Everyone's Talkin' Money

Every generation loves to complain about the next one—lazy, entitled, wasting money on gadgets and brunch. But here’s the truth: young adults today aren’t just making different choices—they’re playing a completely different financial game. In 1970, over half of 30-year-olds in America were married and owned a home. Today? Less than 15%. And it’s not because everyone suddenly decided marriage and mortgages were overrated. It’s the fallout from decades of policy decisions, wage stagnation, and skyrocketing costs that have made the old “American Dream” a whole lot harder to reach. In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on the real reasons why hitting financial milestones looks different now, and why “just work harder” is the worst advice you can give someone trying to buy a home in today’s economy. You’ll hear: The shocking drop in homeownership rates for 30-year-olds since the 1970s How wages, housing prices, and student debt have completely shifted the financial landscape Why avocado toast is not the problem (and what actually is) How generational misunderstanding keeps us from creating solutions that work Practical ways both older and younger generations can bridge the gap It’s time to stop blaming brunch and start looking at the real math. Thank you to our sponsors!  Policygenius - Head to policygenius.com to compare free life insurance quotes from top companies and see how much you could save.  Ava - Help build your credit score with Meetava.com. Use promo code: Money Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We often applaud people who save aggressively, track every penny, and avoid debt at all costs. But what if those habits are actually symptoms of something deeper—something that’s quietly holding them back? In this third episode of our Money Dysmorphia series, I’m joined by Ashley Franklin, Vice President of Branch Operations at SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, who breaks down the hidden emotional roots of financial behaviors that look healthy on the outside but may be quietly sabotaging our well-being. From over-saving and chronic budgeting to the fear of investing and the myth of “having enough,” this conversation is a powerful reality check. We talk about growing up with layaway, modern-day buy-now-pay-later traps, and the impact of comparison culture on our financial choices—especially for Millennials and Gen Z navigating money in an always-on, influencer-saturated world. You’ll walk away with: A new understanding of how over-saving can create financial stress instead of security Why budgeting to the extreme can backfire—and how to build in breathing room The emotional roadblocks behind fear of investing How income ≠ wealth, and why self-worth often gets tangled in both The power of creating a “Board of Directors” for your life—and how to pick the right financial confidantes Why separating fact from feeling is the real key to healing money dysmorphia This one’s for anyone who’s ever wondered, “Am I being smart with my money… or just scared?” Let’s unpack it together. Follow the show on Instagram  @everyonestalkinmoney Thank you to our sponsors!  Policygenius - Head to policygenius.com to compare free life insurance quotes from top companies and see how much you could save.  Ava - Help build your credit score with Meetava.com. Use promo code: Money Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We don’t just have money problems—we have money perception problems. In Part 2 of our three-part Money Dysmorphia series with Backbone, I’m joined by Melissa Burleson, a certified financial counselor at Tarrant County’s Credit Union, who brings nearly 20 years of wisdom, service, and heart to this conversation. Melissa knows firsthand how money dysmorphia—our distorted view of our financial reality—can sabotage even the smartest budgeter or most determined saver. We talk about how money dysmorphia can swing both ways—from feeling constantly behind despite doing all the right things, to overspending and living beyond your means to project financial success. And Melissa shares powerful personal stories, real-life coaching moments, and practical tools to start shifting from emotional chaos to financial clarity. You’ll walk away with: A deeper understanding of the emotional triggers behind overspending and avoidance How generational money beliefs and social media comparison fuel money dysmorphia Why many people tie their self-worth to a credit score—and how to break that cycle How to recognize when emotional thinking is clouding financial decisions What it takes to move from “I’m bad with money” to “I trust myself with money” Keep up with all things Everyone's Talkin' Money by following us on Instagram. If you loved what you heard, rate us 5 stars and like and follow us on your favorite podcast app! Thank you to our sponsors!  Policygenius - Head to policygenius.com to compare free life insurance quotes from top companies and see how much you could save.  Ava - Help build your credit score with Meetava.com. Use promo code: Money Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you feel broke, even when your finances say otherwise? Or maybe you’ve been spending like you’ve already “made it”—but your bank account hasn’t caught up? That distorted perception has a name: money dysmorphia. In this first episode of our special three-part series, I’ve partnered with Backbone, a national coalition of credit unions, to explore how emotional and psychological misperceptions around money are impacting millions of Americans—especially Millennials and Gen Z. Our guest is Nicole Andrushko, VP of Marketing at Westerra Credit Union, who’s on the frontlines of financial storytelling and education. Nicole unpacks how social media, comparison culture, and pressure to hit traditional milestones are warping our self-perception—and how credit unions are stepping in to help people see the truth of their financial health and take confident steps forward. You’ll walk away with: A clear understanding of what money dysmorphia is and how to spot it in yourself or others The real reason high-achieving, financially stable people still feel “behind” How credit unions are uniquely equipped to help people shift their mindset Simple, habit-based ways to start repairing your relationship with money Why emotional support is just as critical as financial tools in combating distorted financial thinking Keep up with everything Everyone's Talkin' Money by following us on Instagram. If you loved what you heard, give us a 5 Star review on your favorite podcast app and be sure to like and follow the show so you never miss an episode! Thank you to our sponsors!  Policygenius - Head to policygenius.com to compare free life insurance quotes from top companies and see how much you could save.  Ava - Help build your credit score with Meetava.com. Use promo code: Money Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Part 2, we go even deeper into the emotions that drive our financial behavior—especially when life doesn’t go as planned. Shannah Game joins me to talk about emotional spending, identity confusion, and how to unlearn shame-filled money patterns. Plus, she shares her new creative direction: baking cupcakes named after emotions to spark real conversations about money, grief, and reinvention. You’ll walk away learning How to recognize and reset emotional spending habitsWhy shame is the most expensive emotion we carryHow grief and money are deeply intertwinedHow to reconnect with your creative self—even if it feels lost Get Shannah's Book: Unraveling Your Relationship with Money. Follow Shannah on Instagram @shannahgame. Keep up with Everyone's Talkin' Money on Instagram. Thank you to our sponsor!  Policygenius - Head to ⁠policygenius.com⁠ to compare free life insurance quotes from top companies and see how much you could save. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when you hit midlife and everything starts to shift—your hormones, your finances, your sense of self? In Part 1 of this two-part series, I sit down with former Everyone’s Talkin’ Money host Shannah Game for an unfiltered conversation about the emotional and financial realities of your 40s. From the unexpected cost of just trying to feel normal, to why massages and therapy are not "frivolous" expenses, we’re breaking down the invisible taboos around women, money, and aging. You’ll walk away learning: How perimenopause and midlife identity shifts affect your moneyWhy it’s okay to spend on your emotional well-being—and how to do it intentionallyWhat the financial industry gets wrong about this chapter of lifeHow to create a “midlife money buffer” and budget for your future self Check out Shannah's new website heyshannah.com and follow her in Instagram for cupcakes, street convos and guidance on how to sort our the Messy Middle. As always, to keep up with everything Everyone's Talkin' Money follow us on Instagram. Thank you to our sponsor!  Policygenius - Head to policygenius.com to compare free life insurance quotes from top companies and see how much you could save. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transform your space into a luxurious haven without breaking the bank! Discover how luxury is about feeling, not just price tags. Learn to conduct a 'Rich Girl Home Audit' and make your bedroom feel like a boutique hotel. Get tips on maximizing your home with a monthly shopping calendar for the best deals and the 70-20-10 budget rule to avoid buyer's remorse. Whether you’re a DIY master or prefer thrifting, this guide will help you create your ideal home effortlessly.

What does it really take to go from a side hustle to a thriving, full-time business—especially when you’re juggling a million other responsibilities? In this episode, I sit down with business coaches Melissa Pepin and Corry Frazier, founders of The Business Reboot, to unpack the mindset shifts and tactical moves every side hustler needs to start thinking like a CEO. You’ll walk away learning: How to treat your side hustle like a real business, even while working full-time Why “just telling people once” doesn’t count as marketing What branding actually means—and how to make it work for you How to start showing up online without feeling fake or performative Why midlife might be the best time to finally start that business And the one step to take this week to make your business vision real This is your roadmap to building something sustainable—without burnout, without perfection, and without waiting for someone to give you the green light. Learn more about Melissa and Corry at the Business Reboot Keep up with Everyone's Talkin' Money by following us on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dylan Snowden's path to financial coaching wasn’t exactly traditional—he went from disaster zones to comedy clubs to helping creatives stop the financial chaos. And thank goodness, because his insight on managing lumpy, unpredictable income is exactly what so many of us need. In this episode, Dylan breaks down how to make irregular income feel sustainable, why avoiding your money never helps, and how to finally feel in control—even if you’re a freelancer, artist, or entrepreneur living project to project. We talk about the real cost of financial shame, setting up savings buckets (trust me, this one tip will change your life), and what to do with those “unusual months” with big expenses. Dylan is offering Everyone's Talking Money listeners ⁠ 20% discount on my two-session financial strategy package⁠. You’ll walk away learning: How to create financial systems that work with irregular income—not against it Why your spending isn't actually unpredictable (you just haven't been tracking it right) How to use savings buckets to stop surprise expenses from blowing up your budget Why your financial habits won't magically improve when you earn more—and what to do instead A kinder way to start planning for future-you, one small step at a time Follow Dylan on Instagram Watch Dylan's episodes on YouTube Follow us on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if happiness isn’t just a feeling — but a formula? In this mind-expanding episode, I sit down with Dr. Alphonsus Obayuwana — physician, scientist, happiness coach, and founder of the Triple-H Project — to break down his 30+ years of research into human hope, emotional well-being, and what really drives lasting happiness. We are discussing his new book: The Happiness Formula. He introduces the groundbreaking Triple-H Equation: Hope over Hunger = Happiness — and explains how it can reshape your relationship with money, your goals, and your emotional peace. You'll walk away learning: How happiness and hope are scientifically connected — and why one can't exist without the other What the five “human hungers” are and how they silently shape your financial stress How to calculate your Personal Happiness Index — and what your score says about your well-being Why people with financial success still feel unfulfilled — and how to change that Practical ways to increase your hope and reduce your emotional “hunger” starting today Why measuring your happiness is the key to improving it This is one of the most profound conversations I’ve had — and one that could completely reframe how you think about wealth, success, and peace of mind. Be sure to keep up with everything Everyone’s Talkin’ Money on Instagram.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices