Have you ever caught yourself justifying a purchase with creative mental math?

Maybe thinking that preloaded app money makes your coffee free, or that a dress is automatically 50% off because you only bought one item.

In this episode, Alison and Adrian Castellano explore the viral trend of girl math and what it reveals about our relationship with money. They share relatable examples from their own lives and discuss how these mental shortcuts can work for us or against us.

The conversation focuses on understanding the emotional side of spending, building awareness around purchases, and creating systems that align with personal values and financial goals.

Key takeaways:

• How girl math reveals the emotional and psychological patterns behind spending decisions
• The importance of awareness when making purchases and catching yourself in justification mode
• Practical strategies like paying yourself first automatically and creating a dedicated fun fund for guilt-free joy
• Why aligning spending with personal values eliminates the need for mental gymnastics
• How to redirect natural spending instincts toward habits that support long-term financial goals using girl math on purpose
• And more!

Connect with Alison Castellano:

• Iter Financial Wellness
• LinkedIn: Alison Castellano
• Facebook: Iter Financial Wellness
• YouTube: The BamCam Podcast
• Email: alison@iterfw.com
• Call Alison: 205-504-9868

Connect with Adrian Castellano:

• Iter Financial Wellness
• LinkedIn: Adrian Castellano
• Facebook: Iter Financial Wellness
• Email: adrian@iterfw.com
• Call Adrian: 813-385-2804

Connect with Jack Burnette:

• Iter Financial Wellness
• LinkedIn: Jack Burnette
• Facebook: Iter Financial Wellness
• YouTube: The BamCam Podcast
• Email: jack@iterfw.com
• Call Jack: 205-613-4994

People talk about the Santa Claus Rally every December, but most investors never understand what is actually happening beneath the surface.

Jack and Adrian break down why the final trading days of the year often feel surprisingly strong and what it reveals about market psychology, timing, and cash flow. They open up the conversation with humor, a bit of holiday spirit, and a practical look at how optimism, low trading volume, bonuses, rebalancing, and investor behavior all intersect.

What to expect in this release:

• Why the Santa Claus Rally keeps showing up throughout history
• How investor mood affects market movement
• What professional managers do behind the scenes in December
• Why this is something to understand, not chase
• And more!

Connect with Alison Castellano:

• Iter Financial Wellness
• LinkedIn: Alison Castellano
• Facebook: Iter Financial Wellness
• YouTube: The BamCam Podcast
• Email: alison@iterfw.com
• Call Alison: 205-504-9868

Connect with Adrian Castellano:

• Iter Financial Wellness
• LinkedIn: Adrian Castellano
• Facebook: Iter Financial Wellness
• Email: adrian@iterfw.com
• Call Adrian: 813-385-2804

Connect with Jack Burnette:

• Iter Financial Wellness
• LinkedIn: Jack Burnette
• Facebook: Iter Financial Wellness
• YouTube: The BamCam Podcast
• Email: jack@iterfw.com
• Call Jack: 205-613-4994

Publishing Tags:

When the daycare bill finally disappears, most families don’t notice the extra money for long; it vanishes into everyday spending.

Adrian and Alison Castellano explain why the daycare transition is one of the most powerful money moments young families face and how to avoid lifestyle creep. From redirecting half your daycare savings into retirement or college to automating new habits that “pay your future self,” this discussion reveals how small, intentional steps can compound into hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Discover:

• How the daycare transition frees up thousands annually
• Why lifestyle creep erases progress if you’re not intentional
• Simple strategies for investing freed-up dollars
• How to recreate the same effect even if daycare days are behind you
• And more!

Previous Episodes of Interest:

• Financial Intimacy: After The Money Date with Alison and Adrian (Ep. 15)
• Financial Intimacy: Money Date with Alison and Adrian (Ep. 10)
• Financial Intimacy: Tummy Bug Vs. Taco Truck (Ep. 22)
• Financial Intimacy: Year-End Update with Alison and Adrian (Ep. 31)

Connect with Alison Castellano:

• Iter Financial Wellness
• LinkedIn: Alison Castellano
• Facebook: Iter Financial Wellness
• YouTube: The BamCam Podcast
• Email: alison@iterfw.com
• Call Alison: 205-504-9868

Connect with Adrian Castellano:

• Iter Financial Wellness
• LinkedIn: Adrian Castellano
• Facebook: Iter Financial Wellness
• Email: adrian@iterfw.com
• Call Adrian: 813-385-2804

Old accounts, forgotten 401(k)s, outdated beneficiaries, this ‘money clutter’ lurks in nearly every household.

In this episode, Jack Burnette and Alison Castellano share why cleaning up your financial junk drawer matters and how to tackle it without feeling overwhelmed. From tracking down long-forgotten retirement accounts to using state unclaimed property databases, you’ll hear real-life examples (including a $400 surprise) and practical steps to create clarity and confidence in your finances.

Expect to learn:

• Common sources of money clutter
• How to track down and consolidate old accounts
• Why outdated beneficiaries can create major problems
• Simple systems to help keep your finances streamlined

Resources:

• The Journey to Sobriety and a Purposeful Life with JT Miller (Ep. 29)
• Investing in Your Well-being with Karen Broadwater (Ep. 14)

Connect with Alison Castellano:

• Iter Financial Wellness
• LinkedIn: Alison Castellano
• Facebook: Iter Financial Wellness
• YouTube: The BamCam Podcast
• Email: alison@iterfw.com
• Call Alison: 205-504-9868

Connect with Jack Burnette:

• Iter Financial Wellness
• LinkedIn: Jack Burnette
• Facebook: Iter Financial Wellness
• YouTube: The BamCam Podcast
• Email: jack@iterfw.com
• Call Jack: 205-613-4994

Building wealth isn’t reserved for high earners, and Alison and Adrian Castellano prove it’s possible at any income level.

In this episode, they share their journey from modest incomes to financial stability, breaking down the myths that keep families from feeling secure. From redefining wealth around your values to avoiding lifestyle creep, they offer five practical steps anyone can start today: know your numbers, spend intentionally, automate savings, avoid lifestyle creep, and invest early and often.

You’ll hear how everyday decisions, even small ones, can add up over time, and why financial confidence is as valuable as any dollar amount.

Connect with Alison Castellano:

• Iter Financial Wellness
• LinkedIn: Alison Castellano
• Facebook: Iter Financial Wellness
• YouTube: The BamCam Podcast
• Email: alison@iterfw.com
• Call Alison: 205-504-9868

Connect with Adrian Castellano:

• Iter Financial Wellness
• LinkedIn: Adrian Castellano
• Facebook: Iter Financial Wellness
• Email: adrian@iterfw.com
• Call Adrian: 813-385-2804

What do fake text messages, Nigerian princes, and high-tech AI scams have in common?

They’re all digital fraud tactics, and they’re more sophisticated than ever!

Join our hosts, Alison and Adrian Castellano, as they dive deep into the world of online scams and arm you with the tools to protect yourself. Listen as they unravel the complex web of digital fraud. From fake package delivery texts to deepfake videos and AI-generated emails, no one is safe, not even city governments! Gain practical advice on recognizing scams, securing your personal information, and protecting your loved ones from online threats.

Key highlights include:

• Eye-opening statistics on the financial impact of scams (07:00)
• The role of AI in crafting realistic phishing attempts (05:17)
• Social media vulnerabilities and the importance of strong passwords (10:14)
• Red flags to watch for in investment “opportunities” (16:13)
• Tips for safeguarding children in their digital lives (20:02)

Connect with Alison Castellano:

• Iter Financial Wellness
• LinkedIn: Alison Castellano
• Facebook: Iter Financial Wellness
• YouTube: The BamCam Podcast
• Email: alison@iterfw.com
• Call Alison: 205-504-9868

Connect with Adrian Castellano:

• Iter Financial Wellness
• LinkedIn: Adrian Castellano
• Facebook: Iter Financial Wellness
• Email: adrian@iterfw.com
• Call Adrian: 813-385-2804

What can you do with a raise to make it truly impactful? How can you prevent it from slipping through the cracks of everyday expenses?

Adrian and Alison Castellano delve into the exciting realm of managing a new raise. They explore how that extra bump in income doesn’t just mean more cash to burn but can be transformative in achieving your financial goals. By pausing before spending, aligning new funds with your personal goals, and even automating some financial decisions, this episode provides you with the tools to make your raise matter.

Adrian and Alison discuss:

• Understanding the traps of lifestyle creep [02:29]
• Strategizing with the 50-30-20 model for optimal financial growth [05:37]
• Automating financial decisions for seamless wealth-building [09:41]
• The delicate balance between long-term planning and enjoying the present [12:51]
• And more

Connect with Alison Castellano:

• Iter Financial Wellness
• LinkedIn: Alison Castellano
• Facebook: Iter Financial Wellness
• YouTube: The BamCam Podcast
• Email: alison@iterfw.com
• Call Alison: 205-504-9868

Connect with Adrian Castellano:

• Iter Financial Wellness
• LinkedIn: Adrian Castellano
• Facebook: Iter Financial Wellness
• Email: adrian@iterfw.com
• Call Adrian: 813-385-2804

Jack Burnette, Alison Castellano, and Adrian Castellano continue their mission to decode financial jargon, diving into bull and bear markets, volatility, and even Warren Buffett’s timeless advice, as they work to demystify market complexities and guide you toward a resilient investment mindset.

Jack, Alison, and Adrian discuss:

• What defines a bull market, and what does it mean for your portfolio? (04:08)
• How can you navigate a bear market and potentially find benefits in market downturns? (08:30)
• What are practical strategies for managing market volatility? (14:51)
• How do recessions and economic cycles influence your long-term investment strategy? (19:36)
• How can investor sentiment impact market movements and your investment approach? (26:13)
• And more

Previous Episode of Interest:

• Making Sense of Financial Jargon (Ep. 40)

Connect with Alison Castellano:

• Iter Financial Wellness
• LinkedIn: Alison Castellano
• Facebook: Iter Financial Wellness
• YouTube: The BamCam Podcast
• Email: alison@iterfw.com
• Call Alison: 205-504-9868

Connect with Adrian Castellano:

• Iter Financial Wellness
• LinkedIn: Adrian Castellano
• Facebook: Iter Financial Wellness
• Email: adrian@iterfw.com
• Call Adrian: 813-385-2804

Connect with Jack Burnette:

• Iter Financial Wellness
• LinkedIn: Jack Burnette
• Facebook: Iter Financial Wellness
• YouTube: The BamCam Podcast
• Email: jack@iterfw.com
• Call Jack: 205-613-4994