Episodes

  • 365 | Simplifying Your Finances with Anna from It’s Time to Simplify!
    Feb 5 2025

    Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

    Hey Besties! 👋 We’re bringing back one of our favorite conversations with our friend Anna from It’s Time to Simplify! If you’ve ever felt like budgeting is overwhelming, this episode is for you. We’re diving into simple, practical ways to take control of your finances without spending hours at the kitchen table with a calculator (because who has time for that?).

    ✅ How we built a business around our real schedules (aka: kids, sports, and Uber Mom life 🚗)
    ✅ Why separating your bank accounts can make budgeting SO much easier
    ✅ The personal finance version of Profit First (and why it works for entrepreneurs & 9-to-5ers alike!)
    ✅ Why you DON’T need to track every expense if you set up your finances the right way
    ✅ One simple step you can take this week to start simplifying your money

    💰 Spoiler Alert: The key to stress-free budgeting is automation + separate spending accounts. Sounds too easy? Trust us—it’s a game changer!

    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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    38 mins
  • 364 | Five-Minute Budget Fixes for Quick Wins!
    Feb 3 2025

    Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

    Budget besties, do you ever feel like budgeting takes forever? Like, who has time for that when life is already a whirlwind? Well, good news: we've got five quick and fun budget fixes you can do in just five minutes—because who doesn’t love a quick win? 💃

    Sometimes, making small changes adds up big time. So, whether you're waiting in car line, chilling on your lunch break, or standing in line for coffee, you can start making smarter money moves right now!

    1️⃣ Rename Your Bank Accounts – A little name change can make a big difference. "Emily’s Wedding 2026" hits different when you think about using it for takeout, right? Create fun, clear labels to keep your savings on track.
    2️⃣ Delete Saved Credit Cards – If you have to get up off the couch to grab your card, are you really still buying it? Add friction to impulse spending by removing saved payment methods from Amazon, Venmo, and anywhere else that tempts you.
    3️⃣ Hide Your Savings Accounts – Out of sight, out of mind! If you’re not seeing your savings every time you log into your bank app, you’re less likely to think of it as extra spending money.
    4️⃣ Use Notes on Transfers – This is a game changer! Add a note every time you transfer money so you remember exactly what it was for. Future you will thank you. 🙌
    5️⃣ Delete Shopping Apps – Amazon, Target, Lululemon, PayPal… if it’s on your phone, it’s too easy to spend. Take them off your home screen and make yourself be more intentional with purchases.

    💡 Bonus Tip: If you have your debit card number memorized (we see you!), get a new card so you can un-memorize it. You’re welcome. 😆

    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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    16 mins
  • 363 | Mastering Your Budget & Getting a Paycheck Ahead with Mary Ellen
    Jan 31 2025

    Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

    Budget besties, we’ve got a real treat for you today! Our guest, Mary Ellen, is a teacher, a mom of three boys, and a dedicated budgeter who’s so close to getting a paycheck ahead—but just needed a little guidance to connect the dots. If you've ever felt like your money disappears before you even decide what to do with it, this episode is for you!

    We break down exactly how to structure your budget when you’re dealing with multiple pay schedules, how to stop feeling like you’re playing financial catch-up, and the simple mindset shift that will help you take control of your cash flow. Plus, we tackle what to do with inconsistent income (hello, commission-based pay!) and how to make sure those extra dollars actually move the needle toward your goals.

    By the end of this convo, Mary Ellen has a solid plan to not only get a paycheck ahead but also start saving with intention and tackling debt with a clear strategy. And guess what? You can, too!

    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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    21 mins
  • 362 | Financial Coaching Explained: The Personal Trainer for Your Money
    Jan 29 2025

    Sign Up For Coaching!


    Budget Besties, we see you. You’ve got questions about financial coaching, and we’ve got answers! This episode is your go-to guide for everything you need to know before jumping in.


    We’re breaking down:

    ✅ What financial coaching actually is (spoiler: no judgment, just results!)

    ✅ Who coaching is for (hint: if you make good money but still feel stuck, this is for YOU)

    ✅ How our coaching works (think: a done-for-you budget system + two 45-minute sessions a month + unlimited text and email support)

    ✅ Whether you have to give up your pumpkin spice lattes (you don’t)

    ✅ What if your spouse isn’t on board? (We got you.)

    ✅ How to fit coaching into your busy schedule

    ✅ And so much more!


    Oh, and if you think you're bad at math? Don’t worry, we’re not. 😆 We bring the calculators, the spreadsheets, and the game plan—so you can focus on finally making progress with your money.


    So grab your coffee (or a glass of wine, like some of our fave clients), hit play, and let’s get your financial questions answered once and for all! 🎧💰


    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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    21 mins
  • 361 | Setting Up a Budget for February: A Fresh Start!
    Jan 27 2025

    Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

    Can you believe it's already February? We’re kicking off the second month of 2025 with a reset—because let’s be real, January is often a bit of a recovery month after the holidays. In this episode, Shana and Vanessa guide you through the process of closing out January and setting up a fresh budget for February. They walk you through the steps of reviewing your income, debts, bills, spending, and savings so you can hit the ground running this month.

    From paying off debt to planning for upcoming expenses like vacations and sports, they share practical tips and systems to keep your finances consistent, clear, and in control. If you’ve been feeling a little “January hangover,” it’s time to reset and get those money goals back on track!

    What We Cover in This Episode:

    • Closing Out January: Wrap up the month by checking your bills, tracking any changes, and ensuring everything was paid correctly.
    • Adjusting for February: Look ahead to your February income and tweak your budget for any upcoming changes.
    • Debt & Bills: Start by listing out your debt minimums and recurring bills—then check for any price changes or new subscriptions.
    • Cutting Costs: A perfect time to revisit your subscriptions (hello, gym memberships you’re not using!) and find savings where you can.
    • Spending: Make sure your spending categories (groceries, gas, pocket money) are realistic and updated based on the month.
    • Savings Buckets: If you have any leftover funds, consider how to allocate them for future purchases like travel, home repairs, or those bigger expenses that sneak up on us!
    • Setting Transfers: Plan your transfers by paycheck so that everything is automated and consistent throughout the month.
    • Goal Setting: February is the perfect time to revisit your goals—whether you’re saving for a vacation or paying off credit cards, make sure it’s in the budget!

      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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    17 mins
  • 360 | Getting Your Finances Aligned as a Team: Megan’s Journey to Budget Clarity
    Jan 24 2025

    Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

    In today’s episode, we welcome Megan, a busy mom, teacher, and wife, navigating the rollercoaster of combining finances with her freelance husband. Like so many of us, Megan and her husband have been managing their finances separately—but now, with a mortgage, two kids, and irregular income to juggle, it’s time to build a system that works together.

    We walk Megan through actionable steps to create a simple and streamlined budget system that eliminates stress, provides clarity, and empowers her to plan for the unexpected. From setting up baseline budgets to creating holding accounts for irregular income, this episode is packed with practical advice to help couples like Megan and her husband get on the same financial page.

    We also talk about the emotional side of money—how budgeting together can strengthen communication, reduce financial tension, and even bring a renewed sense of teamwork to a marriage. Whether you're trying to budget with irregular income or looking for a system that keeps finances clear and consistent, this episode has something for you!

    What We Cover in This Episode:

    • Why managing money separately as a married couple can feel like you're spinning your wheels.
    • How to set up a "holding account" to smooth out irregular income months.
    • The importance of creating a baseline budget to understand what your family truly costs each month.
    • Dividing up spending categories like groceries and personal fun money to keep things simple and stress-free.
    • Tips for starting the budget conversation with your partner in a warm and positive way.
    • Why combining finances doesn’t mean combining credit (and how to ease money fears when credit histories differ).
    • How budgeting as a team can strengthen your marriage and help you dream bigger.

    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!

    Show more Show less
    24 mins
  • 359 | Turning Money Chaos into Calm: Lessons from Real-Life Financial Wins
    Jan 22 2025
    Snag Our Simplified Budget System! Hey budget besties! 💸✨ We are back with a jam-packed episode full of real-life lessons straight from our coaching sessions. We’re talking about messy money habits, breaking down walls, and building a system that brings peace (and maybe even a little joy) to your finances. Let’s dive in! It’s Not You vs. Them – It’s Us vs. the Problem One couple kept their finances separate for years due to finger-pointing and money shame. Spending accusations, lack of tracking, and no clear goals had them stuck. 💔Once we explained the power of teamwork and combined resources, they started seeing their money as a tool to build their dream (hello, future house 🏡). Spoiler alert: they’re bringing their money together and creating a shared vision. 🎉 Permission to Spend ≠ Permission to Stress That’s right—when you create a plan for your money, no more blaming each other for what you spend on.Example: She bought a cute hanging chair for her daughter’s room; he spent on golf. Both happy. Both stress-free. Why? Because the bills and savings were already covered. 🙌 Sacrifice Now, Flourish Later One client canceled a beloved annual family trip because it didn’t fit into their savings timeline. Instead of going into debt (again), they chose to skip this year, fund their savings buckets, and be set for next year—all in cash. 🚀Imagine never stressing about vacations again. That’s long-term peace, y’all! The Power of Saying No From skipping playdates because the spending budget was maxed to packing snacks at volleyball tournaments instead of eating out—these little “no’s” make room for bigger “yes’s” down the line. 💪Breaking the mold of “normal spending” feels uncomfortable at first, but normal is broke and we’re here to be anything but! Every Dollar Has a Job One couple saw “extra money” in their bills account and spent it—oops! Turns out, it was meant for debt. 🤦‍♀️Lesson: The second money lands in your account, give it a purpose. Move it to where it belongs! No loosey-goosey money here. Systems Are the Secret Sauce From clients living paycheck-to-paycheck to those with feast-or-famine incomes (like quarterly bonuses), everyone needs a system.One client described their pre-coaching finances as being inside a Chuck E. Cheese money-grabbing game. 🎟️ Post-coaching? Automatic transfers, clear goals, and finally feeling in control of their finances. 🙌 Breaking the Cycle of “Keeping Up” Whether it’s a friend asking you to go out or family expecting you to live beyond your means, saying “no” can be empowering.By sticking to their budgets, our clients are becoming examples for others—proving you don’t need debt or overspending to live your best life. 🌟 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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    24 mins
  • 358 | How to Talk About Money in Your Relationship: Healthy Conversations for Couples
    Jan 20 2025
    Snag Our Simplified Budget System! Good morning, budget besties! 🥳 Today, Shana and Vanessa dive into a topic we all need to address: money and relationships. Whether it’s with your partner, kids, or even yourself, money conversations can feel like stepping into a minefield. But fear not—your budget besties are here to guide you through it! From scheduling money talks to involving the kiddos, we’re covering it all. By the end, you’ll feel ready to ditch the tension and start seeing money as a team tool for success. Key Takeaways💑 Money & Your Partner: Do it on purpose: Schedule intentional time to talk about finances—no more drive-by arguments in the kitchen! Start with just 12 money dates a year. Watch your words: Use "we," "us," and "our" to frame the conversation as a shared mission. Skip “you” or “my” to avoid finger-pointing. Start with the good stuff: Dream big! Revisit the goals you had as a couple—retirement, travel, buying a home—and let that excitement fuel the budgeting process. Pro Tip: Bring data, not drama. Numbers don’t lie and help you stay objective while avoiding unnecessary emotional friction. 👩‍👧‍👦 Money & Your Kids: Start young: Kids learn best by doing. Hand them financial responsibility in age-appropriate ways. Set up a “kid budget”: Instead of an allowance, give them control of a set budget to cover their wants and needs (e.g., birthday gifts, field trips). Teach them to allocate their money wisely. Speak positively: Avoid saying, "We can't afford that." Instead, say, "We’re choosing to save for this other awesome thing." This creates a positive mindset around money choices. 💡 Shana & Vanessa’s Three Big Tips: Schedule the Talk: Make it a regular habit. A monthly check-in can help avoid surprises and build financial teamwork. Choose Collaborative Language: “We” are in this together. Always. Dream Big Together: Reconnect with those “why” moments—what’s the vision for your family? Use your goals to guide your spending and saving choices. Why It Matters Money doesn’t have to be a taboo topic—it’s just a tool. When used intentionally, it can strengthen relationships, set your family up for success, and even be a source of joy. The goal isn’t to avoid these conversations; it’s to make them empowering and productive. Ready to tackle 2025 as a team? Let’s dream big and crush those goals, besties! 💪✨ Share Your Wins! What’s the first financial goal you’ll tackle together? Let us know in the comments or DM us your questions! Remember: You’re not alone in this journey. 💕 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!
    Show more Show less
    16 mins