Have you been trying to figure out how to "balance" it all? Do you feel pulled in a million directions and maybe like none of the things you are doing are getting done as well as you want? Are there parts of your life where you feel pretty strong and capa
The Ideal Balance Show: Real talk, tips & coaching on everything fitness, family & finance is a podcast that offers practical advice and coaching on various aspects of life including fitness, family, and finance. Hosted by Shana Hartman and Vanessa Pope, this podcast provides valuable insights and strategies for managing finances, improving overall well-being, and finding balance in life.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is the relatability of the hosts. Shana and Vanessa's personal experiences and struggles make them highly relatable to listeners. They share their own stories and provide practical tips that can be easily implemented in everyday life. Their approach is refreshing and non-judgmental, creating a comfortable environment for listeners to learn from their expertise.
Another great aspect of The Ideal Balance Show is the variety of topics covered. From budgeting and debt reduction to meal planning and self-care, the hosts cover a wide range of subjects that are relevant to listeners' lives. This diversity ensures that there is something for everyone in each episode, making it an inclusive podcast that appeals to a broad audience.
However, one potential downside of this podcast is that it focuses primarily on women's perspectives. While this may not be an issue for most listeners, some individuals may feel excluded or find it difficult to relate if they do not identify as female. It would be beneficial for the hosts to include more diverse perspectives or guests to ensure inclusivity.
In conclusion, The Ideal Balance Show: Real talk, tips & coaching on everything fitness, family & finance is a valuable resource for individuals looking to improve their financial management skills and overall well-being. With relatable hosts who provide practical advice on various topics, this podcast offers guidance and support for finding balance in life. While there could be more diversity in perspectives represented, overall it is an informative and enjoyable listen for those seeking personal growth in multiple areas of life.
Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Hey, Budget Besties!
Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Hey budget besties — let's be real: summer is amazing… but also totally chaotic for our routines and our wallets.
Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Budget besties, meet Judy Weber — a seven-figure Christian CEO who's mastered scaling her business without sacrificing her faith, family, or sanity.
Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Watch Along Here!Budget besties, August is here, and it's time for a fresh start. Whether summer spending threw you off or you're ready to get ahead before the back-to-school rush, we're walking you step-by-step through building your August budget — no shame, no stress, just clarity.In this episode, we cover:How to close out July's budget (and why this step matters!)Setting up your income the right way (especially if you're working toward a paycheck-ahead system)Planning for August-specific expenses like back-to-school shopping, sports fees, last-minute summer trips, and moreHow to handle debt payments while still saving (yes, you can do both!)Using savings buckets to take the surprise out of spendingGoal-setting for August — so you know exactly what you're working toward this monthGrab your coffee, open up your budget template, and let's build your August budget together. You've got this, and we're here to walk you through it.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!"
Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Budget besties, let's talk about that “smart” 0% interest loan you've been holding onto. We hear it all the time: “Why pay it off? It's not costing me anything!” But here's the truth — just because you're not paying interest doesn't mean that loan isn't costing you big in other ways.In this episode, we break down why paying off zero-interest loans can actually create more freedom in your budget and your life. We cover:The hidden cost of zero-interest loans (hint: it's about more than interest)How paying them off gives you money back in your monthly budgetWhy fewer loans = a simpler, less stressful financial lifeHow opportunity cost can keep you stuck (when you could be building savings instead!)A mindset shift that will help you stop “always having a car payment”A just-for-fun (but eye-opening!) exercise: what your budget would look like if you lost your job tomorrowIf you've been ignoring that 0% loan because it feels harmless, this conversation will give you a whole new perspective — and maybe even the motivation to finally pay it off.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!"
Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Budget besties, meet Jen! She's juggling bills, kids' activities, and those sneaky “surprise” expenses that always pop up. Sound familiar? In this coaching session, we walk Jen through one of the hardest (but most powerful!) first steps in budgeting: setting up a dedicated Bills Account and shifting from paycheck-to-paycheck panic to a system that actually works.We talk about:Why starting with one simple change (direct deposits going into a Bills Account) can create instant peace of mindHow to figure out what you really cost each month by writing it all down in one placeThe difference between snowball vs. avalanche debt payoff — and when to use eachHow to start saving for those “pop-up” expenses so they don't keep derailing your planTips for talking with a partner about money without it turning into a stress-festJen came in feeling like she was just “winging it,” but left with a clear plan for getting one step ahead. If you've been living paycheck to paycheck and dreaming of finally feeling on top of your money, this episode is for you.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!"
Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Budget Besties, let's talk about that frustrating feeling of, “We're making good money… so why does it still feel like we can't get ahead?”You're not imagining it—life is expensive. But there's also something else going on: you might be underestimating what real life actually costs. (Spoiler: five kids aren't eating on $100/month at Chick-fil-A. Sorry bestie, it's just not happening.)In this episode, we get into:Why even high-income earners still live paycheck-to-paycheck (and it's NOT because they're “bad with money”)The danger of “hopeful budgeting” vs. real-life budgetingWhy minimum payments on debt might be your secret weapon (for now)How labeling savings buckets (hello, “Melanie's Wedding Fund”) keeps your money safe from impulse spendingWhy a plan—not just good intentions—is the real game-changerWe're diving deep into the myths about what “should” work with budgeting and showing you how to build a plan that actually does. Whether you're making $40k or $400k, the rules are the same: real numbers, realistic expectations, and a system that takes the chaos out of your money.Because bestie, you're not bad with money. You just need a plan that works for your life.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!"
Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Budget Besties, gather 'round—this one's for every one of us who's ever blown the budget and thought, “Welp, that's it. I ruined everything.”Spoiler alert: You didn't.In this episode, Shana and Vanessa get real about what budget self-sabotage looks like (hello “oops, I used the bill money on a Target run”) and why it happens more often than we'd all like to admit. Whether it's the chaos we're used to or that sneaky feeling that “it's too easy, something must be wrong,” we're here to say you are not alone—and it is 100% fixable.✨ What We're Talking About:What self-sabotage with money actually looks like (yes, we have examples!)The psychology behind it—why we mess things up just when it starts workingHow to practically fix a blown budget in 10 minutes or lessWhat to do when shame kicks in (and why it's a total time-waster)How coaching clients bounce back stronger—and so can youWe're not here for guilt or shame. We're here for clarity, growth, and showing you how easy it can be to get back on track. Whether you accidentally used your bills debit card, overspent on a trip, or blew through a surprise paycheck—take a deep breath. This isn't a failure. It's a budget detour.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!"
Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Meet Eliana — wife, mom, and total powerhouse — who joined coaching just 9 months ago feeling overwhelmed, disorganized, and ashamed that she “should have this all figured out by now.”Fast-forward 9 months, and here's what she's done:✅ Paid off 14 debts (out of 19 total!)✅ Cleared nearly $100,000 in debt✅ Went from “hiding money in random accounts” to organized savings + spending buckets✅ Had regular girls days, vacations, and bougie family moments — with cash✅ Set up 13 separate accounts and finally automated her finances✅ Involved her kids and husband without conflict, guilt, or stress✅ Swapped shame for confidence + clarity
Snag Our Simplified Budget System!One of our single clients came to us with over $263,000 in debt.
Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Alright, budget besties—this one's a hot topic! How much personal spending money should you and your spouse get each month? Is $100 too low? Is $1,000 too high? Should it be cash? Should it be a card?In this episode, Shana and Vanessa break it all the way down—from the emotional side of spending freedom to the practical steps of budgeting it in. This conversation was sparked by a lively debate in our Facebook group (come join us—it's free and fun at budgetbesties.com/facebook), where folks shared their wide-ranging numbers—from $40 to $1,000 a month!Here's what we cover:
Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Hey Budget Besties!
Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Hey Budget Besties!
Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Hey Budget Besties!Q3 is officially here, and you know what that means — it's time to get real with our money, stop winging it, and start winning. Whether you crushed Q2 or it totally threw you for a loop, this episode is your reset moment.Shana and Vanessa are walking you through how to create a solid 90-day plan you can actually stick to — paycheck by paycheck. We're talking goal-setting, budget-building, and real-life planning that accounts for back-to-school, vacations, income changes, and surprises that aren't even fun.
Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Check out Kali at Perfect-ish!We've got our business bestie back on the mic, and you're in for a treat.
Snag Our Simplified Budget System!You ever have one of those months where everything hits at once? The AC dies, plans fall through, unexpected expenses pop up like financial whack-a-mole—and somehow you're still expected to keep it all together?
Snag Our Simplified Budget System!What if we told you that your entire July budget could be DONE before your iced coffee melts? Because listen—melted iced coffee is a no from us.
Snag Our Simplified Budget System!In this heartfelt and relatable episode, we sit down with Angie—a teacher, wife to a social worker, and mom of three—who's doing all the right things but still feels stuck in that “never quite enough” money zone. Sound familiar?Angie and her husband don't have debt (other than their mortgage
Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Hey budget besties! ✨Today, we're getting real about something we keep coming back to — the chaos that comes from having one big savings account and no plan for that money. You know we've seen it again and again: a client dumps extra cash into a single account and says, “I'll just pull from it when I need to.” And spoiler alert — that never ends well.In this episode, Shana and Vanessa break down why having separate, labeled bank accounts is a game-changer. Whether it's Christmas, travel, home repairs, or annual bills — your money should have a purpose, not just chill in a “someday” pile that slowly disappears.We talk:
Snag Our Simplified Budget System!If you're the one handling the bills, making the spreadsheets, remembering all the passwords (and maybe even doing coaching solo), while your spouse is more hands-off — we see you. And we've got your back.This episode is all about getting your partner on the same financial page without nagging, begging, or feeling like you're carrying the weight of your family's money goals alone. Spoiler alert: you don't have to do it all by yourself.
Snag Our Simplified Budget System!In this feel-good episode, we're joined by the fabulous Amanda—a fellow budget bestie who went from feeling stuck and paycheck-to-paycheck despite earning more than ever to building a system that brings her peace, control, and yes… a travel fund just for Disney trips.
Snag Our Simplified Budget System!How do you make $18,000 a month and still feel broke? For this couple, it wasn't about how much they were earning — it was about what they were doing with their money (or not doing). Before coaching, they were stuck in what we lovingly call “money magic” mode: overspending from one big Bills account, moving money around with Cash App and Facebook Pay, and juggling 24 debts with no real system.
Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Hey budget besties!
Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Hey budget besties!
Get Your FREE Copy of the Wealthy & Well Known Audiobook! Book a Free Brand Strategy Call!If you're an entrepreneur, coach, or service provider trying to grow your business online, but your message isn't connecting—or you're not attracting the right clients—this episode will show you exactly why your brand might be the missing piece.We're joined by Reshia, our personal brand strategist at Brand Builders Group (BBG)—the coaching company that has helped top thought leaders like Lewis Howes, Amy Porterfield, and now, us.
Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Budget Besties, it's time to break up with guess-and-hope budgeting.
Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Budget besties, we've got a relatable one for you today! Meet Nicole—a clinical psychologist, single mom of two, and a total powerhouse who's doing the work to get financially organized. She joined us to share what it's like starting out with budgeting (spoiler alert: it's not perfect right away), how she discovered she was actually spending four times more on her cats than she thought, and what she's doing with a $5,000 windfall.
Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Today, we're talking about real coaching convos with our actual clients—and trust us, these are situations that might hit real close to home. From deciding whether to lease that shiny new car (
Snag Our Simplified Budget System!If your bank account is constantly giving “$9.18 energy,” and payday feels more like a lifeline than a win—this one's for you. You're not bad with money, you just never learned the system that actually works for real life.This week, we're walking you through exactly how to break free from the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle—in the next 30 days. Yes, really. And no, you don't have to cancel everything fun to make it happen.In This Episode, We Cover:
Snag Our Simplified Budget System!In today's episode, we're sitting down with our amazing client Michelle, who just wrapped up her six-month coaching journey—and let us tell you, this one's got all the good stuff: drama, breakthroughs, and some serious “same, girl” moments.Michelle's story is full of heart, humor, and hope. She came to us thinking, “Great, another boring budget podcast,” (yep, we laughed too)… but then she found our system, and everything changed.
Snag Our Simplified Budget System!This episode is a ride through the real-life money moments we see in coaching all the time. From the confusion around bankruptcy payments to finally feeling not broke even when you're actually doing great—this one's full of eye-openers.We're pulling back the curtain on our coaching sessions to walk you through what's really going on behind the numbers. Because if our clients are struggling with it, chances are you might be too.Here's what we get into:
Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Hey budget besties!
Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Budget besties, this one's for you if you're juggling multiple jobs, navigating biweekly paychecks, and trying to climb out of credit card debt with your sanity (and maybe a little spending money) intact.
Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Budget Besties, buckle up! Today, we're inviting you behind the scenes of our private coaching calls to dish out the real-life budget wins, tough decisions, and "wait, should I buy a zebra?" moments from our amazing clients. If they're going through it, chances are you are too — so let's break it all down together.From surprise escrow refunds and dream farms (complete with cows, chickens, and yes... zebra requests
Snag Our Simplified Budget System!You've heard of a no spend month.You've maybe even tried one.And if you're like most of us—you probably ended up at Target with a cart full of “oops.”
Snag Our Simplified Budget System!We're bringing you one of our favorite kinds of episodes—a real story from a real budget bestie who decided enough is enough. Missy joined us after trying to DIY her budget (like so many of us do), but when she saw the numbers? Let's just say the highlighters came out and so did the coaching call.In this episode, you'll hear:How Missy went from “Where is my money going?” to saving over $2,000 a monthThe surprising things she changed (like re-quoting her insurance!) that saved her thousandsThe mindset shift that helped her finally feel in control of her financesWhy downsizing her home and organizing her savings buckets was a game-changerAnd how she's still crushing it post-coaching—she paid off $17,000 more in debt in just 3 months on her own!From working two jobs to becoming a travel agent to creating 13 (!) bank accounts, Missy's journey is proof that when you commit, get clarity, and stick with it—you'll see results faster than you ever thought possible.If you've been stuck in “I'll figure it out later” mode, this is your sign.Financial peace is just a system—and a little coaching—away.
Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Ever feel like you're playing a constant game of "Can we afford this?" with your partner?
Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Ever wish your bank could do more than just hold your money?Same. That's why in this episode, we're showing you how to put your bank to work—like your very own financial assistant.
Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Today, we're taking you behind the scenes of our private coaching sessions to share the real stories, real challenges, and real wins that come with building a budget that works in the messy moments of life. From surprise moving costs and mortgage pressure to sneaky Apple charges and Costco overspending, we're breaking it all down. These lessons are too good to keep behind closed doors—because if our clients are dealing with it, chances are you are too.Whether you're in the middle of a big life change or just trying to keep your grocery budget under control, this episode is full of practical takeaways and comforting reminders. We've got your back through every budgeting curveball.What We Talk About:Why moving always costs more than you thinkThe 15-year vs. 30-year mortgage debate (especially for single income households)How a few forgotten subscriptions can wreck next month's budgetThe danger of “extra” money sitting in your accountWhen buying the dream house means saying no to everything else—for a seasonCredit card points vs. actual financial peaceOur honest (maybe unpopular) opinion on Costco and bulk storesBudget Takeaways:Moving is messy—plan as much as you can, but give yourself grace when the numbers don't look perfect.Debt freedom takes sacrifice. But short-term discomfort can create long-term options.Put your bills in one account and pull your rollover money out—no temptation!If there's no wiggle room in your budget, it's not the right time for a 15-year mortgage.Credit card points are not a budgeting strategy. They're a trap. (We said what we said.)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!"
Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Hey there, budget besties!
Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Hey budget besties!
Get our Simplified Budget System!Hey budget besties! This month, we're shaking things up. We sat down with our girl Carrie and her amazing Disruptive Nutrition community to walk through—in real time—exactly how we build May's budget. So if you've been putting it off, consider this your official sign. Let's go!In this jam-packed, workshop-style episode, we break down our full budget system step by step: income, debt, bills, spending, and savings. You'll learn how to set up a hands-off, automated budget that works with your real life—one that helps you live your purpose without worrying if your card will go through at Target.✨ Highlights:The “B word” doesn't have to be scary—we make it simple and beautiful.What really belongs in the debt column vs. billsWhy you need a separate spending account just for the kids (yes, YOU deserve your own money too)How to use savings buckets to break the cycle of unexpected expensesSetting up paycheck plans that make your budget work for you, not the other way aroundIf your current money system still looks like what you did at 18, it's time for an upgrade. And don't worry—we're not here to make you do math or give up your glam. We're about automating, simplifying, and organizing so you can live freely and spend guilt-free.
Snag Our Simplified Budget System!
Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Budget Besties, grab your coffee and your confidence — because this episode is all about stepping into your power as the CFO of your home, even if you're not bringing in a paycheck.
Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Whew, Budget Besties — this episode is full of real talk and real wins from our coaching clients. From Nashville tattoo artists to newlyweds trying to merge finances without losing their minds, we're covering it all in today's behind-the-scenes episode of what it really looks like to get your money life together.We're walking through:
Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Hey, Budget Besties!
Hey, budget besties!
Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Budget Besties, this one's for everyone who's ever thought, “Why does it feel like everything is hitting all at once?”
Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Hey budget besties!
Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Heyyy, budget besties!