Blog: All the writings.

This case study looks at a real-life money question asked by a reader. Paying off big debt without a big buffer can feel daunting. But by looking at all the pieces and answering some key questions, it can be way more doable than it seems.

Without self-reflection, you'll likely continue to do what you've done. And get results similar to the ones you're already getting. If you love your current results, keep it up. But if you're feeling inspired to up-level your life and money, it's time to ask yourself these three questions.

It's common to think that more money is the sure-fire solution to your money troubles. But too often, more money only magnifies what's already not working. The great news is is that you can prep for more money by taking good care of the money you have right now.

Whether you're a seasoned budgeting pro, or a total newbie, a "fresh start" might be just what you need to re-energize your money management.

If you don't consider yourself a natural saver, this one is for you. Here's how to finally be able to save money—and have it stay saved. And enjoy the peace of mind that comes from having money saved for the unknowns of life.

Save it? Blow it? Pay down debt? Whether you’ve already got a plan for your IRS tax refund or not, don't miss these questions you may not have considered about your plan.

A credit card balance transfer may be on the list of tools you're considering using to get out from under credit card debt and start living with less stress. Consider these thoughts as you make your decision.

If you've ever wondered what a financial coach is, how they are different from a financial planner, and especially how one can help you, this article is for you.

It’s a privilege to take care of the one and only you. You do this by showing yourself that you value yourself enough to prioritize your wants and needs and plan to pay real money for them.

You're excited to finally be budgeting and have it make sense. But it feels almost too good to be true that you truly have $100 set aside to spend—guilt-free—on clothes. Doing these 3 things allows you to trust your numbers and spend confidently.

Spending on Amazon is the easy part. Planning and tracking it gets more complicated. Here are ideas for 2 approaches to budgeting for and tracking all your Amazon spending.

Debt consolidation may be the right answer for your situation, but here are 5 things to consider before you go down that road.

At all income levels, it's possible to spend more than you make. But regardless of how much you make, the solution to the accompanying financial stress is the same. It works like an absolute charm.

A budget is meant to help! If you find yourself perpetually overspending in a category, you need to allocate more money to it. But you may also need to budget for it in more frequent increments.

People often ask if they should focus on paying off debt or building savings. Here are critical things to consider about each option.

You’ve got a brand-new year ahead of you and having your money system polished up for the year will do wonders to set you up for what’s headed your way—the hard, the routine, and the totally amazing. 

Financial confidence: the gift available to anyone willing to do the things that yield lasting financial confidence.

10 life and money lessons learned from my parents which have proved to be foundational for the life I'm trying to lead. I take full responsibility, however, for my expensive tastes.

The Christmas season is upon us, as is the season of giving gifts to those we love. And those we just like, and can find ourselves giving grudgingly to. See what these 2 questions do for you as you approach gift-giving this season!

Even simple budgeting takes a little time and effort to be successful and love it. But it's only a fraction of the time you’re already spending in stress and reactivity. One gets you amazing results, the other, not so much.

The holidays are the season to help each other in bigger ways, and connect with what it is you're longing to do in life. And with that why you can get on purpose in so many ways—including with your money.

What if budgeting is actually not the place to start in order to love your monthly management? There's a critical missing first step for most people.

Monthly money management, including budgeting, does not at all require giving up everything you enjoy! It's actually how you get everything you want in life, then and now.

If you're afraid to look at your checking account balance, it might be time to "break up" with it. And start telling your money what to do in the form of a zero-based budget.

These tips for saving money during inflation are the very same things that benefit your finances and life during every chapter of life.

How present are you financially? Could today be the day you make your financial situation concrete, let go of the past, and get excited about the future? I sure hope so, since life is so much better on this side of being present.

Boundaries help us know who we are, what we are responsible for and what we are not. These 3 boundaries ideas can help simplify your life, your money, and your relationships.

Building—and then keeping—a healthy emergency savings account does wonders for your options and peace of mind.

It's common sense that our inputs shape our outputs in life and money. Here are some of my favorite inputs that help me in my pursuit to live intentionally.

Feeling stuck or anxious? Sounds like time for a motivating goal! There are so many areas of life that can be improved by goal-setting. And no area of life that can’t be sweetened with at least the occasional goal to achieve.

Those who change their money lives with a sense of possibility versus punishment experience incredible results in their lives. Here are just four of those results.

You know what's awesome? Several things, but most recently, women sharing their stories about money and life messes and triumphs.

Budgeting as a word has a really bad rap. But done right, it's the sort of practice that makes the richest life possible, not just in the future, but right now.

You're never going to feel good about your money situation if you're not taking care of the basics of your money. The confidence you'll gain comes from the doing.

As much as people say they would like to have more money and want less money stress, not everyone is actually ready for it. In this post, I describe what I've seen in those who are and who aren't ready.

There are several beautifully tangible benefits to taking care of your monthly money. In this post, I share 3 reasons why you, by budgeting, will have more money, even if your spending stays relatively the same.

No one likes to miss out on something awesome. And budgeting monthly money can be one of those things; awesome for the results it makes possible.

Ignoring is not a strategy when it comes to plants or money. Acknowledging and taking care of what you already have is a beautiful step toward having more—more peace, more money, and more joy.

Saving first sounds like a wonderful idea. Except when you can't actually afford to save. Get real about your monthly expenses to know how much you can actually save, and to stop the cycle of dipping into savings.

Getting on purpose with your money allows you to afford a life that is your sort of beautiful. 

Perfectionism and perpetually waiting lead to a lack of living and progress. Are you willing to get the scuffs and smudges of taking risks for the sake of progressing in your precious life?

Whether in budgeting or time management, we can only improve our situation if we are willing to confront the facts of it. Conducting spending and time-management "reality checks" make it possible to plan for and get better results.

Mindset is critical in every arena–money, relationships, life circumstances. It's easy to trudge along figuratively watering thoughts and habits that will never yield the results we want. But there's a better way!

No matter what the future holds, budgeting and practicing healthy life habits can give you a very healthy sense of personal peace and power. Control what you can when things around you feel out of control.

If you believe negatively about yourself in any area, more than likely you will stay exactly the same or worse. Do yourself a giant favor this year and believe you can be different.

In this post, I share three reasons why budgeting is a blessing for any life, regardless of income or spending habits. Curious? Read on!

Budgeting with YNAB is pretty much the best thing you can do for your life. But it can be a little tricky on the go. In this post, I share tips for including the mobile app in your budgeting flow so you can stay successful with your money.

A "house" in Berlin spurred thoughts about the results of a lack of intention in both a house and in life. On the flip side, some intention in money and life planning go a long way at building something marvelous!

Because lists are fun, and because most of us wouldn't mind keeping more of our money, here are ten suggestions for simpler spending and keeping more of your shekels for the things you really want.

A budget is not the boss of you. You are the boss of you, and budgeting in the YNAB way (budget actual money before you spend actual money) helps you make your best decisions.

If you slump your shoulders and cringe when you hear the word "budget," this post is for you! It's totally possible to feel happy and in control of your money, even before you make millions. Read on to see how:)

How many accounts is too many? I would argue in a friendly way that having more than 4 spending accounts is unnecessarily complicating your life, and make a case to simplify.

A post dedicated to my fine-feathered, college-age students. It's also relevant for anyone who thinks they do not need/can't budget.

Sometimes you can’t plan everything in life. You can’t plan every single purchase or event in life. And sometimes it is the right thing to do to be spontaneous.

An ode-to-summer and self-employment, reading, and practicing.

The solution is always found in action. Pretty much any positive action will do! It’s like the action nudges us back to life, and we have momentum for reinvesting in being fully alive.

I want to make good choices and not squander my freedoms. I want to sacrifice more for the things that matter more. And perhaps one day be remembered, if only by my family, for something more than “she liked to be comfortable.”

Being an intentional shopper keeps you on track with your financial goals with the added bonus of all the good feelings that go along with being an intentional consumer.

Once you get on purpose with especially a financial goal, implement these five tips to stay on purpose. And as you make progress, you'll find the motivation you've been looking for.

So, where are ya headed? A reminder for all of us of the beauty and necessity of having direction in life. Swaying aimlessly without any direction is not a very sweet spot to be or waste our days!

If you're feeling strapped for cash, you have company. Like, a lot of it. 4 in 10 Americans in 2019 could not pay cash for an unexpected $400 expense. Whether in the 40 percent or the 60 percent, it's a good reminder to budget to have a financial buffer for the unexpected.

People ask what I think about other budgeting tools; here's my trying-very-hard-not-to-be-biased take on one of the more well-known tools out there, Mint.

The future is a wealth of surprises for all of us. One could say that we are rich in future surprises. Yay us! The way to be "heck yeah" ready is to be getting financially ready now. Read on!

The right tool for the job can make all the difference. Budgeting was rather a joke all of my adult as I hobbled along with Excel spreadsheets. The right tool made all the difference.

A trip with my dad to a remote and rather creepy ghost town has me waxing thoughtful about the way we all have dreams and the ways we invest in them and our futures.

And somehow in this post, I've mashed together Steinbeck, Kristen Wiig, Jazz music, and budgeting. Oh, and some philosophy on choosing in life.

My life on a budget is 100% different than the bleak pictures shown and described in this post, and so much different in all good ways from life pre-budget. I know yours can be too!

Sometimes you just need to rebuild your website and remember why you're doing what you're doing. In this post, Bobsey becomes Moso and I wax philosophical (or at least wordy) about the motivation behind this blog.

In case you're sick of hearing (reading) me talk (write) about money, here's a life habits post. One hint: you may never look for your keys again!

A post in which I celebrate my first paid-for-in-cash vacation (this is the only way to go from here on out!) and catch up on springtime happenings.

A plan changes everything! My feelings of stress and guilt about my spending habits and financial picture were eliminated almost overnight when I decided to do something about them by, you guessed it, making a plan.

The start of a new month means many of us have come into some new money (in the form of a paycheck). In case you haven’t yet gotten to distributing yours to your budget, I thought I’d share my step-by-step:)

As teenagers, my brother and I had big plans for an amazing clubhouse. I saved my portion of the money, and squandered it. How often do we do the equivalent with our big kid dreams?

Isn’t it worth a little supervision of your spending on your dollars (per your own rules, by the way) to know that you can dream and make those dreams come true?

So, what does your long-term plan look like? Life has a way of trucking along whether you've got a plan for your future or not. But a legacy doesn't get built by accident! Here's a reminder to us all to make some plans for the long-term and the meaning of our lives.

One of the side effects of budgeting is an awareness that every dollar spent is a dollar not spent on or put toward something else. A fun story about budgeting and switching phones from yesteryear.

For as much as I write about the wonders of budgeting and getting out of debt, you'd think the contents of this post would appear every month on the regular. And while pieces of this certainly surface, this is the only place where I have most of my favorite tips. Lucky you!

If you think that truly nothing in your budget can be trimmed or tweaked, you will keep getting exactly the same results you have been living with. By identifying which ones could *potentially* be tweaked, you may discover you actually have some wiggle room.

Faux budgeting vs real budgeting. The difference is in acknowledging ALL the spending. Most of us have a Random category that ends up accumulating way faster than we think. So stop hiding all the things and get them out in the open!

Sometimes you just need a fresh start. The effort you would spend (no pun intended) backtracking to get everything in your budgeting tool is simply not worth the effort. Plus, starting fresh allows you to approach things with new perspective!

Something magical happens when a person, previously adrift aimlessly picks a point of the shore he or she is going to aim for and starts making toward it.

Excuses: they sure can be fun to make but they’re not very fun to live out. Those excuses keep you living with a reality that only you can decide if you’re happy with. Some encouragement to drop the excuses and start living better.

A reminder that we–our developed and inherent talents, skills, abilities and our confidence in them and in God’s ability to help us–are the best assets and the most secure things we have.

Who doesn't love a fresh start? In goals, life, budgeting. (See how easily budgeting slips out?) Your spending and overall quality of life can truly change for the better this year. 3 tips for how!

The purpose of this particular blog post is to help change the feelings that people like us have about managing money. Without further ado, here are some (5) reasons to start whistling a happier tune about budgeting.

As I put myself on this blessed budget, I’ve learned a couple things that have made dining out more budget-friendly. Read on for 5 tips that may help you, like they have me, to still enjoy social eating and hit your financial goals.

With the goal of debt payoff in sight, I decided to tighten the belt (only figuratively). Guess what this means–more packed lunches, tasty or not!

Five tongue-in-cheek reasons describing why you should not budget actually highlight the reasons why you should and what you have to gain by doing so. Hint: it involves joy and peace and doing some good in this world.

Just a quick reminder to just start whatever it is you've been putting off. Excuses are a really lame roadblock keeping us stuck right where we are and that, pals, is not where we're meant to stay.

More than I love budgeting, I love the feeling of gaining momentum with my finances. Here are the two surefire ways of gaining traction - trimming expenses and increasing income. Also, a recommendation for an excellent 80's movie.

Having a plan and a direction is good. So good. To call out a couple areas, time, money, and life all work out way better when we create a plan for each of them and do our best to stick to it. You'll like this one.

An ode to pancakes. Or rather, an ode to at least sometimes making inexpensive food choices and choosing to eat at home more often. Not always the tastiest, it's still a good habit and one we should all celebrate. Party!

A grueling Labor Day hike is the perfect chance to talk about doing hard things. Whether that be summiting a mountain or paying of mountains of debt, we can do the hard things!

With a reflective step back, I'm more sure than ever about the purpose of this site and my writing. A good reminder to all of us to remember the "why" behind the things we pour energy into.

Let's talk about freedom, shall we? I'm talking about the personal freedom we sometimes give away or take for granted. Technology and spending are two areas where we sometimes abdicate responsibility, to our detriment.

Some small things have made a huge difference in helping me stay organized during real life. Here are some, okay, four, of my favorite resources/tools that you may find helpful too!

This entire blog is my big ode to budgeting, and this post is a small part of that ode. An email from an oversees benefactor got me thinking about budgeting even if I won the lottery. Or a wire transfer from the Middle East. Both good.

Do you guys remember cash? It's paper, it's green, you can use it to buy stuff? We are definitely more of a plastic economy (using cards) but cash is still money and you'll keep more of it if you track it. Interested? Good!

The story of a really, really drastic hair cut and life lessons (you're welcome) about taking risks, eliminating things we cling to out of comfort or laziness, and not worrying about what other people think about you. It's none of your business:)

One of my more embarrassing moments from the "rice and beans" days of paying off debt. But also, some motivation that it's okay to have some of those moments for the greater good of your future.