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

Latest Episodes:

309 | How to Stick to a Budget Without Feeling Restricted Sep 30, 2024

Show notes

Budgeting doesn’t have to feel like a bad B-word! In this episode, Shana and Vanessa break down why budgets are actually freeing—not restricting. Whether you feel like you’re living paycheck to paycheck or just want more clarity, this episode will help you shift your mindset and find joy in managing your money. The goal? Let your budget give you permission to spend without guilt!

What You’ll Learn:

Why budgeting is empowering, not limiting.

How to give every dollar a job so you can see exactly what your money is doing.

The freedom that comes from knowing where your money goes—and why not knowing is what actually feels restrictive.

Real-life examples of sticking to a budget while still enjoying life, including stories from Shana's teenage son and how he’s mastering his first budget.

The impact of automating your finances to reduce stress and free up your time.

How to check yourself when lifestyle creep kicks in and learn to be content with what you have.

Why seeing your budget as a tool for clarity leads to long-term financial success and confidence.

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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308 | From Paycheck to Paycheck to Paycheck Ahead: Monique’s Story Sep 27, 2024

Show notes

Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

In this inspiring episode, Shana and Vanessa chat with Monique Dixon, a certified nurse midwife and single mom, about her incredible journey to taking control of her finances. Monique shares the reality of making six figures but still living paycheck to paycheck, and how a mix of debt, stress, and feeling overwhelmed led her to seek financial coaching.

Together, they dive into how Monique, fueled by her love for her 9-year-old daughter, Victoria Queen, and the desire to break generational cycles, took the brave step to get coaching. Monique details her eye-opening experience of uncovering interest charges and fees, her struggle to get ahead, and the emotional wins of finally seeing her finances organized, controlled, and working for her rather than against her.

From paying off over $16,000 of debt to staying disciplined with a structured budget, Monique’s transformation is a testament to the power of getting help when you need it. Shana, Vanessa, and Monique laugh over concert ticket splurges and missed Frankie Beverly shows, but the episode highlights Monique’s resilience, her determination to make a better life for herself and Victoria, and the invaluable support that coaching provided.

Key Takeaways:

💡 Accountability is Everything: Monique explains how having Vanessa as her accountability partner pushed her to stay focused on her financial goals.
💸 The Power of Organization: Seeing three months of bank statements laid out helped Monique recognize where her money was going and gave her the clarity to move forward.
🏦 Paying Off $16,000 in Debt: Monique talks about the strategies she used to knock down debt fast, and how those small wins became huge motivation.
🎯 Discipline is Key: Learning to separate her spending accounts for herself and her daughter was one of the foundational steps to keeping her on track.
🙌 You Don’t Have to Do It Alone: Monique reminds listeners that there’s no shame in getting help and how coaching was the best investment she’s made in herself and her future.

Budget Bestie Shoutouts:

To all the single parents out there, we hear you! Monique’s journey is proof that no matter where you start, you can take control and change your financial story.
Victoria Queen, you're destined for greatness with a mom like Monique leading the way!

Connect with Us:

🎧 Listen and share this episode with someone who needs a little financial inspiration.
💬 Join our Facebook community of supportive Budget Besties here and let’s keep these empowering conversations going!

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

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!

307 | How to Make Your October Budget In 5 Simple Steps Sep 25, 2024

Show notes

Get Our Simplified Budget System!

Hey, Budget Besties! 🍁 October is here, and it’s time to whip that budget into shape before the holiday rush! Today, we break down the 5 super simple steps to create your October budget. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to the budgeting game, these tips will help you plan for the spooky season without scaring your bank account. 🎃 From prepping for upcoming expenses (hello, Halloween!) to setting yourself up for holiday savings, we’ve got you covered. Grab your PSL, cozy up, and let’s get those finances organized! 5 Simple Steps to Your October Budget: • Review September’s Numbers: Start by checking how you did last month. Did you stay on track or overspend? Look at those patterns and adjust your October budget based on what worked—and what didn’t. • Account for Monthly Must-Haves: Make sure all your regular bills and expenses like rent, utilities, and groceries are covered first. These are your non-negotiables. • Plan for Special Events: October means Halloween costumes, candy, and maybe even some fun fall outings like pumpkin patches. Be sure to set aside funds for these festive expenses. • Start Prepping for the Holidays: It’s not too early to start putting money into your holiday savings bucket! If you plan ahead, you can enjoy Thanksgiving and Christmas without the last-minute scramble. • Set Up Your Savings & Debt Payoff Goals: Once you’ve handled your monthly expenses, see what’s left over and decide how much you want to save or put toward debt. Even small amounts make a big difference over time! Pro Tips: • Use Last Month’s Numbers as a Guide: Your past spending can be your best tool for planning the future. • Don’t Forget Halloween Costs: Whether it’s costumes, parties, or candy, these costs can sneak up on you—plan ahead! • Start Small with Holiday Savings: If you start putting away even $20 a week for gifts or holiday travel now, you’ll be so thankful come December. 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 ➡︎ http://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. https://budgetbesties.com/privacy This description may contain affiliate links, meaning we may get a commission at no cost to you if you click & purchase!

306 | The Secret to Saving Money Consistently When Life Gets Busy Sep 23, 2024

Show notes

Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

Hey, Budget Besties! We know life is BUSY—whether it’s juggling kids, sports, work, or all of the above. So how do you save consistently when you barely have time to think? In today’s episode, we share their foolproof system for saving money even when your schedule feels out of control.

They dive into setting up automatic savings buckets, how to brainstorm your savings goals, and why this system can work even without a fully fleshed-out budget (though, spoiler: a budget helps!). You’ll also hear real-life examples from their coaching clients who’ve made saving money feel effortless. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to set up savings accounts that work behind the scenes, so you can focus on living life while your money grows. 🎉

What You’ll Learn:

How to set up automatic savings transfers (so money piles up without lifting a finger!)
Why identifying your specific savings goals (aka savings buckets) is key
How even small, consistent amounts can make a huge difference over time
The magic of budgeting to help you find that “leftover” money for savings
Why it’s important to look at your overall spending and decide what matters to you

Helpful Tips:

Start Small: Even if you’re only able to put $10 or $20 toward savings each month, that’s still progress. It all adds up!
Separate Accounts: Set up individual savings accounts for different goals like vacations, Christmas, or even your kids’ activities.
Automatic Transfers: Schedule transfers on your payday, so saving becomes a set-it-and-forget-it system.
Don’t Worry About Perfect: This system is flexible. Even if you can’t fully fund everything right away, you’re still better off than scrambling last minute!

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

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!

305 | The Missing Step: How to Turn Dave Ramsey’s Advice Into a Practical Budget Sep 20, 2024

Show notes

Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

Hey, Budget Besties! 🎙️

In today’s episode, we’re diving into something we hear all the time — you’ve tried the Dave Ramsey method, but still feel like something’s missing when it comes to the actual budgeting part. We get it! Dave’s method is great, but it doesn’t always answer the real-life, day-to-day money questions like: “What do I do with the random stuff that keeps popping up?” or “How do I handle paychecks that come in right at the end of the month?”

This episode breaks down:

Where the Dave Ramsey method stops, and where our budgeting system starts: We love Dave’s Baby Steps, but budgeting is more than just steps – it's knowing where your money is going and having systems in place to deal with everyday expenses.
Budgeting for ‘Miscellaneous’ expenses: If you’ve ever been caught off guard by last-minute purchases like charcoal for the grill or weed killer for the yard, this one’s for you. Spoiler: those expenses aren’t random at all – they happen all the time! We teach you how to plan for them on purpose.
How to handle bills when paychecks fall at the end of the month: Should you use your August 30th paycheck for your September bills? (Hint: Yes! And we explain why you should always aim to be a paycheck ahead.)
Debt snowball strategy: If you’re wondering when to make extra debt payments, the answer is NOW. Don’t let that extra money hang around—pay off that debt as soon as you get the funds. We’ll explain how this keeps you on track and out of temptation.

Key Takeaways:

Plan for "Random" Expenses: Items like weed killer or smoker charcoal aren’t surprises, so stop treating them like it! Plan for these in your budget and avoid the frustration.
Use Your Paycheck at the End of the Month to Fund Next Month: Getting paid on August 30th? Use that check for September’s bills. The goal is to always be a paycheck ahead so you’re never scrambling.
Pay Debt Every Paycheck: Don’t wait for the end of the month to make a big payment on your debt snowball. Every paycheck should chip away at it — this keeps the momentum going and avoids the risk of spending that money elsewhere.
Separate Spending and Bills Accounts: The easiest way to stay organized is to separate your bills from your spending. Trust us, this one change can make 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 Signature Budget Template! It's your key to organizing and optimizing your finances effectively ➡︎ https://budgetbesties.com/budget

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!

304 | Pay Off Debt Faster: How One Family Cleared $13K and Reduced Money Anxiety Sep 18, 2024

Show notes

Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

Welcome back, Budget Besties! We’re diving into Part 2 of a conversation that’s close to our hearts. Today, we’re talking about one of our amazing clients who worked with Shana for a year and paid off $13,000 in credit card debt. 🥳 This client’s journey is so relatable, and we think it’s going to resonate with a lot of you!

In this episode, we walk you through:

The Power of Systems: Even when our client went off the rails, the systems they put in place saved them. We’ll show you how to create a system that works for you, even on the tough days.
Credit Card Chaos: Costco cards? PayPal accounts? Store credit offers? We’re breaking down why you don’t need those tempting store credit cards and how to protect yourself from overspending.
Emergency Funds Gone Rogue: We’ve got some wild stories, including the time a client used their emergency fund to buy a sheep! 😂 Spoiler: that’s not what an emergency fund is for!
Creative Debt Payoff: Our clients got creative by selling items, taking on extra work, and finding every opportunity to throw money at their debt. We’ll show you how small efforts can lead to big wins!
Sticking to a Plan: It wasn’t always smooth sailing – there were bourbon splurges and even roof repairs – but they still managed to pay off seven credit cards and keep moving forward.

What we love most about this story is how real it is. There were setbacks, surprises, and yes, a few splurges, but they stuck to it and made progress. That’s what financial clarity looks like – moving forward, even when life happens. 💪

Key Takeaways:

Stick to the Plan, Even When Life Happens: Systems and discipline can save you from getting completely derailed.
Separate Your Accounts for Success: Setting up specific accounts for spending, saving, and emergencies can make all the difference.
Creative Income: Side hustles, selling unused stuff, and even getting strategic with spending money for events can help knock down debt faster.

Budget Together on Paydays: Making a habit of managing money as soon as you get paid helps keep spending in check and builds momentum in paying off debt.

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

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!

303 | How She Paid Off $25,000 in 6 Months: Renegotiating Debt, Canceling Subscriptions, and Going Cash-Only Sep 16, 2024

Show notes

Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

Hey budget besties! 💸 In today’s episode, we’re bringing you the inspiring story of one of our amazing clients who paid off $25,000 in debt—and we’re breaking it down into TWO episodes because there’s just too much to cover in one sitting! This is Part 1, so get comfy!

Our client—a mom of three with a family of four—came to us juggling $9,000/month income, multiple car loans, medical debt, a camper loan, student loans, and even a loan for new windows. Yep, it was a lot. But guess what? She not only paid off $25K in just six months, but she also made some big lifestyle changes (without giving up everything!) and learned to manage her money like a boss.

In today’s episode, we’ll talk about:

How she faced her debt head-on and got serious about making changes.
The power of renegotiating monthly minimums and cutting interest rates—because a phone call can go a long way.
How she cut out unnecessary subscriptions and requoted her auto insurance to free up even more cash.
The magic of using cash to keep spending in check. (Yep, cash envelopes might sound old-school, but they work!)
How she balanced her budget while still living her life—paying for school supplies, birthdays, a church retreat, and even pool maintenance, all in cash!

Plus, we’ll share her big wins like paying off her personal loan, credit cards, and student loans, and why getting on a budget wasn’t just about debt—it was about getting control of her life.

✨ Key Takeaway: Sometimes the biggest changes come from making small, consistent shifts. Whether it's using cash, cutting subscriptions, or renegotiating bills, little actions add up over time!

Sneak Peek at Part 2: In the next episode, we’ll dive into another client story where they paid off $13,000 in one year—so be sure to come back for all the deets!

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

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!

302 | Girl Math No More: Breaking Free from Afterpay, Klarna and Overspending at Target Sep 13, 2024

Show notes

Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

Hey Budget Besties! This episode is a treat! 🎉 We’re chatting with Brianna, a 26-year-old newlywed, new homeowner, and future RN! She’s ready to tackle her finances and shared her story about how she’s learning to manage her budget and stay on track. You won’t want to miss this one if you’re juggling big life changes and want some practical budgeting advice.

Brianna’s budgeting journey: She’s in the middle of big transitions—new home, new career, and now…new budget habits!
The Target dilemma: How Brianna’s love for home decor was throwing her off track and what she can do to manage it while still enjoying her spending.
No more Afterpay & Klarna: We dive into the tricky world of payment plans and how to stop using them for good!
Making budgeting work: Learn how setting up separate spending and savings accounts (like Brianna’s Disney trip fund!) can bring peace of mind and financial control.
Budget-friendly goals: The importance of knowing your “why” and setting clear goals to keep your spending on track and intentional.

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

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!

301 | The Simplest Way to Organize Your Finances in Under 10 Minutes Sep 11, 2024

Show notes

Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

Hey, Budget Besties! Got 10 minutes? That’s all you need for a game-changing approach to organize your finances. In this episode, we break down the easiest and quickest way to take control of your money—without the overwhelm. If you’re ready to feel less stressed and more in charge, we’ve got you covered.

Feeling overwhelmed with your finances? We get it. Even if everything seems “fine,” we’re here to show you how it can be even better.
The power of two accounts: Keep your bills and spending separate by using two checking accounts. One for bills, one for spending. It’s that simple!
Why it works: No more wondering if there’s enough in the account for bills when you’re at the grocery store. With your bills on autopilot, you’ll only focus on your spending.
Imagine the freedom: Think of your finances like an organized closet. You’ll know exactly what’s going on, it’ll look better, feel better, and you’ll be confident about every dollar.
How to set it up: We walk you through the process of setting up a system that makes paying bills easy and stress-free.

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

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!

300 | From Scrappy Beginnings to 300 Episodes: Our Wild Ride to Becoming Your Budget Besties Sep 11, 2024

Show notes

Snag Our Simplified Budget System!
Hey, Budget Besties! 🎉 We’re celebrating a HUGE milestone today—our 300th episode! 🎧 Can you believe it?! We’re taking a little trip down memory lane to reminisce about how this journey started, the ups and downs, and what’s next for us. We’ll keep it short and sweet, but we’re so excited to share this moment with you!

How it all began: Shana accidentally started our podcast! 😆 We launched without much planning, but here we are 300 episodes later!
The early days: Picture this—recording in a warehouse, using yoga mats and umbrellas for soundproofing. It was scrappy but oh-so-fun!
Our evolution: From life coaching and health topics to fully diving into financial coaching, we’ve honed in on what we love—helping YOU manage your money with clarity and confidence.
Why we’re still here: We’ve grown so much thanks to YOU! Your emails, reviews, and feedback keep us going, and we are beyond grateful. 💖
What’s next: Expect even more episodes (we’re at 3 per week now!), continued transparency, and practical financial advice tailored to your unique life and goals.

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

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!

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