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

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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

Ideal Balance


    • May 30, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 23m AVG DURATION
    • 417 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    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.



    Search for episodes from THE IDEAL BALANCE SHOW: Real talk, tips & coaching on everything fitness, family & finance. with a specific topic:

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

    How Michelle Paid Off Credit Card Debt Fast and Found Peace with a Simple Budgeting System | 414

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 25:32


    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.

    Real Client Wins & Wake-Up Calls: Rebuilding Credit After Bankruptcy, How to Make a Budget That Works, and Finally Stop Overspending | 413

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 18:22


    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:

    Build Your June Budget Step-By-Step With Us: Income, Bills, Debt, Spending and Savings Walkthrough | 412

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2025 19:05


    How This Nurse Beat the Paycheck-to-Paycheck Cycle With One Simple Account | 411

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 25:49


    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.

    410 | From Zebras to Debt-Free Dreams: Real Clients, Real Wins

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 17:16


    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

    409 | You Don't Need a No Spend Month — You Need a Real Plan

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 40:20


    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.”

    408 | How She Paid Off $17K and Started Saving $2K/Month on One Income

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2025 24:13


    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.

    407 | Money Doesn't Have to Be Hard: Breakthroughs From Real Coaching Clients

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2025 16:35


    Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Ever feel like you're playing a constant game of "Can we afford this?" with your partner?

    406 | 9 Budget Tasks You Can Delegate to Your Bank: Automate Your Money, Save Time, and Finally Feel in Control of Your Finances

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2025 21:05


    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.

    405 | Time Management for Real Life: Let Go of the Guilt and Take Control (with Anna Kornick)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2025 32:51


    404 | Budgeting Lessons From Real Coaching Sessions: Unexpected Moving Costs, 15-Year vs. 30-Year Mortgage Thoughts, Untracked Subscriptions and the Costco Credit Card Trap (Overspending at Costco)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2025 18:25


    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!"

    403 | Bank Features That Make Budgeting Easier — and How to Choose the Best Bank or Credit Union for Your Financial Goals

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2025 13:02


    Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Hey there, budget besties!

    402 | How to Build Wealth on a Blue Collar Income with Chad Hufford

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2025 34:50


    401 | Make Your May 2025 Budget with Us: A Step-by-Step Monthly Money Plan

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2025 48:14


    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.

    400 | We Accidentally Started a Podcast...400 Episodes and 1 Million Plays Later

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2025 32:40


    Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

    399 | Stay-at-Home Mom Money Moves: How to Plan for Retirement Without a Paycheck!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2025 15:21


    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.

    398 | Financial Breakthroughs from Real Clients: Organizing Cash, Tackling Debt, Budgeting as a Couple & Avoiding Lifestyle Creep

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2025 17:50


    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:

    397 | Why Budgeting Matters for Every Woman—In Every Era of Her Life, and What It Looks Like in Every Season of Womanhood from Teenager to Newlywed to Retirement

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2025 31:23


    396 | The Step-by-Step System for Budgeting When Your Paychecks Change Every Month

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2025 20:41


    395 | Money Lessons from Real Clients: Emergency Funds, Paycheck Planning, Mom Guilt Breakthroughs & Business Wins

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2025 14:43


    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?”

    394 | The Truth About Budgeting Apps: They're Keeping You Stuck (Here's How to Break Free)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2025 12:09


    Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Hey budget besties!

    393 | Coaching Call with Lindsay: Tackling IRS Debt, Timeshares & Inconsistent Income

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2025 22:18


    Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Heyyy, budget besties!

    392 | A Perfect(ish) Chat About Time, Money & Ditching the Holiday Hangover

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2025 36:42


    Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Hey budget besties!

    391 | Cash Stuffing, But Make It Digital: Auto Transfers Instead of Cash Envelopes

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2025 13:27


    Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Cash stuffing is cute and all — we see the TikToks too

    390 | Healing Your Money Story with Shan Wright

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2025 30:42


    Visit Shan's ⁠Website!⁠Check out her podcast Holistic Moms! Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Budget besties, you are not ready for the realness and healing in this one!

    389 | Budgeting in Your Busy Era: How to Set It and Forget It (Yes, Really!)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2025 16:15


    Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Listen, budget besties—we know you want to be good with your money… but you don't want to track every single transaction like it's your side hustle. Good news? YOU

    388 | Let's Make Your April Budget – Together!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2025 21:57


    Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Budget besties… It's time.

    387 | How to Handle Biweekly Paychecks & Mortgage Confusion Without Losing Your Mind

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2025 15:35


    Snag Our Simplified Budget System!In this super relatable lightning-round session, Shana and Vanessa walk Kathleen through the budget fog that so many of us have faced—especially when it comes to biweekly paychecks and split mortgage payments. Spoiler: it's not just you... this stuff gets confusing real fast!

    386 | Budgeting Without the Baggage: Fun, Freedom & Finances with Your Budget Besties

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2025 33:15


    Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Hey Budget Besties!

    385 | The 5 Budgeting Basics That Make Money Management Easy—Without Tracking Every Expense

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2025 18:34


    Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Feel like budgeting means giving up your coffee runs, tracking every dollar, or living on beans and rice? Think again. In this episode, we're breaking down the 5 budgeting basics that work for every budget—whether you're just starting out, living on irregular income, or totally overwhelmed by the idea of budgeting.We'll show you how to create a simple, effective budget without obsessively tracking every expense or using complicated apps. This is a stress-free, no-shame guide to managing your money in a way that's clear, empowering, and actually doable—no matter your income, lifestyle, or past budgeting fails.If you've ever said, “I just don't know where my money goes,” or “I don't even know where to start,” this episode is for you.

    384 | How to Use Your Tax Refund to Get Ahead: Pay Bills, Build Savings, and Get Out of Debt with Semajh

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2025 24:44


    Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Budget Besties, we've got a treat for you! Meet Semajh—a 29-year-old child of God, self-proclaimed America's Sweetheart, and a man on a mission to afford (not just buy!) 300 luxury cotton pajamas. Yes, he knows his Pima from his Supima, and yes—he's doing it the bougie and budget-savvy way.In this hilarious and heartfelt episode, Semajh walks us through his journey from struggling with a clunky budgeting app to discovering a system that actually works for real life. He's getting ahead on his bills, setting up buckets (from “New Teeth” to “10% and Then Some”), and feeling what it's like to truly trust his budget.We chat about:Why separate accounts are everything

    383 | Lessons From the Sessions: Rental Property or Money Pit, Bonus Budgeting, Debt Payoff Decisions & Vacation Costs

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2025 20:06


    Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Budget besties, we're back with another round of Lessons from the Sessions—real-life money wins, dilemmas, and breakthroughs straight from our coaching calls!This week, we're diving into:✨ Rental property reality check—Is it truly making you money or just draining your budget?✨ Inconsistent income budgeting—How to set up an income holding account so you're never short on cash.✨ Big bonuses, big decisions—How to make smart moves with large lump sums instead of letting them sit (or disappear).✨ The illusion of a "cheap" vacation—Spoiler alert: Staying with family doesn't mean a free trip. Let's budget wisely!No fluff, just real financial strategy that helps you keep more money in your pocket and stress off your plate. Let's get into it!

    382 | Budgeting Breakdown: The 7 Methods & Our Strong Opinions About Them

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2025 21:53


    Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Hey, budget besties! In this episode, we're diving deep into seven popular budgeting methods—and let's just say, we have thoughts.

    381 | How One Mom Paid Off $50K in Debt and Paid Cash for College & Christmas—By Ditching Excel for a Simple Budget System!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2025 23:52


    Snag Our Simplified Budget System with Lauren's discount!

    380 | Travel Sports Are Expensive! Here's How to Afford Them (Budgeting for Sports, Travel Sports Costs)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2025 27:42


    Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

    379 | Lessons from the Sessions: The Hidden Costs of Moving, Budgeting for Career Changes, and Avoiding Debt Traps Like Tool Loans

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2025 17:54


    Snag Our Simplified Budget System!It's time for another Lessons from the Sessions episode!

    378 | Stop Saying ‘I Don't Have Time'—Here's How to Find It with Carrie Lupoli

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2025 39:12


    Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Budget besties, this episode is for all of us who feel like we're constantly running out of time and money (aka everyone?!). We're hanging out with our friend, fellow pink-lover, and time management queen, Carrie Lupoli! She's breaking down how to get more intentional with our time, reduce stress, and even save money in the process. Spoiler: It's not about getting more hours in a day (because, yeah, we all get 168). It's about using them better.Carrie is a nutritionist, business owner, and time management expert who helps women get their schedules under control so they can live with less stress and more intention!What We're Talking About Today:✨ Why time is like liquid—and how to control it instead of letting it control you⏳ The simple trick to stop feeling always busy

    377 | Simple Budget Shortcuts for Busy Moms Juggling It All

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2025 18:54


    Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Moms, we see you juggling a million things—work, kids, school drop-offs, sports, meal planning… the list never ends!

    376 | Breaking Free: How to Ditch Debt and Make Stay-at-Home Mom Life a Reality with Maegan

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2025 22:13


    375 | Taking Control of Your Money & Your Future with Candace

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2025 25:20


    Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Hey Besties!

    374 | Budgeting, but Make It Fun! (Replay from The Money Love Podcast)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2025 58:39


    Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Hey, Besties!

    373 | March Budgets, Milestones & Money Moves

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2025 21:14


    Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Budget besties, can you believe it's already March?! We're feeling all the emotions—kids moving up grades, summer creeping up, and, of course, it's time to roll into a brand-new budget. In this episode, we're walking you through how to close out February and set up your March budget step by step. We'll talk about income tracking (yes, that tax refund counts!), adjusting for fluctuating bills, planning for spring break, and making sure those savings buckets are ready for summer fun. Plus, we're sharing some real client wins—like paying for vacations in cash, combining finances, and saying goodbye to credit card debt. Let's get organized, make a plan, and have a stress-free March!What You'll Learn in This Episode:

    372 | Automate Your Budget & Eliminate Financial Stress!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2025 18:12


    Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Budget Besties, if there was a drinking game for this podcast, the keyword would be... AUTOMATE!

    371 | Savings Buckets 101: The Best Way to Plan for Unexpected Expenses

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2025 33:20


    Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Budget Besties, listen up!

    370 | How to Plan Your Spending in Your Budget (Without Overcomplicating It!)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2025 38:54


    Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Hey, Budget Besties!

    369 | The Bills Account – Your Secret to Financial Peace

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2025 24:53


    368 | How to Pay Off Debt (Without Hating Your Life)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2025 19:55


    Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Hey, Budget Besties!

    367 | What Happens When You Don't Have a Budget

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2025 31:22


    Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Hey, Budget Besties!

    Bonus: The Coaching Program That Skyrocketed Our Podcast (and Business!)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 8, 2025 10:13


    Sign up for the FREE Profitable Podcast Bootcamp⁠We're pulling back the curtain today and giving you thereal behind-the-scenes story of our podcast journey—how we went fromsporadically recording episodes that no one listened to… tobuilding a top-ranked podcast that drives our entire business.And, besties, it's all because ofStef Gass and Podcast to Profit.We were totallylost before we found her. We had been podcasting fortwo years with no real strategy—just throwing out episodes when we had five extra minutes (which, let's be honest, wasn't often). Our business feltstagnant, and we weredesperate for a system that actually worked.That's when we foundStef and her system—and WOW. Within six months of implementing what she taught us, we:✅ Went from4,600 downloads → over 540,000✅ Increased our monthly revenue from$6K → $20K✅ Built a course that's now brought in$45K+ in passive income✅ Grew our email list from160 → 2,122 subscribers✅ Jumped fromunranked to a Top 1% podcastAnd the best part?It's all still working. Two years after we first began working with her, we'll hit 1,000,000 plays!Now, we're telling you this becauseyou can learn from Stef for FREE.

    366 | How to Build Financially Confident Kids (Without the Entitlement!) with Julia Myers

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2025 36:24


    Snag Our Simplified Budget System!Budget besties, you are in for a treat! Today, we're bringing on our actual good friend, the wise, wonderful, and always inspiringJulia Meyers to talk aboutGenerational Wisdom—because let's be real, passing down money means nothing if we're not passing down the knowledge to manage it.Julia is an accomplished healthcare leader, mom of five (yes, FIVE!), and a recovering perfectionist. She's been recognized nationally for her work in medication access, but her true passion? Helping families build financial confidence and break the cycle of lost generational wealth.We're unpacking:

    365 | Simplifying Your Finances with Anna from It's Time to Simplify!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2025 37:56


    Snag Our Simplified Budget System! Hey Besties!

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