Two years, countless money conversations, and a whole lot of learning later, we're thrilled to celebrate a huge milestone: 100 episodes of the Finance Girlies podcast. In this celebratory episode, we're putting our own money habits, opinions, and priorities to the test with three games.
From revealing our most irrational spending habits to debating whether a $9 latte is worth it, this episode is a reminder that personal finance really is personal. Even two friends who have spent years talking about money don't always agree on the best way to spend, save, or invest it.
Whether you've been here since episode one or you're just joining us, we're so glad you're here!
Episode highlights
[00:00] Celebrating 100 episodes of The Finance Girlies with a few money-themed games and friendly competition!
[01:30] How well do we know each other? Putting our spending habits, favorite purchases, and changing money mindsets to the test
[10:00] Would you rather: Debating hypothetical money scenarios, from unexpected windfalls to early retirement
[19:00] Worth it or waste of money: Deciding what's worth splurging on, what we'd never pay for, and where we draw the line
[34:00] What's next for The Finance Girlies, including weekly episodes, our newsletter, and our new financial coaching program
Game 1: How well do we really know each other's money habits?
After more than four years of friendship and two years of hosting this podcast together, you'd think we'd have each other's financial personalities completely figured out. Turns out, there were still a few surprises.
We started by guessing each other's most irrational spending habits. For Emily, it's doggy daycare. She loves the value it brings to her life, but adding up years of payments can feel a little absurd. Cassidy's answer was skincare, a category where the spending doesn't always seem to match the results.
Then there were the things we refuse to buy. Cassidy admitted that she only recently started purchasing shaving cream and Kleenex, and she's still resisting buying more coat hangers. It's funny how we can comfortably spend hundreds of dollars in one category while agonizing over a purchase that costs a few bucks.
We also talked about purchases that have brought us genuine happiness. Emily chose a canoe she bought on Facebook Marketplace, while Cassidy picked home decor that makes her space feel personal. Neither purchase was about maximizing financial returns. They were about making everyday life more enjoyable.
Perhaps the biggest revelation came when we discussed the money opinions we've changed our minds about. Emily used to believe buying a home needed to make financial sense above all else. Cassidy, meanwhile, has reconsidered her relationship with FIRE (financial independence, retire early). She once believed every dollar should go toward saving enough to stop working as soon as possible. Now, she puts more emphasis on enjoying life today alongside preparing for the future.
The takeaway? Your financial priorities are allowed to evolve. The money goals that made sense five years ago don't have to dictate how you live forever.
Game 2: Would you rather? (money edition)
Next, we tackled a series of financial hypotheticals that revealed just how differently two people can approach the same decision.
First up: Would you rather receive $100,000 today or $1,000 every month for life?
Emily initially chose the lump sum, thinking about the benefits of investing a large amount immediately. Cassidy preferred the monthly payments, pointing out that she'd receive $100,000 in just over eight years, with decades of additional payments potentially ahead. After running some hypothetical investment calculations, Emily changed her answer. (LOL.)
Of course, real-world considerations like investment returns, inflation, and taxes would affect the outcome. But the exercise illustrated something valuable: Our first financial instinct isn't always our best-informed decision. Sometimes doing the math changes everything.
We also debated whether we'd rather never pay for groceries or travel again. Cassidy chose travel, imagining the freedom to take incredible trips without worrying about the cost. Emily chose groceries because they're a consistent expense, regardless of what season of life she's in.
The conversation got especially interesting when we considered whether we'd rather retire at 40 with a modest lifestyle or work until 65 with unlimited vacation. Cassidy leaned toward early retirement, while Emily preferred the flexibility to travel throughout her working years. It's a reminder that retirement isn't everyone's ultimate financial goal.
We ended the game with one question we both agreed on: Would you rather double your salary but lose your work flexibility, or keep your current salary and schedule forever? We both chose flexibility.
Compensation isn't just about your paycheck. Control over your time, the ability to travel, and freedom in your daily schedule can be incredibly valuable, even if they don't appear as a dollar amount.
Game 3: Worth it or waste it — what's actually worth the money?
For our final game, we went rapid-fire through popular spending categories, deciding whether each was worth the price or a waste of money. And while we had plenty of opinions, one theme kept emerging: context matters.
Take professional house cleaning. Emily wasn't convinced she needed it, while Cassidy enthusiastically defended the expense based on her past experiences. Having someone clean a larger home made a noticeable difference in her quality of life, although she doesn't currently pay for the service in her smaller apartment.
Fancy gym memberships sparked a similar conversation. We've both enjoyed specialized fitness classes in the past, but neither of us feels like an expensive membership makes sense right now. Something can be worth the money during one season of life and not another.
We also agreed that designer handbags and concert VIP tickets aren't priorities for us, while a $9 latte can absolutely be worth it on occasion. For Cassidy, that latte might also buy a productive afternoon working somewhere other than home. Suddenly, the expense isn't just about coffee.
And one expense received an enthusiastic yes from both of us: living exactly where you want to live. Where you live can influence your daily routines, relationships, opportunities, and overall happiness. It's one of those financial decisions where the cheapest option isn't necessarily the best fit.
Ultimately, the goal of this game wasn't to declare which purchases everyone should make or avoid. It was to think about what actually adds value to your life. Before cutting an expense because it seems unnecessary, consider whether it genuinely improves your day-to-day experience. And before buying something everyone else seems to love, ask whether it's something you would enjoy.
What's next for the Finance Girlies?
One hundred episodes feels like a huge milestone, but we're just getting started. 😎 Here’s what to expect moving forward:
We'll continue releasing weekly podcast episodes, bringing on exciting guests, and sharing more money conversations through our weekly newsletter (Subscribe here!).
We're also thrilled to announce that we’re now offering one-on-one financial coaching! We're currently running our pilot program, with coaching spots opening in early 2027. If you're looking for personalized support and accountability with your financial goals, you can book a free Vibe Check call to see if we’re a good fit.
Thank you for being part of these first 100 episodes. Whether you've been here since the beginning or just discovered us, we're so grateful you're here. Here's to the next 100!
TL;DR
Your spending habits are personal. What feels worth the money to one person might not matter to someone else.
Financial priorities evolve. Changing your mind about homeownership, retirement, or spending is part of learning what you value.
Run the numbers. Your initial instinct might change once you consider the long-term tradeoffs.
Money isn't the only measure of value. Time, flexibility, convenience, and happiness deserve consideration in your financial decisions.
We're just getting started! Expect more weekly episodes, our newsletter, and one-on-one financial coaching beginning in early 2027.
Resources
The Finance Girlies newsletter: Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for more money conversations and financial insights.
One-on-one financial coaching: Learn more and book a free vibe check call to see whether coaching is right for you.
The Finance Girlies podcast: Explore more episodes.
This content is for educational purposes only and is not personalized financial, tax, or legal advice.
