Deeply Invested: Manage Money, Budget, Save, Invest, Build Wealth

CFO Corner Week 7: Financial Account Spring Cleaning

It's time for some financial spring cleaning. In this week's episode, we're tackling scattered accounts, old 401(k)s, and financial clutter.
You'll create a complete inventory of every financial account you have, identify what needs attention, and make a simple action plan to consolidate and simplify.
No closures or transfers today - just clarity.
In This Episode:
How to inventory all your financial accounts
Identifying accounts that no longer serve you
Which old 401(k)s to consolidate
Making a manageable action plan
Read the full Show Notes Here!
 
Thanks to our sponsor:
 
Rakuten
 
Thanks for tuning in and come back each week for a brand new episode! If you liked the episode, don’t forget to hit subscribe, rate & review! Check out our FREE Newsletter to get all of our latest advice and freebies!
 
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Email us: hello@liveyourmoneystyle.com

The Cost of Convenience: When Paying for Ease Is Actually Smart

Pre-cut watermelon. Grocery delivery. Meal kits. DoorDash. House cleaners. We've never had more convenience at our fingertips - and we've never questioned our spending more.
In this episode, we break down when paying for convenience is actually strategic, and when it's just autopilot spending draining your bank account.
In This Episode:
The 3 hidden costs of convenience spending
When convenience is worth every penny (and when it's not)
The "cost per hour" framework to make smarter decisions
Real-life examples: house cleaners, coffee runs, meal kits & more
4 questions to ask before any convenience purchase
Stop feeling guilty. Start spending intentionally.
Read the full Show Notes Here!
 
Thanks to our sponsor:
 
Rakuten
 
Thanks for tuning in and come back each week for a brand new episode! If you liked the episode, don’t forget to hit subscribe, rate & review! Check out our FREE Newsletter to get all of our latest advice and freebies!
 
Connect with us on Instagram @your.money.style
 
Visit our website for articles, resources, and more at www.liveyourmoneystyle.com
Email us: hello@liveyourmoneystyle.com

CFO Corner Week 6: How to Create Budget Categories That Actually Work

Many budgets fail because the categories don't reflect real life. This week on CFO Corner, create 5-8 simple budget categories that match how you actually live - not someone else's template. Your budget should work for your life, not force your life to work for your budget.
In This Episode:
Why budget categories are decision-making tools (not just buckets)
The sweet spot: 5-8 core categories
How to build categories from your real spending
Category bucket examples: Housing, Food, Transportation, Lifestyle, Savings, Fixed Bills, Flex
How to customize for your current life season
5 common budget category mistakes to avoid
Key Takeaway:
Create categories that reflect how you actually spend, not how you think you should spend. Categories are guides, not rules. Build awareness first, not perfection.
Your Action This Week:
Create 5-8 budget categories. Ask: "Does this reflect my real spending or my aspirational spending?"
Read the full Show Notes Here!
 
Thanks to our sponsor:
 
Rakuten
 
Thanks for tuning in and come back each week for a brand new episode! If you liked the episode, don’t forget to hit subscribe, rate & review! Check out our FREE Newsletter to get all of our latest advice and freebies!
 
Connect with us on Instagram @your.money.style
 
Visit our website for articles, resources, and more at www.liveyourmoneystyle.com
Email us: hello@liveyourmoneystyle.com

Renting Isn’t Throwing Money Away - And Buying Isn’t Always Smart

Should you buy a house or keep renting? In this episode, Maddie and Meghan break down the real costs of both - beyond just the mortgage payment - and help you figure out what actually makes sense for YOUR life, timeline, and goals. This isn't about what looks good on paper. It's about making the housing decision that supports the life you want. Plus, Meghan shares the real story of her first condo purchase.
In This Episode:
Why the "American Dream" pressure doesn't work for everyone
The real cost of renting (it's more predictable than you think)
The real cost of owning (mortgage is just the starting point)
Stability vs. flexibility: what are you prioritizing right now?
Why timeline matters: the 7-year rule explained
Hidden factors people forget (opportunity cost, maintenance, liquidity)
When buying makes sense vs. when renting makes sense
Key Insights:
Your rent is the MAXIMUM you'll pay. Your mortgage is the MINIMUM.
A $500K home at 6.168% interest = $978K total spent (including interest)
Plan to stay 7+ years for buying to make financial sense
That $100K down payment invested at 8% for 10 years = $216K vs. $134K in home equity at 3% appreciation
Renting isn't "throwing money away" - it's paying for flexibility and lower risk
Read the full Show Notes Here!
 
Thanks to our sponsor:
 
Rakuten
 
Thanks for tuning in and come back each week for a brand new episode! If you liked the episode, don’t forget to hit subscribe, rate & review! Check out our FREE Newsletter to get all of our latest advice and freebies!
 
Connect with us on Instagram @your.money.style
 
Visit our website for articles, resources, and more at www.liveyourmoneystyle.com
Email us: hello@liveyourmoneystyle.com

CFO Corner: It's Tax Season - Here's Your First Move

Tax season is here! This week on CFO Corner, we're organizing your tax documents and reviewing W-2s and 1099s for accuracy. This 10-minute action prevents errors, delays, and last-minute stress. You're not filing taxes today - you're getting organized and catching mistakes early so everything runs smoothly later.
In This Episode:
Why organizing tax documents NOW saves hours later
How to review W-2s and 1099s for accuracy
What to check: names, SSN, amounts, employer info
How to create one central tax folder (physical or digital)
What to do if you spot errors (contact employers NOW)
Creating a "still waiting on" tracking list
What You'll Do:
✓ Review income forms for obvious errors ✓ Create one central tax folder ✓ Make a list of missing documents ✓ Set yourself up to stay ahead of deadlines
Key Takeaway:
This takes 10 minutes now but saves hours of chaos in April. This is how a CFO stays ahead of deadlines instead of reacting to them.
Resources:
Related Episode: Build Your 2026 Money Calendar
Next week: Budget categories that fit YOUR life!
Read the full Show Notes Here!
 
Thanks to our sponsor:
 
Rakuten
 
Thanks for tuning in and come back each week for a brand new episode! If you liked the episode, don’t forget to hit subscribe, rate & review! Check out our FREE Newsletter to get all of our latest advice and freebies!
 
Connect with us on Instagram @your.money.style
 
Visit our website for articles, resources, and more at www.liveyourmoneystyle.com
 
Email us: hello@liveyourmoneystyle.com

Why Your First $100K Feels Impossible (and Why It Gets Easier After That)

Have you ever looked at your accounts and thought, "I'm doing everything right - why does this still feel so slow?" The first $100K is the hardest money you'll ever build. Maddie and Meghan explain why it feels so discouraging, what changes after you hit that milestone, and how to stay motivated before compounding kicks in. This episode validates your frustration and gives you the strategies to keep going.
In This Episode:
Why the first $100K feels impossible (3 core reasons)
The math: Why early contributions do 90% of the work
What actually changes after $100K (compounding becomes visible)
4 strategies to stay motivated during the slow phase
Why you're not behind - you're just in the foundation-building stage
Resources:
Investment Calculator
Investing Made Simple Guide (free download)
Related Episode: The Automation Episode
Related Episode: The Comparison Trap
Related Episode: Calculating Your Net Worth
Key Takeaway: The first $100K tests your patience. The rest rewards it.
Read the full Show Notes Here!
 
Thanks to our sponsor:
 
Rakuten
 
Thanks for tuning in and come back each week for a brand new episode! If you liked the episode, don’t forget to hit subscribe, rate & review! Check out our FREE Newsletter to get all of our latest advice and freebies!
 
Connect with us on Instagram @your.money.style
 
Visit our website for articles, resources, and more at www.liveyourmoneystyle.com
 
Email us: hello@liveyourmoneystyle.com

CFO Corner Week 4: Build Your 2026 Money Calendar in 10 Minutes

Welcome to CFO Corner! This week, we're building your 2026 money calendar in just 10 minutes. This simple visibility tool shows when money moves in and out of your life - preventing missed payments, eliminating surprise expenses, and reducing financial stress all year long. Meghan guides you through setting it up step-by-step as you listen.
In This Episode:
Why a money calendar matters (and what it actually is)
5 simple steps to build your calendar in real time
How to add paydays, bills, annual expenses, and tax dates
Why this creates clarity without constant maintenance
How to keep it updated with minimal effort
What You'll Build:
A simple tool that shows: ✓ When you're getting paid ✓ When bills are due ✓ Annual expenses before they hit ✓ Cash flow gaps to plan around ✓ Financial goals and milestones
Key Takeaway:
In less than 10 minutes, you'll build a tool your future self will use all year. No more missed payments. No more surprise expenses. Just clarity and confidence.
Resources:
Free 2026 Money Calendar Template
Sinking Fund Episode
CFO Corner Week 1 Episode
Next week: Tax preparation made simple
Read the full Show Notes Here!
 
Thanks to our sponsor:
 
Rakuten

Should You Take a Pay Cut for Work-Life Balance? How to Decide

Should You Take a Pay Cut for Work-Life Balance? How to Decide
You're exhausted and constantly thinking about work - but your paycheck looks great. Or you get an exciting offer with a lower salary. What do you do? This episode breaks down when taking less money for work-life balance makes financial sense, the red flags to watch for, and a practical framework to help you decide without regret.
In This Episode:
Why this decision is so common right now (burnout culture, shifting values)
The hidden costs of high-stress roles you're not tracking
When a pay cut can be a smart financial move
Red flags: When NOT to take less money
A 5-question decision framework you can use today
Alternatives to consider before quitting
How to make this choice intentionally, not reactively
Key Takeaway:
Money is meant to support your life - not trap you in one. The right choice is the one that supports your life now AND doesn't sabotage future you.
Read the full Show Notes Here!
 
Thanks to our sponsor:
 
Rakuten
 
Thanks for tuning in and come back each week for a brand new episode! If you liked the episode, don’t forget to hit subscribe, rate & review! Check out our FREE Newsletter to get all of our latest advice and freebies!
 
Connect with us on Instagram @your.money.style

CFO Corner Week 3: How to Set Financial Goals for 2026

This week we're turning awareness into action by setting 1-3 specific financial goals for the year.
What You'll Do:
Review insights from Week 1 (spending) and Week 2 (net worth)
Choose 1-3 goals from these categories: Emergency Fund, Debt Payoff, Investing, or Savings Goal
Write down each goal with a specific number and deadline
Put goals somewhere visible to reference throughout the year
Key Takeaway: Focus beats quantity. Pick 1-3 goals max that matter to YOUR life and priorities.
Make them specific: "Save more" ❌ vs. "Save $3,000 for emergency fund" ✅
Next Week: Set up your Money Calendar to map out bills, paydays, and annual expenses for the entire year.
Read the full Show Notes Here!
 
Thanks to our sponsor:
 
Rakuten
 
Thanks for tuning in and come back each week for a brand new episode! If you liked the episode, don’t forget to hit subscribe, rate & review! Check out our FREE Newsletter to get all of our latest advice and freebies!
 
Connect with us on Instagram @your.money.style
 
Visit our website for articles, resources, and more at www.liveyourmoneystyle.com
Email us: hello@liveyourmoneystyle.com

The Automation Episode: Build Your Money System in 30 Minutes

Description: This isn't a theory episode - it's a do-it-with-us episode. We're walking you through exactly how to automate your finances, from savings to retirement contributions to bill payments. Grab your phone or laptop and set up at least one automation while you listen. Even one small automated transfer will compound into thousands of dollars over time.
What You'll Learn:
The 4-tier automation hierarchy (what to automate first)
Step-by-step instructions for automating savings, bills, retirement, and debt payments
Common automation mistakes and how to avoid them
How to increase your automation over time
Action Items:
Automate at least ONE financial task during this episode
Review your automation quarterly and increase amounts gradually
Resources Mentioned:
Blog Post: How to Choose the Right Investment Account for You
Free Download: Investing Made Simple Guide
Contact: hello@liveyourmoneystyle.com
Read the full Show Notes Here!
 
Thanks to our sponsor:
 
Rakuten
 
Thanks for tuning in and come back each week for a brand new episode! If you liked the episode, don’t forget to hit subscribe, rate & review! Check out our FREE Newsletter to get all of our latest advice and freebies!
 
Connect with us on Instagram @your.money.style
 
Visit our website for articles, resources, and more at www.liveyourmoneystyle.com
Email us: hello@liveyourmoneystyle.com