If you’re using money to the detriment of your situation, it’s doing more harm than good…no matter how exciting it feels in the moment.

While I truly believe there’s an infinite supply of money, you have to put yourself in a position for money to make its way to you.

It starts with making your current income or money work better for you.

When you do right by your money, your money does right by you.

Even if you’re unhappy with what you’re currently making, you can still do the right things with your money.

In this episode, I’m sharing 6 ways to make your money work better for you.

Start implementing these steps as soon as you can, and you’ll see the ripple effect in your financial situation!

Here's a glance at this episode:

• [02:03] Practice gratitude for your current income. It’s an easy way to make your money work better for you and you can start immediately.
• [02:34] Follow Raya through a mini guided meditation to help you practice gratitude for your money on a daily basis.
• [05:50] Whenever you get paid, a portion of it should be saved immediately. “Pay yourself first” is a tried-and-true financial principle.
• [09:11] Not sure if you can save for retirement outside of a 401k plan? Raya shares a few options people can leverage to save for retirement.
• [14:20] If you believe more money will make its way to you, it definitely will. However, you need to ensure you have a mindset of abundance, not scarcity. Raya shares some examples of how to do that.

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 Leads to a Richer Life

Raya Recommends: The Richest Man in Babylon

Listen to CGS Podcast Episode #74 – My Favorite Affirmations for Money, Happiness and More

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!

Can I share a “fun fact” about myself with you?

I’ve been setting goals since I was a child.

Obviously, at the time, I didn’t really know they were goals.

They were just things I wanted, that I would write or speak…I’d even share with others.

I can safely say that setting goals from an early age until now has contributed IMMENSELY to all that I’ve accomplished today.

Sure, I haven’t achieved everything I set out too…but I either keep working towards those things or I align my goals to where I’m at now.

My point is that to be successful in life, you should be setting and working towards your goals. Not sure where to start?

In this episode, I’m sharing some of my best tips for setting goals and staying on track to achieving them!

Here's a glance at this episode:

• [01:40] Raya recalls her early experiences with setting and achieving goals, by sharing a story of getting started with acting.
• [04:01] When setting goals, following the SMART criteria is a must. Raya breaks down the SMART criteria to follow with your goals.
• [06:50] Don’t beat yourself up for not reaching your goals when you want to. Life happens, so give yourself grace.
• [09:13] Raya is reminded of her annual goals 3 different times throughout the day. She shares how she keeps her goals front and center.
• [13:07] Speaking your goals out loud makes them real. Don’t be afraid to share your goals with others. It will help you stay accountable.

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 #110 – 5 Ways a Type A Personality Stays Organized

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!

One thing you probably know about me by now is that I’m always trying to improve.

I’m always working towards new goals, new levels and being better than I was yesterday.

Certain areas of my life are much easier to work on than others, but overall, I’m constantly striving to be the next best version of myself.

To do that, it requires building habits and routines that support my growth and development.

It also requires letting go of habits and routines that no longer serve me. I spend a lot of time at the end of the year reflecting on things that work and don’t work in my life, money and business.

In this episode, I’m sharing the habits I plan to implement as quickly as possible to help me step into the next best version of me.

Here's a glance at this episode:

• [02:00] Raya vows to be proactive when expanding her knowledge. She plans on reading physical books, listening to audiobooks and taking online classes.
• [05:50] Raya shares what she recently learned from the book Think and Grow Rich – that having knowledge is irrelevant if that knowledge is never used.
• [08:41] Tracking macros in My Fitness Pal is a high priority for Raya in 2025, even though it sounds intimidating.
• [12:53] Raya wants to initiate virtual coffee chats with guests from the City Girl Savings podcast, this can help expand her network.
• [16:22] Let’s vow to do more of what makes us happy. As cheesy as it sounds, doing more of what makes you happy is a lifelong pursuit.

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:

Raya Recommends: Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

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!

There is nothing wrong with wanting to be a wealthy individual.

I REPEAT: There is nothing wrong with wanting to be a wealthy individual. The more wealth we have, the more good we can do.

I saw a post on social media that said the world needs more women billionaires – women like MacKenzie Scott, Melinda Gates and Taylor Swift – women using their financial resources for good.

I couldn’t agree more.

In 2025, my focus is definitely on building my wealth, and hopefully yours is too! But what is built must also be protected.

That’s why I’m so excited to talk with former financial advisor, now Certified Financial Planner Brittney Castro on the show today.

Brittney and I are going to talk about how women can build and protect their wealth for the long haul.

Here's a glance at this episode:

• [02:52] Brittney breaks down her journey in the financial services industry, including the experience of selling her financial planning business.
• [11:51] Do you struggle with knowing your values? Brittney acknowledges that it can be a struggle to know your next steps when you’re unsure.
• [17:10] Not sure if you should save or pay off debt? Brittney shares her advice for deciding whether to save or pay off your debt or do both!
• [32:49] Brittney walks through different investment vehicles, including life insurance and leveraging it for building wealth.
• [40:44] If you leverage your life insurance policy properly, you can access tax-free dollars and use how you’d like.

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 Brittney on Instagram

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 I think back to 10 years ago today, I was literally days away from launching City Girl Savings!

I had come up with the idea for City Girl Savings near the end of 2013 and started taking action all through 2014.

I hired a company to design a website with the capability of fostering a community, technology to allow me to create customer budget plans through the website and hold a plethora of blog articles.

My mission at the time was to help show women they could live a life of fashion, travel and self-care while reaching money milestones through budgeting.

That website was a site for sore eyes, but on January 1st, 2015, City Girl Savings came to life.

As we approach our 10-year anniversary, I want to share what 10 years in business has looked like for City Girl Savings.

In this episode, I’m reflecting on the growth, the changes, and the lessons learned after 10 years in business.

Here's a glance at this episode:

• [02:06] City Girl Savings was not an overnight success. The first business sale came 8 months after launching.
• [04:44] 2023 was the first year City Girl Savings saw a large reduction in revenue. Raya shares more about business finances over the years.
• [08:29] Raya has learned that City Girl Savings isn’t for everyone. It was hard not to take this personal in the beginning.
• [12:46] Another struggle Raya had in the early stages of the company was understanding that no one is going to love the business as much as her. It’s her baby, no one else’s.
• [18:29] Comparison is something Raya is good about not doing. While she’s human and has her moments, she doesn’t stay in those moments of comparison.

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 77 – Behind the Scenes of the CGS Team

Get 20% off Custom Budget Plans. Use code 2025!

Get 20% off 1-on-1 money coaching with Raya! Use code 2025.

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!

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!