Podcasting for Financial Professionals

Focus on the Big Expenses with Rachel Wester | Archived Episode

“You have to think about your time differently and what it's worth!” - Rachel Wester. 

 

When faced with challenging financial circumstances, people frequently focus their attention on finding ways to reduce costs associated with unnecessary expenses. Instead of trimming lattes, what happens when we focus on the big stuff, like the mortgage?

 

Today we talk with Realtor Rachel Wester, and she shares her recent experience with a personal move, tips on how to reduce expenses on things you’re going to pay for no matter what, and how she’s piecing together her own abundant life over the past couple years by first prioritizing finances, then her business growth, and now her own health. 

 

When it comes to one of the most expensive investments we will make, it is essential to evaluate ALL potential costs of buying a home - that means digging below the surface and removing the rose-colored glasses. 

 

Your home and the mortgage that comes with it can either support your forward financial progress or hold you back. Find out how Rachel figured out it was time to make a move.

In this episode, listen for:

• How Rachel changed her mindset and habits around money by allowing her relationship with her personal finances to expand

• Purchasing a home is a life-changing decision. Your realtor’s background and goals should align with yours, so the guidance you receive aligns with your financial expectations and desires. 

• When you realize something is not working, make a change. Different actions produce different results. 

In this episode, you’ll also hear:

[00:20:46] One of the personal financial tips Rachel shares is https://www.powertochoose.org/ which allows Texans to shop for the best electricity rates and service plans

 

[00:24:40] Rachel recommends you read “G Code” by Ryan Stewman. How to stay super focused in a world full of distractions.

 

[00:28:20] Purposefully modeling and teaching your children to think outside of the box and create positive changes

If this episode hit home for you, share it with a friend. Simply copy & paste this link: https://link.chtbl.com/abundance

Learn more about how you CAN create the abundant life you've always wanted at www.reachingabundance.com

Follow me at www.instagram.com/reachingabundance

 

Follow Rachel Wester at 

https://www.acquistorealestate.com/agent/rachel-wester

(972) 396-7512

rachel@acquisitorealestate.com

https://www.facebook.com/RachelAcquistoRealEstate

https://www.instagram.com/rachelwesterrealtor

www.linkedin.com/in/rachelwesterrealtor

Back to Positive With 51+ Happiness-Creating Activities | Archived Episode

When I’m in a bad mood, feeling low, or in a funk, even if I want a jolt back to positivity, I’m usually so deep in the fog that I can’t fathom how to do so.

 

Whether it’s lack of sleep, the weather, or financial distress bothering you, trust me, I get it. I have been there too! As mothers, the daily struggles and never-ending decision-making can lead to feelings of overwhelm, irritation, and inability to carry out even the most basic tasks. 

 

Remember, even though it doesn’t feel like it sometimes, you’re in control of how you show up to your day, which affects how you influence your loved ones.

 

In this episode, I'm sharing what's worked for me through various phases over the years. This list of 50+ happiness-generating, smile-inducing activities can help you overcome a negative frame of mind and the feelings that accompany it. 

 

None of us can be happy and bubbly ALL the time, but when you know you’re in a funk and WANT to snap out of it, this list will help!

In this episode, listen for:

• Studies have shown that dark and gloomy days can lead to feelings of grumpiness and sadness
• The results you get depend heavily on the attitude with which you show up to the task. 
• If you notice that mornings are generally most difficult, you might benefit from developing a morning routine that includes activities that you generally enjoy or would look forward to.

In this episode, you’ll also hear:

[7:31] Physical activity, such as walking, running, and dancing, can assist the mind and body through negative feelings.

[11:26]  Enhancing your creative potential means using your imagination more. This may be done in a variety of ways, including painting, singing, dancing, or cooking.

[14:15] Give yourself a mood boost for the day by surrounding yourself with positive people and energy, perhaps by having a coffee date with a friend or business bestie.

 

If this episode hit home for you, share it with a friend. Simply copy & paste this link: https://link.chtbl.com/abundance

Learn more about how you CAN create the abundant life you've always wanted at www.reachingabundance.com

Follow me at www.instagram.com/reachingabundance

Gumball Coloring Sheet - https://reachingabundance.podia.com/coloring-your-goals

 

This episode is brought to you by Tea Drops, an organic tea press that dissolves in your cup of hot water. 

 

Simplifying Mom-Life with Declutter Coach Kiera Malowitz | Archived Episode

No more tripping over toys, being embarrassed to have people over, or arriving 5 minutes late because you couldn’t find something.

 

Simplifying and decluttering your physical space can go a long way in providing mental clarity. Less distraction and more simplicity in your home can significantly improve your concentration and allow more progress toward your goals. 

 

You and I both know motherhood can get messy. If you feel like you can't keep up with daily chores, maybe clutter and an abundance of stuff are to blame.

 

The number one thing moms want is more time to do what matters, like spending quality time with family. A cluttered home parallels with feelings of overwhelm, guilt, and shame. But it doesn’t have to be that way. 

 

If you spend more time cleaning, tidying, and feeling overwhelmed than you do actually enjoying life, that’s a big red flag. Decluttering your physical space saves you time, money, energy, and mental space.

 

In today's episode, Declutter Coach Kiera Malowitz joins me to help overwhelmed moms with overstuffed homes sort through the mess and get organized. We discuss ways to simplify your life and create less chaos for the long term. 

 

You and your family will benefit from decluttering, and as a busy mother, allow you to find activities outside the home you can enjoy in your spare time.

 

In this episode, listen for:

• One of the first steps to declutter is to attack the most visual mess
• How to nurture good financial and clutter-free habits in your children
• The top, most common issues include how much stuff the kids have, the quantity of food you buy, and navigating the guilt of spending money on things that go unused. 

 

In this episode, you’ll also hear:

[5:35] How and why decluttering your home saves time and helps you regain control of your life. 

[10:35] Being more selective about what you bring into your house will naturally result in less of everything.  Amazon feels like our best friend, but before you place another order, think about what has to be gotten rid of first.

[22:36] What are the advantages of decluttering for your child, regardless of their age?

 

If this episode hit home for you, share it with a friend. Simply copy & paste this link: https://link.chtbl.com/abundance

Learn more about how you CAN create the abundant life you've always wanted at www.reachingabundance.com

Follow me at www.instagram.com/reachingabundance

Follow Kiera Malowitz,  Declutter Coach & Professional Organizer at

DFW Decluttered

682-651-5532

dfwdecluttered@gmail.com

https://www.dfwdecluttered.com

https://www.facebook.com/dfwdecluttered/

https://www.instagram.com/dfwdecluttered/

   

This episode is brought to you by FamZoo, a debit card app to teach your children how to save money.

From Debt and Panic to Surviving, Now Thriving | Archived Episode

We have all, at one point, found ourselves in circumstances we didn't necessarily intend. As much as we don't want to talk about our finances, money and our financial behavior is an important topic that needs to be discussed. While societal or familial beliefs might make discussing money uncomfortable for you at first, it's time to ditch the taboo surrounding conversations about money.

 

As a financial coach, I get to hear your stories, but today, I’m sharing my own personal financial journey. It’s time I reveal where my enthusiasm for personal financial journeys came from and reassure you you’re not alone in your struggles.

 

In the depths of my financial upset, I couldn’t find a fellow mom who provided guidance about the financial challenges of having young children and a boatload of debt. That’s why I do what I do today.  Hopefully, by revealing my own challenges, I can highlight this path we share.

 

My rock bottom looked like a mountain of $80K in debt. I was struggling to make the minimum monthly payments and making cash on Craigslist selling things so I could buy groceries. 

 

For a time, I let my parents' relationship dictate many choices I made in my own life, which didn’t benefit me financially. However, at rock bottom, there’s nowhere to go except up. 

 

 It was time to take charge and make changes for the better, both for myself and as an example for my children. I had the power to change everything.

 

In this episode, listen for:

• The array of feelings, from happily helping my mom through her divorce to drowning in debt because I lacked boundaries with my generosity
• If you don’t focus on the result you want, you’ll end up with a result you dislike 
• My naivety and ignorance of how quickly credit cards add up

 

In this episode, you’ll also hear:

[10:26] Knowing a line had to be drawn at some point. Seeing only $20 in the bank and the conviction I felt to get back on my feet for my family’s sake.

[14:56] Falling into the trap of purchasing a new car and not knowing where the monthly payments would come from.

[20:55] Failing to account for the additional financial expense of raising a second child and the financial missteps made during the first three years.

 

If this episode hit home for you, share it with a friend. Simply copy & paste this link: https://link.chtbl.com/abundance

Learn more about how you CAN create the abundant life you've always wanted at www.reachingabundance.com

Follow me at www.instagram.com/reachingabundance

Read the related blog post: https://reachingabundance.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-how-debt-affected-my-life/

Free Debt Strategy and Budgeting Workbook - https://reachingabundance.podia.com/budgeting-for-debt-freedom-freebie

   

This episode is brought to you by YNAB, my favorite budgeting tool for you and your family.

Money & Relationships with Deise Clements | Archived Episode

Shame, conflict, and alternate perspectives about how money should be managed in the home can cause arguments and assumptions about how each other feels and begin to drive a wedge between partners. Intimacy and connection might decrease during times of financial tension if thoughts about conflict, finances, and intimacy are intertwined.

 

Intimacy Life Coach Deise Clements shares how to recognize patterns and separate thoughts for what they are… just thoughts. Creating happiness and abundance in our lives also includes nurturing romantic relationships, even when money is a tense topic. You might be surprised when intimacy and communication in one area resolve issues in another area of the relationship.

 

“This is for me, not against you.” - Deise Clements 

 

There will always be disagreements and conflicts in a relationship, no matter how much love is present. Family finances are a frequent source of friction in marriages. Today we’re diving into family budgeting, money meetings, and how spenders and savers can happily coexist in a healthy relationship.

 

When we want to make a difference in our lives, it all begins with our own point of view, our personal priorities, and how we show up in our relationships.

 

As women, it’s natural to believe it’s our “job” to shoulder all-the-things, but we’re telling you today that you don't have to. Drop that baton, mama! The one-woman relay is over!

 

Many women tend to put their careers on the back burner while raising a young family. This can cause feelings of inferiority when it comes to self-worth, financial empowerment, and self-confidence. The truth is, you still have a voice, an equal share in financial decisions (no matter who’s earning the income), and can contribute to the family’s well-being in ways you might not have considered before.

 

In this episode, listen for:

• Deise’s perspective on money and relationships. Money is simply a tool that can be used to make life more convenient, fun, and peaceful. There’s more than one way to accomplish financial goals, and it’s up to both partners to communicate. 
• It’s okay for one partner to want something, even if the other doesn't find value in those things.
• The invisible conversation we have within ourselves that causes assumptions about our partner. How to identify it and stop it from happening.

 

In this episode, you’ll also hear:

[00:10:25] Money and Motherhood intersect whether we like it or not. How ever-present financial challenges affect your decisions and the rabbit hole of “what ifs”

[00:20:24] Finding the confidence to recognize (or admit) you need help and how outsourcing might be beneficial for your entire household

[00:32:36] During times of conflict, partners are less likely to seek intimacy, which often drives the conflict deeper.

 

If this episode hit home for you, share it with a friend. Simply copy & paste this link: https://link.chtbl.com/abundance

Learn more about how you CAN create the abundant life you've always wanted at www.reachingabundance.com

Follow me at www.instagram.com/reachingabundance

 

Follow Deise at 

www.coachingwithDeise.com

www.instagram.com/coachingwithdeise/

https://www.facebook.com/coachingwithdeise

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMnRTh4YIxdatH3WUldTxZQ

 

This episode is brought to you by YNAB, an excellent budgeting tool for you and your family.

There’s Always An Excuse If You’re Looking For One | Archived Episode

My personal fitness journey has been riddled with a yo-yo cycle of excitement, excuses, goal-setting, and falling off the bandwagon. In pursuit of excuse elimination, I’ve discovered a deeper self-awareness, uncovered patterns, discovered the number one reason we don’t meet our goals, and experimented with lifestyle changes for the entire family.  

What if you could make life less chaotic and end each day feeling more accomplished? 

In general, there’s always a goal you’re working toward. Perhaps it’s fitness, financial, or career-related. How many times have you said you’ll “start on Monday” and then not actually started on Monday? 

Or, maybe you did start on Monday, but fell off after just a few days? Old habits die hard, huh? Personally, I resort to excuses like I’m too busy, tired, etc. and accidentally self-sabotage my way into quitting on the thing I really wanted to do.

In this episode, we’re examining self-sabotaging patterns and exploring how to get rid of the excuses.  I will share my struggles, what I’ve learned about myself, and the thought processes I’ve been evaluating in my own life.  

My newfound awareness of excused-based self-sabotage cycles in my life has allowed me to consciously break them down, question the negativity and excuses that seem to be my default, and refocus on what I need to do to make progress on my path toward abundance. 

 

Self-awareness and pattern interruption is becoming ever-important for me throughout this journey.

In this episode, listen for:

• How and why I committed to one goal and how doing so affected my thought process 
• Ditching the countless commitments that we “should” fulfill and choosing to pursue the most important (to us) ones.
• What are the triggers for self-sabotage? Nothing worthwhile ever comes easily, but perhaps the greatest challenge is moving through your own excuses.

In this episode, you’ll also hear:

[00:09:17] Recognizing the patterns of behavior and the settings under which they occur

[00:16:00] The only way to break the habit of making excuses is to become conscious of your own thought and behavior patterns that contribute to the problem

[00:20:22] When we convince ourselves that something is difficult, it’s usually because we’re avoiding it out of some underlying emotional response, like a fear of failing.

 

If this episode hit home for you, share it with a friend. Simply copy & paste this link: https://link.chtbl.com/abundance

Learn more about how you CAN create the abundant life you've always wanted at www.reachingabundance.com

Follow me at www.instagram.com/reachingabundance

This episode brought to you by Grocery Budget Makeover 

Time Management & Building The Life You Want | Archived Episode

“Of all the sacrifices we women choose to make in life, time shouldn't be one of them.” 

Since we can’t turn back the clock, how can we make the most of the time we have? The act of being present and appreciating the company of those with whom we share time has become more important. 

You can always earn more money, but you cannot regain time. When we look back on our lives, there are times we will never get back, no matter how hard we try, which is why it’s necessary to reflect on our mistakes and adjust our behaviors accordingly.

We need to appreciate the time we have and seize every opportunity that presents itself since the relationships you build in the here and now are irreplaceable.

In this episode, you’ll learn that time management is really just self-management. Time is not something we can control. However, you can control your actions and implement strategies to buy your time back, time-block tasks so you stay on track, and opportunities to set boundaries so you can enjoy work/life “balance.” 

Proper time management will allow you to feel more present within each task and with the people you care about. The precious moments I missed while juggling a corporate job and a growing family made me reevaluate my personal goals, boundaries, and self-management strengths.

I believe we CAN have it all. It may take time and require us to constantly refocus on our goals, but with determination, perseverance, and awareness, a life of abundance is within reach.

In this episode, listen for:

• What is really your “job” (around the house & at work)? Explore where you can hire help, delegate, or quit doing extra tasks yourself.
• The struggle in maintaining a separate work and personal life, and why that approach might not always be successful
• Everyday comes with new challenges. So when you’re feeling overwhelmed, ask yourself “What’s the priority right now?”

In this episode, you’ll also hear:

[00:07:46] Explore what’s really on your to-do list and what you can delegate or outsource.

[00:16:36] Self-management is a practice, to be improved over time. It’s not a one-and-done decision.

[18:16] Why I highly recommend “I Know How She Does It” by Laura Vanderkam and how it changed my perspective on career and household management.

 

If this episode hit home for you, share it with a friend. Simply copy & paste this link: https://link.chtbl.com/abundance

Learn more about how you CAN create the abundant life you've always wanted at www.reachingabundance.com

Follow me at www.instagram.com/reachingabundance

This episode is brought to you by: Erin Condren Planners made for any occasion.

How to Negotiate with Creditors During Financial Distress | Archived Episode

Not being able to cover the bills sucks. It creates fear in even the bravest mamas’ souls. I know because I’ve been there.

If you are having trouble making ends meet, what options do you have?

In this episode, you’ll learn who to call first, what to say, and what to ask for. I share about how my creditors helped us through and beyond rock bottom and offer encouragement and free resources for those who are there now.

Call as soon as possible, before your payment is past due. They have heard it all and will listen to your side of the story before deciding on a course of action to help you overcome your challenges.

If you don’t call, no one can help you. If you do, the possibilities are limitless!

Before making the call, give some thought to the outcome you’d like to see. Consider the following questions: While looking at your tracking/budgeting app, what did you conclude? Is this a temporary issue for this month or does it go beyond? Can you pay a reduced value this month? What is your plan to rectify your financial situation? 

Increasing your income, developing a spending plan you can stick to, setting up an emergency fund, and developing a strategy for paying off your debt are some suggestions that might assist you in getting your financial situation under control as quickly as possible.

In this episode, listen for:

• Your creditors are waiting to hear from you. They want to assist you and maintain you as a customer.
• What you have the ability to ask for while you are in negotiations with your creditors.
• To avoid having to explain your situation twice, create a shorter version to be directed to the correct person.

In this episode, you’ll also hear:

[4:12] If you’re unable to make even the minimum payment and realize there may be a problem with your payment, call immediately. 

[8:11] Before you get on the phone with creditors, make sure you have access to your most recent account statement and related details.

[12:33] Which questions your creditors might ask in order to get a better understanding of your situation to help bring your account current.

 

If this episode hit home for you, share it with a friend. Simply copy & paste this link: https://link.chtbl.com/abundance

Learn more about how you CAN create the abundant life you've always wanted at www.reachingabundance.com

Follow me at www.instagram.com/reachingabundance

 

Articles Mentioned 

https://reachingabundance.com/get-debt-free-faster-by-using-found-money/

https://reachingabundance.com/how-to-budget-while-strategically-paying-down-debt/

https://reachingabundance.com/powerful-secrets-to-a-successful-financial-journey-step-2-emergency-fund/

https://reachingabundance.com/how-to-create-your-own-custom-debt-free-strategy/

Digitally Decluttering and Increasing Presence | Archived Episode

I know I’m not the only one annoyed by the recent uptick in spammy emails and those awful robocalls. Add the never-ending phone and app notifications and junk mail to the mix, and it’s easy to understand why we all feel overwhelmed most days.

Calls, bings, beeps, and the feeling that something is happening online without us is constantly interrupting our train of thought, our family time, our day, and our attention. This episode walks you through the steps to reduce the mental and paper clutter, distractions, and unneeded input we receive daily to help you be a more present, peaceful woman.

Listen to find out how to ditch robocalls, get your name and address removed from national brokers’ mailing lists, and opt out of those annoying financial and insurance advertisements, sales calls, and spammy emails. You don’t have to live with the distractions and interruptions any longer!

 

Where did all these interruptions come from? 

1. Robocalls, scammers and random numbers-Over 31 billion automated phone calls were reported in 2017. What if I told you that you could stop receiving those calls altogether?
2. Physical Mail -Reduce the quantity of advertisements and unwanted mail that arrives at your home address so you'll have to spend less time sorting through it. Remove your address from the spam database at any time.
3. Email -Opt out of emails by clicking the "Unsubscribe" link below on any messages you find yourself uninterested in. They probably won't even notice you unsubscribed!

If you're ready to simplify your life and focus more on the here and now. The journey toward presence might be tedious and frustrating, but when you're done decluttering your digital life, you will experience a sense of freedom.

 

In this episode, listen for:

• Establishing rules in order to reduce or eliminate disruptions
• The quantity of unwanted junk mail we throw away every day contributes unnecessarily to landfill congestion.
• Eliminating any open accounts that you no longer utilize. Spam calls and letters will stop

 

In this episode, you’ll also hear:

[6:46] Although we are all connected, as a society, we are the loneliest we have ever been

 

[13:53] Eliminating digital distractions by deleting apps you don't need and unfollowing accounts

 

[19:05] Eliminating paper coupons and switching to digital ones

If this episode hit home for you, share it with a friend. Simply copy & paste this link: https://link.chtbl.com/abundance

 

Learn more about how you CAN create the abundant life you've always wanted at www.reachingabundance.com

All links mentioned in this episode are provided with the article. https://reachingabundance.com/how-to-increase-presence-by-digitally-decluttering

Follow me at www.instagram.com/reachingabundance

How To Boost Mental Health When Surrounded by Negativity | Archived Episode

We tend to think that ‘this time’ is the worst time.

The necessity of maintaining or even enhancing our mental well-being is paramount during difficult circumstances. Even when the news fills your head with gloom and doom, it is easy to lapse into unhealthy habits, both emotionally and physically, when you surround yourself with negativity. Sometimes the news might get you down, but there are easy actions you can do to keep your energy high, no matter what is happening in the world.

The Covid “lockdown” and being stuck at home have affected everyone. While some people sought guidance on how to stay strong or positive during social distancing, the abrupt change in routine and separation from others can cause emotional distress in anyone.

Connecting online is a great temporary solution, but it’s not the same.

I’ll share with you some easy strategies to improve your mental well-being at home. As moms, our mental well-being often takes a back seat. We’re too often preoccupied with making sure everyone else in the family has the support they need that our own needs get pushed aside. 

To improve your mental well-being, pay attention to these tips as you listen

1. Survival - If you have the basics covered, allow yourself to smile about that. Journal your thoughts and experiences so that you may revisit them later.
2. Happiness - What makes you happy and content? Do your best to avoid anything that will affect you negatively later.
3. Control - Life is full of modest pleasures that we can manage, allowing us to feel validated. Ask yourself what you can do today to improve the way you feel tomorrow.
4. Personal Growth/Development - Find a topic of interest to you and dive in.
5. Luxuries- Recognize what you already have.  

In this episode, listen for:

• Remember, even if we are experiencing difficult circumstances, they are temporary
• You can exercise control at any time, in small ways, throughout your life.
• A key aspect of personal growth is to assume everything is adjustable, alterable, and negotiable. What can you do to make yourself happier?

In this episode, you’ll also hear:

[6:06] Your thoughts and emotions aren’t necessarily yours. By whom or what are you being influenced?

[11:52] Prioritize your tasks and divide that long to-do list into manageable chunks for each day 

[13:51] Whatever you do, make an effort to surround yourself with people, activities, and habits that will make you joy

If this episode hit home for you, share it with a friend. Simply copy & paste this link: https://link.chtbl.com/abundance

Learn more about how you CAN create the abundant life you've always wanted at www.reachingabundance.com

 Follow me at www.instagram.com/reachingabundance

 

Article mentioned 

https://reachingabundance.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-how-debt-affected-my-life/

 

Courses Mentioned 

Earn More Writing: https://earnmorewriting.com/p/earn-more-writing/?affcode=70083_phq0pvmn

Grocery Budget Makeover https://www.grocerybudgetmakeover.com/join/?orid=246303&opid=41

Blogging Workshop

https://order.goldcityventures.com/blogging-workshop/?affiliate=eldervirginia

 

Books 

Tiny Buddhas Journal: https://amzn.to/3drnH3H

Instant Happy Journal: https://amzn.to/3zVhapz

The Awakened Family: https://amzn.to/3QH80Uk

Financial Freedom: https://amzn.to/3zWu32v