Thinking about new money goals — or just want to feel less stressed and more in control? 

These 6 reflection prompts will help you reset your finances in a way that actually fits your life. 

They’re not ONLY about crunching numbers (although we crunch a few).

They’re about making sure your money is working for your real life, your values, and the things that matter most. 

Free Resources: 

🎉Free Household Money Snapshot

🎉Free Spending Audit Spreadsheet and Directions

Click to Send Fan Mail

Do you feel like budgeting only “works” when life is calm and organized?
 In this episode, we’re talking about why consistency matters more than perfection — and how to keep moving forward with your money even when life feels messy.

I walk you through the three core habits of a solid budget routine and what consistent (not perfect) action actually looks like in real life:

• Setting up your zero-balance budget — even if you’re late or behind
• Tracking your spending so you know what’s working (and what’s not)
• Moving money toward your goals — even if it’s just a few dollars

You’ll learn how these small, repeatable actions help you:

• Reduce stress and money anxiety
• Get out of survival mode and into progress
• Build momentum toward savings, debt payoff, and future goals

You don’t need to do this perfectly.
 You just need to keep showing up.

🎉Free resource🎉: Grab the Household Money Snapshot — the exact tool I use with my clients to help them get their finances organized and set up a zero-balance budget. Click Here.

💪 Do you want my help? 💪

My budget course gives you the tools and guidance you need. Click Here. 

Let's connect:

Instagram @budgeteffectpodcast

Email hello@thebudgeteffect.com 

Click to Send Fan Mail

Do you want to feel more in control of your household finances?
In this episode, I’m giving you the 3 habits that make budgeting easier, calmer, and more consistent. This episode walks you through the three simple habits that keep your budget running smoothly—just like a good morning routine.

These habits are the foundation of a budget you can actually stick to, even when life feels busy or chaotic.

Other episodes mentioned in the show: 

• More on creating "buffers" in your budget: 🎧 Episode 69: Do you have to be 'Type A' to budget?
• Routine Habit 3: 🎧Episode 73: How to plan ahead in your budget

🎉Free guide🎉

Want a clear picture of your household finances? Grab my free Household Money Snapshot

💪 Do you want my help? 💪

My budget course gives you the tools and guidance you need. 

Let's connect:

Instagram @budgeteffectpodcast

Email hello@thebudgeteffect.com 

Click to Send Fan Mail

If you’re tired of overspending — whether you never stick to your plan or you blow your budget on random Tuesday trips — this episode gives you four simple “batching” strategies to keep your spending under control.

You’ll learn how to batch:

• Monthly essentials so you stop making extra trips (and extra purchases).
• Seasonal clothing so you only buy what you truly need.
• Gift giving (holidays + kid birthdays) so you stop forgetting what you already bought.
• Groceries so you avoid impulse buys and over-the-top shopping.

Batching helps you spend on purpose instead of on autopilot — giving you more freedom, less stress, and money for what matters most.

🎉Grab your free Budget School JUMPSTART.

💪 Do you want my help? 💪

My budget course gives you the tools and guidance you need. 

Let's connect:

Instagram @budgeteffectpodcast

Email hello@thebudgeteffect.com 

Click to Send Fan Mail

Unexpected bills? Kids’ expenses piling up? I get it. Even on my single-income teacher’s salary, I’m still saving money every month—and it’s because of these 4 simple habits.

In this episode, I’ll show you the easy, everyday things you can start doing to finally keep more of your money without cutting all the fun out of your life.

Simple habits. Real savings. You can do this.

🎉Grab your free Budget School JUMPSTART.

💪 Do you want my help? 💪

My budget course gives you the tools and guidance you need. 

Let's connect:

Instagram @budgeteffectpodcast

Email hello@thebudgeteffect.com 

Click to Send Fan Mail

Think your budget keeps failing because you’re “bad with money”? Nope.
 It might actually be because you haven’t eaten enough kale… seriously.

In this episode, we pull back the curtain on all the non-money habits that impact your spending—your schedule, your energy, your clutter, your routines, and (yes) what’s happening in your fridge. You’ll learn why budgeting isn’t just tracking numbers; it’s about managing your life so you can follow your budget.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• Why your busy schedule might be sabotaging your money plan
• How clutter, stress, mental load, decision fatigue, and lack of sleep affect overspending
• The surprising connection between self-care (like eating kale) and sticking to a budget
• Why you might not need a new budgeting method—you might need a new habit
• How to identify the one thing that throws you off financially

You’ll walk away with:
➡️ Awareness of what’s really causing overspending
➡️ Permission to stop saying “I’m bad with money”
➡️ One simple habit to focus on that will get your budget back on track

Because sometimes sticking to your budget starts with taking care of the rest of your life.

🎉🎉🎉Stop wasting time and get started with your budget today! Click here for the FREE Budget Jumpstart. 

💪 Do you want my help? 💪

My budget course gives you the tools and guidance you need. 

Let's connect:

Instagram @budgeteffectpodcast

Email hello@thebudgeteffect.com 

Click to Send Fan Mail

🎅Link to HOLIDAY PLANNER 

The holidays are coming — but you don’t have to rush or stress this year. In this episode, Erin helps you get ahead now so you can feel calm, organized, and financially prepared when the season arrives.

You’ll walk through how to plan your time, money, and mindset in advance — so you can be present with your kids and actually enjoy the holidays.

💡 What You’ll Learn

• How to start future-thinking with your holiday budget and calendar
• The first steps to take with your money and time before the season begins
• How to list, plan, and price out gifts, events, and expenses
• The importance of deciding early — meals, parties, travel, and more
• How to align your plans with how you actually want to feel this holiday season: simple, well, and festive
• Ideas for simplifying, delegating, and protecting your energy and time
• How to use backwards planning to make sure everything gets done calmly

3-Part Holiday Planner – brainstorm ideas, budget your spending, and plan your weeks backwards
👉 Grab it here

Click to Send Fan Mail

Welcome to Part 2 of our KIDS and MONEY series. 

Here's a link to Part 1 - Episode 77. 

In this episode we cover: 

• How to do allowance with your kids
• How to teach kids to be patient when they want something
• How to budget with kids at any age
• How to help our children deal with marketing, consumption, and comparison

It's filled with practical steps to helping your kids develop healthy money habits and mindsets! 

Give Emily a follow on Instagram @RaisingLittleMillionaires. 

Click to Send Fan Mail

🎉Grab your free Budget School JUMPSTART.

Ever notice how your thoughts about money shape your results? In this episode, Erin breaks down two powerful ways of thinking about your household money: “if” and “because.”

Are you telling yourself:

• “I’ll stick to my budget if everything goes smoothly”?
• “I’ll save if there’s anything left over”?

Or are you shifting toward:

• “I’ll stay consistent because I want freedom”?
• “I’ll save because it matters to my family’s future”?

This small mindset shift changes everything. When you start leading with “because,” you stop waiting for perfect conditions and start creating the results you want — saving money, paying off debt, and building financial peace in your household.

✨ In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The difference between “if” and “because” thinking (and how to spot yours)
• How your mindset affects consistency, savings, and debt payoff
• Practical examples to help you shift into “because” thinking this week
• Why your money follows your mindset

🎯 Your challenge: Notice where you’re living in your “if” — and start stepping into your “because.”

Let's connect:

Instagram @budgeteffectpodcast

Email hello@thebudgeteffect.com 

Click to Send Fan Mail

In this episode, I sit down with Emily from @RaisingLittleMillionaires to talk about how to teach kids about money in practical ways. We’re already teaching them about money—whether we realize it or not—through our habits and conversations. Let’s do it better!

We cover the 3 essential money mindsets to teach at home:

1. Split it before you spend it – give kids real practice with saving and spending.
2. Make spending hard and saving easy – set up guardrails like cash or prepaid cards, and automate savings when possible.
3. Know where your money goes – teach kids to track their spending and review it regularly.

This is part one of a 3 part series. 

For more practical tips from Emily, follow her on Instagram: @RaisingLittleMillionaires.

Let's connect:

Instagram @budgeteffectpodcast

Email hello@thebudgeteffect.com 

Click to Send Fan Mail

🎉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 @budgeteffectpodcast

Email hello@thebudgeteffect.com 

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 plan
• Deciding what categories I was—and wasn’t—willing to cut
• Adjusting amounts until everything fit

If 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 needs

53// Why I Hated a Yearly Budget (But You Might Love It!)

Let's connect:

Instagram @budgeteffectpodcast

Email hello@thebudgeteffect.com 

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 @budgeteffectpodcast

Email hello@thebudgeteffect.com

Click 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 works
• Season to season: Saving for the things you know are coming
• Year to year: Preparing for annual expenses and big goals
• Multiple years ahead: Setting yourself up for stability, freedom, and less stress

Because 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 @budgeteffectpodcast

Email hello@thebudgeteffect.com 

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 state

If 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 @budgeteffectpodcast
Email hello@thebudgeteffect.com 

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 @budgeteffectpodcast
Email hello@thebudgeteffect.com 

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 examples
• mindset shifts
• four practical strategies for building celebration into your budget—without guilt, credit card debt, or backtracking.

Let's connect:
Instagram @budgeteffectpodcast
Email hello@thebudgeteffect.com 

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 people
• How both personality types can shine in their financial journey
• What budgeting habits might feel easier—or harder—for each
• And advice for building a budget that fits who you are

Because 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 @budgeteffectpodcast
Email hello@thebudgeteffect.com 

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 budget
• Use the summer months to build up a school shopping fund
• Handle leftover money in that category the smart way
• Set up a simple system (even if it’s just cash in an envelope!)
• Be resourceful with used supplies and organize what you already have

Whether 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

🎉Grab your free Budget School JUMPSTART.

📋 BUDGET SCHOOL coming soon.  

What if your budget could make you feel supported instead of stressed? In this episode, I explain exactly what a zero-balance budget is — and why it’s helped so many people feel more in control, more clear, and more confident with their money. 

This short teaching episode is perfect if you’re new to budgeting or if you've been trying to budget but keep feeling stuck. I’ll give you a clear, simple definition of what a zero-balance budget is — and then I’ll walk you through 12 reasons why I believe this method really works. From clarity and flexibility to confidence and momentum, this approach has changed the way I handle money. If you're ready to move forward with your money, this is the place to start.

Listen to the Episode to Answer These Questions:

• What does it actually mean to “give every dollar a job”?
• How does a zero-balance budget help reduce stress?
• Why does this method work even if your income changes?
• What’s one small step you can take today to get started?

Click to Send Fan Mail

📋 BUDGET SCHOOL coming soon. Join the Insider Access Club. 

🎉Grab your free Budget School JUMPSTART.

 ⬇️⬇️⬇️ What's in this episode? ⬇️⬇️⬇️

If you've fallen off track with your budget—whether it's overspending, disorganization, or just not paying attention—this episode is for you. I’m giving you three simple steps to hit reset and get your budget back on track.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to assess where you’re at and stop the financial overwhelm.
• Practical steps to regroup and make a plan moving forward.
•  How to get back to your budgeting system (or start one, if you don’t have one yet!). 

It’s time to take control and get your budget back in line with your goals. Tune in to get the guidance and clarity you need to reset and move forward with confidence.

🎉🎉Do you want me to come into your email with the FREE JUMPSTART?  By the end of this email challenge, you’ll have the essential numbers you need to begin budgeting, a goal, and insight into your current spending habits. Click here! 

Let's connect:
Instagram @budgeteffectpodcast
Email hello@thebudgeteffect.com 

Click to Send Fan Mail

🎉Grab your free JUMPSTART.

In this episode, I’m sharing 3 things I am CERTAIN of when it comes to my money.

These certainties guide how I spend, save, and make financial decisions.

➡️But this isn’t just about me. I want YOU to identify what you are certain of when it comes to your money. I’ll be asking you questions to get you thinking! ⬅

Tune in to learn how being certain can guide your decisions and create lasting change in your financial life.

🎉🎉Do you want me to come into your email with the FREE JUMPSTART?  By the end of this email challenge, you’ll have the essential numbers you need to begin budgeting, a goal, and insight into your current spending habits. Click here! 

Let's connect:
Instagram @budgeteffectpodcast
Email hello@thebudgeteffect.com 

Click to Send Fan Mail

🎉Grab your free JUMPSTART.

If you haven't started taking care of your finances yet, or if you need a little push to stick with it. Then listen in! 

In this episode we'll cover: 

Layer 1 of hidden costs: Sneaky money leaking away

Layer 2 of hidden costs: Mental, emotional, and relationship costs

Layer 3 of hidden costs: Missed opportunity costs

✨ Be the first to know when my Budget School course launches! Get on the waitlist here → CLICK HERE. 

Let's connect:
Instagram @budgeteffectpodcast
Email hello@thebudgeteffect.com 

Got a specific question you’d like me to answer on the show? Text it!

Click to Send Fan Mail

🎉Grab your free JUMPSTART.

Summer doesn’t have to mean blowing your budget—or missing out on the fun. In this episode, we’re talking about how to be intentional with your time, money, and energy so you can create a summer full of memories and stay financially on track.

You’ll learn:

• How to prepare your finances now to create peace throughout the summer
• Two mindsets that will help your dollars stretch further
• How to find the right balance between fun and financial goals
• What routines to keep this summer to avoid feeling like everything’s falling apart

Whether you’re dreaming of a small getaway, navigating kids' sports schedules, or just trying to enjoy the season without the stress, this episode is for you.

✨ Be the first to know when my Budget School course launches! Get on the waitlist here → CLICK HERE. 

Let's connect:
Instagram @budgeteffectpodcast
Email hello@thebudgeteffect.com 

Got a specific question you’d like me to answer on the show? Text it! 

Click to Send Fan Mail