The hot girl’s guide to surviving a recession - Episode 48
If you’ve been feeling like your money doesn’t stretch quite as far lately—you’re not alone.
While there hasn’t been an official recession announcement, it’s clear that things are getting more expensive and a little more unstable.
So today’s episode and this blog post are all about how to glow through the chaos with actionable, approachable money tips.
Whether you’re a content creator, corporate girlie, or somewhere in between, here’s how to recession-proof your life.
Create & consume
What Austen is creating week: in general just did a big brainstorming day for content coming up for both the podcast as well as my blog and it’s so nice to feel on target with everything
What Austen is consuming this week: Finished Paradise on Hulu and I am definitely turning in for season 2
In this episode:
Step 1: Know where you’re at
Before you give in to growing out your highlights, take a second to evaluate your financial pulse.
A Wall Street Journal article came out last week about women who are making changes given the current economic situation.
Are you feeling secure? A little unsettled? Thriving in one area but stressed in another?
What are your priorities right now? Rent? Travel? Paying off a big purchase? Saving to buy a home?
Some big takeaways from the book Financial Feminist by Tori Dunlap of Her First 100k
Building a starter emergency fund (3 months of essential expenses)
Contributing to your retirement—especially if your employer matches contributions
Paying down high-interest debt (anything over 7%)
Tackling lower-interest debt like student loans or car payments
Saving for future milestones (travel, wedding, house, baby, etc.)
She also shares a budgeting framework that I find helpful:
50% for essentials (rent, food, etc.)
20% toward financial goals
30% for fun stuff (for me: travel, food, entertainment)
Know your bottom line. And don’t be afraid to communicate boundaries—whether that means saying “not this month” to an expensive dinner or setting clearer financial expectations with friends and partners.
Step 2: Save in the small moments
Tiny changes can add up to big savings.
Skip the Uber, take the subway. I’d rather walk now and use that $40 for a meal on a fun trip later. I really only Uber if it’s late at night, if I can split the trip with a friend, or if a brand gives me a code for an event.
Sign up for loyalty programs like CVS ExtraCare or rewards apps. I’m signed up for a few apps of individual restaurants with no delivery fees and customer rewards.
Bring your own refillable water bottle.
Pick up food instead of ordering delivery.
Pause subscriptions you’re not using
You don’t have to go full frugal mode—just tweak your habits to work smarter. Even choosing one week out of a month to be your stay home and save week can help.
Step 3: Swap, don’t stop
If cutting something out doesn’t feel realistic, try swapping instead.
Can’t do dinner? Suggest a catch-up phone call or coffee walk before work.
Craving a cocktail? Host a happy hour at your place.
Love your daily matcha? Try making it at home once a week.
Furnishing a space? Facebook Marketplace and Buy Nothing Groups are your best friends.
We got our kitchen table + 4 chairs for $70 from a guy moving for work.
When my old office closed, we got so much stuff—fake plants, knife block, even a desk.
And of course, do your own beauty treatments when you can. At-home nails, root touch-ups, and DIY facials go a long way (thank you, 2020 for the skills). I think this is one to use your judgment.
For example, I trust myself much more to do a root touch up at home vs attempting full balayage. That is a job I’d leave to a professional.
Step 4: Use what you’ve got
Before you run to Sephora or check out another online cart, try this:
Do a mini life audit—you probably already own a version of what you need
Dig through your closet to find forgotten pieces or even rent clothes to test new styles
Rewear outfits for weddings/events, but style them differently and make it a fun challenge
Shop your stash before buying new skincare or makeup
I recently asked TikTok to de-influence my Sephora basket and people shared their feedback on products they loved and ones they didn’t
Step 5: Investing basics
Now for some finance tips from Andrew (this is not individually tailored investment advice, for general education purposes only):
Time in the market > Timing the market. Start where you are.
According to a report from my bank:
Since 1950, there have been 56 market pullbacks of 10% or more. A year later, stocks were higher 87.5% of the time.
This is reassuring and means that more often than not the market bounces back stronger than it was before a pullback.
If you can, invest in a broad-based ETF and contribute a little at a time.
Know your “why”—is this money for retirement, a house, or long-term goals?
Stay calm, zoom out, and trust the long game.
Diversify your income if you can. A side hustle or creative project can open up new opportunities and help soften any job uncertainty.
In summary
Recession-proofing your life doesn’t mean giving up everything you love. It’s about being intentional, honest, and resourceful. Feeling secure in your choices and your future is how hot girls do it.
Oh, and if you’re a content creator, I wrote a whole blog post about surviving a recession as a creator too—linking that here for you.
Let’s save smart, spend with purpose, and thrive in our own way.
Listen on Apple
Listen on Spotify