Hosts:

🎤 Marc A. Pitman, CSP – Speaker, coach, and visionary wall demolisher 🎤 Emily Pitman – Systems and spaces designer, master planner

Episode Summary

In this episode of Still Figuring It Out, Emily and Marc Pitman take a deep dive into how budgeting can reflect personal values rather than just being a rigid financial framework. They share insights on shifting perspectives on money, the importance of intentionally categorizing expenses, and how small changes—like renaming budget lines—can make a big impact on financial mindset and family priorities.

Emily also reflects on her experiences post-brain surgery, discussing how it has influenced communication, memory, and even financial decision-making. Meanwhile, Marc explores the deeper emotional layers of budgeting, including the shame often associated with money and the power of reframing finances as a tool to serve life, rather than the other way around.

✨ Whether you love numbers or avoid them at all costs, this episode offers a fresh take on budgeting that prioritizes values over spreadsheets.

⏳ Timestamps & Key Topics:

• [00:00:15] 🏊‍♂️ A leap into the episode (and a nostalgic memory of kids jumping in the pool)
• [00:00:34] 🎙️ Welcome to Still Figuring It Out!
• [00:01:09] 🤔 Brain freezes & word retrieval struggles post-brain surgery
• [00:02:15] 📌 Defining values in finances: a budget should reflect what matters
• [00:03:34] 💸 Shifting from traditional budget categories to values-based spending
• [00:06:00] 🍽️ Making room for "date nights" as a separate budget category
• [00:07:43] 🎭 The importance of hobbies and leisure in financial planning
• [00:09:01] 🏡 From "housing" to "home" – why renaming categories matters
• [00:14:55] 💰 Addressing shame around money and learning to see it as a tool
• [00:20:06] 🎤 Closing reflections: how budgeting serves our values, not vice versa

🔥 Key Takeaways:

✅ Words Matter – Naming budget categories intentionally (e.g., "Health & Fitness" vs. "Medical Expenses") helps shape a positive financial mindset. ✅ Budgeting = Prioritizing What Matters – If coffee outings or hobbies bring joy, they should have a dedicated place in your finances. ✅ Money Should Serve You – Marc reflects on how his father taught him that money should serve us, not the other way around. ✅ Family & Finances Evolve – Just like life, budgets should be adjusted to reflect current values, goals, and realities.

📢 Notable Quotes:

💬 "Budgeting isn't just about setting limits; it's about making space for what matters most." – Emily 💬 "Our budget categories should be a reflection of our family's identity, not just financial obligations." – Marc 💬 "You can see what a person values by looking at their calendar and checkbook." – Marc

💬 Join the Conversation! What budget categories reflect your values? Let us know!

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Thank you Lexi Moreno and Caleb Pitman composing / mixing / mastering / guitar / trumpet; Zoe bass