Episodes

  • What Should Your September Budget Look Like? Let’s Break It Down Line by Line | 451
    Aug 25 2025

    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:

    1. Why direct deposit should flow into your Bills Account first (and not your debit card!)

    2. How to make automation feel safe when you’re not used to trusting your bank account

    3. The power of multiple accounts for groceries, gas, fun money, and personal spending

    4. Why having a month’s income in reserve is like unlocking Level One of financial independence

    5. The surprising marriage-saving benefits of separate personal spending accounts

    6. 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!

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    27 mins
  • “Budgets Don’t Work” — What Changed Their Financial Mindset After 35 Years of Marriage | 450
    Aug 22 2025

    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!

    Show More Show Less
    33 mins
  • When Paying Off Debt Isn’t the Right Move (Yes, Really!) | 449
    Aug 20 2025

    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:

    1. 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)

    2. 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:

    1. Why quick fixes and “wins” often sabotage long-term stability

    2. How to break the stress cycle of reactionary money decisions

    3. Why using credit cards is more about avoiding money management than “playing the points game”

    4. The freedom of becoming your own bank (hint: no more hoping a payment goes through!)

    5. 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!

    Show More Show Less
    15 mins
  • Why Your Budget Keeps Failing—and the Simple System That Helps You Save for Auto Insurance, Property Taxes, Big Bills and Unexpected Expenses | 448
    Aug 18 2025

    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:

    1. What counts as an “annual bill” (and why they always feel like a surprise)

    2. How to list and track every big bill you pay only once or twice a year (auto insurance, property taxes, memberships, car registration, etc.)

    3. Why separating these expenses into their own account changes everything

    4. How to use our Annual Bills Savings Bucket system to divide the cost into manageable monthly savings

    5. 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!

    Show More Show Less
    12 mins
  • Can You Really Budget on an Inconsistent Paycheck? Yes—and Here’s How (Budgeting With Irregular Income, Money Management for Hairstylists, Small Business Finances) | 447
    Aug 15 2025

    Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

    Hey budget besties — meet Michelle! Her husband is a police officer with a steady paycheck, while she’s a hairstylist juggling inconsistent income, business expenses, and taxes (oh, and still trying to make her personal budget work). Sound familiar?

    In this coaching session, we dive deep into:

    1. How to budget when your business income changes every week

    2. Why separating business income, expenses, and supplies into different accounts creates financial calm

    3. The key difference between bills and spending (hint: it will change how you set up your accounts!)

    4. Building a system for saving for taxes, supplies, and business costs — without the last-minute scramble

    5. How to “pay yourself” a consistent paycheck, even when your income isn’t consistent

    6. Ways to see the big picture of your family’s finances (without overspending when you see extra in the account!)

    Michelle walked away with a clear roadmap: create an income account, separate business and personal money, and finally automate those transfers so her finances feel as steady as her husband’s paycheck.



    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!

    Show More Show Less
    25 mins
  • She Swore She Couldn’t Run Her Business Without a Credit Card—Now She Has $143K in the Bank | 446
    Aug 13 2025

    Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

    Budget besties — today’s conversation is for anyone who feels stuck in the “charge now, figure it out later” cycle. We’re sharing a real coaching story about one of our clients who used credit cards for everything in her business and personal life, floating expenses while waiting for cash to come in. Sound familiar?

    In this episode, we unpack:

    1. Why using credit cards feels easier — and why it’s actually keeping you stuck

    2. How switching to cash flow completely transformed her business (spoiler: $143K in her account!)

    3. Why the “harder way” (paying cash in the moment) leads to better decision-making and growth

    4. How to stop giving your future self problems to solve — and instead create financial peace now

    5. What to do if your bank is making budgeting harder than it should be (hint: it’s time to break up!)

    We also get real about outgrowing your current bank, why loyalty doesn’t always serve you, and how to find a financial institution that supports your budgeting goals (yes, multiple accounts and debit cards are non-negotiable!).

    Takeaway:

    It might feel uncomfortable at first, but cash flowing your life and business puts you back in control — and your future self will thank you for 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!

    Show More Show Less
    16 mins
  • Bank “Savings Buckets” vs. Real Savings Buckets: Why Separate Accounts Win Every Time | 445
    Aug 11 2025

    Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

    Okay, budget besties — let’s clear up some confusion that’s been driving us all a little nuts. 😅

    You’ve heard about “savings buckets” — but here’s the thing: what banks are calling buckets is not what we mean when we talk about savings buckets. So today, we’re setting the record straight.

    In this episode, we break down:

    1. The difference between bank “buckets” (a.k.a. subaccounts) and our savings bucket system

    2. Why using one big savings account with buckets can actually make budgeting harder

    3. How separate accounts for each savings goal can simplify your life (and your brain!)

    4. How to automate it all so you don’t mess it up (because life is busy enough)

    Spoiler: We’re team separate accounts all the way — because when you can clearly see how much you have for travel, Christmas, or car maintenance at a glance, you’re not stuck doing mental math or juggling categories in your bank app.

    Our whole system is about keeping your money simple, automatic, and totally clear. And trust us — once you try it this way, you’ll never go back.


    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!

    Show More Show Less
    11 mins
  • Why Paying Off Your Credit Card Each Month Still Keeps You Behind + How to Budget Weekly Paychecks Without Losing Your Mind (or Your Money) | 444
    Aug 8 2025

    Snag Our Simplified Budget System!

    Hey budget besties — today we’re diving into a topic so many of us struggle with: making the leap from credit card reliance to a simple, stress-free budget system. Meet Sam, who (like a lot of us) thought using a credit card for everything was the safest and smartest choice — until she realized it was keeping her family from saving and causing total budget chaos.

    In this coaching session, we walk Sam through:

    1. Why relying on a credit card keeps you a month behind (and how to break that cycle!)

    2. How to build a budget that actually works when your partner is on the road for work

    3. Setting up separate accounts (groceries, spending, restaurants… yes, even travel volleyball!) so every dollar has a job

    4. The truth about debit card protections vs. credit cards (hint: you’re safer than you think!)

    5. What to expect in your first month of making the switch — and why it’s worth pushing through the messy middle

    If you’ve been wondering how to get off the credit card hamster wheel, start saving consistently, and feel in control of your money (without micromanaging every purchase), this episode will feel like a deep breath of fresh air.


    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!

    Show More Show Less
    26 mins