In diplomatic life, money often sits quietly in the background, tied up in allowances, benefits, and hard to reach systems that can leave one partner holding all the control. But financial dependency isn’t just about income; it’s about access, autonomy, and feeling empowered to make choices for yourself.

In this conversation, we explore:

• What financial dependency really looks like for diplomatic spouses
• Why transparency and shared decision-making around money matter
• How to build systems that support fairness- joint accounts, personal spending, savings, and emergency funds
• Ways to create confidence and independence around finances, even when your own income isn’t the main one

This is about awareness, equality, and reclaiming your sense of power and security in a life that often revolves around someone else’s posting.

ASK your questions on our anonymous link: https://tally.so/r/nP7zO5

🎧 Connect with your hosts:

Anna – Instagram: @notjustaspouse | notjustaspouse.com | anna@notjustaspouse.com

Emma – Instagram: @thezestielife | emma@zestie.org | zestie.carrd.co

In diplomatic life, your social world often starts with your partner’s role: embassy events, official receptions, and colleagues who quickly become your default circle. But what happens when your friendships feel more like extensions of your partner’s career than your own? And how do you build a social life that feels like yours in a world where everything is transient and dependent on someone else’s posting?

In this conversation, we explore:

• Why so much of your social network flows through your partner’s role
• The emotional toll of relying on embassy circles as your main source of connection
• Building friendships beyond the diplomatic bubble

This is about embracing the embassy community AND finding balance, independence, and friendships that feel authentic inside and outside of embassy life.

ASK your questions on our anonymous link; https://tally.so/r/nP7zO5

🎧 Connect with your hosts:

Anna – Instagram: @notjustaspouse | notjustaspouse.com | anna@notjustaspouse.com

Emma – Instagram: @thezestielife | emma@zestie.org | zestie.carrd.co

As summer travel wraps up and school schedules kick in, September often feels like the real New Year for families. It’s a chance to reset, find your new routines, and reclaim a sense of independence in a life that’s often dictated by someone else’s posting, schedule, or demands.

In this conversation, we unpack:

• Why September feels like a natural reset in diplomatic life
• How to create routines and new habits that give you more space for you
• Different tools on how we can change the way we see ourselves to feel more empowered, motivated and actually have more success wherever you are in the world

This isn’t about perfection or rigid schedules it’s about building habits and routines that support your independence, your family, and your well-being, no matter where your posting takes you.

ASK your questions on our anonymous link;

https://tally.so/r/nP7zO5

🎧 Connect with your hosts:

Anna – Instagram: @notjustaspouse | notjustaspouse.com | anna@notjustaspouse.com

Emma – Instagram: @thezestielife | emma@zestie.org