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In this heartwarming episode, we’re joined by our friend and former client, Megan Gephardt, who shares her inspiring financial transformation journey. Megan, a wife, mom to three boys, army veteran, and now entrepreneur, takes us through her whirlwind of life transitions—from exiting the military to building a sustainable business—all while embracing financial clarity and intentionality.

Together, we discuss how Megan went from managing two chaotic households and feeling intimidated by money to confidently stewarding her family’s finances, paying off significant debt, and even creating space for once-in-a-lifetime experiences like traveling and a peaceful home birth.

Megan’s story is proof that incremental progress and personalized systems can lead to profound peace and freedom. Whether you’re juggling kids, career changes, or just trying to figure out where your money is going, this episode is packed with encouragement and practical wisdom.

1. The Power of Financial Coaching: How Megan transitioned from overwhelm to confidence by creating systems that aligned with her family’s values.
2. Overcoming Financial Barriers: The mindset shifts Megan made to tackle debt, build savings, and create a sustainable plan for big life transitions.
3. The Beauty of Progress Over Perfection: Why taking small, consistent steps led to lasting financial peace.
4. Living Bougie on a Budget: How Megan embraced intentional spending without sacrificing her family’s quality of life.
5. Empowering Your Family: The impact financial clarity had on Megan’s marriage and ability to serve her family and business.

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Budget Besties, we’re diving into some real, relatable lessons from our client sessions this week! From life-altering changes to habits that need a little untangling, we’re sharing stories to help you feel seen, supported, and motivated to take charge of your money.

✨ Highlights From Today’s Episode:

1. “A Lot of Life Happened”: One client is tackling big transitions—moving, foster care changes, and income shifts. Listen in as we break down how to create a mock budget to navigate temporary storms and life-changing months.

2. Overactive Hands Syndrome 🤪: Ever feel like you’re doing too much with your money—setting up transfers, moving pennies, and overcomplicating your system? One client learned the value of starting slow, consolidating first, and letting the system do its thing.

3. Un-Muddy the Financial Waters: Budgeting isn’t an overnight fix. Like a green pool, you have to shock it, let it settle, and trust the process. We share how a step-by-step system (yes, with “training wheels” first!) gets you to a crystal-clear, stress-free money flow.

4. Automate, Automate, Automate: If your mortgage still requires a trip to the bank—hard pass! We’re sharing tips on prioritizing automation so you can reclaim your time and sanity.

Whether you’re a “hands-off ostrich” (looking at you, Shana!) or an over-involved micro-manager, we’ll help you find balance, clarity, and peace with your finances.

✨ What We’re Loving About This Episode:

Sometimes, the biggest financial wins come from getting back to basics. These stories remind us that budgeting isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress, clarity, and making life easier.

📌 Key Takeaways:

1. Start With the Basics: Don’t rush! Build your budget foundation first (and trust us, you’ll thank yourself later).

2. Embrace the Temporary Chaos: Change can be shocking (like a pool shock!), but it’s part of the process.

3. Automate What You Can: Eliminate stress by letting systems handle your bills, savings, and expenses.

4. Be Patient With Yourself: Fixing your finances takes time—just like unlearning old habits.

🎧 Tune In If You:

1. Feel overwhelmed with financial changes (hello, foster parents, new parents, or movers!).

2. Are doing too much with your transfers and need clarity on what to prioritize.

3. Want a money system that works automatically (and frees up your time and brainpower).

Budget Bestie Tip: Remember, it’s a step-by-step process—don’t try to do it all at once. Give yourself grace and trust the system!

✨ Resources Mentioned:

1. Need a clear, automated money plan? Check out our Simplified Budget System (it’ll change your life!).

Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

Hey, budget besties! 💸 We’re here with the three biggest game-changing tips for your finances. Whether you’re tired of living paycheck to paycheck, wondering how to pay off debt while still enjoying your lattes, or just need a budget that actually works for your life—this episode is for you.

We’re breaking it all down so you can simplify your money, stay bougie on a budget, and create a system that practically runs itself. You don’t need to overhaul your entire life; these three steps will start transforming your finances today.

In This Episode, We Cover:

1. Separate Bank Accounts: Why having just one account is holding you back—and how setting up separate accounts for bills, spending, and savings can simplify your life.

2. Bougie on a Budget: How to pay off debt, build wealth, and still enjoy the life you love without sacrificing what makes you happy.

3. Put Your Budget on Autopilot: The magic of automating your finances so everything is funded (and you don’t have to think about it).

Key Takeaways:

1. Modern finances are more complicated, so ditch the one-account system you used when you were 18.

2. A budget isn’t restrictive—it gives you permission to spend on the things you love while hitting your goals.

3. Automating your budget means fewer mistakes, less stress, and more freedom to enjoy your life.

Your Financial Glow-Up Starts Here:

1. Start by separating your bank accounts (bills, spending, savings).

2. Make a plan to live your bougie life without guilt—your budget should reflect what you value.

3. Set it and forget it! Automate your transfers, bill payments, and savings contributions.

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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In this episode, we talk to Katie, a single mom who’s been through the financial wringer but is fighting her way back with a new sense of clarity and empowerment. From juggling credit card debt to navigating unexpected car expenses (two cows, seriously?!), Katie shares her journey of resilience and determination.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

1. Why becoming your own bank is the ultimate financial power move.

2. How to balance the need for a credit card in emergencies with building a solid emergency fund.

3. Practical tips to simplify your financial system and stop living paycheck to paycheck.

4. The importance of saying “no” (to yourself, your kids, and even those Fortnite skins!).

5. The game-changing power of separating bills, spending, and savings into individual accounts.

📋 Katie’s Key Takeaways:

1. Consolidating debt isn’t the final answer, but it can offer breathing room to refocus on long-term goals.

2. Always read the fine print—whether it’s car warranties or gap insurance policies.

3. Making calls and asking questions can save you hundreds (hello, 2% interest rate!).

4. Budgeting isn’t about perfection—it’s about making progress and learning what works for you.

🎯 Actionable Steps for Your Money Journey:

1. Build Your Emergency Fund: Start small but stay consistent. Every dollar adds up.

2. Leverage Savings Buckets: Create mini funds for upcoming expenses, like kids’ activities or holiday spending.

3. Be Intentional with Extra Cash: If you’ve freed up money by reducing payments, funnel it toward your top priorities—emergency fund, debt payoff, or high-interest savings.

4. Teach Your Kids About Money: Use tools like cash or cards (with clear limits) to help them learn budgeting basics early.

5. Plan for Real Life: Make room in your budget for the fun stuff, but don’t forget to plan for the “oops” moments too.

🙌 Katie’s Wins to Celebrate:

1. She consolidated $1,200 in monthly debt payments down to $340!

2. She’s taking control of her finances with a solid budgeting system.

3. Katie’s saying “no” to unnecessary expenses and modeling financial boundaries for her 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.

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!

Episode Highlights:

1. We’re diving into lessons from our coaching sessions, spotlighting real transformations and wins from our amazing clients.

2. Hear how one single mom went from survival mode to saving $1,700 in a single month, preparing for a dream trip to Sweden, and finally lifting the weight of financial stress off her shoulders.

3. Discover the breakthrough story of a couple with uncombined finances. A single honest conversation turned their financial chaos into clarity and set them on the path to being a paycheck ahead in their very first month.

4. We’ll unpack why relying on bonuses or tax refunds to "catch up" could be holding you back—and how shifting your mindset and systems can unlock financial freedom.

5. Plus, we’re sharing how to approach those sometimes scary conversations about money with your partner and why they usually turn out better than you expect.

Key Takeaways:

1. Celebrate All Wins: Progress doesn’t always mean paying off massive debt—saving for the future is just as important.

2. You’re a Team: Even if your finances aren’t combined, communication is the secret sauce. Having a solid plan (and some data) makes those conversations so much easier.

3. Break the Bonus Cycle: Stop relying on bonuses or refunds to catch up on the past—your budget should create the future you’re dreaming of.

4. Shift the Focus: Paying off debt and saving money can become your new exciting goal—it’s the dopamine hit you didn’t know you needed!

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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In today’s episode, we’re diving into why we’ve centered this podcast around financial coaching for women. We get it—some men listen in too (and we love y’all for sharing us with your wives!), but our focus is on the unique ways women experience money, budgets, and financial empowerment.

Money is emotional. Women often shoulder financial responsibilities in ways that look very different from men—whether you’re running the household finances, balancing a career, or simply trying to keep up with all the expectations. The truth? Many of us were never taught how to handle money effectively, and the shame or guilt around that can hold us back. We’re here to change that narrative and help you own your financial confidence.

💡 Key Takeaways:

1. Why Women?

• Women often approach and experience finances differently than men. From societal expectations to emotional connections with money, it’s a unique journey.

• Many women take on the role of household CFO, even when they’ve never been taught how to manage finances effectively.

What We’ve Seen:

• Clients often feel shame, guilt, or anxiety about money. Some avoid it completely, while others obsess over every penny. Either way, it’s exhausting.

• It’s not about knowing “enough math” or being good at numbers. Even CPAs, bankers, and financial professionals come to us for coaching because daily money management is a whole different skill set.

Real-Life Transformation:

• Shana’s client went from dreading budget meetings to feeling excited and empowered—so much so her kids noticed her calm confidence. She’s now managing multiple real estate properties like a boss.

Our Philosophy:

• Budgeting isn’t punishment. It’s freedom. It’s about making space for your dreams (and those Target runs 🛍️) while paying off debt, saving for Christmas, or crushing other financial goals.

• You can have a life that’s bougie and on a budget.

It’s Never Too Late:

• Whether you’ve never looked at a budget or you’re overwhelmed by your current system, there’s hope. Our coaching and Simplified Budget System are designed to meet you where you are and help you succeed.

📌 Related Links & Resources:

• Simplified Budget System: The ultimate toolkit for managing your finances with ease. Check it out at ⁠BudgetBesties.com/budget⁠.

• Join the Conversation: Connect with us and other budget besties in our private Facebook group.

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! Today we’re joined by Cheryl from Pillar One Consulting, a financial powerhouse with over 20 years of experience helping businesses stay on track and look to the future. Together, we’re breaking down the steps to wrap up your year with confidence and set yourself up for an incredible 2025—whether you’re managing a business or your household budget.

We’ll share how to stop burying your head in the sand (hello, ostrich vibes!) and start approaching your finances like a confident giraffe. 🦒

Check out Cheryl:

• www.pillaroneconsulting.com
• Her free resource: www.30terms.com A guide to demystify financial jargon, perfect for anyone in business or thinking about starting one.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
💰 Start Where You Are: The importance of gathering your data—no drama, just facts!
📝 Measure to Manage: Why tracking trends in your spending or revenue can reveal powerful insights.
✨ Wrap It Up Right: How closing out your financial year prepares you for a smoother, more successful tax season.
📊 KPIs & Quarterly Refreshes: The keys to staying flexible with your goals and adjusting as life happens.
🎯 Boss Lady Mindset: Why being intentional with your numbers empowers you to grow—whether it’s your business or your personal budget.

Cheryl’s Pro Tip: Download your financial data today (yes, today!) from your bank accounts and credit cards, and start organizing it. This simple step is the gateway to clarity.

Key Takeaways:

1. Know Your Numbers: Whether it’s a 90-day audit or a year-end review, understanding where your money goes is step one.
2. Set Goals that Work for YOU: Don’t cling to outdated goals—refresh them quarterly to stay aligned with your life.
3. Organize for 2025: Start prepping those tax docs and set up systems now to save yourself stress later.
4. Make It Measurable: Use KPIs (key performance indicators) in your business or personal budget to track progress and stay on course.

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. 

Budget Besties, 2025 is here, and we’re so pumped to help you dream big with your money! 🎉 In this episode, Shana and Vanessa talk about financial goals—what they are, why they’re important, and how to break them down into actionable steps. Whether you’re dreaming of a house, paying off debt, or just getting more organized with your budget, this is your year!

We also cover:

• Why financial goals matter for every other goal you have.
• How to dream big but still create SMART, actionable steps.
• The importance of short, medium, and long-term goals—and how they all fit together.
• How to stay consistent and navigate challenges when life inevitably happens.
• Tips to involve your family and get everyone on the same page.

From emergency funds to investing in yourself, we’ve got you covered. Plus, we’re here to remind you—your goals are yours. No “shoulds” allowed. 🛑

What You’ll Learn:

• How to break down big audacious goals into doable action steps.
• The power of automating your savings with our savings bucket system.
• How to get your family (and even your kids!) on board with the big picture.
• What to do when life throws you a curveball—because it will.

Links & Resources:

• Missed last week’s episode? Listen to Year-End Review Checklist to wrap up 2024 before diving into 2025.
• Ready to take control of your budget? Check out our coaching packages at budgetbesties.com/coaching.

Action Step for Today: Pause, dream, and write down one BIG financial goal for 2025. Then think about what it will take to make it happen!

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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Budget besties, can you believe it? 2024 is wrapping up, and we’re here to help you close the year with clarity and confidence. In this episode, we break down the ultimate year-end financial checklist to help you reflect on your wins, learn from your not-so-great moments, and prep for a financially successful 2025.

We’re diving into everything from reviewing your budgets and debt to tidying up your financial docs and celebrating your wins. Don’t worry—it’s not all work. We’re also here to remind you to acknowledge how far you’ve come and dream big for the year ahead.

• Look back at your spending habits for 2024. What worked? What didn’t?
• If you’ve been using our system, use the financial snapshot to analyze trends like your biggest expenses or where you’ve consistently overspent.
• Didn’t have a budget this year? That’s okay! Start fresh in 2025.

• Did you pay off debt this year? If so, celebrate that win!
• If you didn’t make as much progress as you’d hoped, use this time to reflect and plan for 2025.

• What were your 2024 savings goals? Did you hit them?
• Take note of what worked and what didn’t so you can plan for bigger wins in 2025.

• Get tax-related paperwork, receipts, and records in order now. Trust us, April You will thank December You!

• Visit annualcreditreport.com for a free annual report. Make sure everything is accurate and catch any surprises.

• Are you paying for coverage you don’t need? Are you underinsured?
• Shop around for better deals or adjust your coverage to match your current needs.

• Check your accounts to see if you can make additional contributions before the year ends.

• It’s the season of giving! Review your budget and decide if you can make any last-minute contributions to causes that matter to you.

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 today’s episode, we’re diving deep into the number one culprit behind broken budgets: mystery spending. We chatted with Christine, who’s struggling to stick to her budget despite using tools like EveryDollar. We get it—it’s not easy to make the switch from juggling accounts to a clear, structured system. That’s why we’re here to break it all down and simplify your spending habits once and for all!

What We Covered:
✨ The Bills Account Island: Why keeping your bills account completely off-limits is a game-changer for budgeting success.
✨ Say Goodbye to Tiny Transfers: How to plan for larger, purposeful transfers that let you breathe easy.
✨ Budget for Real Life: Tracking those sneaky “unexpected” expenses and turning them into part of the plan.
✨ Zero-Based Budgeting Done Right: How telling every dollar where to go makes the difference between chaos and confidence.
✨ Spending with Clarity: Why having more than you need in your spending account is better than constant “maybes” and overdraft stress.

We also tackle why many of us aren’t used to “being the type of person who has money” and how shifting that mindset can make all the difference. Spoiler: financial peace doesn’t come from guessing, it comes from clarity. 💡

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! December is here, and so are we—with our festive jingles and a checklist to help you crush your December budget. Whether you're navigating holiday spending, bonuses, or travel plans, we’ve got you covered with actionable tips and a sprinkle of holiday cheer.

🎅 Why Shana isn’t in Christmas mode just yet (but her bear is ready!).
🎄 The must-dos for wrapping up November's budget before diving into December.
📊 A breakdown of the Budget Besties system: income, debts, bills, spending, and savings buckets.
🎁 Planning for Christmas gifts, holiday travel, and unexpected expenses—without breaking the bank.
✨ How to stay goal-focused this month, even if you're not tackling big debt or savings milestones.

1️⃣ Wrap Up November:

• Update November’s actuals for spending and savings.
• Learn from any surprises to plan December better.

2️⃣ Start with Income:

• List all sources, including bonuses, overtime, and seasonal jobs.
• Use this number to assign every dollar a job.

3️⃣ Debt Payments:

• Only list minimums in the budget to ensure essentials are covered first.

4️⃣ Bills:

• List recurring bills (bonus points for organizing them by due date!).
• Automate payments for stress-free budgeting.

5️⃣ Spending:

• Cover must-haves like gas, groceries, and personal money first.
• Add in holiday extras like gifts, parties, travel, and teacher gifts.

6️⃣ Savings Buckets:

• Plan ahead for 2024 with categories like:

7️⃣ Paycheck Plan Magic:

• Divide spending and savings by paychecks.
• Use one-time transfers for specific events like holiday parties or travel.

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 

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