Grab a Copy of my NEW eBook. https://www.frugaldebtfreelife.com/shop/create-profitable-digital-products-today
Other Episodes you will love:
Episode 86: The Unexpected Expenses of Having a Baby and Purchases that Were WORTH IT (With Kelly Anne Smith
Episode 85: What I Do When I Feel Overwhelmed
Episode 80:The Middle of the Month Budget Hurdle + How to Make Faster Decisions
Episode 75: Learning to create a block schedule that works
Grab a Copy of my NEW eBook. https://www.frugaldebtfreelife.com/shop/create-profitable-digital-products-today
NCIB Study on Comparison: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4222713/
Other Episodes you will love:
Episode 86: The Unexpected Expenses of Having a Baby and Purchases that Were WORTH IT (With Kelly Anne Smith
Episode 85: What I Do When I Feel Overwhelmed
Episode 80:The Middle of the Month Budget Hurdle + How to Make Faster Decisions
Episode 75: Learning to create a block schedule that works
Other Episodes you will love:
Episode 86: The Unexpected Expenses of Having a Baby and Purchases that Were WORTH IT (With Kelly Anne Smith
Episode 85: What I Do When I Feel Overwhelmed
Episode 80:The Middle of the Month Budget Hurdle + How to Make Faster Decisions
Episode 75: Learning to create a block schedule that works
Episode 91: Beating Budget Burnout with Shay from Front Porch Finance
What she cut to pay off debt.
How to beat budget burnout.
Our best thrifting tips and tricks
Connect with Shay on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frontporchfinances/
Grab Shay’s Book Budget Burnout: 12 weeks to get out of your budget slump and accelerate your goals https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C12BQHYL/ref=nodl_?ref_=pe_3052080_276849420&dplnkId=05c3fd15-b102-45b2-a279-a78d358c8dcd
Other Episodes you will love:
Episode 86: The Unexpected Expenses of Having a Baby and Purchases that Were WORTH IT (With Kelly Anne Smith
Episode 85: What I Do When I Feel Overwhelmed
Episode 80:The Middle of the Month Budget Hurdle + How to Make Faster Decisions
Episode 75: Learning to create a block schedule that works
We’re chatting:
How she keeps her grocery budget low.
Her meal planning method.
Her famous Instant Pot spaghetti and meatballs.
Connect with Rachel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyrachelcoons/
Her Reel on Keeping Produce Fresh: https://www.instagram.com/p/CrzI7zcMdNt/
Grab my Ebook, Just Start:The Quick Launch Guide to Launching Your Virtual Assistant Business for just $5 https://www.frugaldebtfreelife.com/shop/just-start-the-quick-guide-to-launching-your-virtual-assistant-business-is-your-toolbox-to-help-you-get-startednbsp
Other Episodes you will love:
Episode 86: The Unexpected Expenses of Having a Baby and Purchases that Were WORTH IT (With Kelly Anne Smith
Episode 85: What I Do When I Feel Overwhelmed
Episode 80:The Middle of the Month Budget Hurdle + How to Make Faster Decisions
Episode 75: Learning to create a block schedule that works
Wedding season will be here soon. Today I wanted to talk about some ways to save money on your big day. I am chatting with my friend Kilee and we are discussing how she planned her 2019 wedding for around $10,000.
What’s in this episode:
How to prioritize your wedding budget
Where to cut costs
Why you should hire a day of coordinator
The surprising ways you can save on your nuptials.
Other episodes you’ll enjoy:
Kilee’s YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDcJNxWQA-GZGkPVleBMyXA
Kilee’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kileerainbow/?hl=en
Come say hi on Instagram.
Want to subscribe and listen on the go? You can do that on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play and Spotify!
Today I am excited to be chatting with Keali Scheider, a Virtual Assistant and systems creator.
We’re chatting:
How she transitioned from a traditional 9-5 to being her own boss.
Budgeting on an inconsistent income.
How to work in pockets of time.
Connect with Keali on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kealischeider/
Grab my Ebook, Just Start:The Quick Launch Guide to Launching Your Virtual Assistant Business for just $5 https://www.frugaldebtfreelife.com/shop/just-start-the-quick-guide-to-launching-your-virtual-assistant-business-is-your-toolbox-to-help-you-get-startednbsp
Other Episodes you will love:
Episode 86: The Unexpected Expenses of Having a Baby and Purchases that Were WORTH IT (With Kelly Anne Smith
Episode 85: What I Do When I Feel Overwhelmed
Episode 80:The Middle of the Month Budget Hurdle + How to Make Faster Decisions
Episode 75: Learning to create a block schedule that works
Are you a student loan borrower in limbo wondering what is happening and how we got here? Or are you a taxpayer also wondering what is going on here? Today’s episode is a timeline of events in the student loan forgiveness program.
CTA: Sign Up for the 5-Day FREE email workshop Debt Detox! https://frugaldebtfreelife.com/debt-detox
What’s in this episode:
Come sign up for my free email workshop Debt Detox!
A timeline of the student loan forgiveness program
Who is suing over the program?
What is the SoFi lawsuit all about.
How does this impact borrowers?
When will my payment be due?
Come say hi on Instagram.
Want to subscribe and listen on the go? You can do that on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play and Spotify!
Today I am chatting with Kelly Ann Smith from Freedom in a Budget. Today we are discussing the unexpected cost of motherhood and the things we thought were completely worth the money.
Kelly’s grocery savings course.
Kelly’s entrepreneurial course - Dreamer to Profitable
Link to free budgeting spreadsheet.
Come say hi on Instagram.
Do you find yourself waking up feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or unsettled? I have a lot lately. I mean we are living in a global pandemic. People are losing jobs, the economy is tanking and you can’t find basic staples in the store.
But over the years as I have faced trials and tragedy I have learned a few tricks for dealing with bad feelings.
Brain Dump Template www.frugaldebtfreelife.com/main/braindumpprint
Get upside and save on gas https://upside.app.link/LYDIA75737
Get $1.49 per meal by going to EveryPlate.com and entering my code LYDIASENN149. Use it to receive 3 weeks of meals! http://bit.ly/3XwDhw4
I got a comment on my YouTube channel that said “I have a lot of goals a lot of things I want to do I want to plan for retirement my kids' college pay down debt upgrade my house buy a new car save for vacations. How do I know what to do first?”
Discussed in this episode:
How I determine short-term and long-term goals
Where to set your financial intentions first
What some of my personal goals are
How to focus on what really matters to you.
Grab my emergency printable binder here: https://www.frugaldebtfreelife.com/emergency-binder
I have felt very frustrated and overwhelmed with grocery prices and I’m sure you have too. Today I am sharing a few practical tips for cutting grocery costs, reducing food waste and feeling a little more in control despite rising prices.
My method for meal planning that reduces waste
Is buying in bulk really helpful?
How prepping produce saves
The trick that absolutely changed everything
Come say hi on Instagram.
Want to subscribe and listen on the go? You can do that on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play and Spotify!
How to Win With Money This Year
Are you stuck in the same pattern of trying to be more responsible with your money but also feeling overwhelmed with all of the things you “should” be doing? Today I am going to share with you a few ways to win with money this year. Here’s the secret, pick one and start with that.
Discussed in this episode:
Why budgeting by paycheck might work better for you.
Why a spending audit can benefit you this year.
Some of my goals for the year.
A little rant on healthcare.
How much emergency fund is actually enough?
Other Episodes You’re Going to Love
Episode 74: Overcoming money shame and lifting up other voices in the finance community
Episode 77: How I'm Developing Good Habits in The New Year
Come say hi on Instagram.
Want to subscribe and listen on the go? You can do that on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play and Spotify!
When we talked getting out of debt it can feel a bit overwhelming, right? Like it takes a lot of HUGE changes to get out of debt.
Ask yourself, "Am I still going to feel this way a week from now? Am I still going to feel this way when I wake up tomorrow morning?"
Ask yourself: Do I really need this? Where am I going to put it? Do I have the money to spend? Have I budgeted for it? Am I going to have to take the money from somewhere else?
Start learning to say no to yourself and start learning to say yes to your future.
It's delayed gratification. Everybody struggles with delayed gratification in one area of their life or another. Oftentimes, that is in money. We want what we want and we want it right now.
What about you? What are some small changes you've had to make to become debt free?
Other Episodes You’re Going to Love
Episode 74: Overcoming money shame and lifting up other voices in the finance community
Episode 77: How I'm Developing Good Habits in The New Year
Come say hi on Instagram.
Want to subscribe and listen on the go? You can do that on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play and Spotify!
Today we’re going to be chatting on not one but TWO topics. One pertains to life and one pertains to money.
In this episode, I share some practical insight on dealing with sudden budget changes and challenges.
I also discuss the four things I consider when making a decision.
CTA: Check out Upside the app that gives you cash back on gas! https://upside.app.link/LYDIA75737
Other Episodes You’re Going to Love
Episode 74: Overcoming money shame and lifting up other voices in the finance community
Episode 77: How I'm Developing Good Habits in The New Year
Come say hi on Instagram.
Want to subscribe and listen on the go? You can do that on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play and Spotify!
Are you hoping to feel a little more prepared and planned this year? Today I am going to tell you how I plan my year in just one hour.
Other Episodes You’re Going to Love
Episode 74: Overcoming money shame and lifting up other voices in the finance community
Episode 77: How I'm Developing Good Habits in The New Year
Come say hi on Instagram.
Want to subscribe and listen on the go? You can do that on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play and Spotify!
Do you feel stuck in a cycle of debt and stress? Today I am sitting down with Jen Smith from the Frugal Friends podcast to talk about how to live a life that aligns with your core values while still paying off debt.
Jen and Jill put out two episodes a week where they share tips, information and stories about becoming debt free and managing your money. And it’s all in a relatable, nonjudgy and hilarious way.
Listen to Jen’s show: https://www.frugalfriendspodcast.com/
Grab the free Ebook: https://exclusive.modernfrugality.com/free-modern-frugal-living-ebook/
Listen to all the previous episode of Frugal Debt Free Life. http://www.frugaldebtfreelife.com/podcast
Come say hi on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/lydiasenn/
Are you looking to develop more sustainable habits in 2023? Aren’t we all. Today I am sharing my plan.
CTA: Use code LYDIA25 to get 25% off your first order at Bellway https://bit.ly/3Uk50zc
Come say hi on Instagram.
Want to subscribe and listen on the go? You can do that on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play and Spotify!
Use code: FOURTHREETWO149 to get EveryPlate for just $1.49 per meal in the first box https://bit.ly/3Uelnh6 @OldWorldHome Christmas Planner 2022 https://amzn.to/3UUyNPJ
Today I’m chatting with Vee Weir about money shame and the benefit of listing to diverse messages.
Vee Frugal Fox
Weir Digital Marketing
Not Another Personal Finance Podcast
Unpacking The Dave Ramsey Cult: Trauma, Shame, And Guilt Around Money
40% of Americans don’t have $400 in the bank for emergency expenses: Federal Reserve
Former Ramsey Solutions Employee Says She Was Fired for Coming Out as a Lesbian
The Case Against Dave Ramsey (Chris Hogan Scandal by Melissa Hogan)
Dave Ramsey's company fires employees over premarital sex, court documents say
Dave Ramsey fired staffer for taking Covid precautions, lawsuit says
Reaction to Dave Ramsey's Racism Video
We didn’t talk about this, but Untangled Faith is a fantastic resource from former Ramsey Solutions employees
Come say hi on Instagram.
Want to subscribe and listen on the go? You can do that on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play and Spotify!
Does the idea of financial planning make you want to go run and scream in a forest? It does not have to.
Mentioned: Albert the app with a zero fee debit card. https://albert.pxf.io/c/3643164/1317538/15963.
Are there Habits and Routines that Save Money? Yes!
The episode about paying for higher education: http://www.frugaldebtfreelife.com/podcast/highered
Have you ever noticed how quick people are to give BAD financial advice? What is some of the worst financial advice you ever received? Today I am sharing answers from my Instagram community.
Check out Keeli on Instagram: https://instagram.com/kealischeider?igshid=MDE2OWE1N2Q=
The episode about paying for higher education: http://www.frugaldebtfreelife.com/podcast/highered
In this episode, I talk about how much emergency fund you might want to have, what an emergency fund is for and how to build one quickly.
CTA: Grab your Free budgeting spreadsheet Link to free budgeting spreadsheet.https://www.frugaldebtfreelife.com/main/free-budget-by-paycheck-spread-sheet
Come say hi on Instagram.
Want to subscribe and listen on the go? You can do that on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play and Spotify!
CTA: Check out this week’s sponsor Steady and browse side hustles and freelance gigs. https://link.steadyapp.com/3a2Z/gj5ecqle"
Apps Mentioned in Today’s show: Fetch gives you points every time you shop for groceries by simply scanning your receipt- https://fetchrewards.onelink.me/vvv3/referraltext?code=6F8VW Dosh you link your card and get a percentage every time you shop at qualified retailers https://link.dosh.cash/LYDIAS76 Honey is a Google Chrome plugin that gives you coupon and promo codes every time you do your online shopping joinhoney.com/ref/vyvkb07
Link to the free spreadsheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1j9tK50YOg2VOK6AqeI7lBJ-t4L5f7RGmYstYVJunvfw/edit?usp=sharing
Come say hi on Instagram.
Want to subscribe and listen on the go? You can do that on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play and Spotify!
Money and Momming
Come say hi on Instagram.
Want to subscribe and listen on the go? You can do that on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play and Spotify!
Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/simon-folwar/happy-days
License code: PRBMKUONORLGIBUV
Roth IRA Basics: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/r/rothira.asp
Come say hi on Instagram.
Want to subscribe and listen on the go? You can do that on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play and Spotify!
Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/simon-folwar/happy-days
License code: PRBMKUONORLGIBUV
Come say hi on Instagram.
Want to subscribe and listen on the go? You can do that on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play and Spotify!
Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/simon-folwar/happy-days
License code: PRBMKUONORLGIBUV
Are you new to budgeting and wondering why the heck your budget doesn't stick? Or maybe you're a pro, but it's just not working. I have some tips for you.
Come say hi on the gram
Visit me at FrugalDebtFreeLife.com
Are you feeling strapped for cash this summer? That’s okay we can still have a fun and special season. Here are a few low cost and no cost ways to make it happen.
Art Hub- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5XMF3Inoi8R9nSI8ChOsdQ
Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/b/summer-reading/_/N-2m39
Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/simon-folwar/happy-days
License code: PRBMKUONORLGIBUV
25+ free or cheap things to do this summer: http://www.frugaldebtfreelife.com/main/tag/summer
Come say hi on Instagram.
Want to subscribe and listen on the go? You can do that on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play and Spotify!
This isn’t a fun topic or one anyone enjoys. But today we’re going to be talking about how to negotiate down medical debt.
RebatesMe! https://www.rebatesme.com/r/0u6qd5
FAIR Health Consumer: https://www.fairhealthconsumer.org/medical/select-medical-totalcost
Come say hi on Instagram.
Want to subscribe and listen on the go? You can do that on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play and Spotify!
Can you not seem to make a traditional monthly budget work? Or are you trying to budget on a fluctuating income? Or maybe you’re struggling with contentment? Or feeling like you’re not making enough money to help cover your expenses? Today’s episode is a big one and it is going to help you. I am chatting with my friend Carly from Debt Free Mom. www.debtfreemom.co
Carly’s website with her templates and more. www.debtfreemom.co
Sign up for her one-on-one budget sessions.
Find her on Instagram.
Come say hi on Instagram.
Want to subscribe and listen on the go? You can do that on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play and Spotify!
Listen to Kara’s show https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/money-and-mental-peace-debt-free-degree-easy/id1602608122
Come say hi on Instagram.
Want to subscribe and listen on the go? You can do that on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play and Spotify!
How we paid off $36,000 in debt in 2 years on one income.
Come say hi on Instagram.
Want to subscribe and listen on the go? You can do that on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play and Spotify!
Things shared in today’s episode:
Get 30% off the Eat At Home Meal Plan. https://eatathom.samcart.com/referral/IWcwN1V2/mPYIpL9GJxNJivcm
Free Budget By Budget paycheck http://www.frugaldebtfreelife.com/main/free-budget-by-paycheck-spread-sheet
The White House announced this week (April 6, 2022) that there would be another extension to federal student loan moratorium. In this episode, I am breaking down what that means, what you need to know and what you might want to do.
If you wonder if your loans are impacted you can find out here.
Come say hi on Instagram.
Want to subscribe and listen on the go? You can do that on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play and Spotify!
Let’s talk about how paying attention saves money.
Come say hi on Instagram.
Want to subscribe and listen on the go? You can do that on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play and Spotify!
I don't know where to start... paying off debt
Mentions:
Find Britt on Instagram
Britt’s YouTube Channel.
Come say hi on Instagram.
Want to subscribe and listen on the go? You can do that on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play and Spotify!
Sometimes it’s the little things that make a HUGE difference in your finances. Today I am sharing a few things that have had a big impact on my day-to-day finances.
Mentions:
Find Britt on Instagram
Britt’s YouTube Channel.
Come say hi on Instagram.
Want to subscribe and listen on the go? You can do that on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play and Spotify!
Britt went from low income to paying off 6-figures worth of debt while living in New York. She's sharing how she paid off her debt and how to stay motivated.
Mentions:
Find Britt on Instagram
Britt’s YouTube Channel.
Come say hi on Instagram.
Want to subscribe and listen on the go? You can do that on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play and Spotify!
Mentions:
Gallop poll
Grab my emergency binder.
Resources to help improve your financial literacy.
Come say hi on Instagram.
Want to subscribe and listen on the go? You can do that on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play and Spotify!
Mentions:
Grab my emergency binder.
Resources to help improve your financial literacy.
Come say hi on Instagram.
Want to subscribe and listen on the go? You can do that on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play and Spotify!
Mentions:
Grab my emergency binder.
Resources to help improve your financial literacy.
Come say hi on Instagram.
Want to subscribe and listen on the go? You can do that on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play and Spotify!
Can budgeting by paycheck benefit you? It was a GAME CHANGER for our family. Today I am walking you through it.
Mentions:
Grab my emergency binder.
Resources to help improve your financial literacy.
Come say hi on Instagram.
Want to subscribe and listen on the go? You can do that on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play and Spotify!
How can unpacking your schedule and finances impact your day-to-day? I am discussing that today with Alyssa from Unbusy.
And you can grab a freebie from Alyssa here.
Let’s have a discussion about things we are and are NOT going to do with our money in 2022.
Mentions:
Grab my emergency binder.
Resources to help improve your financial literacy.
Come say hi on Instagram.
Want to subscribe and listen on the go? You can do that on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play and Spotify!
Today’s podcast is all about perseverance in the road to debt freedom. Jessi Fearon talks about hitting rock bottom and then bouncing back to pay off all of her debt including her house! Jessi and I discuss guilt, shame and wanting to quit.
I asked my Instagram community what was the worst things they bought in 2021. Now I'm sharing.
Mentions:
Sign up for the email newsletter.
My book, Just Start now available: http://www.frugaldebtfreelife.com/juststart
Come say hi on Instagram.
Want to subscribe and listen on the go? You can do that on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play and Spotify!
FTC resources for those being contacted by collectors https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/media-resources/consumer-finance/debt-collection
A few ways to reduce holiday stress
Reduce holiday stress
Lydia Senn
Mentions:
Harvard study on holiday stress
My book, Just Start now available: http://www.frugaldebtfreelife.com/juststart
Come say hi on Instagram.
Mentions:
My book, Just Start now available: http://www.frugaldebtfreelife.com/juststart
Come say hi on Instagram.
How I went from dogmatic about money to holding things loosely and living without shame.
In this episode we are going to talk about whether or not loaning money to a family member is a good choice. I am sharing my own experience on both sides of this issue.
Jennifer discusses her new program Affordable Flavors. Diverse family meals for under $500 a month.
Come say hi on Instagram.
Want to subscribe and listen on the go? You can do that on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play and Spotify!
In this episode I am discussing my reluctance to budget.
I also discuss not shaming your partner for budget setbacks.
You can find me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/lydiasenn
Support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lydiasennYT
Come say hi on Instagram.
Want to subscribe and listen on the go? You can do that on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play and Spotify!
Thank you for listening.
You can find me online at frugaldebtfreelife.com
Or on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lydiasenn/
Mentioned: Slay this Debt: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXCq2D3t0YH0ABlMo3RbJBw
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lydiasenn/
My blog: FrugalDebtFreeLife.com
Read the actual bill: https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/senate-bill/3548/text
Here is some great info about student loan debt and the CARE Act: https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/coronavirus
All the stimulus info I have: https://youtu.be/wgkHPru1hJ0
Today I am talking about what budgets are. What they’re not and how to have some budget positivity in your life.
Helpful links:
Six steps to creating your first budget
Dealing with budgetary setbacks
Looking ahead: 7 things you probably forgot to budget
Helpful Links
Frugal Living is not a competition.
You can sign up for my email newsletter
If you want a transcript of this episode head here.
Planning a year in advance might sound overwhelming, but it’s actually pretty freeing. It just takes a little practice.
Things mentioned in this episode:
My podcast on goal setting.
Helpful things:
I keep a bunch of lists in my planner that help my life flow a little bit more easily.
The Simple Goal Planner. Download free!
The Goal Pyramid.
Do you want to read this podcast? Here is a transcript.
Looking for more info on habit-forming?
Four small habits that can change your life
9 frugal habits that save a lot of money: how to live debt free
Five great habits to start THIS month
Want to subscribe and listen on the go? You can do that on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play and Spotify!
Today I have a guest, my husband. We're going to talk about how he got me on board with budgeting.
Student loans are a scary thing- or they can be. And more and more people are relying on them. Today I am sharing some scary stats and also how to not be a scary statistic.
This is a conversation that we need to be having more of because pretending like we're perfect little money angels doesn't help anyone.
Today I wanted to share a few things I regret and mistakes I made and how I am learning to get past them.
So what do you do when your emergency fund is gone?
My answer might not be what you're expecting. But trust me when I say that a lot of time and thought has gone into it. So what do you do?
I like to refer to my emergency fund as my financial secret weapon. But if you’re starting from scratch the idea of building an emergency fund might be a little overwhelming. So today I am going to give you a few tips to help you build that emergency fund faster.
This is my plea to you -- to stop whatever it is you are doing and go right now and start working on an emergency fund.
It’s so easy to compare yourself to where others are in their debt free journey, or just life in general. Today I wanted to share with you how and why I just stopped caring and how that gave me so much more mental clarity and emotional freedom.
This process is hard enough without feeling like we need to constant measure our success against an invisible benchmark of someone else’s life.
Life is full of sudden changes, slow changes, and ups and downs. Anytime we get off-balance, sometimes that's when our spending gets out of control, or maybe our thought process isn't the most rational.
So today I wanted to tell you of a few times when you might want to avoid making big purchases.
The word budget doesn't exactly make your heart sing with joy. That's okay. You still need to do it and here are a few tips to get you started.
Today I'm talking about my biggest regret when it comes to marriage and money.
For those of you who don't know, my husband Jason and I have been married for twelve years. And we did not combine our finances for the first five years of our marriage. I think that that led to a lot of the money problems that we ended up having — because we did not have accountability.
He had his checking account. I had my checking account. We thought we had a pretty good system. He would pay the mortgage out of his account and I would pay all the bills out of mine. We thought this was fine; this was just a great way to keep things afloat and to keep things going. You have your money and I have my money and we're good.
Some people can handle life that way. But we couldn't. There was a lack of accountability. There was a lack of structure. We weren't communicating. And, really, I feel like our marriage was missing something as a result.
It feels so overwhelming when you’re working so hard and not getting ahead. And it can become so easy to look at what another family is doing and what is working for them and feel like a total failure. But you’re not.
Today I want to offer you a little encouragement, but I also want to give you a few ideas of things you can do when you just feel like it’s not working.
One day I woke up and decided to stop living paycheck to paycheck. I remember the day clearly. We had more month than money, our checking account was in the red and we had about $136 in our savings account. That's a bad day.
It is days like that you feel you won't overcome, that you will always be in debt, that you will always feel the noose of credit cards and bad decisions and self-doubt.
But you won't. I am speaking directly to you, sister. YOU WON'T. You can break the cycle, you can get off the crazy train, you can own your life, get out of debt and stop living pay check to pay check.
Okay, so how does one break the crazy cycle? These are the things that worked for our family while we were working to become debt free.