Inspired Budget

Latest Episodes:

#151: Paying Off Student Loans with Zina Kumok Apr 04, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Zina Kumok shares her journey of paying off $24,000 in student loans in just three years. She emphasizes the importance of budgeting and tracking expenses, as well as the power of making small extra payments.

Zina also discusses the balance between frugality and happiness, and the need to find peace with past money choices. She highlights the shift in personal finance advice for Gen Z and the importance of considering the emotional aspect of money.

Takeaways

Budgeting and tracking expenses are crucial for managing debt and achieving financial goals.
Making small extra payments can have a significant impact on debt payoff.
Finding a balance between frugality and happiness is important for overall well-being.
It's essential to find peace with past money choices and focus on personal growth.
Personal finance advice is shifting to consider the emotional aspect of money and the individual's unique circumstances.
Finding deeper reasons for financial goals and aligning them with everyday life can provide motivation and fulfillment.

Wall Street Journal Article on Gen Z and Dave Ramsey
Check out Zina's Website
Follow Zina on Instagram
Follow Zina on Youtube

You Might Like:

Get the FREE Goodbye Debt Tracker!
Grab my FREE Budgeting Cheat Sheet.
Get the Budget My Paycheck Spreadsheet.
Follow Allison on Instagram! @inspiredbudget
Check out Inspired Budget's blog.
Take my FREE class on How to Budget to Build Wealth!

#150: How To Save and Budget For Your Next Vacation Mar 28, 2024

Show notes

Ever dreamt of lounging on sandy beaches or exploring vibrant cities but felt overwhelmed by the costs? Imagine returning from your dream vacation only to face a mountain of credit card bills. That's not the vacation ending anyone wants.

By mastering the art of saving and budgeting, you not only ensure you can afford your dream getaway but also shield yourself from post-vacation financial stress. In this episode, we're diving into the art of making your dream vacation not just a fantasy but an affordable reality.

You will walk away with practical strategies and tips to help you stay on budget while planning your next adventure. From booking accommodations to planning your meals, Allison is covering it all! Plus she’s sharing how she’s used these strategies in her own life.

Tune in to our episode for more valuable insights and tips on how to plan, save, and budget for your dream vacation. Happy travels!

You Might Like:

Get the FREE Goodbye Debt Tracker!
Grab my FREE Budgeting Cheat Sheet.
Get the Budget My Paycheck Spreadsheet.
Follow Allison on Instagram! @inspiredbudget
Check out Inspired Budget's blog.
Take my FREE class on How to Budget to Build Wealth!

#149: Strategies For Couples Facing Debt Mar 21, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Allison interviews Alli Williams about how she and her partner handled their financial situation when one had more debt and the other was debt-free. Alli shares her personal story of marrying into six figures of debt and how they worked together to create a plan to pay it off.

They discuss the emotional side of dealing with debt and the importance of not letting it define your worth. Alli also provides tips for getting a reluctant partner on board with paying off debt and setting financial goals as a couple.
Follow Alli on Instagram: @financiallifocused

Check out Alli’s Website

You Might Like:

Get the FREE Goodbye Debt Tracker!
Grab my FREE Budgeting Cheat Sheet.
Get the Budget My Paycheck Spreadsheet.
Follow Allison on Instagram! @inspiredbudget
Check out Inspired Budget's blog.
Take my FREE class on How to Budget to Build Wealth!

#148: Off Track With Your Money? Do These 4 Things! Mar 14, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Allison shares four essential steps to help you regain financial focus and get back on track with your budget, paying off debt, or savings. She emphasizes the importance of giving yourself spending money to avoid feelings of deprivation and impulse spending. Breaking big goals into smaller, more manageable goals helps to prevent overwhelm and frustration. Tracking and monitoring your progress keeps you motivated and engaged in your financial journey. Finally, completing a money reset allows you to realign your priorities and adjust your strategy for success.

Takeaways

Give yourself spending money to avoid feelings of deprivation and impulse spending.
Break big goals into smaller, more manageable goals to prevent overwhelm and frustration.
Track and monitor your progress to stay motivated and engaged in your financial journey.
Complete a money reset to realign your priorities and adjust your strategy for success.

You Might Like:

Get the FREE Goodbye Debt Tracker!
Grab my FREE Budgeting Cheat Sheet.
Get the Budget My Paycheck Spreadsheet.
Follow Allison on Instagram! @inspiredbudget
Check out Inspired Budget's blog.
Take my FREE class on How to Budget to Build Wealth!

#147: How To Change Your Outlook On Money with Diania Merriam Mar 07, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Diania Merriam shares her personal journey from financial illiteracy and debt to achieving financial independence and retiring at 33. She emphasizes the importance of shifting from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset when it comes to money.

Diania provides action steps for listeners, including surrounding themselves with abundant people, reading abundance-based books, and expressing appreciation and gratitude. By adopting these practices, you can develop a healthier relationship with money and find contentment in your financial journey.

Takeaways:

Shift from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset when it comes to money.
Surround yourself with abundant people who have a positive outlook on money.
Read abundance-based books to change your perspective and mindset.
Express appreciation and gratitude daily to cultivate a sense of abundance and contentment.

Listen to Diania's Podcast
Check out the EconoMe Conference
Watch the EconoMe YouTube Channel
Here are some of the books that Diania mentioned:
The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday
Do Nothing by Celeste Headlee
The Pathless Path by Paul Millerd

You Might Like:

Get the FREE Goodbye Debt Tracker!
Grab my FREE Budgeting Cheat Sheet.
Get the Budget My Paycheck Spreadsheet.
Follow Allison on Instagram! @inspiredbudget
Check out Inspired Budget's blog.
Take my FREE class on How to Budget to Build Wealth!

#146: Should You Save Or Pay Off Debt? Feb 29, 2024

Show notes

Should you save money or pay off debt? Can you do both?

You’re likely listening to this episode because you want to pay off debt. Imagine you're in the middle of a tug of war, but instead of teams, you've got your savings goals on one side and your debt on the other. You're pulling hard towards one side, trying to make progress, but it feels like the other side is pushing back just as hard.

It's like you're stuck in this never-ending struggle, and it can get pretty frustrating. The trick is to figure out how to manage your money just right so you're not constantly feeling pulled in two directions at once. Balancing the two is key to keeping your sanity and making progress on both your debt free journey as well as your savings journey.

In this episode, I discuss:

Five actionable steps to pay off debt and save money simultaneously.
Why your emergency fund can keep you out of debt.
How to invest for the future while paying off debt.

This episode is perfect for anyone who has asked themselves if they should save money or pay off debt.

You Might Like:

Get the FREE Goodbye Debt Tracker!
Grab my FREE Budgeting Cheat Sheet.
Get the Budget My Paycheck Spreadsheet.
Follow Allison on Instagram! @inspiredbudget
Check out Inspired Budget's blog.
Take my FREE class on How to Budget to Build Wealth!

#145: How Nika Paid Off Over $200,000 of Debt Feb 22, 2024

Show notes

When $200,000 looms over you like a financial Everest, how do you begin the climb to freedom? Nika Booth didn't just start the trek; she conquered it, and in this episode, she's laying out the map.
We unravel Nika's enthralling journey, which started amid the chaos of a government furlough and led to the creation of an Instagram page for budgeting transparency and accountability. Her story is not just about escaping debt; it's a testament to the power of taking control, with candid insights into how confronting her own sizable tax debt changed her approach to personal finance forever.
This conversation goes beyond dollars and cents, delving into the emotional heart of debt reduction—community and vulnerability. We discuss how the solidarity and accountability of an online community were instrumental in navigating the rough waters of financial instability.
Budgeting doesn't have to mean skimping on joy; it's about intelligently mapping your future. Nika and I dissect the overwhelming prospect of large debt into manageable pieces, emphasizing the importance of pacing and celebrating every step of progress.
Follow Nika on Instagram @debtfreegonnabe
Sign Up for Nika's Webinar
Follow Nika's Website

You Might Like:

Get the FREE Goodbye Debt Tracker!
Grab my FREE Budgeting Cheat Sheet.
Get the Budget My Paycheck Spreadsheet.
Follow Allison on Instagram! @inspiredbudget
Check out Inspired Budget's blog.
Take my FREE class on How to Budget to Build Wealth!

#144: 7 Ways To Simplify Your Budget & Money Feb 15, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, I'll share my personal experience and unveil seven practical strategies to simplify your money management.

Discover the convenience of automating your payments and the power of cutting unnecessary expenses. I'll walk you through each step, making financial management less intimidating and more manageable.

We'll also demystify the process of building wealth on a budget, showing you that it's achievable with the right approach.

Whether you're new to budgeting or seeking to refine your strategy, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you align your budget with your goals.

You Might Like:

Get the FREE Goodbye Debt Tracker!
Grab my FREE Budgeting Cheat Sheet.
Get the Budget My Paycheck Spreadsheet.
Follow Allison on Instagram! @inspiredbudget
Check out Inspired Budget's blog.
Take my FREE class on How to Budget to Build Wealth!

#143: A Masterclass in Debt Elimination and Savvy Saving with Monica Louie Feb 08, 2024

Show notes

Monica Louie's financial saga is nothing short of awe-inspiring—as she herself lays bare in our latest conversation, revealing the grit behind conquering a $120,000 debt mountain and the savvy that led to a $40,000 savings cushion. Join us and uncover the financial wizardry that allowed Monica and her family to transform their middle-class income into a debt-slaying powerhouse, all while navigating the shift to a single paycheck household.
This episode is a journey through the trenches of debt and the triumphs of financial freedom, where monetary milestones intertwine with personal growth and family ties are fortified in the forge of fiscal responsibility. Hear how Monica's role as a finance maestro evolved into a beacon of hope for others, with her blog and coaching paving the way for countless others to break their own chains of debt.
Whether you're struggling under the weight of financial burdens or seeking a new perspective on managing your cash flow, Monica's narrative, peppered with tales of becoming an online entrepreneur and the joy of smart home investments, will leave you equipped with the tools and inspiration to rewrite your own financial story.
Find out more about Monica at Flourishing Impact
Follow Monica on Instagram @flourishwithmonica
Hear more from Monica on her podcast Flourish to 7 Figures

You Might Like:

Get the FREE Goodbye Debt Tracker!
Grab my FREE Budgeting Cheat Sheet.
Get the Budget My Paycheck Spreadsheet.
Follow Allison on Instagram! @inspiredbudget
Check out Inspired Budget's blog.
Take my FREE class on How to Budget to Build Wealth!

#142: Behind the Scenes of My Favorite Budgeting App Feb 01, 2024

Show notes

Imagine transforming your financial life from confusion to clarity – that's the journey we're embarking on today. We'll explore the power of budgeting, not as a way to restrict yourself, but as a tool to take charge of your money.

In this episode we dive into the importance of proactive budgeting for upcoming expenses and looking back at past spending habits, something that has greatly influenced my personal financial journey.
We'll also uncover the fantastic features of the Simplifi budgeting app, showing how it can revolutionize how you manage your money while making things easier and more collaborative.

This episode isn't just about budgeting mechanics; it's about the discipline and financial awareness that come from tracking your expenses. With Simplifi's user-friendly interface, categorizing transactions is a breeze, helping you build better spending habits.
As I share my own journey towards financial discipline, you'll see how the app's reporting features let you analyze your spending patterns, preparing you to meet future financial goals with precision.

Whether you're navigating finances on your own or with a partner, the insights and tools we discuss today are here to give you the confidence to take control of your finances and lead a stress-free financial life.

Check out the Simplifi App

You Might Like:

Get the FREE Goodbye Debt Tracker!
Grab my FREE Budgeting Cheat Sheet.
Get the Budget My Paycheck Spreadsheet.
Follow Allison on Instagram! @inspiredbudget
Check out Inspired Budget's blog.
Take my FREE class on How to Budget to Build Wealth!

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