Episodes

  • 326 | Practical Budgeting Tips for Managing Irregular Income & Family Priorities

    326 | Practical Budgeting Tips for Managing Irregular Income & Family Priorities
    Nov 8 2024

    Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

    We talk with Cassie, a nurse and mom of two from Texas, who’s balancing life with an “irregular” income and a family calendar that’s booked to the brim. Cassie’s husband works in the oil industry, which comes with unique income fluctuations—and when he's home, it’s all about making memories and taking advantage of family time, a mindset that can put savings goals on hold.

    They explore how Cassie and her husband can save for their big dreams (a forever home, a cheerleading fund, and even that sweet Disneyland budget!) without sacrificing the lifestyle they love.

    Key Takeaways:

    1. Embrace the Savings Buckets System: For big priorities like a home down payment or family vacations, separate savings accounts (a.k.a. “savings buckets”) can help you earmark funds without needing to track every single purchase.

    2. Structure Irregular Income for Peace of Mind: For those with variable income, budgeting around the lowest expected income helps keep bills and essentials covered. When those extra-good paychecks come in, that “bonus” can go straight toward dreams and savings goals.

    3. Automate Everything: Once you set up automatic transfers and define your spending categories, there’s no need for constant manual tracking. You’re free to focus on family, work, and all those weekend trips while knowing your financial goals are getting funded!

    4. Find Your Financial “Yes” and “No”: Cassie and the ladies chat about the pressures parents feel to “be there” at every practice or spend time socializing. But taking back some of those hours for budgeting or self-care can ultimately be a powerful way to support the family’s dreams.

    5. Choose the Right Bank for You: Not all banks offer the flexibility you might need for multiple accounts without fees. The team recommends starting with a bank that prioritizes ease of use with digital savings and checking accounts, like Ally or a local credit union.

    Cassie’s main lesson from the episode? The power of setting up systems that work in the background, so you can spend time where it matters most.

    4 Ways To Connect With Us:

    1️⃣ FREE CALL: Book your FREE 20-Minute Financial Coaching Call now! Get personalized advice and start your financial journey ➡︎ https://www.budgetbesties.com/freecall

    2️⃣ FACEBOOK: Become part of our Supportive Facebook Group. Connect, share, and learn with others mastering their budget skills ➡︎ https://www.budgetbesties.com/facebook

    3️⃣ BUDGET: Grab our Signature Budget Template! It's your key to organizing and optimizing your finances effectively ➡︎ https://budgetbesties.com/budget

    4️⃣ COACHING: Ready to dive deep into your finances? Sign up for 1-on-1 or Group Financial Coaching. It’s the accountability and guidance you need to make real progress ➡︎ https://budgetbesties.com/coaching

    "I love Shana & Vanessa and this podcast is amazing!" < If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! It helps us to reach more people – just like you – to help them change their financial future. Don’t forget to follow the show so you don’t miss any episodes! And, if you’re feeling really generous, we’d be SO honored if you would share this podcast with someone.

    Click here to view our privacy policy.

    This description may contain affiliate links, meaning we may get a commission at no cost to you if you click & purchase!

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    29 mins
  • 325 | Real Talk About Money: How To Stop Overspending and Get Your Spouse On Board With Finances

    325 | Real Talk About Money: How To Stop Overspending and Get Your Spouse On Board With Finances
    Nov 6 2024
    Snag Our Simplified Budget System! In this episode, the hosts explore common financial challenges couples face, highlighting the impact of miscommunication, unclear expectations, and differing financial habits. They discuss strategies to help clients better align as a team in managing finances, emphasizing the importance of clear communication, shared responsibility, and intentional budgeting. Here are the top insights: The Challenge: When one partner shoulders all financial responsibilities, resentment and isolation can build up. In one case, the partner managing the budget felt frustrated as the other continued spending without understanding the budget constraints.The Solution: To bridge this gap, the hosts recommend setting up a regular "budget meeting" together to review spending plans and set goals as a team. This approach brings both partners into the decision-making process, fostering mutual understanding and reducing tension. The Challenge: Financial discussions often carry frustration, especially if there’s debt or overspending. One client’s frustration led her to lash out, which wasn’t productive.The Solution: The hosts suggest framing money talks with positivity and patience rather than letting frustration take over. Using a constructive, supportive tone can make the other partner more willing to engage and problem-solve collaboratively. The Challenge: Many assume more income will solve financial issues, but often uncontrolled expenses are the real problem. The hosts noted clients with high incomes still facing debt due to unchecked spending.The Solution: By creating a detailed budget and sticking to it, clients can manage their expenses effectively, making it possible to save or pay off debt regardless of income level. The Challenge: Many people overlook opportunities to save on expenses like insurance. The hosts point out that people rarely re-quote their policies, resulting in overpayment.The Solution: The hosts recommend using insurance brokers to easily compare multiple quotes. They suggest this as a simple, effective way to save money without added hassle. The Challenge: Clients used to being overdrawn may feel uncomfortable when they see a positive balance, leading them to spend unnecessarily.The Solution: Recognizing these money anxieties and developing comfort with a positive balance can help break the cycle of overspending, leading to better financial health. 1. Shared Financial Responsibility2. Approaching Money Conversations Positively3. Focus on Expense Management, Not Just Income4. Importance of Requoting Insurance Regularly5. Addressing Money-Related Anxiety 4 Ways To Connect With Us: 1️⃣ FREE CALL: Book your FREE 20-Minute Financial Coaching Call now! Get personalized advice and start your financial journey ➡︎ https://www.budgetbesties.com/freecall 2️⃣ FACEBOOK: Become part of our Supportive Facebook Group. Connect, share, and learn with others mastering their budget skills ➡︎ https://www.budgetbesties.com/facebook 3️⃣ BUDGET: Grab our Signature Budget Template! It's your key to organizing and optimizing your finances effectively ➡︎ https://budgetbesties.com/budget 4️⃣ COACHING: Ready to dive deep into your finances? Sign up for 1-on-1 or Group Financial Coaching. It’s the accountability and guidance you need to make real progress ➡︎ https://budgetbesties.com/coaching "I love Shana & Vanessa and this podcast is amazing!" < If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! It helps us to reach more people – just like you – to help them change their financial future. Don’t forget to follow the show so you don’t miss any episodes! And, if you’re feeling really generous, we’d be SO honored if you would share this podcast with someone. Click here to view our privacy policy. This description may contain affiliate links, meaning we may get a commission at no cost to you if you click & purchase!
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    22 mins
  • 324 | End the Paycheck to Paycheck Cycle Rollercoaster: How to Build a Predictable Budget

    324 | End the Paycheck to Paycheck Cycle Rollercoaster: How to Build a Predictable Budget
    Nov 4 2024
    Snag Our Simplified Budget System!⁠ Hey, budget besties! Today, we’re diving into a seriously common question from our friend April in the Facebook group: “How do I stop living paycheck to paycheck?” April, you are not alone—so many of us feel the pain of balancing paychecks with bills, often feeling like we’re barely keeping up. Key Highlights from Today’s Episode: The Paycheck-to-Paycheck Trap: Most of us are familiar with the stress of waiting for payday to handle all the bills that have piled up. But what if you didn’t have to think about which bill goes with which paycheck? The Bills Account Solution: Here’s our recommended shift—create a dedicated bills account where all income goes first. Every time you get paid, funds go into this account, automatically paying your bills and sending budgeted amounts to savings and spending. Setting Up Your Flow for Freedom: With this system, you assign each dollar a job before it even leaves the bills account. You’ll transfer money from the bills account into specific “buckets” (think: personal spending, groceries, gas) and watch them fund automatically each month. How to Transition Smoothly: If switching to this model seems overwhelming, start by mapping out all your bills and income for a month on paper. Imagine seeing all your money in one big picture view, instead of paycheck-by-paycheck! This can be a huge mental shift, but it will help you see where a few temporary cutbacks can create a buffer to get started. Why This Works Long Term: When we’re not panicking about “how” or “when” to pay bills, we’re not stressed! Getting a paycheck ahead and creating that buffer lets you breathe easier, without worrying about juggling payment dates and paydays. The Benefits of Going on Autopilot: Once you’re set up, you won’t have to track paydays or chase due dates—everything becomes routine. This system is designed to reduce financial stress, bring clarity to your money flow, and allow you to focus on your life instead of living for the next paycheck. If you’re ready to switch from managing paychecks to managing your plan, start here with our custom Budget Besties system. We break it all down for you, so you can focus on what matters. And remember, we’ve got your back every step of the way! 4 Ways To Connect With Us: 1️⃣ FREE CALL: Book your FREE 20-Minute Financial Coaching Call now! Get personalized advice and start your financial journey ➡︎ ⁠https://www.budgetbesties.com/freecall⁠ 2️⃣ FACEBOOK: Become part of our Supportive Facebook Group. Connect, share, and learn with others mastering their budget skills ➡︎ ⁠https://www.budgetbesties.com/facebook⁠ 3️⃣ BUDGET: Grab our Signature Budget Template! It's your key to organizing and optimizing your finances effectively ➡︎ ⁠https://budgetbesties.com/budget⁠ 4️⃣ COACHING: Ready to dive deep into your finances? Sign up for 1-on-1 or Group Financial Coaching. It’s the accountability and guidance you need to make real progress ➡︎ ⁠https://budgetbesties.com/coaching⁠ "I love Shana & Vanessa and this podcast is amazing!" < If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! It helps us to reach more people – just like you – to help them change their financial future. Don’t forget to follow the show so you don’t miss any episodes! And, if you’re feeling really generous, we’d be SO honored if you would share this podcast with someone. ⁠Click here to view our privacy policy.⁠ This description may contain affiliate links, meaning we may get a commission at no cost to you if you click & purchase!
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    16 mins
  • 323 | Living Bougie on a Budget: Enjoy Life While Building Financial Stability

    323 | Living Bougie on a Budget: Enjoy Life While Building Financial Stability
    Nov 1 2024

    Snag Our Simplified Budget System!
    Hey Budget Besties! 🎉 We’re thrilled to share a replay of one of our absolute favorite podcast chats—this time as guests on the Grace-Filled Leader Podcast with the amazing Tanya! In this episode, we dive into what it means to manage finances without losing sight of the bigger picture, like being present with our families and creating a life that feels balanced and fulfilling.

    Together, we explore how to finally let go of perfectionism in all areas, not just with money. You’ll hear our personal stories and tips for creating practical, doable financial plans—especially if you’re a busy professional or entrepreneur with a household to run. We break down the must-do steps for budgeting that will simplify your life, like setting up separate accounts for bills and daily spending, learning to automate, and getting every dollar organized so you know exactly what’s going on with your money.

    Whether you’re new to budgeting or just need a boost, this conversation is packed with golden nuggets to help you get started, build consistency, and start showing real results in your financial life. Tanya’s insights and her commitment to helping women achieve work-life balance complement our mission, making this an inspiring, value-filled episode we couldn’t wait to share!


    4 Ways To Connect With Us:

    1️⃣ FREE CALL: Book your FREE 20-Minute Financial Coaching Call now! Get personalized advice and start your financial journey ➡︎ https://www.budgetbesties.com/freecall

    2️⃣ FACEBOOK: Become part of our Supportive Facebook Group. Connect, share, and learn with others mastering their budget skills ➡︎ https://www.budgetbesties.com/facebook

    3️⃣ BUDGET: Grab our Signature Budget Template! It's your key to organizing and optimizing your finances effectively ➡︎ https://budgetbesties.com/budget

    4️⃣ COACHING: Ready to dive deep into your finances? Sign up for 1-on-1 or Group Financial Coaching. It’s the accountability and guidance you need to make real progress ➡︎ https://budgetbesties.com/coaching

    "I love Shana & Vanessa and this podcast is amazing!" < If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! It helps us to reach more people – just like you – to help them change their financial future. Don’t forget to follow the show so you don’t miss any episodes! And, if you’re feeling really generous, we’d be SO honored if you would share this podcast with someone.

    Click here to view our privacy policy.

    This description may contain affiliate links, meaning we may get a commission at no cost to you if you click & purchase!

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    31 mins
  • 322 | Hidden Savings: How One Call Could Reduce Your Monthly Bills

    322 | Hidden Savings: How One Call Could Reduce Your Monthly Bills
    Oct 30 2024
    Snag Our Simplified Budget System! Welcome back, budget besties! Shana and Vanessa are diving into real-life financial breakthroughs from their latest client coaching sessions, sharing tips and lessons that’ll inspire you to make moves in your own money journey. This episode is all about combining finances, cutting out debt temptations, and negotiating bills. Ready to hear how real people are saving thousands? Let’s go! To Combine or Not to Combine? 💍 Lesson: If you’re in a partnership and keeping finances separate, have a conversation about the why behind it. Shana’s client, who is about to go on maternity leave, realized she and her husband never really discussed joining their finances, and this conversation opened up a path for new possibilities.Takeaway: Working as a financial team not only helps pool resources but strengthens communication, trust, and bigger financial goals. Try combining finances and focusing on shared dreams – you’ll be surprised at the results! Take the Credit Cards Out of Your Wallet! 👜 Lesson: If debt is an issue, one big step toward cutting spending temptations is removing those credit cards from your wallet – both physical and digital. Shana and Vanessa recommend going cash-only or debit-first as a powerful way to start breaking away from credit dependency.Takeaway: Saving on interest payments is only half the reward; the real benefit is the sense of control that builds as you rely on your cash flow. Use this time to reset and see how much further you can go with what’s yours! Non-Negotiable Income Goals for Business Owners 💇‍♀️💵 Lesson: Vanessa worked with a business-owning client to calculate a “non-negotiable” monthly goal – the bare minimum her hairdresser client needs to meet personal expenses. From there, they created good-better-best financial targets, so she has a clear vision for growth!Takeaway: If you’re a business owner, set a minimum income goal, then build it up to reach milestones like debt paydown, savings, or even a vacation! This clear, numbers-based plan can transform the way you approach your month. Negotiate Your Monthly Bills – Seriously! 📞💡 Lesson: In one session, Shana’s clients saved over $4,000 a year just by making a few phone calls to their phone, internet, and credit card companies. By checking with providers for new plan options and promotions, they cut unnecessary costs and created new financial wiggle room.Takeaway: Block out some time to call your service providers and ask about promotions, loyalty discounts, or re-evaluations. Even a few dollars here and there add up to thousands annually! 4 Ways To Connect With Us: 1️⃣ FREE CALL: Book your FREE 20-Minute Financial Coaching Call now! Get personalized advice and start your financial journey ➡︎ https://www.budgetbesties.com/freecall 2️⃣ FACEBOOK: Become part of our Supportive Facebook Group. Connect, share, and learn with others mastering their budget skills ➡︎ https://www.budgetbesties.com/facebook 3️⃣ BUDGET: Grab our Signature Budget Template! It's your key to organizing and optimizing your finances effectively ➡︎ https://budgetbesties.com/budget 4️⃣ COACHING: Ready to dive deep into your finances? Sign up for 1-on-1 or Group Financial Coaching. It’s the accountability and guidance you need to make real progress ➡︎ https://budgetbesties.com/coaching "I love Shana & Vanessa and this podcast is amazing!" < If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! It helps us to reach more people – just like you – to help them change their financial future. Don’t forget to follow the show so you don’t miss any episodes! And, if you’re feeling really generous, we’d be SO honored if you would share this podcast with someone. Click here to view our privacy policy. This description may contain affiliate links, meaning we may get a commission at no cost to you if you click & purchase!
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    21 mins
  • 321 | November Budget Basics: Wrapping Up October and Planning for the Holidays

    321 | November Budget Basics: Wrapping Up October and Planning for the Holidays
    Oct 28 2024

    Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

    Welcome back, budget besties! 🎙️ It's that beautiful time of year – cooler weather, cozier vibes, and (for many of us) packing up Halloween decorations and settling into November! Join Shana and Vanessa as we get ready to give our finances a warm fall reset, making sure every dollar has a place before holiday spending kicks in!

    • Wrap Up October: Before diving into November, we’re closing out October with style! Shana and Vanessa walk us through how to finalize last month’s budget – checking those actuals, updating debt and asset totals, and making sure everything adds up before moving on.

    • Build Your November Budget: First step? Income. We're talking all types, from base pay to side gigs, bonuses, and even tips! Get every dollar accounted for so you can see exactly how much you're working with.

    • Prioritize Debts and Bills: Place your debts and bills at the top of your budget list! Vanessa explains why these need to be "front and center" and how facing the numbers can help you set goals for payoffs and future freedom.

    • Spending Categories: This is where life happens – groceries, gas, haircuts, you name it. Shana and Vanessa emphasize the importance of pocket money – we work hard, so everyone deserves a little something extra for themselves without feeling guilty!

    • Planning for November Events: Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, fall school breaks, and yes, Black Friday! This episode is full of reminders for special November line items to avoid any budgeting surprises. Planning for gifts, holiday prep, and even future Christmas spending starts now!

    • Don’t Skip the Wrap-Up: October might be behind us, but we don’t move on without first seeing how it all turned out! Closing out the month gives us a chance to adjust and improve for November.
    • Income, Debts, Bills – Then Play Money: The flow of a balanced budget lets you see exactly where your money is going. We cover why it’s important to calculate what’s leftover after the essentials so you can decide if it’s going toward fun or goals.

    • In This Episode:Key Takeaways:Holiday-Ready Budgeting: Shana and Vanessa remind us of upcoming holiday expenses and why budgeting for events like Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and holiday travel now can reduce stress later.

      4 Ways To Connect With Us:

      1️⃣ FREE CALL: Book your FREE 20-Minute Financial Coaching Call now! Get personalized advice and start your financial journey ➡︎ https://www.budgetbesties.com/freecall

      2️⃣ FACEBOOK: Become part of our Supportive Facebook Group. Connect, share, and learn with others mastering their budget skills ➡︎ https://www.budgetbesties.com/facebook

      3️⃣ BUDGET: Grab our Signature Budget Template! It's your key to organizing and optimizing your finances effectively ➡︎ https://budgetbesties.com/budget

      4️⃣ COACHING: Ready to dive deep into your finances? Sign up for 1-on-1 or Group Financial Coaching. It’s the accountability and guidance you need to make real progress ➡︎ https://budgetbesties.com/coaching

      "I love Shana & Vanessa and this podcast is amazing!" < If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! It helps us to reach more people – just like you – to help them change their financial future. Don’t forget to follow the show so you don’t miss any episodes! And, if you’re feeling really generous, we’d be SO honored if you would share this podcast with someone.

      Click here to view our privacy policy.

      This description may contain affiliate links, meaning we may get a commission at no cost to you if you click & purchase!

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    19 mins
  • 320 | Breaking the Cycle: Getting Ahead When Monthly Budgeting Feels Overwhelming

    320 | Breaking the Cycle: Getting Ahead When Monthly Budgeting Feels Overwhelming
    Oct 25 2024

    Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

    In today’s episode, we chat with Selena, a devoted volunteer and financial coordinator for a horse rescue nonprofit. Selena’s got a big heart, but she’s feeling the squeeze—both financially and emotionally. She’s been using her personal funds to fill the gaps when the nonprofit struggles, and it’s starting to take a toll. We work together to build a strategy that helps her set boundaries, shift her budget perspective, and reclaim control over her finances. We dive into transitioning from a bi-weekly to a monthly budget system, planning for upcoming expenses, and finding ways to balance giving and self-care.


    4 Ways To Connect With Us:

    1️⃣ FREE CALL: Book your FREE 20-Minute Financial Coaching Call now! Get personalized advice and start your financial journey ➡︎ https://www.budgetbesties.com/freecall

    2️⃣ FACEBOOK: Become part of our Supportive Facebook Group. Connect, share, and learn with others mastering their budget skills ➡︎ https://www.budgetbesties.com/facebook

    3️⃣ BUDGET: Grab our Signature Budget Template! It's your key to organizing and optimizing your finances effectively ➡︎ https://budgetbesties.com/budget

    4️⃣ COACHING: Ready to dive deep into your finances? Sign up for 1-on-1 or Group Financial Coaching. It’s the accountability and guidance you need to make real progress ➡︎ https://budgetbesties.com/coaching

    "I love Shana & Vanessa and this podcast is amazing!" < If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! It helps us to reach more people – just like you – to help them change their financial future. Don’t forget to follow the show so you don’t miss any episodes! And, if you’re feeling really generous, we’d be SO honored if you would share this podcast with someone.

    Click here to view our privacy policy.

    This description may contain affiliate links, meaning we may get a commission at no cost to you if you click & purchase!

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    30 mins
  • 319 | Transform Your Money Habits: From Living Paycheck to Paycheck to Financial Peace

    319 | Transform Your Money Habits: From Living Paycheck to Paycheck to Financial Peace
    Oct 23 2024

    Snag Our Simplified Budget System!


    Hey, budget besties! It’s Shana and Vanessa here, and we’re beyond excited to bring you this episode that comes from a chat we had with the amazing Holly Logan from the Holly Logan Health podcast! We chat all things automating your money and keeping it simple—just the way we like it. We dive into our favorite systems and strategies that help take you out of the equation (because let’s be real, when we have to do too much work, it usually doesn’t get done!). We talk about the importance of separating your accounts, naming your goals, and using our paycheck plan method to automate everything from groceries to savings for that next vacation or your kids' sports. We even share our own stories—how we went from paycheck-to-paycheck stress to financial freedom—and why we believe everyone can create a budget that fits their values and lifestyle. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by money or think budgeting is too complicated, tune in for a conversation that’s fun, friendly, and all about taking the stress out of managing your money. Whether you’re saving for Portugal, Christmas, or just trying to get a handle on your bills, we’ve got you covered!

    4 Ways To Connect With Us:

    1️⃣ FREE CALL: Book your FREE 20-Minute Financial Coaching Call now! Get personalized advice and start your financial journey ➡︎ https://www.budgetbesties.com/freecall

    2️⃣ FACEBOOK: Become part of our Supportive Facebook Group. Connect, share, and learn with others mastering their budget skills ➡︎ https://www.budgetbesties.com/facebook

    3️⃣ BUDGET: Grab our Signature Budget Template! It's your key to organizing and optimizing your finances effectively ➡︎ https://budgetbesties.com/budget

    4️⃣ COACHING: Ready to dive deep into your finances? Sign up for 1-on-1 or Group Financial Coaching. It’s the accountability and guidance you need to make real progress ➡︎ https://budgetbesties.com/coaching

    "I love Shana & Vanessa and this podcast is amazing!" < If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! It helps us to reach more people – just like you – to help them change their financial future. Don’t forget to follow the show so you don’t miss any episodes! And, if you’re feeling really generous, we’d be SO honored if you would share this podcast with someone.

    Click here to view our privacy policy.

    This description may contain affiliate links, meaning we may get a commission at no cost to you if you click & purchase!

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    31 mins