THE IDEAL BALANCE SHOW: Real talk, tips & coaching on everything fitness, family & finance.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Curious? Watch Our Money Makeover Bootcamp!Ready? Buy Our Simplified Budget System Now!Check Out Alicia's Podcast!https://open.spotify.com/show/7LZPlI86I3ARLjrJhvSxLMLet'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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Curious? Watch Our Money Makeover Bootcamp!Ready? Buy Our Simplified Budget System Now!Hey budget besties!

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 Cal & 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.

Curious? Watch Our Money Makeover Bootcamp!Ready? Buy Our Simplified Budget System Now!Coach Michelle is back, besties!

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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:

Curious? Watch Our Money Makeover Bootcamp!Ready? Buy Our Simplified Budget System Now!This week, we're talking about what it really looks like to budget with intention—and still enjoy your life.

Curious? Watch Our Money Makeover Bootcamp!Ready? Buy Our Simplified Budget System Now!Budget Besties, let's be real—most of us don't have a money problem… we've got a January problem. And not because it's cold or because the holiday hangover is hitting hard, but because this is the month where all those “surprise expenses” from the year ahead start creeping in… and blowing up our budgets.In this episode, Shana and Vanessa walk you through how to take control of your money in 2026 by planning on purpose. We're not just talking about budgets—we're talking about setting the vision for your entire year and making sure your money supports that vision. Whether it's travel, a promotion, a kid starting kindergarten, or finally upgrading that 2001 backdoor (Shana

Curious? Watch Our Money Makeover Bootcamp!Ready? Buy Our Simplified Budget System Now!Hey, budget besties!

Ready? Buy Our Simplified Budget System Now!Enjoy Day 5 of our Money Makeover Bootcamp!Watch it here.Connect With Us:1️⃣ Facebook Group – Join the community. Our free group is where the real talk happens. Connect with other women who are learning how to budget, save, and finally feel in control, together. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook2️⃣ Automate Your Budget Masterclass – Watch it now, no waiting. This FREE on-demand training shows you how to set up a budget that matches your lifestyle, without tracking every dollar or feeling restricted. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/automate3️⃣ Budget – Grab our Simplified Budget System! You don't need another budget, you need a system that does the math, makes the plan, and gives you permission to spend. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/budget4️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching – Get a plan and a coach. We'll build your full budget system together, so you always know what to do and feel confident doing it. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coaching5️⃣ Be on the Podcast – Free coaching, real convo. Come chat with us on the show! Get real-time financial coaching and help other women by sharing your story. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall"I love Shana & Vanessa and this podcast is amazing!"

Ready? Buy Our Simplified Budget System Now!Enjoy Day 4 of our Money Makeover Bootcamp!Watch this episode here.Connect With Us:1️⃣ Facebook Group – Join the community. Our free group is where the real talk happens. Connect with other women who are learning how to budget, save, and finally feel in control, together. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook2️⃣ Automate Your Budget Masterclass – Watch it now, no waiting. This FREE on-demand training shows you how to set up a budget that matches your lifestyle, without tracking every dollar or feeling restricted. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/automate3️⃣ Budget – Grab our Simplified Budget System! You don't need another budget, you need a system that does the math, makes the plan, and gives you permission to spend. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/budget4️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching – Get a plan and a coach. We'll build your full budget system together, so you always know what to do and feel confident doing it. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coaching5️⃣ Be on the Podcast – Free coaching, real convo. Come chat with us on the show! Get real-time financial coaching and help other women by sharing your story. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall"I love Shana & Vanessa and this podcast is amazing!"

Ready? Buy Our Simplified Budget System Now!Day 3 of our Money Makeover Bootcamp: How to Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck and Get One Paycheck Ahead. Enjoy!Connect With Us:1️⃣ Facebook Group – Join the community. Our free group is where the real talk happens. Connect with other women who are learning how to budget, save, and finally feel in control, together. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook2️⃣ Automate Your Budget Masterclass – Watch it now, no waiting. This FREE on-demand training shows you how to set up a budget that matches your lifestyle, without tracking every dollar or feeling restricted. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/automate3️⃣ Budget – Grab our Simplified Budget System! You don't need another budget, you need a system that does the math, makes the plan, and gives you permission to spend. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/budget4️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching – Get a plan and a coach. We'll build your full budget system together, so you always know what to do and feel confident doing it. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coaching5️⃣ Be on the Podcast – Free coaching, real convo. Come chat with us on the show! Get real-time financial coaching and help other women by sharing your story. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall"I love Shana & Vanessa and this podcast is amazing!"

Ready? Buy Our Simplified Budget System Now!Get Debit Card Stickers Here!Day 2 of our Money Makeover Bootcamp! Enjoy!Connect With Us:1️⃣ Facebook Group – Join the community. Our free group is where the real talk happens. Connect with other women who are learning how to budget, save, and finally feel in control, together. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook2️⃣ Automate Your Budget Masterclass – Watch it now, no waiting. This FREE on-demand training shows you how to set up a budget that matches your lifestyle, without tracking every dollar or feeling restricted. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/automate3️⃣ Budget – Grab our Simplified Budget System! You don't need another budget, you need a system that does the math, makes the plan, and gives you permission to spend. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/budget4️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching – Get a plan and a coach. We'll build your full budget system together, so you always know what to do and feel confident doing it. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coaching5️⃣ Be on the Podcast – Free coaching, real convo. Come chat with us on the show! Get real-time financial coaching and help other women by sharing your story. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall"I love Shana & Vanessa and this podcast is amazing!"

Ready? Buy Our Simplified Budget System Now!Day 1 of our Money Makeover Bootcamp! Enoy!Connect With Us:1️⃣ Facebook Group – Join the community. Our free group is where the real talk happens. Connect with other women who are learning how to budget, save, and finally feel in control, together. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook2️⃣ Automate Your Budget Masterclass – Watch it now, no waiting. This FREE on-demand training shows you how to set up a budget that matches your lifestyle, without tracking every dollar or feeling restricted. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/automate3️⃣ Budget – Grab our Simplified Budget System! You don't need another budget, you need a system that does the math, makes the plan, and gives you permission to spend. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/budget4️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching – Get a plan and a coach. We'll build your full budget system together, so you always know what to do and feel confident doing it. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coaching5️⃣ Be on the Podcast – Free coaching, real convo. Come chat with us on the show! Get real-time financial coaching and help other women by sharing your story. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall"I love Shana & Vanessa and this podcast is amazing!"

Curious? Watch Our Money Makeover Bootcamp!Ready? Buy Our Simplified Budget System Now!If your New Year's resolution is “be better with money”—but you're secretly avoiding your bank app like it's a horror movie... this episode is for you.

Check out our Bootcamp!Book A Free Financial Coaching Call!Budget besties, this one's for you if you've ever said “I wanna be debt-free... but I'm not giving up my lattes, date nights, or vacations.”

Check out our Bootcamp!Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Hey Budget Besties!

Choose ONE CTA:Check out our Bootcamp!Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Hope you had the best holiday ever… but now it's time to shift gears and get back into budget mode.

Choose ONE CTA:Check out our Bootcamp!Book A Free Financial Coaching Call! Hey budget besties! Just popping into your feed with a quick and cozy Christmas message.

Check out our Bootcamp!Snag Our Simplified Budget System! Check Out Kerri's Podcast!Budget besties, we're coming in hot with the perfect episode to close out the year and set you up for major wins in 2026.

Check out our Bootcamp!Book A Free Financial Coaching Call! Today we're sitting down with Leah—one of our budget besties and a self-employed mental health counselor—who's been using our budgeting system and had a few big questions we know so many of you can relate to:

Check out our Bootcamp!Snag Our Simplified Budget System! Can you believe it?! We've made it to 500 episodes!

Check out our Bootcamp!Snag Our Simplified Budget System! You're ready to invest, but wait—you're still in debt… and you don't even have a budget yet. So what now?In this episode, Shana and Vanessa are breaking it all the way down:

Checkout our Bootcamp!Snag Our Simplified Budget System! Okay bestie, it's happening — our Money Makeover Bootcamp is BACK, and we're doing it bigger and better this year! If you've been listening to us and thinking, “I get it... but how do I actually DO it?” — this episode is for you. We're walking you through what the bootcamp is, why it's different from just listening to the podcast, and how it's the best way to get your money game strong before 2026 hits.We're breaking down: What to expect each day of the bootcamp Why we planned it after Christmas but before New Year's Why you don't need more willpower — you need a system Who this is really for (spoiler: it's probably you) Real stories from real people who changed their lives after coming last yearFrom simplifying your finances and separating your money into easy-to-manage systems, to getting a paycheck ahead, automating it all, and even live budget coaching — we're doing it all in just 30 minutes a day for five days, starting December 29th at noon CT.Connect With Us: Facebook Group – Join the community. Our free group is where the real talk happens. Connect with other women who are learning how to budget, save, and finally feel in control, together. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook Automate Your Budget Masterclass – Watch it now, no waiting. This FREE on-demand training shows you how to set up a budget that matches your lifestyle, without tracking every dollar or feeling restricted. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/automate Budget – Grab our Simplified Budget System! You don't need another budget, you need a system that does the math, makes the plan, and gives you permission to spend. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/budget Private 1-on-1 Coaching – Get a plan and a coach. We'll build your full budget system together, so you always know what to do and feel confident doing it. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coaching Be on the Podcast – Free coaching, real convo. Come chat with us on the show! Get real-time financial coaching and help other women by sharing your story. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall "I love Shana & Vanessa and this podcast is amazing!" If that sounds like you… Please take a second to rate & review the show! It helps us reach more people—just like you—who are ready to change their financial future. Don't forget to follow so you never miss an episode! And if you're feeling extra generous, share this podcast with a friend who needs it. We'd be so honored. 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!

Get Katy's Book: Making Home Your Happy Place: A Real-Life Guide to Decluttering Without the OverwhelmBuy Our Simplified Budget SystemBudget besties, this one's gonna hit home—literally. We're joined by the incredible Katy Wells, decluttering expert, podcast host of The Maximize Minimalist, and author of the upcoming book Make Home Your Happy Place. If you've ever looked around your house and thought “I cannot deal with this today,” this episode is your reset button.

Checkout our Bootcamp!Snag Our Simplified Budget System! Book A Free Financial Coaching Call!  (used for 1-1 client testimonials and lessons from the sessions)Learn More About The ONLY Business Bank We Recommend! Okay bestie, it's happening — our Money Makeover Bootcamp is BACK, and we're doing it bigger and better this year! If you've been listening to us and thinking, “I get it... but how do I actually DO it?” — this episode is for you. We're walking you through what the bootcamp is, why it's different from just listening to the podcast, and how it's the best way to get your money game strong before 2026 hits.We're breaking down:✨ What to expect each day of the bootcamp

Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Schedule an Annual Planning SessionHey Budget Besties — can you believe it? We're heading into 2026.

Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Check out Carrie's Podcast!We're bringing back one of our all-time favorite convos with our good friend and Diet Disruptor queen, Carrie Lupoli! If you missed it the first time (or need a refresh), get ready for one seriously powerful conversation on how your financial health and physical health go hand-in-hand.Carrie has called us her besties for years (aw

Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Check out Office Hours!Guess who's back on the podcast? Our incredible coach Michelle is here, and she's bringing the behind-the-scenes scoop from office hours — aka where the magic happens every single week. Whether you've joined us live or you're wondering what office hours are all about, this episode breaks down the real questions people are asking (and the “aha” moments they're walking away with).From paycheck planning to deciding between savings buckets and spending accounts, this convo is full of clarity, encouragement, and real-life strategy.Connect With Us: 1️⃣ Facebook Group – Join the community. Our free group is where the real talk happens. Connect with other women who are learning how to budget, save, and finally feel in control, together. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook 2️⃣ Automate Your Budget Masterclass – Watch it now, no waiting. This FREE on-demand training shows you how to set up a budget that matches your lifestyle, without tracking every dollar or feeling restricted. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/automate 3️⃣ Budget – Grab our Simplified Budget System! You don't need another budget, you need a system that does the math, makes the plan, and gives you permission to spend. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/budget 4️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching – Get a plan and a coach. We'll build your full budget system together, so you always know what to do and feel confident doing it. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coaching 5️⃣ Be on the Podcast – Free coaching, real convo. Come chat with us on the show! Get real-time financial coaching and help other women by sharing your story. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall "I love Shana & Vanessa and this podcast is amazing!"