Everyone's Talkin' Money

The penny has officially been laid to rest — and while most of us won’t shed a tear, its retirement marks a surprisingly big moment in how America handles money. In this quick update, I’m walking you through what happened to the penny, why the U.S. finally pulled the plug, and what this tiny change means for your wallet and the future of cash. You’ll hear: Why the U.S. Mint stopped making pennies and how much money it saves How other countries (like Canada) ditched their low-value coins decades ago What rounding rules mean for your everyday purchases Why this signals a major shift toward a digital-first financial system What to do if you still have jars of pennies hiding in your house A little funeral, a little financial education, and a lot of clarity about where money is heading next. Talkin’ Points → where your money gets smarter. Real talk, practical tips, zero guilt straight to your inbox. Sign up here.  Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app! Keep the conversation going on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If open enrollment season makes your eyes glaze over faster than a holiday spreadsheet, this one’s for you. In Part 3 of the Smart Money Moves Before Year-End series, Shari dives into all the hidden ways you can squeeze more value out of your paycheck before December 31. From health plans to hidden perks, this is your reminder that benefits are part of your compensation — and it’s time they pulled their weight. You’ll walk away with: A step-by-step guide to reviewing your health, dental, and vision plans The real difference between FSAs and HSAs (and how to use them wisely) A strategy for planning your bonus before it hits your account A quick insurance checkup to make sure you’re covered, not overpaying The overlooked perks most people forget they already have access to Because if you’re going to work this hard for your benefits, they should be working just as hard for you. Talkin’ Points → where your money gets smarter. Real talk, practical tips, zero guilt straight to your inbox. Sign up here.  Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app! Keep the conversation going on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens after the awareness? After you stop spending on autopilot… how do you start building on purpose? In part two, Shari connects money mindfulness to business-building — and why your exit number should be based on the life you actually want, not what Instagram says counts as “success.” Guest Kathryn Finney returns to share how she grew her blog into a real media company, figured out her number, and made the hard call to sell it — even though she could’ve made more by staying. She also breaks down the difference between a startup and a small business (spoiler: you don’t have to build to sell) and why clarity is more profitable than hype. This is your episode if you’re sitting on a side hustle, business, or creative project and wondering: “Do I grow this… or let it go?” Talkin’ Points → where your money gets smarter. Real talk, practical tips, zero guilt straight to your inbox. Sign up here.  Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app! Keep the conversation going on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We don’t always spend because we’re “bad with money.” We spend because we’re human — grieving, stressed, lonely, or trying to feel in control. In this episode, Shari breaks down emotional spending as a signal, not a flaw, and shows you how to start asking the one question that changes everything: “What am I actually trying to feel right now?” Then you’ll hear from Kathryn Finney, who was shopping to cope after losing a parent… and ended up turning that emotional spending into The Budget Fashionista, one of the earliest successful fashion blogs. You’ll hear how she redirected that energy, why she started asking “does this match my values?” and how mindful purchasing can actually make you happier. Perfect if you’ve ever looked at your bank statement and thought, “This isn’t even who I am.” Talkin’ Points → where your money gets smarter. Real talk, practical tips, zero guilt straight to your inbox. Sign up here.  Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app! Keep the conversation going on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Simple, legal, and smart ways to shrink your tax bill while boosting your wealth. If you’ve ever filed your taxes in April and thought, “Well… I wish I’d known that sooner,” this episode is your redo moment. In Part 2 of the Smart Money Moves Before Year-End series, Shari breaks down the strategic moves you can still make before December 31 that could literally save you hundreds — or even thousands — next year. Be sure to consult with your tax professional before implementing any of these strategies. You’ll walk away with: A checklist of five smart tax moves to make before year-end Simple steps to lower your taxable income (without complicated math) Smart strategies for charitable giving, retirement contributions, and benefits usage The confidence to approach tax season feeling proactive, not panicked Because you can’t time the market — but you can time your tax bill. Talkin’ Points → where your money gets smarter. Real talk, practical tips, zero guilt straight to your inbox. Sign up here.  Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app! Keep the conversation going on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s time for your money’s annual checkup — and no, there’s no waiting room or copay required. In this first episode of our Smart Money Moves Before Year-End series, Shari walks you through a four-part year-end audit to help you see exactly where your money went, what worked, and what needs a little TLC before the clock strikes midnight on December 31st. You’ll walk away with: A clear picture of where your money actually went this year One spending category to rein in before January A strategy to finish the year saving smarter (not harder) A confidence boost that comes from knowing exactly where you stand Because your future self doesn’t need another “I’ll figure it out in January.” She needs clarity — and that starts today. Talkin’ Points → where your money gets smarter. Real talk, practical tips, zero guilt straight to your inbox. Sign up here.  Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app! Keep the conversation going on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s time to turn confidence into ownership. In the final episode of the Financial Confidence Bootcamp, we’re breaking down the world of investing — minus the Wall Street jargon and overwhelm. Because investing isn’t just for finance bros and millionaires. It’s for anyone who wants their money to grow quietly in the background while they live their life. You’ll learn how to simplify your investing decisions, overcome the fear of “doing it wrong,” and build a portfolio that works for your real life — not someone else’s. You’ll walk away with: A simple, 3-step framework to start investing (even if you feel clueless) The truth about fear, confidence, and analysis paralysis Exactly where to start — from 401(k)s to Roth IRAs to brokerage accounts How to automate your investments so growth happens on autopilot What “staying the course” really means when the market gets bumpy This episode will leave you thinking, “I can actually do this.” Because you can — and it’s time you did. Part 1 - Budgeting That Actually Fits Your Life Part 2- How to Tackle Debt — Without Cutting Coffee, Joy, or Your Sanity Part 3- Save Like You Mean It! Talkin’ Points → where your money gets smarter. Real talk, practical tips, zero guilt straight to your inbox. Sign up here.  Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app! Keep the conversation going on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For too long, financial advice came with strings attached — confusing titles, hidden commissions, and “suitable” recommendations that didn’t always serve you. But the future of financial planning looks a lot different. In this episode, I’m joined by Lori Atwood, CFP®, founder of Fearless Finance, to unpack the evolution from sales-driven advice to fiduciary, fee-for-service financial planning. We get real about what fiduciary actually means, why hourly advice is changing the game, and how women can finally get help with their money — without the pressure or the pitch. You’ll walk away with: The real difference between “suitable” and fiduciary advice (and why it matters for your money) How hourly planning makes expert advice more accessible — and judgment-free The emotional side of money that most advisors completely overlook Why financial adulting isn’t about perfection — it’s about peace of mind If you’ve ever wondered whether your advisor is really acting in your best interest, this episode will help you ask the right questions — and take back control of your financial decisions. Talkin’ Points → where your money gets smarter. Real talk, practical tips, zero guilt straight to your inbox. Sign up here.  Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app! Keep the conversation going on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why do smart people still fall into debt traps? The truth is, debt is marketed to us in ways to exploit our psychology. We underestimate the true cost of borrowing, overestimate our ability to pay, and let lenders hide the fine print in plain sight. In this episode, Shari sits down with John Dinsmore—Professor of Marketing at Wright State University and author of The Marketing of Debt: How They Get You. Together, they unpack the marketing tricks and mental blind spots that keep people swiping, tapping, and signing up for loans they may regret later. Talkin’ Points → where your money gets smarter. Real talk, practical tips, zero guilt straight to your inbox. ⁠Sign up here.⁠ You’ll hear: Why your “future self” isn’t as financially heroic as you think How irregular expenses—not daily bills—fuel most credit card debt The hidden dangers of “0% interest” offers and long-term car loans Why paying with cash feels painful (and tapping to pay feels too good) The most important step you can take today to avoid debt traps If you’ve ever wondered why debt feels so easy to get into—and so hard to get out of—this episode will give you the insight (and strategies) you need to outsmart the marketing of debt. Talkin’ Points → where your money gets smarter. Real talk, practical tips, zero guilt straight to your inbox. Sign up here.  Follow John on X https://x.com/jdinsmore Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app! Keep the conversation going 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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when technology meets money mindset? In this conversation, Elizabeth Ayoola — writer, finance expert, and co-host of NerdWallet’s Smart Money Podcast — shares how she went from writing $8 articles as a new mom to building lasting financial freedom. We get into how AI is reshaping personal finance, why emotional awareness still beats automation, and what it really takes to feel confident with your money — no spreadsheets required. You’ll walk away with: A smarter way to think about AI’s role in your financial life How to choose tools that actually support your habits and goals Why mindset (not math) drives lasting wealth A practical framework for building confidence with your money Want more real talk like this — plus practical tips to help you use what you hear on the show? Sign up here for Talkin' Points, a weekly newsletter with smart, judgment-free money insights delivered straight to your inbox. Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app! Keep the conversation going 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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices