There’s an unwritten rule in our society that you shouldn’t talk about finances. It’s a strange taboo, given that all of us have to deal with managing our finances at some point in our lives. In fact, it is especially important for mums, because most of us need to manage the finances for our entire household!
Not too long ago, I realised that I’m not financially literate. Ok, I lie, I’ve always known it, but this year I was forced to admit it! The truth is, I’ve always found finance incredibly overwhelming. Savings, investments, fixed term deposits, portfolios, retirement planning…there are too many things to think about, and way too much lingo for me to wrap my head around.
But I also realised that this ignorance is not getting me any closer to building the life I want now and in the future. So I had to do something about it.
My Financial Screw Ups
I’ve learned some hard lessons in my life when it comes to finance. Like many university students in the US in the early 2000s, I was saddled with horrible credit card debt by the time I graduated.
A few years later, my divorce and subsequent single parenthood drained me of savings and any opportunity to make large contributions to my superannuation. Years after that, moving to Australia became another drain on my finances (my friends, it turns out that spouse visas are very expensive!).
Throughout all that, just like a lot of mums, I was juggling all sorts of jobs mostly on a freelance, part-time, or contract basis. I never quite found the balance between financial security and being present for my children, but over time, I feel like I’m getting close.
Of course, as it is with most parents, I have experienced firsthand the need for emergency funds, and how quickly that can be drained! Through the years, I’ve had to deal with hospital stays, emergency room visits, cars breaking down or getting hit, and – more recently – my lovely husband accidentally drilling a hole in a water pipe.
All this to say: I know firsthand how bloody hard it is for mums to figure out finance, believe me. And I’ve decided that I’m going to share my journey to financial literacy with you!
How and When To Listen To Podcasts
I know, I know. You’re busy. You’ve got work, you’ve got the kids, and you can’t even remember the last time you had a poo without someone needing your attention right now. But believe me, podcasts are so fun to listen to, and chock full of easy-to-digest information. If you’ve never listened to podcasts before, now’s the time to start!
So how can you find the time to listen to podcasts? Well, it’ll be different for everyone, but here’s where and when I usually listen to podcasts:
- When I’m driving alone in the car, particularly for long drives
- While I’m cooking
- While I’m crafting
- While I’m taking a walk
I reckon that if I had discovered podcasts when I was breastfeeding, it would’ve been something I did during those long nursing sessions!
I would recommend that you line up a couple of hour’s worth of podcasts and listen to them when you can. This could mean just finishing one episode, or twenty, but the main thing is that your playlist is set up and ready for you when you have the time for it.
My favourite way to listen to podcasts is via the Apple Podcasts app on my iPhone, but there are plenty of other apps that allow you to listen to podcasts on the go, including Google Podcasts, Stitcher, and Spotify. You could also listen to some podcasts online on the podcast’s website – I’ve included a few in my list below!
I’ve also included my favourite episodes from each podcast so you can have a taste of what each one is about, so feel free to create your first playlist with those episodes.
Enough chit chat, let’s get on with the show(s)!
Top 5 Finance Podcasts for Busy Mums
1. She’s On The Money
I love love love this podcast because it really drills down on the basics of finance! My favourite part is when the hosts Victoria Devine and Annabelle Lee share their own money wins or fails, as well as the stories of real people’s money woes. It just makes me feel less alone in my struggle, which is incredibly comforting.
The podcast is aimed primarily at millennial women in Australia, but a lot of the content is relevant for busy mums around the world too!
My episode recommendations:
- A rookie’s guide to investing – Part 1 and Part 2.
- The psychology of saving
- The price of comparison
Average episode duration: 30 mins
Listen on: Apple Podcast, Whoosh
2. My Millennial Money Express
This express version of My Millennial Money by Glen James features condensed episodes with only the key parts of each full episode. With mini episodes ranging from 3 to 15 minutes, this is great as a financial literacy snack when you’re really busy.
It’s also really funny, and I appreciate that because I always assumed finance is dry and boring. This podcast throws that assumption out the window!
My episode recommendations:
Average episode duration: 3-15 mins
Listen on: Apple Podcast, Whoosh. Also on the My Millenial Money website (full episodes only, not Express)
3. Starving Artist
In this podcast, Honor Eastly interviews artists and asks them tough questions about what finance means to them. It’s a mixed bag of characters, but a lot of the content is poignant, relatable, and relevant. Now this podcast is really specific to those working in the arts. As both a freelance writer and a weaver, a lot of the content is relevant to me.
Not a creative yourself? No worries! Because if you’ve been looking at working part-time, from home, or just wanting to know what it might be like to unplug from the corporate world, this podcast is a treasure trove of information.
My episode recommendations:
- Making A Full-Time Living Through Instagram with Frances Cannon
- Designing Your Creative Life with Sarah Firth
- Taking Control Of Your Finances with Sarah Firth
Average episode duration: 30 mins – 1.5hrs
Listen on: Starving Artist Podcast, Apple Podcast
4. Popcorn Finance
This podcast describes itself as a “short form podcast discussing finance in about the time it takes to make a bag of popcorn”, and with most episodes going for about 5 mins, it’s a pretty accurate description!
This is a great podcast for particularly busy days where you only have a few minutes to spare for podcast listening. And don’t let the short episode duration fool you – this podcast is super informative, and Chris (the host) keeps it fun too!
My episode recommendations:
- The Pros and Cons of Online Bank Accounts
- Stop Overspending with One Percent Rule
- Mini Budgets & Investing 101
Average episode duration: 5-15 mins
Listen on: Apple Podcast, Stitcher, Popcorn Finance website.
5. Mad Fientist – Financial Independence Podcast
The main focus of Mad Fientist is financial independence and early retirement. But even if that’s not your main goal, there’s a lot of incredible content to help you manage your finances. A lot of the episodes are interviews with folks who are getting it right (financially speaking) and there’s some amazing nuggets of information scattered throughout to help you become more financial literate.
My episode recommendations:
- Scott Trench – Set for Life
- Elizabeth Willard Thames – Meet the Frugalwoods
- Your Money or Your Life – An Interview with Author Vicki Robin
Average episode duration: 30 mins – 1 hour
Listen on: Apple Podcasts, Mad Fientist website
Let’s figure out finance together
I think it’s time that personal finance isn’t seen as a taboo topic. As women and mothers, we are often unable to earn money for months or even years at a time, so we have to be smart with the money we do have. Discussing this openly and honestly can really help!
I hope to share more finance tips and tricks so we can all develop our financial literacy and be more cash savvy. I’m all about learning together, so please get in touch with me if you’ve got something to share! Don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter as well, where I share empowering tips to help you as we experience motherhood together.
