You cut the coffee, cancelled the subscriptions, said no to the trip — and still felt broke and miserable. You cut the things and also yourself from the budget! The Treat Yourself Tax (the framework that landed me on Good Morning America) fixes that. Two ways to build joy into your budget on purpose, no guilt required. Even how it looks in client work!

Feeling stuck with your money and not sure where to start? You're not alone. Everywhere I turn, folks are asking the same questions: "How do I save when I’m barely making it?" or "Where do I even begin with investing?" Here’s the truth: you don’t need to have it all figured out or a massive bank account to make progress. Small moves matter—and they add up fast.

In this blog, I’m breaking it all down for you. From auditing your wallet to setting goals you can actually stick to, we’re getting back to the basics. Real talk, no fluff. Whether you’re saving your first $400 or finally tackling that lingering credit card debt, these tips will help you turn your financial fumbles into something powerful. Ready to make those moves? Let’s get started!

Trying to save without feeling like you're sacrificing everything? This post breaks down how to use sinking funds to actually enjoy your life—while still staying on top of your money. From planning ahead for big expenses to budgeting in experiences, this walks you through how to audit your wallet, cut the fluff from your bills, and reverse-engineer your savings goals so they fit your budget. It’s not about cutting joy—it’s about making your money match your life. Includes tips on where to stash your sinking funds (HYSA, checking, etc.), how to timeline your savings, and links to more tools to help you stay consistent.

I shared the Sticky Note Savings Challenge to show just how doable saving money can be—even if you’re working with a limited income or feel like saving has never worked for you. This blog post breaks down three versions of the challenge—$100, $500, $1,000, or $5,050—so you can choose the one that fits your life and budget. I walk you through how to audit your wallet, set your savings intention, and take real action without shame or pressure. Whether you’re stacking dollars in a box or transferring into a HYSA, this is about building a habit you can stick with—even if life shakes things up a bit.

Been seeing “hitting pan” all over your feed? It’s more than a trend—it’s a reminder to prep smarter, not harder. In this post, I break down how to build a budget-friendly stash based on what you actually use, how long it lasts, and how to stretch your essentials when life shifts. From Dollar Tree finds to sanity-saving splurges, this guide helps you prep without panic and plan with purpose.

Building an emergency fund is only half the battle—what about the plan for when emergencies actually happen? This blog goes beyond saving to help you think through the "what-ifs" of life. From brainstorming potential crises and their costs to creating a tailored action plan, you'll be equipped to handle life’s curveballs with clarity and confidence. Let’s talk about the emergency fund and the emergency plan—because having both can give you the ultimate financial peace of mind.

Are you constantly shopping but never feel satisfied? Overconsumption can quietly drain your finances and leave you stuck in a cycle of impulse spending. In this post, I share my personal journey of breaking free from overconsumption by building a mindful money system. You’ll learn how to audit your wallet, set intentional spending rules, take inventory of what you already own, and create a Spending SOP to take control of your finances. Plus, we’ll dive into how the words you use about money impact your budget. If you're ready to make lasting changes to your spending habits, this guide is for you!

Ever feel like your money just disappears? It’s time to fix that! Audit Your Wallet is all about getting real with your finances—spotting money leaks, building a budget that works for you (not some random ratio), and creating a game plan to crush your money goals. This isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Let’s get your wallet working for you!

Six figures is an exciting goal, but how you manage your money before you get there is what truly sets you up for success. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the essentials of budgeting, building an emergency fund, understanding your debt, and setting financial goals. By laying this solid foundation now, you’ll be prepared to handle the challenges and opportunities that come with making more. Don’t wait—start taking control of your financial future today!

Feeling overwhelmed by your finances as the year winds down? Before we eat grapes under the table or do all of the traditional new year things, let’s tap in with how to end the year strong - financially. This post covers everything from reviewing your spending and optimizing your investments to exploring tax-saving strategies and setting realistic financial goals for the new year. Whether you're looking to boost your savings, pay down debt, or simply gain a better understanding of your financial situation, this is the perfect resource to help you finish strong and set yourself up for a prosperous [ and PAID] year ahead!

We have a love/hate relationship with the “B” word but that “B” word is critical to how we build our relationship with money. Budgeting is the intersection of accountability - that you have with [bank] accounts and yourself. This article walks through the different types of budgets and some insights on how to find a “better balance” and understand "What's In My Wallet?! "

In this "Life Insurance 101" post, we break down the different types of life insurance, how to choose coverage that fits your budget, and the importance of adding beneficiaries. Learn how to make life insurance a key part of your financial plan. Did you know that only 54% of Americans have life insurance? Let's change that.

Congratulations! Did you just got a new job or a raise?! This post guides you through choosing a budgeting method that fits your lifestyle, automating savings, and making the most of your higher salary while avoiding lifestyle creep. Plus, get personal insights and recommendations for budgeting tools to help you stay on track.

Peter and Paul can’t rob each other forever, let’s talk about how to plan your paycheck so you can know what’s coming in and what’s going out!

Are you tired of overpaying for your bills? Or feeling like you don’t have any cash to actually flow to your money goals? This blog post will show you exactly how to negotiate lower rates for everything from your cable bill to your auto insurance. Learn how to gather information, craft your arguments, and approach negotiations with confidence. Stop letting high bills drain your budget – take control today!

Feeling lost in the world of financial planning? This article explains the key differences between planners, advisors, and coaches. Discover how you can get the benefits of all three for one flat fee, ditching the high costs of traditional services. Build your personalized financial roadmap towards a secure future!

No matter if you’re new or true to personal finance, you can always learn more! As I love to say “learners are earners”, the more you learn can give you the foundation to earn more. Also, “leaders are readers”, reading or listening to money books could help you understand how your money stacks up in your wallet. Sharing some of my recommended money books to get started with your money.

Dread tax season? Feeling overwhelmed by forms and confusing rules? You're not alone, especially if you have a low income. But fear not! This guide breaks down everything you need to know for a smooth tax filing experience, with a special focus on getting the most out of your return (without actually paying more than you owe).

You got your tax return, now what? This post will give you insight into how to move from just getting your refund to re-uping your finances with it! Mix the blowing with the building!

The no-spend or low-spend challenges trend is everywhere—but are people doing it right? This isn't just about deprivation. It's about auditing your wallet, understanding your spending patterns, and using strategic restriction to build better money habits. Learn the three-phase framework that separates challenges that fail by day three from ones that actually change your financial life.