I Tried Podcasts for 30 Days and Here Is What Happened

Okay sis, let’s talk about something nobody teaches us in school: money. Like, real money. Not just “save your pennies” or “make a budget” — I mean the actual stuff that makes you feel like you’re not drowning while your friends are out getting brunch and you’re eating instant ramen for the third night in a row.

Here’s the thing: you don’t need a finance degree or a trust fund to get your money right. What you need is the right information delivered in a way that doesn’t put you to sleep. And honestly? The best way I’ve found to learn about money without wanting to throw my phone across the room is through podcasts. Not textbooks. Not boring YouTube videos. Podcasts that feel like a conversation with a friend who actually knows what they’re talking about.

I’ve been where you are. I remember being 22, fresh out of college, staring at my first “real” paycheck and thinking, “Wait, where did half of it go?” I had student loans breathing down my neck, a credit card I didn’t fully understand, and zero idea what a 401(k) was. It felt like everyone else had a secret playbook and I was just… guessing.

So I went looking for answers. And what I found changed everything. These podcasts didn’t just teach me about money — they changed how I think about myself, my future, and what I deserve. And now I’m passing them to you, because you deserve to know this stuff too.

Why Podcasts Are the Secret Weapon You Didn’t Know You Had

Let me be real with you for a second. Most personal finance content out there is either A) boring as hell, B) designed for people who already have money, or C) both. It’s written by people who assume you have a financial advisor and a 401(k) and a house. Girl, I was still trying to figure out how to split rent with my roommate without it being awkward.

That’s why podcasts hit different. You can listen while you’re doing your makeup, walking to class, folding laundry, or lying in bed spiraling about your student loans at 2 AM. No judgment. No pressure. Just real people sharing real stories about money — the wins, the losses, and everything in between.

And here’s the thing: the best podcasts don’t just tell you what to do. They tell you WHY. They break down the psychology behind your spending habits. They talk about the shame and guilt we carry around money. They make you feel less alone in a world that constantly tells you you’re behind.

The Podcasts That Actually Changed My Life

Okay, so here’s the list. These aren’t just random podcasts I found on a “top 10” list. These are the ones that had me literally sitting in my car after parking because I couldn’t stop listening. The ones that made me text my best friend like, “OMG you need to listen to this right now.” The ones that shifted something in my brain permanently.

1. “Brown Ambition” by Mandi Woodruff and Tiffany Aliche

Listen. If you only listen to one podcast on this list, make it this one. Mandi and Tiffany are the big sisters you wish you had. They talk about everything from negotiating your salary to dealing with imposter syndrome to building wealth when you didn’t grow up with it. Tiffany (aka The Budgetnista) literally helped me understand my credit score in a way that finally made sense. She broke it down like, “Your credit score is just your adult report card” — and suddenly everything clicked.

One episode that changed me: They talked about how to ask for a raise when you’re terrified. Mandi literally walked through the script she used. I saved that episode and listened to it three times before I asked for my first raise. Guess what? I got it.

2. “The Financial Feminist” by Tori Dunlap

Tori is the founder of Her First $100K, and she is ALL about closing the gender wealth gap. This podcast is perfect for women in their 20s because she talks about money through a feminist lens. She covers stuff like the pink tax (yes, we literally pay more for the same products), how to invest when you’re starting from zero, and why “hustle culture” is actually keeping us broke.

Her episode on “The 4 Money Mistakes Women Make in Their 20s” made me feel so seen. She said, “You’re not bad with money. You were just never taught.” And I literally cried. Because that was it. That was the whole thing.

3. “The Money with Katie Show” by Katie Gatti

Katie is a millennial who got out of debt and now helps other people do the same. Her podcast is super digestible — episodes are usually under 30 minutes, so perfect for your commute or a quick walk. She breaks down complex topics like investing, taxes, and budgeting into actual English. No jargon. No condescending explanations. Just real talk.

One thing she said that stuck with me: “Every dollar you spend is a vote for the world you want to live in.” That shifted how I look at my spending completely. I started asking myself, “Is this purchase actually serving my future self, or just my current anxiety?” Game changer.

4. “The Rachel Cruze Show”

Okay, I know Rachel is technically a “personal finance expert” but hear me out. She’s not stuffy or preachy. She talks about money in a way that feels like she’s sitting across from you at coffee. Her episodes on “Budgeting When You Have Roommates” and “How to Talk to Your Partner About Money” are literally gold. If you’re in a relationship or planning to be, this podcast will save you so many arguments.

5. “Bad With Money” by Gaby Dunn

Gaby is a writer and comedian who was literally bad with money — and she’s honest about it. This podcast is for anyone who’s ever felt shame around their finances. She interviews people from all walks of life about their money stories, and it’s refreshingly real. One episode featured a woman who paid off $80,000 in student loans while working as a waitress. Another talked about the financial side of mental health. It’s not just about numbers — it’s about the whole picture.

What Actually Works: How to Make These Podcasts Stick

Okay, so you’ve got the list. But here’s the thing — listening to podcasts is one thing. Actually applying what you learn is another. I’ve definitely been guilty of listening to an episode, feeling super motivated, and then… doing nothing. Because life gets in the way. Because I forgot. Because it felt overwhelming.

So here’s my system for actually making these podcasts work for you:

Step 1: Take one actionable note per episode. Not a whole essay. Just one thing you can do in the next 24 hours. Maybe it’s “check my credit score for free” or “cancel that subscription I forgot about” or “text my friend and ask what she pays for her phone plan.” One thing. That’s it.

Step 2: Text a friend about it. Seriously. Send a voice note or a text like, “Hey, I just listened to this episode and it made me think about our conversation about saving for that trip. Here’s what I learned.” When you explain it to someone else, you remember it better. Plus, now you have an accountability buddy.

Step 3: Set a “money date” once a week. Pick a time — Sunday evening works great — and spend 20 minutes reviewing your finances. Listen to a 20-minute podcast episode during that time, then apply one thing. Make it a ritual. Light a candle. Get a snack. Make it something you actually look forward to, not dread.

Step 4: Create a “money folder” in your notes app. Every time you hear a tip, a resource, or a piece of advice that resonates, drop it in there. Over time, you’ll build your own personal money playbook. I have notes in mine like “negotiate your rent every year” and “ask about employer matching for 401(k)” and “use a high-yield savings account not a regular one.” Little things that add up.

The Truth Nobody Tells You About Money and Your 20s

Here’s what I wish someone had told me at 22: Your 20s are not about having it all figured out. They’re about figuring it out AS YOU GO. And that includes money.

You’re going to make mistakes. You’re going to overspend one month and feel guilty. You’re going to forget to pay a bill and get a late fee. You’re going to look at your bank account and feel a pit in your stomach. And that’s okay. That’s normal. That’s part of learning.

The key is not to let shame keep you stuck. Don’t avoid looking at your bank account because you’re scared of what you’ll see. Don’t pretend everything is fine when it’s not. Don’t compare your financial situation to your friends who have parents helping them or who got a different start.

Your journey is YOURS. And these podcasts will help you feel less alone in it. They’ll give you the tools, the scripts, and the mindset shifts you need to take control — even when it feels impossible.

How to Start Listening Today (Without Overwhelming Yourself)

I know what you’re thinking: “Okay, this is great, but I don’t even know where to start with podcasts. I’ve never really listened to one before.” Girl, same. I was a total podcasts newbie until a couple years ago. Here’s how I got started:

1. Pick your app. Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts — they’re all free and work basically the same way. Just search for the podcasts I mentioned and hit subscribe.

2. Start with one episode. Don’t try to listen to all five podcasts at once. Pick the one that feels most relevant to your life right now. If you’re stressed about debt, start with “The Financial Feminist” episode on debt payoff. If you want to learn how to invest but feel intimidated, try “The Money with Katie Show.”

3. Listen while you do something else. The beauty of podcasts is that they fit into your life. Listen while you’re getting ready, driving, walking to class, doing dishes, or even just lying in bed. You don’t have to sit down and focus — just let it play in the background and absorb what you can.

4. Give yourself permission to skip episodes. Not every episode will hit for you. That’s fine. If a topic doesn’t interest you, skip it. There’s no test at the end. You’re learning for YOU.

What Most People Get Wrong About Money Podcasts

Here’s the thing nobody tells you: podcasts won’t fix your money problems by themselves. They’re not a magic pill. You still have to do the work. You still have to look at your bank account, make a plan, and stick to it. But what podcasts DO give you is the motivation, the knowledge, and the community to actually want to do that work.

They also help you realize you’re not broken. You’re not “bad with money.” You just didn’t have the tools. And now you’re getting them. That’s not a failure — that’s growth.

I also want to be real about something else: not every podcast is for everyone. If you start an episode and it feels too basic, too advanced, or just not your vibe — move on. There are thousands of podcasts out there. You’ll find your people. These five are just a starting point.

And don’t be afraid to listen to podcasts that aren’t strictly about money. Some of the best financial advice I’ve ever gotten came from episodes about mindset, career, and relationships. Because money touches everything. It’s connected to your self-worth, your boundaries, your goals, your relationships. The more you understand yourself, the better you’ll be with money.

Start Here: Your First Week of Money Podcasts

Okay, let me give you a concrete plan. Because I know “just listen to podcasts” can feel vague. Here’s exactly what to do this week:

Monday: Subscribe to “Brown Ambition” and listen to their episode on “How to Negotiate Your Salary When You’re Terrified.” Write down one line from the episode that you’ll use in your next negotiation.

Tuesday: Listen to “The Financial Feminist” episode on “The 4 Money Mistakes Women Make in Their 20s.” Text a friend one thing you learned.

Wednesday: Try “The Money with Katie Show” — pick any episode under 30 minutes. While you listen, open your banking app and check your balance. Just look. No judgment.

Thursday: Listen to “The Rachel Cruze Show” episode on “Budgeting When You Have Roommates.” If you have roommates, text them about one thing you want to try together.

Friday: Pick any episode from “Bad With Money” that sounds interesting. While you listen, write down one money goal for the next month. Make it specific: “I want to save $200 for my emergency fund” or “I want to pay off $100 of my credit card.”

Weekend: Take 20 minutes for a “money date.” Review what you learned this week. Open your notes. Check your progress. Celebrate that you actually started.

This is the kind of stuff women talk about inside TechMae every single day. No judgment, just real ones keeping it real. We talk about money, careers, relationships, mental health — all the stuff that actually matters. And we do it without the toxic positivity or the “just manifest it” nonsense.

Related: This post is a must-read for women on their journey — it’ll help you connect the dots between your money mindset and your overall self-worth.

You might also love this article — one of our most shared. It’s all about why community is the secret weapon for actually changing your life, not just reading about it.

You’ve got this, sis. One episode at a time. One step at a time. And I’ll be right here, cheering you on the whole way.