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

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

CFO Corner Week 2: A Net Worth Check-In

This week on CFO Corner, we're tackling something that sounds intimidating but is actually empowering: calculating your net worth. This isn't about judgment or where you think you should be - it's simply about knowing your starting point.
In this episode, you'll learn:
What net worth actually is (and why it matters)
How to calculate your assets and liabilities
Why your net worth is not your worth
How to use this number without obsessing over it
Your 10-minute action: Calculate your net worth and save it as your January 2026 baseline.
Remember: The goal isn't a perfect net worth - it's an improving one. Progress over time matters more than where you started.
Next week: We're covering how to set intentional financial goals for 2026 that actually connect to your life, not just numbers on a spreadsheet.
Resources Mentioned:
Listen to this Episode: Net Worth Explained: What It Is and Why It Matters
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 Small Money Decisions That Change Everything

Think wealth comes from big salaries and huge investment wins? Think again. In this episode, Maddie and Meghan reveal the small, repeatable decisions that actually build wealth over time - and why they're so easy to ignore. Learn about the compound effect (starting to invest at 25 vs. 35 costs you $260K!), the three categories of decisions that matter most, and why "I'll start when I make more" is the biggest trap. Plus, they share the small money decisions they wish they'd made earlier and which ones they're glad they stuck with. This isn't about perfection - it's about picking ONE small decision to make more intentional this week.
What You'll Learn:
Why starting to invest at 25 vs. 35 costs you over $260K
The 3 categories of small decisions: automation, lifestyle defaults, and timing
Why almost 50% of people earning $100K+ still live paycheck to paycheck
How to escape the "when I make more" trap
Which ONE small decision to focus on right now
Coming Next Week: How to automate your finances step-by-step (what to automate first, how to set it up, common mistakes)
Free Resources Mentioned:
50/30/20 Budget Builder Guide
5-Day Expense Reset Challenge
It's not the big decisions. It's the quiet ones you repeat over and over.
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 1: Where Did Your Money Go Last Month?

Welcome to the first CFO Corner! This week, we're starting with the foundation: awareness. In less than 10 minutes, you'll track your December spending and discover exactly where your money went. No judgment or guilt - just the data you need to make better decisions moving forward. Meghan walks you through pulling up your statements, adding up your total spending, and identifying ONE thing to adjust this month. This is designed to be done IN REAL TIME while you listen. Whether this is your first CFO Corner or you're here every week, let's build this habit together.
This Week's Action:
Download December bank and credit card statements
Calculate your total spending
Notice your reaction (that feeling is information)
Identify ONE area to adjust
Resources Mentioned:
Free 50/30/20 Budget Builder Guide
Free 5-Day Expense Reset Challenge (find $900+ in hidden expenses!)
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

What to Do If You Win the Lottery (And Why It Matters Even If You Don't)

What would you do if you won the lottery tomorrow? Americans spent over $100 billion on lottery tickets in 2024, but sudden money doesn't equal financial security without the right plan. In this episode, Meghan and Maddie break down the exact steps to take if you receive a windfall - from pausing before making any moves to building your advisory team, understanding taxes, and creating a sustainable plan. Plus, they share what THEY would actually do if they won (including the fun splurges and hard decisions). Whether you play the lottery, are expecting an inheritance, or just love "what if" scenarios, these principles apply to any windfall.
What You'll Learn:
The biggest mistake lottery winners make (and how to avoid it)
How to set boundaries when everyone wants a piece
Why these principles work for ANY windfall (bonus, inheritance, etc.)
Resources Mentioned:
Budget Builder
Investing Made Simple Guide
The best financial decisions are rarely made in a rush. Take your time, get good advice, and let your values lead.
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
 

Introducing CFO Corner: Your New Weekly 10-Minute Money Check-In

NEW SERIES ALERT! Introducing CFO Corner - your weekly 10-minute money check-in. One small action across 5 pillars: income, budgeting, saving, investing & debt. No overwhelm. No deep dives. Just consistent progress. Drops every Thursday. Subscribe so you don't miss Episode 1!
 
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 73% of Money Goals Fail (And How to Be in the 27% That Succeed)

Do you remember your 2025 money goals? If you're drawing a blank, you're not alone, 52% of Americans didn't even set financial resolutions, and of those who did, only 27% stuck with them. In this episode, we reveal why most New Year money goals fail fast (23% quit by week one!) and what actually creates lasting financial progress. Learn why habits matter more than big targets, how to build systems that work, and the simple checklist to run through before setting ANY financial goal for 2026. This isn't about working harder - it's about working smarter.
Free Resources Mentioned:
Reset Your Expenses Challenge - Join the challenge HERE!
50/30/20 Budget Builder Guide
Become the CFO of Your Life: 7 Principles for Financial Confidence
Start small. Start thoughtfully. Build one habit, then grow from there.
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