Ep 42 | More Proof That Budgeting Doesn't Work

Ashley and Priya get real about what it takes to feel in control of your money. They unpack why traditional budgeting rarely works, how to think about spending in terms of happiness instead of guilt, and what it means to be a true financial adult. Ashley shares insights from her 30-Day Money Cleanse and Financial Adulting, along with stories about navigating money in relationships, planning for kids, and redefining what financial readiness actually looks like.The conversation blends practical advice with real-life honesty that’s the right kind of approachable.Takeaways:How to rethink budgeting as a happiness allocation instead of a restrictionWhy understanding your (and your partner’s) money story matters more than splitting hairs over expensesThe real costs of planning for kids—and how to know when you’re actually readySimple ways to track and reflect on spending without turning it into a second jobParticipants save an average of $950 in the first month using the method outlined in Ashley’s first book, The 30-Day Money CleanseFollow Priya Malani:LinkedIn | Instagram | Stash WealthGuest Bio:Ashley Feinstein Gerstley, CFP®, is a personal finance expert, speaker, and the author of the award-winning books Financial Adulting and The 30-Day Money Cleanse. She founded The Fiscal Femme to get women wealthy and has helped thousands of people feel financially confident, achieve major financial goals, and destress their relationships with money.Guest Links:https://www.instagram.com/thefiscalfemme/https://www.thefiscalfemme.com/money-clubhttps://www.instagram.com/howdoyouaffordthis/30 Day Money Cleanse: https://a.co/d/dVzsbgCFinancial Adulting: https://a.co/d/bYsUqubThe Stuff Our Lawyers Want Us to Say:Stash Wealth is a Registered Investment Advisor. Content presented is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to make an offer or solicitation for any specific securities product, service, or strategy. Consult with a qualified investment adviser (that's us) before implementing any strategy. Investing involves risk, including the loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. There…we said it.