In this week's episode, Lauren and Nick upack three of the most controversial personal finance debates.
0:00 – Intro: Why money topics get so polarizing
1:31 – “Can I still splurge while paying off debt?”
5:18 – Why the “little splurges” often cause big setbacks
7:15 – Consistency vs. all-or-nothing: finding the right balance
8:49 – Discomfort, mindset shifts, and breaking spending habits
10:25 – New vs. Used Cars in 2025: what actually makes financial sense
13:18 – Depreciation, interest rates & real-world car buying stories
17:32 – When buying NEW does make sense (and when it doesn’t)
22:04 – Is college a scam? The real ROI conversation
23:24 – How to make college affordable without ruining your future
25:19 – Degrees vs. skills: what employers are shifting toward
33:14 – Why Gen Z might be the first to get college right
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Sign up for 1:1 Financial Coaching here:
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Reach us directly on Instagram @moneycoachlauren or @habitfinances
Feeling stressed about money? In this week’s episode, Lauren and Nick break down three real-world money scenarios — from living paycheck to paycheck on six figures, to being buried in debt and shame, to feeling anxious about money even when everything looks “perfect” on paper.
0:00 – Intro
1:35 – Making six figures but still broke
4:00 – Lifestyle creep, debt cycles, and hard choices
10:00 – Debt shame and anxiety: why mindset matters more than math
14:30 – Breaking the guilt loop and rebuilding your plan
22:00 – “We only eat out once a week…” (why small leaks sink big ships)
23:50 – When your finances are fine, but you’re still stressed
26:30 – Learning to spend without guilt
33:00 – How to stop overanalyzing and actually enjoy your money
35:00 – Final thoughts + how to get your questions on the show
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Sign up for 1:1 Financial Coaching here:
https://justanothermoneypodcast.com/coaching
Want to have your money questions answered on our show? Submit your questions below:
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Reach us directly on Instagram @moneycoachlauren or @habitfinances
In this week’s episode, Lauren and Nick break down how to rebuild your financial life — from paying off debt and creating stability to getting your money working for you again.
0:00 – Intro: Starting over and getting your finances back on track
1:17 – How to rebuild after credit card debt (listener story)
4:30 – The real key to financial progress (and why income isn’t everything)
6:20 – Building an emergency fund and using the “living at home” advantage
8:00 – Staying disciplined while making it sustainable
10:15 – Should parents let adult kids live at home? (pros and cons)
13:31 – “We’re debt free! Now what?” — adjusting to your new financial reality
17:30 – Life after debt: emergency funds, lifestyle creep, and sustainability
20:36 – The mindset shift from intensity to intentionality
24:00 – Falling off track? How to reset and start again
25:58 – “How do we get our money working for us again?” — building momentum post-debt
29:30 – Enjoying your money without guilt
31:19 – Automating your finances for long-term freedom
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Sign up for 1:1 Financial Coaching here:
https://justanothermoneypodcast.com/coaching
Want to have your money questions answered on our show? Submit your questions below:
https://justanothermoneypodcast.com/submit-a-question
Reach us directly on Instagram @moneycoachlauren or @habitfinances
Money problems don’t always start with the numbers—they start with communication. In this week’s episode, Lauren and Nick tackle three real-life scenarios from couples struggling with money alignment: separate bank accounts, mismatched spending habits, and crushing credit card debt.
0:00 – Intro
2:26 – Should couples combine finances?
4:03 – Red flags in marriage and money conversations
6:37 – When boundaries turn into barriers
12:25 – “My partner overspends and I’m losing patience”
16:00 – The real reason one partner avoids money talks
20:36 – $45,000 in credit card debt: where do you even start?
28:21 – The biggest takeaway: alignment over perfection
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Sign up for 1:1 Financial Coaching here:
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Want to have your money questions answered on our show? Submit your questions below:
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Think you're good with money… until you realize you’ve been lying to yourself? In this week’s episode, Lauren and Nick unpack the money lies we all tell ourselves—from “I can afford it” to “I’ll start saving when I make more.”
0:00 – Intro: The little lies that keep us stuck
2:00 – “I can afford it” – The danger of monthly payments
6:40 – Why impulse spending is easier than ever
7:10 – “I’ll start saving when I’m older” – The cost of waiting
11:50 – “Debt is normal” – Why being debt-free is anything but weird
17:20 – “I’ll save when I make more” – Why income isn’t the problem
22:10 – “I deserve this purchase” – The mindset trap that holds you back
27:35 – Final thoughts: How to stop using excuses and start making progress
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Sign up for 1:1 Financial Coaching here:
https://justanothermoneypodcast.com/coaching
Want to have your money questions answered on our show? Submit your questions below:
https://justanothermoneypodcast.com/submit-a-question
Reach us directly on Instagram @moneycoachlauren or @habitfinances
Are you caught in the endless cycle of credit card debt, consolidation loans, and paycheck-to-paycheck stress? In this episode, Nick and Lauren break down why behavior beats income, when debt consolidation makes sense (and when it doesn’t), and how couples can rebuild trust with money.
0:00 – Intro
0:45 – Is income really the problem?
2:10 – Lifestyle creep and hidden debt traps
4:00 – Listener story: $20K in credit cards & $12K in consolidation loans
6:05 – Debt consolidation: tool or trap?
9:20 – The behavior behind the debt cycle
12:15 – Couples & money: building alignment and trust
15:45 – Bankruptcy: last resort or lifeline?
18:30 – Final takeaways and action steps
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Sign up for 1:1 Financial Coaching here:
https://justanothermoneypodcast.com/coaching
Want to have your money questions answered on our show? Submit your questions below:
https://justanothermoneypodcast.com/submit-a-question
Reach us directly on Instagram @moneycoachlauren or @habitfinances
Most people think being “good with money” just means earning more — but that’s only part of the story. In this episode, Lauren and Nick break down the five essential habits that help you build lasting financial success.
0:00 – Intro
1:10 – Why income isn’t the full picture of financial success
2:35 – Living below your means
5:50 – Budgeting with intention instead of restriction
9:15 – Putting your money to work (debt, savings, and goals)
12:45 – Investing for your future and thinking long-term
17:10 – Planning for future responsibilities and big dreams
22:45 – The mindset shift that makes financial habits actually stick
27:15 – Final thoughts: Building the habits that lead to freedom
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Sign up for 1:1 Financial Coaching here:
https://justanothermoneypodcast.com/coaching
Want to have your money questions answered on our show? Submit your questions below:
https://justanothermoneypodcast.com/submit-a-question
Reach us directly on Instagram @moneycoachlauren or @habitfinances
Credit card debt, debt consolidation, and even homeownership can become financial traps if you’re not careful. In this episode, Lauren and Nick unpack real-life stories of money mistakes, why emotions often cloud financial decisions, and what it really takes to break free from the debt cycle.
0:00 – Intro: Why credit cards cause so much controversy
0:57 – The reality of credit card debt in America
2:15 – How innocent spending snowballs into years of debt
3:36 – Listener story: $75,000 in credit card debt at 18
6:53 – Why lifestyle changes are key to paying off debt
8:43 – The problem with shortcuts like consolidation or 401(k) withdrawals
10:25 – Common debt mistakes: carrying balances, cosigning, and bad car loans
22:04 – When homeownership turns into a nightmare
29:47 – Lessons learned: financial decisions are emotional, not logical
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Sign up for 1:1 Financial Coaching here:
https://justanothermoneypodcast.com/coaching
Want to have your money questions answered on our show? Submit your questions below:
https://justanothermoneypodcast.com/submit-a-question
Reach us directly on Instagram @moneycoachlauren or @habitfinances
Think your money habits don’t matter that much? Think again. In this week’s episode, Lauren and Nick break down how destructive financial habits sneak into your life, why starting late doesn’t mean it’s too late, and what real people have learned from both hitting rock bottom and becoming debt free.
0:00 – Intro & the most destructive force in your finances
1:00 – Why bad money habits hold you back from building wealth
2:15 – “I’m 42 with no savings—am I too late?”
6:45 – Rock bottom: losing savings, debt, and starting over
11:15 – Debt-free journey: 31k paid off in 15 months
21:00 – Lessons learned: small wins, sacrifice, and confidence
27:45 – Final thoughts: the time will pass—where will you be?
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Sign up for 1:1 Financial Coaching here:
https://justanothermoneypodcast.com/coaching
Want to have your money questions answered on our show? Submit your questions below:
https://justanothermoneypodcast.com/submit-a-question
Reach us directly on Instagram @moneycoachlauren or @habitfinances
The 4 biggest money mistakes people make in their 20s & 30s––debt, extra cash, money fights with a partner, and overspending. In this week’s episode, Lauren and Nick cut through the noise and get back to the financial basics: how to pay off debt the right way, what to do with extra money after bills, how to split expenses fairly in a relationship, and why even high earners can end up broke.
0:00 – Intro
1:02 – Should you cash out your 401(k) to pay off debt?
9:00 – What to do with extra money left after bills
15:56 – Splitting bills with your partner fairly
20:20 – When values clash in money conversations
22:18 – Living paycheck to paycheck on a high income
28:51 – Trade-offs, lifestyle creep, and how to fix spending
31:49 – Final thoughts and wrap-up
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Sign up for 1:1 Financial Coaching here:
https://justanothermoneypodcast.com/coaching
Want to have your money questions answered on our show? Submit your questions below:
https://justanothermoneypodcast.com/submit-a-question
Reach us directly on Instagram @moneycoachlauren or @habitfinances
Think tipping less for bad service is fair? Or that renting might be smarter than owning? In this week’s episode, Lauren and Nick tackle some of the most controversial money opinions and unpack what they really mean for your wallet.
0:00 – Intro
0:50 – Cutting “BS spending” and lifestyle choices
3:59 – Tipping culture & splitting the check fairly
9:46 – Retirement savings vs. college savings for kids
12:10 – Tracking every expense: does it actually matter?
13:50 – Renting vs. owning & the reality of homeownership
16:46 – Credit card points, college costs, and new cars
22:26 – Grocery delivery, subscriptions, and wedding spending
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Sign up for 1:1 Financial Coaching here:
https://justanothermoneypodcast.com/coaching
Want to have your money questions answered on our show? Submit your questions below:
https://justanothermoneypodcast.com/submit-a-question
Reach us directly on Instagram @moneycoachlauren or @habitfinances
What if your money could practically run itself? In this week’s episode, Lauren and Nick break down the power of automating your finances—covering everything from bills and debt to savings and investing.
0:00 – Intro
1:05 – Should you automate your bills?
4:55 – How automation helps you stay consistent (without ignoring your budget)
9:50 – Automating debt payoff the smart way
15:20 – What to do if your income isn’t steady
18:40 – Balancing debt payoff with savings goals
25:30 – Automating investing and retirement contributions
33:40 – Evolving your automation as your finances grow
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Sign up for 1:1 Financial Coaching here:
https://justanothermoneypodcast.com/coaching
Want to have your money questions answered on our show? Submit your questions below:
https://justanothermoneypodcast.com/submit-a-question
Reach us directly on Instagram @moneycoachlauren or @habitfinances
Money and relationships go hand in hand — but most couples wait too long to talk about it. In this episode, Lauren and Nick break down the money conversations you should be having while dating, the green flags to look for, and the red flags you don’t want to ignore.
0:00 – Intro
1:05 – Why money talks matter early in dating
4:20 – The most common “awkward” money conversations couples avoid
7:45 – Financial red flags you can’t ignore
13:15 – Green flags that signal financial compatibility
18:40 – When (and how) to start the money conversation
24:05 – Aligning on long-term financial goals as a couple
29:50 – Setting healthy money boundaries in relationships
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Sign up for 1:1 Financial Coaching here:
https://justanothermoneypodcast.com/coaching
Want to have your money questions answered on our show? Submit your questions below:
https://justanothermoneypodcast.com/submit-a-question
Reach us directly on Instagram @moneycoachlauren or @habitfinances
Think everyone around you is financially ahead? You might just be seeing the highlight reel. In this week’s episode, Lauren and Nick unpack the hidden costs of comparison, how lifestyle creep quietly drains your bank account, and why so many budgets fail before they even get started.
0:00 – Intro
0:25 – The comparison trap and how it affects your finances
2:15 – Why appearances can be deceiving (and expensive)
5:37 – Lifestyle creep: what it is and how to spot it
9:50 – The illusion of “enough money”
14:18 – Why most budgets don’t work
20:46 – Small, sustainable changes that actually stick
27:20 – Breaking bad spending habits for good
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Sign up for 1:1 Financial Coaching here:
https://justanothermoneypodcast.com/coaching
Want to have your money questions answered on our show? Submit your questions below:
https://justanothermoneypodcast.com/submit-a-question
Reach us directly on Instagram @moneycoachlauren or @habitfinances
Saving money is important — but it’s not the whole story. In this week’s episode, Lauren and Nick break down the difference between saving and investing, why you can’t save your way to wealth, and how to start investing without feeling overwhelmed. From simple index fund strategies to understanding risk and compounding, this episode is your crash course in making your money work for you.
0:00 – Intro
0:32 – Why saving isn’t enough to build long-term wealth
2:10 – The case for investing and why it’s not as scary as you think
5:25 – Index funds explained (and why they’re beginner-friendly)
9:42 – How diversification lowers risk
13:30 – Compounding interest in plain language
16:05 – How to choose between a 401(k), IRA, or brokerage account
20:45 – Getting started: first steps toward investing
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Sign up for 1:1 Financial Coaching here:
https://justanothermoneypodcast.com/coaching
Want to have your money questions answered on our show? Submit your questions below:
https://justanothermoneypodcast.com/submit-a-question
Reach us directly on Instagram @moneycoachlauren or @habitfinances
Does your budget bring you peace—or just make you feel guilty? In this week’s episode, Lauren and Nick unpack what happens when budgeting goes too far. From guilt-driven spending habits to feeling overwhelmed by every purchase, they explore how to budget a better way.
0:00 – Intro
1:18 – The Region Beta Paradox: Why small problems don’t spark change
5:43 – Budgeting as punishment: When structure becomes obsession
11:15 – How to reset your budget after reaching a goal
15:45 – Simplifying your categories for more freedom
20:34 – Stop looking at your bank balance to guide your spending
26:40 – The “lazy” way to start budgeting (that still works)
33:12 – Making room for fun while staying financially secure
39:45 – Aligning your budget with what you actually value
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Sign up for 1:1 Financial Coaching here:
https://justanothermoneypodcast.com/coaching
Want to have your money questions answered on our show? Submit your questions below:
https://justanothermoneypodcast.com/submit-a-question
Reach us directly on Instagram @moneycoachlauren or @habitfinances
Think you need a six-figure income to pay off debt? Think again. In this week’s episode, Lauren walks through how she paid off over $50,000 in debt — without a huge salary or financial shortcuts. From the strategies that kept her focused to the mindset shifts that made it possible, this episode is packed with practical tips for building a debt-free life (even on an average income).
0:00 – Intro
1:05 – Should you quit your job while in a relationship with someone in debt?
3:40 – Why debt should be part of the conversation
8:30 – Lauren’s debt-free journey: $52K on a $50K income
13:10 – How budgeting and mindset kept her motivated for 3 years
22:20 – Nick’s path to debt freedom as a self-employed freelancer
33:00 – How your environment and influences impact your financial decisions
44:00 – The freedom and opportunities that come with being debt free
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Sign up for 1:1 Financial Coaching here:
https://justanothermoneypodcast.com/coaching
Want to have your money questions answered on our show? Submit your questions below:
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Reach us directly on Instagram @moneycoachlauren or @habitfinances
Is your job the "safe" option? Think again. In this week's episode, Lauren and Nick are joined by Dr. Ray Gorman to unpack the mindset shifts that unlock income growth and financial freedom. From breaking old money beliefs to understanding the real cost of staying in your comfort zone, this episode is a must-watch for anyone thinking about entrepreneurship or simply wanting more from their career.
0:00 - Intro
1:12 - Ray’s journey from burnt-out PT to business owner
5:45 - Trading time for money vs. delivering value
9:50 - What gave Ray the confidence to go out on his own
14:30 - A smarter way to transition into self-employment
17:20 - What “safety” really means (and why it’s often a trap)
21:00 - The money beliefs that hold people back
26:00 - Learning to price your services and protect your peace
30:40 - Can your job actually be costing you money?
34:10 - The opportunity cost of staying where you are
39:00 - Scaling income without creating another job
42:30 - Why people don't take action—and how to shift that
47:15 - Final thoughts on confidence, comfort, and risk
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Sign up for 1:1 Financial Coaching here:
https://justanothermoneypodcast.com/coaching
Want to have your money questions answered on our show? Submit your questions below:
https://justanothermoneypodcast.com/submit-a-question
Reach us directly on Instagram @moneycoachlauren or @habitfinances
Ever wonder why your monthly expenses feel so high—even if you're making decent money? In this week’s episode, Lauren and Nick break down the real reason you might be overspending without realizing it.
0:00 – Welcome back to the show
2:05 – The $5,000/month Uber driver story
7:24 – Tip 1: Track your spending
12:28 – Tip 2: Audit and cancel subscriptions
19:52 – Tip 3: Set limits on high-spend categories
27:21 – Tip 4: Avoid new debt
33:28 – Tip 5: Anchor your budget to a clear goal
36:31 – How to stick to your plan (even when it sucks)
40:14 – Why this all matters
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Sign up for 1:1 Financial Coaching here:
https://justanothermoneypodcast.com/coaching
Want to have your money questions answered on our show?
Submit your questions below:
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Reach us on Instagram:
@moneycoachlauren | @habitfinances
Ever feel like you wrecked your finances? In this week's episode, Lauren and Nick are breaking down financial disasters (and how to fix them)!
0:00 - Intro
0:39 - Why do people do this?
4:40 - Financially ruined at 30
13:04 - Real estate investing wrecked his finances
20:33 - $23,000 down the drain
29:50 - Finally waking up for the first time
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Sign up for 1:1 Financial Coaching here:
https://justanothermoneypodcast.com/coaching
Want to have your money questions answered on our show? Submit your questions below:
https://justanothermoneypodcast.com/submit-a-question
Reach us directly on Instagram @moneycoachlauren or @habitfinances