#33: Leveraging Social Media to Your Advantage with Ebony Smith Social media has changed the game for many people. In fact, there’s a whole industry around influencer marketing that has made regular people very wealthy. Regardless of if you want to be an influencer or not, social media can be leveraged to help build your personal brand, or the brand of your business. In this episode, I’m speaking with CGS client turned business owner Ebony Smith. Ebony took her social media marketing business full time last year and has leveraged social media to transition her business to offering CEOs operational support. Ebony shares tips and tricks to help anyone leverage social media to their advantage. Here’s a glance at this episode: [03:55] Ebony shares how her business has transitioned from graphic design to social media management to operational support. [08:35] Emotions are already high when you’re pregnant. Ebony shares how she dealt with being forced to take her business full time after maternity leave ended. [15:40] There is such a thing as posting too much content! Make sure you’re not overdoing it with your audience by posting too much. [22:20] Social media can be the catalyst for creating long-lasting relationships, both personal and business. [28:52] Dealing with bots and spam comments? You’re not alone! Learn how Instagram is trying to regulate the bots. [36:00] You don’t need to pay for a tool to post automatically to Instagram! Ebony shares this budget-friendly work around to consistent automatic posts. [40:00] Don’t give up on your social media goals! Ebony shares how you can stay focused and not worry about what other people are doing. Click here to listen! Rate, Review, & Follow on App … #33: Leveraging Social Media to Your Advantage with Ebony SmithRead More »

How'd She Do It? Emma Grede E … How’d She Do It? Emma GredeRead More »

#32: Why You Shouldn’t Focus Too Much on Your Credit Score At some point in time or another, most of us have been obsessed with looking at our credit score. Trust me, I’m guilty of this too! Thanks to Credit Karma or monthly score tracking courtesy of our credit cards, keeping tabs on our credit scores is easier than ever. While I do think knowing your credit score at all times is beneficial, I don’t think it’s as important as people make it out to be. In this episode, I’m sharing why you shouldn’t focus too much on your credit score number, but instead focus on the things that really matter when it comes to your credit. Here’s a glance at this episode: [01:35] Your credit score is made up of 5 different categories and this information is reported on your credit report. [03:33] Take the time to review your credit report, at least once a year, to determine what could be impacting your credit score. [06:45] The best thing you can do for your credit score is pay all of your debts down to $0 and then use them wisely. [10:10] Don’t close your credit accounts! The longer you have credit history, the better your credit scores will be. Click here to listen! Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts … #32: Why You Shouldn’t Focus Too Much on Your Credit ScoreRead More »

It’s my belief that there’s a common misconception that being frugal equals being cheap. That’s absolutely NOT the case! In fact, being frugal means you’re “economical with regard to money.” Being cheap means […]

#31: How I Combat the Competition Mindset With the rise of social media, we have a direct line of sight into the lives of our favorite celebrities, influencers, and even our peers in life and business. This can be dangerous. Seeing what other people have can bring up feelings of jealousy, inadequacy or a slew of other negative emotions. And we’ve all been there. Over the years, since starting City Girl Savings, I’ve managed to combat the competition mindset that comes with seeing what others are doing. In this episode, I’m sharing the best practices I use to make sure I’m inspired by what others share, and not jealous of it! Here’s a glance at this episode: [01:41] Before you can even begin to beat the competition mindset, you have to be comfortable with yourself and the value you bring to this world. [03:00] Keep a running list of all your praises, accomplishments, recognitions, and rewards and review it when you need a boost of confidence. [05:00] I share some of the ways I avoid the competitive mindset with peer business owners or those who are in a higher position than myself. [06:12] I’ve been forced to build thick skin when it comes to social media. I share some negative feedback I’d received in the past and how it impacted me. [10:50] Always keep the focus on where you’re going and where you want to be. Click here to listen! Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “I l … #31: How I Combat the Competition MindsetRead More »

7 Ways Being Frugal Can Be Expensive So here at City Girl Savings, we believe in spending your money in the most intentional and efficient way possible to live your best life. We believe that in order to reach our financial goals, there may have to be some temporary sacrifices needed to be made to get to your desired goals.However, sometimes there are situations that occur that being frugal may be more detrimental than beneficial, because life happens. Here are seven ways when being frugal can actually be expensive.#1 Buying Lesser Quality Clothes and ShoesYes, we all love a great deal on clothes, shoes, and accessories. However, we cannot deny that the quality is just as important as the style of the article of clothing. Think about it, how many times have we decided to go for cheaper articles of clothing, while we may be able to get more in quantity, the quality isn’t always there.There can be a difference between spending $100 on 20 pieces of clothing/shoes vs $100 on one or two pieces. Usually, the less expensive items do not usually last as long as the more expensive clothes. How many times have you had to throw out a pair of “cheap” shoes after a few wears? How many times have you had to sew jeans or snip loose thread from a lesser quality blouse?Sometimes it is ok to spend a little more on better quality clothes and shoes. Plus, good quality shoes are super vital for the health of your feet too! Your feet literally carry your weight of the day, be sure to treat them as such.#2 Making Unrealistic Cuts to Your BudgetListen, in 2022 we know that inflation is through the roof right now, but there are just some things that we just have to make room for in our budgets, regardless of how we may feel at the time. For instance, yes gas is very high right now, but at the end of the day, you need gas so that your car can run and take you from point A to point B.The same can be said about groceries, which is also getting affected by inflation. However, it will be unrealistic to cut your grocery budget in half just to save money. Inflation doesn’t last forever, so manage what you can manage at the moment.Maybe you can cut corners in other areas, but basic needs should never be questioned.#3 Car MaintenanceSimilar to the above point about gas, car maintenance is also a vital thing that should not get pushed to the side or neglected. I can remember being a teen, with my very first car. My father bought it for me, but since I have a part-time job, I had to be responsible for the car insurance, gas, and basic maintenance like oil changes.Well, there was a time where I just did not want to spend the necessary money on getting my oil change…and I continued to drive my car way over the recommended mileage, I wanted to spend my money on fun things. Low and behold, one day I was driving somewhere and my car started to act up as I was driving!When I finally took the car in, I had done so much damage to my engine that the oil was burnt…leading to a whole slew of other issues. This was all because I did not want to spend money on an oil change, and resulted in my father to pay hundreds of unnecessary money on bigger issues.Never skip those routine car maintenance duties! It will cost you more if you continue to neglect them.#4 FurnitureOk, so this may be debatable, like a lot of things on this list, but I am going to stick to my opinions about this one. Now, while I loved my college apartment furniture that came from a mega huge Swedish furniture warehouse/store, I was also equally excited to get rid of it.Now – follow me here. Sometimes “cost” doesn’t always need to mean monetary, sometimes it means time and energy too. While most of the furniture from the super famous Swedish is priced at a reasonable price, you WILL spend an entire day putting things together and trying to decipher the manual haha!Also – from a monetary perspective, I have had cheap furniture that have cracked or broken months after purchasing, and I should have known better and spent better. Especially if you are going to live at your residence for a good while, you want furniture that is going to represent you, your style, and your hard earned cash!#5 Skipping Out on Insurance and Doctors’ AppointmentsOk, this is another one that can be debated and can get pretty dicey. Unfortunately, the United States is not a country that provides universal healthcare, and if you do not work for a company that provides some sort of health insurance package, the costs of health insurance just may not be attainable for some. Trust me, I understand. As someone who has had to experience a period of time being unemployed and uninsured, I was pretty shocked to see the out-of-pocket costs for healthcare, it is ridiculous.However, I am more scared of what could happen, as we just do not know. An accident, a fall, a medical emergency could happen, then what? This is a problem that a lot of Americans have unfortunately, which is why it is so important to have some sort of emergency savings to prevent a huge medical expense burden.Also, if you do have health insurance and you are still skipping your routine doctor and dentist check-ups, you may be doing yourself a huge disservice in the long-run, as you may be avoiding small issues that may turn into bigger, more expensive issues down the line. So keep your physicals, teeth cleanings, and all medical check-ups up to date!#6 DIY Projects Gone WrongI love a good DIY project, especially if I know I can save money…HOWEVER, you what else I also love and own? My own strengths and weaknesses! If my toilet is clogged that not even a plunger can fix, I will not take apart the toilet – I am going to call a professional, a plumber. Now this doesn’t even have to go as far as something as a broken toilet or appliance.I remember trying my best to save money and try to install my own hair extensions…well, that was a disaster, as I cut my own hair, tangled my own hair, and eventually broke down and called my hairstylist to get the tangled weave out of my hair. Needless to say, that particular hair appointment cost me more money because it took her more time to correct my mistakes…Let the professionals be the experts in their areas of expertise, it may save you some money!#7 Inexpensive FoodOK, back to talking about food, but this time I want to talk about the quality of food. Now, we have heard that it’s actually healthier to shop around the perimeters of grocery stores, because that’s usually where the healthier foods are, such as fruits, vegetables, produce, etc, whereas the middle aisles are reserved for more processed and “junk” foods. This is also where the cheapest groceries are as well.“You Are What You Eat” isn’t just a slogan, but it’s the absolute truth. There is a reason why fast food is so cheap – you’re paying for the convenience, not for quality. There are a lot of unhealthy chemicals and added preservatives in fast food, which keeps the costs really low.Yes, your grocery budget will be a bit more, but your body and overall health will thank you for it, as you are nourishing your body with healthy and whole food!Related: 6 Things You Should Never Go Cheap OnWhat are some ways you have learned that being frugal isn’t always the right way? Did you have to learn the hard way at times? Let us know in the comments below!-LenaT … 7 Ways Being Frugal Can Be ExpensiveRead More »

If you’re new to the savings world…WELCOME! You’re in the right place! Saving money has so many benefits – from reducing stress to allowing you to reach goals you never thought possible. As if those reasons […]

#29: Recognizing and Embracing Life's Pivots with Bailey Lang If you know my story, then you know that life did not go according to how I originally planned it to. But you know what? I’m not alone! A lot of people experience unplanned pivots in life. Being able to recognize when you need to pivot and then embrace that pivot is key to keeping spirits high. The ability to adapt to changing circumstances is so important and today’s guest Bailey Lang of The Writing Desk shares how she has been able to do it with grace and ease. Life has thrown Bailey some major curveballs, but she’s been able to catch them and create a life that brings her joy. Here’s a glance at this episode: [03:25] Bailey’s first marriage ended when her husband passed away. She had to learn how to take care of herself financially in a short amount of time. [11:25] Death changes a person. Bailey shares what she learned about herself during her experience with losing a husband. [19:50] Bailey talks about starting a business as a “test” to help combat the fear of starting a business and not knowing if it will work. [32:50] Being willing to change isn’t always easy. Bailey shares her tips for those who struggle with embracing change. [42:55] Do the work up front to prepare for taxes as a business owner. This will help you sustain your dream of working for yourself. Click here to listen! Rate, Review, & Follow on A … #29: Recognizing and Embracing Life’s Pivots with Bailey LangRead More »

6 Fun Summer Getaway Locations to Explore These days, summer getaway locations are looked forward to all year long! It’s a time to ditch the snow boots and rain gear, and pull out all your favorite daisy dukes and go-to sunscreen. I mean, who doesn’t love the moment summertime starts?! Especially with the thoughts of summer vacation!The options are endless when it comes to finding the best summer getaway locations. Summer holiday is great for many reasons including spending time with those who you don’t have access to during the year. Whether it’s a summer vacation with the girls or a family affair, I know these six summer getaway locations to explore will have you refreshed and rejuvenated for the rest of the year ahead.Summer getaway locations to explore!#1 Yellowstone National ParkPictures just won’t give Yellowstone National Park it’s glory. It’s hands down one of the most stunning natural beauties in the United States. There are a ton of things to explore and partake in when visiting during the summer. If you are an outdoor type of person then this getaway location is just for you.They have so many trails they to offer. One of the most go-to areas at the Yellowstone National Park is the Old Faithful geyser. If you’re interested in planning a summer getaway here – you’re going to be in for tons of fun and nature. Aside from the intriguing wildlife activity, there are usually some events happening in the towns around the park, including summer festivals.#2 Cape Cod, Massachusetts This is one getaway that will have you questioning if you’re still in the States! Kayaking and fishing are top things to do in Cape Cod, especially in the summer. A few of the most notable beaches to visit are Herring Cove in Provincetown and Nauset Beach in Eastham.Don’t sleep on Massachusetts in the summertime months! Be sure to plan and make reservations so you can truly enjoy the pristine beaches and quaint villages with old-fashioned ice-cream parlors. How exciting is that?!#3 Outer Banks, North Carolina Have you caught the Netflix series Outer Banks? Well, if you haven’t that’s totally okay! Unlike the crazy adventure the cast goes on, I’m sure you’ll get much more relaxation in this destination. Outer Banks is North Carolina’s barrier islands.There is so much Outer Banks has to offer in the summertime – you don’t want to miss out. Some of the main attractions this location has to offer are the breath-taking Atlantic Ocean views and the dramatic sand dunes. #4 Kauai, HawaiiIf there is absolutely one place you are going this summer make sure it’s Kauai, Hawaii. I mean let’s keep it real… anywhere in Hawaii is gorgeous, but if you haven’t been to Kauai, I highly suggest you go peep it out for a week or two. You can even make it longer and island hop!Summer is the ideal time to visit because the weather is phenomenal, and the water is refreshing. Kauai truly has the best of all the natural features the Garden Island can to offer! So, if you’re making plans this summer vacation make sure it includes the warm sea breeze of Kauai, your favorite cocktail and lots of sunscreen.#5 Grand Canyon, Arizona When planning your summer getaway this year, I suggest you get started as soon as possible and avoid waiting until the last minute. Listen to the CGS podcast episode Vacation Planning on a Budget for some tips! The Grand Canyon is one place you should certainly explore if you have not already! If you don’t know, this getaway location is one of the most iconic, family-friendly American summer vacation spots due to its amazing views.There are quite a few hiking trails you can explore as well as look-out spots in the Grand Canyon that are seriously worth exploring in the summer. Though summertime is the ideal time of year to travel to this getaway, I suggest you plan in advance, just in case any excursions you want to partake in require reservation ahead of time. Seeing as it will be warmer weather try looking into rafting on the Colorado River as well!#6 Grand County, Colorado Grand County is like a picture from a Windows screensaver. It’s so beautiful and breath-taking you won’t want to go back home. The Grand County located in Colorado is one getaway you must explore during the summer months.In the summer the weather is warmer, and you will see first-hand just how wild the outdoor life is. Let’s just say plants and flowers are at their peak and ready for you to gaze at. Try something new like learning to ride a horse or even experience what true ranch life is like.Related: 8 Pieces to Pack for a Summer VacationDitch the usual summer plans this year and try for one of these cool getaways to explore! Would you ever consider traveling to any of these places for the summer? What is one place you traveled to in the summer that you would totally go back to? We love hearing from members in the community so drop some love and leave a comment. Stay up to date with all the current financial trends and tips via our IG @citygirlsavings. Also, check out our City Girl Savings podcast where money gems are dropped generou … 6 Fun Summer Getaway Locations to ExploreRead More »

5 Tricks to Get Caught Up with Your Retirement Savings Most of us enter the workforce right after college, if not earlier. It’s not until we start making real-world money that we even think about contributing to a retirement fund. In fact, most new professionals are automatically placed in their company’s 401k plan without understanding what it means. As we get older, we start to understand the importance of saving for retirement. The downside is that we’ve lost some precious earning time. If you’re looking to get caught up with your retirement savings, I’ve got you covered! Check out 5 tricks to get caught up with your retirement saving and start feeling like you’ll be ready for retirement. 5 Tricks to Get Caught Up with Your Retirement Savings   #1 First, assess where you’re at Here’s the thing about retirement savings – the earlier you start, the better off you’ll be come retirement time. Unfortunately, they don’t stress the importance of retirement savings until later in life. If you’re looking to get caught up with your retirement savings, start by assessing where you currently are. Do you have anything saved for retirement? That’s a great start! If not, you’ll want to get started immediately. The easiest route is by investing in your company’s 401k plan, if they have one. Check out the article, Are You On Track to Retire, for a good guideline to follow around what you should have saved for retirement. #2 Think about what you’ll need at retirement As hard as it may be, especially if you’re young, you’ll want to think about what you’ll need at retirement. Do you plan on working during retirement? Maybe you want to travel? Maybe you’ll always want to be surrounded by kids and grandkids. Determining what you think you’ll need at retirement will help you make the best savings decisions in the present. If you know your retirement will be luxurious, you’ll want to make sure you save a lot more than you would for a lazy retirement. Remember, whatever you decide right now as it relates to your life at retirement, you can always change your mind. Give yourself permission to be flexible. Make decisions on your present retirement savings based on what you currently see your life in retirement looking like. #3 Regularly increase your retirement contributionOne thing everyone can do to better their position for retirement is regularly increase their retirement contribution. Even if it’s going up by 1% per year, making the change to contribute more can help ensure you have more come retirement time. Some companies have annual automatic increases – I suggest you sign up for that just in case you end up forgetting to manually increase your contribution. You can also wait until you get raises and increase your contribution based on your raise amounts. The point is to regularly increase your contributions, regardless of how you do it. #4 Give your investment options a review Check out the article, How I Picked My 401k Selections. After reading a personal finance book, I realized that I was not invested in the best things for my retirement plan. Most people are in this boat. If you don’t pick your investment options when you begin your 401k, you’re likely put in a single fund. To get the most bang for your retirement buck, you’ll want to be invested in a variety of different options. Every retirement plan comes with investment options to choose from. Do your research and make sure you invest your money wisely. A good rule of thumb? The younger you are, the more invested in stocks you should be. #5 Open additional retirement accounts and contribute regularly If you really want to get caught up with your retirement savings, open additional retirement accounts. Traditional and ROTH IRAs are available to everyone. I’d recommend maxing out your 401k plan first (the contribution limits are higher), and then moving on to additional retirement vehicles. If a 401k plan isn’t available to you, then you certainly want to put your money in an IRA. General investment accounts are also an option, but they don’t come with the same tax benefits as actual retirement plan accounts do. Related: 5 Ways to Boost Your Retirement Savings One of the best things you can do for your future self is make sure you’re contributing as much as possible to your retirement accounts. It’s not always easy, but something…anything…is better than nothing! Are you on track with your retirement savings? Do you need to get caught up? Share your thoughts and quest … 5 Tricks to Get Caught Up with Your Retirement SavingsRead More »