The 52 Week Savings Challenge is a simple method for saving a large amount. Making smaller deposits each week will help you reach your savings goal amount by the end of the year-long challenge period.

Print out one of the trackers included in this article for monitoring your savings progress.   You don’t have to start your challenge at the beginning of the year, but the $1000 and $5000 Savings trackers are set up to accumulate those amounts before Christmas.

FIND US:

Balancedfi.com -- Podcast -- Facebook -- Instagram -- Pinterest -- Hello@balancedfi.com

RESOURCES:

Read: How to Make the 52 Week Savings Challenge Work for You + Free 52 Week Savings Challenge Tracker Downloads

Read: The Financial Security Steps: Welcome!

Read: Financial Security Step 2a: Save a Mini Emergency Fund

Read: Financial Security Step 2b: Begin Saving for Retirement

Read: Financial Security Step 6: Create a Budget

Read: Financial Security Step 3: Save for Recurring Expenses

Read: Financial Security Step 7: Pay off Debt

Read: Financial Security Step 8: Save an Emergency Fund

Read: Financial Security Step 9: Increase Retirement Contributions

Read: Financial Security Step 10: Choose Your Next Financial Goal

Read: 30 Day Challenge + Free 30 Day Tracker

Sign up: Balanced Family Financial Fix waitlist

These Mother’s Day gift ideas for moms with young kids are guaranteed to score the dads out there some major brownie points. We all know it’s Dad’s job to buy Mother’s Day gifts when their children are young. That also means there’s more pressure to buy a great gift.  Mom is going to appreciate anything directly from the kids. It’s on Dad to buy something that shows his appreciation for all she does.

FIND US:

Balancedfi.com -- Podcast -- Facebook -- Instagram -- Pinterest -- Hello@balancedfi.com

RESOURCES:

Read: The Best Mother’s Day Gift Ideas, for Moms of Young Kids

Read: 5 Tips for a Frugal Christmas

Read: 6 Ways to Have a Frugal Valentine’s Day

The most important reminder is to not fake your qualifications; don’t pass yourself off as a bookkeeper with no knowledge or experience.

We’ll cover the basic steps, like

• Decide on a business name & business type
• Register with your state & the IRS
• Open a business bank account
• Get liability insurance
• Train on bookkeeping practices & software
• Decide what services to offer
• Set up your tech

FIND US:

Balancedfi.com -- Podcast -- Facebook -- Instagram -- Pinterest -- Hello@balancedfi.com

RESOURCES:

Read- How to start a virtual bookkeeping business

Read- It’s Not Easy Parenting a Child with Disabilities

Read more- Debt Payoff Journey

Read more- Financial Security Steps

Resource- Choose a business structure

Resource- About Form W-9, Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification

Resource- Register your business

Resource- Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) Online

Resource- Intro to Accounting Training Course

Resource- Quickbooks

Resource- National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers

Resource- Google Drive

Resource- Dropbox

Resource- Trello

Resource- Asana

Resource- Monday

Resource- Adobe Acrobat

Resource- Squarespace

Resource- Wordpress

SOURCES:

Buy- HP LED monitor

Buy- Wireless keyboard & mouse combo

Buy- Dell Inspiron laptop

Buy- Lexmark color laser multifunction printer

Buy- Logitech Pro webcam

Subscribe- Quickbooks Online

Buy- Microsoft Dynamics

Subscribe- Xero

Subscribe- FreshBooks

Understanding a few basic investment terms is a step forward on your journey toward financial security. 

Investing can be as complex or as simple as you want it to be. Thousands of people actually invest others’ money as a job…. but it’s also something literally anyone with money can participate in.

FIND US:

Balancedfi.com -- Podcast -- Facebook -- Instagram -- Pinterest -- Hello@balancedfi.com

RESOURCES:

Read- Investing Terms 101: Basic Investment Terms You Need to Know

FREE download- Investing Terms 101 Fact Sheet

Read- Smart Ways to Use Your Stimulus Money

Read- Financial Security Step 9: Increase Retirement Contributions

Read- Financial Security Step 2b: Begin Saving for Retirement

SOURCES:

Source- The S&P 500 and How It Works

Source- J.P. Morgan Glossary of Investment Terms

Source- Investment Terms Everyone Should Know

Source- Basic Investing Terms You Should Know

Planning for your money, conserving, meal planning, and more… little changes can lead to big improvements in your finances. 

FIND US:

Balancedfi.com -- Podcast -- Facebook -- Instagram -- Pinterest -- Hello@balancedfi.com

RESOURCES:

Read- The 20 Best Money-Saving Life Hacks: Ways to Save Money in Everyday Life

Read- 4 Ways to Be Intentional With Your Money

Read- 7 Steps to Find Your Motivation For Debt Payoff

Read- 10 Ways to Make Saving Money Fun

Buy- Meal Planner Printable Bundle

Read- I Can’t Afford Mental Health Care: How to Find Good Care That Fits in Your Budget

Sign up- Intentionally Debt Free

Read- Financial Security Step 1: Track Your Expenses

Read- Financial Security Step 7: Pay off Debt

FREE Sign up- Debt Payoff Planner

Read- Financial Security Step 2b: Begin Saving for Retirement

Read- Financial Security Step 8: Save an Emergency Fund

Read- Financial Security Step 10: Choose Your Next Financial Goal

Read- 3 Ways to Use Meal Planning to Save Money

Read- Top Tips for Frugal Activities

Read- 5 Quick Questions to Ask Yourself Before Purchasing

FREE Sign up- Money Makeover Challenge

SOURCES:

Source- Want to control your spending? Try the 30-Day Rule

Source- Save Money Easily with the $5 Savings Challenge

Buy- CyperPower Energy-Saving Surge Protector Power Strip

Buy- Krups Coffee Grinder

Buy- Steam Espresso Machine with Milk Frother

The average cost of a wedding in the US is around $30,000. That’s an awful lot of money to spend on one day. 

If you’re looking for more affordable alternatives, there are many ways to plan and host a frugal wedding without going into debt. These ideas will allow you to do something meaningful with your partner and celebrate your love in a way that doesn’t break the bank.

FIND US:

Balancedfi.com -- Podcast -- Facebook -- Instagram -- Pinterest -- Hello@balancedfi.com

RESOURCES:

Read- Frugal Wedding: Celebrating Your Love Without Going Into Debt

Read- I Can’t Afford Mental Health Care: How to Find Good Care That Fits in Your Budget

Resource - Trello

SOURCES:

Source- Average Wedding Bill Hits $30,000

Source- This Gorgeous DIY Costco Wedding Cake Only Cost $50 to Create

Hopefully, you’re planning ahead to make sure your taxes will be filed in a timely manner. 

Whether you’re preparing your own return or paying a professional, some documents are needed for taxes, and you need to make sure you have all of them gathered up.

FIND US:

Balancedfi.com -- Podcast -- Facebook -- Instagram -- Pinterest -- Hello@balancedfi.com

RESOURCES:

Read- The Most Important Documents Needed for Taxes

Resource- IRS Standard Mileage Rates

Read- Financial Security Step 4: Calculate your Net Worth

SOURCES:

Source- Rules for Claiming a Dependent on Your Tax Return

Source- How Do I Choose the Right Tax Filing Status?

Source- Tax forms you may receive

Source- Changes to charitable giving rules for 2020

Money is a big part of marriage, whether you want to acknowledge it or not. The 3 steps to discussing your money with your spouse are:

• Talk about your current money situation
• Talk about your current money feelings
• Talk about how to change your money

Tips for making these things happen included!

FIND US:

Balancedfi.com -- Podcast -- Facebook -- Instagram -- Pinterest -- Hello@balancedfi.com

RESOURCES:

Read: Struggling to Talk to Your Spouse About Money: 3 Simple Steps to Help

Read: Financial Security Step 6: Create a Budget

Read: Financial Security Step 4: Calculate your Net Worth

Download: Debt Payoff Planner

Sign Up: Frugal Year Challenge

Read: How to Set Financial Goals for 2021

Read: Financial Security Step 8: Save an Emergency Fund

Read: Financial Security Step 9: Increase Retirement Contributions

Resource: Keep These 5 Resources on Financial Abuse Bookmarked

Join the Waitlist: INTENTIONALLY DEBT FREE!

SOURCES:

Source: This common behavior is the No. 1 predictor of whether you’ll get divorced

Amazon has taken over so many areas of life, but some of those features are super helpful. Although some of the things we discuss require a Prime membership, some are still available to non-members. 

Taking advantage of all the features of your Amazon account just makes good sense. 

FIND US:

Balancedfi.com -- Podcast -- Facebook -- Instagram -- Pinterest -- Hello@balancedfi.com

RESOURCES:

Read: Amazon Hacks for Making the Most of Your Account

Resource: CamelCamelCamel

Read: 5 Tips for a Frugal Christmas

Read: 4 Unexpected Ways to Save Money

SOURCES:

Source: Amazon

Source: ‘I'm not a robot’: Amazon workers condemn unsafe, grueling conditions at warehouse

Although you probably haven’t heard of them, the 4 Cs of credit are:

• Capacity to pay the loan back
• Capital
• Collateral
• Credit score

Improving one or all of these areas can greatly improve your odds of being approved for a mortgage or getting a better interest rate.

FIND US:

Balancedfi.com -- Podcast -- Facebook -- Instagram -- Pinterest -- Hello@balancedfi.com

RESOURCES:

Read: The 4 Cs of Credit: What You Need to Know

Read: Do You Need a Credit Score While Debt-Free?

Resource: Experian

Resource: Equifax

Resource: TransUnion

Resource: Loan Savings Calculator

Resource: National Foundation for Credit Counseling

SOURCES:

Source: What’s in my FICO Scores?

Source: What Is a Credit Score, and What Are the Credit Score Ranges?

Source: How Credit Score Affects Your Mortgage Rate

The cheapest option isn’t always the best option - it might not be safe, efficient, or long-lasting. Instead, you shouldn’t skimp on these things:

• Safety things
• Baby safety things
• Shoes
• Anything sleep related
• Dog food
• Insurance 

Listen to find out why!

FIND US:

Balancedfi.com -- Podcast -- Facebook -- Instagram -- Pinterest -- Hello@balancedfi.com

RESOURCES:

Read: Frugal not Cheap - 6 Things You Shouldn’t Skimp On

Resource: Vehicle History

Resource: NHTSA Safety Issues & Recalls

Resource: VINCheck Lookup

Read: 3 Big Ways to Save on Baby Stuff

Resource: Zulily

Resource: 6pm

Buy: Tempur-Pedic Mattress Topper

Buy: Hushh Portable White Noise Machine

Buy: Cosy House Sheets

Buy: Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones

Buy: Bose Sleepbuds

Read: 6 Easy Self-Care Ideas for Busy People

Buy: Kirkland Signature Nature’s Domain Dog Food

Sign Up: Frugal Year Challenge

SOURCES:

Source: Business Insider: 15 Things You Should Never Skimp On

Source: WiseBread: 15 Things You Should Never Skimp On

The American healthcare system isn’t just un-user-friendly, it’s very expensive. Grants and financial assistance can help you avoid financial hardship or even bankruptcy. 

This episode covers where to find grants and other assistance, how to negotiate with medical providers, and how to organize everything to stay sane. 

FIND US:

Balancedfi.com -- Podcast -- Facebook -- Instagram -- Pinterest -- Hello@balancedfi.com

RESOURCES:

Read: How to Find Grants to Pay Medical Bills

Sign up: Money Makeover Challenge

Resource: I Can’t Afford Mental Health Care: How to Find Good Care That Fits in Your Budget

Resource: The Ultimate Guide to Appealing Health Insurance Denials

Resource: Charity Navigator

Resource: USA Grants

Resource: Social Security Disability Benefits

Resource: Medicaid

Resource: Medicare

Resource: VA health care

Resource: FaxZero

Resource: United Healthcare Children’s Foundation

Resource: 11 Organizations That Will Help You Pay Your Medical Bills

Resource: Help With Bills

Resource: OneMain Financial: How to Pay for Medical Supplies You Need

SOURCES:

Source: 'I live on the street now': how Americans fall into medical bankruptcy

The holidays can be hard for so many, making the focus on gratitude even more important. Askin yourself 3 simple questions can help you find the good in your day. 

FIND US:

Balancedfi.com -- Podcast -- Facebook -- Instagram -- Pinterest -- Hello@balancedfi.com

RESOURCES:

Read: 3 Simple Gratitude Prompts for Your Holiday Season

SOURCES:

Source: How to Practice Gratitude

Setting aside a bit of money each month for fun, frivolous purchases helps you stay on track financially. You’re less likely to completely blow your budget when you know you have already planned for your hobbies and random habits. 

This episode goes over 

• why you need to budget for fun
• how much to set aside
• how to actually make a fun money budget part of your life 

FIND US:

Balancedfi.com -- Podcast -- Facebook -- Instagram -- Pinterest -- Hello@balancedfi.com

RESOURCES:

Read: Fun Money Budget: What You Need to Know

Read: Financial Security Step 6: Create a Budget

Read: Financial Security Step 7: Pay off Debt

Read: Financial Security Step 9: Increase Retirement Contributions

Read: Financial Security Step 8: Save an Emergency Fund

Sign up: Bill-Balancing Bootcamp

SOURCES:

Source: 50/20/30 Method Is Perfect if You’re on a Budget… but Still Have a Life

You CAN live without a credit score, once you’re debt-free… but life is a lot easier with a good credit score. A credit score is helpful for renting a home, establishing new utility services, applying for certain jobs, getting a mortgage, property insurance in some states, life insurance rates.

Using credit wisely and carefully can help you get and maintain a good credit score. There’s one important caveat here - don’t even attempt limited credit card use unless you are well accustomed to living without a credit card. You need to treat your credit card like a debit card. 

FIND US:

Balancedfi.com -- Podcast -- Facebook -- Instagram -- Pinterest -- Hello@balancedfi.com

RESOURCES:

Read: Do You Need a Credit Score While Debt-Free?

FREE Annual Credit Report

Read: Financial Security Step 4: Calculate your Net Worth

Resource: sign up for the Frugal Year Challenge

SOURCES:

Source: Living Without a Credit Score

Source: Can You Buy a House With No Credit?3

Source: Dave Ramsey Says You Don’t Need a Credit Score. 5 Reasons That’s Nonsense

Source: What is a credit score?

Source: Getting Utility Services: Why Your Credit Matters

Source: What to Know About a Credit-Based Insurance Score

Source: When does debt fall off your credit report?

Source: Does your credit score affect your life insurance premiums?

Gift-giving doesn’t have to bankrupt you. To save money on Christmas, consider:

1. Simplifying your giving list
2. Planning ahead and making a budget
3. Shopping sales & looking for cashback
4. Making gifts
5. Giving second-hand gifts

To make next year less stressful, save for Christmas throughout the year

FIND US:

Balancedfi.com -- Podcast -- Facebook -- Instagram -- Pinterest -- Hello@balancedfi.com

RESOURCES:

Read: 5 Tips for a Frugal Christmas

Resource: Draw Names

Resource: Rakuten

Resource: KiwiCo

Resource: Poshmark

Resource: ThredUp

Sign up: Intentionally Debt Free waitlist

SOURCES:

Source: 4 Gifts for Christmas: How to Make Your Family Happy With Less

Whether you do or do not have health insurance, you are entitled to mental health care (and medical care, but that's for another day). Cost can make proper mental health care prohibitive, but there ARE resources out there when you can't afford a more traditional route. 

Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

Mental Health.gov 

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

Dial *211

FIND US:

Balancedfi.com -- Podcast -- Facebook -- Instagram -- Pinterest -- Hello@balancedfi.com

RESOURCES:

Read: I Can’t Afford Mental Health Care: How to Find Good Care That Fits in Your Budget

Read: 6 Easy Self-Care Tips for Busy People

Resource: Mental Health America

Resource: Take a Mental Health Test

Resource: Free/Low-Cost/Sliding Scale Mental Health Clinics database

Resource: NeedyMeds

Resource: Better Help (individual, couples & teen counseling)

Resource: Faithful Counseling (Christian counseling)

Resource: Teen Counseling

Resource: ReGain (couples counseling)

Resource: Pride Counseling (LGBTQ counseling)

Read: The Ultimate Guide to Appealing Health Insurance Denials

MONTANA RESOURCES:

Resource: Bozeman Help Center

Resource: Western Montana Mental Health Center

Resource: Community Health Partners

SOURCES:

Source: Mental Health Month

Source: Best Online Counseling Services of 2021

Source: Emotional Disturbance

We’ve got 7 easy steps to keep you going during a long debt payoff journey:

1. Identify what’s important
2. Get on the same page
3. Turn your priorities into goals
4. Remind yourself of your motivation for debt payoff
5. Watch the numbers change
6. Set rewards to keep your motivation for debt payoff
7. Celebrate your victories with like-minded people

FIND US:

Balancedfi.com -- Podcast -- Facebook -- Instagram -- Pinterest -- Hello@balancedfi.com

RESOURCES:

Read: 7 Steps to Find Your Motivation for Debt Payoff

Read: I Can’t Afford Mental Health Care: How to Find Good Care That Fits in Your Budget

Read: How to Set Financial Goals for 2021

Read: 5 Quick Questions to Ask Yourself Before Purchasing

Read: Financial Security Step 4: Calculate your Net Worth

Resource: Debt Free Charts

Free Download: Debt Payoff Planner

Appealing health insurance denials is the best (maybe only?) way to increase the chances your health insurance provider will cover the requested medical treatment. So many times a claim is denied automatically, or without sufficient investigation, so it falls to the patient (or patient’s representative) to appeal the denial and seek coverage. 

To appeal a health insurance denial, you need to:

• Request coverage
• Receive the denial
• Call insurance
• Get more information
• Contact your provider
• Follow the appeal process
• Ask what the next step is

RESOURCES:

Read: The Ultimate Guide to Appealing Health Insurance Denials

Read: Meet RaLea

Fax Zero

Patient Advocate Foundation

SOURCES:

HeathCare.gov: Appealing a health plan decision - External Review

Center for Medicare Advocacy: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Regarding the Jimmo v. Sebelius “Improvement Standard” Settlement

Make saving money fun to keep yourself engaged in long-term financial goals. Some ways to make saving fun include:

• Set goals & rewards
• Track your progress
• No spend month challenge
• No spend days challenge
• Loose change challenge
• First to save challenge
• Pantry challenge
• Dollars per week food challenge
• Kids savings challenge
• Annual savings challenge

RESOURCES:

Read: 10 Ways to Make Saving Money Fun

Free Download: Financial Goal Planner

Read: 30 Day Challenge + Free 30 Day Tracker

Read: 5 Quick Questions to Ask Yourself Before Purchasing

Read: 3 Ways to Use Meal Planning to Save Money

Read: Financial Security Step 2a: Save a Mini Emergency Fund

SOURCES:

Source: Debt Free Charts

Source: Benefits and Challenges of the 52-Week Savings Challenge

Source: How to Save $7,000 This Year With the $5 a Week Savings Challenge

Source: 52 Week Challenge Plan (Save $1,000) - Free Printable

Source: 52 Week Money Challenge Printable Chart

Source: Five Ways To Do A 52 Week Money Challenge + Free Printable

Source: 15 Ways to Make Saving Fun

Source: 10 Creative Ways to Make Saving Money Fun

Source: 15 Creative Ways to Save Money

This week we’re focused on my top tips for frugal activities.  You should be able to have fun even while paying off debt, saving for emergencies, or living financially responsibly… but you still need to be able to afford it. 

Suggestions include:

• Lower expectations
• Enroll young kids in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
• Plan ahead
• Look for museum membership discounts
• Travel more frugally
• Reduce fees with early bird discounts, volunteering or choosing cheaper programs
• Use the library

RESOURCES:

Read: Top Tips for Frugal Activities

Read: 4 Ways to be Intentional with Your Money

Enroll: FREE Frugal Year Challenge

SOURCES:

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

ASTC Travel Passport Program

Libby app

Kindle Oasis

This episode dives into 5 quick questions to ask yourself before buying, including examples:

1. Is this a want or a need?
2. Does this align with my bigger financial goals?
3. Do I have something similar already?
4. Is it worth this number of work hours?
5. Could I make this myself?

RESOURCES:

Read: 5 Quick Questions to Ask Yourself Before Purchasing

Read: 4 Ways to Be Intentional With Your Money

Read: 10 Ways to Make Saving Money Fun

SOURCES:

Recommended: Fifteen Minute Pizza Dough

Saving money on baby stuff isn’t as difficult as it seems… but it does require some self-control when you’re facing cute prints on cloth diapers and adorable little outfits. 

RESOURCES:

Read: 3 Big Ways to Save on Baby Stuff

Read: 4 Unexpected Ways to Save Money

Learn: Fluff Love University

Read: 5 Tips for a Frugal Christmas

SOURCES:

Nerdy Mommas: Cloth diaper 101 - Types of Cloth Diapers

Meal planning helps save money in multiple ways, plus it reduces so much stress for busy families.

1. Meal planning reduces food waste
2. Meal planning limits impulse buys
3. Meal planning reduces the expenses of eating out

     BONUS: Meal planning reduces stress

TIP: online grocery shopping/ grocery pickup makes life easier and saves both time & money. 

If you need a kick in the pants to jump-start a money mindset change, I’m hosting a FREE No Spend Week Challenge October 11-17, 2021. You’ll learn strategies to make not spending and saving money easier - and you can win prizes too! Sign up here: https://balancedfi.ck.page/nospend2021

RESOURCES:

Read: 3 Ways to Use Meal Planning to Save Money

Sign up: Frugal Year Challenge (Free in 2021)

Buy: Meal Planner Printable Bundle

SOURCES:

USDA: Food Waste FAQs

Step 10 of the Financial Security Steps is to Choose Your Next Goal. 

• Increasing your emergency fund
• Saving for college
• Paying off the mortgage
• Maxing out retirement contributions
• Saving for other big purchases
• Pursuing financial independence

You choose your next goal, you choose how to get there. 

RESOURCES:

Read: Financial Security Step 10: Choose Your Next Financial Goal

Read: Financial Security Step 7: Pay off Debt

Read: Financial Security Step 8: Save an Emergency Fund

Read: Financial Security Step 9: Increase Retirement Contributions

Read: Financial Security Step 3: Save for Recurring Expenses

Resource: Early Mortgage Payoff Calculator

Resource: R: IQ Retirement Planner

Read: Financial Independence vs Financial Security

SOURCES:

Source: Tax-Smart Ways to Help Your Kids or Grandkids Pay for College

Source: What is a 529 Plan?

Source: 529 ABLE Accounts

Source: How to Become Financially Independent

Source: The Ultimate Guide to the FIRE Movement

This step in the financial security process is all about increasing your retirement contributions when you’re out of debt (other than a mortgage) and have your emergency fund saved up. Saving early and often is the key to success, but it’s not too late to start. 

We included some resources for retirement planning and calculating how much you need, as well as tips for finding a financial advisor. 

It’s important to remember that small increases, even just 1% more saved per year, will make a huge impact on your retirement balance in 30 years. Whatever you can save right now is good enough, but don’t settle - try to find ways to contribute even more. 

RESOURCES:

Read: Financial Security Step 9, Increase Retirement Contributions

Read: Financial Security Step 2a,  Save a Mini Emergency Fund

Read: Financial Security Step 2b,  Begin Saving for Retirement

Read: Financial Security Step 7, Pay Off Debt

Read: Financial Security Step 8, Save an Emergency Fund

SOURCES:

Source: R:IQ

Source: Retirement Savings Calculator: How Much Do I Need to Retire?

Source: The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors

Source: NAPFA: What is Fee-Only Financial Planning?

Source: How much should I save for retirement?

Source: 

Status of the Social Security and Medicare Programs

We’re talking about unexpected ways to save money - not coupon-clipping, but changing your lifestyle to save money - and tips for getting started.  

The 4 ways are: 

• leaving Amazon Prime
• using wood heat
• hunting & buying meat in bulk
• gardening & preserving.

RESOURCES:

Read: 4 Unexpected Ways to Save Money

Resource: Bountiful Baskets

Read: 5 Tips for a Frugal Christmas

Resource: Rakuten

SOURCES:

Source: Amazon Faces a Crucible Moment With Employees

Source: World’s richest men added billions to their fortunes last year as others struggled

AFFILIATE LINKS:

Husqvarna 20 Inch 455 Rancher Gas Chainsaw

Forester OEM Arborist Forestry Professional Cutter’s Combo Kit Chaps Helmet

LEM Products Stainless Steel Big Bite Electric Meat Grinder

FoodSaver V4840 2-in-1 Vacuum Sealer Machine

FoodSaver 11” x 16” Vacuum Seal Roll

Frigidaire FFFU13F2VW 28 Inch White Freestanding Upright Counter Depth Freezer

12 Ball Mason Jar with Lid - Regular Mouth

RSVP International Endurance Water Bath Canner, Stainless Steel, 20 Quart

Excalibur 9-Tray Electric Food Dehydrator 

5 x Silicone 14” x 14” Non-Stick Fruit Leather Drying Ultra Sheet

A fully-funded emergency fund is the backbone of financial security. It allows you to weather job losses, unexpected expenses, medical bills, and more, without reaching for a credit card or other debt. 

RESOURCES

Read: Financial Security Step 8, Save an Emergency Fund

Download: free Emergency Fund Worksheet

Read: Financial Security Step 2a, Save a Mini Emergency Fund

Read: Financial Security Step 3, Save for Recurring Expenses

SOURCES

Source: A Quick Guide to Your Emergency Fund

Source: What is a Money Market Account?

Step 7 of the Financial Security Steps is: Pay Off Debt. This episode covers how to make that happen: 

• Create a debt payoff plan
• Save money where you can (or make more money)
• Make saving money fun through challenges
• Communicate with your partner

Resources:

Read: Financial Security Step 7, Pay Off Debt

Download: Debt Payoff Planner

Enroll: Frugal Year Challenge (free in 2021!)

Read: Financial Security Step 1, Track Your Expenses

Read: Financial Security Step 5, Create a Debt Payoff Plan

Read: Financial Security Step 6, Create a Budget

Read: 4 Unexpected Ways to Save Money

Read: Fun Money Budget: What You Need to Know

Read: 3 Ways to Use Meal Planning to Save Money

Read: 30 Day Challenge + Free 30 Day Tracker

Read: 7 Steps to Find Motivation for Debt Payoff

Read: Struggling to Talk to Your Spouse About Money: 3 Simple Steps to Help

Sources:

SmartDollar

This episode covers 4 Ways to be Intentional With Your Money, to give you more control over your spending by making sure you’re spending on what really matters to you. 

Resources:

Read: 4 Ways to be Intentional With Your Money

Read: Financial Security Steps overview

Read: Financial Security Step 1: Track Your Expenses

Read: Financial Security Step 2a: Save a Mini Emergency Fund

Read: Financial Security Step 2b: Begin Saving for Retirement

Read: Financial Security Step 3: Save for Recurring Expenses

Read: Financial Security Step 4: Calculate Your Net Worth

Read: Financial Security Step 5: Create a Debt Payoff Plan

Read: Financial Security Step 6: Create a Budget

Read: Financial Security Step 7: Pay Off Debt

Read: Financial Security Step 8: Save an Emergency Fund

Read: Financial Security Step 9: Increase Retirement Contributions

Read: Financial Security Step 10: Choose Your Next Goal

Read: How to Set Financial Goals for 2021

Sign up: The Frugal Year Challenge

Sources:

Source: Theory of Intentionality by McIntyre & Smith

Source: R:IQ

 (retirement calculator)

This episode covers budgeting and its importance. We start by looking at past transactions and adjusting your budget to help you meet your current financial goals. 

We also go over important budget categories, such as:

• bills
• minimum debt payments
• food
• household items
• vehicle expenses
• fun money
• medical costs
• personal care
• pets
• entertainment

Resources:

Sign up: Easy Budget Builder Waitlist

Read: Financial Security Step 6, Create a Budget

Read: Financial Security Step 1, Track Your Expenses

Read: Financial Security Step 2a, Save a Mini Emergency Fund

Read: Financial Security Step 2b, Begin Saving for Retirement

Read: Financial Security Step 3, Save for Recurring Expenses

Read: Financial Security Step 4, Calculate your Net Worth

Read: Financial Security Step 5, Create a Debt Payoff Plan

Download: free Budget Planner

Download: free Save for Recurring Expenses Worksheet

Read: 30 Day Challenge

Read: Fun Money Budget - What You Need to Know

Sources:

USDA: USDA Food Plans - Cost of Food Reports (monthly reports)

Every Dollar budgeting app

This episode provides you with a prioritized list of ways to spend stimulus money, but also other unusual lump sums you receive. Having a plan will help you make smart decisions. 

Ways to spend your stimulus money:

• Cover necessities
• Get current on bills
• Have a little bit of fun
• Pay off non-mortgage debt
• Invest in retirement
• Save for a big purchase
• Invest for your children
• Pay down your mortgage
• Invest in an ABLE account if eligible

Resources:

Read: Smart Ways to Use Your Stimulus Money (initially written about the stimulus payment issued in early 2021)

Read: Financial Security Steps

Download: Debt Payoff Planner

Read: Financial Security Step 2b, Begin Saving for Retirement

Sources:

ABLE National Resource Center: About ABLE Accounts

ABC: White House launches public push for child tax credit: Here’s when the checks go out

When my 6-year-old daughter was born, my life changed significantly. All parents experience life changes, but my husband & I experienced extremes. I quit my job to become a stay-at-home mom, we learned to advocate, our family made it through 3 life flights in 6 months, and we grew stronger. 

It’s not easy parenting a child with disabilities, but it’s so worth it. Learning that nonverbal doesn’t mean non-opinionated or absent, learning how to advocate, learning to juggle and balance and control the chaos… and learning to love. It’s all been worth it.

Resources:

Read: It’s Not Easy Parenting a Child With Disabilities

Read: The Ultimate Guide to Appealing Health Insurance Denials

Read: How to Find Grants to Pay Medical Bills

Sources:

What is Crohn’s Disease?

Expectant Parents: What is Spina Bifida?

Newly Diagnoses: Hydrocephalus

Infantile Spasms

VP Shunts

After you download the free Debt Payoff Planner, fill it in by listing all of your debts. 

Next, choose a payoff method - debt snowball, debt avalanche, or a hybrid method -  that works with your life and personality.

Finally, calculate your rolling debt payment amount and put it into practice in your own financial life. Use this method to keep your motivation up, to stay engaged in the long debt-payoff process, and really speed the timeline up. 

Resources:

Read: Financial Security Step 5, Create a Debt Payoff Plan

Download: Debt Payoff Planner

Read: Financial Security Step 2a, Save a Mini Emergency Fund

Read: Financial Security Step 3, Save for Recurring Expenses

Read: Financial Security Step 4, Calculate your Net Worth

Read: Financial Security Step 6, Create a Budget

Annual Credit Report

Credit Karma

Sources:

Dave Ramsey: How the Debt Snowball Method Works

Nerd Wallet: How to Use Debt Avalanche

Calculate your net worth by subtracting your debts (liabilities) from your assets. 

First, list your assets, such as real estate, vehicles, bank accounts, retirement accounts, investment accounts, and other valuables. Next list your liabilities, like your mortgage, vehicle loans, credit cards, personal loans, taxes owed, HELOCs, 401(k) loans, medical debt, and cell phone loans. 

Make sure to also request your free credit report to make sure you have all your debts listed. 

Resources:

Read: Financial Security Step 4, Calculate Your Net Worth

Download: Calculate Your Net Worth Worksheet

Read: Financial Security Step 2b, Begin Saving for Retirement

Zillow

NADAguides

Annual Credit Report

Credit Karma

This episode is about 5 free ways to be content and ways to put them into practice in your life:

• Find the good
• Rephrase your complaints
• Identify what is making you unhappy
• Write down ways to be content
• Slow down

Living, and spending, intentionally as a habit starts with small changes to your life. Taking a walk each day, removing one obligation from your schedule, or striving for an optimistic outlook will all help you live happier. 

When you’re happy & content, you’re also less likely to spend as a form of therapy, so you’ll even save money!

Resources:

Read: 5 Free Ways to Be Content

Read: 3 Simple Gratitude Prompts for Your Holiday Season

*link to other products if applicable*

Sources:

Zen Habits: The Little Guide to Contentendedness

Saving from each paycheck to pay monthly and annual bills allows you to breathe easier and frees up mental space for other things. This episode is an overview of the content covered in the Bill-Balancing Bootcamp. That course will walk you through the detailed steps of finding your recurring expenses, calculating  how much to save from each paycheck, and how to both set up and fund a “bills” checking account. We also talk about evaluating your recurring expenses and paring them down. 

The Double Account Method is a great way to stop living paycheck to paycheck and get a month ahead on your bills. It reduces stress and provides more financial stability. 

Resources:

Enroll: Bill-Balancing Bootcamp

Read: Financial Security Step 3: Save for Recurring Expenses

Read: Financial Security Step 2a: Save a Mini Emergency Fund

Download: Save for Recurring Expenses Worksheet

Sources:

KonMari

Netflix: Tidying Up with Marie Kondo

Using realistic examples and actual numbers, I’ll demonstrate the difference between starting to save at age 25 and at age 45. Saving earlier offers a huge financial advantage, but it’s never to late to start planning for retirement. You may have to work longer than you’d like or save more each month, but you can at least save something. 

We’ll also discuss the differences between the most common retirement vehicles, as well as the annual contribution limits that may impact you. 

Even if you still have debt, start or continue to contribute to retirement, especially if your employer offers a match for your contributions. Starting to save, today, will only help your future. 

Resources:

Read: Begin Saving for Retirement, Financial Security Step 2b

Sources:

Investopedia: What is the Average Annual Return for the S&P 500?

The New York Times: Employees’ Retirement Plan is a Victim as Enron Tumbles

SoFi: Understanding the Different Types of Retirement Plans

Despite what others may say, a $1000 mini emergency fund is not enough when you’re paying off debt. You’re going to have emergencies, and they’re probably going to be bigger than that, unfortunately. 

Resources:

Read: Save a Mini Emergency Fund, Financial Security Step 2a

Read: Begin Saving for Retirement, Financial Security Step 2b

Download: free Emergency Fund Tracker

Sources:

Dave Ramsey’s 7 Baby Steps

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Hip2Save: Need Extra Cash? Sell Your Stuff on Facebook Marketplace with These Tips

This episode dives into how and why you should track your previous spending as a tool for changing future spending. Learn what methods are available for tracking spending more easily and how to decide what you want to track. 

Tracking previous expenses and continuing to track future spending is the first step in the Financial Security Steps, on your way toward financial security.

Resources:

Read: Track Your Expenses, Financial Security Step 1

Read: Save a Mini Emergency Fund, Financial Security Step 2

Read: Save for Recurring Expenses, Financial Security Step 3

Read: Calculate your Net Worth, Financial Security Step 4

Read: Create a Budget, Financial Security Step 6

Mint

YNAB

EveryDollar

Budgets Made Easy

Sources:

The Balance: The Best Personal Finance and Budgeting Spreadsheets

You can read the full blog post, and download the 30-Day Challenge Trackers, HERE. 

Decide what type of challenge you want to start: no eating out, no spend, no buying clothes, or something else. Next, you need to decide what reward will motivate you enough to stick with the challenge for a whole 30 days. 

I’ll also give you tips for success, like have a visible reminder, and discuss the importance of getting buy-in from whoever lives in your home or cares about your finances. 

Resources:

Read: 30-Day Challenge + Free 30-Day Tracker

Download: the blue 30-Day Challenge Tracker

Download: the pink 30-Day Challenge Tracker

Read: 10 Ways to Make Saving Money Fun

Self-care is so important for everyone, but especially for those who are busy and overwhelmed. Once you’re aware of your need to care for yourself, you can take steps to incorporate self-care into your routine and life. This episode focuses on 6 easy ideas for self-care.

I know it’s not always easy to make time for yourself, especially as a parent, but I recently saw a Facebook post that resonated. It said something to the effect of “taking care of yourself is taking care of your kids.” That stuck with me because so many parents put themselves last, in order to put the kids first… myself included. 

There are so many ways to work self-care into your life, once you become aware of your need for it. Meditation, medication, counseling, limiting social media, good sleep, and taking a break are just a few of the many options. They’re all good starting points for the journey to improving your mental and physical health. 

So, if you can’t find time to take care of yourself, for yourself, do it for those who love you. Do it for those who depend on you. Do it for those who need you. Self-care is not bubble baths or grocery shopping alone; self-care is an essential part of the healthy balance between your duties and mental health.

Resources:

Read: 6 Easy Self-Care Ideas for Busy People

Read: I Can’t Afford Mental Health Care - How to Find Good Care That Fits in Your Budget

Read: 5 Free Ways to be Content

Sources:

Calm app

Headspace app

The Mindfulness app

Psychology Today: Find a Therapist

Harvard Health Blog: Astounding increase in antidepressant use by Americans

Forbes: 6 Ways Social Media Affects Our Mental Health

Headspace: Sleep hygiene tips

Motherly: Errands and showers are not self-care for moms

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or 800-273-8255

Financial independence is having enough invested so that you don't need to work anymore - you can live ff the interest. That's an amazing  achievement, don't get me wrong... but it's just not realistic for a lot of people. Financial security is much more attainable; financial security is  "having enough money to fund your lifestyle, as well as work toward your financial goals."

Financial Security Steps

I created the Financial Security Steps to help guide others through the process, with smaller goals & concrete to-do lists. This is the process my own family is following during our debt-free journey. 

The Financial Security Steps are:

1. Track expenses
2. Save a mini emergency fund + begin retirement savings
3. Save for recurring expenses
4. Calculate your net worth
5. Create a debt payoff plan
6. Create a budget
7. Pay off debt
8. Save an emergency fund of 6 months' expenses
9. Increase retirement contributions
10. Choose your next financial goal

Resources:

Read the Balanced FI blog post Financial Independence vs Financial Security

Read the Balanced FI blog post The Financial Security Steps: Welcome!

Download the Balanced FI Financial Security Steps printable

Sources:

Yahoo Finance: What is Financial Security, and How Do You Get it?

Ramsey Solutions: What Are the Baby Steps?