Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

Most people say their budgets get blown by “surprise” expenses — but let’s be real: Christmas isn’t a surprise. New tires? Not a surprise. Your dog’s annual vet visit? Definitely not a surprise. These are expected expenses that just don’t happen every month.

In this episode, we’re tackling how to stop the rollercoaster of “I was fine last month, now I’m swiping the credit card.” The solution? Savings buckets. When you create separate savings accounts for predictable but irregular expenses, you save today to avoid borrowing tomorrow.

• Why most “surprise” expenses aren’t really surprises

• How savings buckets can bring stability to your monthly budget

• The exact steps to set up your own buckets

• Real-life stories from clients who’ve transformed their finances using this method

• 
  

💡 What You’ll Learn

Connect With Us: 

1️⃣ Facebook Group – Join the community. Our free group is where the real talk happens. Connect with other women who are learning how to budget, save, and finally feel in control, together. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook 

2️⃣ Automate Your Budget Masterclass – Watch it now, no waiting. This FREE on-demand training shows you how to set up a budget that matches your lifestyle, without tracking every dollar or feeling restricted. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/automate 

3️⃣ Budget – Grab our Simplified Budget System! You don’t need another budget, you need a system that does the math, makes the plan, and gives you permission to spend. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/budget 

4️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching – Get a plan and a coach. We’ll build your full budget system together, so you always know what to do and feel confident doing it. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coaching 

5️⃣ Be on the Podcast – Free coaching, real convo. Come chat with us on the show! Get real-time financial coaching and help other women by sharing your story. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall 

"I love Shana & Vanessa and this podcast is amazing!" 👈🏻 If that sounds like you… ✨ Please take a second to rate & review the show! It helps us reach more people—just like you—who are ready to change their financial future. 🔔 Don’t forget to follow so you never miss an episode! 💌 And if you're feeling extra generous, share this podcast with a friend who needs it. We’d be so honored. 🙌

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!

Get Our Simplified Budget System!

Quick Friday pop-in! If you make good money but have nothing to show for it, we walk through our simple, one-page budget system that actually matches how you live. You’ll learn the 5 money categories, how a separate Bills Account puts payments on autopilot, why separate spending cards end the guilt/fights, and how named savings buckets plus a clear debt plan tell you exactly what to do each payday—no expense logging required. Real client wins, practical steps, and a calmer way to pay bills, kill debt, and still enjoy life. 💸✨

00:00 – Introduction: Why You Need a Budget System for Financial Success

00:23 – Common Budgeting Mistakes: Why Tracking Expenses Isn’t Enough

01:07 – The Overwhelm of Money Management and How to Fix It

01:29 – The Five Simple Budget Categories for Real-Life Spending

02:43 – How Our Editable Budget System Works (and Why It’s Different)

04:11 – Powerful Tools: Savings Tracker, Debt Payoff, and Asset Management

05:38 – Real User Testimonials: Transforming Finances with Our Budget System

07:18 – The Power of Knowing Your Numbers: Net Worth, Debt, and Savings

08:34 – Automating Your Bills and Achieving Financial Organization

10:03 – Final Thoughts: Take Control of Your Money with the Best Budget System

Client Wins We Read On Air

• Tammy: “6 months in—buckets growing, bills dropping, husband’s on board.”

• Rebecca: “Finally seeing my money clearly. Planned debt payoff + categorized savings = game changer.”

• Barbara: “Paid off 7 cards. Use cash for almost everything. No more checking the account before buying gas.”

• Lindsay: “Less stress. No guilt. Separate spending accounts = harmony.”

• Jess: “Net worth rising is my new favorite hobby.”

• Kathleen: “Went from $1,000 over each month to finally breaking the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle.”

• Lori: “Autopaid bills from a designated account = zero stress.”

• Amanda: “Bird’s-eye month + Paycheck Plan replaced my old tracker. So much clearer.”

• Melissa: “It does the math. I actually have more money than I thought.”

• Sheena & Becky: “Whole-picture clarity → car paid off, long-term goals funded.”

Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

Ever feel like your work life and home budget are in a tug-of-war? Same, bestie — and you’re not alone. This week, we sat down with Stephanie, a law professor who’s been making huge moves with her money using our budget system. But like many of us, she hit a snag when it came to business travel.

Stephanie’s story is a masterclass in navigating:

• Work reimbursements that take months

• Whether credit cards are ever worth it (spoiler: rarely, but sometimes!)

• How to separate personal and professional expenses without losing your mind (or your receipts)

• Setting up a system that actually works — especially when math isn’t your thing

We cover:
✔️ Pre-funding business trips
✔️ Why a separate bank account is a game-changer
✔️ How to track expenses without burning out
✔️ What to do about credit card perks like car rental insurance or international fees
✔️ And why setting a weekly “receipt party” on your calendar might be your new best friend

Stephanie also shares how budgeting is now a whole family thing — from planning for Christmas (without the chaos) to giving her kids their own savings accounts (and real-time money lessons 💪).

Whether you're a working parent, frequent traveler, or just tired of the budget rollercoaster — this episode is packed with smart, doable strategies to help you stay on track and feel in control.

Connect With Us: 

1️⃣ Facebook Group – Join the community. Our free group is where the real talk happens. Connect with other women who are learning how to budget, save, and finally feel in control, together. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook 

2️⃣ Automate Your Budget Masterclass – Watch it now, no waiting. This FREE on-demand training shows you how to set up a budget that matches your lifestyle, without tracking every dollar or feeling restricted. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/automate 

3️⃣ Budget – Grab our Simplified Budget System! You don’t need another budget, you need a system that does the math, makes the plan, and gives you permission to spend. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/budget 

4️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching – Get a plan and a coach. We’ll build your full budget system together, so you always know what to do and feel confident doing it. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coaching 

5️⃣ Be on the Podcast – Free coaching, real convo. Come chat with us on the show! Get real-time financial coaching and help other women by sharing your story. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall 

"I love Shana & Vanessa and this podcast is amazing!" 👈🏻 If that sounds like you… ✨ Please take a second to rate & review the show! It helps us reach more people—just like you—who are ready to change their financial future. 🔔 Don’t forget to follow so you never miss an episode! 💌 And if you're feeling extra generous, share this podcast with a friend who needs it. We’d be so honored. 🙌

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!

Today’s episode is ripped straight from real coaching convos with our clients — because if they’re dealing with it, chances are you are too. We’re talking about a common money trap that shows up in more budgets than you’d think: whole life insurance.

Spoiler alert: It’s not a good investment.
Not when you’re paying hundreds a month, not seeing any return, and living outside your means just to keep it going.

We break down:

• Why whole life insurance is rarely worth it (especially when your budget is tight)

• The difference between whole life and term life insurance

• What to do if you’ve already been paying into a whole life policy

• How to reorder your financial steps so you can actually build wealth (on your own terms)

We’re all about helping you avoid costly mistakes, feel seen, and walk away with quick wins. So whether you're paying $473/month into a policy that’s draining you or wondering if your “life insurance” line item is doing anything for you — this one's for you.

Remember: we want you to save, invest, and protect your family on purpose — and in the right order. Let’s get that money back in your budget and get you back in control.

Connect With Us: 

1️⃣ Facebook Group – Join the community. Our free group is where the real talk happens. Connect with other women who are learning how to budget, save, and finally feel in control, together. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook 

2️⃣ Automate Your Budget Masterclass – Watch it now, no waiting. This FREE on-demand training shows you how to set up a budget that matches your lifestyle, without tracking every dollar or feeling restricted. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/automate 

3️⃣ Budget – Grab our Simplified Budget System! You don’t need another budget, you need a system that does the math, makes the plan, and gives you permission to spend. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/budget 

4️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching – Get a plan and a coach. We’ll build your full budget system together, so you always know what to do and feel confident doing it. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coaching 

5️⃣ Be on the Podcast – Free coaching, real convo. Come chat with us on the show! Get real-time financial coaching and help other women by sharing your story. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall 

"I love Shana & Vanessa and this podcast is amazing!" 👈🏻 If that sounds like you… ✨ Please take a second to rate & review the show! It helps us reach more people—just like you—who are ready to change their financial future. 🔔 Don’t forget to follow so you never miss an episode! 💌 And if you're feeling extra generous, share this podcast with a friend who needs it. We’d be so honored. 🙌

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! Today we’re cleaning out that messy “junk drawer” bank account and giving your money actual homes. If everything’s been tangled together—paychecks in, bills out, Target runs, Starbucks, gas, kids’ surprises—no wonder it feels like your money’s disappearing. We’ve got you. 💛

• Why one catch-all account = chaos (hi, stress 👋🏽)

• The Lisa story (aka how pedicure money turns into cupcakes, milkshakes, gas, and laundry pods)

• The simplest way to create freedom to spend without tracking every transaction

• How to use digital envelopes with four separate debit accounts:

  1. Gas & Groceries

  2. Restaurants

  3. Personal/Fun Money

  4. Kids

• How this step pairs with the V-System so bills get paid first, spending lives separately, and guilt goes bye!

Connect With Us: 

1️⃣ Facebook Group – Join the community. Our free group is where the real talk happens. Connect with other women who are learning how to budget, save, and finally feel in control, together. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook 

2️⃣ Automate Your Budget Masterclass – Watch it now, no waiting. This FREE on-demand training shows you how to set up a budget that matches your lifestyle, without tracking every dollar or feeling restricted. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/automate 

3️⃣ Budget – Grab our Simplified Budget System! You don’t need another budget, you need a system that does the math, makes the plan, and gives you permission to spend. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/budget 

4️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching – Get a plan and a coach. We’ll build your full budget system together, so you always know what to do and feel confident doing it. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coaching 

5️⃣ Be on the Podcast – Free coaching, real convo. Come chat with us on the show! Get real-time financial coaching and help other women by sharing your story. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall 

"I love Shana & Vanessa and this podcast is amazing!" 👈🏻 If that sounds like you… ✨ Please take a second to rate & review the show! It helps us reach more people—just like you—who are ready to change their financial future. 🔔 Don’t forget to follow so you never miss an episode! 💌 And if you're feeling extra generous, share this podcast with a friend who needs it. We’d be so honored. 🙌

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!

Check Out Ral's Mastermind Program!

We’re chatting with our friend Ral West, a powerhouse entrepreneur who’s all about building a business that serves your life, not the other way around. Ral’s got 40+ years of experience, has built and sold a wildly successful company, and now teaches business owners how to get their time, health, and freedom back.

Let’s just say… she’s walking the walk — 52 podcast interviews, a course, a mastermind, and a month-long vacation on the books. 👏🏽

In This Episode, We Cover:

1. The real cost of letting your business run your life

2. How to systematize, automate, and delegate (without micromanaging!)

3. The art of effective delegation — and why most people are doing it wrong

4. Why your business should support your dream life, not suck it dry

5. The 6 foundational principles RA teaches to help business owners scale and enjoy life

6. The connection between financial clarity, boundaries, and building a sustainable business

“If it doesn’t fit into my dream life vision — I don’t do it.” – Ral West 🙌🏾

We also had a total alignment moment around budgeting! Because y’all know we’re big fans of automation, delegation, and systems — whether you’re managing your business or your money. 💸

So if you’re out here trying to do it all yourself (in your business, at home, or with your money), this is your sign to pause, reset, and start building systems that actually support your life.

Connect With Us: 

1️⃣ Facebook Group – Join the community. Our free group is where the real talk happens. Connect with other women who are learning how to budget, save, and finally feel in control, together. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook 

2️⃣ Automate Your Budget Masterclass – Watch it now, no waiting. This FREE on-demand training shows you how to set up a budget that matches your lifestyle, without tracking every dollar or feeling restricted. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/automate 

3️⃣ Budget – Grab our Simplified Budget System! You don’t need another budget, you need a system that does the math, makes the plan, and gives you permission to spend. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/budget 

4️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching – Get a plan and a coach. We’ll build your full budget system together, so you always know what to do and feel confident doing it. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coaching 

5️⃣ Be on the Podcast – Free coaching, real convo. Come chat with us on the show! Get real-time financial coaching and help other women by sharing your story. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall 

"I love Shana & Vanessa and this podcast is amazing!" 👈🏻 If that sounds like you… ✨ Please take a second to rate & review the show! It helps us reach more people—just like you—who are ready to change their financial future. 🔔 Don’t forget to follow so you never miss an episode! 💌 And if you're feeling extra generous, share this podcast with a friend who needs it. We’d be so honored. 🙌

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!

Learn About Office Hours!

Budget besties, we’ve got a very special guest on the pod today… our very own teammate and financial coaching pro, Michelle! 🎉

This episode marks a first—Michelle’s first time on the mic with us, and we’re diving into what’s really happening behind the scenes during our free weekly Office Hours. We’re calling this new series “Lessons from the Sessions,” and trust us, Michelle is bringing the wisdom, encouragement, and big sister energy you didn’t know you needed.

We talk about:

1. How Michelle went from podcast listener to being a core part of our team ❤️

2. What led her to financial coaching (hello, emergency fund = credit card era 👋)

3. Why getting a paycheck ahead is the #1 topic in Office Hours—and how you can get there too

4. The truth about savings buckets (yes, we love them, but no, you don’t start there!)

5. Why being detail-obsessed with your spending might actually be slowing you down

6. And how just showing up—even if you’re not ready to talk—can move you forward

Michelle also gives us a peek into the kinds of questions people bring each week, and why Office Hours have become a lifeline for so many women trying to make their money feel steady and stress-free.

📅 Office Hours happen every Wednesday at 12pm CT and are 100% free to everyone in our community—no system or coaching purchase required. If you’ve got questions, feel stuck, or just want to listen in and learn, Michelle’s your girl.

We’re SO excited to bring her back on the pod monthly to share more real-life insights from these powerful sessions. Get ready to feel encouraged, empowered, and way less alone in your money journey.

Connect With Us: 

1️⃣ Facebook Group – Join the community. Our free group is where the real talk happens. Connect with other women who are learning how to budget, save, and finally feel in control, together. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook 

2️⃣ Automate Your Budget Masterclass – Watch it now, no waiting. This FREE on-demand training shows you how to set up a budget that matches your lifestyle, without tracking every dollar or feeling restricted. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/automate 

3️⃣ Budget – Grab our Simplified Budget System! You don’t need another budget, you need a system that does the math, makes the plan, and gives you permission to spend. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/budget 

4️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching – Get a plan and a coach. We’ll build your full budget system together, so you always know what to do and feel confident doing it. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coaching 

5️⃣ Be on the Podcast – Free coaching, real convo. Come chat with us on the show! Get real-time financial coaching and help other women by sharing your story. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall 

"I love Shana & Vanessa and this podcast is amazing!" 👈🏻 If that sounds like you… ✨ Please take a second to rate & review the show! It helps us reach more people—just like you—who are ready to change their financial future. 🔔 Don’t forget to follow so you never miss an episode! 💌 And if you're feeling extra generous, share this podcast with a friend who needs it. We’d be so honored. 🙌

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!

Check out our Stress Free Bills Mini Class!

Ever find yourself nervously swiping your debit card, praying your bills are already covered? You're not alone—and it's not your fault. In this episode, we’re diving into Step 3 of the Budget Besties Method: setting up a dedicated Bills account. 🙌🏽

When your bills have their own space to breathe (aka their own bank account), you're no longer guessing, stressing, or backtracking. We’re talking clarity, control, and total peace of mind, besties.

Shana and Vanessa share real-life stories from clients whose lives were changed just by making this one move—including being able to travel without worrying if the lights would be on when they got back. Yes, it’s that real.

We’re showing you:

1. Why running everything through one account is sabotaging your budget

2. What counts as a “bill” (spoiler: it’s not groceries)

3. How separating your bills removes the guesswork

4. Why this is the first step toward getting a paycheck ahead

✨ Get ready to take a breath, let your budget work for you, and stop letting your money keep you up at night. This one’s a game changer.

Mentioned in this episode:

Want to go deeper? Head to budgetbesties.com/bills to grab the video series and learn how to build your buffer, automate your bills (yes—even if you're scared), and stop living paycheck to paycheck for good.

Connect With Us: 

1️⃣ Facebook Group – Join the community. Our free group is where the real talk happens. Connect with other women who are learning how to budget, save, and finally feel in control, together. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook 

2️⃣ Automate Your Budget Masterclass – Watch it now, no waiting. This FREE on-demand training shows you how to set up a budget that matches your lifestyle, without tracking every dollar or feeling restricted. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/automate 

3️⃣ Budget – Grab our Simplified Budget System! You don’t need another budget, you need a system that does the math, makes the plan, and gives you permission to spend. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/budget 

4️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching – Get a plan and a coach. We’ll build your full budget system together, so you always know what to do and feel confident doing it. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coaching 

5️⃣ Be on the Podcast – Free coaching, real convo. Come chat with us on the show! Get real-time financial coaching and help other women by sharing your story. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall 

"I love Shana & Vanessa and this podcast is amazing!" 👈🏻 If that sounds like you… ✨ Please take a second to rate & review the show! It helps us reach more people—just like you—who are ready to change their financial future. 🔔 Don’t forget to follow so you never miss an episode! 💌 And if you're feeling extra generous, share this podcast with a friend who needs it. We’d be so honored. 🙌

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!

Watch this episode here!

Budget besties... it’s time. 🎃
We’re sipping pumpkin spice, skeletons are popping up in the neighborhood, and Hobby Lobby has Christmas aisles in full swing—which can only mean one thing: it's time to plan your October budget!

In this episode, Shana and Vanessa walk you through the exact steps they use with their coaching clients to get ready for the new month, including:

✨ How to separate your spending accounts so you can swipe with confidence
✨ What “month-specific” spending really means (hello Halloween candy, costumes, dad’s birthday, and skate camp 👀)
✨ The power of savings buckets—yes, even for Homecoming dresses and horse expenses
✨ Why automating your transfers is the key to budget peace (and no more tracking every dollar)
✨ What it looks like to have money left over after budgeting—yes, it’s possible!

Whether you're just getting started or you're deep in your debt payoff journey, we’ve got the real-life examples and step-by-step process to help you stop guessing and start planning with clarity.

Connect With Us: 

1️⃣ Facebook Group – Join the community. Our free group is where the real talk happens. Connect with other women who are learning how to budget, save, and finally feel in control, together. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook 

2️⃣ Automate Your Budget Masterclass – Watch it now, no waiting. This FREE on-demand training shows you how to set up a budget that matches your lifestyle, without tracking every dollar or feeling restricted. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/automate 

3️⃣ Budget – Grab our Simplified Budget System! You don’t need another budget, you need a system that does the math, makes the plan, and gives you permission to spend. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/budget 

4️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching – Get a plan and a coach. We’ll build your full budget system together, so you always know what to do and feel confident doing it. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coaching 

5️⃣ Be on the Podcast – Free coaching, real convo. Come chat with us on the show! Get real-time financial coaching and help other women by sharing your story. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall 

"I love Shana & Vanessa and this podcast is amazing!" 👈🏻 If that sounds like you… ✨ Please take a second to rate & review the show! It helps us reach more people—just like you—who are ready to change their financial future. 🔔 Don’t forget to follow so you never miss an episode! 💌 And if you're feeling extra generous, share this podcast with a friend who needs it. We’d be so honored. 🙌

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!

Today’s episode is packed with real life, real clients, and real money lessons from our coaching sessions — and trust us, if they’re going through it, you probably are too. From college kids nearly losing scholarships to business owners buried in tools they don’t need, we’re breaking it all down.

This is the episode where you get to learn through someone else’s mistakes (hallelujah), feel less alone, and walk away with quick wins you can apply to your own budget — right now.

✨ Today’s Lessons From the Coaching Couch💸 1. Be a Good Steward of Your Money

One of our sweet clients had to have a Come to Jesus moment with her son after he almost lost his scholarship. Her message?

“If someone gives you money — you have a responsibility to use it well.”

Whether it’s a scholarship, a paycheck, or a random blessing — the same is true for all of us. Your job, your income, your opportunities are a gift. And budgeting is how you honor it. Period.

➡️ When you know what’s coming in and where it’s going, you can be intentional and wise — and avoid losing what you worked so hard to get.

Connect With Us: 

1️⃣ Facebook Group – Join the community. Our free group is where the real talk happens. Connect with other women who are learning how to budget, save, and finally feel in control, together. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook 

2️⃣ Automate Your Budget Masterclass – Watch it now, no waiting. This FREE on-demand training shows you how to set up a budget that matches your lifestyle, without tracking every dollar or feeling restricted. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/automate 

3️⃣ Budget – Grab our Simplified Budget System! You don’t need another budget, you need a system that does the math, makes the plan, and gives you permission to spend. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/budget 

4️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching – Get a plan and a coach. We’ll build your full budget system together, so you always know what to do and feel confident doing it. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coaching 

5️⃣ Be on the Podcast – Free coaching, real convo. Come chat with us on the show! Get real-time financial coaching and help other women by sharing your story. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall 

"I love Shana & Vanessa and this podcast is amazing!" 👈🏻 If that sounds like you… ✨ Please take a second to rate & review the show! It helps us reach more people—just like you—who are ready to change their financial future. 🔔 Don’t forget to follow so you never miss an episode! 💌 And if you're feeling extra generous, share this podcast with a friend who needs it. We’d be so honored. 🙌

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!