Inspired Budget

For years I believed budgeting was enough to make me feel in control, but I still felt stressed and a few steps behind. In this episode, I’m sharing the three habits that finally changed things for me. These habits helped me stop avoiding my numbers, understand the spending patterns that kept holding me back, and set up systems that made saving and planning feel natural instead of overwhelming.I’ll walk you through the simple changes that helped me stop panicking about money and start feeling more in control. None of this requires perfection. It’s about choosing habits that support your life and make your finances feel more predictable.If you’re looking for more stability and you want money to feel less chaotic, this episode will help you take the next step.Links mentioned:High Yield Savings Accounts with the best ratesInspired Budget YouTube ChannelYou Might Like: Get the FREE Goodbye Debt Tracker! Grab my FREE Budgeting Cheat Sheet. Get the Budget My Paycheck Spreadsheet. Follow Allison on Instagram! @inspiredbudget Check out Inspired Budget's blog. Take my FREE class on How to Budget to Build Wealth!

The day after Christmas can feel quiet… and a little heavy.In this episode, I’m sharing the story of why Christmas Day is often one of the busiest days on my website and what it reveals about how many of us really feel about money once the gifts are opened and the excitement settles.We talk about why that post-holiday “wake-up call” doesn’t mean you failed, why January is the perfect time for a reset, and how a simple plan can bring calm and clarity after a busy season.If you’re ready to start January feeling steadier, I invite you to join my free, on-demand 45-minute class where I walk you through a simple money reset you can actually follow.Join the free class here: http://inspiredbudget.com/2026-podcast You Might Like: Get the FREE Goodbye Debt Tracker! Grab my FREE Budgeting Cheat Sheet. Get the Budget My Paycheck Spreadsheet. Follow Allison on Instagram! @inspiredbudget Check out Inspired Budget's blog. Take my FREE class on How to Budget to Build Wealth!

Today I’m hanging out with my friend Chris Browning from Popcorn Finance for a special crossover episode filled with laughter, awkward money moments, and honest reactions to real Reddit stories.We’re diving into some truly wild financial situations, from a $250 white elephant gift exchange to a friend asking for $2,300 after a baby broke her sunglasses and phone, to a daughter feeling pressured to send her mom money every month.In true This Is Awkward fashion, Chris and I unpack each scenario, debate what we’d do, and share our own awkward stories along the way.Need a laugh or a reminder that everyone has messy money moments? This episode will make you smile and maybe even make you feel thankful your own family drama doesn’t involve a $250 candle.If you want to share your own awkward money situation, we’d love to hear it!Leave a voicemail at 707-200-8259 or DM us at @inspiredbudget or @popcornfinancepodcast.Connect with Chris:Popcorn Finance Podcast – short, snackable conversations about moneyTalk Sleepy to Me Podcast – relaxing stories to help you unwind and fall asleepInstagram: @popcornfinancepodcastYou Might Like: Get the FREE Goodbye Debt Tracker! Grab my FREE Budgeting Cheat Sheet. Get the Budget My Paycheck Spreadsheet. Follow Allison on Instagram! @inspiredbudget Check out Inspired Budget's blog. Take my FREE class on How to Budget to Build Wealth!

So many people are working full time yet still feel like they’re falling behind. In today’s episode, I’m breaking down why this is happening and what you can do to take back control of your money, even in a tough economy.We talk about:Why 45 percent of Americans say the cost of living feels unaffordableThe truth about debt, housing costs, and lifestyle creepFive simple steps to create real breathing room againI also share the exact starter habits that will help you feel more stable with your money, including how to build a small emergency fund and why a high yield savings account matters.Check out my favorite high yield savings account options: https://inspiredbudget.com/hysa You Might Like: Get the FREE Goodbye Debt Tracker! Grab my FREE Budgeting Cheat Sheet. Get the Budget My Paycheck Spreadsheet. Follow Allison on Instagram! @inspiredbudget Check out Inspired Budget's blog. Take my FREE class on How to Budget to Build Wealth!

What if your money fights aren’t really about money? In today’s episode, I’m talking with financial therapist Nathan Astle about the real reasons couples clash over spending, saving, and debt — and how to get back on the same team. Nathan explains what financial therapy is, how power dynamics show up in marriages, and why guilt can help but shame keeps us stuck. If you’ve felt alone, overwhelmed, or unsure where to start, this conversation will give you hope and a plan.Resources mentioned:Financial Therapy Clinical Institute (FTCI) — free resource library (Money Timeline and Money Story worksheets)Money Minus Shame Podcast with Nathan AstleFinancial Therapy Association — find a financial therapist directoryConnect with Nathan on LinkedInYou Might Like: Get the FREE Goodbye Debt Tracker! Grab my FREE Budgeting Cheat Sheet. Get the Budget My Paycheck Spreadsheet. Follow Allison on Instagram! @inspiredbudget Check out Inspired Budget's blog. Take my FREE class on How to Budget to Build Wealth!