Stay consistent. Stay connected. Stay committed to your plan. Give it time, because it will pay off. If you're ready for more structure, more clarity, and more support with your money, that's exactly what we build inside coaching. You can request a free money call using the link in the Resources section.

June 15, 2026Episode 22215 min

The Truth About Vacation Spending (and How to Do It Guilt-Free)

If you know me, then you know there was a time in my life where vacation spending felt so exciting in the moment…and so stressful the second I got home. I remember going on a girls trip to Vegas in my early 20s. Deep down, I knew I couldn't really afford the trip the way I was approaching it, but I went anyway. No real plan, no clear budget…just spending based on what felt good in the moment. And when I got back? Reality hit. I was scrambling to cover my normal expenses, including rent. That post-vacation stress didn't match the experience I thought I was creating. I thought I was enjoying my life, but what I was really doing was borrowing peace from my future self to enjoy the present. In this episode, we're breaking down the truth about vacation spending—what actually causes people to overspend, why guilt shows up so often around travel, and how to approach your trips in a way that lets you enjoy them fully without throwing your finances off track. Because guilt-free spending isn't about spending less…it's about spending with a plan. In this episode, we discuss: Why vacation spending often leads to stress, guilt, or financial setbacks The two extremes people fall into: overspending vs over-restricting Why emotional spending is more likely during travel How to plan your vacation spending before the trip (not during it) Why deciding your experience matters more than just setting a budget How to structure your days to balance spending and enjoyment The importance of staying aware of your spending while traveling How to enjoy your trip without feeling restricted or financially anxious This episode is especially helpful if you: Feel stressed or guilty after spending money on vacations Tend to overspend while traveling and regret it later Overthink every purchase on trips and struggle to enjoy yourself Want to travel more but feel unsure how to afford it responsibly Feel like you have to "recover" financially after vacations Want to enjoy experiences without sacrificing financial stability Why this matters: Vacation spending isn't the problem. It's how you approach it. Most people fall into one of two patterns: they either overspend and deal with the consequences later…or they restrict so much that they can't even enjoy the experience. But there's a middle ground. When you plan ahead, decide what actually matters, and stay connected to your spending while you travel, everything changes. You stop making emotional, in-the-moment decisions and start making intentional ones. And that's what allows you to enjoy your trip fully…without coming home stressed, behind, or trying to fix your finances. Timestamps: [02:45] Raya's past experiences with vacation spending tend to be a common scenario for a lot of women. [05:13] Don't wait until you're on the trip to start figuring out your finances. Planning ahead allows you to be proactive, instead of reactive with money. [09:00] When planning a trip, always start with the type of experience you want to have. This will help you plan spending. [12:20] There's a middle ground between being aware of what's happening with your money and spending while on vacation. Resources Mentioned: Episode #30: Vacation Planning on a Budget Request a free money call with Raya City Girl Savings Personal Finance Portfolio Financial Focus Coaching Program Vacation spending doesn't have to come with guilt, but it does require intention. When you plan ahead, decide what matters, and stay connected along the way, your trips stop being something you have to recover from…and start being something that fits into your life. You get to enjoy the experience and feel good when you come home…not stressed, not behind, but still in control of your money. And if you're ready to build that kind of structure and confidence with your finances (not just for vacations, but for everyday life), support and accountability can make all the difference. You can request a free money call using the link in the Resources section. You don't have to choose between experiences and financial peace. You just have to learn how to plan for both.