EP23: How to Get Your Money Right
with Maggie Germano

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About Maggie

Maggie Germano is a feminist and financial coach for women. She helps women improve their relationship with money so they can manage their finances with confidence and success. She does this through one-on-one financial coaching, writing, and speaking engagements. She also founded Money Circle, which is a safe space for women to talk about money without feeling judged. It’s a way to create community and openness around personal finance. Passionate about many issues affecting women, Maggie is a member of the Women’s Information Network and was trained as a salary negotiation facilitator by AAUW.

In This Episode

Maggie and I talk about how to create a budget that helps you get your money right. Did you know there are different ways to create budgets? Maggie tells us why it’s important to understand your finances and how to create a budget that really works for you. 

Find Maggie at: maggiegermano.com  / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter / The Money Circle

There is no one size fits all budgeting technique, and some months may be different from the other.

 

Take-Aways: 

Before you make a budget, make sure you have the mindset to make sacrifices, if needed, in order to change your finances.

For entrepreneurs, tips for negotiating your salary or ask for a raise are, 1) Keep consistent track of all you do at work and the positive feedback you have received from anyone you interact with at work, 2) do research within your market, the value of your position, and the cost of living in your area, 3) have all of your research in order to be an advocate for yourself.

Be aware that if you do not make what you feel you are worth, it could have an impact on you in other areas of your life.

It is even more important for women to be self-advocates in the workplace, because of the pervasiveness of the idea that women are “nicer” . So, women won’t necessarily want to rock the boat and ask for what they are worth.

When you decide to make a budget, don’t be discouraged. It is trial and error to find a budget that’s right for you.

The One Budget Model is simple and helps you take a basic look at your numbers, what’s coming in, what has to go out in bills, and the money you have leftover. You have “1 number” (money amount) to spend. This number can be flexible and does not have to be exactly allocated in all of your spending categories.

As you delve into your finances, don’t feel shame by your spending. See it as an opportunity to shift your financial mindset and adjust the habits that aren’t helping you reach your goals.

Steps for making a budget 1) get a clear number of your monthly income, 2) add up your bills, 3) put on your calendar when your bills need to be paid, 4) analyze how much you typically spend and on what, and 5) get clear on the number you are left to work with.

Remember your worth is not a number and not “keeping up with the Jones” on social media.

As your life changes, revisit your budget and adjust it accordingly. Choose to not have shame around your story of money.

"Everyone deserves to be compensated for the work that they are doing, because everyone deserves to have enough resources to live a good life."