Ever feel like you're trying to pay off debt while holding your breath, hoping your income doesn’t suddenly vanish? Or maybe your family has income that comes in waves, and you’re just trying to keep the budget afloat?

You’re not alone. In this episode, I’m answering two listener questions that so many people are navigating right now:

1. Should I pause my debt payoff if I’m worried about losing my job?
2. How do I budget when my income is totally unpredictable?

We’ll talk about:

• Why pausing your debt-free journey isn’t failing, it's smart
• How to build a financial safety net when layoffs are on the horizon
  What a “bare bones budget” is and why it matters
• How to create an “income bucket” to smooth out unpredictable paychecks
• And most importantly, why budgeting has to be flexible

Whether you’re in a rocky job situation or dealing with variable income, this episode will help you feel more prepared and less overwhelmed. Small, steady steps matter, and I promise, you’re not behind.

📘 Grab my book Money Made Easy for more step-by-step help, including examples, visuals, and real-life stories from our own journey.

💌  Want to submit a question for a future episode? Email me at [email protected] or DM me @InspiredBudget on Instagram.

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!

In this episode, I chat with Kevin Payne about how families can experience the magic of Disney without breaking the bank. Kevin shares his journey from adopting two children (doubling his family size!) to finding ways to make travel affordable while maintaining certain non-negotiables.

We discuss:

• The biggest Disney expenses
• Pros and cons of staying on vs. off Disney property
• How to save on food
• Setting souvenir budgets for kids (and why food often becomes the best souvenir)

Kevin reveals that even though Disney has gotten more expensive, there are always ways to make it work within your budget by being intentional about what aspects matter most to your family.

Whether you've never been to Disney because you thought it was out of reach (like I once did) or you're a Disney veteran looking for new savings tips, this episode will help you plan an affordable magical experience.

Listen to Kevin's podcast, The Family Money Adventure Show, or find him on social media @HeyKevinPayne.

Also, you can check out Disney tips at The Undercover Tourist

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!

Summer spending can sneak up on you fast. Between pool days, fireworks, and sales everywhere you look, it’s easy to blow through your budget without even realizing it. 

In this episode, I’m getting honest about where I’m NOT spending money this summer (looking at you, lemon-themed decor) and the few things I am saying YES to, guilt-free.

I’m sharing:

• 7 things I’m skipping this summer to save money and reduce stress
  
  
• 3 things I’m excited to splurge on, including family travel and a backyard upgrade
  
  
• How we’re using gift cards, free fun, and summer camp hacks to stretch our budget

My hope is that this episode helps you rethink your own summer spending. Grab your notes app and jot down your own "no" list and "yes" list. It’s such a helpful way to stay intentional with your money while still enjoying the season.

👉 Send me a DM on Instagram (@inspiredbudget) and tell me what you’re saying "no" and "yes" to this summer. I’d love to hear your list!

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!

Jesse Cramer, a former aerospace engineer turned financial planner, joins me to talk about longevity risk and why it’s especially important for women to plan for the long haul.

We talk about what it means to outlive your money, how Social Security really works (especially for stay-at-home moms or lower earners), and what to do if you're behind on retirement savings. Jesse breaks it down in everyday language that anyone can understand.

You'll learn:

• What spousal and survivor benefits actually mean
• How to build a “retirement paycheck” that doesn’t just rely on Social Security
• Why it’s okay to start investing even if you don’t know everything yet
• When it might make sense to hire a financial advisor (and when it doesn’t)

Whether you're in your 30s, 50s, or somewhere in between, this episode is your reminder that it’s not too late and you don’t have to figure it out alone.

🔗 Links Mentioned:

• Jesse’s blog: bestinterest.blog
• Jesse’s podcast: Personal Finance for Long-Term Investors

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!

Today is my birthday—I'm 38! 🎂 And instead of giving you a list of lessons or tips, I’m doing something a little different. I’m sharing what this season of life feels like—from motherhood and money, to business, marriage, and the friendships that come and go.

This is a heart-to-heart episode about being present, growing through the hard parts, and choosing what matters most. Whether you’re deep in your own season of change or just love a good reflective moment, I hope this speaks to you.

In this episode, I’m sharing:

• What I’ve stopped dreaming about—and what I’m dreaming of now
• The moment in motherhood that made me pause and feel proud
• Why financial freedom is so much more than a number
• What’s still hard (yes, even now!) and what I’m excited for in year 38

🎧 Press play and then come DM me: What does this season of life feel like for you?

🎁 Ready to take control of your money? Watch my free budget class here.

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!

What if you could turn your creative curiosity into a side hustle that pays off debt, fits around your kids’ schedules, and maybe even replaces your 9-to-5?

In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Emily Odido-Sutton, a former educator turned full-time Etsy seller, who built a wildly successful print-on-demand business—without any prior design or business experience. Yep, zero.

We talk about:

• Why she started selling on Etsy with no design background
• How print-on-demand works (and why it’s perfect for busy moms)
• The exact moment she realized she could quit her day job
• What her workdays look like now (spoiler: it’s not 40 hours!)
• Her $500K in revenue milestone and 30% profit margin

Whether you’re side hustle curious or dreaming of more flexibility and financial freedom, Emily’s story will leave you inspired and thinking, “Wait, maybe I can do this too.”

Learn more about Emily’s course: Gifting Gold
Follow her on Instagram: @ecommemily

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!

In this special Q&A episode, I’m answering two important questions from our Inspired Budget community. First, we talk about how to prepare your finances when prices are rising and the economy feels uncertain (hello, tariffs and recession talk!). Then, I answer a question about what to do when you keep going over budget—even when you technically have the money.

Whether you're adjusting to a new season of life, feeling the pressure at the grocery store, or just want to feel more in control of your money, this episode will help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

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!

Today, we’re sitting down again with Jeremy Schneider, and it feels just like catching up with an old friend who’s here to clear up the confusion around financial advisors. Jeremy, who's behind both Personal Finance Club and the new venture, Nectarine, shares personal stories and why finding genuine, unbiased financial advice can be tricky. 

If you've ever felt unsure about who to trust with your financial questions, this episode will feel like a breath of fresh air, giving you the confidence to seek advice that truly has your best interest at heart.

What You'll Learn:

1. The real differences between fee-based and commission-based financial advice—and why it matters to you.
2. Stories from Jeremy and Allison that reveal the tricky situations you might encounter with commission-driven advisors.
3. How to spot and steer clear of financial advice that doesn't have your best interests in mind.
4. An introduction to Nectarine, where you can find financial advisors who work on a flat fee or hourly basis—meaning they're working for you, not for a commission.
5. Practical tips for vetting financial advisors and feeling secure in your choices.

Links and Resources:

• Check out Nectarine to connect with trustworthy financial advisors.*
• Learn more about investing at Personal Finance Club.
• Listen to Jeremy’s first visit to the Inspired Budget Podcast

*I will be compensated by Nectarine if you use my affiliate link, which creates an incentive and conflict of interest. I am not a current client or employee of Nectarine.

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!

Two months ago my youngest son had a freak accident that turned our world upside down. What started as a chipped tooth at school quickly spiraled into multiple surgeries, procedures, and a life-changing injury.

I'm taking you behind the scenes of this emotional journey - from that first call from the school nurse to endless visits with specialists and surgeries. I’m sharing how we navigated multiple specialists, several surgeries, and what this means for my son (and us!) going forward.

This accident will have lasting impacts on my 10-year-old, but I'm also sharing why having an emergency fund was absolutely crucial in helping us focus on his care rather than financial stress.

High Yield Savings Account Link - earn 10x national average!

Financial Impact:

• Emergency Room (Medical):
  • Total Bill: $7,230.00
  • Insurance Paid: $2,659.20
  • We Paid: $3,199.56 (30% discount)
• Pediatric Dentist (Dental):
  • Total Bill: $1,073.00
  • Insurance Paid: $123.00
  • We Paid: $583.00 (discount)
• Oral Surgeon (Dental):
  • Total Bill: $3,441.00
  • Insurance Paid: $211
  • We paid: $3,230.00
• Orthodontist:
  • Total Bill: $3,950.00
  • Insurance Paid: $1,395.00
  • We Paid: $2,555.00
• Endodontist (Dental):
  • Total Bill: $4,636.00
  • Insurance Paid: $0.00
  • We Paid: $3,477.00 (25% discount)
• Total Paid to Date: $13,044.56

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!

In this episode, Allison chats with Shannah Game, financial expert and author of "Unraveling Your Relationship with Money." They dive into the deep end of our feelings about money, discussing how emotional and psychological factors impact our financial decisions. This episode is packed with stories and tips on how to manage your money mindfully.

What You'll Learn:

• The importance of emotions in your financial life.
• Simple steps to fix unhealthy money habits.
• How to feel good about your finances, no matter your bank balance.

Resources Mentioned:

• Shannah Game's Book: Unraveling Your Relationship With Money
• Shannah’s Podcast: Everyone’s Talkin’ Money Podcast

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!