Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

In today’s episode, we’re sitting down with our amazing client Michelle, who just wrapped up her six-month coaching journey—and let us tell you, this one’s got all the good stuff: drama, breakthroughs, and some serious “same, girl” moments.

Michelle’s story is full of heart, humor, and hope. She came to us thinking, “Great, another boring budget podcast,” (yep, we laughed too)… but then she found our system, and everything changed. 👏

Here's what we cover:

💳 Credit Card Chaos to Calm:

Michelle shares how she saved 60% on her credit card debt (yes, sixty!) just by making one phone call—with our script in hand and the right numbers in her budget.

🧠 From Budget Burnout to Confidence:

She'd tried all the traditional budgeting methods—itemizing, zeroing out, the whole nine. None of it worked. Until she found a system that finally gave her clarity and peace of mind.

🏦 Too Many Bank Accounts?

When we first met Michelle, she had seven accounts across two banks and still felt broke. We helped her simplify everything into one easy-to-see, streamlined system—because more bank accounts ≠ better budgeting.

👨‍👩‍👧 Keeping It Real as a Couple:

Michelle and her husband tackled the messy parts together—from business expenses sneaking into personal accounts, to the “wait, where did the money go?” convos. (Spoiler: they’re stronger for it!)

📈 Wins Big and Small:

A business account that actually works, a budget she trusts, and a husband who now sees the value of having his own expense account. Plus, all their money in one place—no more disappearing dollars.

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. 

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!  

Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

This episode is a ride through the real-life money moments we see in coaching all the time. From the confusion around bankruptcy payments to finally feeling not broke even when you’re actually doing great—this one’s full of eye-openers.

We’re pulling back the curtain on our coaching sessions to walk you through what’s really going on behind the numbers. Because if our clients are struggling with it, chances are you might be too.

Here's what we get into:

💥 Bankruptcy Aftermath:

How multiple credit cards and personal loans can still show up after bankruptcy—yep, it’s a thing. And the shady credit cycle that keeps folks stuck.

🧠 The Mental Load of Money:

Why some clients still feel broke—even when they’re making great money—and how mindset rewiring is just as important as the math.

📆 From Chaos to Clarity:

How one client finally ditched partial payments and moved to full payments + autopay—after a whole year of messy money habits.

📞 The Dreaded Debt Calls:

We’re not gonna lie—making calls to creditors isn’t fun. But we’re walking you through what to say, how to ask, and what kind of results are actually possible (hint: skipping a $700 car payment? Yep, that happened).

🔄 Breaking the Cycle:

From credit stress to budget confidence—we’re helping our clients stop reacting and start planning, so they never end up in the same spot again.

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. 

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!  

Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

Hey budget besties! 💛

Have you made your June budget yet? If not—don't worry! This episode is your cue to grab that pen and paper (or open your budget spreadsheet) because we're walking you step-by-step through creating your June budget together.

We’re talking:

1. ✅ Closing out May’s budget (yes, you need to do this first!)

2. 💸 Updating your actual numbers—not just what you planned

3. 🔁 Getting honest about surprise bills and shifting plans

4. 🧾 Starting June off ahead by using May’s last paycheck

5. 💳 Listing debt minimums only—so we can make a powerful payoff plan later

6. 🏡 Bills that reflect your real life (hello massages and Pilates!)

7. 🛍️ Budgeting for spending categories that make your life work—groceries, gas, date nights, kids' field trips, and YES, your personal money too!

8. 🎉 Adding in all the extras—Father’s Day, 4th of July prep, birthday parties, and last-minute summer fun

9. 💰 Getting serious with savings buckets and your debt payoff game plan

Whether your June looks busy, laid back, or somewhere in between—this budget will make sure your money is working for you and not the other way around.

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. 

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!  

Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

Budget besties, this one’s for you if you’re juggling multiple jobs, navigating biweekly paychecks, and trying to climb out of credit card debt with your sanity (and maybe a little spending money) intact. 🙌

In this episode, Shana and Vanessa coach a nurse who’s stepping into her full-time income post-grad school, looking for a plan that brings clarity and peace to her money. Together, we break down how to budget on a biweekly paycheck, how to stop the “dump money on debt then panic” cycle, and why a Bills Account is about to become your new favorite money hack.

We also dig into how to handle credit card balances strategically—especially when a 0% intro APR is about to expire. (Spoiler: You can call your credit card company and ask for a lower interest rate. We’ll tell you exactly what to say.)

What we cover:

1. How to organize your monthly budget when you're paid every two weeks 🗓️

2. Why you need separate accounts for bills, groceries, and fun money 🍕💅

3. The truth about making extra debt payments (and why we start with minimums first) 💳

4. How to call your credit card company and negotiate a better rate (yes, really!) 📞

5. Creating a plan for per diem income that actually helps instead of disappearing into the abyss 💸

6. Getting out of the cycle of financial shame and starting fresh with a plan that works 🌱

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. 

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!  

Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

Budget Besties, buckle up! Today, we're inviting you behind the scenes of our private coaching calls to dish out the real-life budget wins, tough decisions, and "wait, should I buy a zebra?" moments from our amazing clients. If they’re going through it, chances are you are too — so let’s break it all down together.

From surprise escrow refunds and dream farms (complete with cows, chickens, and yes... zebra requests 🦓) to the real cost of keeping an old house — we’re talking about how to prioritize when everything feels important.

You’ll hear:

1. How one client used a tax refund to unlock a future cattle business — but only after making the right money move first.

2. Why a bougie birthday and high-end daycare didn’t derail another client’s financial progress.

3. What happens when income’s flowing, but the accounts are too scattered to tell what’s really going on.

4. And why not everyone wants to be debt-free right now — and how that can still be part of a strong, confident money plan.

We’re here to show you it’s not about doing everything perfectly — it’s about doing what works for you, and doing it with clarity, confidence, and a whole lot of grace. 💛

✨ Real-Life Takeaways:

1. Prioritize the money move that unlocks future wins. (Fixing up the old house first = cash for the farm later!)

2. Use windfalls (like tax refunds or bonuses) intentionally — a plan means you won’t blink and wonder where it all went.

3. Simplicity is key: too many accounts = too much confusion.

4. You get to decide your goals. If saving cash gives you peace of mind more than paying off debt, that’s valid.

5. Budgeting isn't about deprivation — it’s about direction.

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. 

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!  

Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

You’ve heard of a no spend month.

You’ve maybe even tried one.

And if you’re like most of us—you probably ended up at Target with a cart full of “oops.” 😅

In this episode, we’re unpacking the real truth about no spend months: why they feel productive but usually don’t solve the root problem. Our special guest, budget bestie Bethany, joins us to share her real-life experience going through one (spoiler: her coffee shop noticed she was gone 👀).

We cover:

1. What a no spend month actually looks like with a big, busy family (and coffee-loving parents!)

2. The real reason we tend to overspend in the first place

3. How binge-spending sneaks in right after restriction

4. The budget-friendly alternative that helps you spend on purpose without the guilt spiral

5. Plus, how Bethany’s family is now teaching their kids to manage money with weekly spending limits

If you've been thinking about a financial reset, don’t start with restriction—start with a real system that helps you spend, save, and breathe. Because budgeting isn’t about saying “no” to everything. It’s a

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. 

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!  

Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

We’re bringing you one of our favorite kinds of episodes—a real story from a real budget bestie who decided enough is enough. Missy joined us after trying to DIY her budget (like so many of us do), but when she saw the numbers? Let’s just say the highlighters came out and so did the coaching call.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

1. How Missy went from “Where is my money going?” to saving over $2,000 a month

2. The surprising things she changed (like re-quoting her insurance!) that saved her thousands

3. The mindset shift that helped her finally feel in control of her finances

4. Why downsizing her home and organizing her savings buckets was a game-changer

5. And how she’s still crushing it post-coaching—she paid off $17,000 more in debt in just 3 months on her own!

From working two jobs to becoming a travel agent to creating 13 (!) bank accounts, Missy’s journey is proof that when you commit, get clarity, and stick with it—you’ll see results faster than you ever thought possible.

If you’ve been stuck in “I’ll figure it out later” mode, this is your sign.

Financial peace is just a system—and a little coaching—away. 💛

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. 

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!  

Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

Ever feel like you're playing a constant game of "Can we afford this?" with your partner? 😅

This one’s for you.

We’re diving into the simple, powerful tool that has changed the way couples (and individuals!) manage their money: separate spending accounts.

We know—it sounds so basic. But once you actually do it?

🙌 The freedom.

🙌 The peace.

🙌 The end of the weird parent/child money dynamic that no one wants.

In this episode, we’re sharing:

1. Real-life coaching stories from couples who went from friction to freedom just by adding accounts

2. How this shift gives both partners autonomy, trust, and clarity

3. Why this one change can eliminate fights, judgment, and constant permission-seeking

4. A few powerful lessons from clients who paid off debt, made mistakes (hello, double truck payment 😬), and kept their calm because of the systems they now have in place

5. Why you might be just one good budget and a few renamed bank accounts away from breakthrough

Oh—and we’re hinting at our brand new national research study on finances and marriage... and the results are wild. Stay tuned for that drop soon!

Remember: It’s not about tracking harder. It’s about designing a system that works with your real life—and actually brings peace to your relationship and your brain.

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. 

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!  

Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

Ever wish your bank could do more than just hold your money?

Same. That’s why in this episode, we’re showing you how to put your bank to work—like your very own financial assistant. 💼💁‍♀️

We're breaking down 9 specific, budget-friendly tasks your bank can totally handle for you—saving you time, brain calories, and that sinking feeling when you're trying to remember if your electric bill got paid (spoiler alert: it did, automatically!).

Here’s what we cover:

1. Why a Bills Account is a non-negotiable (seriously—peace of mind in an account!)

2. The power of separate accounts for less mental math and more clarity

3. How automatic transfers can make saving and spending way easier

4. What naming your accounts does for your brain (and your budget)

5. The magic of hiding certain accounts (out of sight = out of swipe 👀)

6. Why ACH payments > debit cards for paying bills

7. What direct deposit into your Bills Account unlocks (hello, fully planned paycheck!)

8. And yes—why setting up Kids Accounts is a parenting win

We’re not here to add more to your to-do list—we’re here to delegate it to your bank so you can stop micromanaging your money and start living your life. 🙌

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. 

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!  

👉 Join Anna’s FREE 5-Day Take Back Your Time Challenge!

We’re back with our time management queen, Anna Dearmon Kornick, and y’all—it’s like peanut butter and jelly: time and money just go together! IFeeling like there’s never enough time? In this episode, we’re joined by time strategist Anna Kornick to explore a new, purpose-driven approach to managing your time—without burnout, guilt, or trying to do it all. If your life feels too full and your to-do list never ends, this conversation will show you how to align your schedule with your values, take back your time, and finally feel more present and peaceful in your season.

Whether you're overwhelmed by your calendar, struggling to say no, or trying to create space for what matters most, this is for you.

Anna shares why time management isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing what matters most. We talk about:

1. Why the words you speak about time totally shape your reality (seriously—mindset matters)

2. The magic of a today list vs. an endless to-do list (hello, 5 to 7 doable tasks!)

3. Real-life friction points (like the socks... oh, the socks) and how tiny tweaks can free up your mental space

4. Why saying no to some things is saying yes to your values

5. How personalized time systems can change your life—and your bank account

💬 Key Ideas: how to take back your time, realistic time management for women, mindset shift for busy moms, aligning your time with your values, how to stop feeling overwhelmed

Anna’s 5-day challenge kicks off May 12 and it’s exactly what we all need as summer chaos rolls in. Let’s finally feel in control of our calendars and our cash.

📍Resources & Links:

• Sign up for the challenge: https://annadkornick.com/budgetbesties

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. 

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!