Feeling stuck with money resolutions that never stick? In this short, energising chat, money coach Talia Loderick shares three annoyingly simple but surprisingly powerful tips – pay yourself first, stop trying to look rich, and actually know what it costs to be you – plus a practical bonus on when to seek help. Read on for gentle, doable ways to take control of your finances in 2026 without the overwhelm.
Listen to the podcast episode below, watch it on [Youtube], or scroll down for the summary!
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Prefer to read it? Here are the main points!
Talia has been part of Emma’s Business Lounge for several years, and what started as a conversation on a recent call quickly turned into a “we need to talk about this properly” moment.
The topic? Money advice that feels obvious, slightly annoying, but incredibly helpful when it finally lands at the right time.
Why “Annoying but Helpful” Advice Matters
Talia explains that her inspiration came from noticing a pattern in her coaching sessions. Clients often know what they should be doing with money, but still struggle to do it. Budgeting, saving, planning for the future… none of it is new information, yet timing, mindset, and emotional readiness make all the difference.
Sometimes, hearing the same advice again, in the right moment, is what finally makes it click. This episode is about those reminders, shared without judgement.
1. Pay Yourself First
The first piece of advice is simple, but powerful: pay yourself first.
Most people get paid, cover bills, spend a little, and then try to save whatever is left. Often, there’s nothing left. Paying yourself first flips that on its head. As soon as money comes in, a portion goes straight into savings, before anything else.
Talia describes savings as a financial buffer. They offer peace of mind, protect you in emergencies, and create opportunities, not just safety. Whether you call it an emergency fund or something more colourful, its purpose is the same: choice and security.
The key is to start small and repeat the action. Saving a little is not pointless. It’s how habits are built.
Crucially, if you need to use your savings, you haven’t failed. That’s exactly what they’re there for.
Automation vs Doing It Manually
Emma and Talia also talk about different approaches to saving. Some people thrive on automation, setting things up once and letting the system do the work. Others get a sense of motivation and satisfaction from manually moving money around.
Neither approach is better. What matters is knowing yourself and choosing a system that works with your habits, not against them.
If you are the barrier to saving, automation can remove that barrier entirely.
2. Don’t Go Broke Trying to Look Rich
This tip resonates strongly, especially in a world shaped by social media.
The pressure to keep up with others is relentless. Holidays, meals out, new clothes, experiences. What we see online can quickly distort what feels “normal”.
Talia encourages having a simple phrase ready when money boundaries are tested:
“I’m prioritising saving” or “I’m prioritising spending on other things.”
You don’t owe anyone a detailed explanation. Having a plan for your money is enough. And sometimes, your honesty can even help others reflect on their own financial choices.
You can do anything, but you can’t do everything. And that’s okay.
3. Know Your Money (How Much Does It Cost to Be You?)
This is one of the most powerful reframes in the conversation.
Instead of asking, “What are my outgoings?” Talia asks clients, “How much does it cost to be me?” or “How much does it cost to run my household?”
This includes everything. Bills, food, savings, hair, nails, socialising, joy. Not just survival.
Many people underestimate their true costs and then feel ashamed when money runs out. Once you know your real number, you can make informed decisions instead of blaming yourself.
Knowing where your money actually goes, not where you think it goes, is empowering. It turns budgeting into curiosity rather than criticism.
Know When to Seek Help
The final reminder is an important one, especially in January.
If you’re struggling to cover basic outgoings like rent, bills, or minimum debt repayments, it’s time to seek support. In the UK, Money Helper is a free, trusted resource offering tools, guidance, and links to local debt advice services.
There’s no shame in asking for help. Support exists so you don’t have to navigate this alone.
Practical Money Takeaways for Freelancers
This episode isn’t about being perfect with money. It’s about building awareness, reducing stress, and creating systems that support your future self.
The key takeaways are simple:
Pay yourself first, even if it’s a small amount
Set boundaries around spending and expectations
Get clear on what your life actually costs
Ask for help when you need it
If one of these ideas lands for you now, that’s enough.
You can continue the conversation in the Freelance Lifestylers Facebook Group, join the discussion over on Discord.
And if you’d like to explore money coaching further, you can find Talia on Linkedin or Instagram. And you can sign up for her Club TLC newsletter on her website, where she shares thoughtful, practical insights into financial wellbeing each week.
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Email: hello@emmacossey.com
Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group
Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership.
Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community.
