Financial Bliss with Kelley Long

Ep. 35: Why I'm Not Setting New Goals for 2026 & Doing This Instead 30.12.2025 16min

New Year, same me... One of the primary reasons we find it impossible to stick to new habits or goals or routines, especially when they are aspirational as New Year's Resolutions tend to be, is because we forget to consider a really important aspect of what it takes.In this episode, Kelley Long gets into what it is that we often forget to factor in and why sometimes it's ok to not have ANY new goals while still feeling like you're making progress in life.If you're sick of the constant push for self-improvement or feeling like you're spinning your own wheels on working toward your goals, this episode is for you.

Ep. 34: How to Choose the Best Bank for Your Money 26.11.2025 33min

If you're keeping your savings at a big bank with lots of branches, there's a good chance you're losing hundreds, maybe even thousands, of dollars a year without realizing it. But switching banks feels overwhelming, and how do you even know which one to pick?In this episode, Kelley Long, financial coach for women, cuts through the noise around high-yield savings accounts, credit unions, and online banks to help you figure out where your money should actually live. You'll learn the red flags to avoid, the surprisingly simple criteria that actually matter, and why making the switch might be easier than you think.

Ep. 33: You'll Never Pay Off Your Debt Until You Stop Doing This One Thing 26.10.2025 20min

Why do so many people struggle to pay off debt—even when they're doing "everything right"? In this episode, I reveal the one habit that's sabotaging your progress (and keeping you stuck in the cycle). If you're serious about becoming debt-free for good, this is the uncomfortable truth you need to hear. It's not about budgeting harder or earning more—it's about breaking the pattern that got you here in the first place. Plus, I'll share the deeper work you need to do to make sure you stay out of debt forever.

Ep. 32: 3 Tax Strategies from the New Law You Probably Haven't Heard About Yet (That You Can Actually Use) 26.08.2025 19min

While everyone's debating the big-picture politics of the new tax law, financial expert Kelley Long cuts through the noise to reveal three under-the-radar changes that could actually impact your wallet this year. From a surprising shift that might bring back itemizing deductions for homeowners, to new rules about car loan interest that sound better than they actually are, to a clever 529 strategy for working professionals—this episode focuses on the practical money moves you can make right now. Whether you're cleaning out your closet, car shopping, or paying for professional certifications out of pocket, these insights could be the difference between overpaying Uncle Sam and keeping more of your hard-earned money where it belongs.

Ep. 31: The Social Pressure Tax: What Every Childfree Woman Knows But Can't Say 26.07.2025 19min

Child-free and single women face unique financial pressure from constant wedding and baby shower gift-giving with no reciprocal celebrations. This isn't about financial hardship - it's about intentional spending choices and opportunity cost. Society places gendered expectations on women to be generous and nurturing, labeling those who prioritize their own goals as "selfish" - pressure rarely applied to men. The solution isn't to stop celebrating friends, but to set conscious celebration budgets, create boundaries around gift-giving, and establish your own meaningful milestones worth celebrating. True generosity comes from choice, not obligation, and your financial goals matter too.

Ep. 30: 3 Things Every Woman Should Know About Her Finances 26.06.2025 23min

It’s easy to get overwhelmed with all of the personal finance advice out there. In this episode, Kelley Long breaks down the top 3 things she thinks every woman (and really, every person) should know about their own finances, bare minimum. You’ll learn what those three things are, why they are important and how to figure them out for yourself.Resources to support this episode:www.annualcreditreport.comDecoding Credit Scores3 Common HSA Mistakes to Avoid8 Game-Changing Facts About HSAs I Wish I Knew SoonerThe 4 Ways That a Roth IRA Can Help With Your Savings

Ep. 29: The Money Stories Keeping You Stuck (And How to Rewrite Them) 26.05.2025 25min

Are you stuck in patterns that keep you from the life you want, but can't pinpoint what's holding you back? In this eye-opening episode, host Kelley Long explores how the unconscious stories we tell ourselves—especially about money—become the invisible barriers to our dreams. Drawing from the pioneering work of financial therapy experts, she reveals how childhood beliefs about money can sabotage our adult success, even when our circumstances have dramatically changed.Through a powerful interactive exercise featuring 30 thought-provoking prompts, you'll uncover your hidden "money scripts" and learn to identify which beliefs are keeping you trapped in outdated narratives. Whether you're the person who still feels "poor" despite financial success, or someone who can't enjoy their money even with substantial savings, this episode offers practical tools to rewrite your story. Kelley shares real-world examples of how these unconscious beliefs play out—from missing once-in-a-lifetime experiences to making automatic decisions that conflict with our true goals. Ready to break free from the stories that no longer serve you and create space for the future you actually want?

Ep. 28: Top 3 Financial Considerations for New Parents 28.03.2025 31min

Based on her work with numerous new and hopeful parents, Kelley Long, CPA financial planner and unbiased money coach shares the top 3 financial considerations for new parents she hears about the most. In this episode, she covers how to think about making decisions around the best way to save for a child's future, what estate planning things you need to figure out ASAP and the new expenses that tend to cause the most challenges with growing families.Resources mentioned in this episode:www.savingforcollege.comhttps://www.journalofaccountancy.com/news/2023/mar/saving-college-new-529-to-roth-irs-transfer-rule/https://www.journalofaccountancy.com/news/2022/oct/the-ins-outs-roth-iras-for-children/https://www.journalofaccountancy.com/news/2022/aug/strategic-uses-roth-iras-beyond-retirement/https://www.financialblisscoach.com/post/want-surprisingly-flexible-savings-options-the-one-account-that-can-help

Ep. 27: Building Resilience: Self-Care as More Than Maintenance 26.02.2025 28min

The term "self-care" has come to mean everything from taking a bubble bath to getting your bikini line waxed and is an area of spending that tends to get a free pass when modern women examine their cash flow.The truth is that self-care has nothing to do with appearance and has everything to do with building resilience as an act of political defiance.In this episode, Kelley Long, financial coach and money activist, gets into the nuance of this growing multi-billion dollar industry, with gentle thoughts on where we might be able to strengthen our emotional and financial resistance, by calling this spending what it really is: personal grooming and maintenance.Resources mentioned in this episode include: The Gospel of Wellness, by Rina Raphael Outwitting the Devil, by Napoleon Hill, annotated by Sharon Lechter

Ep. 26: Credit Scores Decoded: What You Need to Know 26.01.2025 24min

Unpacking the mysteries of credit scores, CPA financial planner and money coach Kelley Long reveals the truth behind those three-digit numbers that can have such an impact on our financial lives. This episode explores common misconceptions, practical strategies, and insider insights about credit reporting that every listener should know. Discover how credit scores really work, what factors truly matter, and how to navigate the complex world of financial reporting. Kelley breaks down the system in a way that's both informative and actionable. This episode offers valuable perspectives that could transform your approach to personal finance, including answering the questions: Why did my credit score drop when I paid off a debt and should I be worried? What should I do with a credit card once I've paid it off? Shouldn't I keep a balance on it for the best score? What's the best way to build a long credit history that keeps my credit score up but also serves my financial wellness? Should I be worried about the drop to my credit score from the hard inquiry of opening a balance transfer card? And more Tune in to gain the knowledge that could save you money and stress. Resources mentioned in this episode: www.annualcreditreport.com FICO Score versions

Ep. 25: The Secret to Crushing Your Goals: The Eisenhower Matrix Explained 26.12.2024 20min

In this episode of Financial Bliss with Kelley Long, we dive into one of the most powerful productivity tools out there: the Eisenhower Matrix. Named after President Dwight D. Eisenhower, this simple yet transformative framework helps you prioritize tasks by urgency and importance, ensuring you focus on what truly drives your goals forward. Whether you're overwhelmed by a never-ending to-do list or struggling to decide where to direct your energy, the Eisenhower Matrix provides a clear roadmap for making better decisions and staying on track. Tune in as host Kelley Long breaks down each quadrant of the Matrix and shows you how to use it to streamline your workflow, cut through distractions, and supercharge your goal-setting process. Learn practical strategies to tackle high-priority tasks, delegate what doesn’t require your immediate attention, and finally, say goodbye to procrastination. If you’re ready to take control of your time and achieve more with less stress, this episode is for you! Mentioned in this podcast: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey

Ep. 24: Closing Chapters: Finding Clarity in Life's Changes & What's Next 26.11.2024 18min

In this episode, Kelley Long opens up about the emotional and personal journey of navigating a major life transition—choosing to remain child-free after years of pursuing parenthood. Through this vulnerable storytelling, she reflects on the process of grieving an imagined future and finding peace with a new direction. Kelley explores how this personal experience has shaped her understanding of self-discovery, acceptance, and how these themes apply not only to life’s emotional decisions but also to the emotional side of managing money. She encourages listeners to embrace uncertainty, letting go of rigid timelines and expectations, and instead exploring new possibilities with curiosity and flexibility. Kelley shares insights into how she and her husband reimagined their life together after realizing that having children wasn’t in the cards. This required confronting their financial and lifestyle decisions—many of which were made with parenthood in mind—and shifting their focus toward new, unexpected opportunities. From making decisions about spending and saving to trying out new ventures like buying a second home or pursuing hobbies, Kelley discusses the importance of small steps and mindful exploration. She emphasizes that it’s okay to take time to adjust and to allow yourself to explore without pressure, helping you find a path that aligns with your values and goals. Ultimately, Kelley ties this personal journey back to the financial realm by illustrating how emotional clarity can drive better financial decisions. Whether it’s overcoming impulse spending, shifting from scarcity to abundance, or overcoming fears around money, the key is aligning your financial habits with a larger sense of purpose. Through self-awareness and a mindset shift, Kelley helps listeners move from financial stress to financial bliss by making decisions that reflect their true desires, both emotionally and financially.

Ep 23: 8 Game-Changing Facts About HSAs I Wish I Knew Sooner 26.10.2024 25min

In this episode, Kelley Long shares valuable insights about Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and the lessons she learned about health insurance that changed everything about her choices and, really, her whole life. Reflecting on her early experiences, she highlights common misconceptions around high-deductible healthcare plans and the potential benefits that many people overlook, particularly those in good health. This is super important to better understand because getting this right could make early retirement or at least a mini-retirement or career sabbatical possible. Kelley introduces eight key facts about HSAs that most people don't know, including their portability, rollover options, and tax advantages. She also discusses how HSAs can be a strategic tool for managing future healthcare costs, de-coupling health insurance coverage from a job and maximizing savings for retirement. Tune in to discover how to make the most of your HSA and why it might be worth re-evaluating your health insurance options during open enrollment! Followup resources to support this episode: The ins and outs of IRA-to-HSA rollovers 3 Common HSA Mistakes to Avoid Schedule a coaching session with Kelley

Ep 22: The Gray Area of Spending: Owning Your Choices Between Wants and Needs 26.09.2024 13min

This episode is all about that sticky area of money where we try to separate out our wants versus needs when making decisions around how we want to spend our dollars. The themes include: Understanding Wants vs. Needs: Distinguishing between wants and needs can be complex, especially when personal values and societal judgments come into play. It’s essential to recognize that our choices around spending—like gym memberships or shopping for groceries—often straddle this line, and reflecting on these choices can help clarify what truly matters to us. Owning Your Financial Choices: It’s essential to own your spending decisions without guilt or judgment. Whether you're choosing to join a high-end health club for the social aspect or choosing food delivery services for convenience, understanding the underlying motivations can empower you to make choices that align with your values. And when you're not comfortable with the choice, that's an area to dig into. Evaluating the Trade-offs: Spending money is often a trade-off between time and energy. By assessing whether your expenses are intentional and truly beneficial to your life, you can better balance your finances and maintain alignment with your values, allowing for a more fulfilling financial life. Resources to support this episode: To find a financial therapist, visit the Financial Therapy Association directory To schedule a financial coaching session with Kelley Long, visit www.financialblisscoach.com/services

Ep 21: What is a Backdoor Roth IRA & How to Actually Open One 26.08.2024 20min

You may have heard about a back door Roth IRA, especially if you make too much money to contribute directly into one right now. While a back door Roth and a regular Roth IRA utilize the same account, performing the contribution to get around the income limits has very specific steps that you need to get right in order to avoid unnecessary taxation and issues with the IRS. This podcast episode goes over what a makes a back door Roth different than a regular IRA contribution, along with the exact steps you need to take to successfully perform the strategy. You'll also understand what account aggregation is and how those rules could cause unanticipated tax consequences, along with potential solutions to avoid taxes when doing a back door Roth contribution. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Episode 8 The 1 Account With 4 Surprisingly Flexible Savings Options Form 8606 - include this with your tax return for the year you make your non-deductible traditional IRA contribution Form 5498 - what you'll need to save to prove that your contribution was made originally to your traditional IRA; it will be supplied by your IRA provider Form 1040 - you'll show the nuts and bolts of your conversion to your Roth IRA on the line for IRA distributions Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only; every individual's situation varies and could impact the outcome so this should not be exclusively relied upon for tax, legal or investing advice. Please confirm the use of this information with your own paid professionals as Kelley C Long and Kelley C Long Consulting LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability that may arise from listeners' use of this information for their own tax and financial planning.

Ep 20: How to Stop Fighting About Money by Answering These 3 Questions 26.07.2024 19min

When you know you need to start talking with your partner about money more, but don't know where to start, these 3 questions can help. Rather than jumping right into looking at spending, budgets, balances and statements, answering these questions together can help you gain a better understanding of where the other person is coming from, particularly if you commonly have conversations about money devolve into arguments. Even if you've been together for years, this can be constructive and may actually be even more necessary. For an agenda to share monthly money dates along with suggested topic areas to discuss that ensures you'll cover all aspects of your finances at least once a year, visit www.financialblisscoach.com/moneydates to download your copy.

Ep 19: The Surprising Reason You're Still Living Paycheck to Paycheck 26.06.2024 20min

If you find yourself living paycheck-to-paycheck despite earning more than enough to cover your bills and lifestyle and know that you have room to save this episode is for you. When you find yourself always spending more than you intend, even when you know that you can easily cut back because you DO when your run out of money at the end of your pay cycle, there's a surprising habit that may be at play. The good news is, you can change this! The tough news is that it is about more than just crafting the perfect budget or deleting apps off your phone. Previous episodes mentioned in this podcast can be found here: Ep 2: Why You Keep Sabotaging Your Goals and How to Stop for Good Ep 12: Why Changing Your Financial Life Is About More Than Just Learning to Budget

Ep 18: Shifting Perspectives on Homeownership: Reasons to Reevaluate Your Desire to Buy a Home 26.05.2024 25min

The reasons you think you need to buy a home ASAP may not be as valid as you think. In this episode, Kelley Long gives a hot take on why home ownership is probably not the financial boondoggle a lot of us think it is. There are plenty of great reasons to want to buy a home. But there are also a lot of reasons it's not exactly the Best Thing Ever, despite what the so-called American Dream says. If you're stressed because you think you should be a homeowner by now and are frustrated that you haven't been able to get there yet, this episode is for you. Listen to the common reasons people give for needing to buy and why they may not be as true as the industry would have us believe.

Ep 17: The Science-Backed Way That Comparison Can Help You Improve Your Finances 26.04.2024 12min

It is human nature to compare ourselves to others, particularly when we are wondering whether or not we measure up. And for the most part, these types of comparisons cause us to feel like we are falling short in some way. In this episode, Kelley Long, financial coach and money mindset advocate, shares a research-backed way that we can use comparison to actually boost the way we feel about ourselves and our lives that can ultimately lead to better financial behaviors that are in support of your own personal life goals and values. It's true that comparison is the thief of joy. Except in this one instance. Give it a listen to learn more! Visit the episode page here.

Ep 16 Exploring the Origins of Your Money Worries 26.03.2024 19min

This episode is all about self-exploration to uncover the root cause of financial anxieties. When we have a better understanding of our own origin stories and how they are showing up for us today, we can really accelerate any changes we’d like to make to our mindset and our behaviors, around money: how we earn it, how we spend it, how we save it, how we avoid it, etc. Grab a pen and a journal, and settle in for an exercise that will have you re-thinking your assumptions about money "truths" based on who you are today, versus who you were when the beliefs were formed. Enjoy! Full episode site here.