Financial Coaching for Women: How To Budget, Manage Money, Pay Off Debt, Save Money, Paycheck Plans Vanessa & Shana | Christian Financial Coaches | Dave Ramsey Fans

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Hey Budget Besties! 🌞 Are your kids already asking to do a million things this summer? We totally get it. Summer can quickly become a chaotic mix of activities, camps, and trips. But do you have the money for all those plans? Today, we’re diving into how to budget for a fun and memorable summer without breaking the bank!

Episode Highlights:


Planning with Purpose:


Start by casting a vision for your summer. What do you want to accomplish? How do you want to feel by the end of it?
Get your family involved! Have a meeting to discuss everyone’s ideas and commitments.
Use a blank calendar to map out all your plans and avoid overbooking.


Setting Realistic Expectations:


You only get so many summers, especially with your kids at home. Make each one count!
Consider a mix of paid and free activities to balance the budget.


Budgeting Tips:


Look at your overall budget to see what you can afford. Prioritize based on what matters most to your family.
Involve your kids in the budgeting process. Give them a set amount and let them choose how to spend it.


Free and Low-Cost Activities:


Check out community events, library programs, and local parks.
Utilize memberships, like YMCA or museum passes, to save money while keeping kids entertained.


Paid Activities Worth Budgeting For:


Summer camps: Factor in all costs, including registration, equipment, and extras.
Vacations: Plan for travel, lodging, food, and activities. Use our vacation tracker to help budget!


Teaching Financial Literacy:


Encourage your kids to earn money for additional activities through chores or small jobs.
Teach them to make choices based on available funds, fostering responsible financial habits.



Final Thoughts:

Plan your summer with intention and keep your family's goals and values in mind. Make sure to schedule your vacations first and fit other activities around them. Explore free community events and communicate positively about financial decisions to foster a healthy money mindset in your kids.





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.

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Snag Our Signature Budget Template!



Hey Budget Besties! In this episode, we’re sharing some real-life nuggets from our group coaching sessions. May was a long month for budgets, and we’re here to help you navigate all the challenges it brings. From unexpected grocery bills to handling extra paychecks, we’ve got tips to keep you on track. Plus, hear how to manage those pesky annual bills and the importance of replenishing your emergency fund quickly. Join us as we dive into your burning questions and tackle budget dilemmas together!

May Budgeting Tips:


May feels like December with all the extra expenses like Mother’s Day, graduations, and end-of-year parties.


Plan ahead for these events to avoid budget surprises.



Handling Extra Paychecks:


When you receive an extra paycheck, focus on your primary financial goals.


Consider applying it to large upcoming expenses like college tuition or insurance premiums.



Emergency Fund Replenishment:


Always prioritize replenishing your emergency fund after using it.


Think of it as storm mode – stop everything else until your emergency fund is back in place.



Automating Payments:


Set up automatic payments for regular expenses, even if they’re going to a person, like paying a family member for childcare.


Use your bank’s bill pay feature to streamline this process.



Budgeting for Annual Bills:


Save monthly for annual or bi-annual bills to avoid large, unexpected expenses.


Label savings accounts specifically for these purposes to stay organized.



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!  


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Hey, budget besties! In this episode, we're diving into the essential first step of budgeting: rediscovering your financial dreams and figuring out your "why." We share heartwarming stories, practical steps, and motivational tips to help you envision a future that excites you. Let’s get back to dreaming big and setting the stage for financial success!

Key Takeaways:


Start with Your Why:


Reflect on your financial goals and what you want for your future.
Keeping your "why" in front of you helps stay motivated.


Visioning Exercise:


Take time to dream again. Think about what you want for yourself and your family.
Use a long-term perspective to set exciting goals.


Practical Steps:


Write down your goals for one year, five years, and retirement.
Break down what you want to accomplish in each timeframe.
Keep your goals visible to stay focused.


Real-Life Inspiration:


Hear about Luke and Tina's journey from living in an RV to setting clear financial goals.
We share our personal stories of planning for future trips and retirement.


Integrating Dreams with Budgeting:


Ensure your daily budget aligns with your long-term goals.
Use budgeting as a tool to achieve your dreams, not just a chore.



Memorable Quotes:


"You have to know your why. If you don't have an end goal, you don't show up for it well."
"Take a step back and think about what are we excited about? What do we want?"
"Dream again. You used to be so young and excited with big goals. We want that for you still."

Action Steps:


Vision Board: Create a vision board or write down your financial dreams. Include short-term and long-term goals.
Daily Reminders: Place reminders of your goals where you'll see them often—your bathroom mirror, car, or workspace.
Budget Alignment: Review your budget to ensure it supports your goals. Make adjustments as needed to stay on track.

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!  


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Today, we are talking about the importance of setting financial priorities and sticking to them. Our clients have made incredible progress, from paying off credit card debt to tackling student loans and planning for future expenses. We share their journey, the challenges they've faced, and how they've managed to stay focused on their goals.

Episode Highlights:


Client Success Stories:


Our clients kicked off the year with ambitious goals and have already paid off their credit card debt. 🎉
They've set a clear plan: prioritize student loans, pay off braces, build an emergency fund, and tackle vehicle and home expenses.


Tackling Multiple Financial Goals:


Balancing paying off student loans while saving for other essentials.
Prioritizing a fully funded emergency fund before addressing less urgent debts like vehicle loans.


Budgeting for Everyday Expenses:


Simplifying finances by creating separate accounts for different spending categories, like dining out.
Emphasizing the importance of planning and tracking spending to avoid financial stress.


Personalized Coaching Insights:


Discussing strategies to avoid common budgeting pitfalls, such as consolidating all spending into one account.
Encouraging clients to take ownership of their financial plans and celebrate small victories.


Importance of Staying Ahead on Taxes:


Advising business owners to stay current with their taxes to avoid future financial stress.
Highlighting the benefits of setting aside a percentage of income for taxes to stay ahead.



Key Takeaways:


Set Clear Priorities: Define what needs to be tackled first, from paying off high-interest debts to saving for emergencies.
Stick to the Plan: Resist the urge to deviate from your financial plan, even when unexpected expenses arise.
Simplify and Track Spending: Use multiple accounts for different spending categories to stay organized and avoid overspending.
Stay Ahead on Taxes: For business owners, staying current on taxes can prevent significant financial headaches down the line.




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!  


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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/idealbalance/message

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Today, we’re diving into the challenges every mom faces when managing family finances. Whether it’s budgeting for unexpected school costs or navigating the expensive world of sports like cheer, we're here to give you the real deal on managing your money effectively. Join us as we respond to your burning questions and share personal anecdotes that will help you create a stress-free budget that actually works for you and your family.

In This Episode:


Made of Money? - We kick off the episode with a fun reminder that no, moms are not made of money! We discuss the reality of budgeting for big-ticket items like cheer competitions and why starting a savings bucket for such activities can be a game-changer.


Budgeting Basics for Moms: - The second half of our show focuses on the typical budget challenges moms face, from clothing costs for growing kids to managing the household budget. We share tips on how to determine what your kids really need versus what they want, ensuring your purchases are necessary and within budget.


Dealing with Unexpected Costs: - Unexpected school and sports expenses can throw a wrench in your budget, but we talk about how anticipating these costs can prevent financial surprises. Learn how to set up savings buckets for different categories and start saving incrementally to cover these inevitable expenses.


The Sports Dilemma: - We tackle a common dilemma for many parents: the cost versus benefits of enrolling kids in sports. While keeping them busy is important, we discuss the value of free time and creativity, and how not being busy all the time can be beneficial for kids’ development.



Key Takeaways:


Start a savings bucket for large yearly expenses and divide the total cost by 12 to save monthly.
Create specific budgets for categories like housing and unexpected costs, and stick to them unless it's an emergency.
Evaluate what your children actually need before making purchases, and involve them in the decision-making process to teach budgeting skills.

Closing Thoughts:
Moms, you're not alone in the financial challenges you face. By implementing strategic savings plans and sticking to your budgets, you can alleviate the stress of financial management. Remember, empowerment in budgeting comes from clarity and a proactive approach. Keep pushing forward, and know that every small step is a big win in achieving financial stability.






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!  


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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/idealbalance/message

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In today’s episode, we're answering your questions about budgeting and motherhood. We talk through the unique challenges moms face when budgeting for the unexpected—yes, all those "mom-made-of-money" moments when you just wish you had a secret stash just for ice cream after little league wins!

📍 Today’s Highlights:


Post-Game Treats: We chat about those spontaneous celebrations like ice cream after a win. Instead of letting these sweet surprises blow your budget, we explore setting aside a fun fund—maybe a cash envelope in your purse. Let's make budgeting a game and teach the kids about spending limits.


Dealing With Unexpected Expenses: We've all been there—suddenly, the soccer shoes don't fit, or there's a school trip fee due tomorrow. Instead of getting frustrated, we talk about tracking these expenses to better prepare next year. Remember, 'unexpected' is just another word for 'not yet budgeted.'


Conversations with Kids: We discuss the power of including your children in budget discussions. It's not about saying "no," but about choosing what to prioritize—be it saving for a vacation or managing day-to-day expenses. This approach helps kids understand budgeting isn’t just a necessity but a way to control their financial future.


Single Moms & Budgeting: Special shoutout to the single moms out there making it work. We delve into how transparency about finances can be a powerful teaching moment for teenagers heading to college.


Budgeting for Extracurriculars: Whether it’s sports or dance classes, extracurriculars can take a significant slice of the budget pie. We share strategies on how to handle these costs without compromising your financial health.



📍 Tip of the Day:
Remember, every budget decision is a chance to teach valuable financial lessons. Whether it's deciding against a spontaneous purchase or planning for future expenses, each choice builds towards a financially literate family.

📍 Budget Bestie Reminder:
Check out our signature budget template at budgetbesties.com/budget. It’s designed to simplify your financial life and is packed with walkthrough videos and special training to get you and your family on the path to financial empowerment.

💬 We’d Love to Hear from You:
Got a budgeting tip or a story you’d like to share? Drop us a line or comment on our social channels. How do you involve your family in budgeting decisions? Let's keep this conversation going and help each other navigate the financial maze of motherhood!

Until next time, keep those budgets balanced and those dreams within reach, besties!






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 & pu