S2E11 Steph Wagner on Empowering Women Through Financial Freedom

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In this episode of I’ll Meet You There, Paige and her guest, Steph Wagner, illumiinate a path toward financial freedom. Steph shares the dramatic ups and downs of her journey with money - from early childhood influences to a successful career in investment banking to leaning out of her financial life while starting a family. She discusses the devastating divorce that became her catalyst for regaining financial autonomy. Their conversation moves through the practical steps Steph took, from understanding and controlling her outflow to leaning on foundational financial skills, which shape the premise of her new book, Fly: A Woman’s Guide to Financial Freedom and Building A Life You Love.

Throughout the conversation, Steph emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, emotional healing, and having honest conversations about money. She provides actionable insights for women at various life stages, underscoring the value of empowerment, self-awareness, and long-term vision in achieving financial security.

What We Explored This Episode

00:00 Introduction and Early Life

00:35 Realization of Financial Insecurity

02:12 Career Beginnings and Marriage

03:12 Loss of Financial Autonomy

05:10 The Wake-Up Call

08:37 Rebuilding After Divorce

10:41 Empowerment and Financial Planning

15:29 Vision and Goal Setting

22:11 Tracking and Managing Finances

24:50 Girl Time and Financial Awareness

25:13 Empowering Teenagers with Financial Exercises

26:15 The 45-20-35 Model Explained

26:39 Avoiding Budgets and Building Confidence

28:48 Investing in Your Future

30:56 Making Financial Planning Fun

38:00 The Importance of Money Dates

Memorable Quotes

“Do we have a framework in place? Do we have a plan to become intentional with how we’re gonna grow wealth, protect wealth, and eventually obtain security to make sure that we don’t run out of money . . .?”

“So this (investing) is not meant to be a DIY job. It is meant for us to get in the game, lay the foundation, learn the tools so we can make confident decisions, and then go to the next step.”

Resources Mentioned

Northern Trust

Fly: A Woman's Guide to Financial Freedom and Building The Life You Want

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Connect with Paige

Website - https://paigenolan.com/

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Music by Boyd McDonnell

Cover art photography by Innis Casey

Podcast production & marketing by North Node Podcast Network