As a busy wife, mom, and former Biglaw associate, I know all too well the common struggle to balance life and the law.
I believe that true wealth is having control of your time, but you can’t achieve true wealth when your finances are a mess.
Too many lawyers make more money than they ever have before and have nothing to show for it.
My mission is to help you master your money so you can create freedom and choice in your life.
Join me each week as I share the mindset and money strategies you need to improve your finances and unlock the power that comes with having complete control of your money.
Visit https://www.rhothomas.com to learn more.
If you're like many lawyers, you want to rush to achieve your financial goals as quickly as possible. You'd probably skip straight to the end goal if you could. But in focusing so much on the goal, you miss the most valuable part—the journey. In this episode, let's talk about the value of the journey and why it's more important than the goal itself. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/324 for the full episode show notes.
You might think that having more money would make everything better. But what I have found is often lawyers don’t know how to handle having more money at first. It feels uncomfortable, and they find ways to get rid of it and sabotage their progress. In this episode, let’s talk about why it feels uncomfortable to have money and how to fix it. Head to rhothomas.com/323 for the full episode show notes.
Have you ever thought about how much money you've made so far in your career? Or how much you'll make in your lifetime? For most lawyers, that number is at least a million dollars. But many of us never learn to manage all the money coming to us. Instead, we focus on how much we don't have and how we need to make more. And we end up with nothing to show for all the money we made. In this episode, let's talk about why so many lawyers lose a million dollars and how the way we tend to think about money can hinder our ability to keep more of that money for ourselves. Head tohttps://www.rhothomas.com/322 for the full episode show notes.
Are you a lawyer who overspends? Learning how to control your spending is the key to achieving all of your financial goals. In this episode, let's talk about how to stop overspending and what to do if it happens anyway. Head to rhothomas.com/321 for the full episode show notes.
Sometimes one of your biggest strengths can actually prove to be a weakness. Case in point: Lawyers tend to be really good at following steps and rules. But when you’re trying to manage your money better, you can get hung up on rules to your detriment. In this episode, let’s explore why some common rules around how to manage your money, such as maxing your 401(k) and putting 20% down on your house, may not be serving you. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/320 for the full episode show notes.
If you're a lawyer making six figures but trapped in a cycle of debt, you're not alone. However, you make too much and work too hard to be in this situation. Luckily, there's hope. In this episode, let's talk about what keeps lawyers in the debt cycle and how to get out. Head to rhothomas.com/319 for the full episode show notes.
Too many lawyers are living paycheck to paycheck, never have money for the things they want, or are racking up credit card debt. If you can relate, this one's for you. In this episode, I'm sharing a training from one of my private programs that dives into how to align your spending effectively and some common pitfalls to look out for. Head to rhothomas.com/318 for the full episode show notes.
Think you're the only lawyer who struggles with your money? After coaching hundreds of lawyers, I can confidently say that's not the case. In this episode, I'm sharing some of the sticky scenarios my clients faced with setting goals and their money mindset over the years and how I coached them through. Head to rhothomas.com/317 for the full episode show notes.
It can feel really bad to find yourself in a position where you're bleeding money. Lawyers sometimes find themselves in this position for a variety of reasons, but it's not the end. It's completely possible to turn things around. In this rewind episode, let's talk about 4 steps to take if you find yourself bleeding money. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/316 for the full episode show notes.
The way we feel about money is hugely important. Having negative feelings about your finances drains your energy and impacts your day-to-day experience of life. The value of feeling better about your money can't be overstated. In this rewind episode, let's talk about one of my clients' experiences with feeling better about her money and why feeling better about your money is so important. Head to rhothomas.com/315 for the full episode show notes.
Any lawyer who wants to have freedom and options in their life and career needs to learn about financial independence. Learning about this concept set my husband and me on a path that has changed our lives. In this episode, let's explore the concept of financial independence, including my best tips for any lawyer who's interested in getting started. Head to rhothomas.com/314 for the full episode show notes (including the books referenced at the end).
We know that annual expenses like summer camp and the holidays are coming every year, but somehow they catch most people off guard. The key in not allowing these expenses to stress you out is to plan for them. In this episode, let's talk about how to make big annual expenses feel more manageable and create a clear plan to handle them without stress. Head to rhothomas.com/313 for the full episode show notes. Need help with your finances? Apply for a strategy session at rhothomas.com/apply.
Building wealth is about way more than your income. It starts with the way you think about money. In this episode, I'm sharing a lesson from one of my group programs about the importance of changing the way you think about money to align with wealth-building. Head to rhothomas.com/312 for the full episode show notes. Need help with your finances? Apply for a strategy session at rhothomas.com/apply.
One of the most powerful skills you can learn is how to say "no" to yourself. Society is filled with opportunities for instant gratification, but learning to say "no" is a powerful tool in your wealth-building journey. In this episode, let's talk about why delayed gratification is so important, along with some tips to help you say "no" more often. Head to rhothomas.com/311 for the full episode show notes. Need help with your finances? Apply for a strategy session at rhothomas.com/apply.
If you want to be a wealthy lawyer, there's something you must know. Wealth isn't a pipe dream or just for the lucky few. Wealth is a habit that can be mastered by anyone. In this rewind episode, let's talk about the key switch you need to make to start building wealth today. Head to rhothomas.com/310 for the full episode show notes. Need help with your finances? Apply for a strategy session at rhothomas.com/apply.
No spend months are commonly used but don't work. In fact, they sometimes even make things worse. In this episode, let's talk about why no spend months don’t work and a better way to create positive change in your finances. Head to rhothomas.com/309 for the full episode show notes. Need help with your finances? Apply for a strategy session at rhothomas.com/apply.
Many lawyers can't take a vacation without going into debt and/or stressing about money the whole time. But a little planning on the front end could completely change that experience. In this episode, let's talk about practical strategies to pay for your summer vacation so you can enjoy your time away without stressing about money. Head to rhothomas.com/308 for the full episode show notes. Need help with your finances? Apply for a strategy session at rhothomas.com/apply.
Some of the most popular solutions for paying off credit card debt actually lead to a debt cycle that's tough to get out of. And too many lawyers are falling for it. In this episode, let's talk about why these common debt strategies don't work and what to do instead. Head to rhothomas.com/307 for the full episode show notes. Need help with your finances? Apply for a strategy session at rhothomas.com/apply.
How do you handle tax refunds and bonuses? Many lawyers look forward to these infusions of cash each year. But what you do with them says a lot about your ability to build wealth. In this episode, let's talk about the common ways people handle windfalls and how each impacts your ability to build wealth. Head to rhothomas.com/306 for the full episode show notes. Apply for a strategy session at rhothomas.com/apply.
What do you do when you've been trying to improve your finances but it feels like it's not working—it feels like you're not making progress with your finances? The answer depends on your situation. In this episode, we talk about 4 example situations in which someone may feel like they're not making progress on their finances and what to do in each. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/305 for the full episode show notes. Apply for a strategy session at rhothomas.com/apply.
One of the biggest lies lawyers tell themselves is that making more money would solve all their financial problems. However, many make more now than in the past but still struggle. Because the real issue is not the amount they make; it's poor money management. In this episode, let's talk about why good money management is more crucial than income level and how to start thinking differently about your money. Head to rhothomas.com/304 for the full episode show notes.
Too many attorneys are stressed, overextended, and broke despite high incomes. For many, rationalizing bad spending habits is the main culprit. In this episode, let's talk about four common justifications for bad spending decisions that keep lawyers stuck and a new way to think about money, so you can build financial security. Head to rhothomas.com/303 for the full episode show notes.
When you make good money but your finances still feel tight, the problem usually isn’t your income. It’s how you’re using your money. In this episode, let's talk about why many lawyers feel stuck, even when they make good money, and a simple roadmap that will make your six-figure income feel like more than enough. Head to rhothomas.com/302 for the full episode show notes.
How many lawyers look like they have it all on the outside but are secretly living paycheck to paycheck and stressed about their finances? Unfortunately, it's probably a lot more than you think. In this episode, let's talk about the tendency of many lawyers to spend money to keep up appearances without thinking about the impact to their finances. Head to rhothomas.com/301 for the full episode show notes. Need help with getting out of debt and building your net worth? Schedule a consultation at rhothomas.com/call.
I left my multiple-six-figure job. My finances played a big part in my ability to do that. Money buys options. It creates freedom. In this 300th episode, we discuss why money is freedom, a concept that underlies all the work I do. Head to rhothomas.com/300 for the full episode show notes. Need help with getting out of debt and building your net worth? Schedule a consultation at rhothomas.com/call.
Have you ever considered the downsides to making more that can lead to you being in a worse position? There's a pervasive, false belief that making more is inherently better, but that's not the case. In this episode, let's talk about why making more is not better and what really matters when it comes to your finances. Head to rhothomas.com/299 for the full episode show notes. Need help with getting out of debt and building your net worth? Schedule a consultation at rhothomas.com/call.
Many lawyers struggle with their personal finances because they can't get over their perfectionism. They never make moves to get their finances in order because they don't know the perfect step to take and end up stuck in the same place. But rather than waiting for the perfect plan, it's much better to make progress toward the direction you want to go, even if it's imperfect. In this episode, let's talk about the importance of making progress with your finances and why taking action breeds clarity and confidence. Head to rhothomas.com/298 for the full episode show notes. Need help with getting out of debt and building your net worth? Schedule a consultation at rhothomas.com/call.
Learning about people making less than me who were better off financially was a critical turning point for my finances. Seeing the things they had achieved helped me to believe that my husband and I could do the same things. When you build your belief that your goals are possible, you take action and make progress toward achieving them. In this episode, let's talk about how your belief impacts your action and ultimate outcomes and how to build your belief to achieve your financial goals. Head to rhothomas.com/297 for the full episode show notes. Need help with getting out of debt and building your net worth? Schedule a consultation at rhothomas.com/call.
Your financial journey is about more than money. It's about freedom. Each step forward creates more breathing room and flexibility in your life. In this episode, let's talk about how taking charge of your personal finances creates more freedom and peace, long before you completely pay off your debt, build a seven-figure net worth, or fully retire. Head to rhothomas.com/296 for the full episode show notes. Need help with getting out of debt and building your net worth? Schedule a consultation at rhothomas.com/call.
As we settle into the new year, don't bring old money habits with you. Start the year with a fresh start for your finances so you can make real progress this year. In this episode, let's reflect on last year's efforts, set achievable goals for this year, and create a solid plan to achieve those goals by getting your cash flow in order. Head to rhothomas.com/295 for the full episode show notes. Need help with getting out of debt and building your net worth? Schedule a consultation at rhothomas.com/call.
Hope is a dangerous thing when it comes to your finances. Too many lawyers approach their finances with hope and nothing else. That’s not enough to achieve your financial goals. In this episode, let’s talk about why hope isn’t enough and a more productive approach to your finances. Head to rhothomas.com/294 for the full episode show notes. Need help with getting out of debt and building your net worth? Schedule a consultation at rhothomas.com/call.
One of the biggest reasons that many lawyers never achieve their financial goals is they get caught up in the things they want in the present. But by focusing on the things they want now, they ultimately sacrifice the things they want most. In this episode, let's talk about the balance between what you want now and what you want most and how to make sure you're still giving attention to your ultimate goals. Head to rhothomas.com/293 for the full episode show notes. Need help with getting out of debt and building your net worth? Schedule a consultation at rhothomas.com/call.
Whether you believe you can or believe you can't, you're right. Your belief makes all the difference in your ability to achieve your goals. The way you look at your goals and what other people have done dictates what you achieve. In this rewind episode, let's revisit a conversation I had with one of the first readers of my original blog a few years ago and talk about the importance of believing that you can achieve the things you want to achieve. Head to rhothomas.com/292 for the full episode show notes. Need help with getting out of debt and building your net worth? Schedule a consultation at rhothomas.com/call.
Are you using your money effectively? Or do you just view your money as a way to pay bills and buy stuff? In this episode, let's talk about changing your view of your money and how to make your money work for you. Head to rhothomas.com/291 for the full episode show notes. Need help with getting out of debt and building your net worth? Schedule a consultation at rhothomas.com/call.
If you've ever encountered difficulties or become frustrated during your personal finance journey, you're not alone. It's a common experience. But I want to offer some encouragement to you. In this episode, let's talk about what makes managing your personal finances well feel difficult and why you're the perfect person to take on the challenge. Head to rhothomas.com/290 for the full episode show notes. Need help with getting out of debt and building your net worth? Schedule a consultation at rhothomas.com/call.
There seems to be a collective view in society that not spending money is somehow better than spending money, but I believe there's a balance. Underspending is just as harmful as overspending. In this episode, let's talk about the balance between underspending and overspending and the importance of making room to spend on things you enjoy. Head to rhothomas.com/289 for the full episode show notes. Need help with getting out of debt and building your net worth? Schedule a consultation at rhothomas.com/call.
Often, we look at where we are in life and think about all the things in the past that we wish we had done differently or that we regret. But we rarely take the time to look at all the things we’ve done that have gone right and all the good things our previous actions—mistakes and all—have led to. In this episode, let’s talk about being grateful for the previous versions of you and making decisions in the present that future versions of you will thank you for. Head to rhothomas.com/288 for the full episode show notes. Need help with getting out of debt and building your net worth? Schedule a consultation at rhothomas.com/call.
What if you could pay off all of your credit card debt in the next year? How would that change the choices you make today? The thing is: short-term spending decisions can make or break that goal. One of my clients experienced this firsthand. In this episode, let's talk about why prioritizing the present over your future goals leads to regret and the importance of keeping your ultimate goals at the forefront. Head to rhothomas.com/287 for the full episode show notes. Need help with getting out of debt and building your net worth? Schedule a consultation at rhothomas.com/call.
I ate a whole bag of Almond Joy snack size candy bars by myself. I have a huge sweet tooth, and when I have chocolate in the house, I'm eating it. Many lawyers find themselves in similar situations with respect to their personal finances and the things they like to spend money on. The best solution for my sweet tooth and for my clients' wallets is to remove the temptation. In this episode, let's talk about tips to remove the temptation to spend and keep more money in your pocket. Head to rhothomas.com/286 for the full episode show notes. Need help with getting out of debt and building your net worth? Schedule a consultation at rhothomas.com/call.
It took us 3.5 years to go from negative $342k to positive $100k in net worth. They say the first $100k is the hardest, but we made it through a combination of paying down debt, investing, and a little luck. In this episode, let's talk about our journey from negative $342k to positive $100k, including our actual numbers year by year. Head to rhothomas.com/285 for the full episode show notes. Need help with getting out of debt and building your net worth? Schedule a consultation at rhothomas.com/call.
If you're a lawyer making six figures but living paycheck to paycheck, you're not alone. It also doesn't have to be this way. In my time working with lawyers on their finances over the years, I've noticed 4 budget categories that contribute to paycheck-to-paycheck living most often. In this rewind episode, let's talk about the 4 biggest culprits and how to fix them. Head to rhothomas.com/284 for the full episode show notes. Need help with getting out of debt and building your net worth? Schedule a consultation at rhothomas.com/call.
I have a confession: I have some credit card debt. Those of you who have been around for some time may not be surprised by this because I've been using debt strategically for years. Due to some circumstances in my business this year, I haven't paid this particular debt off as quickly as I'd like. In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on the credit card debt I have and the plan to pay it off. Head to rhothomas.com/283 for the full episode show notes. Need help with getting out of debt and building your net worth? Schedule a consultation at rhothomas.com/call.
Want to get out of debt faster? Here's the key: You need to focus. One of my clients recently cited this as the top thing she took away from working with me, and attendees of one of my recent presentations were mind-blown about the concept. In this episode, let's talk about how focusing your efforts with your finances leads to faster progress. Head to rhothomas.com/282 for the full episode show notes. Need help with getting out of debt and building your net worth? Schedule a consultation at rhothomas.com/call.
Many lawyers find themselves with no money left at the end of the month for their goals. It's all too common, but it doesn't have to be that way. In this episode, let's talk about the best way to prioritize your finances so you can achieve your goals. Head to rhothomas.com/281 for the full episode show notes.
My client Jeanne was skeptical about whether she and her husband would ever be able to get out of debt. During our time together, they ended up paying off much more than she ever imagined. In this episode, Jeanne and I chat about our work together, including how much debt she and her husband paid off, the trips they were able to take in the process, and the power of focus in your personal finances. Head to rhothomas.com/280 for the full episode show notes.
Don't give up on your goals in the 4th quarter. You still have plenty of time to finish the year strong. In this episode, let's talk about some questions to assess where you are with your goals and what needs to continue or change to ensure you finish the year where you want to be. Head to rhothomas.com/279 for the full episode show notes.
My clients Ashley and Tim make good money, but they could never seem to get ahead with their finances. They had no plan for their money and felt stressed and overwhelmed. All that changed when they reached out to me. In this episode, Ashley, Tim, and I chat about our work together, including how they've been able to pay off almost $8,000 of debt and save $10,000 while still going on vacation and seeing Beyoncé in concert. Head to rhothomas.com/278 for the full episode show notes.
I've had a few conversations recently with people who want to keep doing the same things and magically have more savings and no debt. The thing is, if you want to change your finances, something has to change. You can't change staying the same. In this rewind episode, let's talk about the requirement for change, including examples of two attorneys who are not making the changes they want to make in their finances and an example of a third attorney who did. Head to rhothomas.com/277 for the full episode show notes.
We’re trying a different investing strategy than the one we’ve used for the previous decade. It’s been an interesting experience so far, and I’m learning a lot. In this episode, let's talk about my husband's and my first rental property and how we're funding the purchase. Head to rhothomas.com/276 for the full episode show notes.
My husband and I stopped contributing to our retirement accounts. Personal Finance 101 says you should max out your retirement accounts or at least contribute enough to get the employer match. But we decided to cut our contributions altogether. Are we making a big mistake? In this episode, let’s talk about the reasons behind our decision and what we’re doing instead. Head to rhothomas.com/275 for the full episode show notes.
Sometimes following the path you're "supposed to" take leads to a life you don't actually want to live. That's exactly what happened to Lauren Klein, Biglaw attorney turned boutique firm owner and money and mindset coach. Through intentional planning and wise money decisions, Lauren has built a business and life she loves. In this episode, Lauren and I talk about her journey, the tools that have helped her create the life she now enjoys, and the exact steps you can take to create the same kind of life for yourself. Head to rhothomas.com/274 for the full episode show notes.
Do lawyers have an ethical duty to manage their money well? I’ve been thinking about this lately—specifically whether our duty to act with integrity is invoked in the way we handle our day-to-day personal finances. In this episode, let’s talk about this question and what to do if you think you’re acting out of integrity with your money. Head to rhothomas.com/273 for the full episode show notes.
The early stages of the money journey often feel the most difficult because you're learning a completely new way of doing things. Many lawyers give up at that point, and it's a mistake. In this episode, let's talk about the natural progression of learning and why it's important to push through the learning curve to achieve your goals. Head to rhothomas.com/272 for the full episode show notes.
If you want real success with your finances, you have to be consistent. Too often, lawyers start to see progress and then stop doing the things that created that progress. This leads to falling back into old patterns and sometimes ending up worse off than when they started. In this episode, let's talk about the importance of consistency and staying the course. Head to rhothomas.com/271 for the full episode show notes.
What do you do when you realize your practice isn't working for you, and you want to do something else or leave the law altogether? You turn to an expert like Jessica Medina, who can help you figure out the financial plan to make a transition possible. Jessica is a lawyer turned Accredited Financial Counselor whose specialty is helping lawyers in this exact scenario. In this episode, listen in as Jessica and I talk about her personal transitions from Biglaw to government and eventually out of the law altogether and how she helps her clients prepare for their own transitions. Head to rhothomas.com/270 for the full episode show notes.
Are you waiting for the right time to take control of your finances? It's a common mistake that costs a lot of lawyers a lot of money. In this episode, let's talk about why waiting for the right time can be so costly and why the right time is when you decide it is. Head to rhothomas.com/269 for the full episode show notes.
And just like that, half a decade has passed! Somehow I've been in business and recording this podcast for 5 years already. In this episode, celebrate with me as I share what's changed with the podcast, my business, and my life over the last 5 years. Head to rhothomas.com/268 for the full episode show notes.
Instant gratification keeps too many lawyers stuck in financial messes. I've noticed more and more lawyers struggling with it this summer, and it's robbing them of their goals. In this episode, let's talk about why delayed gratification is a game changer for your finances and some tips to practice it more. Head to rhothomas.com/267 for the full episode show notes.
Do you believe that all your money problems would be fixed if you made more? It's a common belief, but for lawyers, it's typically not accurate. In fact, most lawyers would be better off if they learned how to work with the money they already have. In this episode, let's talk about why it's a mistake to believe that more money will fix your problems and why it's more important to learn to manage what you already have. Head to rhothomas.com/266 for the full episode show notes.
Is there any hope for your finances when you love to spend money? I spoke recently with a friend who told me that her biggest struggle with managing her money has always been her spending habits. During our conversation, I shared a few tips that I teach my clients that I thought would help her. In this episode, listen in as I share those same tips with you. If you love to spend but also want to manage your money better, this is the episode for you. Head to rhothomas.com/265 for the full episode show notes.
What do you do when you realize that you don't want to practice law anymore? Or that you want to change practice areas? These are both situations that Heather Moulder found herself in. Heather is a lawyer-turned-business coach who built a career and life on her own terms and teaches other lawyers how to do the same. In this episode, Heather and I discuss the personal and professional challenges she's overcome and how she now helps her clients design fulfilling practices that fit their lives. Head to rhothomas.com/264 for the full episode show notes.
Many of my clients believed they'd never be able to purchase a home, but it turned out they were closer than they thought. Summer is prime homebuying season. Whether you're buying your first or your next home, you want to make sure you're prepared. In this episode, let's talk about some things to consider as you prepare to buy your home, including how much to spend and how to fund your purchase. Head to rhothomas.com/263 for the full episode show notes.
Many lawyers get stuck in the cycle of learning about personal finance but not making real changes. But taking action—one step at a time—is the key to transforming your finances. In this episode, let's talk about why taking the next step is important and how each step forward builds momentum for your eventual financial success. Head to rhothomas.com/262 for the full episode show notes.
Let's talk about glorifying money and putting it on a pedestal vs. neglecting money and not caring about it. Both extremes can be detrimental to your finances and your experience of life. In this episode, let's talk about these views of money and how to put money in its proper place. Head to rhothomas.com/261 for the full episode show notes.
Have you ever felt like you just don't want to manage your money? It's something that has come up with multiple attorneys I've talked with. But whether you want to manage your money is the wrong question. In this episode, let's talk about what the correct question is and what to focus on to stay motivated on your money journey. Head to rhothomas.com/260 for the full episode show notes.
Protecting yourself financially encompasses more than your typical emergency fund. I help my clients implement three layers of protection. Having multiple layers of protection provides multiple safety nets in case of emergencies or unexpected expenses. In this episode, let's talk about the multiple layers of protection you can implement in your finances. Head to rhothomas.com/259 for the full episode show notes.
What if you’re wrong? If you believe there’s nothing you can do to change your finances, you’ll never even try to do anything to change your finances. Sometimes that kind of thinking is the only thing holding us back from the results we want. In this episode, let's talk about how a willingness to be wrong can be the key to unlocking new possibilities and achieving your goals. Head to rhothomas.com/258 for the full episode show notes.
Davina Frederick is a sought-after business coach for women law firm owners, who is very clear on how to use her money to create the life she wants. Because of her personal experiences, she has a lot of financial wisdom. In this episode, Davina talks about how she and her husband have thought through the financial impact of some of their life decisions, the importance of being clear about what you want in life, and the financial pitfalls she's seen her clients and others encounter. This is part two of a two-part conversation. Head to rhothomas.com/257 for the full episode show notes.
From building a thriving firm, giving it up, and building an even more successful one to empowering women law firm owners to create wealth and fulfillment on their own terms, Davina Frederick is a force to be reckoned with. The personal and professional challenges she's faced along her journey have helped her hone in on exactly what's important to her. In this episode, Davina opens up about building her businesses, the personal crises that caused her to reassess the path she was on, and why she will never not manage her own money again. This is part one of a two-part conversation. Head to rhothomas.com/256 for the full episode show notes.
Building wealth is painfully simple. But many lawyers are not making the right moves to get there. If you want to build wealth, there are only two things you need to do. In this episode, let's talk about exactly what they are so you can get started on your wealth journey today. Head to rhothomas.com/255 for the full episode show notes.
There's a business that's being mismanaged and directly impacts everything that happens with your money. If you don't take the right action, you'll inevitably suffer some negative financial consequences. In this episode, let's talk about what that business is and what you need to do now to protect your money. Head to rhothomas.com/254 for the full episode show notes.
It sucks to feel trapped in a situation you no longer want to be in. But too many lawyers find themselves in exactly this place because of golden handcuffs—they make a lot of money and need all of it to maintain their lifestyle. There's a simple solution to break free if you value your freedom, and it's all in how you use your money. In this episode, let's talk about how to use your money more strategically to break the golden handcuffs. Head to rhothomas.com/253 for the full episode show notes. Sign up for the next Money Moves Masterclass at rhothomas.com/moneymoves.
Rushing to get out of debt leads many lawyers straight into an even worse financial position. It's one of the most common mistakes I see lawyers make, and it's completely avoidable. In this episode, let's talk about why rushing to get out of debt causes financial problems and what to do instead. Head to rhothomas.com/252 for the full episode show notes.
The ideas that we have about what wealth looks like are wrong. The truth is a lot of the "wealth" that we think we see is all an illusion. We've been taught to look for certain markers of wealth, but those markers don't always show what we think they do. In this episode, let's explore the concept of wealth and how to think about the typical markers of wealth. Head to rhothomas.com/251 for the full episode show notes.
How much freedom are you giving up simply because you're not viewing your money in the right way? Most people think of their money as a way to pay bills and buy stuff, but what if instead you looked at your money as a way to buy freedom? In this episode, we discuss a different way of looking at money than you may be used to and the practical impacts that changing the way you view your money can have on the amount of freedom you're able to enjoy. Head to rhothomas.com/250 for the full episode show notes.
As a financial behaviorist and coach who focuses on the emotional side of money, Jacquette Timmons has some interesting views on personal finance. In this episode, listen in to the second half of my conversation with Jacquette, as we discuss enjoying your money, using debt strategically, and personal lessons from entrepreneurship. Head to rhothomas.com/249 for the full episode show notes.
Working in finance on Black Monday (the largest single-day stock market decline in U.S. history) will definitely shape the way you think about money. That's the story of Jacquette Timmons, a financial behaviorist and coach who helps her clients navigate their finances with a focus on the emotional side of money. In this episode, listen in to the first half of my conversation with Jacquette, as we discuss financial independence, entrepreneurship, and how to think about your money and your goals. Head to rhothomas.com/248 for the full episode show notes.
My client Charity was making good money but felt like she should have more. She thought the answer was to get a higher-paying, more stressful job. But during our work together, she found that she just needed to manage the money she already makes differently. In this episode, listen in as Charity and I chat about our work together, what she's been able to accomplish, and how she's feeling about her finances now. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/247 for the full episode show notes.
Too many lawyers struggle with their personal finances. But lawyers are in the perfect position to create financial stability and build wealth. It just takes the right steps. In this episode, let’s talk about the keys to financial success for lawyers with actionable insights that will transform the way you approach your money. Head to rhothomas.com/246 for the full episode show notes.
How do you make almost $200,000 but only have $100 left each month? In my husband's and my situation and in what I've seen with the lawyers I work with, it all comes down to managing money ineffectively. In this episode, let's talk about how to flip the way you typically manage your money on its head so you can actually have something to show for all the money you make. Head to rhothomas.com/245 for the full episode show notes. Sign up for the Less Debt, More Money Masterclass at rhothomas.com/lessdebt.
Having access to the right information can add multiple zeroes to your net worth. In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on the 5 transformative books that propelled me to millionaire status. Head to rhothomas.com/244 for the full episode show notes. Sign up for the next Less Debt, More Money Masterclass at rhothomas.com/lessdebt.
Your cash flow is one of the most important aspects of your personal finances. Too many lawyers have very little or even negative cash flow, and it's keeping them living on the edge and not achieving their goals. In this episode, let's talk about why your cash flow is crucial to your financial progress, along with tips to increase your cash flow this year. Head to rhothomas.com/243 for the full episode show notes. Join the next Less Debt, More Money Masterclass at rhothomas.com/lessdebt.
Are your money habits keeping you broke? I've personally had habits that kept me stuck financially in the past, and I've seen other lawyers experience the same over the years in my time as a money coach. In this episode, let's talk about 6 habits that will keep you broke and prevent you from building wealth. Get the full episode show notes at rhothomas.com/242. Join the Less Debt, More Money Masterclass at rhothomas.com/lessdebt.
Do you believe that you're bad with money? It's a common belief among lawyers, but it doesn't have to be. There's no switch where you're either good with money or bad with money. As with every situation, there are nuances. In this episode, let's talk about how viewing yourself as bad with money affects the way you handle your money. Plus, let's explore some ways you're already good with money. Head to rhothomas.com/241 for the full episode show notes. Join the Less Debt, More Money Masterclass at rhothomas.com/lessdebt.
As we close out 2024 and head into 2025, let's make sure your money strategy is on point. It's easy to think that you're doing okay with your money if you're able to cover your bills and buy things you want. But this line of thinking leads many lawyers to stay stuck in the same place financially because they're not strategically thinking about how to move themselves forward. In this episode, let's talk about winning with your finances and growing your net worth, rather than just getting by and staying stuck. Head to rhothomas.com/240 for the full episode show notes. Join the Less Debt, More Money Masterclass at rhothomas.com/lessdebt.
Don't make the same financial mistake that a lot of lawyers make by not reviewing or evaluating your finances. It's a sure fire way to keep repeating the same mistakes and the same bad money habits year after year. Whatever happened with your finances in 2024 will give you important clues about what your money plan needs to be for 2025. Don't miss it. In this episode, let's talk about reviewing your 2024 finances to prepare for 2025. Get the full episode show notes at rhothomas.com/239.
If you want to be a wealthy lawyer, there's something you must know. Wealth isn't a pipe dream or just for the lucky few. Wealth is a habit that can be mastered by anyone. In this episode, let's talk about the key switch you need to make to start building wealth today. Head to rhothomas.com/238 for the full episode show notes.
Have you ever found yourself getting bored with budgeting or whatever system you're using to manage your money? There are 3 primary reasons this happens, and if you don't address them, it will be that much harder to achieve your financial goals and build wealth. In this episode, let's discuss the 3 reasons lawyers get tired of their money management systems and what to do about them. Head to rhothomas.com/237 for the full episode show notes.
An obsession with comparison is a major contributor to many lawyers being broke. Striving to keep up with what you see other people doing typically only leads to financial mess. In this episode, let's talk about the comparison trap and what to do instead. Head to rhothomas.com/236 for the full episode show notes.
What if improving your finances doesn't always have to take big changes? Yes, the big changes make the most difference, but there are small things you can do that will also make a big impact. In this episode, let's talk about 3 small changes you can make that will improve your finances today. Head to rhothomas.com/235 for the full episode show notes.
Spending 50% or more of your income on housing alone isn't sustainable (even if you live in California or New York). Yet, I've talked to so many lawyers in this exact situation. And often, it's the result of a change in their circumstances that caused a drop in their household income, but there was no corresponding change in their housing situation. In this episode, let's talk about my thoughts and suggestions for any lawyers who find themselves in this place. Head to rhothomas.com/234 for the full episode show notes.
Don't approach your finances in the same ineffective way many people approach losing weight—depriving yourself to get to your goals as quickly as possible. That approach often ends up setting people further back and keeping them from achieving their goals. In this rewind episode, let's talk about why the crash money diet approach isn't sustainable and what to do instead. Head to rhothomas.com/233 for the full episode show notes.
Numerous lawyers make six figures a year and live paycheck to paycheck. In my time working with lawyers on their finances over the years, I've noticed 4 budget categories that tend to contribute to paycheck-to-paycheck living most often. In this episode, let's talk about the 4 biggest culprits and how to address them. Head to rhothomas.com/232 for the full episode show notes. Grab my free guide to get out of debt at rhothomas.com/guide.
Is it better to focus on paying off debt or saving first? It's a common question lawyers ask me, and there are a few important things to consider in making the decision. In this episode, we talk about how to determine whether to focus on saving or paying off debt, including some situations when it's best to focus on one or the other. Head to rhothomas.com/231 for the full episode show notes.
What did you do with your bonus last year? Can you remember? Are you happy with how you used it? If you're looking to use your bonus more effectively this year, I have a few tips that will help. In this episode, we're talking about 4 things my husband and I do with our bonuses that you can implement, too. Head to rhothomas.com/230 for the full episode show notes. Get out of debt with my free guide: rhothomas.com/mistakes.
Feeling afraid to look at your finances? You're not alone. Many people are in the same boat. The good news is there are a few things you can do to reduce and even overcome that fear. In this episode, let's talk about a few tips to help you get past your fear so you can get your finances where you want them to be. Head to rhothomas.com/229 for the full episode show notes. Get help to get out of debt at rhothomas.com/guide.
Tired of going deeper in debt year after year around the holidays? Start planning now so you can break that cycle. In this episode, let's talk about strategies you can implement to stop going into each new year with new debt from the holidays. Head to rhothomas.com/228 for the full episode show notes. Get out of debt with my free ebook: rhothomas.com/mistakes.
Here's one of the biggest reasons you may not be making progress on your financial goals: you’re lying to yourself about how much room you actually have for your goals in your finances. This comes up especially around lifestyle choices, where we sometimes mistakenly identify wants as needs. In this episode, let’s talk about one of my clients’ experience with this and my advice to her and anyone else struggling to achieve their goals. Head to rhothomas.com/227 for the full episode show notes. Get out of debt with my free ebook: rhothomas.com/mistakes.
Managing your money well doesn't mean never using credit cards. There are actually some pretty good reasons to use credit cards over cash. It's all in HOW you use them. In this episode, let's talk about the trap of using your credit cards incorrectly and how to use them more wisely. Head to rhothomas.com/226 for the full episode show notes. Get out of debt with my free ebook: rhothomas.com/mistakes.
One of the biggest reasons that many lawyers never achieve their financial goals is they get caught up in the things they want in the present. But by focusing on the things they want now, they ultimately sacrifice the things they want most. In this episode, let's talk about the balance between what you want now and what you want most and how to make sure you're still giving attention to your ultimate goals. Head to rhothomas.com/225 for the full episode show notes. Get a free copy of my ebook, 5 Mistakes That Keep Lawyers in Debt, at rhothomas.com/mistakes.
You might think that having more money would make everything better. But what I have found is often lawyers don’t know how to handle having more money at first. It feels uncomfortable, and they find ways to get rid of it and sabotage their progress. In this episode, let’s talk about why it feels uncomfortable to have money and how to fix it. Head to rhothomas.com/224 for the full episode show notes. Get a free copy of my ebook, 5 Mistakes That Keep Lawyers in Debt, at rhothomas.com/mistakes.
Most people take the wrong approach when they want to get their partner on board with managing their money better. There's a lot of talk about what we have to do and how much we need to cut back. And it typically backfires. Rather than telling your partner what you need to do and all the cuts that need to be made, let's try a different approach. In this episode, let's talk about the approach I recommend for getting your partner on board with managing your money better. Head to rhothomas.com/223 for the full episode show notes. Get a free copy of my ebook, 5 Mistakes That Keep Lawyers in Debt, at rhothomas.com/mistakes.
It can be hard to navigate a situation where one person makes more money in the relationship. And it’s a pretty common situation for lawyers. The trick when you’re managing your finances with a partner, especially in this situation, is to manage them in a way that feels fair to both people. In this episode, let's talk about three approaches to consider if you're in a relationship where one partner makes more than the other. Head to rhothomas.com/222 for the full episode show notes. Download your free copy of my ebook, 5 Mistakes That Keep Lawyers in Debt, at rhothomas.com/mistakes.
Is it better to focus on paying off debt or investing? Are there times when it doesn't make sense to pay down your debt quickly? Can investing hurt your finances? In this episode, we talk about how to determine whether you should pay off your debt or invest, including some questions to ask yourself in making your decision. Head to rhothomas.com/221 for the full episode show notes. Get a free copy of my ebook, 5 Mistakes That Keep Lawyers in Debt, at rhothomas.com/mistakes.
When you create a budget, is it bad to change it? Do you have to stick with it? These kinds of concerns come up often with my clients when we create their budget (or spending plan if you like that term better). In this episode, let's talk about whether it's okay to change your budget and how to approach the topic of changing your budget. Head to rhothomas.com/220 for the full episode show notes.
Get my free ebook, 5 Mistakes That Keep Lawyers in Debt. It lays out the 5 most common mistakes I see and how to correct them. Get your copy at rhothomas.com/mistakes.
Join the waitlist for my group program, The Wealthyesq Group, at rhothomas.com/coaching.
Impulse spending is a struggle for a lot of lawyers. It can lead to overspending, increased debt balances, and lack of savings. But there are ways to curb your impulse spending and keep it from ruining your finances. In this episode, let's talk about 5 tips to keep your impulse spending in check. Head to rhothomas.com/219 for the full episode show notes. Get on the waitlist for The Wealthyesq Group at rhothomas.com/coaching.
Friendly reminder that money has no inherent meaning. Whether it's your salary, how much debt you have, the balance in your checking or savings account, or something else, they're all just numbers. Different people will think about those numbers differently, and ultimately, the way you think about them shapes your financial results. In this episode, we explore a few real-life examples that illustrate this point and go through an exercise to help you uncover some of your thoughts about money. Head to rhothomas.com/218 for the full episode show notes. Get on the waitlist for The Wealthyesq Group at rhothomas.com/coaching.
Being hopeful may seem like a good thing. But too many lawyers approach their finances with hope and nothing else. Hope is not enough to achieve your financial goals. In this episode, let’s talk about why hope isn’t enough and a more productive approach to your finances. Head to rhothomas.com/217 for the full episode show notes. Join the waitlist for The Wealthyesq Group at rhothomas.com/coaching.
Ever feel like you're the only lawyer who's dealing with money issues? In my line of work, I talk with a lot of lawyers who aren't doing as well as they'd like with their finances. I'm here to tell you, you're not the only one. In this episode, let's talk about some of the common feelings and issues around money I've heard from the 100+ lawyers I've talked to over the years. Head to rhothomas.com/216 for the full episode show notes. Schedule a call to talk about private 1:1 coaching by emailing me at hello@rhothomas.com.
Making money decisions without intention is not a good strategy. Businesses use company values as a filter for the decisions they make. We can take the same approach with our money decisions. In this episode, let's talk about an example of a well-known company making business decisions based on their values, along with some examples of my clients making money decisions based on the same. Head to rhothomas.com/215 for the full episode show notes. Join the waitlist for The Wealthyesq Group at rhothomas.com/coaching.
Intentional spending is foundational to managing your money better and achieving your financial goals. Often we spend impulsively and without thinking about how that spending impacts other areas of our finances. In this episode, let's talk about 3 questions you can ask yourself to make better money decisions and to spend more intentionally. Head to rhothomas.com/214 for the full episode show notes. If you're a lawyer who wants to manage your money better and get out of debt, join us in The Wealthyesq Group. Go to rhothomas.com/coaching for more information.
My client Ashley found herself in a position where she was making good money but not really paying attention to her finances. She was in a state of passivity, as she calls it. During our work together, she got out of passivity and started taking big action to turn her finances around. She paid off all her credit cards and has implemented a plan with her husband to build their savings and start investing. In this episode, Ashley and I talk about our work together, including her thoughts on the importance of taking action. Head to rhothomas.com/213 for the full episode show notes. Schedule your consultation for The Wealthyesq Group at rhothomas.com/coaching.
Thinking about the dreams you have for your life is an important aspect of your financial journey. If being in debt is preventing you from doing things you want to do, use that to motivate yourself to achieve your goals. In this episode, we talk about the importance of your dreams in your financial journey as well as some examples of my clients' dreams that have been fulfilled since improving their finances. Head to rhothomas.com/212 for the full episode show notes. Schedule your consultation for The Wealthyesq Group at rhothomas.com/coaching.
My client Alex felt confused with all the conflicting advice out there about how to manage his money. He also felt trapped by his student loans and didn't think he would be able to accomplish some of his life goals, like buying a house, until years down the line when he had paid them off. After working with me, those thoughts and feelings totally changed. In this episode, Alex and I chat about our work together, including how he shifted his view of money and checked off some of those life goals—while still paying off some of his debt—in less than a year. Head to rhothomas.com/211 for the full episode show notes. Schedule your consultation for The Wealthyesq Group at rhothomas.com/coaching.
You can't depend on your job always being there. Too many lawyers end up in sticky situations because they're dependent on their jobs and don't have their finances set up in a way that allows them to easily pivot when necessary. In this episode, let's talk about why you can't depend on your job and how to set your finances up to have options in your career and life. Head to rhothomas.com/210 for the full episode show notes. Then, head to rhothomas.com/workshop to register for my free workshop, How to Break the Debt Cycle, happening on June 17.
My client Val didn't know much about personal finance and carried a lot of shame around the debt she and her husband had. They were making more than ever but going deeper into debt, so she reached out for help. During our time working together, Val started paying off that debt and saving money. But the biggest shift for her has been the trust she developed in her ability to make decisions for her finances. In this episode, Val and I talk about our work together, including her thoughts on debt and what it feels like to trust herself now. Head to rhothomas.com/209 for the full episode show notes. Then, head to rhothomas.com/workshop to register for my free workshop, How to Break the Debt Cycle, happening on June 17.
We're almost halfway through the year. How are things looking with your goals for the year? If you're not sure, now is a great time to check in with your progress on your goals and make sure you're on track. In this episode, let's walk through some questions to help you assess your progress on your goals, get back on track if you need to, and finish the year strong. Head to rhothomas.com/208 for the full episode show notes. And don't miss my free workshop, How to Break the Debt Cycle, on June 17. Save your seat at rhothomas.com/workshop.
My client Kenny found himself making good money but consistently owing more on his Amex than the amount of his paycheck. He decided he wanted to make a change and reached out for help. During our time working together, Kenny got out of that debt cycle, started intentionally planning his spending, and started saving more than ever before. In this episode, Kenny shares how he turned his finances around and his thoughts on the power of financial coaching.
Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/207 for the full episode show notes.
And don't miss my free workshop, How to Break the Debt Cycle, on June 17. Register at https://www.rhothomas.com/workshop.
What do you do when you've been trying to improve your finances but it feels like it's not working—it feels like you're not making progress with your finances? The answer depends on your situation. In this episode, we talk about 4 example situations in which someone may feel like they're not making progress on their finances and what to do in each. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/206 for the full episode show notes. Get out of debt in my 6-month group program, The Wealthyesq Group. Get more info at https://www.rhothomas.com/coaching.
You don't have to stay trapped in debt forever. If you're feeling stuck and don't know what to do to get out of debt, I have a simple strategy that will help. In this episode, let's talk about my journey out of debt, including the strategy I used and now teach my clients that has helped us collectively pay off hundreds of thousands of dollars of debt. Head to rhothomas.com/205 for the full episode show notes. Ready to get out of debt? Join the waitlist for my group program at rhothomas.com/coaching.
If you're a lawyer who beats yourself up for the state of your finances, this episode is for you. There's one key reason why lawyers don't know how to manage money, and it's not entirely our fault. But there's a simple solution to fix it. In this episode, let's talk about why lawyers don't know how to manage money and what to do about it. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/204 for the full episode show notes.
How much should you be saving? What's the right amount? With so many rules about what we should be doing with our finances, it's hard to know what to follow. In this episode, let's talk about navigating the savings rules and how to determine how much you should be saving. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/203 for the full episode show notes.
Spending money is not a remedy for negative emotions. Although spending may provide some immediate relief from the negative emotion, it only leads to more negative emotion in the long term when you end up overspending and creating a financial mess. In this episode, let's talk about overconsumption and emotional spending, including how to handle those negative emotions we so desperately want to avoid. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/202 for the full episode show notes.
In celebration of reaching 200 episodes, I'm answering more of your burning questions! Last week was all about money. This week is all of your questions about me. In this episode, we're talking about things like my money journey and strategy, advice I would give my younger self, and my weird habits. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/201 for the full episode show notes.
You asked; I answered! In celebration of reaching 200 episodes, I'm answering all of your questions about money. In this episode, we're talking about retirement, making money moves when you don't have a Biglaw salary, debt strategies, and the best way to use a Biglaw salary to reach financial freedom. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/200 for the full episode show notes.
Laurel is a fashion-loving lawyer who had been struggling with credit card debt for years. She wanted to pay it off but didn't want to completely deprive herself of the things she loves. In just 6 months, she paid off all her credit cards and increased her net worth by 5 figures. Plus, she was still able to shop and have fun with her friends. In this episode, listen in as Laurel and I chat about our work together, what she's accomplished, and how she's feeling about her finances now. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/199 for the full episode show notes.
What if the purpose of your money goal isn't to achieve it? Most lawyers view their goals as finish lines to reach, with anything short of full achievement being deemed failure. But that perspective overlooks the immense value in the journey toward the goal and the progress you make simply because you dare to attempt it. In this episode, let's explore a new perspective on money goals that places less emphasis on the goal itself and more on the personal growth and progress in working toward the goal. Head to rhothomas.com/198 for the full episode show notes. Submit a question for Episode 200 at rhothomas.com/question.
Sometimes it can feel like your finances are just happening to you. But they're not. You have authority over your finances, and you can change your financial circumstances. All it takes is a decision to do so. In this episode, let's talk about how not recognizing your authority over your finances can hold you back and what to do about it. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/197 for the full episode show notes. Submit a question for the upcoming 200th episode at https://www.rhothomas.com/question.
The way you think about your future is critical to achieving the goals you have for your future. The issue is many of us go to the negative and believe our goals are impossible or that things won't work out for us. You have to believe that the things you want can and will happen before you'll ever achieve them. In this episode, let's talk about the danger of negative thoughts about the future and the best way to get to the future you want. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/196 for the full episode show notes.
Learning to have money is critical to making progress on your financial goals. Many lawyers are used to not having money, so keeping money feels hard at first. But when you get this down, you can create stability in your finances, pay down debt, and save more. In this episode, let's talk about why it's so hard for many lawyers to HAVE money, some real-life examples of how this shows up, and some suggestions for how to fix it. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/195 for the full episode show notes.
Everything we do with our money stems from what we believe about money and the best use for it. That means to experience a breakthrough with your finances, you need to shift your beliefs about your finances. In this episode, I share the belief shift and subsequent breakthrough that led to me paying off almost $500,000 of debt and building wealth. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/194 for the full episode show notes.
You're not getting better results with your finances because you're not spending time on the things that would yield better results. We often put a lot of time and attention toward things that don't move the needle in our finances. When you put more time and attention to the things that do, your results will follow. In this episode, let's talk about the things we tend to focus on in our finances and where to focus instead to get better results. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/193 for the full episode show notes.
Making more money isn't the quick fix solution to your money problems that you think it's going to be. You may even make more now than you did at another point in life when you told yourself things would be better once you made more money. It's because the amount you make is only one factor in what's going on with your finances—and it's not the most important one. In this episode, let's talk about the key to solving your money problems, whether you make more or not. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/192 for the full episode show notes.
Many lawyers don't make the progress they want to make with their finances simply because they don't pay attention to their finances. You can't not look at your numbers and expect them to magically get better. What gets measured gets improved. In this episode, let's talk about the importance of tracking your finances on your journey to wealth. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/191 for the full episode show notes.
My clients Gabe and Olisi found themselves struggling with their debt balances and feeling stressed. But they were so focused on the negatives of their finances that they missed the positive things they were doing with their money. Although we worked on paying down their debt, a bigger part of our work together was improving their money mindset. In this episode, listen in as Gabe, Olisi, and I chat about our work together, what they've accomplished, and how they're feeling about their finances now. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/190 for the full episode show notes.
You're not uncomfortable enough with your current financial situation to achieve your financial goals. Often our goals are just things we think sound good or would be nice to have, but that's not enough to actually achieve them. If you want to achieve your goals, you need to view them differently. In this episode, let's talk about why you're not achieving your goals and the changes you need to make to achieve them. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/189 for the full episode show notes.
"I'm just not good with money." So many lawyers believe this or similar statements about their abilities with money. But all of them stem from the mistaken belief that some people are inherently good with money. That some people have the "X factor" and others don't. It's not true, and if you keep believing that, it will keep you from taking the necessary steps to make the progress you want to make with your money. In this episode, let's talk about the truth about people who are good with money and how believing there's an X factor is hindering you in your finances. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/188 for the full episode show notes.
One of the biggest drivers of my financial journey has been the opportunity to be more generous. Improving your finances will increase your capacity for generosity, but it's possible to make room for generosity at each stage of your financial journey. In this episode, let's talk about the importance of generosity and some of my personal experiences with it. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/187 for the full episode show notes. Join us in Money Mastery for Lawyers at https://www.rhothomas.com/join.
When we're thinking about managing our money, we often think about the strategies like paying off debt vs. investing or how much we should save. But there's one piece of the money management puzzle that makes a much bigger difference in your financial situation than any of the strategies. In this episode, let's talk about what that piece is and why it has such a big impact on your finances. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/186 for the full episode show notes. Join us in Money Mastery for Lawyers at https://www.rhothomas.com/join.
Let's talk about the best way to achieve your big money goals. Lawyers often want to go after the biggest goal from the outset, but that's typically a recipe for failure. A better approach is to identify the small steps that lead to that big goal and go after those instead. In this episode, let's talk about the importance of taking those small steps in the right direction and why this approach leads to more success. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/185 for the full episode show notes. Join us in Money Mastery at https://www.rhothomas.com/join.
What's not moving you to where you want to be with your finances? The start of a new year is a great time to reflect on those things so you can let them go and implement new things as we come into 2024. In this episode, let's talk about a few things to leave in 2023 and a few new things to implement to move forward with your finances in 2024. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/184 for the full episode show notes. Join Money Mastery for Lawyers at https://www.rhothomas.com/join.
Every piece of financial advice isn't meant for you. Often people have opinions about what we should do and how we should handle our money, but they don't have the same goals or vision that we have. That makes their advice largely inapplicable. In this episode, let's talk about the importance of being mindful of who we take advice from and filtering the advice we receive through our vision for our lives. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/183 for the full episode show notes. Join us in Money Mastery for Lawyers at https://www.rhothomas.com/join.
Closing your eyes and hoping for the best is not a good money management strategy. At the same time, you don't want to be obsessing over every penny. I've been on both ends of the spectrum, and both sucked in different ways. In this episode, let's talk about a better way to approach your finances that doesn't suck and keeps you moving toward your goals. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/182 for the full episode show notes. Join us in Money Mastery for Lawyers at https://www.rhothomas.com/join.
Sometimes good financial advice can actually hurt your finances. That's exactly what happened to some of my clients and to me when we followed the common advice to maximize our contributions to our retirement accounts. In this episode, let's talk about our stories of saving for retirement to the detriment of our finances, why that advice wasn't the best for us, and the importance of considering your personal financial situation in applying any financial advice you receive. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/181 for the full episode show notes. Join Money Mastery at https://www.rhothomas.com/join.
Whether you believe you can or believe you can't, you're right. Your belief makes all the difference in your ability to achieve your goals. The way you look at your goals and what other people have done dictates what you achieve. In this episode, let's talk about a recent conversation I had with one of the first readers of my original blog and the importance of believing that you can achieve the things you want to achieve. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/180 for the full episode show notes. Join us in Money Mastery at https://www.rhothomas.com/join.
We spend a lot of time wishing we could be further along. But we often miss all the good things we already have going on and overlook the fact that someone else is wishing they could be where we are now. In this episode, let's talk about being grateful for our present circumstances, even as we work toward our goals. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/179 for the full episode show notes. Join Money Mastery for Lawyers: https://www.rhothomas.com/join.
Your brain is lying to you about what's going on with your finances. If you're managing your money based off estimates and ideas in your head, we need to talk. In this episode, let's talk about the importance of knowing the actual facts of your finances and a few examples of how going off estimates can steer you wrong. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/178. Join Money Mastery at https://www.rhothomas.com/join.
What's the hardest part of managing your money well? If you're like most lawyers, it's sticking to the plans you make for your finances. By and large, lawyers find this step more challenging than any other aspect of managing their finances. The good thing, though, is that this is completely within your control. In this episode, let's talk about a few strategies you can implement to start sticking to your plans. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/177 for the full episode show notes. Join us in Money Mastery at https://www.rhothomas.com/join.
It can feel really bad to find yourself in a position where you're bleeding money. Lawyers sometimes find themselves in this position for a variety of reasons, but it's not the end. It's completely possible to turn things around. In this episode, let's talk about 4 steps to take if you find yourself bleeding money. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/176 for the full episode show notes. Join Money Mastery for Lawyers: https://www.rhothomas.com/join.
My clients Vanessa and Joe were overspending—sometimes to the point that they had to put off paying bills—and it was causing tension at times in their marriage. They came to me wanting to get a handle on their money to put their family in a better position. They achieved that and then some. In this episode, I sit down with Vanessa and Joe to talk about our work together, some of the things they've been able to accomplish, and the impact that their new perspectives on money have had on their marriage. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/175 for the full episode show notes. Join the Money Mastery for Lawyers membership at https://www.rhothomas.com/join.
As we head into the holiday season, let's revisit how to prepare for expected expenses. If you're like many other attorneys, the holidays catch you off-guard every year. The same may be true for other big expenses or financial changes you know are coming up. So often people don't financially prepare for things that are completely expected and end up feeling stressed out and anxious when those things pop up—as expected. In this episode, let's talk about how to prepare for expected expenses and the mindset you can adopt to make sure you're always ready when they come up. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/174 for the full episode show notes. Join Money Mastery for Lawyers at https://www.rhothomas.com/join.
Sometimes our loved ones think they know best about what we should be doing with our finances—and they have no problem making it known. Although they mean well, their thoughts, tips, and advice can lead to feelings of stress. In this episode, let's talk about three things to do if you have loved ones who are stressing you about what you should be doing with your money. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/173 for the full episode show notes. Join Money Mastery for Lawyers at https://www.rhothomas.com/join.
Sometimes we get so focused on the numbers and the mechanics of personal finance that we forget what we're doing it for. It's important to take a step back and think about the point of our money journey. In this episode, I share the point of my money journey and invite you to explore yours. Get the full episode show notes at https://www.rhothomas.com/172. Join the Money Mastery for Lawyers membership at https://www.rhothomas.com/join.
As lawyers, it's common for us to focus on what we haven't achieved (the gap) rather than looking at all the progress we've made (the gain). This concept was discussed in the popular book, The Gap and the Gain. In this episode, let's talk about how the gap and the gain show up in our personal finances and the importance of focusing on the gain more often. Get the full episode show notes at https://www.rhothomas.com/171. Join the Money Mastery for Lawyers membership at https://www.rhothomas.com/join.
Often the way we manage our money results in us taking care of companies before we take care of ourselves and our goals. This is very common and can happen in extreme and more subtle ways. In this episode, let's talk about how we take care of companies before ourselves and what to do about it. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/170 for the episode show notes. Join the Money Mastery for Lawyers membership: https://www.rhothomas.com/join.
My client Rachael was already doing some good things here and there with her finances. She had a financial planner helping her with her investments, but she didn't have plan, and she didn't know how to manage her money from day to day. That's when she came to me. In this episode, we talk about our work together, some of the things she's been able to accomplish with her money, and her perspectives on money now. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/169 for the full episode show notes. Join the Money Mastery for Lawyers membership at https://www.rhothomas.com/join.
Overspending is a common concern for the lawyers I speak with. Getting on top of overspending is key to managing your money better and ultimately achieving your financial goals. In this episode, let's talk about 4 tips to help you stop overspending. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/168 for the full episode show notes. Join the waitlist for my money membership at https://www.rhothomas.com/waitlist.
Money can be an emotional topic for many people. This can sometimes make it difficult to access the logical side of your brain to make strategic decisions. The good thing is it’s easy to objectively measure specific monetary goals, which helps to take some of the emotion out of it. In this episode, we talk about separating the math of your goals from your thoughts and feelings about them and the benefits of this approach. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/167 for the full episode show notes. Join the waitlist for my money membership for lawyers at rhothomas.com/waitlist.
Many lawyers who make six-figure incomes and higher feel broke. This often has more to do with their money mindset and money habits than anything else. In this episode, let's talk about key takeaways from a recent Bloomberg article about six-figure earners in America titled "Are You Rich?" and some action steps that lawyers who feel broke can take. Get the full episode show notes at https://www.rhothomas.com/166. Join the waitlist for my money membership at https://www.rhothomas.com/waitlist.
Managing your money isn't all about cutting back and being responsible. It's important to make room for spending on fun, as well. In this episode, let's talk about including fun in your finances and how to integrate fun money into your money plan without taking yourself off-track from your goals. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/165 for the full episode show notes. Join the waitlist for my money membership at https://www.rhothomas.com/waitlist.
One of the biggest money mistakes lawyers make is taking on purchases they can't afford. Don't fall into the trap of buying status symbols just because you're a lawyer when your finances aren't ready to handle them. That will only hold you back from achieving your financial goals. In this episode, let's talk about two examples of people buying things they can't afford and how to know when you can afford the things you want to buy. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/164 for the full episode show notes. Join the waitlist for my money membership group for lawyers at https://www.rhothomas.com/waitlist.
There's a common perspective that spending on luxury and being financially responsible are mutually exclusive. But that's not the case at all. It's possible to spend on luxury in a financially responsible way to make sure you're still able to achieve your goals. In this episode, let's talk about spending on luxury, including some ways that I have incorporated luxury spending throughout my financial journey. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/163 for the full episode show notes. Join the waitlist for my membership for lawyers who want to manage their money better at https://www.rhothomas.com/waitlist.
Many lawyers have complicated systems to manage their money. Having a bunch of different bank accounts and credit cards makes it a lot harder to manage your money and often leads to avoiding it altogether. In this episode, let's talk about how to simplify your money system. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/162 for the full episode show notes. Let's talk about how we can work together: https://www.rhothomas.com/call.
Many lawyers have trouble sticking to a budget. Typically, it's for one of only three reasons. In this episode, let's talk about the top three reasons lawyers don't stick to their budget and how to fix them. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/161 for the full episode show notes. Let's talk about how we can work together: https://www.rhothomas.com.
Have you ever played a game where you sit for turn after turn not able to move forward on the board? The same thing is happening with many people with their finances. In this episode, let's talk about how your finances are like playing a game and how you can make sure you're moving forward with each turn you get. Head to rhothomas.com/160 for the full episode show notes. Schedule your consultation at rhothomas.com/call.
Have you ever considered a consolidation loan? Or used a bonus or refund to pay off your debt? So many lawyers look to these solutions as the answer to their debt problem. But often the results don't last, and the lawyers end up right back where they started—with the same debt or more. In this episode, let's talk about why these quick fixes don't work and what you need to do to ensure that once you get out of debt, you stay out. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/159 for the full episode show notes. Let's talk about how we can work together: https://www.rhothomas.com/call.
If you want to change your finances, something has to change. You can't change staying the same. In this episode, let's talk about the requirement for change, including two examples from attorneys with things keeping them from the changes they want to make in their finances and one example from an attorney who changed her finances. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/158 for the full episode show notes. Schedule your consultation at https://www.rhothomas.com/call.
Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/157 for the full episode show notes. Let's talk about how we can work together at https://www.rhothomas.com/call.
Lawyers tend to be familiar with debt—myself included. About 95% of law students take out student loans, and many lawyers delay life events like getting married or buying a home because of their debt. In this episode, I'm sharing the first year of my journey out of debt. We'll talk about the loans my husband and I paid off and the things that happened in our lives that year that impacted our debt journey. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/156 for the full episode show notes. Let's talk about how we can work together: https://www.rhothomas.com/call.
The way you think about money and the way you think about your ability to manage it play a huge part in whether you're able to achieve your money goals. You're always able to choose what you think. In this episode, I'm sharing some of my top thoughts about myself and about money. As you listen, I invite you to explore your own thoughts and adopt any of mine that feel good to you. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/155 for the full episode show notes. Schedule your consultation at https://www.rhothomas.com/call.
Many lawyers view their financial situation as something that just happens to them. They treat their finances as if they're powerless to change them and have to just do what they can to survive. But if you don't change your finances, no one is going to do it for you. In this episode, let's talk about the power that you have to change your own finances and the kind of change you want to be seeing with your money month after month. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/154 for the full episode show notes. Let's talk about how we can work together: https://www.rhothomas.com/call.
Feeling guilty when you spend money happens for two reasons: (1) you think you shouldn't be spending the money, and (2) you didn't plan to spend the money. But spending money without guilt is a skill you can learn, just like any other money skill. In this episode, we talk about the stigma around spending and how to develop the skill of spending money without guilt. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/153 for the full episode show notes. Let's talk about how we can work together: https://www.rhothomas.com/call.
My client Danesha was about to transition from Biglaw to a clerkship. She realized that the way she had been handling her money wouldn't work with her lower salary, so she reached out for help. During our time together, Danesha learned the money management skills she had been lacking. But more importantly, she shifted her money mindset and improved her relationship with money overall. In this episode, Danesha and I talk about our work together, including the mindset shifts she's had around her money and the various fun things she includes in her budget. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/152 for the full episode show notes. Let's talk about how we can work together: https://www.rhothomas.com/call.
Let's talk about why you hate managing your money. It all comes down to a few things that you're believing about yourself, about money, about money management skills, and/or about whether your efforts will pay off. In this episode, let's explore the different beliefs you may have that make you hate managing your finances and talk about how to change them. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/151 for the full episode show notes. Schedule your consultation at https://www.rhothomas.com/call.
There are three stages of action: no action, passive action, and productive action. Many lawyers get stuck in the passive action stage, and it's a dangerous place to be. If you actually want to improve your finances, you need to get to the productive action stage and stay there. In this episode, let's talk about the three stages of action, how you know you're in each, and the key differentiator between passive action and productive action. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/150 for the full episode show notes. Schedule your consultation at https://www.rhothomas.com/call.
Many lawyers allow their financial situation to dictate how they see themselves. But this is a mistake. Although your self-worth can impact your net worth, your net worth does not determine anything about your self-worth. When you can learn to separate the two, you'll have more success with your finances. In this episode, let's talk about what your net worth is, what self-worth is, and why keeping them separate is best for your finances. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/149 for the full episode show notes. Schedule your consultation at https://www.rhothomas.com/call.
Learning the skill of saving money is one of the best things you can do for your finances. So many people never learn and consequently either don't save at all or do so inefficiently. Like any other piece of your money plan, saving starts with having a goal. In this episode, let's talk about the importance of setting savings goals, a strategy for saving that increases your ability to achieve your goals, and where to save your money. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/148 for the full episode show notes. Schedule a consultation at https://www.rhothomas.com/call.
The way you think about money is vital to your success with it. I teach my clients to think about their money differently, which helps them to approach it in a way that allows them to achieve their money goals and feel better about money overall. In this episode, let's talk about 8 of my top beliefs around managing money and why they're so important. Get the full episode show notes at https://www.rhothomas.com/147. Schedule your consultation at https://www.rhothomas.com/call.
"Debt is dumb." "Student loans are good debt." "Oh my gosh, I can't believe anyone has THAT MUCH debt!" Lawyers generally are no strangers to debt. Many have six-figure student loans alone, not to mention any other kinds of debt. We get so many messages about how we should view debt. But internalizing these messages leads many to feel bad about their debt and avoid it altogether. In this episode, let's explore some common definitions of good debt and bad debt and talk about what to do when you have bad debt. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/146 for the full episode show notes. Schedule your consultation to work with me at https://www.rhothomas.com/call.
It's easy to think that you're doing okay with your money if you're able to cover your bills and buy things you want. But this line of thinking leads many lawyers to stay stuck in the same place financially because they're not strategically thinking about how to move themselves forward. In this episode, let's talk about winning with your finances and growing your net worth, rather than just getting by and staying stuck. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/145 for the full episode show notes. Schedule your consultation to work with me at https://www.rhothomas.com/call.
Lawyers often have multiple things they want competing for their financial resources. But we sometimes forget that we always have the power to intentionally decide which things to focus on. Many people allow their unintentional desires to direct the way they use their money, which leads them to not make the progress they want to make financially. In this episode, let's talk about how to manage your competing desires, including questioning your default thoughts and intentionally directing your desires to the things that serve you most. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/144 for the full episode show notes. Schedule your consultation to work with me at https://www.rhothomas.com/call.
Waiting for your next paycheck to hit or feeling like you’re living on the edge financially doesn’t have to be the norm. One of the strategies I teach all of my clients—the checking account buffer—puts an end to all of that. In this episode, let’s talk about what the checking account buffer is, how much should be in it, and some common reasons that prevent lawyers from creating one. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/143 for the full episode show notes. Schedule your consultation to learn how to work with me at https://www.rhothomas.com/call.
Let's talk about a common problem for lawyers and non-lawyers alike: overspending. The default for many people is to beat themselves up when they overspend and make it mean all kinds of negative things about themselves and their ability to manage their money. But it doesn't have to be that way. In this episode, let's talk about the three steps I recommend you take when you overspend. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/142 for the full episode show notes. Schedule your consultation to work with me at https://www.rhothomas.com/call.
With personal finance, people typically think about the strategies and what to do. But the way you see yourself has a huge impact on your ability to manage your money and achieve your financial goals. When you believe you're bad with money and don't feel confident with it, you can do all the "right" things and still not make the progress you want or have the experience you want with your money. In this episode, let's talk about the importance of your money self-concept and how it impacts the way you manage your money. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/141 for the full episode show notes. Schedule a consultation to work with me at https://www.rhothomas.com/call.
One of my favorite money strategies is the money check-in. This is one of the biggest factors in my clients achieving the goals they set for themselves so quickly. It's a simple strategy that will keep you on track with your planned spending throughout the month, and I'm sharing it with you today. In this episode, let's talk about why people resist looking at their finances, how to do a money check-in, and why they're so beneficial. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/140 for the full episode show notes. Get on the waitlist to work with me at https://www.rhothomas.com/waitlist.
Whenever you want to do something new, like managing your money better, your brain will present all the reasons why you can't. But just as there may be reasons why you can't do the new thing, there are also plenty of reasons why you can. In this episode, let's talk about why your brain tries to stop you from doing new things and explore all the reasons you think you can't manage your finances better and how to overcome them. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/139 for the full episode show notes. Schedule a consultation at https://www.rhothomas.com/call to learn about how my group program, Money Mastery, can help you.
My client Val didn't know much about personal finance and carried a lot of shame around the debt she and her husband had. They were making more than ever but going deeper into debt, so she reached out for help. During our time working together, Val started paying off that debt and saving money. But the biggest shift for her has been the trust she developed in her ability to make decisions for her finances. In this episode, Val and I talk about our work together, including her thoughts on debt and what it feels like to trust herself now. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/138 for the full episode show notes. Schedule a consultation at https://www.rhothomas.com/call to learn about how my group program, Money Mastery, can help you.
Many lawyers put off learning to manage their money better because they think it will be hard. Change feels uncomfortable. New sometimes feels hard. But we overlook the fact that it also feels hard and uncomfortable to want to change your situation and not be where you want to be yet. In this episode, let's talk about the concept of choosing your hard and leaning into the discomfort of change. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/137 for the full episode show notes. Get on the waitlist to work with me at https://www.rhothomas.com/waitlist.
Lawyers often put so much pressure on ourselves to always be striving for the next thing and to get there faster. But when you’re always so focused on what’s next and how far you are from your goal, you make your present experience more difficult than it has to be. In this episode, let's talk about what happens when we're always focused on getting to the next thing in our finances and the importance of focusing on one day at a time. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/136 for the full episode show notes. Get on the waitlist to work with me at https://www.rhothomas.com/waitlist.
I find that when lawyers are running into issues like rising credit card balances or overdrafting their accounts, it's typically because they're not balancing how they're using their money. There are always three buckets that are competing for your money--your needs, wants, and goals. Often the needs and wants buckets get the bulk of the money, leaving little to nothing for the goals bucket. In this episode, let's talk about your buckets and how to think about your money to make sure that you're funding all three. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/135 for the full episode show notes. Make sure you're on the waitlist to work with me at https://www.rhothomas.com/waitlist.
My client Ashley found herself in a position where she was making good money but not really paying attention to her finances. She was in a state of passivity, as she calls it. During our work together, she got out of passivity and started taking big action to turn her finances around. She paid off all her credit cards and has implemented a plan with her husband to build their savings and start investing. In this episode, Ashley and I talk about our work together, including her thoughts on the importance of taking action. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/134 for the full episode show notes. Take the first step to work with me at https://www.rhothomas.com/waitlist.
Listen in as I reflect on 2022. I'm really proud of the work I did and the things my clients accomplished in the past year. And I'm just getting started. In this episode, let's talk about viewing each thing you do as just the beginning of what you're going to do and the importance of lawyers learning to manage their money better. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/133 for the full episode show notes. Get on the waitlist to work with me at https://www.rhothomas.com/waitlist.
One of my favorite ways to motivate myself when working on a goal is to look at examples of other people who have done what I want to do. Because someone else has done the thing, I know it's possible for me, too. We often want to pick out all the parts of other people's situations that are different from our own and point to those as reasons why they can achieve the thing and we can't. But there's magic in being able to direct yourself to finding the pieces of other people's stories that are similar to yours and drawing inspiration from those pieces. In this episode, let's talk about using other people's achievements to motivate yourself and look at the things some of my clients have been able to accomplish. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/132 for the full episode show notes. Get on the waitlist to work with me at https://www.rhothomas.com/waitlist.
"I'm just not good with money." So many lawyers believe this or similar statements about their abilities with money. But all of them stem from the mistaken belief that some people are inherently good with money. That some people have the "X factor" and others don't. It's not true, and if you keep believing that, it will keep you from taking the necessary steps to make the progress you want to make with your money. In this episode, let's talk about the truth about people who are good with money and how believing there's an X factor is hindering you in your finances. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/131 for the full episode show notes. Get on the waitlist to work with me at https://www.rhothomas.com/waitlist.
We unintentionally prioritize things in our lives when we're not being thoughtful about our choices or the tradeoffs that come along with them. I see it happen all the time in personal finance. When you don't have a plan for your money or don't follow the plan you DO have, it often leads to not being able to achieve your financial goals. When you don't achieve your goals, all the things you spend on end up effectively being prioritized over your goals. In this episode, let's talk about how unintentional priorities show up in your finances, some real-life examples of unintentional priorities from my clients, and how to manage your finances to make sure your money goes where you want it to. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/130 for the full episode show notes. Get on the waitlist to work with me at https://www.rhothomas.com/waitlist.
One of the questions I ask all of my clients is, "What is your compelling reason for doing the work to improve your finances?" You'll inevitably experience setbacks and challenges on this road to manage your finances better. Having a compelling reason behind your efforts will mean the difference between giving up and continuing to move forward to achieve your goals. In this episode, let's talk about the compelling reasons that drive me in my finances and my business and how having a compelling reason impacts the way you approach your goals. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/129 for the full episode show notes. Get on the waitlist to work with me at https://www.rhothomas.com/waitlist.
We put so much focus on the numbers of money that we sometimes forget about the importance of the way we feel about money. Having negative feelings about your finances drains your energy and impacts your day-to-day experience of life. The value of feeling better about your money can't be overstated. In this episode, let's talk about one of my clients' experiences with feeling better about her money and why feeling better about your money is so important. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/128 for the full episode show notes. Get on the waitlist to work with me at https://www.rhothomas.com/waitlist.
My client Liz had saved a significant amount of money but didn't feel like she had a good handle on her finances. She had a system for tracking her money but wasn't getting useful data to help her manage it better going forward and felt like her savings wasn't enough. During our work together, Liz completely shifted her view of money and developed a simpler system to manage her money that works for her. As a result she feels more at peace and confident with her finances. In this episode, Liz and I chat about our work together, including how her view of money has shifted and why she thinks simplicity in your finances is so important. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/127 for the full episode show notes. Take the first step to work with me at https://www.rhothomas.com/waitlist.
Lawyers tend to look for things that could go wrong or that aren't working, whether because of our predisposition, training, or both. This is a great skill to have in your legal practice—not so great when you're learning to manage your money better. In this episode, let's talk about why it's important to look for and acknowledge everything that you're doing well with your finances, especially when you're first starting out, and the impact that finding success everywhere will have on your financial progress. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/126 for the full episode show notes. Take the first step to work with me at https://www.rhothomas.com/call.
Many people would rather talk about topics like weight and intimacy before they'll talk about their finances. There's a lot of shame surrounding money, and that shame is heightened within the legal profession. But it doesn't have to be that way. In this episode, let's talk about two common reasons lawyers feel shame about their finances, the effect of shame on your finances, and how to address it. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/125 for the full episode show notes. Take the first step to work with me by heading to https://www.rhothomas.com/call.
Sometimes one of your biggest strengths can actually prove to be a weakness. Case in point: Lawyers tend to be really good at following steps and rules. But when you’re trying to manage your money better, you can get hung up on rules to your detriment. In this episode, let’s explore why some common rules around how to manage your money, such as maxing your 401(k) and putting 20% down on your house, may not be serving you. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/124 for the full episode show notes. Take the first step to work with me at https://www.rhothomas.com/call.
If you're not financially preparing for unexpected things that can come up, this episode is for you. Not preparing yourself ahead of time will lead to unnecessary stress in your life when an unexpected expense arises. Although we don't know exactly when unexpected things will happen, we typically know that they can happen and can prepare for them. In this episode, let's talk about the mindset you can adopt to prepare for unexpected expenses and how to raise the bar on the types of unexpected things that will have a significant financial impact on you. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/123 for the full episode show notes. Take the first step to work with me at https://www.rhothomas.com/call.
There is a widespread fear of debt in our society. People are internalizing negative beliefs about debt and about themselves for having debt, and it's causing a lot of unnecessary pain and unpleasant experiences. In this episode, let's talk about some commonly held beliefs about debt (including the good debt vs. bad debt distinction), the negative consequences that can come from being afraid of debt, and two alternative perspectives of debt to consider as you move through your financial journey. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/122 for the full episode show notes. Schedule a call to learn how we can work together at https://www.rhothomas.com/call.
If you're like many other attorneys, the holidays catch you off-guard every year. The same may be true for other big expenses or financial changes you know are coming up. So often people don't financially prepare for things that are completely expected and end up feeling stressed out and anxious when those things pop up—as expected. In this episode, let's talk about how to prepare for expected expenses and the mindset you can adopt to make sure you're always ready when they come up. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/121 for the full episode show notes. Schedule a call to learn how we can work together at https://www.rhothomas.com/call.
If you're really good at making plans for your money but not so good at sticking to them, you're not alone. It's super common, especially among lawyers. Many of us have gotten really good at not following through on our word to ourselves. But it's also the reason so many lawyers don't have the finances they want. In this episode, let's talk about why people don't follow through on what they plan to do and how you can turn things around if that's you. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/120 for the full episode show notes. Schedule a call to learn how we can work together at https://www.rhothomas.com/call.
Spending money won't erase your negative emotions, no matter how much you may want it to. Logically, we know this, but so many of us try to stuff down our negative emotions and feel happier by spending money or overconsuming other things. Although spending may provide some immediate relief from the negative emotion, it only leads to more negative emotion in the long term when you end up overspending and creating a financial mess. In this episode, let's talk about overconsumption and emotional spending, including how to handle those negative emotions you so desperately want to avoid. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/119 for the full episode show notes. Schedule a call to learn how we can work together at https://www.rhothomas.com/call.
Who are the people influencing your financial decisions? For many of us, it's people who think the same way we do, manage money the same way we do, and reinforce the beliefs we already have about money. Elevating your circle of influence gives you access to new ways of thinking about money and new financial strategies you may not even be aware of. In this episode, let's talk about the importance of curating your circle of influence and putting yourself around people who have achieved the things you want to achieve. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/118 for the full episode show notes. Schedule a call to learn how we can work together at https://www.rhothomas.com/call.
If you're always chasing bigger and better things than what you already have, you're on par with most of the rest of society. And your finances likely are, too. Many people are stretching their finances to the limit trying to keep up with the latest and greatest—so much so that the majority are living paycheck to paycheck. It's common to spend everything you make and then some. It's uncommon to spend substantially less than you make. But spending less and investing the difference is exactly how you build wealth. In this episode, let's talk about making uncommon choices that lead to wealth. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/117 for the full episode show notes. Schedule a call to learn how we can work together at https://www.rhothomas.com/call.
Have you ever thought about how much money you've made so far in your career? Or how much you'll make in your lifetime? For most lawyers, that number is at least a million dollars. But many of us never learn to manage all the money coming to us. Instead, we focus on how much we don't have and how we need to make more. And we end up with nothing to show for all the money we made. In this episode, let's talk about why so many lawyers lose a million dollars and how the way we tend to think about money can hinder our ability to keep more of that money for ourselves. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/116 for the full episode show notes. Schedule a call to learn how we can work together at https://www.rhothomas.com/call.
Your relationship with money is no different than any other relationship in your life. Many of the same principles apply. If your money were a person, how would you rate the way you treat that person? How would you describe the kind of relationship you have? In this episode, let's talk about some of the practices we implement to have thriving relationships with other people and how those same practices apply to our relationships with money, as well. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/115 for the full episode show notes. Schedule a call to learn how we can work together at https://www.rhothomas.com/call.
Time is a finite resource. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. Money is infinite. We have unlimited access to money. But we typically treat our time and money as if the opposite were true. In this episode, let’s talk about trading time for money and how you can use your money to buy back your time instead. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/114 for the full episode show notes. Schedule a call to learn how we can work together at https://www.rhothomas.com/call.
What if you could spend what you want and still achieve the financial goals you set for yourself? You can. You just have to understand the formula for doing so. Most people approach budgeting and planning their spending in a restrictive manner, which is why many people don't stick to the budgets they create. But your budget is simply a plan for how you want to use your money, and you can spend on whatever you want. In this episode, let's talk about how to craft your budget so that you can spend on what you want and still hit your goals. Get the full episode show notes at https://www.rhothomas.com/113. Set up a call to learn how we can work together at https://www.rhothomas.com/call.
We make a lot of financial decisions on autopilot, and sometimes those decisions have a negative impact on other things we want to do financially. In each of those situations, whether we recognize it or not, we have a choice to stay on track with our goals or to go in the opposite direction. In this episode, let's talk about the importance of creating space to make those choices intentionally and one strategy to help you create that space for your own financial decisions.
Get the full episode show notes: https://www.rhothomas.com/112
Learn how we can work together: https://www.rhothomas.com/call
We have a tendency to put things off that could easily be done now. We tell ourselves stories about how long the thing will take, how hard it will be, or how we just don't have time. But ultimately, none of it is true, and it's just a block to achieving the goals we set for ourselves. In this episode, let's talk about a few real life examples of how this kind of thinking shows up and why it's so important to turn it around.
Get the full episode show notes: https://www.rhothomas.com/111 Work with me: https://www.rhothomas.com/call
So many lawyers get into a start and stop cycle with their finances. They’ll be making some progress, but then they fall off track and give up. Then, at some point down the line, they get back on track but ultimately repeat the cycle over again. This cycle is dangerous because it keeps you from building momentum and doesn't lead you to achieving your financial goals. In this episode, let’s talk about why we sometimes get into the start and stop cycle, the importance of consistency, and how to approach your finances to keep yourself on track and achieve your goals. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/110 for the full episode show notes.
We often only think about the immediate costs associated with our financial decisions. But the decisions we make go far beyond the specific dollar amount associated with them today. Those decisions have opportunity costs and compound effects over time. In this episode, we explore a few examples of how relatively small financial decisions can have much bigger financial impacts than we might realize. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/109 for the full episode show notes.
My client Kenny found himself making good money but consistently owing more on his Amex than the amount of his paycheck. He decided he wanted to make a change and reached out for help. During our time working together, Kenny got out of that debt cycle, started intentionally planning his spending, and started saving more than ever before. In this episode, Kenny shares how he turned his finances around and his thoughts on the power of financial coaching. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/108 for the full episode show notes.
Lawyers are used to doing all the things and keeping track of it all in 6-minute increments. But achieving your financial goals is about more than just action. It's about becoming the person you need to become to achieve those goals. It requires decoupling your identity from your current results and identifying yourself as the person who has achieved the goals you want to achieve. In this episode, let's talk about why your identity is critical to your goals. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/107 for the full episode show notes.
If you're like many lawyers, you want to rush to achieve your financial goals as quickly as possible. You'd probably skip straight to the end goal if you could. But in focusing so much on the goal, you miss the most valuable part—the journey. In this episode, let's talk about the value of the journey and why it's more important than the goal itself. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/106 for the full episode show notes.
Many lawyers spend money without intention. We often say “yes” to one thing without thinking through what we're effectively saying "no" to. But every dollar you spend is a dollar you can’t use for something else. When you’re not intentional with your spending, you don't make the progress you could be making toward the things you truly value. In this episode, let’s talk about the trade-offs lawyers make with money and how to think about your spending decisions. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/105 for the full episode show notes.
We tend to have all kinds of thoughts related to money. Those thoughts can run the gamut from thoughts about the details of your financial situation to thoughts about yourself and your ability to manage your money. The key here is to differentiate those thoughts that are general, vague criticisms from those that relate to a specific, solvable problem. In this episode, we talk about the difference between those general criticisms and specific problems and the impact each can have on your ability to achieve your financial goals. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/104 for the full episode show notes.
The greatest investment you can make is in yourself. So often we invest our time and money into other things—social media, Netflix, Amazon—and neglect our own personal development. But when we invest in ourselves, we learn skills that pay dividends over our lifetime. And as we continue to apply those skills, our results compound. That's true especially with learning to manage your money well. In this episode, let's talk about why investing in yourself is the greatest investment and the compounding results of learning to manage your money well. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/103 for the full episode show notes.
One of the most unproductive things you can do as you're working to improve your finances is compare yourself to what other lawyers are doing or where you think you "should be" at this stage in life. It ends up making you feel terrible and ultimately leads to you either giving up on your goals or slowing your progress on your goals unnecessarily. In this episode, let's talk about why comparing yourself to others is so unproductive and what it looks like to stay in your own lane. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/102 for the full episode show notes.
Creating new results in any area requires becoming the person who has the results you want to create. In the transition from who you've been to who you're becoming, you will experience liminal moments—those moments along the journey that bring you closer to where you want to be or keep you where you are currently. In this episode, let's talk about liminal moments, including the tension many people experience in their liminal moments and the important role they play on your journey to better finances. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/101 for the full episode show notes.
We've talked many times before about how the way you think about money and the way you think about your ability to manage it play a huge part in the way you actually manage your money and whether you're able to achieve your goals. But have you ever examined your thoughts on these topics? How often do you intentionally direct yourself away from the thoughts you have that feel bad and toward new thoughts that feel more empowering? In this episode, I'm sharing some of my top thoughts about myself and about money. As you listen, I invite you to explore your own thoughts and adopt any of mine that feel good to you. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/100 for the full episode show notes.
The ability to direct and manage your cash flow gives you the ability to achieve any money goal you have. That ability comes from having a budget that works for you and that you will actually stick to. Your budget is the foundation for your entire money plan. In this episode, I’m sharing the training I did on this subject last month in my pop-up Facebook group, the April Money Reset. Even if you've heard me speak on the topic before, listen again from a fresh perspective and apply the teachings to create a strong foundation for your own money plan. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/99 for the full episode show notes.
If you've ever wondered how much you should be spending on the different categories of your budget, you're not alone. This is one of the top questions my clients ask me when we first start working together. In this episode, let's talk about why following what you “should” do often leads to undesired results and a better way to decide how much to spend on your budget categories. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/98 for the full episode show notes.
My client Alex felt confused with all the conflicting advice out there about how to manage his money. He also felt trapped by his student loans and didn't think he would be able to accomplish some of his life goals, like buying a house, until years down the line when he had paid them off. After working with me, those thoughts and feelings totally changed. In this episode, Alex and I chat about our work together, including how he shifted his view of money and checked off some of those life goals—while still paying off some of his debt—in less than a year. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/97 for the full episode show notes.
If you're looking to your financial situation to feel secure, you're not alone. So many lawyers think a larger bank account or higher income will make them feel more secure—but they're mistaken. In fact, seeking security in your financial situation often leads to never feeling satisfied with what you have. In this episode, let's talk about why looking to your financial situation to feel a certain way doesn't work and how to find security inside yourself instead. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/96 for the full episode show notes.
As lawyers, we often get really caught up in doing things the “right” way or wanting to make the “right” decision. But what if there is no right or wrong when it comes to personal finance? In fact, what if looking for the “right” way leads to spinning in indecision and not making progress? In this episode, let’s talk about why lawyers try to make the “right” decision, how it holds you back from the progress you want, and how to think about making decisions instead. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/95 for the full episode show notes.
So many of us live our lives on autopilot, going through the motions and not questioning anything or really being intentional about what we're doing. Awareness is recognizing your thought and behavior patterns and really questioning them and deciding if you want to keep them. When you bring awareness to the way you think about money and the way you spend your money, you will discover the most valuable data to help you achieve your financial goals. In this episode, let's talk about why awareness is so valuable and go through some exercises to bring awareness to the way you think about money and the way you spend your money. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/94 for the full episode show notes.
Sometimes when lawyers are thinking about getting control of their money, they focus on the things they don't like about the process and what they don't want to do. It's an un-useful exercise that hinders some from even getting started. In this episode, let's talk about why focusing on what you don't like or don't want to do keeps you from achieving your goals and a better place to focus your attention. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/93 for the full episode show notes.
One of the biggest misconceptions lawyers have about money and money management is that it has to be complicated. If you think money has to be complicated, you'll likely either avoid your finances altogether or make them more complicated than they have to be. In this episode, let's chat about what happens when we believe money is complicated, why money is actually very simple, and some tips to simplify your personal finances. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/92 for the full episode show notes.
Do you feel like you've tried everything to get your money under control, and nothing has worked? Many lawyers tell me some version of this statement. It's a very common sentiment, but it's also one of the most unhelpful things you can tell yourself when you're working to achieve your money goals. In this episode, let's talk about the actual belief underlying this statement, why it's holding you back from achieving your goals, and what to do instead. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/91 for the full episode show notes.
"I should already know how to do this." "I should be able to do this on my own." These thoughts come up a lot for lawyers with respect to money and many other areas of life. We often feel shame and embarrassment for seeking support because we're smart, so we shouldn't need it, right? But what if the smart thing is getting the help you need so you can actually get the thing done? In this episode, I'm sharing a few examples of the many times in my life I've sought support and how my clients benefit from seeking my support with their finances. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/90 for the full episode show notes.
My client Toni-Ann Mayembe felt so overwhelmed by her multiple-six-figure student debt and her $20,000+ credit card balances that she simply avoided them altogether. After struggling for some time and not making any progress, she reached out to me—a decision she says has changed her life forever. In this episode, Toni-Ann and I chat about our work together, including the biggest thing that helped her pay off all of her credit card debt and one of her student loans in only six months. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/89 for the full episode show notes.
When you try to take on too much before you have your finances in order, you will have a difficult time building a strong financial foundation for yourself. If all your money is going to other people and things, you won't have money available to strengthen your financial foundation, and a weak foundation can't hold much. In this episode, we chat about two situations in which I see lawyers taking on too much financially before building their own foundation and why it's important to strengthen your foundation before you take on other things. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/88 for the full episode show notes.
Every decision you've made to this point has led you to the life you have now. Often we look at where we are and think about all the things in the past that we wish we had done differently or that we regret. But we rarely take the time to look at all the things we've done that have gone right and all the good things our previous actions—mistakes and all—have led to. In this episode, we chat about being grateful for the previous versions of you and making decisions in the present that future versions of you will thank you for. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/87 for the full episode show notes.
There are two extremes when it comes to lawyers managing their money. On one side are the YOLO spenders—the lawyers who spend whatever without a plan or a thought about the future. On the other side are the penny-pinching spenders—the ones who tell themselves they can’t use their money for anything other than paying off debt, saving, and necessities. In this episode, let’s chat about why both extremes lead to negative consequences for your finances and a better way to manage your money. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/86 for the full episode show notes.
Many lawyers feel overwhelmed by their finances. For some, the overwhelm comes up regarding a particular financial goal, such as paying off their student loan debt. For others, it's a specific decision they want to make about their money. For still others, it's anything to do with managing their money. Overwhelm is a particularly un-useful emotion, and it will never lead to the finances you want. In this episode, let's chat about where overwhelm comes from, the situations it often presents in, and what to do to get out of it. Visit https://www.rhothomas.com/85 for the full episode show notes.
If you're not where you want to be with your finances—if you're truly honest with yourself—is it because you've given up on them? Often I hear from lawyers who started down the road of managing their money better at some point in the past but hit a setback along the way and never got back on track. They essentially gave up. But by giving up, you ensure your failure. If instead you keep going, you will inevitably achieve your goals. In this episode, I share my own money journey, including the ups, downs, twists, and turns that ultimately led to success with my finances and how you can make your own success inevitable. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/84 for the full episode show notes.
When it boils down to it, there are just three steps you need to take to improve your money. This three-step process is pretty simple and straightforward. It's exactly what I used to improve my own finances; it's what I work with my clients on; and if you implement it, you'll start to see the results you want to see with your money, as well. In this episode, I break down the three steps to better money and what makes this simple process feel difficult for lawyers. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/83 for the full episode show notes.
It's easy to conflate having a six-figure income with being wealthy. But they're not the same. In fact, your income doesn't have as much bearing on your ability to build wealth as you might think. In this episode, we're talking about the difference between income and wealth, why many lawyers who make a lot of money aren't wealthy, why some people who make less are, and why it's important to understand the distinction. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/82 for the full episode show notes.
Many of us spend a lot of time trying to manage what other people think about us. I see this come up for a lot of lawyers, and it bleeds into the way they manage their money. But what other people think is really none of your business. You can't control it, no matter how hard you try, and when you're focused on what someone else might think, you're not focused on yourself, what you want, and your goals. In this episode, we explore why trying to manage other people's thoughts is useless, how it impacts your money, and what to do instead. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/81 for the full episode show notes.
Often we set goals and don't ever look at them again or determine whether our efforts are working or not. We just keep doing the same things over and over again and staying in the same place year after year. Enter evaluations. Evaluations allow you to see whether your efforts are working, and if not, decide what you need to tweak to propel yourself forward in achieving your goals. In this episode, I'm teaching you the evaluation process I learned from my business coach that I've been implementing in all areas of my business and life for the last year. I share how the method works and give you some real-life evaluations from my clients and me to show you how to apply it. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/80 for the full episode show notes.
I hear it all the time. Lawyers tell me that something they're doing or something they have is not enough. It comes up especially in the context of money, where income, bonuses, savings, etc. can all seem insufficient. But the problem is when you're constantly telling yourself "it's not enough," you'll only continue to create the experience of "not enough." In this episode, we talk about why the thought "It's not enough" comes up for lawyers, some examples of how "not enough-ness" has shown up for some of my clients and for me, why it's so harmful, and an exercise to help you reframe the thought. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/79 for the full episode show notes.
Money can be an emotional topic for many people. This can sometimes make it difficult to access the logical side of your brain to make strategic decisions. The good thing is it’s easy to objectively measure specific monetary goals, which helps to take some of the emotion out of it. In this episode, we talk about separating the math of your goals from your thoughts and feelings about them and the benefits of this approach. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/78 for the full episode show notes.
The lawyers I talk to tend to think if they had more willpower, they’d be able to stick to their money plans and achieve their goals. It’s a common misconception. It doesn’t work and leads to you feeling exhausted and inevitably beating yourself up for failing yet again. In this episode, let’s talk about why willpower doesn’t work and what to try instead. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/77 for the full episode show notes.
Lawyers often believe that managing their money better means they have to deprive themselves of the things they enjoy. It’s a common reason that many people give up on their money goals—or never start in the first place. In this episode, we talk about why we do this and explore a different approach. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/76 for the full episode show notes.
Running up credit card debt. Not budgeting or saving. Spending more than we make. There are a lot of mistakes that we can make with money, but there’s one in particular that influences the others. In this episode, let’s chat about the biggest mistake lawyers make with money and how it plays out in our cashflow, debt, and savings and investments. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/75 for the full episode show notes. This is the final episode in a series of replays of my best episodes on budgeting and spending in preparation for my live budgeting workshop, Foundation of Wealth, happening on November 27, 2021. Get all the details at https://www.rhothomas.com/foundation.
When lawyers learn about a new concept, our Type A-ness often leads us to try to make sure we’re doing it “right.” When we’re learning to manage our money better, this can lead to going overboard and forgetting to live life in the process. (Ask me how I know…)
In this episode, let’s talk about why balancing our money goals with living in the present is so important, my own struggle with balance in the beginning of my family’s financial journey, plus a few questions you can ask yourself to help you strike the right balance for you. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/74 for the full episode show notes.
This episode is the third in a series of replays of my best episodes on budgeting and spending in preparation for my live budgeting workshop, Foundation of Wealth, happening on November 27, 2021. Get all the details at https://www.rhothomas.com/foundation.
Even among six-figure earners, building wealth is often difficult. In today’s episode, I’m sharing the #1 secret to building wealth, no matter your income. We talk about what the secret is, an example of how it works, and how you can apply it in your own life. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/73 for the full episode show notes.
This episode is the second in a series of replays of my best episodes on budgeting and spending in preparation for my live budgeting workshop, Foundation of Wealth, happening on November 27, 2021. Get all the details at https://www.rhothomas.com/foundation.
Achieving your money goals requires being intentional with your money, which starts with your budget. Your budget is simply your plan for how you'll use your money each month. In this episode, learn why lawyers need a budget, different budgeting styles, and tips for getting started with your budget. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/72 for the full episode show notes.
This episode is the first in a series of replays of my best episodes on budgeting and spending in preparation for my live budgeting workshop, Foundation of Wealth, happening on November 27, 2021. Get all the details at https://www.rhothomas.com/foundation.
Many lawyers believe they're not good with money. It often stems from black-and-white thinking, where we think we're failing if we're not completely perfect at something. But of course there are nuances in every situation, and your finances are no different. In this episode, we talk about how viewing yourself as bad with money affects the way you handle your money. Plus, we explore some ways you're already good with money. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/71 for the full episode show notes.
Often when I talk to lawyers about their finances, they describe them as if their finances are happening to them, and they don't even realize it. They talk about their money as if they have no control. But when you do that, you're setting yourself up to fail. In this episode, we talk about what happens when you believe your finances are outside of your control and how you can turn things around when you acknowledge the power you have over your money. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/70 for the full episode show notes.
In a society that's always looking for the next best thing—doing more, bigger, better—we often don't take the time to acknowledge our achievements. We accomplish something, and then we're immediately looking to the next thing because this thing that we've accomplished isn't enough. But slowing down to actually acknowledge and celebrate your achievements can lead to achieving more. Not acknowledging your achievements can lead to achieving less in the future. In this episode, we talk about some examples of achievements I haven't acknowledged in my own life, why it's important to celebrate your achievements, and a few tips to do just that. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/69 for the full episode show notes.
Many high-income earners, including many lawyers, don't have anything to show for the money they've made. It's such a common situation in the legal profession and beyond that there's a special acronym for people who fit this description: HENRY. Although it may be common for high-income earners to have a low net worth, it doesn't have to be that way. In this episode, we're talking about what HENRY means, why many lawyers fall into the HENRY category, and what to do if you find yourself here. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/68 for the full episode show notes.
Much of mainstream personal finance advice tells you to scrimp and save and hoard your money, so you can possibly have the privilege of enjoying it in 30-40 years. That's not sustainable. Instead, I believe in spending on things you enjoy while you work toward your money goals. In this episode, I share my personal experience with intentionally choosing to spend money on things I enjoy, why trying to deprive yourself until you hit your money goals doesn't work for most people, and why it's important to enjoy your money along the way. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/67 for the full episode show notes.
"I can't do it." It's such a common thought for many people, especially when learning to manage money for the first time or trying to create and stick to a budget for the tenth time. In this episode, we discuss why "I can't do it" is such a common thought, why it's not useful, and what to do about it. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/66 for the full episode show notes.
Many people fail to hit their money goals because they default to their normal money habits, which feel comfortable. But achieving your money goals often involves behaviors and habits that are different from the ones you're used to, which means there's inevitably some discomfort involved. In this episode, we talk about why your current habits feel more comfortable, the way you're prioritizing your comfort and your money goals, and some tips to stay on track with your money goals. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/65 for the full episode show notes.
My husband and I recently finished paying off almost $500,000 of student loan debt, which is a goal we've been working on for nearly 5 years. As I reflect on our journey, I've identified 6 lessons from our story that are applicable to money goals across the board. In this episode, I'm sharing some of the details of our journey to pay off almost half a million dollars of debt, 6 lessons from our story, and how you can apply them to your own money goals. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/64 for the full episode show notes.
As of September 3, 2021, I officially no longer practice law. After 7 years, I decided to leave. It's a pretty big identity shift for me, and I feel a range of emotions, but overall, I'm excited for what's to come. In this episode, I unpack why I decided to leave, my thoughts and feelings about leaving, other people's thoughts about me leaving, and why I decided to share this episode. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/63 for the full episode show notes.
Lawyers have a tendency to overthink and want to research and analyze and consume more and more information to find the "right" answer. We're really good at learning, and sometimes we tell ourselves we're making progress with all our research and information gathering, when really we're trying to avoid taking action. In this episode, we talk about why we tend to spend so much time learning and why learning is not as valuable as doing. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/62 for the full episode show notes.
As a lawyer, you likely tend to strive for perfection in everything you do. This can often look like thinking that you're not doing enough or that you should be reaching your goals faster. But this line of thinking is really reflection of a lack of self-love and self-compassion and leads to negative results in your life. In this episode, we explore an example of how this shows up in the context of your finances, some reasons why not practicing self-love is problematic for your money goals, and some tips to show yourself love more often. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/61 for the full episode show notes.
Often we try to control things that are outside our control or we completely give our power away and believe that our lives are at the mercy of external forces. Both extremes are unhealthy and can lead to undesired results in your finances. In this episode, we talk about both extremes, specific things you can't control in your life, specific things you can control in your life, and some examples of how all of it relates to your money. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/60 for the full episode show notes.
Lawyers are no strangers to the concept of delayed gratification. Even with all our experience with delaying gratification to become lawyers, we sometimes have trouble delaying gratification once we actually reach that milestone and start making money. In this episode, we talk about what delayed gratification is and why we sometimes have trouble delaying gratification, and we explore two examples of how delaying gratification can positively impact our finances and ability to build wealth. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/59 for the full episode show notes.
Many lawyers conflate their needs and wants. Many also spend on things they neither need nor want. Both lead to overspending and other undesired results with our money. In this episode, we're talking about what needs and wants are, why it's important to distinguish between them, and some tips for identifying what you actually need and want and cutting what you don't. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/58 for the full episode show notes.
Money is one of the most prominent things in our lives. It touches almost everything we do, but it's one of the least talked about topics. In this episode, we explore why people avoid talking about money, why talking about money is important, and how to start having more conversations about money. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/57 for the full episode show notes.
After a year of podcasting, I’ve shared a lot of information, made a lot of mistakes, and heard from a lot of you about how you’re applying this information to your life. I’ve also learned a few things over the last year. In this episode, let’s talk about where the podcast stands after a year, some things you’ve accomplished this year because of the podcast, and 4 lessons I've learned that you can apply to your money and your life. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/56 for the full episode show notes.
Three words have become an almost automatic response to challenging or new situations. They lead to confusion and inaction, and they're holding you back from what you want. In this episode, let's talk about what these three words are, why we say them, and what we can say instead. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/55 for the full episode show notes.
We talk a lot about money mindset, but we don't give as much attention to the role emotions play in managing our money. How we feel has a lot to do with the results we have with our money. In this episode, we explore how emotions affect our behavior, the importance of recognizing our emotions in relation to our money, and common emotions around money. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/54 for the full episode show notes.
We know that some people set and achieve their goals, while others keep talking about (but never actually doing) the same things year after year. The people who accomplish what they say they want to do are committed. Those who don’t may only be interested. In this episode, we talk about the difference between interest and commitment, the characteristics of each, and some questions to ask yourself as you consider your goals. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/53 for the full episode show notes.
Many of us are living on autopilot, making decisions and taking action based on what feels good or what's comfortable. This is reactive living, and it’s hard to make the progress you want to make in any area—especially with your money—when you’re being reactive. In this episode, we talk about what "reactive" means, the role our brains play in being reactive, how reactivity shows up in our money, and how you can be more proactive with your money. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/52 for the full episode show notes.
How often have you said the statement "I can't afford it"? It's almost an automatic statement when we're presented with something that we perceive to be expensive that we don't typically buy or we're not used to spending money on. But it's often not true. In today's episode we discuss why "I can't afford it" is a harmful way of thinking and look at two alternative perspectives you can consider. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/51 for the full episode show notes.
Friendly reminder that money has no inherent meaning. Whether it's your salary, how much debt you have, the balance in your checking or savings account, or something else, they're all just numbers. Different people will think about those numbers differently, and ultimately, the way you think about them shapes your financial results. In this episode, we explore a few real-life examples that illustrate this point and go through an exercise to help you uncover some of your thoughts about money. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/50 for the full episode show notes.
Often in life we resist our current circumstances, looking ahead to some point in the future when we imagine life will be better. Resistance is a choice, and it causes you to feel more discomfort and make less progress than if you accepted your current circumstances. In this episode, we dive into resistance to current circumstances and why acceptance is the better option. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/49 for the full episode show notes.
Our society is big on multitasking. But when we try to do multiple things at once, we're not able to do any of them in the best way. This includes our money goals. In this episode, we talk about why focus is the best way to make progress on any particular goal. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/48 for the full episode show notes.
There's no shortage of personal finance advice out there. If you want to learn how to manage your money and build wealth, there are plenty of resources available to you. But many of those resources have the same thing in common. And it's a problem. In this episode, I share the problem I have with traditional personal finance advice and the best money advice I received over 10 years ago and have taken with me ever since. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/47 for the full episode show notes.
It's common for many of us in the legal profession to bring in a healthy income and still struggle financially. It's also common to have little control of our time. But your money and your time are linked. Learning to manage your money well is a major key to gaining more flexibility and control of your time. In this episode, I share my own story of making good money and having little to show for it, reasons why this happens, and what to do if you find yourself in that place. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/46 for the full episode show notes.
The world has experienced a lot of discomfort in the last year after coming face-to-face with the realities of the Black American experience—which have been hidden in plain sight for centuries—during a pandemic when there was little else to focus on. In the wake of the Derek Chauvin verdict, I'm reflecting on facets of Black history, how they impact money in the Black community, and changing the narrative to accomplish your money goals and leave a legacy. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/45 for the full episode show notes.
Most of the "factual observations" we have about ourselves and the world around us aren't facts at all. Really, they're stories we've created about ourselves and the world through our interpretation of the facts and neutral circumstances we encounter. Often these stories don't serve us and lead to us not getting the results we want in our lives, including with our money. In this episode, we dive into some examples of stories that don't serve us and explore how to change the stories we tell ourselves to get the results we want. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/44 for the full episode show notes.
If there's one thing that law and personal finance have in common, it's that the right answer is often "it depends."
So many of us look outside ourselves for the "right" way to do things with our money, but there's no one-size-fits-all solution. It truly depends on the individual.
If you ask three different people the best way to pay off debt or which savings account is the best one, you'll probably get three different answers.
Each of those three people bring their own thoughts, emotions, and experiences to their responses.
Plus, you have your own thoughts, emotions, and experiences that color the way you receive their advice.
In this episode, we dive deeper into this topic and talk about why personal finance truly is personal and what not to do as you're learning about your money. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/43 for the full episode show notes.
We talk a lot about being in the right mindset to reach our goals. This is absolutely an important part of the process, but we can't neglect the action piece. As a lawyer, you probably spend way too much time preparing before you actually do a thing. (I know it's not just me...) If you find yourself thinking, researching, and preparing more than doing, this episode is for you. We dive into some of the reasons we often hesitate to take action and a couple of tips to help you take the action you need to take to reach your goals. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/42 for the full episode show notes.
Mindset is key to making progress in every area of our lives, including our money. Because of the way we're socialized, many people tend to have a fixed mindset around money, which leads to undesired results. In this episode, we dive into some of the characteristics of a fixed mindset vs. a growth mindset and how each plays out in relation to our money. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/41 for the full episode show notes.
How many times have you heard or said the words, "I'm so far behind"? It comes up for many lawyers at various points in our lives, but it's just a thought, and not a very useful one. In this episode, we dive into where this thought comes from, why it's problematic, and what we can do instead. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/40 for the full episode show notes.
We all know that life can throw some unexpected things at us. You want to be prepared when it does. Having an emergency fund is one way to prepare for the unexpected. Plus, your emergency fund brings you one step closer to freedom because it reduces your reliance on your income. In this episode, we explore what an emergency fund is, how much to have in your emergency fund, where to keep your emergency fund, and what to do if you don't have one. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/39 for the full episode show notes.
We all know that goals help guide us and move us forward in life. Some of us, though, struggle to make the progress we want, even as we set goals. If that's you, this episode provides 8 tips to help you set better, more actionable goals to achieve the success you’re looking for in whatever area of your life. Visit https://www.rhothomas.com/38 for the full episode show notes.
The personal finance world puts so much focus on numbers and actions. But looking at our money from a purely mathematical and action-oriented standpoint misses the most crucial part of the picture: your money mindset. Your results with your money always stem from your thoughts about money. What results are your thoughts leading to? In this episode, we dive into the importance of our thoughts in achieving the money goals we set for ourselves and how to change your thoughts if you're not getting the results you want. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/37 for the full episode show notes.
Running up credit card debt. Not budgeting or saving. Spending more than we make. There are a lot of mistakes that we can make with money, but there's one in particular that influences the others. In this episode, let's chat about the biggest mistake lawyers make with money and how it plays out in our cashflow, debt, and savings and investments. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/36 for the full episode show notes.
When lawyers learn about a new concept, our Type A-ness often leads us to try to make sure we're doing it "right." When we're learning to manage our money better, this can lead to going overboard and forgetting to live life in the process. (Ask me how I know...) In this episode, let's talk about why balancing our money goals with living in the present is so important, my own struggle with balance in the beginning of my family's financial journey, plus a few questions you can ask yourself to help you strike the right balance for you. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/35 for the full episode show notes.
Have you ever found yourself saying, "I work hard. I deserve it."? If so, you're not alone. It's a common statement from lawyers and other professionals alike. Let's talk about two reasons we often say things like this, the effect it can have on our lives and money, and some tips for what to do instead. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/34 for the full episode show notes.
Short-term goals are familiar to most lawyers. Our days tend to be driven by deadlines, fire drills, and other things that need to be completed in the near future. But what about big goals that will take much longer to complete? Often, these goals are more personal and may be more meaningful to us, such as our financial goals, but they sometimes can feel overwhelming or impossible. If you're finding it hard to stay motivated as you work toward a big goal, this episode is for you. I'm sharing my own struggles with staying motivated to reach one of my big goals plus three tips to keep you motivated on your journey. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/33 for the full episode show notes.
Lawyers often get stuck in indecision, but it costs us much more than we realize. Living life by design necessarily requires intentional decision-making. In this episode, let's talk about why we struggle to make decisions, why it's problematic, and a simple trick you can use to help yourself make your next decision. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/32 for the full episode show notes.
It’s so common for people to spend more as they make more. This is called lifestyle inflation, and it’s the main reason so many lawyers live paycheck to paycheck. Left unchecked, lifestyle inflation will block any chance you have of becoming financial independent and getting the control of your time you’re seeking. In this episode, we’ll talk more about what lifestyle inflation is, why it’s such a problem, and how to avoid it. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/31 for the full episode show notes.
We often put a lot of weight on financial numbers that don't give any true indication of how we're doing financially. We learn pretty early on to value these numbers because they're "important." But we often ignore the one that matters most. In this episode, we're going to talk about the two most common irrelevant numbers we tend to focus on and the one that actually matters. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/30 for the full episode show notes.
Do you struggle to reach the goals you set? Maybe you start off great, but then fall off a few weeks or months in. If that’s you, you want to hear this. In this episode, we’ll talk about a really simple concept to help you turn things around and actually reach your goals. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/29 for the full episode show notes.
If you've been following me for any length of time, you're probably aiming to be more intentional about how you live your life. For most of us, that means creating different results than the ones we've gotten to this point. But how do you do that? In today's episode, we dive into the secret to creating different results in our lives and how this one shift changes everything. Head to rhothomas.com/28 for the full episode show notes.
Merry Christmas! Hap-py hol-i-days! (I hope you sang that like *NSYNC btw...) 2020 has been a wild ride. What lessons have you learned from this year that you will take with you going forward? In today's episode, let's look back on this year and talk about making intentional plans for your life for the upcoming year. Head to rhothomas.com/27 for the full episode show notes.
We often think we'll be happier when we reach certain goals in life. But when you're constantly waiting for some magical point in the future to finally live the life you want, you'll never be happy. In this episode, we talk about why we do this and what to do instead. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/26 for the full episode show notes.
Are you struggling with student loans from your law degree? Do you want to know the fastest way to pay them off? In this episode, I take you through the exact method my husband and I used to pay off over $400,000 of debt and why it works. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/25 for the full episode show notes.
Do you ever shame yourself for mistakes? You're not alone. It’s common for lawyers especially, but in today's episode, we get into why shaming ourselves is unproductive and often leads to undesired results. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/24 for the full episode show notes.
Have you ever wondered if your budget is in line with other people's budgets? If you're unsure if your numbers are normal, I'll tell you--there's no such thing as "normal." Each individual is different, and what works for one person may not work for you. But if you want an inside look at how we budget our money for our 4-person household, this is the episode for you. Head to https://www.rhothomas.com/23 for the full episode show notes.
There's one thing keeping you from paying off your debt or reaching your other goals. The good thing, though, is you have absolute control over it and can change it to get the results you want. In today's episode, we explore what that is, how it plays out, and what you can do to fix it. Visit https://www.rhothomas.com/22 for the full episode show notes.
There’s so much stress and strife over money in many marriages. Money issues are one of the leading causes of divorce in America. But money doesn’t have to be so hard. In this episode, we talk about how to stop money fights and some tips to get on the same page with your spouse. Visit https://www.rhothomas.com/21 for the full episode show notes.
The end of the year tends to be a time where we focus on hustling and grinding more to "finish the year strong." What if we put that same focus on rest, which lawyers often neglect? In today's episode, we talk about why Americans—and lawyers in particular—don't value rest, the problems that come from not resting, and tips to make more time for rest. Visit https://www.rhothomas.com/20 for the full episode show notes.
Even among six-figure earners, building wealth is often difficult. In today’s episode, I’m sharing the #1 secret to building wealth, no matter your income. We talk about what the secret is, an example of how it works, and how you can apply it in your own life. Visit https://www.rhothomas.com/19 for the full episode show notes.
We often fall into the slump of living life without intention. Just going through the motions doing what’s expected or what’s socially acceptable. But what if you stopped living your life by default? How do you even do that? Today’s episode dives into why so many people live life by default and how to turn things around and figure out what you want for your life. Visit https://www.rhothomas.com/18 for the full episode show notes.
Learning how to be intentional with your money is key when you want to achieve a goal like lifestyle freedom, and that starts with budgeting. I highly recommend zero-based budgeting, which means you allocate every dollar of income each month to an expense or goal. If you’re not sure how to get started with a zero-based budget, this is the episode for you. We go through why budgeting is important, an overview of zero-based budgeting, and walk through how to create your own budget using my free budget template, which you can get at https://www.rhothomas.com/budget. Visit https://www.rhothomas.com/17 for the full episode show notes. And if you need personalized help with creating your budget, head to https://www.rhothomas.com/coaching to schedule a one-hour strategy session with me.
We have a tendency these days to let work take over our lives. It used to be that work was just something we did—a small part of who we are—but now we wrap our entire identities up in what we do for a living. We make work such a central part of our lives that in many cases it's to the point of idolatry. In this episode, we explore the role work plays in our lives, signs that work has become an idol, and how to turn things around. Visit https://www.rhothomas.com/16 for the full episode show notes.
Do you know how much you’re paying each month for subscription services? If you’re like many Americans, it’s a lot more than you think. The thing is your subscription services might be hindering your financial progress, especially if you’re trying to reach a goal like financial independence. In this episode, we dive into how subscription services relate to financial independence and lifestyle freedom, the average monthly cost of subscription services, why so many companies like the subscription model, and tips to audit your subscriptions. Visit https://www.rhothomas.com/15 for the full episode show notes.
Tomorrow is not promised. But we tend to prioritize things that are ultimately unimportant in the grand scheme of life over the people and things that matter most to us. In today’s episode, let’s explore this tendency to put off the things we really care about and how we can live more fully and intentionally now. Visit https://www.rhothomas.com/14 for the full episode show notes.
We have so many thoughts and ideas around wealth and what it really means. We often think it’s all about making a lot of money and buying a lot of things. But that’s not true. In today’s episode, we’ll explore the relationship between income and wealth, how lifestyle choices impact wealth, and what wealth is really all about. Visit https://www.rhothomas.com/13 for the full episode show notes.
We often fall into the trap of believing that we don't have control of our lives. We feel that our lives are happening to us and that we're powerless to change them. Meanwhile, others are taking control of their lives, achieving amazing things, and living the lives they want. In this episode, I discuss 4 reasons why you may feel like you have no control in your life and the power of taking personal responsibility for your circumstances. Visit https://www.rhothomas.com/12 for the full episode show notes.
Americans collectively owe nearly $1.6 trillion dollars just in student loan debt. Although the average student loan balance is a little over $30,000, lawyers tend to carry six-figure loan burdens. Because of that burden, student loans are often a major factor in many lawyers' decisions and hold many of us back from living life on our terms. This episode discusses (1) my husband's and my debt story, (2) your mindset and your debt, (3) how your debt is holding you back from what you really want in life, and (4) the best way to tackle your debt. Visit https://www.rhothomas.com/11 for the full episode show notes.
We're taught from a young age to strive for success and that success equals money, status, and material possessions. But many lawyers achieve all those things and are still miserable. Turns out traditional markers of success aren't the ultimate reward people often believe them to be. Today's episode explores success and some common misconceptions around it. We discuss:
Visit https://www.rhothomas.com/10 for the full episode show notes.
Many people believe that because lawyers make decent money, we easily build wealth. But that’s not always the case. In fact many lawyers and other high-income earners struggle to build wealth, and there are a number of mindsets and behaviors that play into this. Today, we’ll talk about:
Visit https://www.rhothomas.com/9 for the full episode show notes.
When’s the last time you put yourself first? Lawyers have so many demands on our time, and with all we have going on, it’s so easy for us to forget about ourselves. But if we’re going to take back control of our time, we have to make ourselves a priority. So today we'll discuss
Visit https://www.rhothomas.com/8 for the full episode show notes.
Many lawyers believe they don't need to budget, but that's a big mistake. Yes, a larger income gives you more wiggle room in your spending, but it also allows for much bigger mistakes. When you're trying to achieve goals like financial independence and lifestyle freedom, one of the major keys is being intentional with your money, which starts with budgeting. So we'll talk about
Visit https://www.rhothomas.com/7 for the full episode show notes.
If you're a busy lawyer who feels like work is taking over your life, you're not alone. It's pretty common in the legal profession, and unless we have the proper strategies in place, it's easy to see why work is consuming our lives. So how can we stop it? You're about to find out. In this episode, we discuss this common problem in the legal profession and the key to turning everything around—setting better boundaries. We talk about
Visit https://www.rhothomas.com/6 for the full episode show notes.
For lawyers seeking lifestyle freedom, financial independence is key because it removes your dependence on your job and provides options you wouldn't otherwise have. In seeking financial independence, you are buying back your time and regaining control in your life. In episode 3, we talked about why every lawyer should be seeking financial independence. This week, we'll walk through 4 steps to actually get you started on your financial independence journey. We explore
Visit https://www.rhothomas.com/5 for the full episode show notes.
Lawyers invest a lot of time and money in becoming lawyers and spend a lot of time practicing law. It's easy, then, for us to wrap our identities into our profession and lose our sense of self. This causes all kinds of problems.
In today's episode, we'll discuss
Visit https://www.rhothomas.com/4 for the full episode show notes.
Financial independence is key in achieving lifestyle freedom because it removes the money concerns that often keep us stuck. Finding the financial independence movement was huge for my husband and me, and I'm excited to introduce the concept to you. Today, we'll discuss
Visit https://www.rhothomas.com/3 for the full episode show notes.
People often struggle to make progress in their lives, and lawyers are no exception. The issue, though, is we typically look at the wrong things to try to resolve our problems and get back on track. In today's episode, we'll
Visit https://www.rhothomas.com/2 for the full episode show notes.
In this first episode of Wealthyesque, I'm sharing my story. You'll learn
Plus, I share why I created this podcast and what you can expect going forward.
Visit https://www.rhothomas.com/1 for the full episode show notes.
As a busy wife, mom, and former Biglaw associate, I know all too well the common struggle to balance life and the law.
I believe that true wealth is having control of your time, but you can’t achieve true wealth when your finances are a mess.
Too many lawyers make more money than they ever have before and have nothing to show for it.
My mission is to help you master your money so you can create freedom and choice in your life.
Join me each week as I share the mindset and money strategies you need to improve your finances and unlock the power that comes with having complete control of your money.
Schedule a consultation: https://www.rhothomas.com/call
Connect with me on social media
Email: hello@rhothomas.com