#140. Money Confidence: How to Build Wealth and Break Free from Financial Stress with Walli Miller

In this empowering episode of Pockets of Knowledge, host Desiree Stanley sits down with financial coach Walli Miller, founder of Financially Thriving, to talk about building wealth, healing our relationship with money, and creating a life where work becomes optional. Walli, who retired at the age of 39, shares how she went from being an impulsive spender with no financial role models to becoming a financial educator focused on helping women take control of their money and their futures.

Walli opens up about the emotional side of money—why our earliest money memories shape our habits, and how understanding our “money mindset” is key to shifting from stress to confidence. She breaks down the basics of saving, budgeting, and debt repayment in a way that’s practical and approachable. You’ll also hear tips on how to balance saving with paying down debt, how to recognize emotional spending patterns, and why knowing your numbers is the first step toward financial empowerment.

From understanding your “why” when saving, to creating separate funds for emergencies and everyday goals, Walli also shares her favorite tools for paying off debt, saving with intention, and using tax-advantaged accounts to grow your wealth—even if you're not ready to retire early.

This episode is packed with actionable insights to help you build the life you want, understanding 401(k)s and high-yield savings accounts to creating short-, mid-, and long-term financial goals. Whether you’re drowning in debt, curious about investing, or just ready to feel less overwhelmed by money, Walli’s wisdom and warmth make this episode a must-listen.

Bio:

Walli, founder of Financially Thriving Money Coaching. Walli is a first-generation Latina college graduate, early retiree, and the first millionaire in her family. After achieving financial independence at the age of 39 by investing passively in the stock market, she now empowers professional women to build wealth, eliminate financial stress, and create a work-optional life. Walli is passionate about helping her clients break generational barriers, align their money with their values, and achieve the freedom to live life on their own terms.

Connect with Walli Miller:

Email: financiallythhttps://financiallythriving.com/

Website: https://financiallythriving.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/financiallythriving

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/financially_thriving/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wallimiller/

Books mentioned:

The Simple Path to Wealth (Revised & Expanded 2025 Edition): Your Road Map to Financial Independence and a Rich, Free Life by JL Collins (Author) - https://amzn.to/3ZU5MYI

Podcasts mentioned:

 The Afford Anything Podcast  - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afford-anything/id1079598542

 Popcorn Finance - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/popcorn-finance/id1254075020