If you have credit card debt, you are not irresponsible. You were almost certainly never properly taught how credit card interest actually works. This episode, Maya and Dr Linda turn that light on.

You will learn why the minimum payment is a retention strategy designed to keep you in debt, how compounding interest works in plain language, the three numbers on your statement that actually matter, and the avalanche and snowball methods for tackling multiple cards.

YOUR BABY STEP: Get every credit card statement. Write down three things for each card: balance, interest rate, minimum payment. Three columns. One piece of paper. See the full picture for the first time. Bring it to Episode 05.

Full show notes at lighterwithmaya.substack.com • Instagram @lighterwithmaya

Most of us are sitting on unredeemed loyalty points worth real money — and never touching them because we're saving them for someday. This episode, Maya and financial counsellor Dr Linda unpack the psychology behind points hoarding and walk you through a full loyalty audit across supermarket cards, pharmacy rewards, credit card points, store credits, gift cards and airline miles.

Programs covered include US (Kroger, CVS ExtraCare, Walgreens, Target Circle), Australian (Woolworths Everyday Rewards, Flybuys, Chemist Warehouse, Priceline, Qantas Points, Velocity), UK (Tesco Clubcard, Nectar, Boots Advantage Card, Avios) and German (Payback, Miles and More) programs.

YOUR BABY STEP: Pick one loyalty account today. Log in. Check your balance. If you can redeem for something useful this week, do it today. Then sweep your wallet and inbox for forgotten gift cards. The treasure is real.

Full show notes at lighterwithmaya.substack.com • Instagram @lighterwithmaya

Did you know the average household is paying for four to eight subscriptions they've completely forgotten about? This episode, Maya and financial counsellor Dr Linda expose the two deliberate tactics companies use to keep money quietly draining from your account — and walk you through exactly how to take it back.

You'll learn how to run a 3-month bank statement audit, decode charges listed under holding company names you don't recognise, use Dr Linda's three-question test to decide what stays and what goes, and find out if your utility provider owes you money right now.

YOUR BABY STEP: Open your bank app. Go back 3 months. List every recurring charge. For any name you don't recognise — Google it + 'subscription'. Cancel anything that fails the 3-question test. Then call one utility provider and ask about your rate and any account credit. You might find twenty dollars. You might find ninety. Either way — that's your money.

Full show notes at lighterwithmaya.substack.com • Instagram @lighterwithmaya