The Finance Diaries

My dearest TFD Baddies,We've talked about how to learn when someone is trying to sell something to us. We talked about budgets. But how do we stop ourselves from buying things we don't need?Well the answer is that it's all related.Let's dive innnnnPS here's the budget tracker link I promised: https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/1498517759/updated-2025-budget-and-sinking-fundLove,Stephaniexoxox This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefinancediaries.substack.com

My dearest TFD baddies,There are no more excuses. We're getting to tackling that debt right now, today. I believe in you and you've got this.Budget Template found here: https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/1498517759/updated-2025-budget-and-sinking-fundLove,Stephaniexoxo This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefinancediaries.substack.com

My dearest TFD Baddies,Welcome BACK. Look at me consistently posting and doing my best (almost like it's been my goal lately…)Today is Goal Talk. We're talking about making goals, accomplishing them, or even CANCELING them and pivoting…which is totally okay to do.Here are a few things I referred to as affiliate links:Budget Tracker: My Budget Tracker TemplateAmerican Express Marriott Bonvoy: Only Apply If You Responsibly Use Credit Cards Rakuten (cash back on online shopping): Canada Link, US Link This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefinancediaries.substack.com

My Dearest TFD Baddies,Health is something that can be controlled, and also something that cannot be controlled. It's essential to do everything we can to live long healthy lives, taking preventative measures and good care of ourselves. This includes getting disability insurance. Get Disability Insurance here (affiliate link with trusted partners).Let's dive into today's episode on controlling allll we can control when it comes to our health!Love,StephanieXoxoxox This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefinancediaries.substack.com

My Dearest TFD Baddies,One thing I've learned in my life is that someone is always trying to sell you something. Personally, I'm always making disclaimers and letting you know when I'm sharing an affiliate link, but not everyone does. So how to recognise these instances and know WHEN to spend your money, and when to say “no thank you” and move on? Let's dive in.Yours in financial empowerment alwayssssss,Stephanie xoxoxoxox This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefinancediaries.substack.com

My dearest TFD Baddies,When you're learning about financial education, there are just so many resources. There are sooo many opinions (none of which are not necessarily wrong!), but how do you decide what you want to pursue?I love learning new perspectives, but it does get confusing. I love my Ramsey Show, but I also love listening to those pursuing the FIRE movement. Those are two pretty conflicting perspectives, so how do I deal with it?Listen to today's episodes and find out!Yours in financial empowerment always,Stephaniexoxox This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefinancediaries.substack.com

My dearest TFD Baddies,You guys are alwayssss asking me how to make crazy Airbnb money. The thing is, it's definitely stressful. But it's also very rewarding at the end of the day.Here are my secrets on how to succeed, including a less successful story of where things can go wrong.Enjoy!Stephaniexoxoxoxo This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefinancediaries.substack.com

My Dearest TFD Baddies,It sounds like it's impossible, doesn't everyone go over budget?Well with my formula, it's entirely possible. Share this with a friend getting married, it will definitely help them!Weddings don't need to break the bank.Yours in financial empowerment always,Stephaniexoxoxox This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefinancediaries.substack.com

Dearest TFD Baddies,We aren't making excuses anymore. We can't afford to.Instead, we're taking control of our life and future and diving in on ways to overcome setbacks and obstacles.You've got this

My Dearest TFD Baddies,The last year has been… transformative to say the least. While things in my life have been changing, it's been important to work on feeling happy, peaceful, healthy and wealthy.That can be easier said than done, but I am sharing my tips on how I have laser-focused on working on each of the cogs in my life.All my love,Stephanie xoxo This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefinancediaries.substack.com

My dearest TFD Baddies,Travel season is upon us (did it really ever end? idk). Something about Summer and the warm weather gets everyone wanting to zip in an aeroplane to somewhere great.Let's jump into how exactly to do this, while saving loads of money along the way.What's on your Summer travel list?Yours in financial empowerment always,Stephaniexxoxoox This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefinancediaries.substack.com

My Dearest TFD Baddies,We are back with another podcast to help you stay on track with alllll of your goals. The financial goals as well as the personal (relationship, friendship, social, life, etc.) can all be so overwhelming, so here is my method of dealing with them!Yours in financial empowerment always,Stephaniexoxoxox This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefinancediaries.substack.com

My dearest TFD baddies,Here we go again with a popular topic: choosing investments! I obviously cannot tell you WHAT exactly to invest in, but I sure can help guide you in finding the best investments for your own portfolio.What's been your favourite investment?Love,Stephanie xoxops: here is the house i'm talking about: https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/34507-Venturi-Ave-Beaumont-CA-92223/95906782_zpid/?utm_source=txtshare_v1a This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefinancediaries.substack.com

My dearest TFD baddies,Have you been struggling with kicking off improving your money situation? Look no further, I'm here to help

My dearest TFD baddies,I'm back. Delayed but back (haha - oops sorry!)We're so looking forward to our wedding this summer, and I've gotten soooo many questions about the planning process, the budgeting, the details of it all. So without further ado: here it is ! The wedding tell - allLove,Stephanie xoxoxoxo This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefinancediaries.substack.com

My dearest TFD baddies,It has been oh so long. But here we go, let's dive right into it: how do I know without a shadow of a doubt that my goals and dreams will be accomplished?Enjoy.Love,Stephanie xoxo This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefinancediaries.substack.com

Including the link to the article here about how we don't just buy one luxury good.Stephanie xoxo This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefinancediaries.substack.com

My dearest TFD Baddies,Ohhhhh the things we look back on and wish we did differently.Well, I made the mistakes so you don't have to.Hope you enjoy this episode, let me know what you wish you'd done sooner in the comments!Love,Stephanie xoxo This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefinancediaries.substack.com

My dearest TFD Baddies,Jordan and I are BACK for another duo-hosted podcast about other people and OUR money.Let us know what you think in the comments!Stephanie and Jordanxoxo This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefinancediaries.substack.com

Dear Diary,I'm so excited to feature my new (temporary - maybe permanent??) podcast co-host Jordan!I love this story because it's exactly my goal I had in mind when I started The Finance Diaries: to create a place where you're encouraged to grow in your personal finance journey. Jordan is the perfect example of this. I'm not going to spoil any more of it because you can tune in and hear for yourself… but here we go for Money Lessons We Wish We Knew Earlier.Enjoy this slightly choppy podcast as I took some back rest breaks along the way. Editing will get better over time (hopefully)Yours in financial empowerment always,Stephanie xoxo This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefinancediaries.substack.com

Helloooooo. I am so late on posting a podcast and I will explain why you haven't heard from me in a bit.This episode is essentially a 30 min look into my ADHD brain.Let's dive in!As always, you can find more here on Instagram @thefinancediaries and on TikTok @thefinancediaries

Dearest Finance Diaries baddies,We find themselves in a world filled with diverse opportunities and challenges. This podcast/blog post aims to provide a quick overview guide on setting realistic and measurable [financial] goals.How To Set Goals You'll Actually Accomplish:* Decide on Your Values and Priorities:* Begin by reflecting on your values and priorities. Consider what matters most to you – whether it's spending time with a family, a huge investment portfolio, travel, entrepreneurship, or philanthropy. Aligning your goals with your values ensures meaningful pursuit.* Categorise Your Goals:* Categorise your financial goals into short-term, medium-term, and long-term. Short-term goals might include building an emergency fund or paying off high-interest debt, while long-term goals could involve saving for a home or retirement.* Make Goals SMART:* Apply the SMART criteria to your goals – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For instance, instead of a vague goal like "saving money," specify "saving $5,000 for an emergency fund within 12 months."* Consider Your Financial Situation:* Be realistic about your current financial situation. Assess your income, expenses, and existing commitments. Setting goals within your means ensures a higher likelihood of success.* Prioritise Goals:* Prioritise your goals based on urgency and importance. Addressing high-priority goals first establishes a strong foundation for your financial journey.You've got this, I believe in you!Product of the week: This incredible renter-friendly wall sconce set (USB chargeable). My rental lacked a light in the laundry room and this was the perfect addition. I got it last week and it saved me from a veryyyy expensive electrician job.Love,StephaniePS: Tell me in the comments what your first short term SMART goal is! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefinancediaries.substack.com

What's In and what's Out in 2024? No no no, that's just too much.Let's learn how to set yourself up properly to accomplish (or make steps towards) the impossible goals of 2024 and beyond.As always, you can find more here on Instagram @thefinancediaries and on TikTok @thefinancediaries

How is debt so incredibly common but so uncommon to talk about? It can become so debilitating to even THINK about the amount of debt hanging over us, but it is possible to get rid of it...and fast.Let's dive into what seems like an impossible idea: getting rid of debt ASAP.As always, you can find more here on Instagram @thefinancediaries and on TikTok @thefinancediaries

Season of "The Impossible" Episode 3, featuring the most EXCITING fun happy business and business owner you could find.Diving into how Denver found the inspiration, motivation, marketing, and mentorship to have the happiest work she could have...while working to financial freedom!Follow Denver on all socials at @CalledToParty As always, you can find more here on Instagram @thefinancediaries and on TikTok @thefinancediaries

I thought self-managing 2 STRs was tough. I couldn't even imagine 3....yet Connor Cushman self manages FIVE short term rentals. Today we talk buying, scaling, and management tools with Connor. Yet another investor who defies the "impossible"Find him on socials @CushmanHomesAs always, you can find more here on Instagram @thefinancediaries and on TikTok @thefinancediaries

The Finance Diaries Season 4 focuses on all things considered "impossible". From getting out of debt, to starting successful businesses, to doing things out of the norm. This season takes the "im" out of impossible, let's dive in.Jordan is the kind of real estate investor that doesn't have any fear or doubts. His personal motto is to forge ahead with full steam and never take no for an answer, what a perfect first guest to kick off the series!As always, you can find more here on Instagram @thefinancediaries and on TikTok @thefinancediaries

Coming in as a very belated Part 2 of the Relationships and Finances podcast (re: episode 22), here is a discussion on planning relationship goals!As always, you can find more here on Instagram @thefinancediaries and on TikTok @thefinancediaries

I heard the expression "biting off more than you can chew"?I'd heard it plenty but never found it relevant...until now.Let's dive inAs always, you can find more here on Instagram @thefinancediaries and on TikTok @thefinancediaries

Diving into why I decided to invest in Nova Scotia / Halifax / HRM, and why I continue to feel good about investing there.We can't invest in something just because someone told us to. We always need to draw our own conclusions and gather as much information as possible.As always, you can find more here on Instagram @thefinancediaries and on TikTok @thefinancediaries

Have you ever wondered how someone can start investing locally and grow to investing internationally? How they get the money? Do they do it alone? With partners?Manny Shiferaw did this, and is an amazing story to listen to!Tune in to hear about- Nursing turned investor- Growing real estate from a house hack to an international investor- Property management- and more tid bits!@shifproperties on Instagram@mannyshif on TikTok!As always, you can find more here on Instagram @thefinancediaries and on TikTok @thefinancediaries

Big or small project: you want someone reliable, with any applicable license, and someone honest.Learn from my mistakes...As always, you can find more here on Instagram @thefinancediaries and on TikTok @thefinancediaries

Hello, it's me: your seasoned STR professional.I'm here to help you navigate the things that it took me a while to learn and perfect in order to be a top-performing Short Term Rental host!

Being a bridesmaid is EXPENSIVE, getting asked is a huge honour... but do you have to say yes?Talking all things wedding finances:- Wedding Budgets- Wedding Gifts- and Saying no to attending Bachelorettes / Bridal Showers / Weddings

I decided to go with a tenant that doesn't fit my typical criteria. How do you pick a tenant? What is the typical criteria? How is this situation different?Tune in to find out

Barely able to afford your own house, or even think of it? How ON EARTH is anyone able to buy more than one? Well, it's somewhat easy. Maybe easier said than done, but definitely easy to understand!Let's dive in

Revisiting the concept that "you are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with" using some concrete examples of both my good and bad experiences.How can you apply this to your life? Let's dive in

You asked, I tell!Have any questions for the next Q&A? Send me them on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/thefinancediaries/?hl=en) or by email thefinancediaries@gmail.comAs promised, here is my referral link: https://my.wealthsimple.com/app/public/trade-referral-signup?code=I68_3Q

One day, I had a realisation about my finances. It was truly the moment that altered my financial future entirely. I realised that what I was doing wasn't sparking joy, and it left me feeling like I was on autopilot. I didn't like the feeling, so I changed things.Sometimes we just have these moments: thoughts and/or feelings that alter the path of our lives. How can we have these feelings? How can they change us? Let's dive in 

We all have some degree of privilege yes. Some more than others, yes.BUT that  being said, privilege doesn't mean you'll be successful. Just the same as having less privilege doesn't mean you'll be unsuccessful. While privilege certainly does help tremendously (like starting a race earlier than your competitors), it doesn't mean you'll get ahead (especially if you're not even starting the race haha)Let's talk about the kind of work you can do to "be lucky" and what I've done to "be lucky" (while taking my privilege into account)

Okay, so I've been telling you all I'd try to piece my opinion together on Nova Scotia's rental increase caps, fixed term leases, and the short term rental ban in Halifax. I had to take some time to get my opinion together and make it (somewhat) cohesive.The truth is, I've seen the end result in Halifax for the rental/housing market.I'm not clairvoyant, but I've seen Montreal experience the same thing, with a sad sad ending for landlords, homebuyers AND renters.

Any sort of financial change might make you nervous: - Changing your financial habits to address debt- Starting to invest in the stock market- Buying your first rental property- Etc. etc. etc.But how do some people just thrive at the thought of change and stay calm, cool and collected? Find out in today's podcast

Whyyyy so much stigma on trades? Here's the tea. Trades are:- Lucrative- Stable- Needed EVERYWHEREShould you go to uni? grad school? trade school?Let's talk about it!

The concept of "paying yourself first" isn't new, but it comes up a lot recently on social media!It is infrequently applied, but is it worth it?I think so!

How do I deal with feeling unmotivated (yes, it happens to me frequently)? How do you get back on track, or even pivot towards a new goal?Let's discuss

Do you spend every cent you make? Or do you invest every dollar you make?There's a happy medium that I have found. Let's dive in

Everyone has heard financial advice from someone. Whether its good advice or not, that's up to you to find out.Let's look into a few I've heard and that I practice, and learn how to be more critical before accepting "advice"!

Why do we spend money? Have you ever wondered why your credit card bill is so high, or why you have no money in your bank account? Maybe you make good money but don't understand where it's all going.Let's talk about that

It's something we probably all thought about: what would I change if I could go back in time? Truth be told, I don't actually want to change anything because it led me to where I am today, and I am so incredibly happy and bless in my life BH.BUT...things I'll teach my kids one day to be aware of? Things I wish I knew sooner? Things that might be helpful to another person? This is the podcast for you.As always, this is merely my own opinion and not financial advice. Enjoy :)

Do you ever stop and ask yourself "What On Earth Am I Doing?" Do you make yourself panic so much that you give up, or don't even try at all?Well, you're not alone because me too!This applies to pretty much every aspect of life...especially finances.  How do we get over it? Tune in to find out

Have you wanted to buy some sort of investment and gotten stuck in your analysis? Do you feel like you missed out on an opportunity? Or even worse, do you feel like you bought something you shouldn't have?Next time you're considering a purchase, think about these things to never have regrets!