In this episode, we get real about financial anxiety—that all-too-familiar spiral of dread that hits your gut when you check your bank account. But here's the twist: it’s often not about the dollars—it’s about the drama behind them. 💅

We kick things off with a heartfelt question from our listener Mark, who shares how financial fear keeps creeping in, even when things look okay on paper. From there, we break down five fierce, practical steps to stop letting money anxiety run the show. Think gratitude, journaling, support systems—and no, not just retail therapy.

Because healing your relationship with money isn’t just smart—it’s radical, it’s queer, and it’s fabulous.

• ✨ In our first questions episode of the year, we dive headfirst into one of the most common struggles in our community—financial anxiety—and how to kick it to the curb.
• 💸 We unpack the difference between real money problems and the emotional drama we carry around cash—because sometimes it’s not your budget, it’s your baggage.
• 🧠 You’ll learn five doable, feel-better steps to ease money anxiety—starting with practicing gratitude and getting mindful (don’t worry, no incense required).
• 📊 A jaw-dropping 93% of folks in our community told us they struggle with financial decision-making. So no, babe, it’s not just you.
• 🧍‍♂️ David gets personal with stories of how early money trauma still haunts our financial mindset today (we’re talking deep-rooted, generational stuff).
• 💞 And finally, we remind you that healing your money story doesn’t have to be a solo act—build your money squad and lean on your people.

• 00:22 - Overcoming Financial Anxiety
• 00:51 - Understanding Financial Anxiety and Its Origins
• 09:24 - Overcoming Financial Anxiety: Steps to Take
• 12:32 - Strategies for Managing Financial Anxiety
• 16:32 - Overcoming Financial Anxiety: Practical Tips

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In this episode, we’re breaking down the real price of trading sweatpants for slacks. From $18 salads to skyrocketing childcare and grooming costs, heading back to the office could be draining your bank account by nearly $3,000 a month. But wait—there’s more! We’re spilling the tea on who really benefits from RTO (spoiler: it’s not you). From big biz to real estate moguls, we unpack the money trail behind the push to fill those cubicles. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Is this desk job worth the dry cleaning bill?”—this one’s for you.

• The RTO economy is giving Real Housewives drama—everyone's got a stake, from your boss to the billionaire behind the office lease
• Between gas, grub, grooming, and a sitter, going back to the office can cost more than Tay-tay floor seats
• Your neighborhood café and dry cleaner miss your weekday meltdown lattes—local businesses are as thirsty for your return as you are for the hot barista behind the counter
• Know the hidden costs so you don’t end up broke and bitter—negotiate benefits like you're Olivia Pope in Prada
• Office buildings are the clingy exes of the economy—they need you back to feel whole again
• Perks like transit stipends and childcare credits may be buried in your HR handbook like an Easter egg—go on a treasure hunt, baby

• 00:06 – Sweatpants to Pay Pants: The Cost of Comfort
• 00:16 – Who’s Really Profiting from Your Office Comeback?
• 06:11 – Desk Jobs & Dollar Signs: The RTO Ripple Effect
• 09:39 – Latte Gaps & Local Crashes: Pandemic Fallout IRL
• 12:04 – Office Life on a Budget: Slay, Don’t Pay
• 13:32 – HR Secrets: Unlocking the Perks You Deserve

The stock market’s throwing a fit again—cue the dramatic music and the ghost of 1930s-style tariffs. But before you clutch your pearls and cash out your 401(k), let’s talk strategy. On this episode of Queer Money, we break down what all this market chaos actually means for your retirement dreams—and why it’s not the time to panic.

We're serving up calm, clarity, and a reminder that emotional investing is so last season. Selling in a panic? That just locks in your losses and wrecks your long-term glam plan. Instead, we spill the tea on why keeping those retirement contributions flowing—rain or shine—is the best way to build true wealth.

Because here’s the truth: retirement should be a well-planned runway strut, not a frantic sprint in heels during a hurricane.

• ✨ Don’t sell in a snit - Panic selling when the market dips is like breaking up with your sugar daddy during a minor disagreement—it might feel right in the moment, but you’ll miss the long-term benefits. Hold steady and don’t lock in those losses.
• ✨ Keep those contributions coming, honey - Whether you’re 25 or 65, consistency is key. Retirement investing isn’t a short fling—it’s a committed relationship. Keep funding those accounts, even when the market feels like it’s ghosting you.
• ✨ History’s got your back (and your portfolio) - Markets have been drama queens before—wars, recessions, scandals—but they always bounce back. Think of downturns as the messy middle of a glow-up montage.
• ✨ Check your financial feng shui - Now’s a great time to review your portfolio. Is your asset mix aligned with your risk vibe and retirement goals? If not, it might be time for a little financial redecorating.

• 00:01 - The Gala Event Dilemma
• 00:39 - The Impact of Tariffs on the Stock Market
• 02:57 - Understanding Market Corrections and Bear Markets
• 06:41 - Strategies for Portfolio Management During Volatility
• 07:45 - Rebalancing Your Portfolio Strategies

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Retirement isn’t just about the dollars—it’s about designing a life of freedom, security, and fierce self-expression.

In this episode, we’re diving into nine essential money moves every LGBTQ person (especially fabulous folks over 45) should make to retire with confidence, not chaos.

Because let’s face it—only 35% of LGBTQ Americans over 45 feel financially ready for retirement. And we deserve better.

From ditching debt and dodging tax traps to building a “bitch, I’m fine” fund and finding your post-career purpose, we’re breaking down the strategies to help you retire with peace of mind and a little sparkle.

This episode is your mini masterclass in queer retirement prep—with just the right amount of sass, stats, and soul.

💅 Let’s make sure your golden years are as fabulous as you are.

• ✨ Retirement isn’t just about money—it’s about freedom, security, and living life on your terms - You didn’t come this far to live a cookie-cutter life. Retirement should reflect you.
• 📉 Too many LGBTQ Americans are entering retirement feeling unsure and unprepared - Only 35% of us over 45 feel confident about our financial future. We’re here to change that.
• 💰 You need a “Bitch, I’m Fine” fund - That’s your emergency stash—12–24 months of expenses in cash to protect your peace and your portfolio.
• 🩺 Plan your healthcare before you need it - Don’t let surprise medical bills ruin your retirement glow-up. Get ahead of the game now.
• 🧾 Social Security isn’t just a check—it’s a strategy - The right timing can mean thousands more over your lifetime. Know your options, especially if you’re single or partnered without spousal benefits.
• 📂 Simplify, darling - Consolidating your retirement accounts makes managing your money easier and your future clearer. Less paperwork, more peace of mind.

• 00:01 - Understanding Retirement Beyond Finances
• 01:33 - Essential Money Moves for Retirement
• 04:41 - Understanding Retirement Finances
• 08:21 - Navigating Healthcare Options in Retirement
• 10:30 - Navigating Retirement: A New Beginning

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Let’s spill the financial tea, shall we? In this episode, we dive into the sneaky, self-sabotaging habit of self-gaslighting—yes, it’s a thing—and how it’s keeping too many in the LGBTQ community stuck in a cycle of overspending, under-planning, and telling themselves it’s totally fine when it’s anything but.

We’re calling out the little lies we tell ourselves: “I deserve this splurge,” “I’ll save later,” “Debt is just a part of life.” Sound familiar? From lifestyle inflation to credit card quicksand, we break down the psychological traps and societal pressures that trick queer folks into trading long-term stability for short-term fabulousness.

But don’t worry—this isn’t about guilt. It’s about waking up, owning your truth, and making money moves that serve your future self. Tune in for real talk, mindset shifts, and tips to help you stop faking financial security and start building it—for real this time.

• 💸 We're not just budgeting wrong—we're telling ourselves financial fairy tales. Too many LGBTQ folks are self-gaslighting when it comes to money, pretending they’re financially secure while secretly dodging their credit card statements.
• 👠 Champagne taste, ramen budget. The obsession with luxury and looking the part often wins out over actually being financially stable.
• 📸 Instagram ain't real life. A huge number of LGBTQ adults feel the pressure to live big, bold, and bougie because of societal (and social media) expectations. But that curated feed won’t fund your future.
• 🎯 Goals aren’t just for gym bros. Without clear financial targets, it’s way too easy to rack up debt and kiss your long-term savings goodbye.
• 🔥 Self-sabotage in sequins. Impulsive spending may feel fabulous in the moment, but it’s often a sparkly distraction from what really matters—retirement, security, and peace of mind.
• 🤝 Get you a money buddy. Accountability partnerships can turn your financial “oops” into “I got this,” helping you stay aligned with your actual goals—not just your next splurge.

• 00:04 – Setting the Stage (and the Standard) ⏰ - We kick things off with a real talk on how standards of living have gone from “comfortable” to “keeping up with the most filtered gays on Instagram.”
• 01:20 – Gaslighting 101: Girl, You’re Doing It to Yourself 🧠 - We break down the psychology of gaslighting—and how some of us have become expert-level at convincing ourselves that financial chaos is totally normal.
• 04:30 – Pressure Cooker: Queer Edition 😰 - We dig into the emotional weight of financial expectations in the LGBTQ community—and why it’s messing with our mental and money health.
• 08:01 – Professional, Polished, and…Penniless? 💼 - Even the most buttoned-up LGBTQ professionals aren’t immune to the illusion. We get real about income, spending, and the quiet struggles behind that fierce LinkedIn photo.
• 09:21 – Swipe Now, Cry Later 💳 - The illusion of wealth? It’s often backed by credit card debt and a dash of denial. We’re pulling back the curtain on how deep the spending trap goes.
• 11:45 – Get You Some Goals (and a Money Bestie) 🎯 - We wrap it up with how to turn the tide: set clear financial goals, stop gaslighting yourself, and grab an accountability partner who won’t let you shop your retirement away.

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Are gay Gen Xers destined for a financially fabulous retirement 💸✨, or are we teetering on the edge of a financial faceplant? On this episode of Queer Money, we spill the ☕️ on whether our generation is doomed to work ‘til we drop or if there’s still time to secure that dream retirement—one with bottomless brunches 🥂 instead of bottomless debt. 😵‍💳

With inflation throwing tantrums 📈, the cost of living strutting up like it’s on a runway, and traditional retirement benefits ghosting us like a bad Tinder date, it’s no wonder nearly 50% of Gen Xers are at risk of retiring broke. 😨 And let’s be real—LGBTQ+ folks often juggle even heavier financial baggage, from higher debt to fewer assets, making retirement planning feel more like an Olympic sport. 🏆

But don’t clutch your pearls just yet! 📿 We’re here to dish out the strategies, tips, and hard truths you need to turn your financial future from meh to magnifique. 💅💖 Tune in, take notes 📝, and let’s get serious about securing that rich, restful retirement we all deserve! 🏝️💃💵

• Let’s be real—too many gay Gen Xers are staring down retirement with more financial anxiety than a drag queen lip-syncing for her life. 💰😱
• A shocking number of LGBTQ+ adults over 45 are sweating over their financial future—because let’s face it, "winging it" isn’t a retirement plan.
• Inflation and the cost of literally everything (looking at you, $8 avocados 🥑💸) are making it even harder for our community to get ahead.
• It’s time to stop playing defense with our money and start making some power moves—financial planning and debt slaying are the new self-care. ✨💅
• We love taking care of our chosen family, but honey, if you’re not putting your own oxygen mask on first, your retirement dreams might be DOA. 🚨🏖️
• Investing—even just a little—is the VIP ticket to a cushy retirement, especially now that inheritances and pensions are as rare as a Grindr date that actually wants to grab coffee first. ☕💸

• 00:00 - Understanding Retirement for Gay Gen Xers
• 02:51 - Economic Anxiety and Retirement Challenges for Gen Xers
• 05:30 - Financial Security and Generational Struggles
• 09:41 - Taking Control of Our Financial Future
• 14:02 - Ditching the Rich Uncle Mentality

• Queer Money Instagram
• Queer Money YouTube
• Connect with John on LinkedIn
• Connect with David on LinkedIn

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Good news, fam! The LGBTQ+ community is stepping up its financial game, and we’ve got the receipts. 📊 According to the Motley Fool Debt Free Guys LGBTQ Money Study and Prudential’s 2018 Study, more of us are finally embracing basic banking tools—checking accounts, savings accounts, and the financial stability they bring.

Why does this matter? Because keeping your cash in a shoebox under the bed is so last century. 🏦 By using these essential financial products, we’re not just catching up to the general population—we’re saving money, avoiding fees, and building real financial security.

This shift isn’t just a cute trend; it’s a power move. 💪🏽 So if you’re still playing hide-and-seek with your money, now’s the time to get that banking game on point. Let’s keep pushing forward and making our wallets as fabulous as we are! 🌈💰

• 00:05 - Trends in Queer Finances
• 01:03 - Financial Progress in the LGBTQ+ Community
• 02:40 - The Importance of Financial Tools in the LGBTQ+ Community
• 03:56 - Understanding Financial Tools for Stability
• 04:50 - Encouraging Financial Empowerment for Young Queer Individuals

• The queer community is experiencing a positive shift in financial behaviors and attitudes.
• Recent studies indicate that LGBTQ individuals are increasingly utilizing essential banking services.
• Financial stability among the queer community is essential for broader social progress and rights advocacy.
• Basic banking tools are crucial for reducing unnecessary financial burdens and enhancing overall quality of life.
• Promoting financial education among younger queer individuals is vital for fostering long-term independence.
• Utilizing checking and savings accounts can significantly improve financial security and sustainability for LGBTQ individuals.

• motleyfool.com
• prudential.com

• Queer Money Instagram
• Queer Money YouTube
• Connect with John on LinkedIn
• Connect with David on LinkedIn

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We love bringing you new content every week. Help us keep doing that. Click the link below to support our mission of financial empowerment for the LGBTQ+ community.

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Are you on the path to a tragic, basic, happy or fabulous retirement? Find out where and begin your journey to a better retirement with our Happy Gay Retirement Calculator.

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Hey, fabulous queer fam! In this episode, we’re diving into money talk with a twist—designed especially for queer teens and young adults. We’re dishing out practical, fun financial tips that honor your unique journey. Along the way, we share our own stories about overcoming self-doubt and smashing those limiting beliefs about worth and financial smarts. Get ready to learn five must-know money moves—from launching a Roth IRA, sidestepping credit card traps, to living smart on your dime—that will empower you to own your future with confidence and flair. Let’s slay the financial game together and build a future as brilliant as you are!

Hey there, beautiful people! In this chat, we're getting real about the money struggles many queer teens face, especially when it comes to financial independence. John and David open up about their own journeys, sharing how societal and family pressures can mess with your confidence and financial mojo. They highlight how growing up in restrictive environments can sometimes lead to doubting your own worth and money potential. But here's the kicker: we're flipping the script! We’re dropping some real-deal advice to help you kick those limiting beliefs to the curb. Learn how to build your savings—think cool moves like starting a Roth IRA—and dodge the pitfalls of credit card debt. It's all about laying down a strong financial foundation to rock adulting with pride, confidence, and a splash of glitter. Let’s empower our queer community to thrive financially and emotionally, together!

• Discover key money moves for queer teens, blending financial savvy with emotional strength.
• Smash limiting beliefs about self-worth and financial success.
• Get a head start on investing—think Roth IRA for future security.
• Dodge credit card traps and keep your spending in check.
• Use apps to track your spending and stay on top of your money game.
• Live below your means to build a solid, stress-free financial future.

• 00:10 - Reflecting on Financial Advice
• 04:12 - Financial Advice for Queer Teens
• 05:55 - Overcoming Limiting Beliefs for Financial Security
• 08:36 - Avoiding Credit Card Debt: A Lesson for Young Adults
• 11:12 - Understanding Financial Responsibility

• Queer Money Instagram
• Queer Money YouTube
• Connect with John on LinkedIn
• Connect with David on LinkedIn

Mentioned in this episode:

Support the Queer Money podcast

We love bringing you new content every week. Help us keep doing that. Click the link below to support our mission of financial empowerment for the LGBTQ+ community.

Support the Queer Money podcast - Buy us some coffee

Get the FREE Happy Gay Retirement Calculator

Are you on the path to a tragic, basic, happy or fabulous retirement? Find out where and begin your journey to a better retirement with our Happy Gay Retirement Calculator.

Happy Gay Retirement Calculator