Financial Coaching for Women: How To Budget, Manage Money, Pay Off Debt, Save Money, Paycheck Plans

Latest Episodes:

Before You Sign Up for Debt Consolidation, Listen to This | 484 Nov 10, 2025

Show notes

If you've ever felt tempted to call one of those "we'll fix your debt for you" companies, this episode is for you. 💸

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.

In this episode, we cover:

Why debt relief companies often make things worse, not better
How debt consolidation and settlement actually work (and the hidden costs)
How to organize your debt and negotiate with creditors yourself
Building a DIY debt payoff system that puts you in control

Let’s Take Our Relationship To The Next Level:

1️⃣ Facebook Group ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook

2️⃣ Be on the Podcast ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall

3️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coaching

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not personal financial, legal, or tax advice.

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

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Debt-Free College Starts Here: Scholarships, FAFSA Tips, and Helping Teens Find the Right Path — with Shellee Howard | 483 Nov 07, 2025

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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

Let’s Take Our Relationship To The Next Level:

1️⃣ Facebook Group ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook

2️⃣ Be on the Podcast ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall

3️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coaching

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not personal financial, legal, or tax advice.

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

Click here to view our privacy policy. https://budgetbesties.com/privacy

How to Pay Off $65,000 in Debt in Less Than a Year (Client Wins with Coach Michelle) | 482 Nov 05, 2025

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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. 💪

Let’s Take Our Relationship To The Next Level:

1️⃣ Facebook Group ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook

2️⃣ Be on the Podcast ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall

3️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coaching

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not personal financial, legal, or tax advice.

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

Click here to view our privacy policy. https://budgetbesties.com/privacy

How to Spend Money Guilt-Free Without Wrecking Your Budget | 481 Nov 03, 2025

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Most people think budgeting means cutting back and saying “no” to everything fun — but we’re here to tell you it’s actually about saying yes! Yes to dinner out. Yes to vacations. Yes to the things you love — but with cash in hand and zero stress.

In this episode, we wrap up the Budget Besties Method with Step 8: Be Bougie on a Budget. You’ll hear how real clients and friends are living their best lives — from country clubs and horses to golf memberships and healthy food — all while sticking to their budgets. Because “bougie” looks different for everyone, and it’s not about how much you spend; it’s about spending with intention.

Let’s Take Our Relationship To The Next Level:

1️⃣ Facebook Group ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook

2️⃣ Be on the Podcast ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall

3️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coaching

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not personal financial, legal, or tax advice.

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

Click here to view our privacy policy. https://budgetbesties.com/privacy

How This Family Is Navigating the Government Shutdown Without Panic: Budget Tips You Can Use Now | 480 Oct 31, 2025

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Budget besties, they're baaaack! Erin and Sarah return to the mic to share how their family is navigating yet another government shutdown — this time with way more peace of mind, way less panic, and (spoiler alert) a fully funded emergency fund. 🙌🏽

In this real and super timely episode, we dive into:

What it’s really like to lose 50% of your household income overnight
How the Simplified Budget System helped them stay calm (even when things got tight)
The power of being your own bank — and avoiding credit card debt
Strategic cuts (bye, vitamins 👋) + non-negotiables (hello, gymnastics 🤸‍♀️)
How Sarah’s side hustle is showing up big time right now
And how they’re getting their girls involved in budgeting without guilt or shame

If you’re in the thick of financial uncertainty — whether it's a shutdown, job loss, or just a tight season — Erin and Sarah’s story is your reminder that there is a way through it with clarity, connection, and cash flow that actually makes sense.

You’ll also hear:

What gets paused (subscriptions), what stays (horse food 🐴), and what gets tabled (Erin’s dream gun purchase)
Why getting on the same page with your partner is everything
How budgeting before the emergency hit changed everything about how they’re managing it now

Budgeting doesn't solve everything. But it does give you choices. And these two are living proof. 🫶🏽

Let’s Take Our Relationship To The Next Level:

1️⃣ Facebook Group ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook

2️⃣ Be on the Podcast ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall

3️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coaching

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not personal financial, legal, or tax advice.

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

Click here to view our privacy policy. https://budgetbesties.com/privacy

Make Your November Budget with Us: A Step-by-Step Monthly Money Plan | 479 Oct 29, 2025

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Vanessa and Shana walk you step-by-step through wrapping up October and setting up your budget for the new month — from matching your numbers to planning for Thanksgiving, travel volleyball, and yes… even surprise bills.

Because guess what? You don’t have to do your budget alone. We’ve got you. ❤️

Let’s Take Our Relationship To The Next Level:

1️⃣ Facebook Group ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook

2️⃣ Be on the Podcast ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall

3️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coaching

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not personal financial, legal, or tax advice.

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

Click here to view our privacy policy. https://budgetbesties.com/privacy

Why Tracking Every Dollar Isn't Budgeting | 478 Oct 27, 2025

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Curious? Start Here for Free!

Ready? Buy Our Simplified Budget System Now!

Here’s why most budgets fail: they’re manual. Every week, you’re trying to remember what’s due, what’s left, and what you were supposed to transfer. The more hands-on your budget is, the more likely you’ll skip a step, make a mistake, or just run out of time.

But what if your budget could run automagically? ✨

In this laugh-out-loud episode, Shayna and Vanessa show you how to set up your bank so it becomes your personal assistant — moving money to the right place at the right time without you lifting a finger.

With the help of one of the funniest metaphors we’ve ever had (spoiler: it involves curling irons and teenage daughters 😅), the Besties explain why the old way of budgeting is like burning your hair in the ‘90s — and how automation makes your money come to life “Be Our Guest”-style.

You’ll walk away knowing exactly how to make your bills, savings, and spending accounts run themselves… so your budget finally works while you go live your life.

Let’s Take Our Relationship To The Next Level:

1️⃣ Facebook Group ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook

2️⃣ Be on the Podcast ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall

3️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coaching

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not personal financial, legal, or tax advice.

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

Click here to view our privacy policy. https://budgetbesties.com/privacy

Divorce and Money: What Happens to Debt, Bank Accounts and Your Budget? | 477 Oct 24, 2025

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Ready? Buy Our Simplified Budget System Now!

Divorce is one of the most emotionally and financially challenging transitions you can go through — but it doesn’t have to mean financial chaos.

In this episode of Financial Coaching for Women, Shana and Vanessa sit down with Linda, a listener who’s in the middle of an amicable divorce but still navigating shared accounts, joint debts, and a home they co-own.

Together, they walk through how to start separating finances, set up a simple money system, and communicate effectively with a spouse during such a sensitive season. You’ll hear practical steps for setting boundaries, tracking shared bills, and creating financial independence — even before the divorce is finalized.

If you’re trying to move forward financially while everything feels messy, this episode will give you both clarity and confidence. 💪

Let’s Take Our Relationship To The Next Level:

1️⃣ Facebook Group ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook

2️⃣ Be on the Podcast ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall

3️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coaching

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not personal financial, legal, or tax advice.

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

Click here to view our privacy policy. https://budgetbesties.com/privacy

The #1 Budgeting Shift That Will Give You Peace (and Still Let You Live Your Life!) | Reair: Bold Faith Moves with Jessie Mershon | 476 Oct 22, 2025

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Ready? Buy Our Simplified Budget System Now!

Hey, Budget Besties! 👋

Today, we’re reairing one of our favorite conversations — a guest appearance we did with our good friend Jesse Mershon, host of the Bold Faith Moves podcast. This was the very first time her community talked about budgeting on her show — and we went all in on making the “B word” less scary, more joyful, and a whole lot more empowering. 💪✨

In this episode, we share our story of friendship and faith, how we both became debt-free, and the real-life budgeting tips that changed everything. You’ll learn how to simplify your money, stop feeling overwhelmed, and still enjoy the life God’s blessed you with — yes, even if you love Target runs and pumpkin spice lattes. ☕💸

💳 The one simple bank account hack that will change your financial life
🏦 Why separating bills and spending money brings instant clarity and peace
💁‍♀️ How to be “bougie on a budget” — and still hit your money goals
🔁 How to automate your money so it practically runs itself
🙌 Why budgeting isn’t about restriction — it’s about freedom and stewardship
💖 The faith-filled mindset shift that turns guilt and shame into peace and purpose

Let’s Take Our Relationship To The Next Level:

1️⃣ Facebook Group ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook

2️⃣ Be on the Podcast ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall

3️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coaching

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not personal financial, legal, or tax advice.

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

Click here to view our privacy policy. https://budgetbesties.com/privacy

Your Credit Card Isn’t a Budget — How to Pay Off Credit Card Debt | 475 Oct 20, 2025

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Ready? Buy Our Simplified Budget System Now!

You make way too much money to be in this much debt — and we say that with love. ❤️

If you’re swiping your credit card for groceries, juggling balances between cards, and convincing yourself it’s worth it “for the points,” this episode is for you. We’re breaking down the truth about debt — how it keeps you stuck in the past — and showing you what it really means to fund your future instead.

Today, we’re talking about why your credit card is not your budget, what it looks like to be your own bank, and the small but powerful steps that help you stop relying on debt once and for all.

💳 Why using credit cards (even if you pay them off every month) keeps you one month behind
🏦 How to be your own bank and stop borrowing from your future
💡 Why “earning points” is not the same as earning interest — and how to actually win with your money
💬 The simple mindset shift that breaks the habit of relying on credit
💰 Practical steps to remove credit cards from your daily spending — and finally use your own money
📘 How our DIY Debt Relief Workbook can help you talk to creditors, negotiate balances, and take control

Let’s Take Our Relationship To The Next Level:

1️⃣ Facebook Group ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook

2️⃣ Be on the Podcast ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall

3️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coaching

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not personal financial, legal, or tax advice.

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

Click here to view our privacy policy. https://budgetbesties.com/privacy