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Schedule an Annual Planning Session

Hey Budget Besties — can you believe it? We’re heading into 2026. 😲
New year. New budget. Same us — making sure your money is working for you (not the other way around).

In this episode, we’re not just dreaming about the future — we’re putting real numbers behind it.
We’re walking you through how to set your financial goals for 2026 with intention, purpose, and a plan that actually fits your life.

Whether your year ahead is full of college visits, career changes, or your dream trip to Bali (yes please 🙋‍♀️), you’ll learn how to:

• Think about your short, midterm, and long-term money goals

• Tie your financial decisions directly to what you care about

• Create a realistic, flexible plan that makes your dreams doable

• Avoid the “woo” and keep your financial feet on the ground (but don’t worry, we’ll still get you excited!)

• And finally take that bills debit card out of your wallet 👀

We know life’s busy. Maybe you’re not doing vision boards or chanting under a full moon — but you still want clarity, confidence, and a budget that reflects your real goals.

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!" 👈🏻 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!

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 🥹), and in this re-air, we finally sat down with her on the mic to talk about how getting your money in check can actually transform your mental clarity, stress levels, and even your relationship with food.

👯‍♀️ What We Chat About:

1. The surprising connection between financial stress and health struggles

2. Why “not knowing what you don’t know” is not your fault—and how to unlearn it

3. How Carrie and her husband completely shifted their money mindset and now have money left at the end of the month 🙌

4. What it means to budget like a grown-up without giving up brunch, beauty, or bacon 🍳

5. Why credit card “points” aren’t doing you any favors (sorry, not sorry 😅)

6. A simple, automated budgeting system that makes life easier—yes, automagically 🪄

7. Teaching your kids financial confidence early (Carrie’s 20-year-old is thriving!)

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!" 👈🏻 If that sounds like you… ✨ Please take a second to rate & review the show! It helps us reach more people—just like...

Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

In today’s episode of Financial Coaching for Women, we sit down with Ashley—newly married, newly budgeting, and ready to take control of her family’s finances. Just two months into their budgeting journey, Ashley and her husband are working hard to live on their salaries alone so they can put commission checks toward debt payoff and long-term goals. But with unexpected expenses, consolidated loans, and a busy family life, staying on track isn’t always easy.

Together, we walk through her real numbers, real questions, and real challenges. If you're early in your budgeting journey—or trying to get back on track—you’ll feel right at home in this conversation.

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!" 👈🏻 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!

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: 💸 Making sense of cash-heavy businesses (yes, even $6K/month in cash!)

🏡 Homemaking budgets and why "making a house a home" is a line item

📱How to untangle Amazon charges (spoiler: you can assign cards by category!)

🧾 Organizing messy savings and crushing debt with clarity

💑 Blending finances as a couple — even when one of you has debt and the other doesn’t

Because budgeting is not about judgment. It’s about creating a system that works for your real life. Whether you’re:

1. Running a six-figure biz with money flying in from all angles

2. Feeling low-key guilty about spending on your home

3. Nervous about your partner seeing just how much credit card debt you’ve got

4. Or overwhelmed by all the bank accounts, credit cards, and loans you’ve been managing solo...

We’ve got you.

🧠 This episode is full of coaching gold:

1. Why cash-based income has to be budgeted or it will disappear

2. The truth about lifestyle creep (and how to check it before it runs away with your goals)

3. How simple changes — like naming your savings or setting spending accounts — lead to massive progress

4. And how to create buy-in with your spouse without a fight

This is what financial clarity looks like: one small, consistent, empowered step at a time. 🧡

4 Ways To Connect With Us:

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

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

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

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

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

Click here to view our privacy policy.

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

Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

Hey, Budget Besties! 💛

Today we’re taking you on a money journey through every season of a woman’s life — from those first babysitting paychecks to living your best bougie grandma life. 🛍️👵🏽✨

Why? Because budgeting matters at every single stage. And when you know what to expect (and how to plan for it), you can build the confident, abundant life you deserve.

We’re diving into:

1. High school budgets (hello, Starbucks and hoodies 🧋🧥)

2. College survival (and how to NOT live off ramen and credit cards)

3. Young marriage and mom life (budgeting for date nights and diapers)

4. Bougie era budgeting (more income, bigger goals—and NO excuses)

5. Empty nesters and retirement (planning for those grandbaby snuggles and that dream trip to Italy 🇮🇹)

Throughout each era, we’re keeping it real about how your budget needs to shift, what habits you need to build (spoiler: savings buckets forever 🪣), and how to use your money with intention instead of living paycheck to paycheck (no matter how much you make!).

🧠 Lessons You’ll Learn:

1. How early budgeting habits create financial confidence for life

2. Why your college student must have a budget (and how to avoid drowning in debt)

3. How to combine finances in marriage without stress or confusion

4. Why high income doesn’t fix money problems — but budgeting does

5. How to step into your wealthy woman era and keep building that legacy

You're not behind, bestie. Whatever stage you're in—you've got time, you've got options, and you've got us cheering you on! 🎉

4 Ways To Connect With Us:

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

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

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

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

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

Click here to view our privacy policy.

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

Hey, budget besties! 💖 Today we’re chatting with Andrea, who's right in the middle of a BIG life transition — new marriage, three kids headed to Brazil for a year (!), and full-time camper living while her husband travels for work as a union electrician. 🚐✨

Andrea’s done all the things — tried The Budget Mom, dabbled in Dave Ramsey — but sticking to a budget? THAT’S the struggle. Especially now with a fluctuating income and a whole new way of life.

We walk Andrea through how to set up a money system that works for real life — not just the life you plan in pretty colors and fancy spreadsheets. 🎨📊 Here's what we tackled:

• How to budget on an inconsistent income without the chaos.

• Why separate bank accounts (bills, spending, savings!) are your new best friends.

• How to automate your money so you can't accidentally mess up (even if life gets messy).

• Budgeting off the bare minimum — and using the extra to finally get ahead.

• Why you start automation NOW — even if you’re behind on bills.

This conversation is full of real-life feels, practical tips, and lots of encouragement for anyone who's ready to turn a season of transition into a season of financial empowerment. 🌟

We want you to hear this loud and clear: you don’t have to be perfect. You just have to get your system in place and let it work for you — even when life gets wild.

Mentioned in the Episode:

• Separate bank accounts for bills, spending, and savings

• Budgeting on a baseline income

• Blue Collar Millionaire podcast (shoutout to our hardworking 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?” 😵‍💫

In this episode, Shana and Vanessa are sharing real stories from coaching clients who are pushing through real life – emergency room visits, broken fingers, college costs, tragic losses, and even tangled-up business budgets. But through it all, we’re celebrating the small (and major) wins, like…

✨ Surviving back-to-back emergencies without going into debt

✨ Paying taxes on time for the first time EVER

✨ Learning how to finally get your paycheck-to-spending transfer right

✨ Changing money mindsets (even when you feel “behind”)

✨ Creating steady income from side hustles – campers, Jeeps, and salon chairs, oh my!

This episode is a warm reminder that if you feel like you’re struggling just to stay on top of your budget—you’re not alone. Life is expensive, but that doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong.

You’re learning. You’re adjusting. You’re moving forward. 🙌🏽

Whether you're starting over at 50, trying to untangle your biz finances, or figuring out how not to be broke every other week, we’re breaking it all down with compassion and clarity.

4 Ways To Connect With Us:

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

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

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

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

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

Click here to view our privacy policy.

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

Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

Hey budget besties! 🧡

Whew, okay… buckle up because in this episode, we are coming in hot with a little budgeting truth bomb for y’all. 😅 If you’ve been using a budgeting app and still feel confused, broke, or like you’re spinning your wheels, you’re not alone—and it’s not your fault.

We’re getting real about why budgeting apps don’t work the way you think they do (spoiler: they’re trackers, not planners), and what you actually need to finally feel in control of your money.

In this episode, we break down:

1. 🤯 Why budgeting apps are just glorified expense trackers (not real budgets)

2. ⏳ How they keep you busy but not actually making progress

3. ❌ The false sense of success that pretty pie charts give you

4. 🚨 Why you keep saying “I’m doing all the things, but I still feel broke”

5. 🔄 The power of setting up a system that does the work for you

6. 💡 The difference between tracking where your money went vs. telling it where to go

7. ✨ What budgeting with clarity, confidence, and freedom really looks like

What We Want You to Know:

A budget app won’t save your financial life. A system will.

When you follow our method, you’re not just making a plan—you’re putting it in motion automatically. No more wondering where your money went or feeling guilt-tripped by your own spending. With our budget system, your money actually moves to where it needs to go. Every. Single. Time.

4 Ways To Connect With Us:

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

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

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

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

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

Click here to view our privacy policy.

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

Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

Heyyy, budget besties! 🙌

We’ve got a juicy one for y’all today. In this coaching call episode, we chat with the lovely Lindsay, who came to us with alllll the questions we know so many of you are also wrestling with. From IRS debt and credit cards to timeshares and life insurance policies—whew, we cover it all.

Lindsay and her husband are both small biz owners with some financial complexity (hi, inconsistent income 👋), and they’re ready to finally get a plan that works for their real life. And yes, she’s already started creating her spending accounts—claps all around. 🎉

Here's what we cover in this episode:

1. 💸 IRS debt vs. credit card debt—what should come first?

2. 🧾 How to make payments feel doable and stop decision fatigue in its tracks.

3. 🏦 Setting up a holding account to make irregular income feel consistent.

4. 🛑 Why stopping the use of credit is key to long-term progress.

5. 🧠 Understanding what your life insurance is actually doing for you.

6. 🏖️ Timeshares—do we love 'em, hate 'em, or just help you get outta them?

7. 📊 Why business owners need three budgets (yes, three—deep breaths, y’all).

We got into some real talk about why planning your money ahead of time—especially on payday—helps you move forward without the stress spiral. And you know we’re always here to remind you that it's okay to make it work your way. You don’t have to follow every “rule” to the letter to see big changes.

Golden Nugget 💡

“You can’t make progress if you’re constantly stuck in indecision. Pick a plan, stick with it, and give yourself the freedom to tweak it as you go.”

Whether you're juggling business and personal budgets, questioning that life insurance policy you signed up for years ago, or trying to dig out of IRS and credit card debt—you’re not alone. We see you, and we’re cheering you on.

4 Ways To Connect With Us:

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

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

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

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

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

Click here to view our privacy policy.

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

Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

Hey budget besties! 💸 We’re back with a replay of one of our faves—a fun, real, and ridiculously helpful convo with our girl Kali from the Perfect-ish Podcast. We got together to talk about that post-holiday money fog (aka the holiday hangover), and how to kick off 2025 with clarity, confidence, and a budget system that actually works. 🎉

Whether your receipts are still crumpled at the bottom of your purse or you're just ready to break the cycle of starting strong and fizzling out, this episode is packed with simple steps to help you finally feel in control of your time and money—without burnout, shame, or boring spreadsheets. 🙅‍♀️

Let’s talk separate spending accounts (yes, you can have more than one checking account), budgeting that runs automatically, and how to fund your life and your future—with room for coffee dates, family fun, and bougie gifts too. ✨

In this episode, we cover:

1. Why budgeting feels hard (and how to make it easier)

2. What a real budgeting system looks like

3. How to set up your money to manage itself (yes, really!)

4. The truth about unexpected expenses (spoiler: they’re not that unexpected)

5. How to create savings buckets for Christmas, car repairs, and the fun stuff too 🎁

6. Why being bougie on a budget is totally the vibe for 2025

Takeaway? You don’t need to restrict your life to get your money right. You just need a system that matches your lifestyle, your goals, and your values. Let’s do it together, bestie.

4 Ways To Connect With Us:

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

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

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

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

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

Click here to view our privacy policy.

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

Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

Cash stuffing is cute and all — we see the TikToks too 👀 — and while we do love the intention behind it, we also know a lot of us don’t have time (or the desire) to carry cash everywhere.

In this episode, Shana and Vanessa are breaking down the why behind the popularity of cash stuffing — the visual appeal, the sense of control, the fun little binders (we see you, stationery girlies 💅) — and giving you a level-up version that works for your real life.

✨ Introducing: Digital Cash Stuffing

Yep, same concept, same budgeting structure, but done with your bank app. You’ll learn how to:

1. Set up multiple bank accounts as your digital envelopes

2. Rename them (get creative — “Hawaii: I’m going surfing” is fully encouraged)

3. Use automatic transfers to make it all happen without lifting a finger

4. Watch your savings grow in real-time — especially in high-yield savings accounts 👏

5. Keep control of your spending buckets without needing to break a $20

Whether you’re saving for a volleyball tournament, a bougie vacation, or just your weekly groceries — we’ve got you. You can still have the same intentionality, accountability, and fun without the ATM runs.

This is budgeting for your busy, boss-level life. 💻✨

4 Ways To Connect With Us:

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

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

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

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

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

Click here to view our privacy policy.

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

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! 💸✨ We sat down with their friend Shan Wright, a holistic wellness coach, mama of four, and all-around truth-speaker, to talk about something we all wrestle with at some point: our relationship with the B word… yep, the budget.

Shan takes us through her powerful journey from full-on avoidance and anxiety to experiencing peace and partnership around money. She shares how childhood experiences, emotional baggage, and even spiritual healing shaped the way she saw money—and how she reprogrammed her mindset and rewrote her money story, with faith and accountability leading the way. 🙌

We dive into:

• Why “just let your spouse handle it” isn’t the answer (even if they’re good at it!)

• The connection between money wounds and anxiety

• How reprogramming your brain literally works (hello, science AND scripture!)

• The power of speaking truth over your finances—even when it feels like a lie

• What it really looks like to do the heart work before the hard work 💛

This is for every bestie who’s ever thought, “I’m just not good with money” or “It’s too late to change.” Spoiler alert: it’s not too late, and you can do this.

🛠️ Two key takeaways:

1. Dig up the lies you believe about money and where they came from

2. Start speaking truth—God’s truth—over your finances and your future

✨ Want more Shan? Find her at theshanwright.com, check out her Facebook group for holistic moms, and listen to her podcast, Holistic Moms—she’s the real deal, y’all.

💬 Favorite Quotes:

“When you're letting your spouse handle all the money, it's like letting one parent do all the parenting.”
– Shana

“Obedience precedes the miracle. I didn’t know what would come from healing my finances—but I knew I needed to obey.”
– Shan

“The truth might sound like a lie at first. That’s how you know you're pulling out the old weeds.”
– Shan

📲 Let’s Be Social:

Hey budget besties—has money ever made you anxious? Did anything Shan said hit right where it hurts (in the best way)? DM us, or tag us in your biggest a-ha moments from this episode!

And remember: we don’t have to carry this alone. Financial healing is possible—and it can actually be fun when we do it together. ❤️‍🩹💵

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 ➡︎

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 👏 DON’T 👏 HAVE 👏 TO.

This episode is your permission slip to let go of complicated budgeting systems that take hours to manage. If you’ve ever said, “I want to get better with my money, but I’m just too busy,” this one’s for you. Whether you’re chasing kids, chasing deadlines, or chasing a volleyball tournament like us (seriously, we’re recording this between matches), we’re breaking down our Set It and Forget It method that actually works—without requiring a spreadsheet obsession or 12 new apps.

This is budgeting made simple, automatic, and dare we say… fun. 🙌

Here’s what we cover in this episode:

💸 Why traditional budgeting feels like a chore (spoiler alert: too many categories and perfectionism pressure)

⏰ Why you don’t need to spend hours tracking expenses to be good with money

🙅‍♀️ The real reason being “busy” shouldn’t stop you from budgeting—and how to work with it, not against it

🧠 How to automate your bills so they literally pay themselves

📥 Why getting one paycheck ahead is the key to autopay success

📲 Using your banking app as your personal assistant (no, really)

💰 Setting up automatic transfers for spending and savings—so you never forget and never fall behind

🛍️ Creating spending accounts that do the tracking for you (bye receipts and budget guilt!)

🧾 Why tracking every single dollar isn’t the flex you think it is—and how simplicity leads to success

✨ Real client wins: From Excel chaos to paying off $50K in debt (with vacations and cash Christmas too!)

Our 3-Step “Set It and Forget It” Budget System:

1. Automate your bills: One bills account + autopay = brain space saved

2. Automatically fund spending + savings: Schedule transfers for groceries, gas, and your savings buckets

3. Use spending accounts instead of tracking: No spreadsheets. Just swipe, check your balance, and go 💅

4 Ways To Connect With Us:

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

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

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

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

"I love Shana & Vanessa and this podcast is amazing!" 👈🏻 If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! It helps us to reach more people – just like you – to help them change their financial future. Don’t forget to follow the show so you don’t miss any...

Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

Today, we’re bringing you real stories and lessons straight from our private coaching sessions — because if our clients are dealing with it, chances are you are too. From credit card points to refinancing decisions, we’re breaking down what’s really happening behind the numbers so you can avoid the same mistakes, feel less alone, and walk away with some quick wins for your budget.

You’ll hear about a client who thought credit card points were the key to “winning” with money (spoiler: they weren’t), how another family is tackling a 7% mortgage the smart way, and why simple awareness can transform everything about how you spend, save, and plan.

This episode is full of aha moments, real talk, and encouragement for anyone ready to move from surviving to thriving. 💪

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!" 👈🏻 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!

Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

Budget besties… It’s time. 👏 April is charging in fast and we’re not letting it catch us off guard. In this episode, we’re making your April 2025 budget with you, step by step. Whether this is your first month finally sticking to a budget or you’ve been riding strong all year, we’re walking through every piece of the process—from closing out March to planning paycheck by paycheck.

This isn’t just a checklist—it’s a full-on mindset shift. Because real talk? Even we forget things like Halloween costumes sometimes (it happens!). These episodes are here to jog your memory, bring the energy, and get you feeling clear and confident about your money. 💰✨

Here’s what we walk through together:

✅ How to close out March the right way (and why it's non-negotiable)

✅ What to update: debt balances, minimums, phone bills (hello, surprise hikes)

✅ Setting up your April income and listing only the minimum debt payments

✅ Planning for bills with due dates—mortgage, daycare, Netflix, and everything in between

✅ Getting real about spending categories like gas, groceries, and pocket money

✅ Choosing your savings priorities (yep, summer’s around the corner ☀️)

✅ Month-specific stuff: Easter, birthdays, and even the random “Let’s get a dog!” spring purchases

✅ Using our signature Paycheck Plan to automate and simplify your entire budget

✅ Setting monthly goals that keep your momentum going—whether that’s paying off Chase with your tax refund or finally getting one paycheck ahead

You’ll leave this episode with a full game plan, and the confidence that you’re not missing a thing. So grab your template or open up your notes, hit pause when you need to, and let’s build that budget together.

4 Ways To Connect With Us:

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

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

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

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

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

Click here to view our privacy policy.

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

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!

💸 What We Covered:

1. The truth about biweekly pay & mortgage schedules: Kathleen was struggling to figure out why her budget felt so wonky every month. Some months have two paychecks, some three. Same with her mortgage. That inconsistency? Totally throwing off her budget game.

2. Why split mortgage payments aren’t always helpful: Even though paying every two weeks sounds like a great strategy to save on interest, the chaos it causes in budgeting can outweigh the benefits. The solution? Switch to a once-a-month mortgage payment to simplify everything.

3. Budgeting with a plan—not confusion: Shana and Vanessa showed Kathleen how to treat the paycheck she gets at the end of the month as the starting point for the next month’s budget. That January 29th paycheck? That’s February money, baby.

4. What to do with “extra” paychecks: Yes, you get two “bonus” paychecks a year, but they’re not fully extra. You still gotta eat and drive, so don’t throw it all at debt before covering those basics. But what’s leftover? That’s your debt-slaying snowball. ❄️💥

5. Mental vs. physical budgeting work: Kathleen’s doing the emotional work (redefining what happiness means, recognizing spending patterns), and now it’s time to match that with a budget that gives her clarity and control. 🙌

🔥 Bestie Takeaways:

1. You're not bad at math—you're just stuck in a confusing system.

2. Consistency in your bills = clarity in your budget.

3. Get on a paycheck-ahead system so you’re planning before the month begins, not scrambling during.

4. Let’s not rely on “extra” money showing up—we build the plan, we decide when to make those extra payments.

5. Feeling guilty about spending? Let’s kick that out. Budgeted spending is empowered spending.

4 Ways To Connect With Us:

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

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

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

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

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

Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

Hey Budget Besties! 👋 We’re throwing it back to one of our favorite convos with our girl Tracy Hoth over on The Organized Coach Podcast. If the words “budget” and “finances” make you wanna hit pause, stick with us—we’re making it fun, shame-free, and maybe even a little bougie. 💅

In this episode, we chat with Tracy about:

1. Our journey from church friends to business besties (with a budget twist!)

2. How we tripled our podcast growth by going extra (yes, we do three episodes a week 🙈)

3. The real reason people struggle with budgeting (spoiler: it’s not just the numbers)

4. How we took the envelope system digital and made budgeting beautiful

5. What it means to be bougie on a budget—yes, you can have your PSL and still pay off debt ☕💸

6. Our no-shame, all-gain system for organizing your money in a way that feels good and actually works

We’re sharing how our clients go from “I don’t know where my money is going” to “We just saved $20K in six months,” and why financial clarity is the ultimate flex.

💻 Want to know more about our personalized budget templates, group coaching, or our six-month coaching packages? This episode gives you a peek into the magic of working with us.

No more financial overwhelm. Just systems, simplicity, and space to dream a little bigger.

4 Ways To Connect With Us:

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

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

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

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

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

Click here to view our privacy policy.

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

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.

💬 What You’ll Learn:

1. The 5 essential parts of any budget (in plain English)

2. How to budget with irregular income or multiple income streams

3. Why you don’t have to track every expense to be successful

4. How to set up a budget that gives you clarity, peace, and flexibility

5. Real-life examples and mindset shifts that make budgeting feel doable

This is budgeting without the overwhelm—progress over perfection, grace over guilt. Let's simplify your money and set you up for long-term financial peace. 💛

4 Ways To Connect With Us:

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

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

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

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

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

Click here to view our privacy policy.

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

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:

1. Why separate accounts are everything 👏🏽

2. How to break free from the paycheck-to-paycheck grind

3. Making room for joy (and pajamas!) without breaking your budget

4. The plan to reclaim 24% of his income from debt

5. And why he’s holding out on that dental discount—with purpose

Semajh reminds us all: budgeting isn’t about deprivation. It’s about alignment. His confidence, clarity, and commitment to doing things differently? Pure inspiration.

4 Ways To Connect With Us:

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

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

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

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

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

Click here to view our privacy policy.

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

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! 🎧💰

4 Ways To Connect With Us:

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

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

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

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

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

Click here to view our privacy policy.

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

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. 😏 You’ve probably heard of things like zero-based budgeting, cash stuffing, the 50/30/20 rule, and the FIRE method—but are they really the best ways to manage your money? We’re breaking them all down, giving you the real talk on what works, what doesn’t, and why our budgeting system is the ultimate game-changer.

Here’s what we’re covering:

💰 Paycheck Planning – Why assigning bills to each paycheck keeps you stuck in the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle.

🔥 Zero-Based Budgeting – Great in theory, but do you really have to feel broke every month? (Spoiler: No.)

📊 50/30/20 Rule – Sounds cute, but is it actually realistic? We have questions.

💵 Cash Envelopes – A classic, but we’re in a digital world, and we have a better way.

🚀 FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) – Love the vision, but maybe let’s not sacrifice everything fun?

🧐 Tracking Expenses – Let’s be clear: this is NOT budgeting, and we’re here to tell you why.

🙈 No Budget (a.k.a. The Hope & Pray Method) – If this is you, it’s okay, we still love you—but we gotta talk.

4 Ways To Connect With Us:

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

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

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

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

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

Click here to view our privacy policy.

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

Snag Our Simplified Budget System with Lauren's discount!

🚀 What if you could pay off $50,000 in debt, pay cash for travel, Christmas, and even college tuition—all in one year? Our guest Lauren did just that using our Simplified Budget System, and today, she’s sharing exactly how she did it!

💡 What You'll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How Lauren went from tracking receipts & feeling behind to having total clarity

✅ The biggest budgeting mistake she made before switching to our system

✅ How she discovered she actually had more money than she thought

✅ Why opening multiple bank accounts changed everything

✅ How she and her husband now budget with ease & less stress

✅ Her #1 favorite budgeting tool that made all the difference

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 Simplified Budget System! It's your key to organizing and optimizing your finances effectively ➡︎ http://budgetbesties.com/lauren

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

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

Click here to view our privacy policy.

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

Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

🚨 Travel sports are EXPENSIVE. 🚨 They’re eating up your budget—and we get it, because we’re right there with you! But instead of feeling blindsided by all the unexpected costs, let’s make a plan to budget for travel sports the right way—so you can enjoy the experience without the financial stress!

🎯 Grab our free Travel Sports Budget Worksheet at budgetbesties.com/sports and start planning today!

💡 What You'll Learn in This Episode:

✅ The true cost of travel sports (spoiler: it’s more than just team fees!)

✅ How to stop being surprised by unexpected expenses

✅ The best way to plan & save for sports costs all year long

✅ Tips to cut costs and make travel sports more affordable

✅ How to get your kids involved in funding their own sports expenses

4 Ways To Connect With Us:

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

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

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

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

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

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Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

It’s time for another Lessons from the Sessions episode! 🙌 In this series, we take real-life situations from our private coaching clients and bring them straight to YOU so you can learn, apply, and make progress with your finances.

💡 What You'll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How a young couple stopped relying on debt to pay for work tools

✅ Why creating a mock budget before making big life changes is a game-changer

✅ The moving budget blueprint to avoid surprise expenses

✅ A simple savings strategy to break the cycle of stress when big bills come due

✅ How to make your money feel steady instead of a roller coaster 🎢

4 Ways To Connect With Us:

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

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

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

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

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

Click here to view our privacy policy.

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

Get our DIY Debt Relief Workbook!

If you’ve ever felt tempted to call one of those “we’ll fix your debt for you” companies — this episode is for you. Today, we’re pulling back the curtain on debt consolidation, settlement, and relief companies, and explaining how their promises can actually hurt your credit, delay progress, and drain your savings.

Instead, we’ll show you how to DIY your own debt relief plan — without paying someone else to do what you can do (better!) yourself. You’ll learn how to organize your debt, negotiate with creditors, and build a system that puts you in control.

This one’s packed with real talk, stories from our coaching clients, and encouragement for anyone ready to finally make progress on their debt — the smart way. 💪

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!" 👈🏻 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!

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
• 📅 How to actually plan your week so you get things done without burning out
• 🌮 Why meal planning is basically a money-saving superpower
• 💡 The one thing every woman needs in her morning routine (seriously, don’t skip this!)
• 💰 How being intentional with your time helps your finances, too

Favorite Takeaways:

• 📝 Brain dump your week—Once you see where your time really goes, you’ll be shocked at what you can reclaim.
• 🛑 Plan for margin—Back-to-back schedules set you up for failure. Give yourself breathing room!
• 🎯 Three big rocks per day—Not 37. Not 10. Just three.
• ⏰ Morning time is non-negotiable—Think of it as wiping off yesterday’s “bird poop” (you have to hear this analogy!).

If you’ve ever said “I don’t have time” while also wondering where the week went, this episode is a game-changer. Listen in, take notes, and let’s take back our time and our money, one intentional step at a time!

Find Carrie & Start Your Morning Time Right:

📲 Follow her on Instagram: @Carrie_Lupoli
🎥 Join her live every morning at 6:45 AM ET for daily declarations & mindset shifts

4 Ways To Connect With Us:

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

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

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

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

"I love Shana & Vanessa and this podcast is amazing!" 👈🏻 If that sounds...

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! 😅 The last thing you need is a complicated budget adding stress to your life.

In today’s episode, we’re sharing simple, time-saving budget shortcuts that will help you:

✅ Avoid overspending (even on groceries!)

✅ Automate your bills so you never miss a payment

✅ Plan for your kid’s surprise expenses (because they always pop up!)

✅ Use your bank accounts to do the budgeting for you

✅ Set up systems that make your money run on autopilot

With these hacks, you’ll know exactly where your money is going—without constantly tracking transactions or crunching numbers in your head at the checkout line!

💡 Top Budgeting Shortcuts from the Episode:

🔹 Separate your accounts – One for bills, one for spending. No more guessing if your bills are covered!

🔹 Automate EVERYTHING – Your income, bills, and savings should all be happening without you having to lift a finger.

🔹 Plan for kid expenses – Field trips, birthday gifts, and snacks are not surprises. Build them into the budget!

🔹 Set up grocery orders & Amazon Subscribe & Save – Less time shopping, more time doing literally anything else.

🔹 Have a restaurant budget – Because let’s be real, there will be drive-thrus in your future. Plan for them!

🔹 Use a Snacker Box for sports & school – A game-changer for on-the-go eating (and avoiding impulse snack stops!).

4 Ways To Connect With Us:

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

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

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

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

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

Click here to view our privacy policy.

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

Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

Hey Besties! 👋 Today’s episode is all about balancing a growing family, budgeting for big goals, and figuring out the path to financial freedom. Our guest Megan is a mom of SIX (yes, six!), working full-time while trying to pay off debt, stick to a grocery budget, and make her dream of staying home with her kids a reality. If you've ever felt like your budget is just not budgeting, this episode is for you.

💡 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

✨ How to budget when your income fluctuates from month to month.

✨ The key to setting up bank accounts that force you to stick to your budget (especially for groceries!).

✨ Why making a budget on your lowest income month can save you major stress.

✨ How to prep financially for big family events (like a quinceañera!) without derailing your money goals.

✨ Simple side hustle ideas for busy parents who don’t have a lot of extra time.

✨ How to create a clear, realistic plan to pay off debt and finally start saving.

Megan’s story is so relatable—she’s juggling it all and trying to make smart financial decisions that will set her family up for success. If you’ve ever struggled with food budgeting, paying off debt, or making a big financial change, you’ll walk away from this episode with real, actionable steps to get on track!

4 Ways To Connect With Us:

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

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

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

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

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

Click here to view our privacy policy.

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

Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

Hey Besties! 👋 Today’s episode is a powerful one. We’re sitting down with Candace, an incredibly strong and inspiring woman who’s on a journey to take back control of her finances after years of letting others manage them. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, afraid to look at your numbers, or unsure of where to even start—this conversation is for you.

💡 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

✨ The emotional and mental challenges of stepping into financial independence.

✨ Why not knowing your numbers is scarier than facing them head-on.

✨ How to separate business and personal finances (without the stress).

✨ What to do when life knocks you down—and how to rise again, stronger than ever.

✨ The importance of setting a budget, even when living off savings, to give yourself a roadmap.

✨ How to shift from survival mode to a plan for growth and financial stability.

Candace’s story is one of resilience, rebuilding, and taking back power over her life and finances. If you’ve ever felt like you don’t know where to start, this episode will give you the clarity and encouragement to take that first step. 💖

4 Ways To Connect With Us:

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

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

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

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

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

Click here to view our privacy policy.

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

Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

Hey, Besties! 👋 We’re throwing it back to one of our favorite guest episodes with our friend Paige from The Money Love Podcast! If you’ve ever thought of budgeting as the dreaded "B-word" (👀), we’re here to change your mind.

💰 What We’re Talking About:

✨ Why traditional budgeting makes people shut down—and how to do it differently.

✨ The biggest mindset hurdles that keep people stuck (hint: “I should already know this” is a big one).

✨ How our Simplified Budget System takes the stress out of managing money—no more tracking every expense!

✨ The power of separating your accounts (seriously, your bank should be your personal assistant).

✨ Why “unexpected expenses” actually aren’t that unexpected—and how to plan for them.

✨ The secret to paying off debt while still enjoying life (yes, you can have your PSL and pay off debt too 😉).

If budgeting has ever felt restrictive, complicated, or just plain boring—this episode is a must-listen! 🎧 We’re all about making money work for your lifestyle without feeling like you’re stuck in a financial bootcamp.

4 Ways To Connect With Us:

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

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

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

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

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

Click here to view our privacy policy.

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

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:

💰 How to close out February’s budget properly

📅 Step-by-step breakdown of setting up March’s budget

🛑 The importance of tracking income, including side hustles & refunds

💡 How to handle fluctuating bills & unexpected expenses

💳 Why paying extra on debt should be part of your plan

🏖 Planning ahead for summer & spring break expenses

💸 How one client is funding their vacation completely in cash (game changer!)

🚗 Saving for big purchases—like that new car—without feeling overwhelmed

Budget Bestie Wins We’re Celebrating:

🎉 A client paying off student loans with a work bonus

🎉 A family paying cash for their entire spring break trip for the first time ever

🎉 A couple combining finances (without financial stress)

🎉 A debt-free client now saving for a new truck & dream vacations

Ready to Make March Your Best Budget Month Yet?

If you don’t have a budgeting system yet, now’s the time to get one in place! We love our Simplified Budget System because it makes planning so much easier. And if you need help figuring it all out, reach out—we’ve got you!

4 Ways To Connect With Us:

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

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

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

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

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

Click here to view our privacy policy.

This description may contain affiliate links, meaning we may get a commission at no cost to you if you...

Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

Budget Besties, if there was a drinking game for this podcast, the keyword would be... AUTOMATE! 🍾🥂

We say it ALL. THE. TIME. And for good reason—automation is the key to making your budget actually WORK.

Because let’s be real… you don’t need another budget, you need a budget SYSTEM. One that runs on autopilot so you can spend less time stressing over money and more time living your life.

This episode is all about:

✅ Why automation is the secret to financial success

✅ How to set up automatic bill payments, spending, and savings buckets

✅ How to ditch financial chaos and take back control of your money

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by budgeting, THIS is your episode! 🎧

4 Ways To Connect With Us:

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

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

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

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

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

Click here to view our privacy policy.

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

Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

Budget Besties, listen up! 💰✨ We’ve made it to the final (and arguably most exciting) piece of your budget puzzle—SAVINGS BUCKETS! 🎉

You know those “unexpected” expenses that pop up and throw your whole budget into chaos? Yeah… we’re about to eliminate them for GOOD. 🚫💥

In this episode, we’re breaking down:

✅ What savings buckets are and why they’re game-changing

✅ How to plan and fund them (so you never scramble for cash again)

✅ How to automate your savings so it’s effortless

4 Ways To Connect With Us:

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

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

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

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

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

Click here to view our privacy policy.

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

Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

Hey, Budget Besties! 💸✨ Ready to talk about the part of budgeting that actually impacts your daily life? We’re diving into spending—how to set up a plan that gives you freedom, confidence, and guilt-free swiping. 🎉

This episode is all about:

✅ Making a plan for your spending (instead of letting your bank account decide for you)

✅ Why budgeting isn’t restrictive—it’s about permission to enjoy your money

✅ How to organize your spending accounts so you never wonder, "Can I afford this?"

🚨 You don’t know exactly how much money you have to spend

🚨 You’re constantly transferring money between accounts (or swiping a credit card)

🚨 You’re left guessing if your bills will clear before payday

🚨 You feel guilty after shopping or eating out (hello, money regret!)

Sound familiar? You’re not alone. But we’ve got the fix. ⬇️

Step 1: Identify Your Spending Categories

💰 Gas & Groceries (The essentials—where you spend every week!)

💰 Personal Spending (Your judgment-free fun money—yes, Starbucks included!)

💰 Entertainment/Family Fun (Restaurants, movie nights, zoo trips—this keeps fun in the budget!)

💰 Kids (For all the little surprise expenses—school parties, field trips, activities, etc.)

💰 This Month’s Expenses (One-time things like haircuts, gifts, or unexpected doctor visits!)

👉 Pro Tip: If something happens every month, it’s spending. If it happens only a few times a year, it goes into savings buckets (which we’ll talk about next episode!).

Step 2: Set a Budget for Each Category

Go back 90 days and look at your actual spending. No made-up "I’ll only spend $100 on food" goals. Set realistic numbers based on real spending habits.

Step 3: Decide—Cash or Debit?

💳 Use debit cards if you prefer digital tracking (a.k.a. digital cash envelopes)

💵 Use cash if you struggle with overspending and need the hard limit

🛑 No more credit cards! (We’re done with that cycle.)

Step 4: Open Dedicated Spending Accounts

🎯 Each category gets its own checking account (or a labeled cash envelope)

🎯 Name your accounts for fun! (“Feed the Horde” for groceries, anyone? 😂)

🎯 Delete your bills account from spending platforms (No more accidental Target runs on your mortgage money!)

Step 5: Automate Your Transfers & Spend With Confidence

💰 On payday, automatically send your budgeted amount into each spending account

💰 Only spend from the correct account (NO MORE transferring money back & forth!)

💰 Enjoy spending—without guilt! 🎉

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...

Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

Hey, Budget Besties! 👋 Tired of second-guessing if your bills are covered while standing in the checkout line? We get it. That’s why today, we’re talking about the single most important part of your budget—your Bills Account!

This system is about simplicity, clarity, and making sure your bills get paid automatically without stress, mental math, or NSF fees (ugh). Let’s get into it!

💰 No more bill panic—you always have enough money to cover them
🛑 Stop the overdraft fees—your account is never drained to zero
🧼 Declutter your bank transactions—bills in one place, spending in another
💡 Never think about due dates again—set it and forget it with automation

1️⃣ Pick an account – Use your current checking account or open a new one just for bills
2️⃣ Fund it with a buffer – Start with at least half a month’s worth of bills to prevent cash flow chaos
3️⃣ Direct all income here – Your paychecks, side hustle money, everything goes into this account
4️⃣ Automate your bill payments – ACH payments = no missed due dates & fewer fees
5️⃣ Delete it from spending platforms – Remove your bills account from Amazon, PayPal, Venmo, etc. No more accidental Target splurges on your mortgage money!

🎯 Once it’s set up, your only job is to supervise. That’s it. Bills paid, stress gone.

🚗 You’re on vacation—bills are being paid automatically (no worries about late payments!)
📲 You check your bank app—clean, organized transactions (no more scrolling through chaos!)
🛍️ You’re at the store—you KNOW how much you have to spend (no guessing at checkout!)

This is the financial clarity you deserve, bestie. 💖

📩 Tell us when your Bills Account is set up! Drop us an email at hello@budgetbesties.com or come chat in our Facebook group. We love cheering you on! 🎉

4 Ways To Connect With Us:

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

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

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

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

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

Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

College Ready with Shellee Howard

Y’all… this one is a must-listen if you’ve got high schoolers (or even middle schoolers 👀) under your roof. We sat down with college admissions expert Shellee Howard, and wow — she dropped SO many gems on how to help your kids go to college without taking on student loan debt. And yes, even if you’re not “low income.” There is strategy. There is money. And you’re probably missing it because you don’t know what you don’t know. Until now.

🎙 Here’s what we cover inside this episode:

• The biggest misconceptions parents have about college admissions (you’ve probably thought at least one!)

• Why relying on your high school counselor to help with college planning could cost you big time 💸

• The three buckets of money (merit, independent scholarships & need-based aid) and how to tap into them

• What really makes a student stand out on applications

• Why community service is the golden ticket — and how to help your kid find their unique lane 🎯

• The ROI mindset shift that’ll change how you and your kids pick a school

• Genius email tips (parents, your teen will miss deadlines… unless you do this ✅)

💬 Real talk moments we loved:

• “If you’re letting your teen pick their college list based on football teams or campus colors...we gotta talk.”

• “You’re not just sending them to college — you’re making a six-figure decision. So let’s treat it like one.”

• “Merit aid = they want you. So your kid better know how to bring it.”

👀 Favorite quote:

“There is SO much money out there. It’s not about being poor. It’s about knowing where to find it — and how to position your child as an asset to the school.”

📝 Free resources Shellee shared in this episode:

• College Ready Plan info: https://collegereadyplan.info (she’s got a hidden spot just for our listeners 😉)

• Empower Education World: A student-led nonprofit offering service hours + real impact https://empowereducationworld.org

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. ➡︎

Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

Hey, Budget Besties! 👋 Ready toditch debt without giving up your Starbucks, date nights, or vacations? We’re here to show you how topay off debt in a way that actually works—without feeling like you’re in financial prison. 🥳

💰 Your money should be funding your future,not paying for your past
🚗 You get to beyour own bank—no more borrowing for big expenses
✈️ Vacations (paid in cash!) feelway better than ones that follow you home on a credit card bill
🛍️ You can stillenjoy your lifestyle while paying off debt—it just takes a plan!

1️⃣Set up your budget – Use our 5-categorysimple budget system to see exactly what you’re working with
2️⃣Ditch the credit cards – Cut them up, remove them from your accounts,goodbye temptation! ✂️
3️⃣List your debts – From smallest to largest, or by highest interest—whatever makes the most sense foryour situation
4️⃣Make payments on payday – No more waiting ‘til the end of the month (because that money will disappear, trust us)
5️⃣Celebrate your wins! – Starbucks, a fancy dinner, or upping your personal spending—reward yourself when you hit milestones 🎉

✔️Snowball Method – Pay off smallest debts first to build momentum
✔️Avalanche Method – Pay off high-interest debts first to save the most $$
✔️Minimum Payment Method – Focus on paying off debts with the highestmonthly payments to free up cash faster

4 Ways To Connect With Us:

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

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

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

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

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

Click here to view our privacy policy.

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

Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

Hey, Budget Besties! 👋 Let’s talk about what happens when youdon’t have a budget. Spoiler alert: It’snot pretty. 😬 We’ve got real-life stories (somecringe worthy) about what can go wrong when you’re just swiping your card and hoping for the best.

What Happens Without a Budget?

🚗 Paying for a car you don’t even own anymore (oops)
🍔 Spendingway more on eating out than you realized
📺 Paying for multiple subscriptions (because whoneeds two Netflix accounts?!)
💳 Constantly feeling like your money “disappears”

If this soundsa little too familiar, don’t worry—we’ve got you! 🙌

Signs You’re Budgeting Wrong:

❌ You check your bank account to see if you can afford something
❌ You “ballpark” your monthly expenses (and then wonder where your money went)
❌ You’re transferring money from savings just to make it to payday
❌ You’re tracking everythingafter it happens instead of having a plan

The Solution: A One-Page, Simple Budget

We break it all down into5 easy categories:
1️⃣Income – What’s coming in? List it all! 💰
2️⃣Debts – Thereal number you’re paying each month
3️⃣Bills – Anything with a due date goes here 📆
4️⃣Spending – Gas, groceries, pocket money, & everyday expenses
5️⃣Savings – Christmas, travel, car repairs...planned ahead so you don’t stress later 🎯

Pro Tip: Do a 90-Day Money Audit

Go back through your last3 months of transactions and see where your moneyactually went. No shame, justdata without the drama—so you can make a plan that works!

Budgeting doesn’t have to be boring or restrictive.It’s about telling your money what to do—so you can be bougieon purpose. 💃

4 Ways To Connect With Us:

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

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

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

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

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

Click here to view our privacy policy.

This description may contain affiliate links, meaning

Sign up for the FREE Profitable Podcast Bootcamp⁠

We’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% podcast

And 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. 🎉 She’s hosting a5-day Profitable Podcast Bootcamp where she’s giving awayher best strategies for growing a podcast, getting clients, and making passive income—without social media burnout.

This bootcamp isTHE place to start if you’ve been thinking about launching or growing a podcast. Plus, she’s giving away$10,000 in scholarships!

📅 Join us LIVE February 24-28 at 11 AM MST.
Sign up here → https://stefaniegass.com/bootcampbudgetbesties

We’ll be in the chat, and wecannot wait to see you there!

📩Links & Resources

• Sign up for the FREE Profitable Podcast Bootcamp
• Connect with us on Instagram →@BudgetBesties
• Check out our coaching & resources →budgetbesties.com

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:
💡 Whygenerational wealth isn’t the right term (and what to focus on instead)
🧠 The shocking stats on why most inherited money disappears (yikes!)
🗣 How to start real, impactful money convos with your kids
🛠 Practical ways to build financial confidence in the next generation
📊 TheGenerational Wisdom Discernment Quadrant (this is a game-changer, y’all)

And because Julia is the best, she’s sharing a FREE resource with you: atwo-week mini course with conversation starters to help you talk money with your kids (in a way that won’t make them roll their eyes). Grab it atJuliaMeyers.com/talk.

If you’ve ever worried about raising entitled kids or wondered how to truly prepare them for financial independence—this episode is for you!

4 Ways To Connect With Us:

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

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

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

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

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

Click here to view our privacy policy.

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

Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

Hey Besties! 👋 We’re bringing back one of our favorite conversations with our friend Anna from It’s Time to Simplify! If you’ve ever felt like budgeting is overwhelming, this episode is for you. We’re diving into simple, practical ways to take control of your finances without spending hours at the kitchen table with a calculator (because who has time for that?).

✅ How we built a business around our real schedules (aka: kids, sports, and Uber Mom life 🚗)
✅ Why separating your bank accounts can make budgeting SO much easier
✅ The personal finance version of Profit First (and why it works for entrepreneurs & 9-to-5ers alike!)
✅ Why you DON’T need to track every expense if you set up your finances the right way
✅ One simple step you can take this week to start simplifying your money

💰 Spoiler Alert: The key to stress-free budgeting is automation + separate spending accounts. Sounds too easy? Trust us—it’s a game changer!

4 Ways To Connect With Us:

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

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

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

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

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

Click here to view our privacy policy.

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

Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

Budget besties, do you ever feel like budgeting takes forever? Like, who has time for that when life is already a whirlwind? Well, good news: we've got five quick and fun budget fixes you can do in just five minutes—because who doesn’t love a quick win? 💃

Sometimes, making small changes adds up big time. So, whether you're waiting in car line, chilling on your lunch break, or standing in line for coffee, you can start making smarter money moves right now!

1️⃣ Rename Your Bank Accounts – A little name change can make a big difference. "Emily’s Wedding 2026" hits different when you think about using it for takeout, right? Create fun, clear labels to keep your savings on track.
2️⃣ Delete Saved Credit Cards – If you have to get up off the couch to grab your card, are you really still buying it? Add friction to impulse spending by removing saved payment methods from Amazon, Venmo, and anywhere else that tempts you.
3️⃣ Hide Your Savings Accounts – Out of sight, out of mind! If you’re not seeing your savings every time you log into your bank app, you’re less likely to think of it as extra spending money.
4️⃣ Use Notes on Transfers – This is a game changer! Add a note every time you transfer money so you remember exactly what it was for. Future you will thank you. 🙌
5️⃣ Delete Shopping Apps – Amazon, Target, Lululemon, PayPal… if it’s on your phone, it’s too easy to spend. Take them off your home screen and make yourself be more intentional with purchases.

💡 Bonus Tip: If you have your debit card number memorized (we see you!), get a new card so you can un-memorize it. You’re welcome. 😆

4 Ways To Connect With Us:

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

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

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

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

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

Click here to view our privacy policy.

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

Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

Budget besties, we’ve got a real treat for you today! Our guest, Mary Ellen, is a teacher, a mom of three boys, and a dedicated budgeter who’s so close to getting a paycheck ahead—but just needed a little guidance to connect the dots. If you've ever felt like your money disappears before you even decide what to do with it, this episode is for you!

We break down exactly how to structure your budget when you’re dealing with multiple pay schedules, how to stop feeling like you’re playing financial catch-up, and the simple mindset shift that will help you take control of your cash flow. Plus, we tackle what to do with inconsistent income (hello, commission-based pay!) and how to make sure those extra dollars actually move the needle toward your goals.

By the end of this convo, Mary Ellen has a solid plan to not only get a paycheck ahead but also start saving with intention and tackling debt with a clear strategy. And guess what? You can, too!

4 Ways To Connect With Us:

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

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

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

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

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

Click here to view our privacy policy.

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

Sign Up For Coaching!

Budget Besties, we see you. You’ve got questions about financial coaching, and we’ve got answers! This episode is your go-to guide for everything you need to know before jumping in.

We’re breaking down:

✅ What financial coaching actually is (spoiler: no judgment, just results!)

✅ Who coaching is for (hint: if you make good money but still feel stuck, this is for YOU)

✅ How our coaching works (think: a done-for-you budget system + two 45-minute sessions a month + unlimited text and email support)

✅ Whether you have to give up your pumpkin spice lattes (you don’t)

✅ What if your spouse isn’t on board? (We got you.)

✅ How to fit coaching into your busy schedule

✅ And so much more!

Oh, and if you think you're bad at math? Don’t worry, we’re not. 😆 We bring the calculators, the spreadsheets, and the game plan—so you can focus on finally making progress with your money.

So grab your coffee (or a glass of wine, like some of our fave clients), hit play, and let’s get your financial questions answered once and for all! 🎧💰

4 Ways To Connect With Us:

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

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

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

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

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

Click here to view our privacy policy.

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

Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

Can you believe it's already February? We’re kicking off the second month of 2025 with a reset—because let’s be real, January is often a bit of a recovery month after the holidays. In this episode, Shana and Vanessa guide you through the process of closing out January and setting up a fresh budget for February. They walk you through the steps of reviewing your income, debts, bills, spending, and savings so you can hit the ground running this month.

From paying off debt to planning for upcoming expenses like vacations and sports, they share practical tips and systems to keep your finances consistent, clear, and in control. If you’ve been feeling a little “January hangover,” it’s time to reset and get those money goals back on track!

What We Cover in This Episode:

Goal Setting: February is the perfect time to revisit your goals—whether you’re saving for a vacation or paying off credit cards, make sure it’s in the budget!

4 Ways To Connect With Us:

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

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

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

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

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

Click here to view our privacy policy.

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

Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

In today’s episode, we welcome Megan, a busy mom, teacher, and wife, navigating the rollercoaster of combining finances with her freelance husband. Like so many of us, Megan and her husband have been managing their finances separately—but now, with a mortgage, two kids, and irregular income to juggle, it’s time to build a system that works together.

We walk Megan through actionable steps to create a simple and streamlined budget system that eliminates stress, provides clarity, and empowers her to plan for the unexpected. From setting up baseline budgets to creating holding accounts for irregular income, this episode is packed with practical advice to help couples like Megan and her husband get on the same financial page.

We also talk about the emotional side of money—how budgeting together can strengthen communication, reduce financial tension, and even bring a renewed sense of teamwork to a marriage. Whether you're trying to budget with irregular income or looking for a system that keeps finances clear and consistent, this episode has something for you!

What We Cover in This Episode:

• Why managing money separately as a married couple can feel like you're spinning your wheels.
• How to set up a "holding account" to smooth out irregular income months.
• The importance of creating a baseline budget to understand what your family truly costs each month.
• Dividing up spending categories like groceries and personal fun money to keep things simple and stress-free.
• Tips for starting the budget conversation with your partner in a warm and positive way.
• Why combining finances doesn’t mean combining credit (and how to ease money fears when credit histories differ).
• How budgeting as a team can strengthen your marriage and help you dream bigger.

4 Ways To Connect With Us:

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

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

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

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

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

Click here to view our privacy policy.

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

Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

Michelle is back! 🎉 In this episode, we’re catching up with our beloved office hours coach, Michelle, to celebrate client wins, lessons learned, and the powerful mindset shifts happening inside our Budget Besties community.

From one client paying off $65,000 in less than a year to couples learning how to work as a team on their finances, this conversation is full of encouragement and practical takeaways. Michelle shares stories from her weekly office hours — where members bring their real budgets, ask real questions, and walk away with real results.

Whether you’re struggling to get your spouse on board, trying to simplify your money system, or just need some hope that your effort is paying off — 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 

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Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

Hey budget besties! 💸✨ We are back with a jam-packed episode full of real-life lessons straight from our coaching sessions. We’re talking about messy money habits, breaking down walls, and building a system that brings peace (and maybe even a little joy) to your finances. Let’s dive in!

1. It’s Not You vs. Them – It’s Us vs. the Problem

   • One couple kept their finances separate for years due to finger-pointing and money shame. Spending accusations, lack of tracking, and no clear goals had them stuck. 💔
   • Once we explained the power of teamwork and combined resources, they started seeing their money as a tool to build their dream (hello, future house 🏡). Spoiler alert: they’re bringing their money together and creating a shared vision. 🎉
   
   

2. Permission to Spend ≠ Permission to Stress

   • That’s right—when you create a plan for your money, no more blaming each other for what you spend on.
   • Example: She bought a cute hanging chair for her daughter’s room; he spent on golf. Both happy. Both stress-free. Why? Because the bills and savings were already covered. 🙌
   
   

3. Sacrifice Now, Flourish Later

   • One client canceled a beloved annual family trip because it didn’t fit into their savings timeline. Instead of going into debt (again), they chose to skip this year, fund their savings buckets, and be set for next year—all in cash. 🚀
   • Imagine never stressing about vacations again. That’s long-term peace, y’all!
   
   

4. The Power of Saying No

   • From skipping playdates because the spending budget was maxed to packing snacks at volleyball tournaments instead of eating out—these little “no’s” make room for bigger “yes’s” down the line. 💪
   • Breaking the mold of “normal spending” feels uncomfortable at first, but normal is broke and we’re here to be anything but!
   
   

5. Every Dollar Has a Job

   • One couple saw “extra money” in their bills account and spent it—oops! Turns out, it was meant for debt. 🤦‍♀️
   • Lesson: The second money lands in your account, give it a purpose. Move it to where it belongs! No loosey-goosey money here.
   
   

6. Systems Are the Secret Sauce

   • From clients living paycheck-to-paycheck to those with feast-or-famine incomes (like quarterly bonuses), everyone needs a system.
   • One client described their pre-coaching finances as being inside a Chuck E. Cheese money-grabbing game. 🎟️ Post-coaching? Automatic transfers, clear goals, and finally feeling in control of their finances. 🙌
   
   

7. Breaking the Cycle of “Keeping Up”

   • Whether it’s a friend asking you to go out or family expecting you to live beyond your means, saying “no” can be empowering.
   • By sticking to their budgets, our clients are becoming examples for others—proving you don’t need debt or overspending to live your best life. 🌟
   
   

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...

Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

Good morning, budget besties! 🥳 Today, Shana and Vanessa dive into a topic we all need to address: money and relationships. Whether it’s with your partner, kids, or even yourself, money conversations can feel like stepping into a minefield. But fear not—your budget besties are here to guide you through it! From scheduling money talks to involving the kiddos, we’re covering it all. By the end, you’ll feel ready to ditch the tension and start seeing money as a team tool for success.

Key Takeaways💑 Money & Your Partner:

1. Do it on purpose: Schedule intentional time to talk about finances—no more drive-by arguments in the kitchen! Start with just 12 money dates a year.

2. Watch your words: Use "we," "us," and "our" to frame the conversation as a shared mission. Skip “you” or “my” to avoid finger-pointing.

3. Start with the good stuff: Dream big! Revisit the goals you had as a couple—retirement, travel, buying a home—and let that excitement fuel the budgeting process.

Pro Tip: Bring data, not drama. Numbers don’t lie and help you stay objective while avoiding unnecessary emotional friction.

👩‍👧‍👦 Money & Your Kids:

1. Start young: Kids learn best by doing. Hand them financial responsibility in age-appropriate ways.

2. Set up a “kid budget”: Instead of an allowance, give them control of a set budget to cover their wants and needs (e.g., birthday gifts, field trips). Teach them to allocate their money wisely.

3. Speak positively: Avoid saying, "We can't afford that." Instead, say, "We’re choosing to save for this other awesome thing." This creates a positive mindset around money choices.

💡 Shana & Vanessa’s Three Big Tips:

1. Schedule the Talk: Make it a regular habit. A monthly check-in can help avoid surprises and build financial teamwork.

2. Choose Collaborative Language: “We” are in this together. Always.

3. Dream Big Together: Reconnect with those “why” moments—what’s the vision for your family? Use your goals to guide your spending and saving choices.

Why It Matters

Money doesn’t have to be a taboo topic—it’s just a tool. When used intentionally, it can strengthen relationships, set your family up for success, and even be a source of joy. The goal isn’t to avoid these conversations; it’s to make them empowering and productive.

Ready to tackle 2025 as a team? Let’s dream big and crush those goals, besties! 💪✨

Share Your Wins!

What’s the first financial goal you’ll tackle together? Let us know in the comments or DM us your questions! Remember: You’re not alone in this journey. 💕

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 ➡︎

Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

Hey Budget Besties! 👋 This week, we’re thrilled to welcome Lisa to the show as our big finale guest of the day. 🎉 Lisa is transitioning into an exciting new phase of life—selling her home, building a lake house, and gearing up for a financially free retirement. But here’s the twist: Lisa has never followed a budget before. 😲

In this episode, we guide Lisa through the steps to build her first-ever budget. If you’re planning for retirement, navigating a big life transition, or just ready to get intentional with your finances, this conversation is for you. 💰✨

We break down:

Lisa shares her inspiring story of living debt-free, selling her home, and preparing for her dream lake house life. We help her set up a system that will give her clarity, peace of mind, and the freedom to enjoy her retirement without stress.

What You’ll Learn:

Key Quotes from the Episode:

Takeaway:
A budget is about clarity, not restriction. Whether you’re prepping for retirement, navigating a life change, or simply want to know where your money is going, this episode will inspire you to get organized and live your best life—financially and otherwise.

4 Ways To Connect With Us:

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

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

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

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

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