Explore every episode of the podcast Budget Boss: How To Budget, Save Money, Pay Off Debt, Manage Money, Faith

Are you trying to live a “blessed life”... but still feel stuck—especially when it comes to your finances? Are you tired of doing it all your self but never really getting ahead?

In this episode, I’m sharing how the Breaking Through to the Blessed Life journey really began—with one question that changed everything:
👉 “Am I in Your will, God?”

We talk about what it means to go on these little God-led “mini missions,” the power of following a nudge, and what happens when you stop chasing your own plans and start aligning your thoughts, decisions, and finances with God’s purpose.

If you’re ready to stop striving and start stepping into God’s best for your life and finances, this episode is for you.

Come listen. This one matters. 💛

EPISODE RESOURCES:

• Dangerous Prayers: 5 day prayer challenge

Did you enjoy this episode? Please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Share this episode with a friend and be sure to tag Budget Boss when you share on social media!

Are you tired of constantly feeling stressed and worried about unexpected events in your life? Do you struggle to make ends meet because of unexpected bills or expenses? 

In a culture that constantly tells us to chase more, what does it look like to live with less—but with purpose? 

In this episode, we’re getting real about wants vs. needs, creative ways to cut back, and how saving money doesn’t mean sacrificing joy. Whether you're trying to build your emergency fund or just take control of your finances again, this episode will challenge and encourage you to rethink the way you live, give, and connect.

It’s not about deprivation—it’s about direction.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

• Why most of our spending struggles come from the pressure to chase “wants”—and how to reset your mindset.
• Creative and fun ways to enjoy life, celebrate, and make memories—without spending a ton of money.
• How to get your family on board with your financial goals and turn saving into a team mission.
• Simple, heartfelt ways to give generously—even when money is tight.
• How to stay connected with friends and build community on a budget—without losing the joy of togetherness.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

Did you enjoy this episode? Please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Share this episode with a friend and be sure to tag Budget Boss when you share on social media!

You ever buy something just to feel… better?
 You know it’s not about the mocha, the cart, or the cookie.
 But you tap, swipe, spend—and for a second, it works.

Until it doesn’t.

This episode?
 It’s not about budgeting.
 It’s about why you're running on empty and still trying to keep it all together.

If you’ve been saying “I’m fine” but your heart knows better—
 this is the one you don’t scroll past.

Because the thing you’re reaching for?
 Isn’t what you really need.

And today, I’m going to help you figure out what is.

✨ This is part of a new series called Breaking Through to the Blessed Life—where we’re talking about the quiet things that affect your finances, your peace, and your future. This isn’t just about money. It’s about coming back to yourself—and what it really means to live in alignment (and to create a life you love.)

EPISODE RESOURCES:

• Get Access To My Free Library!

Did you enjoy this episode? Please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Share this episode with a friend and be sure to tag Budget Boss when you share on social media!

Are you ready to take that control of your finances and build your emergency fund?

If so, this episode is for you.

In this episode, we’re going to talk about starting with your fixed expenses—those monthly bills that seem set in stone but often have more wiggle room than you think. From utilities to phone and internet, I’ll walk you through three practical ways to start cutting back so you can build your emergency fund faster and with less stress.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

• How to uncover hidden savings in bills you thought were non-negotiable
• A simple mindset shift that can instantly reduce financial stress
• The exact steps to free up cash fast—without giving up everything you love

EPISODE RESOURCES:

Did you enjoy this episode? Please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Share this episode with a friend and be sure to tag Budget Boss when you share on social media!

Feel like debt is crushing you? You’re not alone — and you’re not out of options. In this episode, we walk through a simple, clear plan to get your finances back on track — no shame, no stress, and no need to give up everything fun. 

These 7 steps will help you face the numbers, create a doable plan, and finally start seeing real progress.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

7 Smart Steps to Get Your Debt Under Control:

1. Get Real With Your Numbers (No Shame Attached)
2. Build a Budget You Can Actually Stick To
3. Stack Your Coins — Even If It’s Just $5
4. Tackle That Debt — Your Way
5. Make More Money (You Can Always Add to the Pot)
6. Make It Visual — So You Don’t Lose Steam
7. Give Yourself Grace — But Don’t Quit

EPISODE RESOURCES:

• Get Access To My Free Library!

Did you enjoy this episode? Please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Share this episode with a friend and be sure to tag Budget Boss when you share on social media!

Ever wondered what sets millionaires apart from the rest of us?  

It’s often not about how much they make—it’s about how they think about every dollar they earn, spend, and save. Millionaires make intentional choices with their money, and that mindset is what sets them apart.

In this episode, I’m sharing exactly five ways I’m learning to think like a millionaire! I’m nowhere near millionaire status... yet! But I am adapting a millionaire mindset when it comes to managing my money—and it’s already changing the way I spend, save, and plan for the future.

The truth? Rich people stay rich because they live like they’re broke. Broke people? They stay broke trying to act rich—and trust me, that game gets expensive fast.

What You’ll Learn:

• The surprising mindset shift that sets real millionaires apart—and how you can start using it right now
• The daily money habit that keeps rich people rich (and why most people get it totally backwards)
• The one question millionaires ask themselves before every purchase—and how it helps them stay in control of their money 

EPISODE RESOURCES:

• Get Access To My Free Library!

Did you enjoy this episode? Please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Share this episode with a friend and be sure to tag Budget Boss when you share on social media!

Are you tired of spending so much money on groceries? Are rising grocery costs making it harder to stick to your budget?

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on five fail-proof ways to reduce grocery spending. These are real-life strategies I’ve used myself—because let’s be honest, saving money on groceries isn’t always as easy as just “cutting back.”

If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to stay on budget or wondered where all your money is going after each grocery run, this episode is for you.

HERE ARE THE 3 KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE:

 1️⃣  The Price Book That Works -  Track the prices of your most-used items so you always know when you're getting a deal. 

 2️⃣  These Items Cost More Than You Think - Stick to the essentials before adding those sneaky snack splurges. 

 3️⃣  Going All In With Cash Envelopes -  Learn how using cash (yes, actual paper money!) can help you stay on track and make your grocery budget last.

MORE FROM ME

Follow me on Instagram: @budgetbossblog
Connect with me on Facebook: facebook.com/budgetbossblog

Are you spending too much? 

It’s not too late to turn things around! I promise. 

Listen in to hear how I'm cutting back my spending and setting myself up to have more cash in my pocket at the end of every month. 

• How I'm freezing my spending 
• Doing Shop Your Shelf challenge once a month, saving a ton!
• Reducing my water bill by doing this one thing!

EPISODE RESOURCES:

• Get Access To My Free Library!
• FREE Printable Budget Planner

Did you enjoy this episode? Please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Share this episode with a friend and be sure to tag Budget Boss when you share on social media.

Need to save a little extra cash? You’d be surprised at how easy it is to save!

We can’t escape inflation or the basic cost of living, but there are ways to spend less.

In this episode, I’m sharing 5 simple ways to save on everyday essentials - easy changes you can make TODAY!  

What You’ll Learn:

• The easiest way to save money on food but it can be a tough one!
• Why grocery shopping in the morning can save you a lot on meat.
• Your car could be your secret savings weapon.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

• Get Access To My Free Library!
• FREE Printable Budget Planner

Did you enjoy this episode? Please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Share this episode with a friend and be sure to tag Budget Boss when you share on social media.

Easter has quietly become one of the most expensive holidays of the year. Between the matching outfits, Pinterest-worthy baskets, wrapped gifts, and professional portraits, the costs can spiral out of control—fast.

It’s easy to feel like you have to do it all. To make it magical. To keep up with what everyone else is doing. But let me just tell you… you don’t.

You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars per child to create a holiday that’s special and meaningful.

Here’s the truth: You can have a beautiful, joy-filled Easter without breaking your budget. You can skip the cheap junk, avoid the pressure to “go all out,” and still create memories your family will treasure.

This year, let’s do it differently. Let’s be intentional. Let’s be wise. Let’s celebrate Easter in a way that feels good—and doesn’t leave you with a financial hangover.

Because when you plan ahead and make smart choices, everyone wins.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

 Smart Ways to Cut Your Easter Budget in Half 

1. Don’t buy pre-wrapped Easter baskets
2. Skip the Easter grass
3. Fill baskets with Dollar Store finds
4. Take your own family portraits
5. Make your own Easter eggs
6. Shop the bulk section for groceries
7. Shop in-store to find the best deals
8. Use an Easter meal planner to get dinner on the table fast*
9. Use an Easter budget sheet to cut spending in half
10. Buy no-name brand items where possible for your meal

EPISODE RESOURCES:

• Get Access To My Free Resource Library!

Did you enjoy this episode? Please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Share this episode with a friend and be sure to tag Budget Boss when you share on social media!

It’s 5 o’clock. You’re on your way home from work. What are you thinking about? Of course, dinner!

You’re starving, it’s dinnertime, and fast food is calling your name. We’ve all been there! You take the exit, and before you know it, you’re in the drive-thru again.

But what if dinner didn’t have to be this way? What if meal planning was simple, stress-free, and actually worked for you?

In this episode, we’re ditching complicated meal plans and embracing an easy, doable method that keeps you out of the fast food line—without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, I’ll show you how to use ChatGPT to quickly plan meals, find recipes, and make dinnertime a breeze. Let’s make dinner simple again!

EPISODE RESOURCES:

• Get Access To My Free Library!

Did you enjoy this episode? Please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Share this episode with a friend and be sure to tag Budget Boss when you share on social media

The 30-Day Spending Freeze: Let’s Do This Together!

Ever feel like money just disappears? Like no matter how hard you try, there’s never enough left over? Been there.

That’s why I’m doing a 30-Day Spending Freeze—and I want you to join me! It’s super simple:

👉 No unnecessary spending for 30 days.
👉 Use what you already have (pantry, gift cards, free activities).
👉 Find creative ways to save—cancel subscriptions and shop your shelf.

The best part? It’s NOT about suffering. It’s about taking control and seeing just how much you can save—without feeling deprived.

I promise, by the end of this, you’ll have extra money in your account and a whole new perspective on spending.

Who’s in?! Let’s cheer each other on! 🙌

EPISODE RESOURCES:

• Get Access To My Free Library!
• Sign Up for the Budget Boss Newsletter 

Did you enjoy this episode? Please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Share this episode with a friend and be sure to tag Budget Boss when you share on social media!

Ever walked out of a store with more than you intended to?

In this episode, I’m sharing 15 money saving tricks and how to resist them. Whether it's clothing or home goods or even groceries, retailers are working overtime to get us to buy more with any number of subtle and not-so subtle sales tactics.

If you've ever spent more than you intended to, you NEED to understand these 15 grocery and retail tricks (and how to resist them!)

What You’ll Learn:

- Best tip for walking into the store to grab one thing!
- Why buy one get one free may not be saving you money
- Find out how to save money doing this one thing on your next trip to grocery store

EPISODE RESOURCES:

Get Access To My Free Library!
Grab FREE Printable Budget Planner 

Did you enjoy this episode? Please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Share this episode with a friend and be sure to tag Budget Boss when you share on social media!

Want to build an emergency fund but aren’t sure where to start? 

Building an emergency fund when you're living paycheck to paycheck can feel overwhelming. But what if I told you there’s a way to build $1000 (or more!) in no time—and without sacrificing everything?

Saving $1000 for an emergency fund can feel like a huge, overwhelming task—especially when you’re living paycheck to paycheck. It’s easy to think, “I’ll get to it later,” and that’s exactly what happens… over and over again.

But here’s the problem: when you don’t have that cushion to fall back on, you’re setting yourself up for even more stress. Emergencies happen—and they can spiral, making your paycheck-to-paycheck situation even worse.

It’s a tough cycle to break, and trust me, I’ve been there. If that’s where you’re at, know this: you’re not alone.

But what if I told you that with just a little creativity and determination, you could have $1000 (or more) in your emergency fund by next month?

I’m serious.

And this is how I am doing it - building an emergency fund. 

You can too. 

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

10 Smart Ways to Build an Emergency Fund:

1. Sell Something (Or Several Somethings)
2. Reduce Food Expenses
3. Cut Cable
4. Negotiate Your Bills
5. Save on Utilities
6. Commit to Making All Your Payments On Time
7. Get Free Stuff
8. Make a Cell Phone Payment Each Month by Taking Online Surveys
9. Skip This Year’s Vacation (If You Had One Planned)
10. Go on a Spending Freeze (Join a Budgeting FB Group)

EPISODE RESOURCES:

• Get Access To My Free Library!
• Sign Up for the Budget Boss Newsletter 

Did you enjoy this episode? Please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Share this episode with a friend and be sure to tag Budget Boss when you share on social media!

Ever tried budgeting and felt like you were doing it wrong? You print out the budget sheets, highlighters in hand, ready to take control—only to sit there staring, wondering, what do I even put in these columns?

That was me. I’d sit cross-legged on my bed in the evenings, determined to make sense of it all. But between terms like sinking funds and categories that didn’t fit my life, I ended up tossing the printables aside. Instead, I grabbed a blank sheet of paper and wrote out my income, my expenses, and what I actually needed. And honestly? That felt so much easier than trying to force myself into someone else’s system.

That’s when I realized that budgeting—and especially the cash envelope method—isn’t about making it look pretty or following someone else’s rules. It’s about making a system that works for you.

So if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by budgeting, if you’ve tried and failed, or if you just don’t know where to start—this episode is for you.

What You’ll Learn:

•  How to actually set up a cash envelope system that fits your life
• Why all your transactions should be highlighted (no guilt, no shame, just clarity)
• How fun things like stickers and savings challenges can keep you motivated 

EPISODE RESOURCES:

• Get Access To My Free Library!
• Sign Up for the Budget Boss Newsletter 

Did you enjoy this episode? Please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Share this episode with a friend and be sure to tag Budget Boss when you share on social media!

Ever feel like no matter what you do, your grocery bill just won’t budge?

In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly how I saved $235 this month—without giving up my favorite foods or spending hours meal planning. Spoiler: It’s not about extreme couponing or buying everything in bulk.

If you’re tired of watching your grocery costs creep up, this challenge will show you simple, realistic ways to cut back while still eating well.

What You’ll Learn:

• The #1 change that made the biggest impact on my grocery bill
• Why snacks might be secretly draining your budget
• How to save money without sacrificing convenience or variety

EPISODE RESOURCES:

• Get Access To My Free Library!
• Sign Up for the Budget Boss Newsletter 

Did you enjoy this episode? Please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Share this episode with a friend and be sure to tag Budget Boss when you share on social media!

Have you ever felt like no matter how much you try to cut back, your grocery bill keeps creeping up?

What if the real key to financial freedom wasn’t making more money—it was keeping more of the money you already have?

Today, I’m revealing the fastest way to free up extra cash every month—not by giving up coffee or eating out, but by fixing your grocery spending.

Groceries are one of the biggest expenses families face, but they’re also the easiest place to save—without sacrificing convenience, time, or health.

By the end of this episode, you’ll know exactly how I save $500/month on groceries and how you can start doing the same!

What You'll Learn:

1. The One Trick helped me save on average $500/mo on groceries
2. The biggest grocery shopping mistake that costs you money every week
3. How to save money without restrictive spending freezes

EPISODE RESOURCES:

• Get Access To My Free Library!
• Sign Up for the Budget Boss Newsletter 

Did you enjoy this episode? Please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Share this episode with a friend and be sure to tag Budget Boss when you share on social media!

Have you ever felt completely overwhelmed at the thought of trying to lose weight on a budget? Maybe it feels impossible—like eating healthy is just too expensive or you don’t even know where to start. If that sounds familiar, today's episode is just for you.

I know how it feels to want to eat healthier but think, I just can’t afford it. Maybe you’ve looked at the prices of organic produce or those fancy meal plans and thought, No way, not in my budget. But here’s the truth—losing weight doesn’t have to cost a fortune. 

In today’s episode, I’m sharing the simplest ways to eat well without spending more. We’re talking smart grocery shopping, easy swaps that actually save you money, and the no-stress way to make healthier choices that fit your real life. By the end of this episode, you’ll know exactly how to start fueling your body without draining your wallet.

What You'll Learn:

1. Why eating healthy on a budget is so much easier than you think (yes, even with today’s grocery prices!).
2. Six simple, budget-friendly grocery hacks that will help you lose weight without spending a fortune.
3. How to make smart food choices that save money and keep you full and satisfied.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

• Get access to my free library!
• Free Printable Daily Food Journal 

Did you enjoy this episode? Please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Share this episode with a friend and be sure to tag Budget Boss when you share on social media!

Cut Your Grocery Budget in Half: Week 1 of the Grocery Challenge

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your grocery budget, you’re not alone! In this episode, we’re kicking off Week 1 of our Grocery Challenge, where I’ll show you how to cut your grocery budget in half, step by step. This challenge is all about creating simple, sustainable habits that help you save money without feeling restricted. It’s easier than you think—and it doesn’t require a complete overhaul of your routine.

The Power of Meal Planning

Meal planning doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require a little bit of strategy. I’ll guide you through the basic steps for planning meals that use up what you already have on hand while avoiding the temptation to splurge on unnecessary items. By sticking to a weekly plan, you’ll save more money and reduce food waste, helping you cut your grocery costs in half.

Smart Shopping Habits

You don’t need to chase every coupon or store deal to save money. In today’s episode, I’ll share how to prioritize what’s important when you’re grocery shopping, like sticking to a list and choosing the right store sales. By making small, consistent shifts in your shopping habits, you’ll see your grocery budget shrink quickly and easily.

Week 1 of the Grocery Challenge will set you on the path to saving money while shopping smarter and eating well. No extreme couponing required—just simple, manageable steps that anyone can apply to their grocery routine.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

• Get Access To My Free Budgeting Library
• Free Grocery List 

Did you enjoy this episode? Please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Share this episode with a friend and be sure to tag Budget Boss when you share on social media!

Have you ever felt completely overwhelmed at the thought of starting a budget? Maybe it feels like a chore, or you’re scared to even look at your bank account because you’re not sure what you’ll find. If this sounds familiar, today's episode is going to be a game-changer for you.

I'm diving into the easiest way to start budgeting, using a pen and paper, and why this simple method is key to finally getting control of your finances. By the end of this episode, you’ll understand how starting with paper can set the foundation for stress-free budgeting and long-term success.

What You'll Learn:

1. Why starting with paper makes budgeting simpler and more effective.
2. How to set a realistic grocery budget without feeling deprived, even if you’ve never tracked your spending before.
3. The step-by-step process to kickstart your budgeting habit without feeling overwhelmed.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

• Get access to my free library!

Did you enjoy this episode? Please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Share this episode with a friend and be sure to tag Budget Boss when you share on social media!

At Budget Boss, we’re sharing my 7-step system to help you take control of your grocery budget. Whether you're tired of overspending or just want to streamline your shopping, these simple strategies will help you save money while still enjoying delicious, nutritious meals.

Budgeting Doesn’t Have to Be Hard

I get it—grocery shopping can feel overwhelming when the bills start piling up. But here’s the good news: you can take charge of your food spending starting today. In this episode, we dive into how to do a quick budget audit by tracking what you’re actually spending on groceries (including those sneaky snacks!). You’ll see exactly where your money is going, and together, we’ll find simple ways to reduce the waste without skimping on meals you love.

Meal Planning Made Simple

Meal planning doesn’t need to be complicated! I’ll walk you through how to plan your meals for the week and how to organize your shopping list so you only buy what you need. This will help you avoid duplicates and reduce waste—leaving more room for the things that matter! 

Transform Your Habits for Long-Term Savings

Saving money on groceries doesn’t mean you need to overhaul everything in your kitchen overnight. Start small! I’ll walk you through how to set realistic goals—like saving $35 a week—and focus on just 2-3 habits at a time (maybe skipping that coffee run or cutting back on drive-through runs). This is all about progress, not perfection, and I’m here to help you stay on track so that every little change adds up to big savings over time.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

• Get access to my free library!

Did you enjoy this episode? Please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Share this episode with a friend and be sure to tag Budget Boss when you share on social media!

I am launching a new podcast called Budget Boss for those in search of the good life.

 Today’s episode is a little longer as I explain how this podcast came to be and share with you my story about chronic pain and celery juice. Not to mention, paying off $45,000 in debt in 11 months.

My dream is that this podcast would become a resource for every woman who has ever thought that their life–and budget–is spiraling out of control. 

If you’ve ever felt like your finances are spiraling out of control, struggled to stick to a budget, or wondered how to get out of living paycheck to paycheck, you’re in the right place.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

• Free Printable Budget Binder (budgetbossblog.com/printable-budget-binder)
• Sign Up for the Budget Boss Newsletter (budgetbossblog.com/newsletteroptin)

Did you enjoy this episode? Please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Share this episode with a friend and be sure to tag Budget Boss when you share on social media!