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Financial Coaching for Women: How To Budget, Manage Money, Pay Off Debt, Save Money, Paycheck Plans

Financial Coaching for Women: How To Budget, Manage Money, Pay Off Debt, Save Money, Paycheck Plans

570 episodes — Page 1 of 12

How to Stop Spending the Money You Need to Pay Your Bills | Lessons From The Sessions | 565

May 13, 202615 min

How to Afford Summer Camps and Activities Without Going Broke: Plan a Fun Summer on Budget | 564

May 11, 202636 min

How to Get Caught Up When Your Budget Feels Like a Mess: The No-Shame Plan for Getting Back on Track | 563

May 8, 202619 min

Avoiding Credit Card Debt in a Hard Season: Budget Help, Side Hustles, and Real Wins | 562

May 6, 202614 min

Budget Shortcuts for Busy Moms: How to Put Your Money on Autopilot | 561

May 4, 202617 min

From Cash Envelopes to Digital Envelopes: How Cindy Made Budgeting Easier in Retirement | 560

May 1, 202623 min

Not Your Grandma’s Budget: How to Budget When You Hate Budgeting | Reair: Money Magnet Mama with Masha Goins | 559

Apr 29, 202638 min

How To Build Your May 2026 Monthly Budget: Plan Your Money Step by Step | 558

Apr 27, 202647 min

Stop Letting Money Control You: Mindset + Money Habits for Real Abundance with Rebecca E. Whitman | 557

Apr 24, 202634 min

How They Paid Off $30,000 of Debt in 6 Months (Without Being "Gazelle Intense") | 556

Apr 22, 202628 min

How to Budget for Quarterly and Annual Bills Without Stress | 555

Apr 20, 202614 min

Marriage and Money: How to Stop Fighting and Start Budgeting Together | 554

Apr 17, 202620 min

Business Budget Basics: How to Stop Playing Catch-Up & Finally Get Ahead | Lessons from the Sessions | 553

Apr 15, 202616 min

Why Your Money Feels Disorganized (And How to Finally Fix Your Budget) | 552

Apr 13, 202627 min

Why Smart Women Still Struggle to Budget and How to Finally Take Control Without Shame | 551

Apr 10, 202628 min

The Mom-Friendly Budget That Makes Room for Debt Payoff, Date Nights, and Travel Sports | Reair: Amy Dave, This Incredible Mom Life | 550

Apr 8, 202618 min

How to Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck: Get One Paycheck Ahead | 549

Apr 6, 20269 min

Ep 548She Paid Off $20K of Debt in 5 Months Without Giving Up Vacations: Here’s How | 548

Curious? Watch Our How To Budget Workshop!Ready? Buy Our Simplified Budget System Now!What happens when you are good with money on paper, but real life gets more expensive, more complicated, and way harder to manage once kids enter the picture?In this episode, we sit down with Brittany, who shares how she went from feeling like she was constantly paying for last month to finally getting ahead with a budgeting system that actually worked for her real life. After trying budgeting apps that felt overwhelming, restrictive, and way too focused on tracking the past, Brittany realized she needed something different — something that helped her plan forward instead of just reacting.She opens up about the stress of carrying balances, feeling like maybe she was the problem, and how switching to a simple, proactive system helped her pay off nearly $20,000 in debt in about five months while still taking family vacations, planning ahead, and living life.We also talk about automations, savings buckets, budgeting with fluctuating income, and what it looks like to trust yourself with your numbers instead of living in constant money stress.This conversation is such a good reminder that financial clarity is not about perfection. It is about creating a plan that supports your life, gives you options, and helps you feel calm, confident, and in control.Let’s Take Our Relationship To The Next Level:1️⃣ Facebook Group ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook2️⃣ Be on the Podcast ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall3️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coachingThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not personal financial, legal, or tax advice.This description may contain affiliate links, meaning we may get a commission at no cost to you if you click & purchase.Click here to view our privacy policy.

Apr 3, 202626 min

Ep 547How to Lower Debt Payments, Stick to Your Budget, and Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck with Coach Michelle | 547

Curious? Watch Our How To Budget Workshop!Ready? Buy Our Simplified Budget System Now!Michelle is back from office hours, and this episode is full of the kind of wins that remind us why budgeting matters. We are talking real-life progress, not perfection. From staying on budget for a kid’s birthday to paying for Disney in cash, these budget besties are proving that clarity and intentionality can change everything.This conversation is part strategy, part therapy, and honestly, that is what so many of us need. Sometimes we need a plan. Sometimes we need permission. And sometimes we just need someone to say, “Yes, you can do this.”In this episode, we talk about:Hitting a birthday budget almost exactly and resisting the urge to overspendFunding a Disney trip with cash and coming home without credit card regretSetting realistic grocery and spending numbers so we stop setting ourselves up to failFinding a surprise monthly surplus simply by organizing accounts and automating moneyNegotiating debt payments down in a major way by making a few strategic phone callsStarting sinking funds like “Santa’s Sack” early so the holidays feel joyful, not stressfulPaying off a house and seeing how much faster progress happens with a clear planThe biggest takeaway? A lot of us do not have a money failure problem. We have a clarity problem. When our money is scattered, unplanned, and hard to see, it is almost impossible to feel confident. But once it is all laid out simply, we can finally make empowered decisions.This episode is a reminder that budgeting is not about restriction. It is about giving ourselves breathing room, celebrating wins, and building a system that supports real life.Let’s Take Our Relationship To The Next Level:1️⃣ Facebook Group ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook2️⃣ Be on the Podcast ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall3️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coachingThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not personal financial, legal, or tax advice.This description may contain affiliate links, meaning we may get a commission at no cost to you if you click & purchase.Click here to view our privacy policy.

Apr 1, 202631 min

Ep 54655% of Americans Say Money Is Their Biggest Stress — Here’s What’s Causing It | 546

Curious? Watch Our How To Budget Workshop!Ready? Buy Our Simplified Budget System Now!Did you know 55% of Americans say money is the biggest source of stress in their lives? Budget besties, we are not surprised.In this episode, we’re talking about why money feels so heavy, why it keeps us up at night, and why it causes so much tension in our homes and relationships. The truth is, for most of us, it’s not just about how much money we make. It’s about disorganization, not knowing our numbers, and trying to live life with our head in the sand.We’re breaking down why avoiding your finances actually makes the stress worse, and how getting your money on paper can instantly bring clarity. Because once you can see your numbers, you can start making decisions on purpose instead of living in constant background panic.We also talk about how separating your money into simple categories and accounts can reduce chaos, help you stop relying on credit cards, and make money conversations with your spouse feel way less explosive.This episode is your reminder that money does not have to control your peace. You can simplify it, organize it, and start feeling more in control.Let’s Take Our Relationship To The Next Level:1️⃣ Facebook Group ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook2️⃣ Be on the Podcast ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall3️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coachingThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not personal financial, legal, or tax advice.This description may contain affiliate links, meaning we may get a commission at no cost to you if you click & purchase.Click here to view our privacy policy.

Mar 30, 202618 min

Ep 545How to Budget When Life Hits Hard: Medical Bills + A Grocery Plan That Works | 545

Curious? Watch Our How To Budget Workshop!Ready? Buy Our Simplified Budget System Now!In this heartfelt episode, we talk with Alana, a wife and mom of three who is navigating recovery after two heart attacks at just 36 years old. In the middle of a serious health crisis, she shares how getting her budget organized has brought her a real sense of peace.Alana opens up about medical leave, disability income, surprise bills, and the mental load of managing money for a family with multiple dietary restrictions. Together, we talk through what is already working in her budget, where grocery spending feels tricky, and how creating separate accounts for bills and spending can reduce stress in a huge way.This conversation is such a good reminder that budgeting is not about perfection. It is about creating clarity, building systems that support your real life, and giving yourself grace when life gets hard.What We Talk About:Recovering from a major health event while managing household financesUsing separate accounts to prepare for non-monthly billsWhy sinking funds can bring instant reliefHow disability income can create breathing room in the budgetGrocery budgeting for families with dietary restrictionsWhy using real spending numbers matters more than guessingHow a dedicated grocery account can simplify food spendingGiving yourself grace when prices rise and life changes fastLet’s Take Our Relationship To The Next Level:1️⃣ Facebook Group ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook2️⃣ Be on the Podcast ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall3️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coachingThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not personal financial, legal, or tax advice.This description may contain affiliate links, meaning we may get a commission at no cost to you if you click & purchase.Click here to view our privacy policy.

Mar 27, 202620 min

Ep 544How to Lower Your Credit Card Payments and Free Up Cash Fast | 544

Curious? Watch Our How To Budget Workshop!Ready? Buy Our Simplified Budget System Now!Do you make good money but still feel like you have nothing to show for it? Budget besties, this episode is full of real-life coaching lessons that prove small money moves can make a huge difference.We’re sharing client stories and honest budget breakthroughs, from lowering debt payments by more than $400 a month, to fixing sneaky budget issues like “every 4 weeks” expenses, to knowing when to pause savings buckets so you can knock out debt faster.We’re also talking about something that can feel super uncomfortable but matters so much: teaching our kids financial responsibility. Whether your adult child still lives at home or you’re just trying to raise money-smart kids, this conversation will help you think about how to build confidence, responsibility, and real-life financial skills.This episode is your reminder that you do not have to figure it all out alone. Sometimes all it takes is a fresh set of eyes, a little tough love, and a simple plan that actually works.Let’s Take Our Relationship To The Next Level:1️⃣ Facebook Group ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook2️⃣ Be on the Podcast ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall3️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coachingThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not personal financial, legal, or tax advice.This description may contain affiliate links, meaning we may get a commission at no cost to you if you click & purchase.Click here to view our privacy policy.

Mar 25, 202622 min

Ep 543Make Your April 2026 Budget with Us: Plan Your Month and Your Money in 20 Minutes | 543

Curious? Watch Our How To Budget Workshop!Ready? Buy Our Simplified Budget System Now!Budget besties, April is basically here, and that means it’s time to make a fresh budget before the month starts.In this episode, we walk through exactly how to build your April budget step by step in a way that feels simple, realistic, and doable. We’re talking about how to list your income, include your minimum debt payments, organize your bills, set spending categories that actually fit your real life, and plan ahead for the month-specific expenses that always seem to sneak up on us.We also talk about why making your budget before April starts matters so much, especially if you’re already using an end-of-March paycheck for next month’s expenses. And we show how budgeting does not have to mean tracking every little transaction. It can be clear, quick, and way less stressful than you think.This episode is your reminder that your budget should work for your life, not the other way around.Let’s Take Our Relationship To The Next Level:1️⃣ Facebook Group ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook2️⃣ Be on the Podcast ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall3️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coachingThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not personal financial, legal, or tax advice.This description may contain affiliate links, meaning we may get a commission at no cost to you if you click & purchase.Click here to view our privacy policy.

Mar 23, 202621 min

Ep 542Are We Paying Off Debt Too Fast? Balancing Budget, Life, and Long-Term Goals | 542

Curious? Watch Our Money Makeover Bootcamp!Ready? Buy Our Simplified Budget System Now!Shelby came in with a question a lot of us can relate to: when we’re laser-focused on paying off debt, how do we know we’re not pushing too hard and setting ourselves up to fall right back into it?After navigating grad school, living on credit cards for a season, and making some big money changes, Shelby and her husband are now throwing nearly $6,000 a month at debt. They’ve built a plan that gives them structure, breathing room, and a real end date. Their goal? To be debt free except for one main car by November 2026.In this episode, we talk through how to balance aggressive debt payoff with realistic savings, how to plan for real life without calling it a “setback,” and why your budget has to support the life you’re living right now, not just the finish line you’re chasing.We also get into the difference between avalanche and snowball debt strategies, why automation is such a game changer, and how Shelby and her husband are staying motivated with Post-it notes all over the house to remind themselves what they’re working toward.This conversation is such a good reminder that paying off debt does not have to mean white-knuckling your way through life. You can make progress, enjoy your life, and build habits that actually last.Let’s Take Our Relationship To The Next Level:1️⃣ Facebook Group ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook2️⃣ Be on the Podcast ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall3️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coachingThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not personal financial, legal, or tax advice.This description may contain affiliate links, meaning we may get a commission at no cost to you if you click & purchase.Click here to view our privacy policy.

Mar 20, 202616 min

Ep 541How to Budget for Unexpected Expenses Without Using Credit Cards | Reair: Lifelong Learners Collective with Ella Catherine | 541

Curious? Watch Our Money Makeover Bootcamp!Ready? Buy Our Simplified Budget System Now!Check out Ella's Podcast!Budget besties, we’re bringing back a conversation we had with our friend Ella Catherine from the Lifelong Learners Collective podcast, and it is just as good the second time around.In this episode, we’re talking about the “B word” and why budgeting does not have to mean boring, restrictive, or giving up everything you love. We share how we help people build a budget that actually matches real life, supports their goals, and gives them room for the things that matter most.We get into why so many people feel behind with money, how to prepare for those “unexpected” expenses that are actually very expected, why separate accounts can make budgeting feel so much easier, and how to stop relying on credit cards to fill the gaps.This conversation is such a good reminder that budgeting is not about punishment. It is about clarity, confidence, and building a life you actually want.Let’s Take Our Relationship To The Next Level:1️⃣ Facebook Group ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook2️⃣ Be on the Podcast ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall3️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coachingThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not personal financial, legal, or tax advice.This description may contain affiliate links, meaning we may get a commission at no cost to you if you click & purchase.Click here to view our privacy policy.

Mar 18, 202641 min

Ep 540The #1 Money Mistake Keeping Women Stuck Right Now (Your Money Questions Answered) | 540

Curious? Watch Our Money Makeover Bootcamp!Ready? Buy Our Simplified Budget System Now!In this Q&A episode, we’re answering real questions from our budget besties straight from our Facebook group and email. We’re talking about the biggest money mistake we’re seeing right now, why so many of us end up using credit cards for groceries and gas, why using your emergency fund can feel weirdly guilt-inducing, and what to do when life feels too nonstop to stick to a budget.This episode is your reminder that money management does not have to feel complicated, scary, or overwhelming. When we know our numbers, automate what we can, and create simple systems that work in real life, everything starts to feel lighter.In This Episode, We Talk About:The biggest money mistake we’re seeing right now: avoiding your numbersWhy looking at your budget is usually not as scary as you thinkHow clarity creates instant solutions and less stressWhy people keep putting groceries and gas on credit cardsThe problem with having one “black hole” checking accountHow separate spending accounts can help you stop overspendingWhy grocery spending can be more predictable than you thinkHow setting weekly or biweekly limits creates built-in accountabilityWhy using your emergency fund for an actual emergency feels so hardThe difference between true emergencies and expected irregular expensesWhy savings buckets can reduce guilt and give you more peace of mindWhy it’s so hard to stick to a plan when life is nonstopHow automation helps you stay consistent without constant effortWhy setting guardrails is a form of being kind to your future selfLet’s Take Our Relationship To The Next Level:1️⃣ Facebook Group ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook2️⃣ Be on the Podcast ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall3️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coachingThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not personal financial, legal, or tax advice.This description may contain affiliate links, meaning we may get a commission at no cost to you if you click & purchase.Click here to view our privacy policy.

Mar 16, 202615 min

Ep 539How to Stop Overspending at Target: Decluttering + Boundaries That Actually Work with Emily McDermott | 539

Curious? Watch Our Money Makeover Bootcamp!Ready? Buy Our Simplified Budget System Now!Check Out Emily's Podcast!Budget besties, this one is for all of us who have ever walked into Target for one thing and somehow left with a cart full of “why did I buy this?” items.In this episode, we’re joined by Emily McDermott, host of Moms Overcoming Overwhelm, to talk about what clutter really means and why it is about so much more than stuff. We dig into the connection between overspending, emotional clutter, identity shifts, and the overwhelm so many women feel in this season of life.Emily shares practical ways to declutter your home, your mind, and even your habits around shopping. We also talk about how creating simple boundaries around your money and your stuff can lead to more peace, more clarity, and way less stress.If you’ve been feeling buried by clutter, tempted by impulse buys, or just craving a fresh reset, this conversation will leave you encouraged and empowered.In this episode, we talk about:Why Target feels so hard to resist for so many womenThe connection between clutter, emotional overwhelm, and identity shiftsHow the “experience” of shopping can lead to overspendingWhy the pause gives you power before making a purchaseWhat to do instead of buying bins and baskets firstThe real reason most people feel disorganizedEmily’s quick decluttering reset: Trash, Relocate, and Anything to get rid ofHow “container limits” can help you manage your home and your spendingWhy freedom works best inside clear boundariesHow simplifying your home can support the life you’re living right nowLet’s Take Our Relationship To The Next Level:1️⃣ Facebook Group ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook2️⃣ Be on the Podcast ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall3️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coachingThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not personal financial, legal, or tax advice.This description may contain affiliate links, meaning we may get a commission at no cost to you if you click & purchase.Click here to view our privacy policy.

Mar 13, 202632 min

Ep 538Make Property Taxes Easy, Stop the HELOC Habit, Let Kids Pay Their Own Bills & Budgeting Amazon Categories (Lessons From The Sessions) | 538

Curious? Watch Our Money Makeover Bootcamp!Ready? Buy Our Simplified Budget System Now!Hey budget besties, this episode is all about one very grown-up truth: the financial stuff that sneaks up on us usually is not actually a surprise. It just feels that way when we are not planning ahead.We are talking about why property taxes should not be a yearly jump scare, how relying on a financial “Plan B” can keep you stuck, and why teaching kids to manage their own money matters so much. We also dig into Amazon spending guilt and why tracking after the fact is not nearly as helpful as budgeting on purpose from the start.This episode is packed with real client stories, practical budget shifts, and the reminder that financial peace comes from planning ahead, not scrambling after the fact.In this episode, we talk about:Why saving monthly for property taxes can change everythingHow escrow keeps your money out of sight and earning for the bank instead of for youWhy relying on mom, credit cards, HELOCs, or your emergency fund can make it harder to stick to your budgetThe power of committing to Plan A and removing easy financial fallbacksHow to teach kids real money lessons by letting them spend their own moneyWhy boundaries around money help both adults and kids build confidenceHow to stop shaming yourself over Amazon spendingWhy separating spending into clear budget categories makes money easier to manageHow intentional budgeting creates freedom without guiltKey reminder from this episodeWe want you to be your own bank.That means planning ahead, saving for the things you know are coming, using your budget on purpose, and building a system that helps you rely on yourself instead of defaulting to outside help or last-minute fixes.What we want budget besties to rememberYou do not need to feel ashamed about spending money when it is already part of the plan. The goal is not perfection. The goal is clarity. When your money has a job, you can spend, save, and prepare with a whole lot more confidence.Let’s Take Our Relationship To The Next Level:1️⃣ Facebook Group ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook2️⃣ Be on the Podcast ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall3️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coachingThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not personal financial, legal, or tax advice.This description may contain affiliate links, meaning we may get a commission at no cost to you if you click & purchase.Click here to view our privacy policy.

Mar 11, 202619 min

Ep 537The 5 Hardest Money Habits to Break (and How to Finally Break Them) | 537

Curious? Watch Our Money Makeover Bootcamp!Ready? Buy Our Simplified Budget System Now!Today we’re diving into the top 5 hardest financial habits to break — straight from our community. We’re talking about the real-life stuff that keeps showing up in our budgets again and again: eating out, impulse spending, credit cards, grocery overspending, and living above our means.But we’re not just calling out the habits, budget besties — we’re also giving you practical ways to start changing them without going from one extreme to the other.Because this is not about perfection. It’s about creating a money plan that actually fits your real life.In this episode, we talk about:Why eating out and delivery can quietly wreck your budgetHow to make food at home more convenient, realistic, and actually enjoyableThe truth about Amazon, home decor, clothes, and impulse purchasesWhy random scrolling often turns into random spendingHow credit cards keep you disconnected from what’s really happening with your moneyWhy your grocery budget probably needs to be updatedWhat it really means to live within or below your meansHow separate spending accounts and realistic budget categories can make all of this easierThe 5 hardest financial habits to break:Eating outShopping and impulse buyingUsing credit cardsOverspending on groceriesLiving above your meansBiggest reminders from this episode:We are not saying you can never eat out, shop, or have fun.We are saying you need a plan for it.A realistic budget works better than an overly strict one you can’t stick to.Convenience is okay — it just needs to fit your numbers.You have to stop investing in everyone and everything else before you invest in yourself.Practical takeaways:Make meals at home easy, fast, and appealingPut guardrails around spending with a set budgetUse separate accounts for spending categories when possibleRemove credit cards from your wallet, apps, and auto-pay if they’re causing problemsUpdate your grocery budget to reflect today’s pricesStop guessing with your money and start getting clear on what your life actually costsLet’s Take Our Relationship To The Next Level:1️⃣ Facebook Group ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook2️⃣ Be on the Podcast ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall3️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coachingThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not personal financial, legal, or tax advice.This description may contain affiliate links, meaning we may get a commission at no cost to you if you click & purchase.Click here to view our privacy policy.

Mar 9, 202622 min

Ep 536How Angie Paid Off $72,000 in Debt Without Cutting the Fun | Budgeting Tips for Busy Couples | 536

Curious? Watch Our Money Makeover Bootcamp!Ready? Buy Our Simplified Budget System Now!Budget besties, this episode is such a good one. We’re sitting down with Angie, a longtime listener turned client, who shares how she completely transformed her finances by getting organized, simplifying her accounts, and building habits that actually work in real life.Angie and her husband were juggling a lot: personal finances, business finances, two homes, four adult kids, and plenty of money stress. Even though they were making good money, it still felt messy and unclear. Once she started using a simple system that separated bills, spending, gas, and groceries, everything started to click.In less than a year, Angie paid off $72,000 in debt, bought a car in cash, got a month ahead on personal bills, became more generous, and started making financial decisions with so much more peace and confidence.This conversation is a reminder that financial success is not about making more money. It’s about having a system, building habits, and being intentional with what matters most.Let’s Take Our Relationship To The Next Level:1️⃣ Facebook Group ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook2️⃣ Be on the Podcast ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall3️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coachingThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not personal financial, legal, or tax advice.This description may contain affiliate links, meaning we may get a commission at no cost to you if you click & purchase.Click here to view our privacy policy.

Mar 6, 202630 min

Ep 535How to Pay Off $3,000 in Credit Card Debt and Fix the $3 Gas Budget Problem with Coach Michelle | 535

Curious? Watch Our Money Makeover Bootcamp!Ready? Buy Our Simplified Budget System Now!Coach Michelle is back in Office Hours every Wednesday, helping budget besties get unstuck—whether you’re brand new, you’ve got the budget system already, or you’re still trying to save up to buy it. This episode is basically a peek into the kinds of questions that come up every week… and the little shifts that create BIG momentum.What we coveredOffice Hours = judgement-free help Bring your questions. Bring your chaos. Bring your “I don’t even know where to start.” Michelle helps you build a plan that actually fits your life—without making you feel behind.The $3,000 credit card win (in about a month!) One budget bestie started in November and by the end of December had paid $3,000 off her credit card—because she:organized the budget clearly,separated accounts,set up automation,and finally saw what her money could actually do.Why separation of accounts creates “discipline” without the stress When everything sits in one account, it becomes a black hole. When you separate money by purpose, you instantly know:what’s for bills,what’s for spending,what’s for saving,and what can go toward debt.And then the “discipline” isn’t you white-knuckling—it’s the system doing what it’s designed to do.The “$3 left for gas” problem (aka: detail overload) A budget bestie was dialing gas and groceries down so tightly she ended the month with $3 left for gas. Michelle’s coaching: Stop budgeting down to the last penny in categories that fluctuate. Gas + groceries need a buffer so you don’t create anxiety, second-guessing, and late-night panic math.We are NOT the frugal besties If you’re looking for “rice and beans forever” or “never go out to eat again,” we’re not your girls. We’re here for bougie on a budget—a budget built in abundance, with breathing room, that supports a life you actually enjoy.The $3,000 car insurance bill (semi-annual stress) One bestie had a $3,000 car insurance bill due in a few months and only had $1,000 saved. The strategy:calculate the gap,temporarily pull back on other savings buckets or extra debt payments,fund the insurance first (because it’s non-negotiable),then return to debt payoff after the bill is paid.The big breakthrough: once annual bills are set up properly, you stop “magically finding” thousands of dollars every few months.Order of operations (so you don’t sabotage yourself) We want you to build this in steps:get spending (gas/groceries/etc.) realisticbuild savings bucketsthen go hard on debt That’s how you avoid having to put surprise expenses right back on a card later.Getting your husband on board (and ending the swipe-stress) One bestie was constantly transferring money to cover her husband’s spending and carrying all the stress alone. The game-changer:separate accounts,give him his own spending account,agree on the amount together,turn off overdraft transfers so the limit is real,and make him responsible for managing his account.It shifts the dynamic from parent/child to teammates.Acorns in the budget (and why “investing on purpose” matters) The round-up investing sounded fine… until she started paying attention to her numbers. Tracking tiny, random round-ups can create unnecessary chaos. Our take:either assign a consistent monthly investment amount (on purpose),Let’s Take Our Relationship To The Next Level:1️⃣ Facebook Group ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook2️⃣ Be on the Podcast ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall3️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coachingThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not personal financial, legal, or tax advice.This description may contain affiliate links, meaning we may get a commission at no cost to you if you click & purchase.Click here to view our privacy policy.

Mar 4, 202631 min

Ep 534The Real Reason You’re Overspending (And How To Fix It) | 534

Curious? Watch Our Money Makeover Bootcamp!Ready? Buy Our Simplified Budget System Now!1) Overspending is the norm… and shame is lying to usA lot of people walk around thinking:“I’m terrible with money.”“I can’t do math.”“I have no discipline.”But y’all… that’s not the real issue. The real issue is not knowing what’s safe to spend in the moment. So we guess. And guessing gets expensive.2) The rebellious spending spiral is realWhen we feel like we never have money, we get that “fine, whatever, future me can deal with it” energy:drain the accountswipe the cardturn it into a later problemSeparate accounts remove that fight because there’s nothing to rebel against—you already planned for spending.3) Separate accounts = micro-decisions, not daily math OlympicsInstead of:“Did we pay rent?”“Do we have grocery money?”“Can I go to Target or will I regret it?”You get:Spending account balance = what you can spend. Period. That’s the whole decision. That’s the freedom.4) Replenishment changes your brain (and your habits)When your spending money gets refilled every paycheck (or weekly transfer), it stops feeling like:“now or never” and starts feeling like:“I can spend, and it’s coming back.”That’s why people naturally spend less without doing a bunch of willpower tricks.5) Tracking culture is exhausting and unnecessary hereSome systems want:receiptscategories tracked to the pennyapps yelling at you like you’re grounded 😅But with this approach, you don’t need to track every little thing because:it’s already separatedit’s already cappedit’s already visibleYou can literally look and go: “Yep. Target did that.” The end.Let’s Take Our Relationship To The Next Level:1️⃣ Facebook Group ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook2️⃣ Be on the Podcast ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall3️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coachingThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not personal financial, legal, or tax advice.This description may contain affiliate links, meaning we may get a commission at no cost to you if you click & purchase.Click here to view our privacy policy.

Mar 2, 202614 min

Ep 533Hormones & Your Budget: How Your Cycle Impacts How You Spend Money and What to Do About It with Leisha Drews | 533

Curious? Watch Our Money Makeover Bootcamp!Ready? Buy Our Simplified Budget System Now!Check Out Leisha's Podcast!Today’s episode is a female-focused conversation on something most of us have felt but never connected to our money habits: your hormones and your spending.We’re talking with Leisha Drews, nurse and host of the Happily Hormonal podcast, about how different phases of your cycle can affect your mood, decision-making, impulse spending, and even how “motivated” you feel to stick to the budget.You’ll learn:Why your period week can actually be a great time to plan your budgetWhy ovulation week can make you feel more social, optimistic, and a little more “add to cart” 😅Why the luteal phase can bring comfort spending and lower stress toleranceHow awareness helps you stop making money decisions feel like a personal flawIf you loved this conversation, go check out Leisha's show Happily Hormonal and search: cycle tracking or cycle syncing for more episodes on learning your patterns.Let’s Take Our Relationship To The Next Level:1️⃣ Facebook Group ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook2️⃣ Be on the Podcast ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall3️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coachingThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not personal financial, legal, or tax advice.This description may contain affiliate links, meaning we may get a commission at no cost to you if you click & purchase.Click here to view our privacy policy.

Feb 27, 202628 min

Ep 532Stop Stealing Your Own Spending Money, Storm Mode & Savings Buckets: Lessons From The Sessions | 532

Curious? Watch Our Money Makeover Bootcamp!Ready? Buy Our Simplified Budget System Now!Hey budget besties — today we’re pulling back the curtain on real-life lessons from our private coaching sessions. Because if our clients are dealing with it… chances are you are too. We’re talking layoffs and job loss prep, why “0% interest” debt can still be a budget emergency, how to build a storm-mode mock budget, and the surprisingly confusing question: is pet food a savings bucket or a spending bucket? (Answer: it depends… but we’ll make it make sense.)We also get into a big one for parents: stop robbing your own spending money to cover everyone else’s categories, and let’s teach kids how to manage a set amount instead of learning “just go over and Mom will fix it.” Plus, we’re giving you permission to simplify your budget: categories > tracking every little transaction.Let’s Take Our Relationship To The Next Level:1️⃣ Facebook Group ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook2️⃣ Be on the Podcast ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall3️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coachingThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not personal financial, legal, or tax advice.This description may contain affiliate links, meaning we may get a commission at no cost to you if you click & purchase.Click here to view our privacy policy.

Feb 25, 202620 min

Ep 531Make Your March 2026 Budget with Us: A Step-by-Step Monthly Money Plan | 531

Curious? Watch Our Money Makeover Bootcamp!Ready? Buy Our Simplified Budget System Now!Budget besties, February is basically a blink—so we’re not letting March sneak up on us without a plan. In this episode, Shana and Vanessa walk us through their simple, repeatable monthly budget process: close out the current month first, then build the next month’s budget in a specific order so your money feels calmer, more automated, and way less “where did it go?!”We follow a real-life client example (two teacher incomes, lots of moving parts, still totally doable) to show how every income source counts, why we only list minimum debt payments at first, how to wrangle subscriptions without shame, and how to create spending categories that stay consistent month to month.And yes—sometimes savings buckets pause when life is life-ing (hello trips + birthdays). The win is that the plan still works, and you can still make progress—without defaulting to credit cards.Let’s Take Our Relationship To The Next Level:1️⃣ Facebook Group ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook2️⃣ Be on the Podcast ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall3️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coachingThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not personal financial, legal, or tax advice.This description may contain affiliate links, meaning we may get a commission at no cost to you if you click & purchase.Click here to view our privacy policy.

Feb 23, 202627 min

Ep 530Car Paid Off, Student Loan Debt Next? The Best Move for Your Budget | 530

Curious? Watch Our Money Makeover Bootcamp!Ready? Buy Our Simplified Budget System Now!Amanda joined us to talk through a super relatable moment: they’ve built a solid budgeting system… and now the question is what to do with a big, scary student loan balance once the car is paid off. Add in military life + possible paycheck disruptions, and you’ve got a perfect “real life” money crossroads.The best part? Amanda’s already doing the work—multiple spending accounts, savings buckets, paycheck-ahead living—and it literally protected their family during a potential shutdown pay delay. Budget bestie win of the year. 🥳What we coveredA huge win: Being a paycheck ahead so a shutdown/pay delay doesn’t force a panic loan.The real question: Car #2 will be paid off in July—should they roll that payment straight into student loans Dave Ramsey-style?Why it feels impossible: Doctorate-level debt + preschool-hours income + three little kids + a spouse who’s gone a lot.The mindset shift: Doctorate-level debt can be tackled more aggressively when you’re closer to doctorate-level income.Storm Mode permission: When life is unstable (shutdown uncertainty, limited work hours, heavy family load), it’s okay to pause aggression and pay minimums temporarily.Quality of life matters: Not as an excuse—as a sustainability strategy. Date nights, small “fun money,” and feeling less tight can keep you consistent for the long haul.Tactical tip to reduce overwhelm: Even if the loans are “one balance,” they’re often broken into multiple smaller loans inside the account. Tracking them separately can make the mountain feel climbable.Meet-in-the-middle plan: After the car payoff, consider splitting the freed-up payment:top off key savings buckets (annual bills, gifts, essentials)increase spending accounts to reduce day-to-day stressLet’s Take Our Relationship To The Next Level:1️⃣ Facebook Group ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook2️⃣ Be on the Podcast ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall3️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coachingThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not personal financial, legal, or tax advice.This description may contain affiliate links, meaning we may get a commission at no cost to you if you click & purchase.Click here to view our privacy policy.

Feb 20, 202615 min

Ep 529How We Started a Podcast (Accidentally) and Grew to 1.5 Million Plays

🎧 Want the free Podcast Bootcamp + VIP upgrade? Click here.Today is a short, fun, behind-the-scenes episode where we’re taking you back to the VERY unglamorous beginning of Financial Coaching for Women. 😂🎙️If you’ve ever wondered how you even found us, why this show feels so “meant to be,” or what it looked like before we had any clue what we were doing… this one’s for you.In this episode, we cover:The moment Shana accidentally started a podcast (yes, on purpose… but also not) 😳Vanessa’s reaction: “How do you accidentally start a podcast?!”Our first “studio”: a garage + yoga mats + blankets + towelsThe umbrella era… because we thought it would stop sound waves 🫠Why people tell us, “I feel like God led me to your podcast” and why we fully agreeThe pivot point when we realized: “Oh… this podcast could actually be a thing”How we went from 3,000 plays to 1.5 million plays and 500+ episodes laterWant the behind-the-scenes and the blueprint?If this episode has you thinking, “Okay… maybe I could start a podcast (or finally get serious about mine),” we’re inviting you to join Steph Gass’ free Profitable Podcast Bootcamp (Feb 23–27).✅ Grab your spot here: stefaniegass.com/budgetbestiesUse code: BUDGETBESTIES for a free VIP upgrade.We’ll see you over there. And if you’re just here for the origin story, we love you the most. 😉

Feb 18, 202613 min

Ep 528What To Do With Your Tax Refund So It Doesn’t Disappear: Pay Off Debt, Fund Your Savings Buckets, or Treat Yo’ Self? | 528

Curious? Watch Our Money Makeover Bootcamp!Ready? Buy Our Simplified Budget System Now!Tax season is here, budget besties—and while it might not be anyone’s favorite, it is inevitable. In this episode, Shayna and Vanessa walk you through a simple, step-by-step plan for what to do with your tax refund (or what to do if you owe), so the money doesn’t disappear the second it hits your account.We talk about why refunds often vanish without a plan, how “I’ll pay it off when the refund comes” keeps you stuck in a behind cycle, and how to use your budget to decide what comes first. You’ll learn how to choose between the three main refund options—debt, savings buckets, or a splurge—based on what your real life and your full-year budget actually need.Plus, two pro tips: what to consider if you’re getting a big refund every year (hint: it may be time to revisit withholding), and how to prepare now if you owe taxes so next year doesn’t feel so painful.The goal? For your tax return to feel like a bonus—not the thing holding your whole financial year together.Let’s Take Our Relationship To The Next Level:1️⃣ Facebook Group ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook2️⃣ Be on the Podcast ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall3️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coachingThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not personal financial, legal, or tax advice.This description may contain affiliate links, meaning we may get a commission at no cost to you if you click & purchase.Click here to view our privacy policy.

Feb 16, 202615 min

Ep 527How to Budget as a Couple: Separate Accounts, Automation, and Debt Payoff - Jamie's Story| 527

Curious? Watch Our Money Makeover Bootcamp!Ready? Buy Our Simplified Budget System Now!Hey budget besties — today we’re hanging out with Jamie (Twin Cities, MN!) to talk about what it actually looked like to go from “shooting from the hip and hoping for the best” to having a real plan, real peace, and real progress.Jamie and her husband Kevin have been together since they were teenagers (married 23+ years), and like a lot of us, they weren’t raised with money skills modeled clearly. They’d do “a program” for a while, fall out of rhythm, and then drift back into chaos. Add in big-life curveballs (home repairs, medical stuff, kids getting older, college around the corner), and it hit a breaking point: the stress and uncertainty started feeling too expensive to ignore.So they brought in coaching — and everything changed.Let’s Take Our Relationship To The Next Level:1️⃣ Facebook Group ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook2️⃣ Be on the Podcast ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall3️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coachingThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not personal financial, legal, or tax advice.This description may contain affiliate links, meaning we may get a commission at no cost to you if you click & purchase.Click here to view our privacy policy.

Feb 13, 202627 min

Ep 526Real Coaching Lessons: Budgeting for Paycheck Gaps + Planning College Visits Without Debt | 526

Curious? Watch Our Money Makeover Bootcamp!Ready? Buy Our Simplified Budget System Now!Today we're pulling back the curtain and sharing real stories from our private coaching sessions – because if our clients are dealing with it, chances are you are too.From job transitions messing with pay schedules to college visits sneaking up on us (hello senior year!), we’re breaking down exactly how we helped our clients navigate these challenges without falling into a debt spiral.We’re talking about:Why funding your grocery account is non-negotiableWhat to do when your paycheck date shifts and the bills don’t careThe sneaky stress of college visit expenses – and how to stop pretending it’s not happeningHow skipping a debt payment to build a buffer is actually a smart moveThe power of planning ahead (even if your kid is just a freshman)These are the kinds of wins that may not look flashy on paper — but theLet’s Take Our Relationship To The Next Level:1️⃣ Facebook Group ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook2️⃣ Be on the Podcast ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall3️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coachingThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not personal financial, legal, or tax advice.This description may contain affiliate links, meaning we may get a commission at no cost to you if you click & purchase.Click here to view our privacy policy.

Feb 11, 20269 min

Ep 525How To Fix The Money Beliefs Sabotaging Your Budget | 525

Curious? Watch Our Money Makeover Bootcamp!Ready? Buy Our Simplified Budget System Now!Hey budget besties! 💸This episode is for every single one of us walking around with invisible—but very real—money baggage. Whether it came from childhood sayings like “money doesn’t grow on trees” or past relationship drama, Shana and Vanessa are breaking down where our money beliefs come from and how they shape the way we spend, save, and stress about money today.💼 What is money baggage anyway? It’s the beliefs, habits, and emotions around money that you’ve carried—sometimes without even knowing it. And they’re often rooted in family dynamics, cultural expectations, or past financial experiences.🎯 In this episode, we explore:The most common money messages we heard growing up (and how they STILL influence us today)How fear of spending or scarcity mindsets show up in our relationshipsWhy two people can bring wildly different money habits into a marriage—and how that causes tensionThe weight of cultural or family pressure to live a certain lifestyleThe emotional toll of money trauma from past relationshipsAnd most importantly, how to recognize your patterns and choose a new path forward💬 Shana shares how her childhood taught her not to ask for things (because the answer would be no), and how that belief showed up in her marriage—even when it didn’t make sense. Vanessa gets real about how her parents losing their jobs drove her to pay off her mortgage early. These stories aren’t just personal—they’re universal. And they show us just how deep this stuff runs.✨ But here’s the good news: You get to decide what comes next. You’re not stuck in the patterns you were handed. Whether you're scared to spend or scared to talk about money at all, you can shift how you handle your finances—and we’re here to help you do it.Let’s Take Our Relationship To The Next Level:1️⃣ Facebook Group ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook2️⃣ Be on the Podcast ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall3️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coachingThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not personal financial, legal, or tax advice.This description may contain affiliate links, meaning we may get a commission at no cost to you if you click & purchase.Click here to view our privacy policy.

Feb 9, 202613 min

Ep 524Growing Up Broke, Breaking the Cycle: How This Single Mom Transformed Her Money Mindset with Kallai Plummer | 524

Curious? Watch Our Money Makeover Bootcamp!Ready? Buy Our Simplified Budget System Now!Check out Kallai's Podcast!This one’s for all of us who grew up with “just make it work” energy—and are ready to do things differently.In today’s powerful episode, we’re joined by the incredible Kallai Plummer, founder of The Kal + Co, operations expert, and host of That Big CEO Energy podcast. Kallai is sharing her real, raw story of financial survival, motherhood, breaking cycles, and building a business that puts her family and her freedom first.Kallai grew up with a single mom who made it all work behind the scenes—but didn’t talk about money. Later, she found herself in a similar spot as a young single mom, following the “do it right” playbook of college, career, 9-to-5… and still feeling stuck.Together, we unpack:The generational patterns around money (and silence) that so many of us are navigatingWhy saving money can feel uncomfortable when you’ve never seen it modeledHow our upbringing shapes not just our finances—but our relationships, communication, and even self-worthWhy it’s so important to let our kids in on age-appropriate money convosWhat it really looks like to walk away from burnout and build a business on your termsAnd how to create safety, strategy, and sustainability—at home and in businessWhether you’re a single mom, a business owner, or just someone trying to change your money story, this episode is full of heart, healing, and straight-up real talk.The biggest takeaway?You’re not stuck. You’re learning. And you can teach your kids something different. 💛Let’s Take Our Relationship To The Next Level:1️⃣ Facebook Group ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook2️⃣ Be on the Podcast ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall3️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coachingThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not personal financial, legal, or tax advice.This description may contain affiliate links, meaning we may get a commission at no cost to you if you click & purchase.Click here to view our privacy policy.

Feb 6, 202633 min

Ep 523Savings Buckets, Transfers, and Debt Payoff: Your Questions Answered With Coach Michelle | 523

Curious? Watch Our Money Makeover Bootcamp!Ready? Buy Our Simplified Budget System Now!Coach Michelle is back, besties! 🙌 We’re diving into some of the most common questions we’ve been getting in office hours and in our community—from savings buckets to debt payoff strategies and how to actually get started without spinning out in decision fatigue.In this episode, we talk about: 💸 What savings buckets are (and why they’re a game-changer) 🎯 How to decide what you should be saving for 🛠️ How to use your savings buckets when it’s time to spend 📆 The right time to add savings buckets to your budget 🚫 What to do when you want to pay off debt and save at the same time ⚖️ Real talk about snowball vs avalanche vs “what’s stressing you out most” debt payoff methods 🎉 Celebrating every win—from getting your first budget set up to paying off $50k in debt!Plus, we remind you to take it one step at a time—month one might just be getting your budget in place, and that’s a huge win too.So if you’ve been wondering how to juggle savings and debt payoff, or you’re still wrapping your head around how savings buckets work, this one’s for you.Let’s Take Our Relationship To The Next Level:1️⃣ Facebook Group ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook2️⃣ Be on the Podcast ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall3️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coachingThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not personal financial, legal, or tax advice.This description may contain affiliate links, meaning we may get a commission at no cost to you if you click & purchase.Click here to view our privacy policy.

Feb 4, 202621 min

Ep 522How Multiple Bank Accounts Make Budgeting Easier | 522

Curious? Watch Our Money Makeover Bootcamp!Ready? Buy Our Simplified Budget System Now!You’re not the only one avoiding your bank account like it’s haunted. 👻 Two-thirds of people do it too! But what if one tiny shift could help you go from financial fog to total clarity?That shift? Multiple. Bank. Accounts.Sounds complicated? It’s not. We’re breaking it down step-by-step, budget bestie style.🧠 In This Episode:That “black hole” checking account feeling — and why it’s so overwhelmingThe adult version of “la la la I can’t hear you!” when it comes to money 😬Why one checking and one savings account just doesn’t cut it anymoreThe power of separating your money — and how it instantly simplifies your decisionsWhich checking accounts you actually need (hint: bills, spending, gas + groceries)How savings buckets give your money purpose — and keep you from “accidentally” spending itPet account shoutouts to Cooper and Luna 🐶💕Simple best practices to name, hide, and automate your accounts like a proLet’s Take Our Relationship To The Next Level:1️⃣ Facebook Group ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook2️⃣ Be on the Podcast ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall3️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coachingThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not personal financial, legal, or tax advice.This description may contain affiliate links, meaning we may get a commission at no cost to you if you click & purchase.Click here to view our privacy policy.

Feb 2, 202621 min

Ep 521Starting Over With $0: How Amanda Rebuilt Her Life and Budget After Divorce | 521

Curious? Watch Our Money Makeover Bootcamp!Ready? Buy Our Simplified Budget System Now!In today’s episode, we're sitting down with Amanda — a rockstar, graduated client who proves that hitting the reset button doesn't mean starting over empty-handed. Amanda’s story is real, raw, and SO relatable for any of us navigating a financial rebuild, especially after a major life change.She came to coaching newly single, with $0 in her bank account, two kids to support, and the determination to not mess this up. Fast-forward to today: Amanda is not only financially stable, but she’s fully funding her life, bought a house, built savings buckets, is two months ahead in her business, and is teaching her kids real money skills. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼In this episode, we chat about:What prompted Amanda to seek financial coachingHow she strategically used her divorce settlement to reset her financesThe mindset shifts around debt, spending, and credit cardsHow she ditched the stress and embraced budgeting simplicityWhy separating accounts made everything easier (yes, even with more accounts!)Setting up her kids with money management systems earlyBusiness owner lessons: paying yourself properly and setting monthly income goalsAmanda reminds us that it’s not about being perfect — it’s about being intentional, asking for help, and learning how to be your own bank. Whether you’re starting fresh or just need a reboot, her story is proof that we can take control, live well, and still get our nails done. 💅🏽😉Let’s Take Our Relationship To The Next Level:1️⃣ Facebook Group ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook2️⃣ Be on the Podcast ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall3️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coachingThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not personal financial, legal, or tax advice.This description may contain affiliate links, meaning we may get a commission at no cost to you if you click & purchase.Click here to view our privacy policy.

Jan 30, 202630 min

Ep 520Lessons from the Sessions: Budgeting for Sports Seasons & Being Ready for Job Loss | 520

Curious? Watch Our Money Makeover Bootcamp!Ready? Buy Our Simplified Budget System Now!Today, we’re bringing you behind the scenes, straight into our coaching calls — because if our clients are navigating it, chances are you are too. We’re talking about budgeting through real-life seasons, shifting priorities, and how to create space in your budget without the guilt.✨ What We’re Talking About:Budgeting for the season you're actually in — hello, sports parents!Why your family fund might need to flex (and that’s okay)Creating custom spending accounts to reduce stress and decision fatigueThe danger of budgeting with unrealistic numbers (aka stop lying to your grocery line)What happens when you lose your job after you’ve finally gotten your money rightHow getting your budget in order makes space for life’s curveballsWe’re sharing stories from real coaching clients to show you just how powerful it is to take ownership of your money — before life forces your hand.Because budgeting isn’t about restriction — it’s about freedom. It’s about knowing what you can afford and making confident choices (even if that means skipping a vacation to fund volleyball season 🏐).🎧 Tune in, take what you need, and remember — we’re all bougie on a budget in our own way.Let’s Take Our Relationship To The Next Level:1️⃣ Facebook Group ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook2️⃣ Be on the Podcast ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall3️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coachingThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not personal financial, legal, or tax advice.This description may contain affiliate links, meaning we may get a commission at no cost to you if you click & purchase.Click here to view our privacy policy.

Jan 28, 202613 min

Ep 519How To Set Up Your February Budget: Bills, Spending, and Savings Buckets (Without Tracking Every Dollar) | 519

Curious? Watch Our Money Makeover Bootcamp!Ready? Buy Our Simplified Budget System Now!February’s knocking at the door (yes, the month with TWO R’s — we didn’t forget 😉), and you know what that means — it’s budget planning time! In this episode, we’re walking you through how to set up your February budget step-by-step, and helping you think through all the little things that might be coming your way — from Valentine's Day to surprise school fees to Super Bowl snacks. 🍫🏈💐WATCH AND FOLLOW ALONG HERE! Whether you’re brand new or a long-time listener, we’ve got something for you in this episode. You’ll hear exactly how we guide our clients each month and why it’s not about how much money you make — it’s about what you do with it.Let’s Take Our Relationship To The Next Level:1️⃣ Facebook Group ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook2️⃣ Be on the Podcast ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall3️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coachingThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not personal financial, legal, or tax advice.This description may contain affiliate links, meaning we may get a commission at no cost to you if you click & purchase.Click here to view our privacy policy.

Jan 26, 202627 min

Ep 518Should I Save or Pay Off Debt First? The Answer Isn't One-Size-Fits-All | 518

Curious? Watch Our Money Makeover Bootcamp!Ready? Buy Our Simplified Budget System Now!This week, we’re deep in storm mode — that intense life season when everything feels a little chaotic and you’ve got no choice but to laser focus on what matters most. 💥 Whether it’s prepping for the bar exam, going through a job change, or any other major shift, we’re walking through what it means to pause the debt snowball (yes, it’s okay!), set up intentional savings, and just survive without adding to the pile.Our guest, Andrea, is in the thick of it — juggling $15k in credit card debt, six-figure student loans (we’re just ignoring those for now, okay?), and prepping for the bar exam. But the good news? She’s already set up her budget system, is tracking her spending, and has her savings buckets lined up like a champ. 🙌🏽We talk through:🔹 When it makes sense to hit pause on extra debt payments🔹 How to prioritize savings buckets during income dips🔹 What “storm mode” really means (and why it’s NOT failure)🔹 Why credit card calls can be scary — but powerful 💪🏾🔹 The emotional side of budgeting and asking for help🔹 How to handle the months when you’re not working but bills still show upAnd if you’re wondering whether it’s okay to just tread water for a while — spoiler alert — YES, it is. Sometimes, we don’t need to move the needle; we just need to stop it from sliding back.Let’s Take Our Relationship To The Next Level:1️⃣ Facebook Group ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook2️⃣ Be on the Podcast ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall3️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coachingThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not personal financial, legal, or tax advice.This description may contain affiliate links, meaning we may get a commission at no cost to you if you click & purchase.Click here to view our privacy policy.

Jan 23, 202616 min

Ep 517How To Stop Living Paycheck To Paycheck And Get One Paycheck Ahead | 517

Curious? Watch Our Money Makeover Bootcamp!Ready? Buy Our Simplified Budget System Now!Are you tired of that suffocating paycheck-to-paycheck cycle—even though you make good money? You’re not alone, and you're not doing anything wrong. In this episode, Shana and Vanessa are breaking down exactly how to get a paycheck ahead and why it’s the key to breathing room in your budget.We're diving into:Why living paycheck to paycheck is still the norm for so many (even with a solid income)How the budgeting system most of us learned is working against usWhat it actually looks like to be a paycheck ahead (and why it changes everything)The exact steps to shift your budget one paycheck ahead—without the overwhelmReal client stories and examples to help you visualize what this looks like in real lifeHow being a paycheck ahead makes your budget automatic, less stressful, and way more peacefulWhether your paychecks land on the 1st, 15th, or every other Friday—this episode will help you finally feel in control of your money (instead of always catching up). If you’ve ever said, “I make decent money, but I still feel broke,” this one’s for you.Let’s Take Our Relationship To The Next Level:1️⃣ Facebook Group ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook2️⃣ Be on the Podcast ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall3️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coachingThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not personal financial, legal, or tax advice.This description may contain affiliate links, meaning we may get a commission at no cost to you if you click & purchase.Click here to view our privacy policy.

Jan 21, 202614 min

Ep 5167 Reasons You’re Living Paycheck To Paycheck | 516

Curious? Watch Our Money Makeover Bootcamp!Ready? Buy Our Simplified Budget System Now!If you’ve ever looked at your bank account and thought, “Wait… where did my money just go?” — this episode is your episode, bestie.This week, we’re breaking down the 7 real reasons so many of us stay stuck in the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle (even if we’re making good money). We’re talking overspending, surprise expenses, one giant messy bank account, and some serious decision fatigue.And don't worry — we’re not just pointing out the problems. We’re showing you how to flip the script and finally get a paycheck ahead, with practical tips to bring clarity, calm, and control to your budget.We cover:💸 Why budgeting by paycheck is keeping you broke📆 The power of monthly budgeting and thinking bigger🏦 Why one messy account is low-key ruining everything🔄 The spending mistake most of us don’t even realize we’re making🚨 How "unexpected" expenses are actually very expected🧾 Paying for your past vs. planning your future🎯 And why getting a paycheck ahead is more doable than you thinkWe’re diving into mindset shifts and giving you the step-by-step game plan to take your budget from chaos to calm. This is the clarity and strategy you’ve been craving, without the shame spiral.Let’s Take Our Relationship To The Next Level:1️⃣ Facebook Group ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook2️⃣ Be on the Podcast ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall3️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coachingThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not personal financial, legal, or tax advice.This description may contain affiliate links, meaning we may get a commission at no cost to you if you click & purchase.Click here to view our privacy policy.

Jan 19, 202618 min