This week's Money Buddy
Me! This week, I presented at the Twin Falls Public Library all about budgeting tips and tricks. This episode is my presentation along with some commentary to help you do better with budgets. While not everyone budgets, it can be a helpful tool for people to get their finances in order. I know you'll love this episode, so be sure to give it a listen and share it with a friend!
1. What tip can you take from today’s episode and implement it into your budget?
One of the easiest and most impactful things you can do right now is try a No-Spend Challenge. This is a great way to reset your spending habits and become more mindful of where your money is going. My wife and I use this strategy whenever we feel like our spending is getting out of control—especially after the holidays when it seems like Amazon boxes just keep showing up at the door!
A no-spend challenge can be as simple as picking one day a week where you don’t buy anything outside of necessities or pushing yourself to go an entire week without spending on extras. It’s a fun and effective way to break bad habits, realign your budget, and remind yourself that you control your money, not the other way around. Give it a try and let me know how it goes!
2. Can I survive a $400 emergency?
If a sudden $400 expense would throw your finances into chaos, you’re not alone—37% of Americans are in the same boat. But the good news? You can start building your safety net today!
Think of an emergency fund as a way to turn a financial crisis into a minor inconvenience. Even setting aside $20–$50 per paycheck can make a huge difference over time. If you don’t have a savings habit yet, start small—maybe with a “sinking fund” approach where you put away a little at a time for specific expenses. If you need help getting started, schedule a free Money Talk with me. I’d love to help you create a game plan.
3. What does budgeting on last month’s income mean to me?
This is one of my favorite budgeting strategies because it completely removes the stress of paycheck timing. Instead of waiting for your next direct deposit to pay for groceries or gas, budgeting based on last month’s income means you already have the money set aside for everything you need.
For me, this method has been a game-changer. It’s like giving yourself a one-month financial buffer, making it easier to plan, save, and stay ahead of unexpected expenses. If you’re not there yet, start by slowly setting aside money until you’ve built up one month’s worth of income in your account. It takes time, but once you hit this milestone, you’ll never want to go back to paycheck-to-paycheck living!
What did you take away from this week’s episode? Hit reply and let me know—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Enjoy your week, and get out there and have a money talk!
