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

Latest Episodes:

Why You Blow Up Your Budget Right When It Starts to Work—And How to Fix It in 10 Minutes | 436 Jul 21, 2025

Show notes

Budget Besties, gather 'round—this one’s for every one of us who’s ever blown the budget and thought, “Welp, that’s it. I ruined everything.”

Spoiler alert: You didn’t.

In this episode, Shana and Vanessa get real about what budget self-sabotage looks like (hello “oops, I used the bill money on a Target run”) and why it happens more often than we’d all like to admit. Whether it’s the chaos we’re used to or that sneaky feeling that “it’s too easy, something must be wrong,” we’re here to say you are not alone—and it is 100% fixable.

✨ What We’re Talking About:

What self-sabotage with money actually looks like (yes, we have examples!)
The psychology behind it—why we mess things up just when it starts working
How to practically fix a blown budget in 10 minutes or less
What to do when shame kicks in (and why it’s a total time-waster)
How coaching clients bounce back stronger—and so can you

We’re not here for guilt or shame. We’re here for clarity, growth, and showing you how easy it can be to get back on track. Whether you accidentally used your bills debit card, overspent on a trip, or blew through a surprise paycheck—take a deep breath. This isn’t a failure. It’s a budget detour.

Connect With Us:

1️⃣ Facebook Group – Join the community. Our free group is where the real talk happens. Connect with other women who are learning how to budget, save, and finally feel in control, together. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook

2️⃣ Automate Your Budget Masterclass – Watch it now, no waiting. This FREE on-demand training shows you how to set up a budget that matches your lifestyle, without tracking every dollar or feeling restricted. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/automate

3️⃣ Budget – Grab our Simplified Budget System! You don’t need another budget, you need a system that does the math, makes the plan, and gives you permission to spend. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/budget

4️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching – Get a plan and a coach. We’ll build your full budget system together, so you always know what to do and feel confident doing it. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coaching

5️⃣ Be on the Podcast – Free coaching, real convo. Come chat with us on the show! Get real-time financial coaching and help other women by sharing your story. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall

"I love Shana & Vanessa and this podcast is amazing!" 👈🏻 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. 🙌

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From Financial Shame to Freedom: How Eliana Paid Off $100K and Took Back Control of Her Money | 435 Jul 18, 2025

Show notes

Curious? Start Here for Free!

Ready? Buy Our Simplified Budget System Now!

Meet Eliana — wife, mom, and total powerhouse — who joined coaching just 9 months ago feeling overwhelmed, disorganized, and ashamed that she “should have this all figured out by now.”

Fast-forward 9 months, and here’s what she’s done:

✅ Paid off 14 debts (out of 19 total!)

✅ Cleared nearly $100,000 in debt

✅ Went from “hiding money in random accounts” to organized savings + spending buckets

✅ Had regular girls days, vacations, and bougie family moments — with cash

✅ Set up 13 separate accounts and finally automated her finances

✅ Involved her kids and husband without conflict, guilt, or stress

✅ Swapped shame for confidence + clarity

🎙 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

The real reason Eliana was using credit cards (even though she didn’t need to)
Why spreadsheets weren’t working and how the system changed everything
Her before-and-after mindset shift around budgeting (hint: it's not restrictive)
How she and her husband work as a team — even though she’s the one on coaching calls
The power of automating her transfers… even if it took 9 months 😉
How she taught her daughter about boundaries (and budgeting for bougie)
Why she calls this “liberating” — not limiting

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

From $3K in Debt Payments to $2.4K in Savings: How One Single Woman Took Back Her Finances | 434 Jul 16, 2025

Show notes

Curious? Start Here for Free!

Ready? Buy Our Simplified Budget System Now!

One of our single clients came to us with over $263,000 in debt.

💳 $3,000/month in minimum payments

💔 No savings

😩 Business and personal finances completely mixed

👉 But she was ready for change.

In just 7 months, here’s what she accomplished with our coaching and system:

🔥 Her Before:

💸 $263,000 in total debt
💳 $69,000 in non-mortgage debt
🧾 10 different loans (credit cards, RV, HELOC, debt consolidation, etc.)
💰 $3,000/mo in minimum debt payments
💼 Personal + business finances mixed
🚫 No emergency fund, no savings system
📉 Living paycheck to paycheck — despite a $7,500/month income

✅ Her After:

💥 $263K debt reduced
🧨 Minimum payments dropped from $3,000 ➡️ $1,200/month
💵 Saving $2,400/month for sinking funds
💡 Business + personal finances completely separated
🐶 Has dedicated savings for pets, travel, Christmas, home maintenance
🏡 Downsized to a condo, paid for all renovations in cash
📈 Net worth: $684,000
✨ Living on purpose, with peace and margin — not just reacting to her bank balance

💡 What She Did (Step by Step):

✅ Joined coaching for 7 months
🧠 Borrowed our belief until she had her own
🏦 Opened 13 accounts (bills, spending, savings, business, etc.)
🔁 Set up automatic transfers based on paycheck
📞 Called every creditor — reduced interest, deferred a car loan for a month
🔎 Canceled warranties + subscriptions
📉 Shopped all her insurances — saved $2,500/year (then another $5,600 when she moved)
🐄 Made a cow savings bucket 🐮 (we’re obsessed)
📋 Calculated her actual annual life costs
📊 Started using the retirement tab in our budget system
📆 Learned how to properly plan for 3-paycheck months
📱 Got organized — and finally felt in control of every dollar

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 Much “Fun Money” Should You and Your Spouse Get Each Month? (Hint: It’s Non-Negotiable) | 433 Jul 14, 2025

Show notes

Curious? Start Here for Free!

Ready? Buy Our Simplified Budget System Now!

Alright, budget besties—this one’s a hot topic! How much personal spending money should you and your spouse get each month? Is $100 too low? Is $1,000 too high? Should it be cash? Should it be a card?

In this episode, Shana and Vanessa break it all the way down—from the emotional side of spending freedom to the practical steps of budgeting it in. This conversation was sparked by a lively debate in our Facebook group (come join us—it’s free and fun at budgetbesties.com/facebook), where folks shared their wide-ranging numbers—from $40 to $1,000 a month!

Here’s what we cover:

🛑 Why personal spending money is non-negotiable—yes, both of you need it
💵 How to figure out the right amount for your lifestyle and your budget
🔁 Why your spending number might shift depending on your season of life
🧾 The difference between personal money vs. other spending (like gas, groceries, or glam-up expenses)
🧠 Tips for automating your transfers and whether cash or cards are better
💳 Why separate accounts can make budgeting easier and less stressful
🧘🏽‍♀️ How personal spending helps heal old money habits and guilt

This episode will help you (and your partner!) give yourselves permission to spend, with freedom and boundaries. It’s not about the exact number—it’s about being intentional.

Wanna learn more about how we help couples build a budget they can actually stick to (and still have fun)? Our coaching programs and personalized budget templates are designed to give you clarity, confidence, and a little breathing room.

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

Can You Really Budget Without Feeling Trapped? Danielle’s Story Says Yes | 432 Jul 11, 2025

Show notes

Curious? Start Here for Free!

Ready? Buy Our Simplified Budget System Now!

Hey Budget Besties! 💛

This week’s episode is a powerful reminder that financial recovery is possible — and it starts with one brave decision at a time.

Danielle joined us fresh off her family’s bankruptcy discharge. After years of being buried in credit card debt, she and her husband are finally getting some breathing room — and she’s determined not to go back.

She’s taken some huge steps already (hello high-yield savings and separate bank accounts 👏), but now she’s looking for a real plan. One that brings peace, not pressure. And that’s where we came in.

Inside this coaching session, we cover:

Why “strict budgeting” is not the vibe — but real budgeting is still essential
The truth about paycheck budgeting (spoiler: it’s not working)
How to split your spending into categories that make sense (and reduce arguments!)
Why multiple checking accounts can be your secret weapon — especially if you're the only one managing the money
The mindset shift from “his money vs. my money” to “our vision”
How to get intentional about every dollar — even that overtime pay
Building savings buckets that are personal, powerful, and actually work
What to do next when the credit cards are gone but you're still stuck in survival mode

Danielle is doing so much right — she's motivated, she's organized, and she's ready. We just gave her the strategy to match her heart.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re “kind of budgeting” but still overwhelmed... this episode is your next step. 💪

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 Stop Financial Avoidance and Start Adulting With Peace and Purpose | 431 Jul 09, 2025

Show notes

Curious? Start Here for Free!

Ready? Buy Our Simplified Budget System Now!

Hey Budget Besties! 🎉

We’re throwing it back to one of our fave convos on the Work Like a Mother podcast with our girl Marina! If you missed it the first time, or just need a fresh dose of budgeting wisdom and encouragement, this one’s for you.

This episode is the perfect listen for anyone trying to get their financial act together in January (aka all of us). We talk through what it really means to reset your money mindset for the new year and how to plan for the year ahead without shame, overwhelm, or swiping your way into another stressful December.

In this replay, we chat about:

Our signature budget system that makes money feel less messy
How multiple bank accounts actually make things easier (promise!)
Getting your partner on board without turning it into a fight
Real-life wins from our clients — like paying bills on time for the first time ever 🙌
Why being bougie on a budget is the vibe for 2025
Credit card payoff strategy: step one is NOT what you think
Christmas savings hacks that’ll have you walking into December stress-free
What it really costs to raise teens (spoiler: it’s not just shoes and snacks)
Thoughts on college planning, guilt-free parenting, and raising financially-savvy kids

Whether you're feeling stuck in survival mode or just want to tighten things up and get intentional, this episode is your reminder that you can spend, save, and thrive—all at the same time.

Let’s adult for an afternoon, get those numbers on paper, and make a plan that actually works for 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

Plan the Next 90 Days of Your Money: Budget Goals That Work in Real Life | 430 Jul 07, 2025

Show notes

Curious? Start Here for Free!

Ready? Buy Our Simplified Budget System Now!

Hey Budget Besties!

Q3 is officially here, and you know what that means — it’s time to get real with our money, stop winging it, and start winning. Whether you crushed Q2 or it totally threw you for a loop, this episode is your reset moment.

Shana and Vanessa are walking you through how to create a solid 90-day plan you can actually stick to — paycheck by paycheck. We’re talking goal-setting, budget-building, and real-life planning that accounts for back-to-school, vacations, income changes, and surprises that aren’t even fun. 😅

In this episode, we cover:

✅ How to review Q2: the wins, the flops, and the surprises
📆 Why a calendar (like a real paper one!) is your budget’s BFF
💸 How to set clear, realistic money goals for July–September
🔁 What to do today to automate savings and stop living in budget chaos
🧾 The exact steps to break those big quarterly goals into monthly budgets that make sense

You’ll walk away with a customized 90-day money game plan that feels doable, gives your dollars a job, and helps you finally see the results of all your hard work.

“This is not about saying no. This is about saying yes — with a plan.”
“You don’t need another budget. You need a budget system.”
“You can cash flow your life — with less stress and more wins.”

✨ Budget Bestie Homework:

Reflect on Q2: what worked, what didn’t, and why.
Map out July, August, and September on a physical calendar.
Choose 1–3 realistic money goals for Q3 (think debt payoff, saving for travel, or finally sticking to your budget).
Set up your budget for July — and start adjusting your transfers to align with your goals.

Don't forget your savings buckets!

Tools We Mentioned:

Simplified Budget System – Want to set it and forget it? This system will change your life. budgetbesties.com/budget
Automate Your Budget Masterclass – Learn how to organize your accounts, automate your bills and savings, and reduce money stress. budgetbesties.com/automate

🫶 Remember:

You can totally do this. Whether your goals are big or small, this 90-day plan is your roadmap to more clarity, less chaos, and real momentum. We believe in you, and we’re doing it with you.

Got questions or want to share your 90-day plan? Email us at hello@budgetbesties.com — we wanna cheer you on!

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

Time Management That Actually Works-A Chat with our Perfect•ish Friend Kali | 429 Jul 04, 2025

Show notes

Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

Check out Kali at Perfect-ish!

We’ve got our business bestie back on the mic, and you’re in for a treat. 🎻 Time management coach, international speaker, podcast host, and all-around rockstar Kali Brigham is here—and she’s serving up real talk, big laughs, and life-changing shifts.

Kali's not your typical “wake-up-at-5am-and-grind” kind of coach. She’s the founder of Perfect-ish—a time management approach that helps ambitious women design lives that feel as good as they look on paper. No guilt. No burnout. Just rhythms and routines that work for you.

In this episode, we chat about:

Why traditional time management is a lie (yep, we said it)
The PERFECT-ISH framework and how it helps you manage your time without losing your mind
What your calendar says about your values—and how to adjust when it’s out of alignment
The power of knowing whether you're an introvert, extrovert, or somewhere in between (ambiverts, unite!)
Real talk on naps, bookends, and why your daily energy matters more than any planner ever will
How to stop writing your life with the "wrong hand" and start building systems that feel right

Whether you’re juggling kids, running a business, or just trying to survive your to-do list, this is the episode you didn’t know you needed. It’s fun, practical, and full of those “oh dang, that’s me” moments. 👏

Budget Bestie Takeaway:

Time management isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what matters in a way that works for you. When your schedule supports your energy, values, and season of life, you win. Period.

Connect With Us:

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

Lessons from Real Coaching: : Budgeting Through Layoffs, AC Repairs & Real-Life Curveballs 428 Jul 02, 2025

Show notes

Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

You ever have one of those months where everything hits at once? The AC dies, plans fall through, unexpected expenses pop up like financial whack-a-mole—and somehow you're still expected to keep it all together? 😩

This week, Shana and Vanessa are walking us through two client stories that prove: your budget can still win—even when life feels like it’s falling apart. From single moms to powerhouse couples, we’re talking through what happens when emergencies hit, emotions run high, and yet...the budget still holds up. 💪

Here’s what we’re getting into:

One client went from crying on the floor (literally) to realizing she didn’t go into more debt—because her system had her back.
Another couple went from googling debt consolidation programs to organizing their accounts, dodging the Amex debt trap, and building a system that actually works.
Why we’re still side-eyeing those “non-profit” debt consolidation companies (no shade… okay, maybe a little).
How coaching helps you stay in control—even when life is trying very hard to knock you off track.
That “quick win” mindset? We’re flipping the script to focus on sustainable change instead.

And yes, we said it: you don’t need a debt consolidation program—you need a budget system. One that gives you control, clarity, and confidence. 🙌

Budget Bestie Takeaway:

Even if you don’t move forward on your goals this month, not going backward is still a win. Especially in tough times. You’re learning, you're organizing, and you're building habits that last way beyond this one hard moment. That’s the real victory. 💥

Connect With Us:

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

July Budget Walkthrough: How to Prep for Summer Camps, Travel, and 4th of July | 427 Jun 30, 2025

Show notes

Curious? Start Here for Free!

Ready? Buy Our Simplified Budget System Now!

What if we told you that your entire July budget could be DONE before your iced coffee melts? Because listen—melted iced coffee is a no from us. 😅 But you know what’s also a no? Going into July without a plan when you’ve got holiday parties, travel, and summer chaos coming in HOT. 🔥

Get our FREE One Page Budget Template here.

In this episode, we’re walking you step by step through how to close out June’s budget and set up July’s so you can enjoy the pool, the party, or even your sister’s bougie wedding without stressing about the money.

Here’s what we’re diving into:

🧾 How to properly close out last month’s budget (hint: don’t skip this step!)
💰 A full walkthrough of July’s budget using real client examples—from income to debt, spending, and savings
🧠 Why planning for “This Month” expenses (like summer camps, 4th of July BBQs, and school supply prep) is your secret weapon
🛍️ The difference between spending money and savings buckets—and how to make sure you’re not constantly “borrowing” from other accounts
👀 What to do if your income varies, you’re juggling summer gigs, or you’re saving for BIG things (like cruises or taking the whole summer off!)
🧒 Teaching your kids to manage their own fun money—because the Lululemon budget isn’t coming out of your Target run

Real talk, real results. This isn’t just about numbers. It’s about creating a budget that supports your life, not one that feels like a punishment. And if you’re like many of our clients (teachers, nurses, small biz owners, and everyday women just trying to make it all work), you’ll love how customizable and empowering this system can be.

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