Budgets for Badges

Rebecca Jameson
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

Our mission with Budgets for Badges is to empower first responder families to take control of their money, reduce financial stress, while building a more resilient relationship. Hosts Chris Harkson-Lucero (financial coach and flight paramedic) and Rebecca Jameson (financial coach and wife of a sheriff's deputy) come together to talk about the intricacies of money dynamics within first responder relationships. Each host has a unique perspective on how money roles influence these couples. In this podcast they dive deep into the many money topics that most couples are afraid to talk about.

  1. 1d ago

    When “Don’t Tell My Spouse” Stops Being Funny

    “Don’t tell my spouse how much I spent.” It’s one of those jokes we’ve all heard—and maybe even made. 😬 But when does hiding a purchase cross the line from harmless independence into financial infidelity? In this episode of Budgets for Badges, we’re talking about the money secrets couples keep and what happens when those secrets begin affecting financial trust. We’re digging into everything from conveniently forgetting to mention the Amazon package on the porch to secret credit cards, hidden debt, undisclosed accounts, overtime money your spouse doesn’t know about, and major financial decisions happening behind each other’s backs. We’ll talk about: 💳 What actually counts as financial infidelity📦 The difference between financial privacy and financial secrecy🚔 How overtime and opposite schedules can make financial disconnect easier in first responder relationships💰 Why people hide purchases, debt, income, or accounts❤️ The difference between financial independence and financial control🚩 When hidden money becomes a much bigger relationship problem🤝 How couples can create financial boundaries without monitoring every dollar the other person spends Because healthy financial transparency doesn't mean your spouse needs an incident report every time you buy coffee. But if you're hiding purchases because you're afraid of what will happen when your spouse finds out, that's probably worth a conversation. And if the phrase “Don't tell my spouse” isn't really a joke anymore? It's time to talk about it. 🎧 Listen to When “Don’t Tell My Spouse” Stops Being Funny wherever you get your podcasts. Note: Financial secrecy can also occur in relationships involving financial control or abuse. Maintaining access to money for your personal safety is not the same as deceptive spending. If financial control or abuse is present, prioritize your safety and seek appropriate professional support. Follow us on IG: Budgets for Badges: https://www.instagram.com/budgetsforbadges Rebecca Jameson: https://www.instagram.com/bluelinemoneycoach Chris Harcksen-Lucero: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthenumbersbn

  2. Sep 26 ·  Bonus

    Mini EP 7: Taxes Didn’t Steal Your Overtime—Let’s Talk About It

    You worked the extra shift. You gave up the day off. Then the paycheck hit and your first thought was: “Where the hell did all my overtime go?” Welcome back to Mini Money Makeover—our quick, 15–20 minute episodes designed to help first responders and their families understand one money topic without needing an accounting degree to get through it. In this episode, we're tackling one of the most persistent first responder money myths: “Overtime isn't worth it because taxes take it all.” Spoiler alert: That's not exactly how taxes work. We're breaking down why an overtime-heavy paycheck can look like it's getting hammered by taxes, the important difference between tax withholding and your actual tax liability, and all the other deductions quietly taking their share of your gross pay. We'll also talk about a better way to evaluate whether working that extra shift is actually worth it. Because the question shouldn't just be: “How much did they take out?” It should also be: “What did I actually take home—and what am I going to do with it?” In this Mini Money Makeover, we discuss: Why overtime checks can appear to be taxed more heavilyThe difference between withholding and what you ultimately owe in taxesWhy moving into a higher tax bracket doesn't mean all of your income gets taxed at the higher rateThe other payroll deductions that can shrink an overtime checkHow to calculate what you're actually taking home from an extra shiftWhy every overtime shift should have a purpose before you work itOvertime isn't free money. You're trading your time, sleep, recovery, and family time to earn it. So before you decide the government "took it all," do the math. You might discover taxes weren't the real problem after all. 🎧 Give us 15–20 minutes and let's finally settle the overtime tax debate.

  3. Sep 18

    Dividing More Than Just Furniture: Divorce for First Responders

    Nobody gets married expecting to someday sit down and figure out who gets the couch, the house, the debt... or part of the pension. But divorce isn't just the end of a relationship. It's one of the biggest financial transitions a family can experience—and for first responders, there can be some additional complications. In this episode of Budgets for Badges, we're talking about the real financial cost of divorce for first responders and why the impact can reach much further than attorney fees and dividing household belongings. Pensions, deferred compensation accounts, overtime income, healthcare benefits, housing, child-related expenses, taxes, and retirement timelines can all become part of the financial picture. Add shift work, custody schedules, mandatory overtime, and the logistics of running two households instead of one, and things can get complicated quickly. In this episode, we discuss: Why divorce can dramatically change both partners' financial pictureThe potential impact on pensions and retirement accountsHow overtime and variable first responder income can complicate financial planningThe hidden costs of turning one household into twoKids, custody, and the ongoing expenses of co-parentingEmotional spending and the temptation to financially "start over" overnightThe financial steps to consider when rebuilding after divorceWhy both spouses should understand the household finances long before a crisis happensAnd this episode isn't only for people going through a divorce. It's also an important reminder for married couples that financial awareness shouldn't belong to only one spouse. Both partners should know what accounts exist, understand the retirement benefits, know how the household operates financially, and be involved in conversations about the future. Because whether you're protecting the life you've built together or rebuilding a new one on your own, financial knowledge creates options. 🎧 Tune in as we talk about what happens when you're dividing much more than the furniture—and how to begin building financial stability on the other side. Disclaimer: This episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as legal, tax, or individualized financial advice. Divorce laws and financial outcomes vary based on individual circumstances and jurisdiction. Consider consulting qualified legal, tax, and financial professionals regarding your specific situation. Follow us on IG: Budgets for Badges: https://www.instagram.com/budgetsforbadges Rebecca Jameson: https://www.instagram.com/bluelinemoneycoach Chris Harcksen-Lucero: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthenumbersbn

  4. Sep 11 ·  Bonus

    Mini EP 6: Your Paycheck Has Entered the Family Group Chat

    You worked the extra shift. You gave up the day off. Then the paycheck hit and your first thought was: “Where the hell did all my overtime go?” Welcome back to Mini Money Makeover—our quick, 15–20 minute episodes designed to help first responders and their families understand one money topic without needing an accounting degree to get through it. In this episode, we're tackling one of the most persistent first responder money myths: “Overtime isn't worth it because taxes take it all.” Spoiler alert: That's not exactly how taxes work. We're breaking down why an overtime-heavy paycheck can look like it's getting hammered by taxes, the important difference between tax withholding and your actual tax liability, and all the other deductions quietly taking their share of your gross pay. We'll also talk about a better way to evaluate whether working that extra shift is actually worth it. Because the question shouldn't just be: “How much did they take out?” It should also be: “What did I actually take home—and what am I going to do with it?” In this Mini Money Makeover, we discuss: Why overtime checks can appear to be taxed more heavilyThe difference between withholding and what you ultimately owe in taxesWhy moving into a higher tax bracket doesn't mean all of your income gets taxed at the higher rateThe other payroll deductions that can shrink an overtime checkHow to calculate what you're actually taking home from an extra shiftWhy every overtime shift should have a purpose before you work itOvertime isn't free money. You're trading your time, sleep, recovery, and family time to earn it. So before you decide the government "took it all," do the math. You might discover taxes weren't the real problem after all. 🎧 Give us 15–20 minutes and let's finally settle the overtime tax debate. Follow us on IG: Budgets for Badges: https://www.instagram.com/budgetsforbadges Rebecca Jameson: https://www.instagram.com/bluelinemoneycoach Chris Harcksen-Lucero: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthenumbersbn

  5. Sep 4

    The Cost of Working While Everyone Else Sleeps

    Shift work comes with the territory for first responders. Nights. Weekends. Holidays. Mandatory overtime. Court after working graveyard. And the occasional moment when you're no longer entirely sure what day it is. But while those shifts may increase your paycheck, they can also create costs that don't show up on your pay stub. In this episode of Budgets for Badges, we're looking at the connection between shift work, health, and money—and asking an important question: How much is your work schedule actually costing you? We're talking about more than medical bills. Chronic exhaustion can show up financially in the form of takeout, convenience spending, childcare, missed workouts, stress spending, and other expenses that make an already demanding schedule easier to survive. Then there's the long game. What happens when years of demanding schedules begin affecting your ability—or willingness—to keep working overtime? What if an injury, health issue, or burnout changes your career timeline before your financial plan is ready? In this episode, we discuss: The hidden "convenience tax" of working unpredictable shiftsHow exhaustion can influence spending and financial decision-makingThe relationship between overtime, income, recovery, and lifestyle creepWhy first responder families shouldn't build a lifestyle that requires maximum earning capacityThe financial impact when health affects your ability to workHow shift work can affect the entire household—not just the first responderWays to build a financial plan that prioritizes both your future wealth and your current healthThis isn't about telling first responders to stop working nights or never pick up overtime. For many, those things are simply part of the career. It's about recognizing that your health is one of your financial assets. Because earning more money today doesn't necessarily put you further ahead if your body ends up picking up the tab later. 🎧 Tune in as we unpack the real financial cost of shift work—and how to build a financial future that doesn't require sacrificing your health to get there. Follow us on IG: Budgets for Badges: https://www.instagram.com/budgetsforbadges Rebecca Jameson: https://www.instagram.com/bluelinemoneycoach Chris Harcksen-Lucero: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthenumbersbn

  6. Aug 28 ·  Bonus

    Mini EP 5: 50/30/20 Your Budget

    Welcome back to Mini Money Makeover—our quick, 15–20 minute episodes designed to help first responders and their families make smarter money decisions without needing a two-hour budget meeting. In this episode, we're breaking down one of the most popular budgeting rules out there: 50/30/20. The idea is simple: 50% for needs.30% for wants.20% for savings and future goals. Sounds easy enough... Until housing costs more than 50%, overtime changes every paycheck, and your "wants" category somehow includes takeout because everyone got home too tired to cook. So, does the 50/30/20 rule actually work for first responders? In this Mini Money Makeover, we talk about: What the 50/30/20 rule actually meansHow to categorize needs, wants, and future goalsWhy variable income and overtime can make the formula trickyHow pension contributions and retirement savings fit into the pictureWhy the percentages are a guideline—not a financial lawHow to adjust the rule so it actually works for your householdThe goal isn't to force your life into a perfect formula. It's to create enough structure to make sure your money is supporting today, tomorrow, and a little bit of fun along the way. 🎧 Spend 15–20 minutes with us and find out whether 50/30/20 works for your budget—or whether reality needs a different set of percentages. Follow us on IG: Budgets for Badges: https://www.instagram.com/budgetsforbadges Rebecca Jameson: https://www.instagram.com/bluelinemoneycoach Chris Harcksen-Lucero: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthenumbersbn

  7. Aug 21

    Are You Letting Amazon Teach Your Kids About Money?

    Another day. Another Amazon package on the porch. And while your kids may not know what was in the box—or how much it cost—they're paying more attention to your money habits than you probably realize. In this episode of Budgets for Badges, we're talking about the financial lessons our kids learn simply by watching us. Because teaching kids about money isn't just about giving them an allowance, opening a savings account, or explaining the difference between needs and wants. It's also about what they see happening at home every day. How do you talk about money? Do they see you planning before making purchases—or clicking "Buy Now" without a second thought? Do they hear you constantly say, "We can't afford that"? Do they see overtime as something that helps your family reach financial goals—or simply as the way you pay for more stuff? For first responder families, these lessons can be especially complicated when overtime, long shifts, missed family time, and stress spending are part of the equation. In this episode, we discuss: The money lessons kids absorb without us intentionally teaching themHow our spending, saving, and even stress around money shape their financial beliefsWhat kids may learn from watching Mom or Dad constantly work overtimeHow to talk about money without making kids anxious about itAge-appropriate ways to involve kids in everyday financial decisionsWhy teaching generosity, patience, saving, and intentional spending starts with modeling those behaviors ourselvesYou don't have to model perfect financial behavior. You just need to recognize that someone is watching. Because someday, when your kids are making their own financial decisions, some of the voices in their heads about money will sound a lot like yours. 🎧 Tune in and ask yourself: What are my money habits teaching my kids—even when I'm not trying to teach them anything? Follow us on IG: Budgets for Badges: https://www.instagram.com/budgetsforbadges Rebecca Jameson: https://www.instagram.com/bluelinemoneycoach Chris Harcksen-Lucero: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthenumbersbn

  8. Aug 14 ·  Bonus

    Mini EP4: What's the SOP? Your Wallet Wants A Holiday Game Plan

    The holidays are coming... Black Friday is only 15 weeks away! And whether you're ready or not, your wallet knows exactly what's headed its way. Gift shopping. Holiday dinners. Travel. School events. Family gatherings. And somehow, a dozen little expenses that never seem to make the original budget. Welcome back to Mini Money Makeover—our quick, 15–20 minute episodes designed to give first responders and their families practical money tips you can put into action right away. In this episode, we're helping you get ahead of holiday spending before it turns into January regret. Because the best holiday budget isn't the one you make in December—it's the one you start planning long before the decorations come out. In this episode, you'll learn: Why holiday spending feels like a financial emergency every yearThe hidden holiday expenses most families forget to budget forHow to build a simple holiday spending planWhy planning ahead reduces both financial and relationship stressSmall steps you can take now to enjoy the holidays without carrying debt into the New YearThe holidays should be filled with memories—not money anxiety. Because the best gift you can give your future self is starting January without a holiday credit card hangover. 🎧 Spend 15 minutes with us and give your wallet the holiday game plan it's been asking for. Follow us on IG: Budgets for Badges: https://www.instagram.com/budgetsforbadges Rebecca Jameson: https://www.instagram.com/bluelinemoneycoach Chris Harcksen-Lucero: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthenumbersbn

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Our mission with Budgets for Badges is to empower first responder families to take control of their money, reduce financial stress, while building a more resilient relationship. Hosts Chris Harkson-Lucero (financial coach and flight paramedic) and Rebecca Jameson (financial coach and wife of a sheriff's deputy) come together to talk about the intricacies of money dynamics within first responder relationships. Each host has a unique perspective on how money roles influence these couples. In this podcast they dive deep into the many money topics that most couples are afraid to talk about.

Information

  • Creator
    Rebecca Jameson
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    62
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Rebecca Jameson
  • Show Website
    Budgets for Badges

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