This week on Brown Ambition, Mandi is joined by Kiersten Saunders and Yanely Espinal for an honest conversation about the real cost of adulting in 2026. From a surprise $2,000 Tesla repair to rising rent and major life decisions, they break down how even the “right” financial choices can come with unexpected expenses.

The episode dives into renting vs. homeownership, IVF and fertility costs, and navigating layoffs including what it really means to accept (or رفض) a retention bonus after cuts at Block, Inc.. Plus, they unpack the risks of going viral in your career and why flexibility might be the ultimate financial goal.

We also celebrate a major win for women as salaries rise in the WNBA, highlighting the ongoing push for pay equity. If you’ve ever questioned your financial choices or wondered if there’s a “right” way to do adulthood this episode is for you.

 

Stay Connected  


- Email your questions: brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com.
- Send a voice note or DM on IG: @brownambitionpodcast 

This week on Brown Ambition, Mandi is joined by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/richandregular/">Kiersten Saunders</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/missbehelpful/">Yanely Espinal</a> for an honest conversation about the real cost of adulting in 2026. From a surprise $2,000 Tesla repair to rising rent and major life decisions, they break down how even the &ldquo;right&rdquo; financial choices can come with unexpected expenses.
The episode dives into renting vs. homeownership, IVF and fertility costs, and navigating layoffs including what it really means to accept (or رفض) a retention bonus after cuts at Block, Inc.. Plus, they unpack the risks of going viral in your career and why flexibility might be the ultimate financial goal.
We also celebrate a major win for women as salaries rise in the WNBA, highlighting the ongoing push for pay equity. If you&rsquo;ve ever questioned your financial choices or wondered if there&rsquo;s a &ldquo;right&rdquo; way to do adulthood this episode is for you.
&nbsp;
Stay Connected &nbsp;
 - Email your questions: brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com. - Send a voice note or DM on IG: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/brownambitionpodcast">@brownambitionpodcast&nbsp;</a>

The Brown Ambition Podcast helps you unapologetically build wealth by saving, investing and making smart career choices — on your own d@mn terms! New episodes Wednesdays and Fridays.

Money and career advice for women of color, by women of color

Brown Ambition

Adulting Ain’t Cheap: Cars, Careers & Costly Decisions Ft. Kiersten Saunders  Yanely Espinal 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/fa33d3da-1dc9-4fba-bad0-b41800bd1b22/transcript

Tax season is here, and this week BA QA, Mandi sits down with TurboTax expert Lisa Green-Lewis to break down what you need to know before the filing deadline. From updated tax credits and deductions to changes that could impact your refund, this episode helps you understand how to navigate this year’s taxes without the stress.

They cover key updates like the increased child tax credit, new deductions for tips and overtime, expanded benefits for homeowners and seniors, and what entrepreneurs need to know about business write-offs and 1099 changes. Plus, a clear explanation of credits vs. deductions and how each impacts your bottom line.

Whether you’re self-employed, a parent, or just trying to avoid last-minute mistakes, this episode is your reminder to get organized, file on time, and make sure you’re not leaving money on the table.

Stay Connected  

- Email your questions: brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com.
- Send a voice note or DM on IG: @brownambitionpodcast 

Tax season is here, and this week BA QA, Mandi sits down with TurboTax expert Lisa Green-Lewis to break down what you need to know before the filing deadline. From updated tax credits and deductions to changes that could impact your refund, this episode helps you understand how to navigate this year&rsquo;s taxes without the stress.
They cover key updates like the increased child tax credit, new deductions for tips and overtime, expanded benefits for homeowners and seniors, and what entrepreneurs need to know about business write-offs and 1099 changes. Plus, a clear explanation of credits vs. deductions and how each impacts your bottom line.
Whether you&rsquo;re self-employed, a parent, or just trying to avoid last-minute mistakes, this episode is your reminder to get organized, file on time, and make sure you&rsquo;re not leaving money on the table.
Stay Connected &nbsp;
- Email your questions: brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com. - Send a voice note or DM on IG: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/brownambitionpodcast">@brownambitionpodcast&nbsp;</a>

How to Get a Bigger Tax Refund in 2026 With New Tax Breaks [BA QA]

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/0e120d4a-1a3c-44b7-b47d-b41a0035ae57/transcript

This week on Brown Ambition, Mandi sits down with returning guest Naseema McElroy, founder of Financially Intentional, for a powerful and transparent conversation about money, survival, and transformation.

Naseema opens up about her journey from nearly $1 million in debt including student loans, real estate losses, IRS debt, and the financial aftermath of an abusive marriage to becoming a millionaire. She breaks down exactly how she used zero-based budgeting and the debt snowball method to take control of her finances, even as a single mom navigating one of the most challenging seasons of her life.

Beyond the numbers, this episode is about freedom. Naseema shares how financial literacy gave her the power to leave, rebuild, and create a different future for her daughters—and why financial empowerment, especially for women, is truly life-changing.

Stay Connected  

-Watch Naseem’s Accorns commercial                                                                                                     -Subscribe to The Financially Intentional Podcast
- Email your questions: brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com.
- Send a voice note or DM on IG: @brownambitionpodcast 

This week on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/brownambitionpodcast/">Brown Ambition</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mandimoney/">Mandi</a> sits down with returning guest <a href="https://www.instagram.com/financiallyintentional/">Naseema McElroy</a>, founder of Financially Intentional, for a powerful and transparent conversation about money, survival, and transformation.
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/financiallyintentional/">Naseema</a> opens up about her journey from nearly $1 million in debt including student loans, real estate losses, IRS debt, and the financial aftermath of an abusive marriage to becoming a millionaire. She breaks down exactly how she used zero-based budgeting and the debt snowball method to take control of her finances, even as a single mom navigating one of the most challenging seasons of her life.
Beyond the numbers, this episode is about freedom. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/financiallyintentional/">Naseema</a> shares how financial literacy gave her the power to leave, rebuild, and create a different future for her daughters&mdash;and why financial empowerment, especially for women, is truly life-changing.
Stay Connected &nbsp;
-<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7z0ASpzG8Do">Watch Naseem&rsquo;s Accorns commercial &nbsp;</a> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Subscribe to<a href="https://www.financiallyintentional.com/podcast"> The Financially Intentional Podcast</a> - Email your questions: brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com. - Send a voice note or DM on IG: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/brownambitionpodcast">@brownambitionpodcast&nbsp;</a>

How She Paid Off $955,000 Worth of Debt As a Single Mom of 3 ft. Naseema McElroy 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/b0f8fa09-3e99-4be6-9e27-b41100538d1a/transcript

This week on Brown Ambition, Mandi sits down with therapist and bestselling author Oludara Adeeyo, creator of Self-Care for Black Women. Oludara shares her powerful journey from working in New York’s magazine industry to becoming a mental health advocate focused on the wellness of Black women. After years of caregiving for her mother and navigating toxic workplace dynamics, she began to rethink what self-care really means and why it’s essential for long-term health.

Mandi and Oludara talk about the hidden impact of stress, the pressure many women feel to always be “the strong one,” and how cultural expectations can shape the way we show up for others—often at the expense of ourselves. Oludara also opens up about learning to set boundaries, pivoting careers, and balancing meaningful work without burning out.

Plus, she shares practical self-care strategies from her book and new card deck, offering simple ways to reconnect with yourself, manage stress, and prioritize your well-being even on the busiest days.

 

Stay Connected  

-Get a copy of Self-Care for Black Women by Oludara Adeeyo
- Email your questions: brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com.
- Send a voice note or DM on IG: @brownambitionpodcast 

This week on Brown Ambition, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mandimoney/">Mandi </a>sits down with therapist and bestselling author<a href="https://www.instagram.com/oludaraadeeyo/"> Oludara Adeeyo</a>, creator of Self-Care for Black Women. Oludara shares her powerful journey from working in New York&rsquo;s magazine industry to becoming a mental health advocate focused on the wellness of Black women. After years of caregiving for her mother and navigating toxic workplace dynamics, she began to rethink what self-care really means and why it&rsquo;s essential for long-term health.
Mandi and Oludara talk about the hidden impact of stress, the pressure many women feel to always be &ldquo;the strong one,&rdquo; and how cultural expectations can shape the way we show up for others&mdash;often at the expense of ourselves. Oludara also opens up about learning to set boundaries, pivoting careers, and balancing meaningful work without burning out.
Plus, she shares practical self-care strategies from her book and new card deck, offering simple ways to reconnect with yourself, manage stress, and prioritize your well-being even on the busiest days.
&nbsp;
Stay Connected &nbsp;
-Get a copy of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.oludaraadeeyo.com/books">Self-Care for Black Women by Oludara Adeeyo</a> - Email your questions: brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com. - Send a voice note or DM on IG: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/brownambitionpodcast">@brownambitionpodcast&nbsp;</a>

Self-Care for Black Women with Oludara Adeeyo [WASHDAY WOOSAH] 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/c8602f6d-9fa4-4555-bf5e-b40d018458bc/transcript

Adulting Ain’t Cheap: Cars, Careers & Costly Decisions Ft. Kiersten Saunders Yanely Espinal

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