Do you dream of conquering your financial goals and achieving true financial independence? In this episode, we’re diving into five BIG mistakes people make along the way to financial glory with money coach Bernadette Joy, who paid off a staggering $300,000 in debt and locked in a work-optional life by age 40.

Along the way, we’ll explore the importance of managing your budget during the notoriously tricky holiday season, share actionable strategies to curate your accounts, and highlight the common mistakes that can derail even the best-laid financial plans. You’ll also hear the wild story of Richard Whitaker, whose pursuit of a too-good-to-be-true 15.25% return serves as a cautionary tale for us all.

Whether you’re looking to tackle debt, sharpen your budget, or avoid financial scams, this episode is packed with insights to help you stack smarter.

Episode Highlights

Kicking off with weekend escapes, Monday blues, and a salute to the armed forces
Nostalgic nods to Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Welcoming Bernadette Joy and diving into her inspiring journey to financial freedom
Sharing personal stories and struggles that resonate with every money nerd
Breaking through financial barriers on the path to independence
Setting financial goals with inspiration from meeting Simone Biles
Why comparing success stories can derail your progress
The delicate dance between frugality and societal expectations
Staying grounded amidst the curated realities of social media
Avoiding the common mistake of giving unasked discounts
Why accepting debt as a long-term lifestyle is a trap
Choosing financial freedom over fear and hesitation
The importance of diverse perspectives in your financial advisory team
Preparing for the unexpected: Life events that test your financial foundation
Exploring and questioning investment opportunities like Yield Wealth
Understanding the gambler’s mentality and how it can lead to downfall
Practicing due diligence to avoid falling for scams
Lessons learned from the downfall of Yield Wealth and how to protect yourself
Announcements about upcoming events and opportunities to connect

This episode is a mix of relatable stories, practical advice, and lessons learned the hard way. Tune in to start crushing your money goals and avoiding financial pitfalls—one smart decision at a time.

FULL SHOW NOTES: https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/crush-your-2025-money-goals-bernadette-joy-1613

Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are in our newsletter, The 201, available at https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/201

Enjoy!

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05.18.22 Self-Employed Retirement Planning / Road Trip Auto Maintenance Tips