The older I get, the more I realize how important money management is.

Having money, keeping money, and growing money – things that we really aren’t taught early in life, but things that make a huge difference in the quality of our lives.

I was fortunate enough to be in a tough financial situation in my early 20s that opened my eyes to the importance of doing the right things with money.

Now, I strive to help women see the value of budgeting and money management and learn what it takes to succeed with it.

If you’ve been wanting to prioritize your money, but haven’t gotten around to it yet, this episode is for you.

I’m sharing 5 empowering reasons to prioritize your money next year and keep it a priority indefinitely.

Here's a glance at this episode:

• [01:43] Raya breaks down inflation, how it’s calculated and how it has changed over time.
• [04:00] Inflation and cost of living increases are inevitable. Prioritizing your money can help you stay ahead of the curve.
• [07:18] Raya doesn’t believe Social Security benefits will ever go away, but relying on them to get you through the future is not a smart move.
• [08:02] As a way to face fear and focus on solutions, Raya and her fiancé run through their worst-case scenarios and things they can do to counter them.
• [13:09] Prioritizing your money now means you won’t have to stress and worry about money as much in the future. Invest in real estate and the stock market as early as possible.

Rate, Review, & Follow:

Did you love this episode? Are you a fan of the City Girl Savings podcast? If so, please consider rating and reviewing the show!

This helps spread the word about City Girl Savings, and hopefully helps more people make the best money moves possible on the way to their dream life!

To leave a review on Apple Podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, please make sure you’re subscribed and following the City Girl Savings podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Listen to CGS Podcast Episode 1 – Big City Spender to City Girl Saver

Request a complimentary call with Raya to discuss your finances!

Learn about Raya’s Financial Focus Coaching Program

Follow City Girl Savings on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok

Join the City Girl Savings Facebook Group

Subscribe to the City Girl Savings Newsletter!

I can’t believe I’m getting ready to share my 2025 goals with you on the podcast!

Not only is time flying, but I think back to when I shared my goals on the podcast for the 2023 year.

I’m so grateful for another year of the City Girl Savings Podcast, but I’m also grateful to have learned long ago that time keeps going, so every opportunity I get to make the most of it, I take full advantage.

I’ve been setting goals for decades and I have no doubt they’ve helped me get to where I am today, whether I actually reached the goals I set or not.

Alright, since we’re getting very close to the New Year, the time for me to reflect on my progress and set goals for the next year has come!

In this episode, I’m sharing my personal and business goals for 2025. I’m also giving you an update on my 2024 goals!

Here's a glance at this episode:

• [03:04] Raya kicks off by sharing her progress towards the goals she set in 2024 for both personal and business.
• [05:10] One goal for Raya in 2024 was to start therapy. She achieved this goal but may have to make some adjustments in 2025, thanks to insurance.
• [09:54] Trending back to normal revenue numbers for the business in 2024, but not quite reaching the goal of increasing revenue by 50%.
• [13:53] Raya was not expecting to reach a goal of owning a second home in Palm Springs. In 2025, Raya wants to see a short-term rental profit.
• [18:00] Similar to last year, Raya wants to focus on increasing City Girl Savings Newsletter subscribers in 2025.

Rate, Review, & Follow:

Did you love this episode? Are you a fan of the City Girl Savings podcast? If so, please consider rating and reviewing the show!

This helps spread the word about City Girl Savings, and hopefully helps more people make the best money moves possible on the way to their dream life!

To leave a review on Apple Podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, please make sure you’re subscribed and following the City Girl Savings podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Listen to CGS Podcast Episode 134 – 2024 Mid-Year Personal and Business Goal Check-In

Subscribe to the City Girl Savings Newsletter!

Learn about Raya’s Financial Focus Coaching Program

Follow City Girl Savings on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok

Join the City Girl Savings Facebook Group

Be honest with me. Have you ever considered working with a money coach but immediately thought: “why should I spend money to have someone help me with money”?

As a money coach who’s nearly a decade in, I’ve heard that sentiment more than you’d imagine…and I’m sure people have thought it without saying it out loud!

It’s a valid thought but requires deeper analysis.

If you needed help with the electrical wiring in your house and didn’t know what to do, you wouldn’t think twice about spending money on getting the help you need.

Same goes with other services, same goes with other areas of your life.

If you need help with your money and haven’t been able to figure it out on your own, there’s nothing wrong with paying to get the help you need.

In this episode, I’m sharing 6 ways a money coach can turn your life around. Let this episode serve as your sign to seek the help you need!

Here's a glance at this episode:

• [01:53] Raya shares her specialty when it comes to money coaching. She helps clients create and stick to realistic budget and spending plans.
• [04:03] When you don’t know what’s happening in your money situation, you’re likely not doing the best things with your money. That’s where a money coach can make a difference.
• [07:23] Willpower and self-accountability have limits. A money coach can help you stay strong and accountable with your financial decisions.
• [12:00] A money coach can motivate and encourage you to reach your goals faster.
• [15:15] It’s hard to deal with money struggles on your own. Having a money coach to talk things through can help relieve some stress.

Rate, Review, & Follow:

Did you love this episode? Are you a fan of the City Girl Savings podcast? If so, please consider rating and reviewing the show!

This helps spread the word about City Girl Savings, and hopefully helps more people make the best money moves possible on the way to their dream life!

To leave a review on Apple Podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, please make sure you’re subscribed and following the City Girl Savings podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Learn about Raya’s Financial Focus Coaching Program

Listen to CGS Podcast Episode 25 – How Financial Coaching Changed Her Life with Vanessa

Listen to CGS Podcast Episode 81 – Manifesting Money, Trips and More with Tymika

Listen to CGS Podcast Episode 129 – Budgeting Multiple Six Figures with Rachel

Follow City Girl Savings on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok

Join the City Girl Savings Facebook Group

Subscribe to the City Girl Savings Newsletter!

I don’t think anyone goes into a marriage thinking it could eventually end. However, life happens.

Sometimes, things don’t work out as we hope or plan they will and we have to course correct.

As someone who’s newly engaged, I want to make sure I think about all aspects of life and finances once our marriage begins.

I’ve also worked with plenty of clients who have been divorced or have gone through a divorce during our time together. It’s hard.

That’s why I’m so excited to chat with attorney Ashley Nicole Green on this week’s episode of the City Girl Savings podcast.

Ashley and I are going to discuss how women can navigate life and finances before marriage, after a divorce and everything in between.

Here's a glance at this episode:

• [05:00] Ashley shares that when she and her husband were newly engaged, they sat down and had a candid conversation about each of their financial situations.
• [13:30] Ashley explains how costly divorce can be, just because of how much time goes into it. This is where having a prenup can save both parties a lot of money.
• [20:30] Avoiding going to court for child support and custody arrangements is best. Ashley shares why and when it is necessary to go to court.
• [34:50] Ashley shares her advice for women who think they may need a divorce but don’t have a prenuptial agreement in place.
• [42:50] When navigating divorce with children, a great motto to uphold is “children at the center of every decision.”

Rate, Review, & Follow:

Did you love this episode? Are you a fan of the City Girl Savings podcast? If so, please consider rating and reviewing the show!

This helps spread the word about City Girl Savings, and hopefully helps more people make the best money moves possible on the way to their dream life!

To leave a review on Apple Podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, please make sure you’re subscribed and following the City Girl Savings podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Follow Ashley on Instagram

Learn more about Ashley’s Attorney Services

Learn about Raya’s Financial Focus Coaching Program

Follow City Girl Savings on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok

Join the City Girl Savings Facebook Group

Subscribe to the City Girl Savings Newsletter!

I don’t know about you, but the end of the year always puts me in a state of gratitude and reflection.

Gratitude for all that has happened in the year and reflection on what has and hasn’t worked during the year.

Considering that Thanksgiving is only a few days away (at least if you’re listening to this live), I want to take some time to share the things I’m most grateful for in my life right now.

The beauty of gratitude is that there is truly so much to be grateful for. To be alive is a gift.

In this episode, I’m sharing 7 things I’m grateful for in my life. I encourage you to make your own list of things you’re grateful for as the holidays approach!

Here's a glance at this episode:

• [02:18] Raya kicks off her list of things she’s grateful for with her health. She shares why gratitude for her health is so important.
• [04:25] While Raya’s parents are deceased, she shares why she’s grateful for the family she does still have here with her.
• [07:20] Sometimes, Raya’s coaching clients end up turning into friends, and this is something Raya is always grateful for.
• [10:19] Raya ends her gratitude list with appreciation for her dogs, Milo and Toby.

Rate, Review, & Follow:

Did you love this episode? Are you a fan of the City Girl Savings podcast? If so, please consider rating and reviewing the show!

This helps spread the word about City Girl Savings, and hopefully helps more people make the best money moves possible on the way to their dream life!

To leave a review on Apple Podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, please make sure you’re subscribed and following the City Girl Savings podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Listen to CGS Podcast Episode 102 – 6 Ways Gratitude Makes for a Richer Life

Learn about Raya’s Financial Focus Coaching Program

Follow City Girl Savings on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok

Join the City Girl Savings Facebook Group

Subscribe to the City Girl Savings Newsletter!

If you’re listening to this episode when it’s released, we’re about six weeks away from the new year.

I love everything about this time – wrapping up a year, reflecting on how things have gone, and setting goals for another year.

I think now is the perfect time to get things in order. Don’t wait for a new year to start, start now!

If better money management is on your new year’s resolution list, what better time than now to begin?

In this episode, I’m sharing some money systems to set up before the year ends.

Make it a point to implement these money systems in preparation for a new year, so this next year can be your best one yet!

Here's a glance at this episode:

• [02:15] It should come as no surprise that Raya recommends everyone set up a budgeting system – no matter what a person’s situation looks like.
• [06:09] Raya breaks down the important aspects of your budgeting system. This includes setting up your budget, tracking your spending and closing out your budget.
• [12:49] To start your debt pay off system, Raya walks through how to organize your debt to help you take action.
• [18:25] Retirement is an investing system anyone can work towards. Raya shares some things to keep in mind when setting up your retirement contributions.

Rate, Review, & Follow:

Did you love this episode? Are you a fan of the City Girl Savings podcast? If so, please consider rating and reviewing the show!

This helps spread the word about City Girl Savings, and hopefully helps more people make the best money moves possible on the way to their dream life!

To leave a review on Apple Podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, please make sure you’re subscribed and following the City Girl Savings podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Let Raya create your next budget plan!

Learn about Raya’s Financial Focus Coaching Program

Follow City Girl Savings on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok

Join the City Girl Savings Facebook Group

Subscribe to the City Girl Savings Newsletter!

Great things happen on the other side of our comfort zones.

I’ve talked about this before on the podcast and I believe it wholeheartedly.

Over the course of my life, I’ve constantly pushed my own boundaries and pushed past my own comfort zone.

Doing so has helped me reach new levels in life, ingrain resiliency into my character, and have a deep level of self-trust.

I consider myself a capable person who can accomplish what I set out to do. That’s not to say things always go as planned or even work out.

They don’t. But, every time I’ve gone outside my comfort zone, new levels await.

In this episode, I’m sharing 5 times I pushed past my comfort zone and reached new heights in my life.

Here's a glance at this episode:

• [02:05] Raya breaks down her mindset when she decided to go full-time with City Girl Savings and how that helped her reach a new level.
• [05:11] If you never take action or get uncomfortable, you don’t know what amazing things are on the other side of those decisions.
• [12:18] Raya gives insight into her past relationship style. She breaks down how she finally let go and gave into her current relationship.
• [16:43] Hindsight is 20/20. Raya shares how moving to LA ended up costing her more than she ever thought it would…even though she has no regrets.

Rate, Review, & Follow:

Did you love this episode? Are you a fan of the City Girl Savings podcast? If so, please consider rating and reviewing the show!

This helps spread the word about City Girl Savings, and hopefully helps more people make the best money moves possible on the way to their dream life!

To leave a review on Apple Podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, please make sure you’re subscribed and following the City Girl Savings podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Listen to CGS Podcast Episode 88 – How to Get Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable

Learn about Raya’s Financial Focus Coaching Program

Follow City Girl Savings on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok

Join the City Girl Savings Facebook Group

Subscribe to the City Girl Savings Newsletter!

Overconsumption, consumerism, and materialism – all things our society tends to put on a pedestal.

Not only does this cause people to overextend themselves and live beyond their means, but it doesn’t usually translate into a truly happy life.

That’s why I’m so excited to welcome Kara Perez back on the show.

Kara’s first book “Green Money” comes out in a few weeks, and today she’s here to chat with me about all things money and sustainable living.

If you’re looking to live a happier life on less, you don’t want to miss this conversation!

Here's a glance at this episode:

• [04:55] Kara shares her experiences with moving and keeping it budget-friendly. Kara experienced moving within a state and out of state.
• [12:45] 70% of the American economy is consumer spending. Kara breaks down an easy way to understand U.S. economics.
• [23:00] Kara encourages listeners to reframe their mindset and spending habits to help people learn to consume less.
• [32:32] Change needs to happen at the individual level before it can happen at the societal level. Don’t think your efforts are in vain.
• [39:27] Want to start being more sustainable? Kara shares her tips for getting started with sustainable living.

Rate, Review, & Follow:

Did you love this episode? Are you a fan of the City Girl Savings podcast? If so, please consider rating and reviewing the show!

This helps spread the word about City Girl Savings, and hopefully helps more people make the best money moves possible on the way to their dream life!

To leave a review on Apple Podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, please make sure you’re subscribed and following the City Girl Savings podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Get your copy of Green Money

Follow Kara on Instagram

Follow Kara on TikTok

Learn about Raya’s Financial Focus Coaching Program

Follow City Girl Savings on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok

Join the City Girl Savings Facebook Group

Subscribe to the City Girl Savings Newsletter!