Beyond the Budget: How Coaching Helped Me Maximize My Money

You don’t need to love numbers to get good with money — just the right support and some clear guidance. In today’s episode, Financial Finesse coach Julie Everett is joined by Briana Oliver, a technical recruiter at a Fortune 500 company, who opens up about her five-year journey from financial uncertainty to clarity and confidence. Briana reflects on how growing up with a save-every-penny mindset left her unsure of what to do once she had “extra” income, and how financial coaching helped her shift from survival mode to a more intentional, empowered approach. She shares how overwhelming it felt to navigate terms like 401(k) and Roth IRA, especially in a tech culture steeped in financial jargon. Together, she and Julie break down the emotional side of money decisions, the power of simplifying complex goals, and the importance of finding a financial coach who truly gets you. Tune in to hear Briana’s honest, relatable story and discover why small, supported steps can lead to lasting change!

Key points from this episode:

• How Briana’s money script was shaped by a scarcity mindset and a strong habit of saving.
• The culture shock of entering the tech world and feeling overwhelmed by financial jargon.
• Why paying off student loans gave her structure, but left her wondering what came next.
• How Briana’s first coaching session with Julie felt radically human and approachable.
• The value of breaking down complex goals, like consolidating 401(k)s, into simple steps.
• Why emotional clarity matters just as much as financial strategy when making big decisions.
• Lessons from skipping a rushed home purchase and finding the right place on her own terms.
• How Briana learned to enjoy life today while still planning wisely for tomorrow.
• The importance of filtering advice, even from well-meaning, financially savvy colleagues.
• Characteristics to look for in a financial coach and how to make sure you’ve found the right fit.
• How Briana used her experience to help her cousin take a confident financial step.
• Parting advice from Briana on how to find a financial coach and transform your money journey.

Quotes:

“I knew it was important to save, but I didn't really know what I should be doing outside of ‘put your money away’ and, like, ‘don't spend more than you make’, and just ‘save, save, save.’” — Briana Oliver [2:42]

“That's what I appreciated about you, and about Financial Finesse, was that there was this very grounded approach, and you spoke to me in language I could understand. It was such a refreshing, inviting experience.” — Briana Oliver [4:21]

“One small step at a time can really compound into big changes in the end.” — Briana Oliver [10:56]

“My finances need to fit my life, and I need to make my money work for me; it doesn't have to be overly complicated.” — Briana Oliver [15:55]

“Keep going until you find someone that clicks, that respects you, that's certified, and that can break your big goals down into small chunks. It doesn't hurt to try it.” — Briana Oliver [31:24]

Links mentioned in today’s episode:

Briana Oliver on LinkedIn

Julie Everett on LinkedIn

Financial Finesse