Snag Our Simplified Budget System!
Budget besties, we’ve got a very special guest on the pod today… our very own teammate and financial coaching pro, Michelle! 🎉
This episode marks a first—Michelle’s first time on the mic with us, and we’re diving into what’s really happening behind the scenes during our free weekly Office Hours. We’re calling this new series “Lessons from the Sessions,” and trust us, Michelle is bringing the wisdom, encouragement, and big sister energy you didn’t know you needed.
We talk about:
How Michelle went from podcast listener to being a core part of our team ❤️
What led her to financial coaching (hello, emergency fund = credit card era 👋)
Why getting a paycheck ahead is the #1 topic in Office Hours—and how you can get there too
The truth about savings buckets (yes, we love them, but no, you don’t start there!)
Why being detail-obsessed with your spending might actually be slowing you down
And how just showing up—even if you’re not ready to talk—can move you forward
Michelle also gives us a peek into the kinds of questions people bring each week, and why Office Hours have become a lifeline for so many women trying to make their money feel steady and stress-free.
📅 Office Hours happen every Wednesday at 12pm CT and are 100% free to everyone in our community—no system or coaching purchase required. If you’ve got questions, feel stuck, or just want to listen in and learn, Michelle’s your girl.
We’re SO excited to bring her back on the pod monthly to share more real-life insights from these powerful sessions. Get ready to feel encouraged, empowered, and way less alone in your money journey.
Connect With Us:
1️⃣ Facebook Group – Join the community. Our free group is where the real talk happens. Connect with other women who are learning how to budget, save, and finally feel in control, together. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook
2️⃣ Automate Your Budget Masterclass – Watch it now, no waiting. This FREE on-demand training shows you how to set up a budget that matches your lifestyle, without tracking every dollar or feeling restricted. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/automate
3️⃣ Budget – Grab our Simplified Budget System! You don’t need another budget, you need a system that does the math, makes the plan, and gives you permission to spend. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/budget
4️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching – Get a plan and a coach. We’ll build your full budget system together, so you always know what to do and feel confident doing it. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coaching
5️⃣ Be on the Podcast – Free coaching, real convo. Come chat with us on the show! Get real-time financial coaching and help other women by sharing your story. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall
"I love Shana & Vanessa and this podcast is amazing!" 👈🏻 If that sounds like you… ✨ Please take a second to rate & review the show! It helps us reach more people—just like you—who are ready to change their financial future. 🔔 Don’t forget to follow so you never miss an episode! 💌 And if you're feeling extra generous, share this podcast with a friend who needs it. We’d be so honored. 🙌
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!
Check out our Stress Free Bills Mini Class!
Ever find yourself nervously swiping your debit card, praying your bills are already covered? You're not alone—and it's not your fault. In this episode, we’re diving into Step 3 of the Budget Besties Method: setting up a dedicated Bills account. 🙌🏽
When your bills have their own space to breathe (aka their own bank account), you're no longer guessing, stressing, or backtracking. We’re talking clarity, control, and total peace of mind, besties.
Shana and Vanessa share real-life stories from clients whose lives were changed just by making this one move—including being able to travel without worrying if the lights would be on when they got back. Yes, it’s that real.
We’re showing you:
Why running everything through one account is sabotaging your budget
What counts as a “bill” (spoiler: it’s not groceries)
How separating your bills removes the guesswork
Why this is the first step toward getting a paycheck ahead
✨ Get ready to take a breath, let your budget work for you, and stop letting your money keep you up at night. This one’s a game changer.
Mentioned in this episode:
Want to go deeper? Head to budgetbesties.com/bills to grab the video series and learn how to build your buffer, automate your bills (yes—even if you're scared), and stop living paycheck to paycheck for good.
Connect With Us:
1️⃣ Facebook Group – Join the community. Our free group is where the real talk happens. Connect with other women who are learning how to budget, save, and finally feel in control, together. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook
2️⃣ Automate Your Budget Masterclass – Watch it now, no waiting. This FREE on-demand training shows you how to set up a budget that matches your lifestyle, without tracking every dollar or feeling restricted. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/automate
3️⃣ Budget – Grab our Simplified Budget System! You don’t need another budget, you need a system that does the math, makes the plan, and gives you permission to spend. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/budget
4️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching – Get a plan and a coach. We’ll build your full budget system together, so you always know what to do and feel confident doing it. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coaching
5️⃣ Be on the Podcast – Free coaching, real convo. Come chat with us on the show! Get real-time financial coaching and help other women by sharing your story. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall
"I love Shana & Vanessa and this podcast is amazing!" 👈🏻 If that sounds like you… ✨ Please take a second to rate & review the show! It helps us reach more people—just like you—who are ready to change their financial future. 🔔 Don’t forget to follow so you never miss an episode! 💌 And if you're feeling extra generous, share this podcast with a friend who needs it. We’d be so honored. 🙌
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!
Budget besties... it’s time. 🎃
We’re sipping pumpkin spice, skeletons are popping up in the neighborhood, and Hobby Lobby has Christmas aisles in full swing—which can only mean one thing: it's time to plan your October budget!
In this episode, Shana and Vanessa walk you through the exact steps they use with their coaching clients to get ready for the new month, including:
✨ How to separate your spending accounts so you can swipe with confidence
✨ What “month-specific” spending really means (hello Halloween candy, costumes, dad’s birthday, and skate camp 👀)
✨ The power of savings buckets—yes, even for Homecoming dresses and horse expenses
✨ Why automating your transfers is the key to budget peace (and no more tracking every dollar)
✨ What it looks like to have money left over after budgeting—yes, it’s possible!
Whether you're just getting started or you're deep in your debt payoff journey, we’ve got the real-life examples and step-by-step process to help you stop guessing and start planning with clarity.
Connect With Us:
1️⃣ Facebook Group – Join the community. Our free group is where the real talk happens. Connect with other women who are learning how to budget, save, and finally feel in control, together. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook
2️⃣ Automate Your Budget Masterclass – Watch it now, no waiting. This FREE on-demand training shows you how to set up a budget that matches your lifestyle, without tracking every dollar or feeling restricted. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/automate
3️⃣ Budget – Grab our Simplified Budget System! You don’t need another budget, you need a system that does the math, makes the plan, and gives you permission to spend. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/budget
4️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching – Get a plan and a coach. We’ll build your full budget system together, so you always know what to do and feel confident doing it. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coaching
5️⃣ Be on the Podcast – Free coaching, real convo. Come chat with us on the show! Get real-time financial coaching and help other women by sharing your story. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall
"I love Shana & Vanessa and this podcast is amazing!" 👈🏻 If that sounds like you… ✨ Please take a second to rate & review the show! It helps us reach more people—just like you—who are ready to change their financial future. 🔔 Don’t forget to follow so you never miss an episode! 💌 And if you're feeling extra generous, share this podcast with a friend who needs it. We’d be so honored. 🙌
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!
Today’s episode is packed with real life, real clients, and real money lessons from our coaching sessions — and trust us, if they’re going through it, you probably are too. From college kids nearly losing scholarships to business owners buried in tools they don’t need, we’re breaking it all down.
This is the episode where you get to learn through someone else’s mistakes (hallelujah), feel less alone, and walk away with quick wins you can apply to your own budget — right now.
✨ Today’s Lessons From the Coaching Couch💸 1. Be a Good Steward of Your Money
One of our sweet clients had to have a Come to Jesus moment with her son after he almost lost his scholarship. Her message?
“If someone gives you money — you have a responsibility to use it well.”
Whether it’s a scholarship, a paycheck, or a random blessing — the same is true for all of us. Your job, your income, your opportunities are a gift. And budgeting is how you honor it. Period.
➡️ When you know what’s coming in and where it’s going, you can be intentional and wise — and avoid losing what you worked so hard to get.
Connect With Us:
1️⃣ Facebook Group – Join the community. Our free group is where the real talk happens. Connect with other women who are learning how to budget, save, and finally feel in control, together. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook
2️⃣ Automate Your Budget Masterclass – Watch it now, no waiting. This FREE on-demand training shows you how to set up a budget that matches your lifestyle, without tracking every dollar or feeling restricted. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/automate
3️⃣ Budget – Grab our Simplified Budget System! You don’t need another budget, you need a system that does the math, makes the plan, and gives you permission to spend. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/budget
4️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching – Get a plan and a coach. We’ll build your full budget system together, so you always know what to do and feel confident doing it. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coaching
5️⃣ Be on the Podcast – Free coaching, real convo. Come chat with us on the show! Get real-time financial coaching and help other women by sharing your story. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall
"I love Shana & Vanessa and this podcast is amazing!" 👈🏻 If that sounds like you… ✨ Please take a second to rate & review the show! It helps us reach more people—just like you—who are ready to change their financial future. 🔔 Don’t forget to follow so you never miss an episode! 💌 And if you're feeling extra generous, share this podcast with a friend who needs it. We’d be so honored. 🙌
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!
If you've ever felt overwhelmed, annoyed, or just plain lost trying to budget — you are NOT alone. We’ve seen it all: the scribbled notebook budgets, 111-line spreadsheets with scary color-coding, and "budgets" that are really just transaction trackers in disguise. No wonder budgeting feels like a chore (or a punishment) for so many of us.
But good news — it doesn’t have to be that way. 🙌
In this episode, we’re diving into:
💥 The 5 Reasons Most Budgets Fail:
They're way too complicated
They focus on the past, not the plan
They're built paycheck-to-paycheck instead of month-by-month
They don’t give you real clarity
And honestly? They’re just ugly (sorry, neon Google Sheets)
We show you real-life examples (thanks, clients — we love you) of bad budgets and break down exactly why they didn’t work — even though our clients were genuinely trying.
🎉 Then we flip the script and show you…
This is the same system we use with every single client, whether they’re just getting started or juggling six-figure incomes. It’s clear, one-page, and dare we say… pretty?
Here’s what it includes:
Income — Your favorite number! We start here so we know what we're working with.
Debt — The not-so-fun column, but necessary for getting that snowball rolling.
Bills — Anything with a due date goes here. Think rent, subscriptions, utilities.
Spending — All the day-to-day stuff: groceries, gas, Starbucks, kids’ activities, etc.
Savings — The game-changer. This is how you break the debt cycle and plan ahead.
🌟 This budget isn’t just numbers on a page — it’s a system. It tells you what to do, how much you have left, and makes sure every dollar has a job.
Connect With Us:
1️⃣ Facebook Group – Join the community. Our free group is where the real talk happens. Connect with other women who are learning how to budget, save, and finally feel in control, together. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook
2️⃣ Automate Your Budget Masterclass – Watch it now, no waiting. This FREE on-demand training shows you how to set up a budget that matches your lifestyle, without tracking every dollar or feeling restricted. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/automate
3️⃣ Budget – Grab our Simplified Budget System! You don’t need another budget, you need a system that does the math, makes the plan, and gives you permission to spend. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/budget
4️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching – Get a plan and a coach. We’ll build your full budget system together, so you always know what to do and feel confident doing it. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coaching
5️⃣ Be on the Podcast – Free coaching, real convo. Come chat with us on the show! Get real-time financial coaching and help other women by sharing your story. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall
"I love Shana & Vanessa and this podcast is amazing!" 👈🏻 If that sounds like you… ✨ Please take a second to rate & review the show! It helps us reach more people—just like you—who are ready to change their financial future. 🔔 Don’t forget to follow so you never miss an episode! 💌 And if you're feeling extra generous, share this podcast with a friend who needs it. We’d be so honored. 🙌
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!
Our Simple 5-Column Budget System that Actually Works:
Snag Our Simplified Budget System!
Today’s episode is one of those stop what you’re doing and listen moments. 🛑💸
We're sitting down with our real-life friends—and now clients—Aaron and Sarah, who pulled back the curtain on how they went from financial frustration and separate bank accounts… to saving more than ever, paying off debt, and dreaming big (like, Montana ranch big).
If you’ve ever:
Felt guilty about spending money on things just for you
Kept finances separate in your marriage (and it’s not working)
Struggled to talk about money without spiraling into an argument
Wondered where the heck your money is going even with good income
…this episode is for you, budget bestie. 🧡
We’re walking through their journey step-by-step, from the moment they realized retirement felt impossible to building a budget system that gave them peace, clarity, and permission to spend (yes, even on horses and hunting trips 🐴🦌).
Connect With Us:
1️⃣ Facebook Group – Join the community. Our free group is where the real talk happens. Connect with other women who are learning how to budget, save, and finally feel in control, together. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook
2️⃣ Automate Your Budget Masterclass – Watch it now, no waiting. This FREE on-demand training shows you how to set up a budget that matches your lifestyle, without tracking every dollar or feeling restricted. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/automate
3️⃣ Budget – Grab our Simplified Budget System! You don’t need another budget, you need a system that does the math, makes the plan, and gives you permission to spend. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/budget
4️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching – Get a plan and a coach. We’ll build your full budget system together, so you always know what to do and feel confident doing it. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coaching
5️⃣ Be on the Podcast – Free coaching, real convo. Come chat with us on the show! Get real-time financial coaching and help other women by sharing your story. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall
"I love Shana & Vanessa and this podcast is amazing!" 👈🏻 If that sounds like you… ✨ Please take a second to rate & review the show! It helps us reach more people—just like you—who are ready to change their financial future. 🔔 Don’t forget to follow so you never miss an episode! 💌 And if you're feeling extra generous, share this podcast with a friend who needs it. We’d be so honored. 🙌
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!
Today, we’re bringing you behind the scenes of our private coaching sessions—because if our clients are facing these struggles, chances are you are too. 💯
From booming photography side hustles to once-a-month paycheck chaos, we’re unpacking the real-life budgeting problems that hit hard—and how to solve them on purpose.
In this episode, we dive into:
📷 What to do when your side hustle brings in big money—but not every month
🗓️ How to manage irregular income like a pro (especially when you get paid once a month)
🧾 Why calling your credit card companies can buy you breathing room
💸 Building a paycheck buffer so your bills don’t rule your life
💥 The hard convos that actually set you free financially
These are the exact money moves we make with clients every day—and you’ll walk away with some powerful mindset shifts and practical next steps to apply to your own budget.
Connect With Us:
1️⃣ Facebook Group – Join the community. Our free group is where the real talk happens. Connect with other women who are learning how to budget, save, and finally feel in control, together. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook
2️⃣ Automate Your Budget Masterclass – Watch it now, no waiting. This FREE on-demand training shows you how to set up a budget that matches your lifestyle, without tracking every dollar or feeling restricted. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/automate
3️⃣ Budget – Grab our Simplified Budget System! You don’t need another budget, you need a system that does the math, makes the plan, and gives you permission to spend. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/budget
4️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching – Get a plan and a coach. We’ll build your full budget system together, so you always know what to do and feel confident doing it. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coaching
5️⃣ Be on the Podcast – Free coaching, real convo. Come chat with us on the show! Get real-time financial coaching and help other women by sharing your story. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall
"I love Shana & Vanessa and this podcast is amazing!" 👈🏻 If that sounds like you… ✨ Please take a second to rate & review the show! It helps us reach more people—just like you—who are ready to change their financial future. 🔔 Don’t forget to follow so you never miss an episode! 💌 And if you're feeling extra generous, share this podcast with a friend who needs it. We’d be so honored. 🙌
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!
Budget besties, this one’s the heart of the whole system. If your future feels boring, budgeting will always feel like busywork. Step 1 of our method is Dream Again—building a vision that actually excites you so you want to budget, stick with it, and change habits with purpose.
We share a powerful early-client story (hi tears 🥲) where “What are your goals?” stopped them in their tracks—and how getting crystal clear on a shared vision made everything else click. Then we show you how to map goals across Now, 1 Year, 5 Years, and your “X-Year” horizon (not age 65—your milestone). When you know where you’re going, the rest of the method stops feeling restrictive and starts feeling…fun.
Why most people quit budgeting (spoiler: no exciting future to aim at)
How a clear “why” makes budgeting simple—and even enjoyable
The 4-part vision map: Now, 1 Year, 5 Years, X-Years
How life stages (kids’ ages, career transitions, moves) shape your targets
Partnering up: how to dream together so you’re rowing in the same direction
What You’ll Learn
Snag Our Simplified Budget System!
Budget besties, today we sat down with Addie—teacher, mom, and three months credit-card free (!!)—to untangle a super common headache: paychecks that land on odd dates and the “why does this still feel tight?” spiral. We walked through how to use a paycheck-ahead system when income hits on the 6th/21st (hers) and 11th/26th (his), how to fund spending on a predictable rhythm, and how to stop robbing Peter to pay Paul when kid expenses pop up (hello, cross-country, art club, school pics). We also dug into savings buckets done right, quick-transfer options for high-yield savings, and gentle ways to build a buffer so everything runs automagically.
This is a calm, practical reset if your dates are weird, your brain’s tired, and you want your budget to finally feel… easy.
Connect With Us:
1️⃣ Facebook Group – Join the community. Our free group is where the real talk happens. Connect with other women who are learning how to budget, save, and finally feel in control, together. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook
2️⃣ Automate Your Budget Masterclass – Watch it now, no waiting. This FREE on-demand training shows you how to set up a budget that matches your lifestyle, without tracking every dollar or feeling restricted. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/automate
3️⃣ Budget – Grab our Simplified Budget System! You don’t need another budget, you need a system that does the math, makes the plan, and gives you permission to spend. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/budget
4️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching – Get a plan and a coach. We’ll build your full budget system together, so you always know what to do and feel confident doing it. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coaching
5️⃣ Be on the Podcast – Free coaching, real convo. Come chat with us on the show! Get real-time financial coaching and help other women by sharing your story. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall
"I love Shana & Vanessa and this podcast is amazing!" 👈🏻 If that sounds like you… ✨ Please take a second to rate & review the show! It helps us reach more people—just like you—who are ready to change their financial future. 🔔 Don’t forget to follow so you never miss an episode! 💌 And if you're feeling extra generous, share this podcast with a friend who needs it. We’d be so honored. 🙌
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!
Hey budget besties!
We’re replaying one of our favorite conversations with our girl Judy Weber from the Bold Business. Bold Faith podcast—and y’all, it’s a GOOD one. This episode is a must-listen if you’ve ever said:
“I make good money, but I have nothing to show for it.”
“I’m tired of living paycheck to paycheck.”
“I have big dreams, but I’m drowning in business and personal expenses.”
We got you. 💛
Why traditional budgeting (tracking every penny, ugh) is outdated—and what we do instead
How your budget can give you freedom (not restrict you!)
Separating business + personal money the simple way
How many bank accounts you actually need (spoiler: more than one)
Automating your budget so your bills pay themselves
Planning for irregular income like a pro
Our fave: Using your bank like a personal assistant
Why growing at the speed of cash matters
How we went from $40 profitable (LOL, but also proud) to running a multi six-figure biz using this exact system
This is real talk from two besties who’ve been in the financial trenches—and came out the other side with a system that WORKS.
Connect With Us:
1️⃣ Facebook Group – Join the community. Our free group is where the real talk happens. Connect with other women who are learning how to budget, save, and finally feel in control, together. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook
2️⃣ Automate Your Budget Masterclass – Watch it now, no waiting. This FREE on-demand training shows you how to set up a budget that matches your lifestyle, without tracking every dollar or feeling restricted. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/automate
3️⃣ Budget – Grab our Simplified Budget System! You don’t need another budget, you need a system that does the math, makes the plan, and gives you permission to spend. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/budget
4️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching – Get a plan and a coach. We’ll build your full budget system together, so you always know what to do and feel confident doing it. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coaching
5️⃣ Be on the Podcast – Free coaching, real convo. Come chat with us on the show! Get real-time financial coaching and help other women by sharing your story. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall
"I love Shana & Vanessa and this podcast is amazing!" 👈🏻 If that sounds like you… ✨ Please take a second to rate & review the show! It helps us reach more people—just like you—who are ready to change their financial future. 🔔 Don’t forget to follow so you never miss an episode! 💌 And if you're feeling extra generous, share this podcast with a friend who needs it. We’d be so honored. 🙌
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!
Budget Besties, it’s finally happening! We’re kicking off a brand new series where we take you step-by-step through The Budget Besties Method—our signature system that helps you go from “Where do I even start?” to “Ohhhh, I got this!”
This week, we're giving you the big picture—all 8 steps—so you know exactly what’s coming over the next several Mondays. Whether you're brand new to budgeting or you've bought our system and are wondering “What do I do next?”... this is for you.
This method is everything we teach our clients during coaching, and it's what we wish we had when we were starting out. It’s not about restriction—it’s about clarity, confidence, and building a financial system that runs on autopilot.
Connect With Us:
1️⃣ Facebook Group – Join the community. Our free group is where the real talk happens. Connect with other women who are learning how to budget, save, and finally feel in control, together. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook
2️⃣ Automate Your Budget Masterclass – Watch it now, no waiting. This FREE on-demand training shows you how to set up a budget that matches your lifestyle, without tracking every dollar or feeling restricted. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/automate
3️⃣ Budget – Grab our Simplified Budget System! You don’t need another budget, you need a system that does the math, makes the plan, and gives you permission to spend. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/budget
4️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching – Get a plan and a coach. We’ll build your full budget system together, so you always know what to do and feel confident doing it. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coaching
5️⃣ Be on the Podcast – Free coaching, real convo. Come chat with us on the show! Get real-time financial coaching and help other women by sharing your story. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall
"I love Shana & Vanessa and this podcast is amazing!" 👈🏻 If that sounds like you… ✨ Please take a second to rate & review the show! It helps us reach more people—just like you—who are ready to change their financial future. 🔔 Don’t forget to follow so you never miss an episode! 💌 And if you're feeling extra generous, share this podcast with a friend who needs it. We’d be so honored. 🙌
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!
Budget Besties, you are not ready for the glow-up Lori pulled off in just ONE month. ✨
In this episode, we chat with Lori — a busy wife, mom, and total rockstar — who used to spend every Friday night buried in a notebook trying to figure out how to pay bills. Sound familiar? 😅
Then she found our podcast (her first ever!) and decided it was time for a better way.
Now? She’s:
Set up multiple accounts: bills, spending, gas & groceries, vacation, buffer, and more
Embracing autopay (even though it used to terrify her)
Tracking her bills like a pro — without touching a calculator
Paying off six debts in month one (!!), freeing up $330/month
Starting savings buckets and making space for fun (hello, vacation fund)
Teaching her 17-year-old son how to do it differently — and better
💬 “I used to do a huge math problem every week. Now I open my tracker, check off what cleared, and move on with my life.”
Connect With Us:
1️⃣ Facebook Group – Join the community. Our free group is where the real talk happens. Connect with other women who are learning how to budget, save, and finally feel in control, together. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook
2️⃣ Automate Your Budget Masterclass – Watch it now, no waiting. This FREE on-demand training shows you how to set up a budget that matches your lifestyle, without tracking every dollar or feeling restricted. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/automate
3️⃣ Budget – Grab our Simplified Budget System! You don’t need another budget, you need a system that does the math, makes the plan, and gives you permission to spend. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/budget
4️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching – Get a plan and a coach. We’ll build your full budget system together, so you always know what to do and feel confident doing it. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coaching
5️⃣ Be on the Podcast – Free coaching, real convo. Come chat with us on the show! Get real-time financial coaching and help other women by sharing your story. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall
"I love Shana & Vanessa and this podcast is amazing!" 👈🏻 If that sounds like you… ✨ Please take a second to rate & review the show! It helps us reach more people—just like you—who are ready to change their financial future. 🔔 Don’t forget to follow so you never miss an episode! 💌 And if you're feeling extra generous, share this podcast with a friend who needs it. We’d be so honored. 🙌
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!
This week, we're bringing you all the warm fuzzies and practical wins – especially for the husbands out there! From Xbox subscriptions to DIY car repairs, we’re talking about how couples can honor each other while staying on budget (and keeping the peace ✌️).
We dive into:
💸 The Power of Separate Spending Accounts
One of our sweet coaching clients found total clarity when she and her husband created individual spending accounts. Now, he can snag all the Fortnite skins his heart desires – without messing up the grocery budget. Win-win!
📺 Bills vs. Spending: Let's Clear It Up
Not sure what goes where? We’re breaking down our favorite way to define expenses:
Bills = anything with a due date
Spending = everything else
Yup, even that Netflix binge or gaming splurge can be totally budget-friendly when it’s in the right place.
🛠️ The $30K Question: New Car or New Transmission?
Another couple came in clutch with some smart decision-making. Instead of jumping into a $30,000 car loan, they fixed their current ride themselves (shoutout to handy husbands!). And because they’d already been saving for car maintenance? The money was already there. 💥
Plus, we chat about:
🚗 Leasing cars – is it really worth it?
🧠 Mindset shifts around spending
🧘♀️ Giving yourself time and space to breathe before making big decisions
So whether you’re team “Fix-It-Yourself” or “Let’s Just Buy a New One,” there’s something here for all of us trying to live our best financial lives – together.
Connect With Us:
1️⃣ Facebook Group – Join the community. Our free group is where the real talk happens. Connect with other women who are learning how to budget, save, and finally feel in control, together. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook
2️⃣ Automate Your Budget Masterclass – Watch it now, no waiting. This FREE on-demand training shows you how to set up a budget that matches your lifestyle, without tracking every dollar or feeling restricted. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/automate
3️⃣ Budget – Grab our Simplified Budget System! You don’t need another budget, you need a system that does the math, makes the plan, and gives you permission to spend. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/budget
4️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching – Get a plan and a coach. We’ll build your full budget system together, so you always know what to do and feel confident doing it. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coaching
5️⃣ Be on the Podcast – Free coaching, real convo. Come chat with us on the show! Get real-time financial coaching and help other women by sharing your story. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall
"I love Shana & Vanessa and this podcast is amazing!" 👈🏻 If that sounds like you… ✨ Please take a second to rate & review the show! It helps us reach more people—just like you—who are ready to change their financial future. 🔔 Don’t forget to follow so you never miss an episode! 💌 And if you're feeling extra generous, share this podcast with a friend who needs it. We’d be so honored. 🙌
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!
How nice would it be to walk into your hair appointment, facial, or nail salon already knowing the money is sitting in your account, ready to go—tip included? Yes, please.
In this episode, we’re talking all things glam-up budgeting—from facials and eyebrows to lashes, massages, and all the self-care that helps you feel like you. 💅🏽
Shana and Vanessa are showing you exactly how to build out your glam-up fund the smart way—using our strategic (and super simple) system. You'll learn how to:
Track how often you get each service (nails, hair, lashes—you name it)
Calculate your annual glam-up costs
Divide it up monthly so you never get caught off guard
Set up an auto-transfer to a separate savings account (that you don’t “accidentally” use for Target runs)
Swipe with confidence knowing your glow-up fund is ready
This is all about building freedom into your budget—not restriction. When your glam-up is already paid for, there’s zero guilt and zero stress, just vibes and fresh brows.
Because feeling good is part of financial wellness too. And yes—you deserve it.
Connect With Us:
1️⃣ Facebook Group – Join the community. Our free group is where the real talk happens. Connect with other women who are learning how to budget, save, and finally feel in control, together. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook
2️⃣ Automate Your Budget Masterclass – Watch it now, no waiting. This FREE on-demand training shows you how to set up a budget that matches your lifestyle, without tracking every dollar or feeling restricted. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/automate
3️⃣ Budget – Grab our Simplified Budget System! You don’t need another budget, you need a system that does the math, makes the plan, and gives you permission to spend. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/budget
4️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching – Get a plan and a coach. We’ll build your full budget system together, so you always know what to do and feel confident doing it. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coaching
5️⃣ Be on the Podcast – Free coaching, real convo. Come chat with us on the show! Get real-time financial coaching and help other women by sharing your story. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall
"I love Shana & Vanessa and this podcast is amazing!" 👈🏻 If that sounds like you… ✨ Please take a second to rate & review the show! It helps us reach more people—just like you—who are ready to change their financial future. 🔔 Don’t forget to follow so you never miss an episode! 💌 And if you're feeling extra generous, share this podcast with a friend who needs it. We’d be so honored. 🙌
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!
Hey Budget Besties!
Today we’re bringing you behind the scenes of a real coaching call with our friend Rebecca. She’s already crushing it — no car payment, no mortgage, and just a small amount of credit card debt left. But like so many of us, she keeps reaching for her card at places like Costco or on PayPal “specials,” even though she wants to pay cash.
Together we unpack why this happens and how she can make her budget work with her instead of against her. If you’ve ever wondered how to balance paying off debt while also funding your savings buckets, this convo is going to hit home.
In this episode, we walk Rebecca through:
How a 90-day spending audit helped her finally get gas money under control
Why Costco can sabotage even the best budgets (and how to make it work on purpose)
The trick to managing monthly income so you’re not stretched thin at the end of the month
How to fund savings buckets without sacrificing debt payoff
The power of rolling out automation in baby steps — one category at a time
Why sometimes the solution is as simple as breaking up with your credit card (at least for now!)
Rebecca left this call with a clear plan to stop using credit cards, pay off her small balance once and for all, and lean on the systems she’s already built — her bills account, her gas vault, and her savings buckets. She’s literally this close to being totally credit-card free.
✨ Bestie Takeaways:
A 90-day audit shows you the truth about your spending.
Separate accounts keep you honest and stop you from overspending.
You can’t fund every bucket and pay off debt at the same time — pick what matters most right now.
Automation works best when you roll it out little by little.
Debt freedom isn’t about luck — it’s about the systems you create.
Connect With Us:
1️⃣ Facebook Group – Join the community. Our free group is where the real talk happens. Connect with other women who are learning how to budget, save, and finally feel in control, together. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook
2️⃣ Automate Your Budget Masterclass – Watch it now, no waiting. This FREE on-demand training shows you how to set up a budget that matches your lifestyle, without tracking every dollar or feeling restricted. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/automate
3️⃣ Budget – Grab our Simplified Budget System! You don’t need another budget, you need a system that does the math, makes the plan, and gives you permission to spend. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/budget
4️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching – Get a plan and a coach. We’ll build your full budget system together, so you always know what to do and feel confident doing it. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coaching
5️⃣ Be on the Podcast – Free coaching, real convo. Come chat with us on the show! Get real-time financial coaching and help other women by sharing your story. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall
"I love Shana & Vanessa and this podcast is amazing!" 👈🏻 If that sounds like you… ✨ Please take a second to rate & review the show! It helps us reach more people—just like you—who are ready to change their financial future. 🔔 Don’t forget to follow so you never miss an episode! 💌 And if you're feeling extra generous, share this podcast with a friend who needs it. We’d be so honored. 🙌
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!
Hey Budget Besties!
We’re dusting off one of our favorite convos and bringing it back for you. This replay with our friend Skyler from the Money Talk Podcast is all about the “B word” (nope, not that one — budgets!) and how automation can turn your money from stressful to effortless.
We dive deep into what financial automation actually is, why you don’t need a zillion apps to make it work, and how to set up a simple bank account system that feels like your personal assistant. From creating separate “spending,” “bills,” and “savings” accounts, to building a month-ahead buffer, to getting those savings buckets growing without lifting a finger — we cover all the steps to put your money on autopilot.
You’ll hear:
Why direct deposit should flow into your Bills Account first (and not your debit card!)
How to make automation feel safe when you’re not used to trusting your bank account
The power of multiple accounts for groceries, gas, fun money, and personal spending
Why having a month’s income in reserve is like unlocking Level One of financial independence
The surprising marriage-saving benefits of separate personal spending accounts
How naming your savings buckets (hello, “Hawaii Trip”!) can keep you from dipping into them
We even tackle the great credit card debate — why we’re not fans of using them for everyday spending, and how to transition away from relying on them without feeling deprived.
By the end, you’ll see why we believe automation is the secret weapon for gaining confidence, clarity, and control over your money — without living in your spreadsheet.
Connect With Us:
1️⃣ Facebook Group – Join the community. Our free group is where the real talk happens. Connect with other women who are learning how to budget, save, and finally feel in control, together. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook
2️⃣ Automate Your Budget Masterclass – Watch it now, no waiting. This FREE on-demand training shows you how to set up a budget that matches your lifestyle, without tracking every dollar or feeling restricted. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/automate
3️⃣ Budget – Grab our Simplified Budget System! You don’t need another budget, you need a system that does the math, makes the plan, and gives you permission to spend. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/budget
4️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching – Get a plan and a coach. We’ll build your full budget system together, so you always know what to do and feel confident doing it. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coaching
5️⃣ Be on the Podcast – Free coaching, real convo. Come chat with us on the show! Get real-time financial coaching and help other women by sharing your story. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall
"I love Shana & Vanessa and this podcast is amazing!" 👈🏻 If that sounds like you… ✨ Please take a second to rate & review the show! It helps us reach more people—just like you—who are ready to change their financial future. 🔔 Don’t forget to follow so you never miss an episode! 💌 And if you're feeling extra generous, share this podcast with a friend who needs it. We’d be so honored. 🙌
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!
Watch This Episode & See The Budget System In Action!
Hey Budget Besties!
We’re dusting off one of our favorite convos and bringing it back for you. This replay with our friend Skyler from the Money Talk Podcast is all about the “B word” (nope, not that one — budgets!) and how automation can turn your money from stressful to effortless.
We dive deep into what financial automation actually is, why you don’t need a zillion apps to make it work, and how to set up a simple bank account system that feels like your personal assistant. From creating separate “spending,” “bills,” and “savings” accounts, to building a month-ahead buffer, to getting those savings buckets growing without lifting a finger — we cover all the steps to put your money on autopilot.
You’ll hear:
Why direct deposit should flow into your Bills Account first (and not your debit card!)
How to make automation feel safe when you’re not used to trusting your bank account
The power of multiple accounts for groceries, gas, fun money, and personal spending
Why having a month’s income in reserve is like unlocking Level One of financial independence
The surprising marriage-saving benefits of separate personal spending accounts
How naming your savings buckets (hello, “Hawaii Trip”!) can keep you from dipping into them
We even tackle the great credit card debate — why we’re not fans of using them for everyday spending, and how to transition away from relying on them without feeling deprived.
By the end, you’ll see why we believe automation is the secret weapon for gaining confidence, clarity, and control over your money — without living in your spreadsheet.
Connect With Us:
1️⃣ Facebook Group – Join the community. Our free group is where the real talk happens. Connect with other women who are learning how to budget, save, and finally feel in control, together. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook
2️⃣ Automate Your Budget Masterclass – Watch it now, no waiting. This FREE on-demand training shows you how to set up a budget that matches your lifestyle, without tracking every dollar or feeling restricted. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/automate
3️⃣ Budget – Grab our Simplified Budget System! You don’t need another budget, you need a system that does the math, makes the plan, and gives you permission to spend. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/budget
4️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching – Get a plan and a coach. We’ll build your full budget system together, so you always know what to do and feel confident doing it. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coaching
5️⃣ Be on the Podcast – Free coaching, real convo. Come chat with us on the show! Get real-time financial coaching and help other women by sharing your story. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall
"I love Shana & Vanessa and this podcast is amazing!" 👈🏻 If that sounds like you… ✨ Please take a second to rate & review the show! It helps us reach more people—just like you—who are ready to change their financial future. 🔔 Don’t forget to follow so you never miss an episode! 💌 And if you're feeling extra generous, share this podcast with a friend who needs it. We’d be so honored. 🙌
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!
Connect With Us:
1️⃣ Facebook Group – Join the community. Our free group is where the real talk happens. Connect with other women who are learning how to budget, save, and finally feel in control, together. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook
2️⃣ Automate Your Budget Masterclass – Watch it now, no waiting. This FREE on-demand training shows you how to set up a budget that matches your lifestyle, without tracking every dollar or feeling restricted. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/automate
3️⃣ Budget – Grab our Simplified Budget System! You don’t need another budget, you need a system that does the math, makes the plan, and gives you permission to spend. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/budget
4️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching – Get a plan and a coach. We’ll build your full budget system together, so you always know what to do and feel confident doing it. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coaching
5️⃣ Be on the Podcast – Free coaching, real convo. Come chat with us on the show! Get real-time financial coaching and help other women by sharing your story. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall
"I love Shana & Vanessa and this podcast is amazing!" 👈🏻 If that sounds like you… ✨ Please take a second to rate & review the show! It helps us reach more people—just like you—who are ready to change their financial future. 🔔 Don’t forget to follow so you never miss an episode! 💌 And if you're feeling extra generous, share this podcast with a friend who needs it. We’d be so honored. 🙌
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!
Budget besties — let’s talk about a sneaky cycle that keeps so many of us stressed: making quick money decisions that feel productive (like paying off a card) but actually keep us stuck.
In this episode, we unpack two real client stories:
A teacher who used her savings for summer expenses to pay off a small debt… only to be broke in August (and back in debt)
A client who saw cash in her account and immediately threw it at a credit card… leaving herself short for a wedding and pulling from her 401k
Sound familiar? You’re not alone. We get real about:
Why quick fixes and “wins” often sabotage long-term stability
How to break the stress cycle of reactionary money decisions
Why using credit cards is more about avoiding money management than “playing the points game”
The freedom of becoming your own bank (hint: no more hoping a payment goes through!)
How a system — not emotions — is the key to lasting progress
If you’ve ever felt stuck in a loop of paying off debt only to rack it back up, this conversation will help you see why — and give you a better way forward.
Connect With Us:
1️⃣ Facebook Group – Join the community. Our free group is where the real talk happens. Connect with other women who are learning how to budget, save, and finally feel in control, together. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook
2️⃣ Automate Your Budget Masterclass – Watch it now, no waiting. This FREE on-demand training shows you how to set up a budget that matches your lifestyle, without tracking every dollar or feeling restricted. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/automate
3️⃣ Budget – Grab our Simplified Budget System! You don’t need another budget, you need a system that does the math, makes the plan, and gives you permission to spend. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/budget
4️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching – Get a plan and a coach. We’ll build your full budget system together, so you always know what to do and feel confident doing it. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coaching
5️⃣ Be on the Podcast – Free coaching, real convo. Come chat with us on the show! Get real-time financial coaching and help other women by sharing your story. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall
"I love Shana & Vanessa and this podcast is amazing!" 👈🏻 If that sounds like you… ✨ Please take a second to rate & review the show! It helps us reach more people—just like you—who are ready to change their financial future. 🔔 Don’t forget to follow so you never miss an episode! 💌 And if you're feeling extra generous, share this podcast with a friend who needs it. We’d be so honored. 🙌
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!
Budget besties — you know that feeling when a big bill pops up out of nowhere and completely wrecks your monthly budget? We’ve been there too, and we’re here to tell you: it doesn’t have to be that way.
In this episode, we’re breaking down:
What counts as an “annual bill” (and why they always feel like a surprise)
How to list and track every big bill you pay only once or twice a year (auto insurance, property taxes, memberships, car registration, etc.)
Why separating these expenses into their own account changes everything
How to use our Annual Bills Savings Bucket system to divide the cost into manageable monthly savings
What to do if you’re just getting started and don’t have a full year saved yet
Whether it’s your auto insurance, Amazon Prime, or that massive property tax bill, this system takes the chaos out of budgeting for them — and helps you breathe easier knowing the money will be there when you need it.
Connect With Us:
1️⃣ Facebook Group – Join the community. Our free group is where the real talk happens. Connect with other women who are learning how to budget, save, and finally feel in control, together. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook
2️⃣ Automate Your Budget Masterclass – Watch it now, no waiting. This FREE on-demand training shows you how to set up a budget that matches your lifestyle, without tracking every dollar or feeling restricted. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/automate
3️⃣ Budget – Grab our Simplified Budget System! You don’t need another budget, you need a system that does the math, makes the plan, and gives you permission to spend. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/budget
4️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching – Get a plan and a coach. We’ll build your full budget system together, so you always know what to do and feel confident doing it. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/coaching
5️⃣ Be on the Podcast – Free coaching, real convo. Come chat with us on the show! Get real-time financial coaching and help other women by sharing your story. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/livecall
"I love Shana & Vanessa and this podcast is amazing!" 👈🏻 If that sounds like you… ✨ Please take a second to rate & review the show! It helps us reach more people—just like you—who are ready to change their financial future. 🔔 Don’t forget to follow so you never miss an episode! 💌 And if you're feeling extra generous, share this podcast with a friend who needs it. We’d be so honored. 🙌
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!
