What We Spend

Eryka is a professor and a bartender in Pittsburgh, who is used to working a lot of jobs to support herself. But after years of working non-stop, Eryka is slowing down a little, and assessing what she wants her work to look like now. If you want to be on What We Spend, we'd love to hear from you. Write us at whatwespendpodcast@gmail.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As Molly prepares for her youngest child to head off to college, she grapples with the bittersweet emotions of becoming an empty nester. The conversation touches on the financial aspects of supporting children through education, capturing the balance between aiding their independence and managing personal finances. Exploring the complexities of selling a family home, the podcast highlights the poignant memories tied to it. Listeners are also introduced to important themes of future planning and the emotional challenges that come with significant life transitions.

Dive into the thrilling journey of the FIRE movement, where Michelle shares her quest to retire at 35, breaking away from traditional work norms. Discover how parenthood reshapes financial priorities and emotional investments, bringing joy alongside responsibility. Explore daily challenges of balancing a busy household while embracing financial literacy, and learn about unexpected expenses associated with health struggles. The conversation also uncovers the joys of prioritizing family experiences over past aspirations, blending personal growth with financial goals.

Michael's journey unfolds as he balances the carefree vibes of a cruise with the harsh realities of single parenthood and financial strains. He humorously tackles the struggle for personal time amidst parenting duties and reflects on the complexities of supporting his transgender child. Nostalgic tales of Sundays spent checking receipts with his grandmother reveal deep ties to spending habits. The discussions also touch on the challenges of securing specialized care for his child, alongside valuable entrepreneurial insights.

A single dad shares his heartfelt journey of raising twins on a teacher's salary, exposing the struggles of managing finances and emotional well-being. His chaotic cruise adventure blends humor with parenting challenges, from unexpected spring break festivities to budgeting mishaps on a shark tour. He candidly reflects on the sacrifices made for his children’s happiness, contrasting the joys of family exploration with the stress of financial strain. The lively storytelling showcases the balancing act of fun and finances while navigating the complexities of single parenthood.

A single mom in Iowa juggles the chaos of raising ten kids while pursuing her dream of being a novelist. She shares her journey of resilience after a devastating house fire, showcasing her newfound confidence thanks to community support. Insights into budgeting, meal planning, and managing book launches illuminate the delicate balance of family life and writing. The importance of imparting financial wisdom to her children emerges as a key theme, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of parenting on a budget.

Discover the captivating journey of Yuhas as they transition from makeup artist to the drag world as CryBaby. Explore the duality of their horror-themed persona, blending charm with irony. Dive into the financial struggles of living in New York while pursuing artistic passions, and the emotional challenges of managing bills and credit debt. Hear about the balance between creativity and economic stability, and the joy of preparing for performances that bring their character to life. It's a thrilling ride of ambition, artistry, and survival!

Brian Goldstone, a journalist and author of 'There Is No Place For Us', sheds light on America's housing crisis by sharing powerful stories from families facing homelessness. The discussion reveals the stark reality of the working homeless, like truck drivers and single mothers, struggling to find stability despite having jobs. Goldstone emphasizes systemic barriers, the disconnect between wages and rent, and the urgent need for policy reform. He advocates rethinking housing as a fundamental right, essential for tackling these pressing issues.

Maxine is a long-haul truck driver in North Carolina. She loves her job, but she doesn't make enough to pay her bills. If you want to be on What We Spend, we'd love to hear from you. Write us at whatwespendpodcast@gmail.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Victoria is a preschool teacher's assistant in New Jersey. She's struggling to make ends meet—and weighing whether to get her teaching license. If you want to be on What We Spend, we'd love to hear from you. Write us at whatwespendpodcast@gmail.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices