Is your relationship with money affecting your mental health? You’re not alone. In this episode, Certified Financial Planners Lauryn Williams and Chloe Moore unpack how finances impact our mental wellbeing—and what we can do about it. It all starts with building healthy financial habits grounded in your personal “why” and goals that actually fit your life.

Then they get into the numbers—breaking down the key financial metrics you should be tracking if you want to reduce stress and build long-term security. From net worth and debt to savings rate and housing costs, this episode helps you understand what to monitor, why it matters, and how to make meaningful progress. Whether you're in your peak earning years or just getting started, these habits can help you gain clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.

Key Takeaways

• Why your financial “why” matters more than generic goals

• Why tracking your net worth gives you a clearer picture than a budget alone

• The truth about homeownership, net worth, and building real estate wealth

• The savings rate to aim for (and how to work up to it)

• Why you should plan for raises and bonuses before the money hits your account

• How to align with your partner on household finances—even if you’re keeping things separate

• The role of side hustles, promotions, and annual reviews in income growth

• Insurance and estate planning basics you should be revisiting every year

• What to look for when reviewing your tax return

Links & Resources Mentioned

• Planning for a Financial Windfall - https://www.worth-winning.com/podcast/ep107

• Investing Part 1: Understanding the Basics - https://www.worth-winning.com/podcast/ep113

• Investing Part 2: Types of Investment Accounts - https://www.worth-winning.com/podcast/ep114

• Investing Part 3: Real Estate Investing - https://www.worth-winning.com/podcast/ep115

• What You Need to Know About Life Insurance - https://www.worth-winning.com/podcast/ep118

• Your Guide to Open Enrollment – Part One - https://www.financialstaples.com/your-guide-to-open-enrollment-part-one/

• Your Guide to Open Enrollment - Part Two - https://www.financialstaples.com/your-guide-to-open-enrollment-part-two/

• Behind the Numbers: Money and Relationships - https://www.worth-winning.com/podcast/ep152/

• Download Lauryn’s Free Financial Resource: 5 Must-Ask Questions Before Hiring a Financial Planner

Money Quote:

“Your net worth to the world is usually determined by what remains after your bad habits are subtracted from your good ones.” — Benjamin Franklin

About Lauryn Williams

Lauryn Williams is a Certified Financial Planner, Olympian, and financial educator passionate about helping people take control of their finances. Lauryn also hosts the Welcome to Wealth Retreats, designed to help individuals create actionable financial plans while traveling and experiencing new cultures. Learn more about her speaking services and retreats [here].

Follow Us on Social Media

• Follow Chloe on Instagram: @financialstaples

• Connect with Chloe on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/chloemoore

• Follow Lauryn on Instagram: @worthwinning

• Follow the Worth Listening Podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Connect with Lauryn on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lauryn-williams

This episode originally aired in 2023, but it’s just as relevant—if not more—today. As part of our What to Do During Times of Uncertainty series, we’re revisiting this powerful conversation between CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professionals Lauryn Williams and Chloé Moore.

In a world full of uncertainty, flashy financial advice, and constant lifestyle upgrades, it’s easy to lose sight of the long-term costs of the choices we make. Whether you’re tempted by a YOLO trip, a new car, or you're navigating a job change, this episode helps you weigh the true impact of your decisions—both financially and emotionally.

You’ll walk away from this conversation with a stronger understanding of how to align your spending with your values and how to avoid the common pitfalls that can quietly sabotage your financial progress.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The opportunity costs behind your everyday decisions

• How to fight lifestyle creep so you can save more with each raise

• Why it’s never too early to start saving for retirement (and the power of compound interest)

• The hidden costs of DIY-ing your financial plan

• How a financial planner can help you save money and optimize your decisions

• Why planning ahead now can help you reshape your next chapter after a layoff or career change

• What to consider as you think through big purchases or major life decisions

Even in uncertain times, you are in control of your choices—and the future you build starts with the ones you make today.

Links & Resources

• Download Lauryn’s Free Financial Resource: 5 Must-Ask Questions Before Hiring a Financial Planner

About Lauryn Williams

Lauryn Williams is a Certified Financial Planner, Olympian, and financial educator passionate about helping people take control of their finances. Lauryn also hosts the Welcome to Wealth Retreats, designed to help individuals create actionable financial plans while traveling and experiencing new cultures. Learn more about her speaking services and retreats [here].

Follow Us on Social Media

• Follow Chloe on Instagram: @financialstaples

• Connect with Chloe on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/chloemoore

• Follow Lauryn on Instagram: @worthwinning

• Follow the Worth Listening Podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

• Connect with Lauryn on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lauryn-williams

Whether you saw it coming or it was a total shock, getting laid off can flip your world upside down. But a layoff doesn’t have to derail your financial future—or your confidence.

In this episode, Certified Financial Planner® Chloe Moore joins Lauryn Williams to break down how to navigate a layoff with clarity and control. From negotiating severance and protecting your credit to preparing emotionally and financially for what’s next, they offer practical, empowering advice for anyone facing—or worried about—a job loss.

If you're in the middle of a career transition or want to be ready just in case, this episode will help you move forward with peace of mind.

Key Takeaways

• What to do first when you receive a layoff notice

• How severance, PTO, and unemployment benefits really work

• Budgeting tips to help you stretch your runway

• Why you shouldn’t rush to roll over your 401(k)

• How to protect your credit and manage debt during a layoff

• What to know about healthcare and life insurance after leaving a job

• Side hustles, consulting, and selling items: how to bridge the gap

• Emotional strategies for staying grounded during uncertainty

• Steps to take now if you're worried a layoff might be coming

Links & Resources Mentioned

• Healthcare.gov – Explore COBRA alternatives and check for subsidies

• Know Better Do Better: Preparing for Uncertainty

• Know Better, Do Better Series: Types of Equity Compensation Part 1: RSU

• Know Better, Do Better Series: Equity Compensation Part 2: Understanding ISOs and NQSOs

• Download Lauryn’s Free Financial Resource: 5 Must-Ask Questions Before Hiring a Financial Planner

Money Quote:

“Some changes look negative on the surface, but you will soon realize that space is being created in your life for something new to emerge.” — Eckhart Tolle