For today's episode, I sit down with Lauree for a budget coaching call to help her set up a pay period budget. Lauree is an accountant who manages numbers for a living but has struggled to feel in control of her own finances. If you’ve ever felt embarrassed that money management should be easier for you than it is, you’ll resonate with Lauree's story.

If you'd like to watch the full coaching call and see me build Lauree's budget, check out the extended video call of this episode on the Debt Free Mom YouTube Channel.

Together, we walk through:

• Why personal budgeting feels different (and harder) than professional accounting
• How to map out income and expenses by pay period for a clearer picture of cash flow
• Setting realistic goals for an emergency fund before tackling debt
• The role of buffers and sinking funds to make your budget sustainable
• Why deficits in certain pay periods don’t mean you’re “bad with money”

By the end of the call, Lauree has a customized spreadsheet budget that aligns with her income schedule, covers her family’s needs, and sets her on the path toward building a starter $4,000 emergency fund and paying down high-interest debt.

If you’ve ever downloaded an app, felt overwhelmed, and thought, “Why is this so hard for me?”, this episode will encourage you that you’re not alone, and you’ll walk away with practical steps to make your budget work in real life.

Want to have a budget by pay period built for you (either by email or on a coaching call like this video!), use code YOUTUBE20 for $20 off any custom budget! www.debtfreemom.co/custom

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