75// How to add a big expense to your already-tight budget

🎉Grab your free Budget School JUMPSTART.If you leave your money sitting in your checking account, it’s going to get spent — just like cookies left out on the counter.In this episode, I’ll share three powerful reasons you need to move your money forward.You’ll learn how moving money helps you protect it from impulse spending, make faster progress toward your goals, and be prepared when future needs or wants come up.Whether you’re paying off debt, saving for something big, or just trying to stay consistent, this episode will show you why where you put your money matters — and how to start moving it with purpose.Let's connect:Instagram @budgeteffectpodcastEmail [email protected] Click to Send Fan Mail

🎉Grab your free Budget School JUMPSTART.What do you do when you need to add a new expense but your budget already feels maxed out? Recently, I did just that.In this episode, I walk through the steps I took to make it work:Figuring out the true cost (monthly and yearly)Testing it in my budget and year planDeciding what categories I was—and wasn’t—willing to cutAdjusting amounts until everything fitIf you’ve ever tried to fit a new cost into your budget—whether that’s kids’ activities, a car payment, or higher rent—this process will help you approach it with clarity instead of stress.Episodes mentioned: 66// What is a Zero-Balance Budget? Plus 11 reasons it will work for you.26// How to budget for self-care | Building a sinking fund for your personal wants and needs53// Why I Hated a Yearly Budget (But You Might Love It!)Let's connect:Instagram @budgeteffectpodcastEmail [email protected] Click to Send Fan Mail

🎉Grab your free Budget School JUMPSTART.📋 BUDGET SCHOOL coming soon.  When I launched The Budget Effect podcast, I started with four powerful effects of budgeting that completely transformed my life and finances. A year and a half later, do I still stand by them? Spoiler alert: yes—but I’ve also discovered even more life-changing benefits along the way.In this episode, I’m reflecting on what happens when you go beyond “just paying bills” and step into intentional money management with a zero-balance budget. We’ll talk about:Why your money actually goes further when you budget (and how to avoid feeling limited).How budgeting not only helps you reach goals—but also clarifies what goals matter most.The way budgeting uncovers your true core values and allows you to live more intentionally.Why confidence, peace, and joy grow as you gain control of your money.And the surprising ripple effects budgeting has on your household routines, organization, and even stress levels.If you’ve ever wondered what a budget could really do for your life beyond dollars and cents, this episode will encourage you to see it as the foundation for freedom, stability, and joy.Let's connect:Instagram @budgeteffectpodcastEmail [email protected] to Send Fan Mail

🎉Grab your free Budget School JUMPSTART.📋 BUDGET SCHOOL coming soon.  Are you only thinking about right now when you budget—just making it through the week or the month? Or maybe you’re swinging the other way, thinking about retirement decades from now but not sure how you’ll cover next season’s expenses.In this episode, I’m introducing you to something I call the Ladder of Future Thinking—a simple way to look ahead in your budget without feeling overwhelmed. I’ll walk you through how to plan for:Within the month: Making adjustments so your budget actually worksSeason to season: Saving for the things you know are comingYear to year: Preparing for annual expenses and big goalsMultiple years ahead: Setting yourself up for stability, freedom, and less stressBecause budgeting isn’t just about being organized—it’s about creating stability, building wealth, and having the freedom to say “yes” when you want to.Let's connect:Instagram @budgeteffectpodcastEmail [email protected] Click to Send Fan Mail

🎉Grab your free Budget School JUMPSTART.📋 BUDGET SCHOOL coming soon.  Ever find yourself in a low-vibe state —you’re frustrated with your progress, comparing yourself to others, or tempted to spend money just to feel better? You’re not alone, and you don’t have to stay stuck.In this episode of The Budget Effect, we’re talking about what to do when discontent creeps in—especially when it’s tied to money, material things, or not being as far along as you thought you’d be by now. I share my own recent experience with feeling uninspired and how I turned things around, along with 4 practical steps you can use to reset your mindset and your money habits.Here’s what you’ll learn:Why discontent shows up (even when you’re normally grounded and grateful).How comparison and external pressure can derail your mindset and your budget.4 ways to shift out of a low-energy stateIf you’ve been feeling off, frustrated, or just “bleh,” this episode will help you feel lighter, more intentional, and more in control of your money and your mindset.Let's connect:Instagram @budgeteffectpodcastEmail [email protected] Click to Send Fan Mail

🎉Grab your free Budget School JUMPSTART.📋 BUDGET SCHOOL coming soon.  This episode is part quiz, part game, and totally eye-opening. We're playing a special version of Would You Rather—not the kind your kids play, but one designed to help you figure out what you truly value when it comes to spending, saving, and planning your life.Do you crave adventure and experiences… or cozy nights and a home you love? Are you pinning travel inspo or garden vibes?By the end of this episode, you’ll have a better sense of what really lights you up—so you can build a budget that actually supports the life you want, not the one you think you should want.Let's connect:Instagram @budgeteffectpodcastEmail [email protected] Click to Send Fan Mail

🎉Grab your free Budget School JUMPSTART.📋 BUDGET SCHOOL coming soon.  Have you ever stuck to your budget for a few months, hit a savings goal, or paid off a credit card—and then celebrated by spending money that set you right back? 😬 You're not alone, and you're not doing it wrong… but there is a better way.In this episode, we’re talking about how to reward yourself in ways that actually support your financial progress instead of sabotaging it. You'll hear: real-life examplesmindset shiftsfour practical strategies for building celebration into your budget—without guilt, credit card debt, or backtracking.Let's connect:Instagram @budgeteffectpodcastEmail [email protected] Click to Send Fan Mail

Short answer? Absolutely not.In this episode, we’re breaking down the stereotypes around Type A and Type B personalities—and how both types can thrive with budgeting. Whether you love color-coded spreadsheets and a perfect plan (hello, Type A!) or you’re more go-with-the-flow and creative (hi, Type B!), budgeting can still work for you.We’ll look at:The typical traits of Type A vs. Type B peopleHow both personality types can shine in their financial journeyWhat budgeting habits might feel easier—or harder—for eachAnd advice for building a budget that fits who you areBecause here’s the truth: you don’t have to change your personality to manage your money well. You just need a system that honors the way you naturally think and live.💬 Listen to this episode to answer:What parts of budgeting already match your personality?Where do you tend to get stuck?What can you do to make budgeting feel more you?Click to Send Fan Mail

🎉Grab your free Budget School JUMPSTART.📋 BUDGET SCHOOL coming soon.  We go through different stages in our lives, and of course our budget is going to look different throughout those different seasons. In today’s episode we are going to talk about two of those different seasons: before debt-free and after debt-free. Are there different methods? Different goals? Different motivations?And what should always stay the same?That's what we'll cover in this episode.  Let's connect:Instagram @budgeteffectpodcastEmail [email protected] Click to Send Fan Mail

🎉Grab your free Budget School JUMPSTART.📋 BUDGET SCHOOL coming soon.  Smart budgeting means we’re thinking ahead. In this episode, we’re talking all about budgeting for school-related expenses before the chaos hits.I’ll walk you through handling school activity costs throughout the year and why I keep a school category in my budget even during summer break.You’ll learn how to:Decide whether you need a separate line for school activities in your budgetUse the summer months to build up a school shopping fundHandle leftover money in that category the smart waySet up a simple system (even if it’s just cash in an envelope!)Be resourceful with used supplies and organize what you already haveWhether you’re a budgeting beginner or looking to upgrade your system, this episode will help you stay ahead of school costs without the stress.Click to Send Fan Mail