F*£k budgets. Finding financial freedom that feels good (& works) with Sammie Ellard-King
🎙️ with Sammie Ellard-King, Financial Educator & Host of The Money Gains Podcast
How do you stop emotional spending, build savings as a single woman, and create financial freedom without strict budgets or shame?
In this episode, we sit down with financial educator and The Money Gains podcast host Sammie Ellard-King to talk about all things personal finance — from breaking the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle to redefining what retirement really looks like.
We dive into practical financial strategies that actually work, emotional triggers behind overspending, and how to build habits that stick. If you’ve ever said, “I’m just not good with money,” this episode is for you.
Whether you're navigating debt, budgeting anxiety, or starting over in your 30s, you’ll leave with a roadmap for making empowered financial decisions - without losing your sanity, identity, or your £3 Costa habit.
🎧 Listen as we discuss...
(00:00) – Why money convos belong in women-led spaces too
(03:20) – How to stop repeating financial mistakes in your 30s
(06:00) – The 90/10 rule of personal finance (hint: it’s mostly emotional)
(08:15) – Long-term visioning and monthly momentum for women
(10:50) – Sammie’s 3-phase financial plan: Protection → Maintenance → Aspiration
(12:30) – Renting vs. buying: How to prioritize freedom over financial pressure
(15:15) – How to define your “enough” number and stop guilt-blocking your goals
(20:00) – My first £1,000 in passive income — and how it changed everything
(24:10) – How to pivot your career without quitting your job
(28:00) – Why habits beat windfalls (even saving £5/month matters)
(29:45) – Budgeting vs. spending awareness: finding your freedom-first approach
(36:00) – Why values-based spending can be more powerful than cutting back
(37:30) – Emotional spending triggers & how to interrupt the loop
(42:00) – The single woman’s guide to money goals and accountability
(46:30) – Power, control, and finances inside relationships
(49:30) – How to talk about money with your partner without shame or drama
(51:30) – The retirement myth: Why working forever might be a good thing
(56:00) – Designing a “slow-burn” career you actually love into your 60s
🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS
Emotional safety comes before financial strategy.
You don’t need a budget — you need a system that fits your life.
Accountability is more powerful than willpower.
Financial literacy is self-trust in action.
Retirement doesn’t have to mean stopping work — just changing it.
👤 GUEST
Sammie Ellard-King – Financial Educator, Money Coach & Host of Money Gains
📲 Follow Sammie: @sammie.ellard.king
🎙️ Listen to Money Gains on Apple, Spotify & Google Podcasts
💬 If this episode hit home, please rate & review. Your feedback helps more women find honest, empowering conversations about money.
